February 21 to March 10, a program of the stanford alumni association

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y South Pacific Expedition w al N a VaN at l N land an ap a w N a February 21 to March 10, 2015 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 Melanesia is a group of some of the most idyllic tropical islands on earth. For millennia they have entranced the early navigators and settlers who populated them and whose paths we ll follow. We sail from New Caledonia to Papua New Guinea aboard the expedition ship, Oceanic Discoverer, on a voyage that calls at many diverse islands from dazzling rings of coral atolls, where nothing stands higher than a palm tree, to towering volcanic islands. Our marine activities include snorkeling and SCUBA diving in pristine waters and swimming off warm sandy beaches. Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, MA 94, will discuss with us various U.S. strategies in the Asia-Pacific region and the battles of World War II that took place in the Pacific theater. Join us for an adventure in this marine paradise! BRETT S. ThOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights L A about WWII history in the Solomon Islands at battle sites and U.S. military installations where shipwrecks lie both above and below the sea. T LL through villages on remote islands and observe traditional ways of life in Vanuatu. K L or dive among colorful coral and man-made reefs, sharing the waters with thousands of exotic tropical fish. into the fiery caldera of an active volcano on Tanna Island and be awed by the bubbling lava pools that carpet its floor.

3 Ambua Lodge P APUA N EW G UINEA Port Moresby Rabaul Buka Bougainville S OLOMON Arnavon I SLANDS Lamassa Mangalonga Lambon Santa Ghizo Ana Nendo Kennedy Ureparapara South Cairns V ANUATU Pacific Ocean A USTRALIA Champagne Beach Pentecost N EW Lifou C ALENDONIA Tanna Noumea Itinerary S AT U R DAY TO M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 21 TO 23 U.S. / noumea, new calendonia Depart the U.S. and, en route to New Caledonia, cross the international date line, losing a day in transit. Arrive in Noumea on Monday and transfer to our hotel to join fellow travelers for a festive welcome reception and dinner. CHATEAU ROYAL BEACH RESORT AND SPA (2/23: D) T U ES DAY, F E B R UA RY 24 noumea / casey island Embark the Oceanic Discoverer and enjoy lunch as we cruise toward New Caledonia s Casey Island. Relax on the spectacular beach, or venture into the shallows just yards from the beach for our first Melanesian snorkeling experience. Join the ship s marine biologist on the glass-bottom boat or paddle a kayak over the reef. This evening join fellow travelers for the captains welcome reception. OCEANIC W E D N ES DAY, F E B R UA RY 25 lifou island Lifou Island s impressive beaches, among the best in the world, are backed by sparkling lagoons and pine tree-covered landscapes. Join our expedition leader on a walk across the island, stopping to take in the views of beautiful bays and old churches. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 26 tanna island, VanUatU Crossing into Vanuatu we approach Tanna Island to see our first signs of volcanic activity hot springs bubbling beneath the surface. Board our excursion vessel, Xplorer, to motor to Tanna Island s black volcanic beach. After our landing at Port Resolution we are met by the villagers, who transport us through the forest to the lower reaches of Mt. Yasur s active volcano. Venture to the rim of the caldera, where we peer into the heart of the volcano and see its lava pools. Spend time with the locals and learn about their interesting customs, including their worship of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, whom they believe to be a divine spirit. OCEANIC F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 27 pentecost island Witness the famous land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island, traditional forerunner to the modern-day bungee jump. Local people believe that the ceremony will ensure a bountiful yam harvest the following year. OCEANIC S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 Ureparapara island Arrive at Ureparapara, one of the most spectacular islands in the South Pacific and one that is rarely visited by outsiders. Cruise through an inlet into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by high cliffs. Traveling ashore, we are entertained by the local people with dancing before joining a guided walk to the top of the caldera for fantastic views across the island. OCEANIC S AT U R DAY, F E B R UA RY 28 champagne Beach Today enjoy the splendor of magnificent Champagne Beach, the jewel of Vanuatu, with a full day of exhilarating swimming, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours. The adventurous may wish to join a SCUBA dive over the coral reefs. Others may opt to participate in a guided walk with local guides through the rain forest to the popular swimming spot dubbed the Blue Hole. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 nendo island, Solomon islands Our introduction to the Solomon Islands, Nendo Island is an excellent stop for viewing quality handmade artifacts. Enjoy a cultural show prepared for our arrival at this very remote and untouched island and then grab the opportunity to do some snorkeling. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) T U ES DAY, M A R C H 3 Santa ana The villagers of Santa Ana, a small island southeast of San Cristobal, welcome us ashore

