A Cruise Expedition to Ancient Sites, Rain Forests & Coral Reefs Aboard the American Small Cruise Ship Yorktown. With Harvard biologist, Brian Farrell

Transcription

1 Harvard Alumni Association 2013 Worldwide Travel Program 2013 Belize Guatemala A Cruise Expedition to Ancient Sites, Rain Forests & Coral Reefs Aboard the American Small Cruise Ship Yorktown January 12 19, 2013 With Harvard biologist, Brian Farrell Complimentary International Airfare

2 HARVARD study leader Brian D. Farrell is a professor of biology at Harvard University and curator in entomology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology. He teaches very popular courses on the foundations of biological diversity, on tropical insect diversity and on acoustic biology. Brian s research focuses on the coevolution of insects and plants, particularly beetles, and his lab also pursues research on the role of acoustics in insect behavior and in the behavior of other animals. Brian has extensive experience in the tropical regions the Peruvian Amazon, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, and is also an allaround naturalist. During this voyage, he will talk about the biodiversity and ecology of Belize both on land and in the ocean. naturalists and ADDITIONAL Study Leaders Garvin (Garv) Hoefler has an M.A. in biology. He has done research on coral reefs, humpback whales, sea turtles and sea birds. Garv has worked in or visited over 50 countries, exploring coral reefs, rain forests, desert settings, open seas, sandy beaches, and even local communities to get a taste of how different people manage their lives and their environment. Naturalist and field biologist Chris Cutler studied biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he began several years of investigation of birds and marine mammals. Keenly interested in ecology, evolution, and conservation, he is an engaging interpreter of the natural world and a lifelong student of its endless lessons. Renowned epigrapher and translator of the Paris Codex, Bruce Love has more than 35 years of experience working at ancient Maya sites. He has published a number of books and articles on subjects ranging from contemporary Maya ritual practice to hieroglyphic writing of the Maya Classic Period (a.d ). Naturalist and photographer Jonathan Green studied Geology and Geography at the University of North London. He has spent the last 20 years working as a diver, photographer, and naturalist in the Galapagos, Central America, Andes, Amazon, and Patagonia. A palm forest in Belize For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL or call

3 A Cruise Expedition to Ancient Sites, Rain Forests & Coral Reefs January 12 19, 2013 trip overview Aerial view of the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Belize is endowed with an unspoiled coastline, ancient Maya cities, and tropical rain forests. Beneath its Caribbean waters is one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world and is home to an amazingly diverse marine life. On this cruise to Belize and neighboring Guatemala, you will explore ancient Maya ruins set amongst the natural environment, experience the wonders of the rain forest, swim in pristine white sand beaches, and snorkel in crystal clear waters to discover the reef s astonishing marine life. All in all, this is the perfect winter getaway. In addition to a Harvard study leader, the cruise will be accompanied by expert naturalists, who are familiar with the incredible wildlife of the rain forests and the marine life of the coral reefs, as well as historians who will interpret the accomplishments of the ancient Maya. You will cruise aboard the American-flagged and operated Yorktown, whose size and limited passenger capacity will allow for easy passage through the many cayes that line the barrier reef and make it possible to access the small ports we will call at along the coast. Belize is only a short flight away from home. This winter, join fellow Harvard alumni and family and friends for a cruise expedition of a lifetime. For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

