UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Passage along the. River. September 15 to 27, 2011

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Passage along the River September 15 to 27, S COUPL

2 Dear Alumni and Friends: Flowing nearly 4,830 kilometres from the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River is the lifeblood of a rich, pristine ecosystem abundant with vibrant wildlife and vital to the survival of the friendliest, most welcoming people on earth, whose slow paced, simple lifestyle has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Here, ancient kingdoms come to life, traditional cultures hold sway and the countryside is undisturbed by the modern world. Join us for this exclusive, 13-day, custom-designed travel program to explore the culture and mysteries of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, highlighted by a four-night cruise on the remote, seldom-visited Upper Mekong. Cruise aboard the R.V. MEKONG SUN, a small river cruiser that evokes the ambiance of the 19th century s great age of discovery. Your experienced captain will guide the vessel through the peaceful countryside of Laos the jewel of Southeast Asia to the previously inaccessible wonders of the Mekong s spectacular gorges, tranquil waters lined with unspoiled jungle and secluded river villages. In Siem Reap, Luang Prabang and The Golden Triangle, stay in historic and Five-Star hotel accommodations. Tour the legendary Khmer ruins of the Angkor complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Laos s former royal cities; and explore The Golden Triangle in northern Thailand in the company of expert guides. From unforgettable encounters with friendly Lao and Thai people, villagers in traditional hill tribe dress and saffron-robed monks, to a life-affirming baci ceremony, you will long remember every moment of this unique experience that takes you far from the ordinary. In addition, a two-night Bangkok Post-Program Option provides an opportunity to explore one of the world s most exciting capital cities. Capacity on this remarkable journey to the unspoiled heart of Southeast Asia is limited, so we urge you to make your reservation while space and Early Booking Savings are available. Tuum Est, Our goal at UBC Alumni Affairs is to connect you with the university and your fellow grads by providing you with programs and services that enrich your life and add value to your degree. Alumni Travel programs connect you with fellow alumni as you experience the world. Jeff Todd Executive Director, UBC Alumni Association For more information on all alumni services chosen with care by your alumni association, please see or call Gordon Longmuir will be study leader for our trip to Cambodia and Laos. Gordon served in the Canadian diplomatic service for 35 years, mainly in East and South Asia. After a brief naval career, he graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1965, and his first posting was with the International Control Commission in Indochina. He later served in Japan, India and Thailand, the latter with accreditation to Vietnam and Laos, and was Ambassador to Cambodia from 1995 to Gordon is an Associate of the Institute of Asian Research at UBC and the Centre for Asia Pacific Initiatives at the University of Victoria. He travels to Southeast Asia as often as possible, most recently as an expert on a study tour of Vietnam and Cambodia in 2009.