4 with local warriors bearing swords and blowing on conch shell horns. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Join our naturalist on a walk across the island, which takes us through shady forests to see colorful orchids. OCEANIC WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 mangalonga island This morning we anchor off picturesque Mangalonga Island and savor a full day of water activities. Snorkel, SCUBA dive or join a glassbottom boat tour before traveling to Maravagi Resort, where we explore the native flora on a guided nature walk. OCEANIC THURSDAY, MARCH 5 arnavon islands / dart SoUnd The Arnavon Islands are the only marine reserve in the Solomon Islands where, except for subsistence gathering, all marine life is protected and fishing is banned. The islands are home to endangered wildlife, including the beautiful hawksbill turtle. Travel ashore to see how the conservation efforts are helping rejuvenate the island, then enjoy some snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat tour. This afternoon board Xplorer for a cruise up Dart Sound to the remote village of Kia to meet it s residents. OCEANIC FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Kennedy island / ghizo island Discover tiny Kennedy Island, named in honor of John F. Kennedy, who swam ashore here with his crew after PT- 109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during World War II. This afternoon visit the small provincial capital on Ghizo Island. Wander through the open-air markets and admire the crafts made by the legendary Solomon Islands woodcarvers. OCEANIC SATURDAY, MARCH 7 BoUgainVille island / BUKa island Traveling in the wake of the 18th-century French explorer, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, we sail along the coast of Bougainville Island and embark on an expedition to the island of Buka, a fairly flat island ringed by a coral reef. OCEANIC SUNDAY, MARCH 8 lamassa island / lambon island This morning we board Xplorer and make our way to Lamassa Island to be greeted by spearwielding ogres, an enact-ment of the greeting given to the first Europeans to set foot on this island. Later we explore Lambon Island and its jungleclad beach. Keep an eye out for the island s bright green skinks and beautiful Barringtonia flowers. This evening gather for our farewell reception. OCEANIC MONDAY, MARCH 9 rabaul, papua new guinea / cairns, australia Arrive early this morning in magnificent Simpson Harbour in Rabaul and board our charter flight to Cairns, Australia. PULLMAN HOTEL (B,L) TUESDAY, MARCH 10 cairns / U.S. Following breakfast transfer to the international airport for flights home to the U.S., arriving back the same day. (B) The itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. While every effort will be made to follow the itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of our vessel. Optional Post-trip Extension to the highlands of Papua New Guinea MARCH 9 TO 13 Travel from Rabaul to Port Moresby before flying to the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Spend three nights at the Ambua Lodge in the Tari Valley, home of the Huli wigman, one of the largest ethnic groups in the Southern Highlands and also home to 13 species of birds of paradise. Enjoy two full days visiting the Huli clans and searching for the elusive birds of paradise before returning to Port Moresby for our flight back home.

5 dining room promenade deck Stateroom xplorer excursion VeSSel Oceanic Discoverer The recently built Oceanic Discoverer consists of 36 spacious, modern staterooms that offer a choice of twin or junior king beds. All staterooms have an ocean view, en suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage and individual air-conditioning control. Spacious and finely appointed public areas include a reference library, lecture lounge, purser s desk, large sun deck, spa pool and two bars. The restaurant offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch service and a three-course table d hôte dinner service. Menus are modern Australian, with the chefs seeking out the freshest of local ingredients to prepare truly memorable dining experiences; all guests are accommodated at a single seating. The state-of-the-art Oceanic Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology, active stabilizers, Wi-Fi access and the Xplorer, the ship s specially designed aluminum expedition vessel used for the majority of our shore excursions. Active Stabilizers Spa A05 Lounge A06 A03 A04 Captain s Cabin A02 SUN DECK BRIDGE DECK Program Cost * Rates per person, based on double or single occupancy, as specified B21 B19 B17 B15 B13 B11 B09 B07 B05 B03 B01 PROMENADE DECK category DEScrIPtION DOUBLE SINGLE** B22 B20 B18 B16 B14 B12 B10 B08 B06 B04 B02 1 Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $12,995 $17,195 2 Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,495 $17,695 Xplorer Boarding Dining Room C09 C07 C05 C03 C01 MAIN DECK 3 Promenade Deck, 175 sq. ft. $13,895 $18,395 C08 C06 C04 C02 4 Promenade Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,495 $19,795 5 Bridge Deck, 195 sq. ft. $15,095 *Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited at these rates. Length: 207 feet Beam: 43 feet Draft: 10 feet Speed: 14 knots Registry: Australia

