GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN

Transcription

1 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION Americans in Alliance with the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II JANUARY 15 TO 22, 2015

2 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION Dear Members and Friends of Royal Oak, The gardens of the Caribbean are celebrated for their majestic palms, exotic flora, and sweet-smelling cacao, but did you know that they also have a heritage that is older than the American Revolution? Explore the region s centuries-old tradition of gardening and plantation life with us next January, on a tropical getaway aboard the elegant sailing yacht, Sea Cloud II. 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. Anna will be joined by her husband Trevor Ware, a witty and delightful speaker, and an authority on British maritime history. From Barbados, cruise to Trinidad to admire Port of Spain s eclectic colonial architecture and its 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens. Step ashore at St. George s, Grenada, the Spice Island, to tour two private gardens one in the same family for six generations and sample a traditional rum punch. In Kingstown, inhale the essence of nutmeg and black pepper at the St. Vincent and Grenadines Botanic Gardens, established in 1765, and ascend to the Montreal Estate Gardens, nestled in the mountains overlooking the surrounding farmland. On St. Lucia, enjoy a swim at a white-sand beach tucked between the island s majestic pitons; and call at tiny Bequia, for a hike to a turtle hatchery or some seaside time in this snorkeler s paradise. For those wishing to spend more time exploring the lush gardens and gracious homes of Barbados, an optional three-day prelude is offered. St. George s GRENADA Soufriere ST. VINCENT Kingstown BEQUIA Port Elizabeth ST. LUCIA B ARBADOS Bridgetown CARIBBEAN SEA Nothing compares to a cruise aboard Sea Cloud II, where understated elegance, gourmet cuisine, and gracious service reign supreme. Experience the hushed excitement of traveling aboard this majestic lady, and watch as the energetic young crew scales the masts to set the sails by hand. We hope you will join us on this winter escape to historic gardens and balmy island breezes. Sincerely, VENEZUELA Port of Spain TRINIDAD Sean E. Sawyer, Ph.D. Executive Director The Royal Oak Foundation

3 GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II JANUARY 15 TO 22, 2015 PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD photo courtesy of Caribbean Tourism Organisation Caribbean orchids. MIAMI 1 BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS Thursday, January 15 Depart on a morning flight from Miami. Arrive in Barbados this afternoon and transfer to the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud II for our seven-night cruise. Saturday, January 17 Today arrive on the island of Trinidad, where we will visit The Secret Garden, with a splendid variety of plants, flowers, orchids, and nesting birds. See the unique colonial architecture in Port of Spain and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest gardens in the West Indies. Return to the ship in time for lunch and set sail for Grenada. ST. GEORGE S, GRENADA Sunday, January 18 During an idyllic morning at sea, relax and enjoy the gentle breezes. In the afternoon arrive at St. George s, the capital city of Grenada, with its medley of brightly colored houses. 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 city. Walk in the manicured garden and sample a traditional rum punch. Tonight, gather on Lido Deck for dancing under the stars to the music of a steel-drum band. AT SEA Friday, January 16 Following morning lectures, observe as the ship s crew practices the art of setting the sails by hand, or perhaps settle into a comfortable deck chair with a favorite book. Tonight join the captain for welcome cocktails, followed by dinner. photo feradz Caribbean market stall. Kingstown, St. Vincent.

4 photo courtesy Ladera Resort View from the Dasheene Restaurant, St. Lucia. KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT Monday, January 19 Arrive in Kingstown for a visit to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Botanic Gardens, considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the Caribbean. Continue to stunning Montreal Gardens, located in the shadow of Grand Bonhomme Mountain. This evening, onboard festivities include a tasting of fine rums from island distilleries. PORT ELIZABETH, BEQUIA Wednesday, January 21 Step ashore this morning 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. Set sail for Barbados in the afternoon. This evening celebrate a memorable voyage at a farewell dinner hosted by the captain. BARBADOS 1 MIAMI Thursday, January 22 Disembark in Barbados this morning and transfer to the airport for the return flight home. photo courtesy of Caribbean Tourism Organisation Caribbean Green Honeycreeper. SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA Tuesday, January 20 Today Sea Cloud II anchors in the Bay of Soufriere on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia. The beach, set in the dramatic Anse des Pitons between the island s towering twin peaks, is ideal for a late-morning swim. A visit to Diamond Botanic Garden is followed by a lunch of Caribbean specialties at the renowned Dasheene Restaurant, with its spectacular views. In the early afternoon, Sea Cloud II sets sail for Bequia. Bequia beach. photo by Gwenyth Lloyd