4 SCHEDULE BY DAY TIKAL BELIZE CITY BELIZE Dangriga Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary GUATEMALA Lubaantun Punta Gorda Big Creek Lighthouse Reef Half Moon Caye South Water Caye Laughing Bird Caye Caribbean Sea San Felipe Fortress Santo Tomas de Castilla Quirigua Scarlet Macaws Saturday, January 12, 2013 USA BELIZE CITY, Belize EMBARK Fly to Belize City and embark Yorktown. Overnight aboard. (D) Sunday, January 13 LIGHTHOUSE REEF Sail in the morning for Lighthouse Reef, navigating through the Barrier Reef. Land at Half Moon Caye, at the southern fringe of the reef, which is the breeding ground of the endangered red-footed boobies and other birds. After exploring this idyllic spot, board local boats for the short trip to the celebrated Great Blue Hole, a large circular formation with its incredible blue and black hues. Part of an underwater national park, the hole is surrounded by a 1,000-foot coral rim that rises to the lagoon s surface. (B, L, D) Monday, January 14 DANGRIGA MAYFLOWER BOCAWINA NATIONAL PARK DANGRIGA Arrive in Dangriga and drive to the nearby Mayflower Bocawina National Park, a lush forested area at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Walking trails lead to waterfalls and Maya temples, including Mayflower, a Late Classic site. After exploring this area of great beauty, return to Dangriga to learn about Garifuna culture at the Gulisi Garifuna Museum, visit local artists galleries, and shop for fine crafts made by the Garifuna people, or relax at a nearby beach. (B, L, D) Tuesday, January 15 SANTO TOMAS DE CASTILLA QUIRIGUA SAN FELIPE FORTRESS SANTO TOMAS DE CASTILLA, Guatemala Surrounded by rain forest, Quirigua is an ancient Maya center, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, that is justly famous for its superbly intricate and well-preserved carvings on huge stone stelae that are spread around the Great Plaza. After exploring the site, drive to the waterside village of San Felipe for a visit to its fortress, which was built by the Spanish in the mid-17 th century to protect their trade routes from British pirates, and today offers splendid views of the lake and the surrounding forest. (B, L, D) Wednesday, January 16 PUNTA GORDA LUBAANTUN NIM LI PUNIT SNAKE CAYES, Belize Sail to Punta Gorda, a small town set on cliffs above the sea. Drive inland to explore two rarely-visited ancient Maya sites, Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit. Lubaantun includes five plazas flanked by buildings and ball courts, and Nim Li Punit was the ceremonial and religious center of the region, known for its impressive stelae. Return to Punta Gorda to reboard Yorktown. Over lunch aboard, sail to the Snake Cayes for swimming and snorkeling. (B, L, D) Thursday, January 17 BIG CREEK COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY From Big Creek, drive to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a dense tropical rain forest set against the peaks of the Maya Mountains. Clear streams and rivers traverse this protected sanctuary that is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including tapir, armadillo, anteater, jaguar, and over 290 species of birds. (B, L, D) Friday, January 18 LAUGHING BIRD CAYE & SOUTH WATER CAYE Sail in the morning for Laughing Bird Caye, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site. Spend the morning discovering the fantastic marine world. Cruising north in the Inner Channel, we reach South Water Caye, which affords memorable swimming and snorkeling in crystalclear water, while the beach is ideal for relaxing. Late in the afternoon, sail to Belize City, arriving in the evening. Overnight aboard docked in port. (B, L, D) Saturday, January 19 BELIZE CITY DISEMBARK USA Disembark in the morning and transfer to the airport for the return flight home. (B) Maya carving For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

5 Lubaatun, a sprawling Maya center Lubaantun, a sprawling ancient Maya center Kayaking through Belize s pristine rain forest Complimentary AIRFARE Complimentary round trip, economy class airfare from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, or Dallas will be provided. Airfare from most other U.S. cities available at an additional cost. OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION TO TIKAL JANuary 9-12, 2013 (fly from u.s. on jan. 9) Explore Tikal, perhaps the most magnificent site in the Maya world, dominated by five 190-foot-high pyramid-temples and located deep in Parque Nacional Tikal. Also visit Xunantunich, a complex site of plazas, temples, and the El Castillo pyramid. INCLUDED: One-night stay at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina in Belize City; two-night stay at the Hotel Camino Real Tikal; daily breakfasts; transfer from the airport to the hotel; full-day tour of Tikal with lunch; full-day tour of Xunantunich and the Belize Zoo with lunch; all border/immigration fees; transfer to Belize Port for embarkation. Rate: $985 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $265 DETAILS SHIP SIZE: 69 Cabins PRICING: Per person, double occupancy Category RATE CAT. E $3,795 CAT. D $4,395 CAT. C $4,995 CAT. B $5,595 CAT. A $5,995 CAT. AA $6,495 CAT. S $6,995 Port taxes & charges: $195 per person NO Single Supplement: A limited number of cabins in Categories B & C have been set aside for single occupancy at NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT. After that, a supplement of $895 will apply to the per person, double occupancy rates. What is Included: Complimentary Airfare (see box at left) Enrichment program of lectures and discussions by a Harvard professor and additional experts 7-night cruise aboard the 138-guest Yorktown Complete program of tours and excursions Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise Professional tour staff Complete pre-departure materials Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance What is NOT Included: Airfare other than what is specified above; port and embarkation taxes; visa and passport fees (if applicable); luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel. this trip is co-sponsored by the university of illinois alumni association, hamilton college, vanderbilt alumni association, and north carolina state alumni association