6 Information Terms & Conditions DatES February 21 to March 10, 2015 (18 days) SIzE Limited to 66 participants INcLUDED 2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 13-night cruise aboard the Oceanic Discoverer 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Filtered water on excursions Gratuities to guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Chartered flight from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, to Cairns, Australia, on 3/9 Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOt INcLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services air arrangements International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip economy-class airfare on Air New Zealand from San Francisco to Noumea, New Caledonia, with return from Cairns, Australia, is approximately $2,200 as of November 2013 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent. F U E L c O S t S In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. What to ExPEct We consider this to be a mildly strenuous program. No prior snorkeling experience is necessary, however all participants should be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. Boarding our excursion vessel, the Xplorer, is safe and easy; you simply step aboard the vessel from the ship s Main Deck and Oceanic Discoverer s unique hydraulic platform gently lowers the excursion vessel into the water, ensuring that you don t need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances unaided, along beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, including steep and sandy trails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold space for this program. A $200-per-person deposit is required to hold space for the optional post-trip extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. cancellations & refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-perperson cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes special benefits if you postmark your insurance payment within a specified window: 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter for the Waiver of Pre-existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency; 21 days for the Cancel for Any Reason benefit. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford. edu/goto/membership or call (650) responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in November 2013 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. California Seller of Travel Program Registration # COPYRIGHT 2013 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

7 Stanford Faculty Leader We ave ix Stanford tri an we fo Am as ad r Eike rry to th st cturer of th al Bart and LaUrIE BrOwN, JaPaNa By SEa, 2013 Ka K E y a, is the William J. Perry Fellow in International Security at Stanford s Center for International Security and Cooperation and a faculty member of the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2009 to His decision to study Mandarin Chinese as a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1969 set him on a career path that would lead to 12 military and State Department postings in east and central-south Asia over the next four decades. As a soldier and diplomat, he served in times of both peace and war to help further American security interests throughout Asia. During our program, Ambassador Eikenberry will discuss U.S. strategy in the Asia-Pacific region and the military campaigns of the Second World War in the southwestern Pacific. Ambassador Eikenberry welcomes the opportunity to serve as our faculty leader for this Stanford Travel/ Study program. As he says, Melanesia is stunningly beautiful and full of surprises, and it has played a surprisingly important role in America s foreign and security policies over the past 100 years. Expedition Study Leader Joining us aboard the Oceanic Discoverer to further enhance our lecture program is n Ea E aa ya a En, professor of anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia. Dr. Helajzen focuses her work on improving health conditions in remote communities and has spent significant time conducting research in the South Pacific, New Guinea and Indonesia. S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y rvat F r South Pacific Expedition February 21 to March 10, 2015 MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP SIGN UP ONLINE! I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. Category Preference: 1st choice: Twin Beds Junior King 2nd choice: Twin Beds Junior King Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s) plus $ ($200 per person) for the optional post-trip extension. Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CARD # EXPIRES CELL PHONE ADDRESS AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?pacific2015. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account

8 South Pacific Expedition w al a VaN at l land an ap a w N a February 21 to March 10, 2015 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy reat tri ve ever to re re ote ac. truly a very nteresti ste ack ti. wayne GrIffIN, 60, MELaNESI a ExPE dition, 2013 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y