GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN

Transcription

1 GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II MARCH 19 TO 26, 2012

2 Dear National Trust Travelers, Join us aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Sea Cloud II to see historic private plantations and exquisite botanical gardens on a seven-night Caribbean voyage. With its balmy island breezes and centuriesold tradition of gardening, the Caribbean is a delightful interlude to the cooler northern weather. Embark Sea Cloud II in colorful Barbados and set sail for the island of Trinidad. See Port of Spain s unique colonial architecture and by special invitation, visit two private gardens one with rare orchids and the other boasting an amazing array of plants, flowers and nesting birds. Continue to the Spice Island of Grenada, with its markets selling nutmeg, cloves, cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla. Here, visit a working spice and fruit plantation whose historic house and glorious garden we tour with its owner. Stroll on the white-sand shores of Union Island, and on lush St. Lucia swim at a beach set in the dramatic Anse des Pitons. Our final anchorage is the snorkeler s paradise of Bequia, a low-lying island whose idyllic powdery white beaches and clear blue water beckon swimmers. We are delighted that Anna Pavord, the distinguished British garden authority, will accompany us on this voyage. A riveting lecturer, she is the author of many garden books including her bestseller, The Tulip. The elegant Sea Cloud II combines comfort and a casual atmosphere with fine service. Tasteful surroundings and five-star dining complement the heady experience of traveling under wind-lofted sails. UNION St. George s GRENADA Soufriere ST. LUCIA BEQUIA Port Elizabeth Bridgetown BARBADOS CARIBBEAN SEA Before our cruise, an optional prelude is offered in Barbados, featuring private access to beautifully maintained botanical gardens and Barbados National Trust properties. I hope you will be aboard as we discover the Gardens of the Caribbean. Sincerely, Port of Spain TRINIDAD Scott Gerloff Director, National Trust Tours The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America s communities. For more information, visit the Trust s web site at or phone (800)

3 GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II MARCH 19 TO 26, 2012 MIAMI BARBADOS Monday, March 19 Depart on a flight from Miami. Upon arrival in Barbados, transfer to the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud II for our seven-night Caribbean cruise. AT SEA Tuesday, March 20 Following a morning lecture, observe as the ship s crew practices the art of trimming the sails by hand, or perhaps settle into a comfortable deck chair with a favorite book. Tonight join the captain on Lido Deck for welcome cocktails and hors d oeuvres, followed by dinner. Residents of Grenada in colorful dress. PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD Wednesday, March 21 During an idyllic morning at sea, relax and enjoy the gentle sun and quiet breezes. Arrive this afternoon on the island of Trinidad, where we will visit two private gardens: Le Paradis, home to an extensive collection of rare orchids and bromeliads, and Secret Garden, with an amazing variety of plants, flowers, orchids and birds nesting. Before returning to the ship, see some of the capital city s unique colonial architecture and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. ST GEORGES, GRENADA photo by Cassidy Morris Sea Cloud II. Thursday, March 22 This afternoon we arrive in St. George s, the capital city of Grenada, with its medley of brightly colored houses set against lush green mountains. This is the Spice Island, where you can shop for locally produced nutmeg, cloves, cocoa, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. Following a visit to privately owned Sunnyside Gardens, continue to Hyde Park Garden, established in the wooded hills above the capital. Walk in the manicured garden and relax with a traditional rum punch. Gather on Lido Deck tonight for dancing under the stars to the music of one of the Caribbean s best steel-drum bands.

