Open to alumni UBC and friends ARABIAN GULF CRUISE NOVEMBER 28 DECEMBER 10, 2019 Explore the fascinating Arabian Gulf in boutique-style and comfort on board the 686-passenger Azamara Quest with exclusive shore excursions just for our group! Start in Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers and palm-shaped islands. Known for its innovation and indefatigable energy, the city bustles with a mix of cultures from all over the world. Get the view from the worlds tallest building, explore the labyrinthine lanes of the heritage Bastakia Quarter and marvel at the exotic gold souks overflowing with every kind of jewelry imaginable. Shore excursions create many different experiences; all excursions are exclusive to our group and accompanied by study leader Paula Swart and our local guide. The short sailing distances allow for extended excursions at each port (with two full days in both Muscat and Abu Dhabi) with plenty of time to get out and explore. In Muscat visit the elegant Al Bustan Palace and the souqs of the historic centre and venture further afield to the 17th century forts of Nizwa. In Bahrain, learn about the 3rd millennium BC Dilmun civilization and the history of pearl diving. In Doha, wander the atmospheric Souq Waqif, visit the world-class Museum of Islamic Arts, and travel to the Al Zubarah Fort. Architecture and art lovers take note: you ll have the chance to visit eight great Middle East museums. The UAE boasts the largest cluster of cultural buildings of the 21st century including the much anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, inspired by the region s ancient wind-towers and the astounding Norman Foster-designed Zayed National Museum. The scenery is splendid, the excursions fascinating, and comforts on board delightful. It all makes for an exhilarating experience come on board! TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:
WHY TRAVEL WITH THE ALUMNI UBC TRAVEL CLUB? Visit Muscat s ancient forts Wander the dazzling gold and spice souks Tour the masterpieces of modern architecture Enjoy exclusive, private, shore excursions ALUMNI UBC HOST Paula Swart is a museum curator and expert on Asian culture and history. Paula has degrees in Sinology, Asian art history, Chinese history, and archaeology and has published several books and numerous articles on the art and architecture of Asian cultures. Paula is a lecturer at the University of British Columbia and has recently been teaching courses on UNESCO World Heritage sites at the UBC Summer Institute and the University of Victoria.
DETAILED ITINERARY Muttrah Souq Thursday, Nov. 28: Arrive in Dubai, UAE Participants will be met on arrival in Dubai and transferred to our central hotel. Get together this evening for a briefing and cocktails. Overnight: Dubai Friday, Nov. 29: Embark the ship in Dubai Dubai is a city unlike any other in the world. What was once an endless desert is now home to many triumphs of modern technology, including the world s first underwater hotel, the world s tallest building, and the iconic Burj Al Arab. Get an overview of the city today before embarking the Azamara Quest in the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Saturday, Nov. 30: Khor Al Fakkan, UAE The ship is docked from 8:00AM to 5:00PM today with time to explore independently the Creek of Two Jaws. Khor Al Fakkan sits on its namesake bay on the eastern coast of the UAE. Stroll the white-sand beach and snorkel around the coral reefs teeming with wildlife. Sunday, Dec. 1: Muscat, Oman The ship is docked for two full days in Muscat. Today, journey back to the Middle Ages on an adventure that leads to Oman s most historic fortresses. Drive to the town of Nizwa with its lively souq and enter the gates of Nizwa Fort. Built in the 17th-century, this is one of the most impressive tower forts in the Middle East, built to withstand the vibrations of 24 thundering cannons. Stand at the top for sweeping views of the surrounding plains. Next, head to Jabrin Fort, a spectacular castle which remains remarkably well preserved. Marvel at the exquisite hand-painted ceilings. Wonder at the inscriptions carved into the rock and discover secret passages where soldiers once hid, on this day filled with Omani mystery and majesty. Muttrah district of Muscat Monday, Dec. 2: Muscat, Oman This morning discover the rich history, vibrant people, and regal monuments of Muscat, travelling through elegant neighborhoods to the majestic Grand Mosque, the pride and joy of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and a stunning tribute to Islamic heritage. Continue to the perpetually buzzing Muttrah Souq, where the fragrance of Omani spices fills the air and merchants sell everything from jewelry to traditional Omani daggers. Visit the private museum of His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair, a treasure trove of historic weaponry, books, photos, artwork, clothing and jewelry that chronicle the Omani culture. Wind along the coastal road and pass through a charming fishing village en route to Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos. The palace, adorned in rich hues of blue and gold, is a striking marriage of oriental and occidental styles. The afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring independently. Tuesday, Dec. 3: At Sea Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room. Wednesday, Dec. 4: Al Manamah, Bahrain The ship is docked from 8:00AM to 8:00PM today with plenty of time to explore the capital city of Bahrain. This former pearl trading center boasts one of the world s largest mosques, and a picturesque seaside promenade. We ll visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque to admire the gorgeous architecture and design of this prayer sanctuary, one of the largest mosques in the world. Afterwards, spend time exploring the Bahrain National Museum; its exhibits highlight archeology, life before the discovery of oil and present culture. Bahrain Fort continues the archeological exploration in this region with an understanding of the Dilmun civilization that once inhabited the area, plus five other strata of archeological findings.
