ABOARD THE CALEDONIAN SKY. March 3 to 20, a program of the stanford alumni association

ABOARD THE CALEDONIAN SKY March 3 to 20, 2019 a program of the stanford alumni association

Time spent in a tropical paradise is a welcome respite at the end of a wet and chilly winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It s especially welcome when combined with congenial fellow travelers, knowledgeable staff and enlightening talks from expert faculty. We are once again returning to the islands and atolls that comprise Micronesia with our longtime expedition partner, Zegrahm Expeditions. Widely known as one of the most pristine places for underwater activities, Micronesian waters teem with more than 1,300 species of tropical fish. Micronesia is also home to fabulous birds sporting a riot of brightly colored feathers and exhibiting equally colorful behaviors. We will wind our way from Papua New Guinea to Palau, exploring as we sail. We hope you ll join us! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY RAI STONE Highlights VISIT the famed archaeological site, Nan Madol, with its 92 man-made islands, on the island of Pohnpei. SNORKEL or dive nearly every day as we sail from one exquisite atoll to another in the Federated States of Micronesia. EXPLORE underwater the Ghost Fleet of nearly 50 sunken WWII Japanese warships and hundreds of sunken planes in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon. WATCH for Pacific golden-plovers, Chuuk monarchs, black noodies and many tropic seabirds on hikes and from the deck of our ship. COVER: DAMSELFISH, PALAU PALAU

Excellent staff, lectures and guides. I m glad I went with Stanford. HEATHER HUDSON, MA 69, PHD 74, TAHITI TO EASTER ISLAND, 2017 Stanford Faculty Leader STEPHEN PALUMBI has long been fascinated by how quickly the world around us changes, particularly in the oceans. His research projects have ranged from identifying whale and dolphin products that end up for sale in commercial markets to developing new methods of fishery and marine park design. About Micronesia, Palumbi says, I love the intersection there of worldliness and isolated charm; the people are hugely focused on the oceans culturally and economically, yet they re also part of the world stage. The work we do while jumping onto coral reefs around the world enables us to help preserve these amazing places for future generations. He s looking forward to traveling with us to Micronesia and discussing such topics as the cultural history of the Central Pacific; types of coral and how they mate, grow and defend themselves; bioluminescence; what Darwin discovered about the formation of atolls; and which reef fish sleep and where. Jane and Marshal Steel Jr. Professor in Marine Sciences, department of biology, Stanford University, since 2002 Senior fellow, Stanford s Woods Institute for the Environment, since 2011 Harold A. Miller Director of the Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, from 2008 to 2017; researcher since 2002 Co-author: The Extreme Life of the Sea, Princeton University Press, 2015; and The Death and Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival, Island Press, 2012 Participant in several t.v. series: The Big Ocean, PBS; The Future Is Wild, BBC; Life After People, History Channel; etc. Expedition Leaders Since 1990 Stanford Travel/Study has partnered with Zegrahm Expeditions to combine some of the world s most remote and remarkable destinations with expedition leaders and naturalists who are experts in their fields and passionate about the natural wonders we encounter. Joining Professor Palumbi on this expedition are expedition leader Michael Moore, marine biologist Jack Grove, social anthropologist Shirley Campbell, conservation biologist Rich Pagen and ornithologist Brent Stephenson. SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?micronesia2019 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093 CHUUK LAGOON

