UK FAYETTE EXTENSION CARIBBEAN AG TOUR January 26 - February 4, 2018 Note* Web briefing by a specialist on Caribbean Agriculture will be scheduled two weeks prior to departure. USDA ARS web meeting as well. Friday - Arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico and transfer to your hotel for your welcome dinner. Overnight San Juan or nearby (D)
Saturday - Today, drive to the south part of the island to visit tropical fruit farms and sample some of the local products. You will also enjoy lunch on the pork highway and have a hearty lunch before traveling back to the hotel. In the afternoon visit a plantain or citrus farm. Overnight San Juan or nearby (B,L) Sunday - Enjoy breakfast before traveling back to San Juan for an Old City Tour. Transfer to the ship for lunch and enjoy the ship's amenities before your 8:00pm departure. Disembark for St. Thomas, the gateway island of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Monday - Arrival in the morning at St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands for a visit with the Department of Agriculture and local producers. Spend the rest of the day exploring this busy island that is less than 32 square miles in size before traveling back to the ship.
Upon boarding the ship, sail to Barbados, the island famous for it s soft white sand beaches. Upon boarding the ship, sail overnight to Antigua. Tuesday - Arrival on Antigua, the breathtaking island that has a beach for everyday of the year. Meet with the local Ministry of Agriculture and spend some time on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Sail to St. Kitts & Nevis. Wednesday - Upon arrival, transfer via ferry from St. Kitts to Nevis. Nevis is the smaller and less touristy of the two islands. Here, you will meet with the Secretary of Agriculture as you visit the Abattoir, the greenhouse and propagation unit, and an Ag processing plant. Also, visit the farm of the Outstanding Female Farmer of the Year before stopping at the public market and sampling some locals favorites. After returning to the ship, catch a glimpse of the sunset as you sail to St. Lucia.
Thursday - Arrival in St. Lucia to visit the historic banana plantations with the backdrop of its jagged peaks. Also, visit an estate to learn about the cacao process from grafting to fermenting and drying. These fine chocolates created here are sold at premium stores in Europe.
Friday - Upon arrival in Barbados, visit with extension specialists on some of the research they are doing with Sea Island Cotton and Cassava. The country is active in promoting agriculture in the region to reduce imports. Visit the Mount Gay Rum Distillery for a tour and tasting. Some of the barrels for rum at this facility are old bourbon and whiskey barrels imported from the U.S. Saturday - TBD - Possible pre-programed activities: mid-day, enjoy a culinary experience focused on Caribbean foods in a private setting followed by a ship tour to see the inner workings of the ship (i.,e. engine room, staff cabins, kitchens, laundry, etc.). Enjoy the rest of the day at sea (additional onboard activities can be arranged on-site). Sunday - Arrival early morning at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Free day to shop or explore San Juan. Evening airport departure back home.
(B) Estimated price per person based on 20 or more travelers, per person in one room/cabin: Occupancy Interior Oceanview Balcony 2 passengers, $ per person, one room 3-4 passengers, $ per person, one room Single supplement, One room $3,190 $3,260 $3,625 $2,530 $2,570 $2,740 Upon request Upon request Upon request
Payment deadlines Non-refundable deposit due - $600 at time of booking Final balance due October 15, 2017 - $TBD Includes: -Airfare -Airport transfers in San Juan -Hotel in Puerto Rico (2 nights) -Accommodations Ship Cabin based on two travelers per room ocean view - Note*Cheaper accommodations with 4 per cabin upon request or interior with no view. Based on availability at time of booking. -Cruise taxes, fees and port expenses. -Transportation -Guide(s) on ship -Gratuities for driver and guide(s) -Tours/Technical Visits -Meals as indicated on itinerary, note*ship meals are open dining B= Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner Not Included: -Meals not shown on itinerary -Gratuities on ship (optional, suggested $95 per person). --Airline baggage American Airlines, $25 1st bag, $35 2nd bag (Recommend to take one bag and a carry on). -Baggage handling ship (requested $1 per bag) -Cost of valid U.S. passport -Travel insurance (optional) -Airline seat upgrades -Excess baggage fees -Souvenirs -Leisure activities during free times -Hotel charges for incidentals, including telephone calls, pay per view movies, mini bars, and snack trays, personal laundry, room service, and hotel penalties for smoking in hotel rooms.