3 Canada Thursday, September 15 Depart for Siem Reap, Cambodia. En route, cross the International Date Line. Siem Reap, Cambodia Friday, September 16 Upon arrival, transfer to the legendary Five-Star RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D ANGKOR, a colonial-era hotel that evokes an earlier age of gracious travel and whose distinguished guests have included Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy. Join your travelling companions for a welcome reception in the hotel. Siem Reap/Angkor Thom/ Angkor Wat Saturday, September 17 For seven centuries from 800 to 1500 A.D. the vast temple complex of Angkor served as the seat of the Khmer kings, who ruled one of the greatest empires in Southeast Asia. Painstakingly reclaimed from the thick jungle beginning in the late 19th century, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor fuses Hindu and Buddhist religious elements, including highly detailed carvings of deities and demons. Your exploration begins at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Great City. See the mysterious 50 crumbling stone towers of the Bayon, which depict serene faces with half-closed eyes staring out from all sides. Continue to Pimean Akas and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. This afternoon, enjoy tuk-tuk transportation to the temple of Angkor Wat, the crowning achievement of Khmer architecture, built behind a stunning reflecting lake. Before returning to Siem Reap for dinner in the hotel, enjoy a hilltop view of Angkor Wat at sunset. Siem Reap Sunday, September 18 After breakfast, travel through the peaceful Cambodian countryside to Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Set among ponds covered with lotus blossoms, the red sandstone buildings enchant visitors with their intimate scale and intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and legends from ancient Hindu tales. Nearby, explore the remarkable ruins of Ta Prohm, a 12th-century Buddhist temple left largely unrestored since the early European explorers found it merged with the jungle. Visitors can walk through the surreal rubble, where courtyards and corridors are entwined in enormous serpentine tree roots. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is included in the hotel. Siem Reap/Luang Prabang, Laos Monday, September 19 Enjoy time on your own before your midday flight to Luang Prabang, Laos, and step back into the Indochina of a far gentler era. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a former capital of the Kingdom of Laos, is a low-key, uncommercialized town of about 30,000 residents. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the town s centre appears little changed for decades, with carefully preserved two-story shop houses, French colonial buildings, and quiet, tree-lined lanes that lead to courtyard homes and temples. Upon arrival, transfer to the Five-Star LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAO overlooking Luang Prabang. Tour the National Museum, former home of the Laotian royal family; ascend stone steps up Mount Phousi for a stunning view of the surrounding mountains dotted with Photo this page: Discover the mysteries of the temples of Angkor, which number more than 1,000 and include Angkor Wat, the world s largest religious monument. Cover photo: Cruise along the legendary Mekong River, Waterway of the Nine Dragons, through a magical landscape of lush jungles and secluded villages.

4 UNESCO World Her Cruise Itin Air Routin Land MYANM CHIANG SAE CHIANG RAI Admire the exquisite mosaics depicting the Tree of Life and a rural Lao village beneath the distinctive sweeping roofs of 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang s most renowned temple. golden domes; and participate in a traditional Lao baci ceremony, said to restore harmony and balance to the body and spirit. Dinner is served in the hotel. Luang Prabang Tuesday, September 20 Luang Prabang abounds with colourful temples and saffron-robed monks. This morning, visit Wat Xieng Thong (Monastery of the Golden City), the most exquisite temple in Laos and known for its distinctive sloping roofs and artistic Buddha sculptures. Stroll the peaceful streets, observe the monks daily life and admire the well-preserved French colonial architecture. The afternoon is free to visit the Ock Pop Tok textile centre for a presentation on how modern ideas are reinvigorating traditional Laotian weaving. Tonight s dinner in the highly regarded Elephant Restaurant offers both French and Lao cuisine. Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Wednesday, September 21 Early this morning, observe the daily giving of alms as hundreds of Buddhist monks slowly file along the streets with their bowls, accepting packets of rice and food. Later, transfer to the exclusively chartered R.V. MEKONG SUN, a unique, small river cruiser. Leave the modern world behind and sail upriver. Dock in Pak Ou and visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, a pilgrimage site where thousands of small Buddha statues rest inside the caverns. After a welcome drink and dinner on board, spend the night moored along the river. Pak Ou/Taxuang Thursday, September 22 This morning, enjoy the unspoiled countryside of spectacular gorges, lush tropical jungles and secluded river villages along the Upper Mekong River. See traditional fishermen in canoes and the occasional long-tail water taxi. After lunch on board, visit the small village of Taxuang and a typical local school. Taxuang/Pak Beng Friday, September 23 Continue to sail upriver against the gentle current. On shore, soft tropical hillsides are only rarely interrupted by coconut trees and small rice and vegetable farms. Still largely agrarian, Laos retains the quiet and traditional life of past centuries. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the market town of Pak Beng for a look at daily life along the river. Pak Beng/Pak Tha/ Nam Tha River/Huay Xay Saturday, September 24 In the small market village of Pak Tha, long-tail boats await you for an excursion through the natural landscape along the Nam Tha River to visit a Khmu village. This distinct ethnic group lives in small, isolated villages, where they practice communal agriculture and maintain their traditional lifestyle built around priests, shamans and village elders. Later, cruise to Huay Xay. Peruse the exotic offerings of a traditional Laotian market in Luang Prabang. THA