4 Fruit stand on Union Island. UNION ISLAND Friday, March 23 Spend a relaxing day on Union Island and enjoy a special barbecue on a beautiful beach this afternoon. SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA Saturday, March 24 This morning Sea Cloud II anchors in the Bay of Soufriere on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia. You may wish to swim at the beach set in the dramatic Anse des Pitons, between St. Lucia s towering twin peaks. Following a visit to Diamond Botanic Garden, savor a lunch of Caribbean specialties at the renowned Dasheene Restaurant, which boasts spectacular views. In the early afternoon, Sea Cloud II sets sail for Bequia. Secluded beach in Bequia. PORT ELIZABETH, BEQUIA Sunday, March 25 Step ashore this afternoon on the low-lying island of Bequia. The largest of the Grenadines, Bequia has powdery white beaches and clear blue waters that are a snorkeler s paradise. Enjoy the beach and water sports in this beautiful setting where the distant hills are dotted with oleander, bougainvillea and hibiscus. Hikers may take a brisk walk to a turtle hatchery located outside of town. This evening celebrate a memorable voyage at a farewell dinner hosted by the captain. BARBADOS MIAMI Monday, March 26 Disembark in Barbados and transfer to the airport for the return flights. St. George s, Grenada.

5 SEA CLOUD II LIDO DECK LIDO BAR LOUNGE LIBRARY PROMENADE DECK DINING ROOM BOUTIQUE RECEPTION CABIN DECK GYM SAUNA DOCTOR WATER-SPORTS PLATFORM Owner s Suite (top) and Deluxe Cabin on Cabin Deck (above). CRUISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy) Cabins Decks Rates Cabins 204 to 206 Cabin Deck $5,295 State Rooms. Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Cabins 207 to 210 Cabin Deck $6,295 Superior Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 Cabin Deck $6,595 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 218 to 223 Cabin Deck $7,195 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 301 & 302 Promenade Deck $7,995 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 303 to 319 Promenade Deck $8,495 Junior Suites. Twin beds, bathtub with shower. Cabins 401 & 402 Lido Deck $9,295 Owner s Suites. Queen-size bed, bathtub and separate shower. Please note: Sea Cloud II does not have an elevator. Single rates will be calculated at a supplement ranging from 30 to 100 percent of the cruise rate. RATES INCLUDE Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II All meals during the cruise, complimentary wine with lunch and dinner Sightseeing by private motorcoach with local guides, as per itinerary Entrance fees for all included visits Airport / pier group transfers Taxes, services and porterage; gratuities to local guides and drivers NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport fees; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners on board; customary shipboard gratuities; transfers for guests not using suggested group air; optional Barbados prelude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. OPTIONAL BARBADOS PRELUDE $1,950 per person. Single supplement: $950 Includes three nights accommodations at Colony Club Hotel, breakfast daily, two lunches and one dinner. Sightseeing as noted. NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II 1 MARCH 19 TO 26, 2012 Accommodations Sea Cloud II Cabin Preference I wish to share a cabin with To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to National Trust Tours. Mail to: National Trust Tours, P.O. Box , Boston, MA NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX National Trust Membership I/We am/are National Trust Members. My/Our membership number is I/We am/are not National Trust members. Please enroll us as members. Individual ($20) Family ($30) Optional Barbados Prelude I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Barbados ($1,950 per person) Form of Payment Enclosed is my check (payable to National Trust Tours). Credit card deposit of $1,500 per person for a total of $ Final payment must be made by check. NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days before departure. SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please telephone the Tours Program at the National Trust at (800) or (202) web: tours@nthp.org