Thursday, Dec. 5 : Doha, Qatar The ship is docked from 7:00AM to 8:00PM today. Our excursion today showcases Qatar s unique history and rich traditions. Discover the nation s perilous pearl diving days with a trip to Al Khor Harbor. Here, not long ago, brave divers would risk life and limb on a single breath in the hopes of raising the sea s prized jewel. Continue to the mangrove forests of Al Thakira. Explore the ruins of the Zubara Fort, an ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site that s still under excavation today. Tour the site for a fascinating look at archeology in action. End the day in vibrant fashion with a stroll down the narrow alleys of Souq Waqif, a traditional arts and crafts marketplace remaining on the Gulf. Friday, Dec. 6: Sir Bani Yas, UAE The ship is moored from 9AM to 6PM today. We ll visit the eastern side of Sir Bani Island to see the on-going archaeological excavations uncovering the only early Christian site in the emirates. Saturday, Dec. 7: Abu Dhabi, UAE We have two full days to explore here. Start our visit at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world s most elaborate places of worship and a jaw-dropping example of Contemporary Islamic Architecture. Boasting over 80 domes and four 350-foot-high minarets, the Grand Mosque gleams with more than 100,000 tons of white marble rising brilliantly above manicured gardens. Inside, you ll witness the world s largest loomed carpet, which spreads out an astonishing 60,570 square feet, as well as seven grand chandeliers adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals and shining with 24-carat galvanized gold. Marvel at the sheer size and scope of this masterpiece, capable of accommodating more than 40,000 faithful, and learn about the royal inspiration behind its construction. Your excursion also includes a panoramic drive through the streets of Abu Dhabi for a look at the city s other architectural wonders and cultural icons. Sheikh Zayed Mosque Spice souq Sunday, Dec. 8: Abu Dhabi, UAE Today is yours to explore independently; discover Abu Dhabi at your leisure with a full-day ticket aboard the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus. Travel the city s main thoroughfares as a headset provides fun facts and fascinating insight in your choice of languages. Take in views from the open upper deck and hop off whenever you re ready to go exploring. Stay as long as you like. Busses run every 30 minutes, so you re never kept waiting. Explore rustic artisan shops at Heritage Village or peruse one of Abu Dhabi s gleaming fashion malls. Hit the beach. Pop into a local restaurant or bar. Take the free shuttle to Yas Island for some fast-paced fun at a Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Meals: Breakfast Monday, Dec. 9: Dubai, UAE We arrive back in Dubai early this morning. Experience the most impressive landmarks of a city well known for its unapologetic excess. Begin on Palm Jumeirah, a manmade island shaped like a collection of palm trees lying atop the blue waters of the Persian Gulf. This mindboggling display of urban engineering added nearly 40 miles of beaches to Dubai. Continue to the heart of downtown to explore the Souk Al Bahar, a sprawling collection of shops and restaurants that mingle high fashion with Dubai s rich Arabian heritage. Take a high-speed elevator to the 124th floor of the world s tallest building, where an outdoor observation deck gives you Dubai as far as the eye can see. Tuesday, Dec. 10: Dubai This morning you are transferred to the airport for homeward bound flights. Please note: While Azamara does its best to adhere to published itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the captain due to weather advisories, port traffic, and any other unforeseeable circumstances.
Old Muscat TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): Approx. C$5995, based on Interior Category 11 Stateroom Port fees and taxes: C$199 Upgrade to Oceanview Category 06: C$500 per person Upgrade to Veranda Category V3: C$1300 per person Single supplement: 200% Single Supplement: owing to the very limited availability, we cannot guarantee single accommodations. Group Size: Minimum 16 participants What s Included: Accommodation based on double occupancy in selected cabin category Private guided excursions for our group as indicated in the itinerary including entrance fees Meals as specified in the itinerary Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas Self-service laundry Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available Gratuities for guided excursions Gratuities for shipboard staff Fully escorted by Paula Swart Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home Fuel surcharges Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Visas for Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of C$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second payment of C$1000 is due six months prior to departure. Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest. 1-800-387-1483 Updated June 29, 2018
WHAT TO EXPECT Joining Instructions This tour begins with our briefing and cocktails at our Dubai hotel on November 28th. Please ensure that you arrive in Dubai by 4PM to join the group. All travellers arriving on the start date of the tour will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This transfer is included in the cost of the tour. When you book the designated pre-trip accommodation with Worldwide Quest, your transfer from the airport to our group hotel on arrival is included. If you are making your own pretrip arrangements, this transfer can be provided at additional cost. The tour concludes with a single complimentary transfer from the ship to the airport on December 10th. Please contact us to verify timing of this transfer prior to making any flight arrangements. Level of Activity: Easy Excursions are suitable for all. Travel Documents You will require a passport for this cruise. Please make sure that it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. At the time of writing, Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for the United Arab Emirates. Visas are required for Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. We will send you instructions for obtaining this visa prior to departure. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are nonrefundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are nonrefundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: 2667946 The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.
OUR VESSEL We re on board the 686-passenger Azamara Quest; the smaller ship size lets us dock in ports where other ships can t, eliminating those long drives for shore excursions. The ship is fresh from major enhancements (2016), presenting stylish staterooms, a blissful spa, and a choice of dining options. Select standard spirits, international beers and a changing selection of red and white wine are all included in the price of your cruise. Onboard dining options include Aqualina (Italian Cuisine), Prime C (Steakhouse), The Wine Cellar, The Patio (Casual Dining and Snacks), Mosaic Café (Casual Dining and Snacks), and Chef s Table. Entertainment and Activities include the Cabaret Lounge, Casino & Spirits Bar, White Night Parties, and Enrichment programs. STATEROOM FEATURES: Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet Terry bathrobes and slippers 24-hour room service About Rose toiletries sophisticated luxury soaps and fine toiletries Welcome fruit basket at embarkation Fresh-cut flowers Tote bag Complimentary use of umbrella and binoculars Complimentary shoe-shine service Turndown treats Daily news bulletin
CLUB VERANDA STATEROOM 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq.m.) with sitting area plus veranda of 40 sq.ft. (3.8 sq.m.) CLUB OCEANVIEW STATEROOM 143 sq. ft (13.3 sq.m.) with window (some staterooms with sofa) CLUB INTERIOR STATEROOM 158 sq.ft. (14.7 sq.m.)