5 age Site ary MYA MAR CHIANG RAI LUANG PRABANG Gulf of Tonkin THAILAND AR N CHIANG KHONG LAND HUAY XAY PAK THA BANGKOK Nam Tha River PAK BENG CAMBODIA Gulf of Thailand Mekong River Huay Xay/ Chiang Saen, Thailand/ The Golden Triangle SIEM REAP TAXUANG PAK OU LUANG PRABANG LAOS Sunday, September 25 Disembark this morning and cross the Thai-Laotian border. Transfer by motorcoach from Chiang Khong into the misty plains and low mountains of The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, a region of intense trade and cultural exchange throughout the centuries. After a stop at the impressive Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak, visit the sleekly modern Hall of Opium, a museum sponsored by the Thai Royal Family, and learn about the history, politics and health effects of the opium trade. Transfer to the Five-Star ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT for overnight accommodations in The Golden Triangle. Attend the farewell dinner in the hotel. The intimate R.V. MEKONG SUN glides up to the sandy banks of the riverside villages. South China Sea See firsthand the inexorable forces of nature at Ta Prohm, a sacred site shrouded by the thick roots of Khmer Spoong trees. The Golden Triangle/ Chiang Rai/Bangkok Monday, September 26 Transfer to Chiang Rai, fly to Bangkok and continue on the Bangkok Post-Program Option, or board your return flight to Canada. Canada Tuesday, September 27 Arrive in Canada. Bangkok Post-Program Option Spend two nights in vibrant Bangkok, the Venice of the East while staying in Five-Star accommodations in the heart of the city. Enjoy a private long-tailed boat cruise along the bustling thoroughfare of Bangkok s Chao Phraya River; see the splendid Old City, the Grand Palace and an array of traditional Thai houses and houseboats. Visit golden temples and mirrored palaces that quietly shimmer in sharp contrast to traditional markets, teeming with activity. Option available at additional cost. Complete details will be included with your reservation confirmation. Walk among thousands of Buddha statues tucked into the famous Pak Ou Caves.

6 R.V. Mekong Sun The First-Class, exclusively chartered R.V. MEKONG SUN is the only small river cruiser capable of navigating the Upper Mekong River between Vientiane, Luang Prabang and The Golden Triangle, one of the most beautiful and partly untamed stretches of river in the world. Behold the previously inaccessible wonders of the Mekong while cruising in casual comfort and intimacy. Every voyage is considered a pioneering experience and your skilled, experienced river cruiser captain is adept at maneuvering through the everchanging water levels of the river. The vessel anchors safely each night along the river. Changing river conditions are not unusual and can affect the itinerary, which will be adapted to ensure that all highlights are included. Upper Deck Cabin Lounge and Dining Room An onboard program of presentations and films highlights the historic French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice and the indigenous flora of the Mekong. Each of the only 14 cabins is outside and air-conditioned with individual climate control and has twin beds and a private bathroom. Most feature a French Balcony (full-length floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with railing) and are paneled in rich wood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner feature continental and Asian specialties and are served in a single, unassigned seating both indoors and al fresco. Reading Area Sun Deck There is a lounge, bar, library and reading area. The large sun deck features a dining area and bar with teak wood planking and lounge chairs. The Laotian crew provides friendly top level service and a nearly one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio for this exclusive cruise experience.