5 SEA CLOUD II DECK PLAN LIDO DECK LIDO BAR LOUNGE LIBRARY PROMENADE DECK DINING ROOM RECEPTION BOUTIQUE CABIN DECK GYM SAUNA DOCTOR WATER-SPORTS PLATFORM Owner s Suite (top) and a Deluxe Cabin on Cabin Deck (above). CRUISE RATES (per person, double occupancy) Cabins Decks Rates Cabins 204 to 206 Cabin Deck $4,995 State Rooms. Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Cabins 207 to 210 Cabin Deck $5,995 Superior Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 Cabin Deck $6,995 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 218 to 223 Cabin Deck $8,495 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 301 & 302 Promenade Deck $8,995 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 303 to 319 Promenade Deck $9,495 Junior Suites. Twin beds, bathtub with shower. Cabins 401 & 402 Lido Deck $10,995 Owner s Suites. Queen-size bed, bathtub and separate shower. Cabins 204 to 206 are available at no single supplement. Additional singles will be calculated 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 lunches and dinners Enrichment program of lectures and special events Escorted sightseeing by private motorcoach and entrance fees for included visits Airport / pier / airport group transfers and porterage Taxes and service charges; gratuities aboard and ashore Not Included in Rates International airfare; passport fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; optional Barbados prelude; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II 1 JANUARY 15 TO 22, 2015 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH Optional Barbados Prelude I/We wish to join the optional Barbados prelude ($1,765 per person; single supplement $565). Hotel room preference Double Twin Single Form of Payment Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Credit card deposit of $2,500 per person. Final payment must be made by check. ADDRESS NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD NUMBER CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX Are you currently a member of The Royal Oak Foundation? Yes No Accommodations Sea Cloud II Cabin Preference (1) (2) I wish to share a cabin with 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE 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 prior to departure. SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: trips@arrangementsabroad.com

6 St. Nicholas Abbey (above) and the Atlantic coast (below), Barbados. OPTIONAL BARBADOS PRELUDE JANUARY 12 TO 15, 2015 Discover the remarkable flora and colonial history of Barbados during a three-night stay on this colorful island. Marvel at the exotic orchids of Andromeda Gardens and stroll beneath the tall palms at Codrington College, the oldest Anglican theological seminary in the Western Hemisphere. Spend a morning at Flower Forest, offering seven acres of gardens on a hilltop overlooking the sea, and admire the Jacobean architecture of 350-year-old St. Nicholas Abbey. Additional highlights include dinner and a specially arranged visit at Fisherpond House, a 300-year-old plantation home filled with antiques; a visit to Bush Hill, where George Washington spent several months in 1751 on the only trip he took outside colonial America; and a tour of privately owned Hunte s Garden. PRELUDE RATE $1,765 per person. Single supplement $565. Includes three nights at the Hilton Hotel; breakfast daily, two lunches and one dinner; sightseeing as noted.

7 TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights or your own individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances including tenders. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. Please note: Sea Cloud II does not have an elevator. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of reservation and deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Royal Oak Foundation (ROF) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of ROF is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, ROF and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability 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 aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or ROF and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or ROF. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAA and ROF reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or ROF to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development / promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; ROF shall have no liability for refunds. 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 or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor ROF shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. 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. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or ROF, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2014 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front cover: Sea Cloud II off the coast of St. Lucia. On the back cover: Caliandra (top) and the Carenage, St. George, Grenada (bottom).

8 GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II JANUARY 15 TO 22, 2015 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO. 601 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION 35 WEST 35TH STREET, SUITE 1200 NEW YORK, NY THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ROUND-TRIP BARBADOS ABOARD SEA CLOUD II JANUARY 15 TO 22, 2015