6 Specifications YEAR of CONSTRUCTION: 1988 YEAR of renovation: 2012 OVERALL LENGTH: 257 feet Maximum passengers: 138 FLAG: USA AMENITIES Exterior cabins with private bathrooms, spacious lounge, dining room, sun deck, and Internet access. Yorktown CATEGORY S Superior outside cabins with walk-out balcony, full-size bed, private bathroom, and mini-refigerator $6,995 CATEGORY AA Outside cabins with two lower beds that can convert to a queen bed, picture window, and private bathroom $6,495 S79 S77 S80 S78 CATEGORY A picture window, and private bathroom $5,995 SUN DECK P75 P73 P71 P69 P67 P65 P63 P61 P59 P57 P55 P53 P51 P49 CATEGORY B picture window, and private bathroom $5,595 CATEGORY C two windows, and private bathroom $4,995 L47 L45 L43 L48 L46 L44 P76 P74 PROMENADE DECK LOUNGE DECK L41 L39 L37 L35 L33 L31 L29 L27 L42 P72 P70 P68 P66 P64 P62 L40 L38 L36 L34 L32 L30 P60 P58 P56 P54 P52 P50 L28 OBSERVATION LOUNGE CATEGORY D two windows, and private bathroom $4,395 DINING ROOM M25M23 M21M19 M17M15 M11 M24M22 M20M18 M16M14 M12 M26 MAIN DECK CATEGORY E two portholes, and private bathroom $3,795 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment Schedule: A deposit of $750 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposits and final payment. Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable. Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for trip cancellation insurance will be provided by the HAA upon confirmation. The pre-existing medical conditions exclusion is waived if the insurance is purchased within 15 days of initial deposit. Neither the HAA nor the tour operator will take responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guests dependents or traveling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, cancellation or curtailment of the tour, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money, and goods. As a service to our travelers we automatically provide emergency medical evacuation insurance. You will receive detailed coverage approximately 30 days prior to your departure. Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International and the tour s sponsoring organization. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel s owner/operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics International and the tour s sponsoring organization act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour s itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Passenger tickets are not transferable and are not subject to alteration by the passenger. No suit shall be maintainable against the carrier, or vessel, for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passengers, unless written notice of the claim, with full particulars, is delivered to the carrier or its agents at its office at the port of sailing or at the port of termination within six months from the day when such incident occurred. In no event shall any such suit or any claim against the carrier or vessel for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger be maintainable unless such suit is commenced within one year from the day when the incident causing such losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger occurs, notwithstanding any provision of law of any state or country to the contrary. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, pursuant to the applicable general maritime law, and applying the applicable general maritime law and Federal maritime statutes. Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Fuel Supplement: Our Tour Operator reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement, without prior notice, if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $85 per barrel. This supplement may be charged even if the cruise fare has been paid in full. Ship s Registry: USA QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at or , haatravels@harvard.edu TO book A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL CST # TDI