7 Laos and the Mekong River Pristine. Undiscovered. Captivatingly beautiful. The Mekong River flows through landlocked Laos for nearly 1,290 kilometres. Along its banks is a timeless, untouched landscape of thick jungle punctuated by modest villages of wood-and-thatch houses and fields of rice, vegetables and bananas. Beyond, is a lush green carpet of hills and jagged peaks. Bird calls cut through the mist, while the scents of cooking fires punctuate the morning air. The Mekong is, as its name implies, a mother river and is vital to the vast majority of Laos s six million people who depend on it and its remote tributaries in some way every day. Members of hill tribe communities such as the Hmong and Khmu visit market towns along the river to trade their produce or, dressed in their elaborately embroidered skirts and aprons, showcase weavings and handmade crafts. Their traditions and lifestyle, little changed for centuries, still revolve around priests, shamans and village elders. Wherever you encounter the Laotian people, in the enchanting city of Luang Prabang or in their home villages far up a Mekong tributary, you will be impressed by their inherent friendliness and remarkable air of serenity. These gentle people, from a saffron-robed monk sweeping a temple floor to a vendor in Luang Prabang s night market, bargaining good-naturedly but firmly, go about their daily lives exuding both dignity and humour. It is as though the peacefulness of the land has been absorbed into their souls. In Luang Prabang, kneeling villagers offer rice to Buddhist monks during their traditional daily alms-giving ceremony. INCLUDED FEATURES IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Three nights in the legendary, Five-Star RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D ANGKOR. Breakfast daily and two dinners. Welcome reception. Tour of the ancient temples of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Bayon and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper Kings. Excursion to the charming temples of Banteay Srei. Walk among the ruins of Ta Prohm temple. Flight from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang. IN LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Two nights in the Five-Star Orient Express hotel LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAO. Breakfast daily and one dinner in the hotel. One dinner in the Elephant Restaurant. Visit to the National Museum and former Royal Palace. Opportunity to participate in a traditional Lao baci ceremony. Introduction to historic Wat Xieng Thong and the well-preserved French colonial architecture of the town. Early morning excursion in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for the traditional giving of alms to Buddhist monks. ON BOARD THE R.V. MEKONG SUN Four-night upper Mekong River cruise from Luang Prabang, Laos, to Huay Xay, with visits to Pak Ou, Taxuang, Pak Beng and Pak Tha. Comfortable, air-conditioned outside cabin with private bathroom and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Captain s welcome drink. All meals buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner featuring a choice of Asian and continental foods with an emphasis on local produce, served at single, unassigned seatings. Visit to the Pak Ou Caves, a pilgrimage site with thousands of small Buddha statues. Visit a school in Taxuang. Walk through the market in the village of Pak Beng. Long-tail boat excursion up the Nam Tha River in Pak Tha, with a visit to a Khmu village. Scenic transfer from Huay Xay into The Golden Triangle, with stops in Chiang Saen and Sop Ruak to visit the Hall of Opium, a museum sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, and the impressive Golden Buddha. IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND One night in the Five-Star ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT. Breakfast, one lunch and one dinner. Flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. ENHANCED TRAVEL SERVICES All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their international air arrangements through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s). All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, with experienced, English-speaking local guides. Gratuities to ship personnel. Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers. Hospitality desk aboard ship and in the hotels. Experienced Travel Director to accompany you throughout the travel program. Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information. Automatic $250,000 USD flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company.