6 TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements. A specially negotiated Economy Class non-refundable group airfare will be offered. Business Class will be quoted on an individual basis. A fee of $75 per person will be charged for any reservations other than the group flight schedule; private transfers can be arranged at a supplemental cost. To redeem your frequent flyer mileage, please contact the airline directly. Please note that AAA can only assist in rebooking flights on those air reservations booked directly by AAA. PAYMENT SCHEDULE $1,500 per person, payable to National Trust Tours, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Balance due by check 120 days prior to departure. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. ELIGIBILITY NTHP tours are open to members only. Membership dues for 2012 are $30 for family and $20 for individual membership. The minimum age limit for the program is 14. Children must pay the full price, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age limit. PLEASE NOTE: Participants must be in excellent health and able to participate in tour activities. Any physical condition that may require special medical attention (for example, the need of a wheelchair) must be reported at the time of your reservation. Participants must be able to walk on uneven surfaces and through extensive gardens. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate fully due to health conditions or disabilities, contact the National Trust at (800) or (202) The National Trust for Historic Preservation and AAA reserve the right to decline or retain any person as a member of this tour at any time. In such case, the refund will be limited to the actual cost of unused tour services. Please note: Sea Cloud II does not have an elevator. TRAVEL INSURANCE The NTHP strongly recommends that all tour participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Accident/Sickness Medical, and Baggage insurance for their tour. Upon receipt of your initial tour deposit by National Trust Tours, a comprehensive travel insurance plan, underwritten by American Home Assurance Company, offering three options, will be made available to all National Trust tour participants. This insurance offers important, time-sensitive benefits (varying with option selected) including: 1) Pre-existing Waiver, which waives the pre-existing medical condition exclusion; 2) Terrorism/Default, which protects for certain Terrorist acts and financial default of an airline, cruise line, or tour operator; and 3) Cancel for Any Reason optional benefit: Providing coverage for you cancelling your trip for many reasons that were previously not covered under a traditional trip cancellation policy. To qualify for these time-sensitive benefits, (a) you must purchase the Plus or Elite option within 15/21 days (depending on option selected) of the date of your confirmation letter from National Trust Tours receiving your initial deposit; (b) you insure all prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions; and (c) you are not disabled from travel at the time you pay your premium. For complete details or to enroll on-line, visit or call USI Travel Insurance Services at (800) CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS All cancellations must be in writing and are subject to a $350 non-refundable processing fee. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on day of departure or after, or for unused portions of tour. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Air cancellation penalties will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor AAA accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. The right is reserved by AAA to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. In such case, refund of the cost of the trip shall constitute full settlement with the passenger. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The NTHP, in order to make an educational opportunity available to its members, has arranged for AAA to organize our tour and procure carriage, accommodations and other tour services from other parties. Once tour members register for the tour, they must contact and otherwise deal with AAA. Neither AAA nor any other suppliers of tour services are joint venturers with or in any way controlled by the National Trust. The National Trust can undertake no responsibility for the accuracy of representations in tour promotion literature, for tour reservations, accommodations, transportation or safety, nor any other aspect of the tour except preservation-related educational programs and the liaison between the National Trust and other preservationists. Consequently, the National Trust shall not be construed to make any covenants or warranties, expressed or implied, regarding our tours, and shall not be liable in any way for any personal injury, death, property damage or loss incurred by any person in connection with our tours. AAA and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, carriage, aircraft or other conveyance that may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers; neither will they be responsible for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. However, when the tour departs the U.S., no refund can be made for any feature of the program not used by the passenger during operation of the tour. The agent reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. In such case the refund will be limited to the actual cost of the unused land tour services. The sole responsibility of any airline used in any tour is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. Any ARC/IATA carriers used are not responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their planes or conveyances. Similar responsibilities as noted above apply to all types of carriers. Copyright 2011 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front cover: Sea Cloud II. On the back cover: Caribbean Heliconia flower, photo by Gwenyth Lloyd (top) and Dasheen Restaurant at Ladera Resort, St. Lucia (bottom).

7 Caribbean Red Ginger plant (above) and flora at St. Nicholas Abbey (below), photos by Gwenyth Lloyd. OPTIONAL BARBADOS PRELUDE March 16 to 19, 2012 During three nights on the colorful island of Barbados, explore beautifully maintained botanical gardens and Barbados National Trust properties. At the lovely 300- year-old Fisherpond House, owner John Chandler will show us his collections of antiques, paintings and objets d art and then host us for dinner. Other visits include the hilltop Flower Forest; St. Nicholas Abbey, featuring a 17thcentury façade, mahogany plantation and extraordinary views of the Atlantic Coast; and Hunte s Garden, where we will meet the owner. Accommodations are arranged at the oceanfront Colony Club Hotel.

8 GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II MARCH 19 TO 26, 2012 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C PHONE: (800) or (202) WEB SITE: GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II MARCH 19 TO 26, 2012