7 HAA Trips LAND & RAIL: village life italian lake district SEP 29-OCT 7, 2012 THE BEST OF PATAGONIA, BUENOS AIRES AND SANTIAGO NOV 2-16, 2012 MARK VAN BAALEN EGYPT AND JORDAN BY PRIVATE PLANE DEC 30, JAN 13, 2013 PAUL BERAN & HILARY RANTISI Mystical India JAN 3-20, 2013 SUE SCHOPF BUENOS AIRES TO MENDOZA MAR 12-23, 2013 THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT APR 10-13, 2013 BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA, AND ZIMBABWE APR 14-27, 2013 THE 139TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 2-5, 2013 Moroccan Discovery MAY 11-24, 2013 SILK ROAD ODYSSEY: THE FIVE STANS, KAZAKHSTAN KYRGYZSTAN UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN TURKMENISTAN MAY 25-JUN 12, 2013 HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS MAY 31-JUN 14, 2013 ANCIENT WONDERS: HERAKLION TO ANTALYA ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY OCT 6-18, 2012 HISTORY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA: A VOYAGE FROM Istanbul to CASABLANCA ON CORINTHIAN II OCT 13-29, 2012 SICILY BY SEA: ART TREASURES & ANCIENT TEMPLES ON SEA CLOUD II OCT 22-31, 2012 CATHERINE MCKENNA THE ANCIENT COAST OF TURKEY & THE AEGEAN SEA ISLANDS ON CALLISTO OCT 25-NOV 3, 2012 CAROL SAIVETZ SPLENDORS OF INDIA WITH SRI LANKA & MALDIVES ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY NOV 18-DEC 5, 2012 journey to Antarctica on CORINTHIAN ii DEC 30, JAN 11, 2013 BELIZE & GUATEMALA ON YORKTOWN JAN 5-12, 2013 History & Gardens of the Caribbean: Round-trip Antigua on Sea Cloud II JAN 13-20, 2013 JOYCE CHAPLIN & DAVID ARMITAGE Brunei to Bali on Clipper Odyssey FEB 11-27, 2013 THE BRITISH ISLES ON ISLAND SKY MAY 11-24, 2013 Daniel Albright ARTISTIC TRADITIONS OF KOREA & JAPAN ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY MAY 13-26, 2013 Treasures of Catalonia: Rousillon, Languedoc and Provence on corinthian may 23-jun 2, 2013 MALAGA TO BILBAO ON Sea Cloud II JUN 2-13, 2013 Croatia s Idyllic Islands & Dalmatian Coast on Corinthian JUN 19-27, 2013 RIVERS & LAKES: EGYPT AND THE NILE ABOARD SUN BOAT III FEB 26-MAR 11, 2013 TREASURES OF THE MISSISSIPPI ON YORKTOWN MAR 30-APR 9, 2013 FLEMISH LANDSCAPES on AMALYRA APR 12-23, 2013 FAMILY ADVENTURES: FAMILY TANZANIA SAFARI DEC 26, 2012 JAN 7, 2013 WINTER IN THE WEST: A COLORADO FAMILY GETAWAY MAR 16-23, 2013 Registration form To register, fill out this form and return to haa Travels with your deposit of $750 per person. Please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book. Please return this form by mail to: HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6 th floor, Cambridge, MA Or by FAX: Please call with any questions: or I am not able to make this trip, but please add me to your mailing list PROGRAM NAme FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT start DATE date OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE date OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA AMEX DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE 3-DIGIT SECURITY CODE MONGOLIA JUN 1-15, 2013 MARK ELLIOTT EXPLORING Iceland JUN 8-18, 2013 CRUISES: BORNEO & SULAWESI: ACROSS THE WALLACE LINE ON ORION II SEP 15-OCT 2, 2012 ZARIN MACHANDA VENICE TO DUBROVNIK ON SEA CLOUD II OCT 2-9, 2012 SIDNEY & CYNTHIA VERBA INTO AFRICA on Corinthian FEB 17-MAR 24, 2013 papua new guinea, yap & palau ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY MAY 2013 NORTH AFRICA S MEDITERRANEAN COAST THROUGH THE CENTURIES ON CORINTHIAN APR 20-30, 2013 Echoes of the Past: Remembering the Civil War, A Voyage between Savannah and Richmond on Yorktown MAY 5-15, 2013 SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI MAR 15-23, 2013 A China Family Tour of Classical Highlights, Pandas and Yangzi River Cruise JUN 26-JUL 7, 2013 FAMILY TURKEY JULY 2013 NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CATEGORY PREFERENCE DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE Please book me/us on the Optional Pre-Cruise Extension in Tikal (at an additional cost).

8 Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor Cambridge, MA Book your next journey with the HAA today! Call or visit us at alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Travel Dynamics Int l