8 R.V. MEKONG SUN Upper Deck Main Deck LAND/CRUISE TARIFF (in Canadian dollars, per person, based on double occupancy) Cabin Category* D C B A Description - All cabins are outside with private bathroom facilities with shower, air conditioning, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Two twin beds and French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with railing). 130 sq. ft. Main Deck, aft. Two twin beds and French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with railing). 130 sq. ft. Main Deck, midship. One double bed and front-view French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with railing). 194 sq. ft. Main Deck. (limited availability) Two twin beds and full balcony. 225 sq. ft. Upper Deck. Early Booking Price through May 10, 2011 $7550 $8060 $8360 $8870 Regular Price after May 10, 2011 $8550 $9060 $9360 $9870 Singles are available in category C at $13975 CAD on or before May 10, Add $1000 CAD for reservations made after May 10, Taxes are included. Tariffs are also available in U.S. dollars. Please call Gohagan & Company at for more details. *R.V. MEKONG SUN has been specially contracted for this tour, and the applicable deck plan is available on request from Gohagan & Company and reflects the only valid cabin categorization of the vessel. P ASSAGE S A ALONG THE MEKONG M RESERVATION R E R FORMF Send to: Thomas P. Gohagan & Company Eleven South LaSalle Street, Second Floor Chicago, IL Phone: (800) /Fax: (312) I/we want to make reservations in stateroom category: 1st Choice 2nd Choice Double occupancy. Title Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport) Class Year Title Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport) Class Year Single accommodations. I am reserving as a single but prefer to share accommodations and will allow you to select my roommate (shares cannot be guaranteed). Address (no P.O. Box number please) City Province Postal Code BANGKOK POST-PROGRAM RESERVATIONS Double at $710 CAD per person. Single at $1015 CAD per person. Telephone: (Home) (Business) Address (Mobile) I am reserving as a single but prefer to share accommodations and will allow you to select my roommate (shares cannot be guaranteed). Preferred name(s) on badge(s) Tour No /15/ Enclosed is my/our cheque(s) for $ as deposit ($835 CAD per person, plus $210 CAD per person Bangkok Post-Program). Make cheque(s) payable to Thomas P. Gohagan & Company. Flights from (fill in departure city) to Siem Reap, Cambodia, with return from Bangkok, Thailand, at an additional cost to be advised. Deposits can also be made by credit card; however, all FINAL payments are required to be made by cheque or wire transfer by May 18, I/we authorize you to charge my/our deposit to: Visa MasterCard Card Number Exp. Date Signature as it appears on credit card Class: Economy Business First Note: Airfare is subject to change and availability and is nonrefundable. I/we will make my/our own air arrangements.

9 Laos s tradition of domesticating elephants earned it the title Lan Xang, or Kingdom of a Million Elephants. CONTRACT: TERMS & CONDITIONS. IMPORTANT READ CAREFULLY. RESPONSIBILITY: Thomas P. Gohagan & Company, the sponsoring institution or association, and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively Gohagan ), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity of any third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labour activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, sickness, illness, the lack of availability of or access to appropriate medical attention, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant on these trips at any time. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel/cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Gohagan may cancel a trip for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. All fares, as well as ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Gohagan shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare or make any other compensation under these circumstances. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels or hotels of a similar category for those listed in this brochure. NOT INCLUDED: Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/ sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air/airport tax(es); airfare and associated local taxes, airport facility and security taxes and federal inspection fees not listed in the Included Features section of the brochure; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel/ship on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you have not purchased your international University of British Columbia 6251 Cecil Green Park Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 Canada air arrangements through Gohagan or if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the Included Features section. AIRFARE: Airfare is subject to change and availability and is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan. LUGGAGE: Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without prior notice. Please contact your airline(s) for the most current luggage allowance policy. HEALTH: Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Participants must be able to climb stairs and step over raised thresholds or bulkheads aboard the ship without assistance. DISCOUNTED RESERVATIONS: Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of Gohagan in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by May 10, In the event a discounted reservation must be cancelled, no replacement reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A replacement reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply. CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of Gohagan. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply: reservation cancellation(s) are subject to a $210 CAD ($55 CAD Pre/Post Program(s)) per person administrative fee from the time of booking through 180 days prior to departure; from 120 through 179 days prior to departure, $835 CAD ($210 CAD Pre/Post Program(s)) per person; from 95 through 119 days prior to departure, 60% of the published full regular tariffs; from 60 through 94 days prior to departure, 80% of the published full regular tariffs; cancellations 59 days or less prior to departure, a no-show, or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs. In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply. TRIP INSURANCE: Because our cancellation policies are strictly enforced, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Trip cancellation insurance is available through Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and others for comprehensive coverage of such expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident, and damaged or lost luggage. We will send you an application upon receipt of your reservation. RATES: Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. REGISTRATION: CST#: , WST#: OST#: TA ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms and Conditions, the brochure, or any other information relating in any way to the trip, or to the trip itself, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT: By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/ herself or other participants and accepts the terms and conditions of this contract. Photo Credits: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen; Lernidee Ship Company; Photolibrary; all images are rights managed and cannot be used without permission. E STABLISHED /11-1