Koror REPUBLIC OF PALAU FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA Sorol Ngulu Ifalik Pulap Satawal Chuuk (Truk) South Pacific Island Equator Ocean Oroluk Nukuoro Pohnpei Kapingamarangi Optional Pre-trip Extension PAPUA NEW GUINEA HIGHLANDS FEBRUARY 25 TO MARCH 6 Itinerary and pricing details will be sent to confirmed travelers. INDONESIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA Tingwon Islands Rabaul Itinerary SUNDAY & MONDAY, MARCH 3 & 4 DEPART U.S. Board independent flights to Australia, losing a day crossing the international date line en route. TUESDAY, MARCH 5 CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA Arrive in Cairns today and transfer to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL (D) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 CAIRNS / RABAUL, PAPUA NEW GUINEA / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY Transfer to the airport after breakfast for an independent flight to Rabaul. Ringing Rabaul s dramatic flooded-caldera harbor are six cone-shaped volcanoes, some of which are still active. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in magnificent views from Observatory Ridge. Learn about the island s World War II history Rabaul was a Japanese stronghold under Admiral Yamamoto. Embark the Caledonian Sky and settle in to our suites. After dinner from Cairns onboard, attend a performance of the Baining tribe s amazing fire dance. Tribe members in huge, magnificently crafted masks leap and dance over crackling, redhot coals in a centuries-old ritual to honor the local deity-spirits. THURSDAY, MARCH 7 TINGWON ISLANDS Completely encircled by an oblong reef, this small group of islands is visited by very few passenger vessels. After landing on a sandy beach, we ll be met by the 350 inhabitants of charming Tingwon a picture-perfect village and enjoy their hospitality, local delicacies and dances. This afternoon snorkel or dive along the islets surrounding reef. FRIDAY, MARCH 8 AT SEA During a full day at sea, partake in our lecture program, learning about the Federated States of Micronesia, formerly the Caroline Islands, whose long colonial history includes administration by the U.S. after WWII. Many islands are so remote that the traditional villages are nearly untouched by tourism. Also, join naturalists on deck to search for tropical seabirds and marine mammals. SATURDAY, MARCH 9 KAPINGAMARANGI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA This morning, travel by Zodiac to the shores of remote Kapingamarangi for a tour of the small community there, where fishing and cultivating taro are the main industries. In the afternoon, snorkel in the lagoon over stunning coral gardens full of colorful reef fish including lionfish, pipefish and moray eels. Divers can venture via Zodiac to the edges of the reef, keeping an eye out for black-tipped reef sharks and other pelagic wildlife. SUNDAY, MARCH 10 NUKUORO ATOLL A chain of tiny islets encircling a sparkling, emerald lagoon, Nukuoro is one of the most stunning atolls in Micronesia. Meet with local inhabitants and wander through lush vegetation and gardens of taro, banana and breadfruit. Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the atoll before returning to our ship for an afternoon at sea. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D) MONDAY, MARCH 11 POHNPEI ISLAND Today, discover the many attractions of Pohnpei, a craggy volcanic island with dense rain forests of towering trees, elegant ferns, tumbling waterfalls and luxuriant moss. Hike along an upland nature trail on Pohnpei to search for the Pohnpei lorikeet, Micronesian pigeon and Pohnpei flycatcher or tour Pohnpei s famed archaeological site, Nan Madol, a National Historic Landmark, where we can explore some of the 92 megalithic manmade islands, once the residence of royalty and priests of the Saudeleurs from about the 12th to 15th centuries. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D) TUESDAY, MARCH 12 OROLUK ATOLL We spend today at Oroluk Atoll, whose sole inhabitants, a family of eight, will show us their gardens of hibiscuses, bananas and sweet potatoes. A short forest walk takes us past taro patches to a copra processing area. Beachcomb along the lovely shoreline, keeping an eye out for hawksbill and Pacific green sea turtle nests, while birders look for ruddy turnstones, black noddies,

CHUUK LAGOON white-tailed tropicbirds and Micronesian starlings. Snorkeling and diving along this classic atoll s ring of coral with only a few islets around its perimeter are superb, with the chance to spot blacktipped reef sharks and coral trout. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 CHUUK (TRUK) ISLAND One of the highlights of our expedition is our visit to Chuuk Lagoon, a world-renowned paradise for wreck divers. In 1944, American bombers sunk nearly 50 Japanese Imperial Navy vessels and more than 200 aircraft that were harbored here; the armada is visible today in an intriguing and vast museum-like underwater environment of unparalleled intrigue that s accessible to both divers and snorkelers. Nature has transformed these wrecks and their artifacts into an underwater wonderland, colonized by a mosaic of corals, sponges, anemones and sea fans and a haven for fish by the thousands. In addition, we can take Zodiacs to idyllic white-sand shores and dazzling coral reefs teeming with life, while birders search the islets for seabirds. THURSDAY, MARCH 14 PULAP ATOLL Arriving at Pulap Atoll, we visit the villages of Pulap and Tamatam, known for their skilled navigators whose expertise also shines as builders of long canoes made of breadfruit wood. Also note older canoes that are hand-sewn with traditional sennit and may feature the silhouette of a black frigatebird on the bow. With the chief s permission, wander at leisure through this traditional village. Snorkel, dive, beachcomb or sit under a palm tree to while away the afternoon by the islet s shallow aquamarine lagoon. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D) FRIDAY, MARCH 15 SATAWAL ISLAND Step ashore on Satawal Island and be met by the women of the village adorned in lava-lava skirts, their skin tinted by turmeric who have come to perform welcoming dances for us. The men of Satawal, famed for their mastery of ocean navigation without the use of instruments, still voyage among the islands of Micronesia in outrigger canoes, relying on the sun, stars and ocean swells to guide them. SATURDAY, MARCH 16 IFALIK ATOLL This tiny, classic, circular atoll, with only three islets, represents the most authentic aspects of the Federated States of Micronesia s traditional state, Yap. Its chiefs are intent upon maintaining cultural integrity motor-powered boats are banned within the lagoon, as are televisions in the village. The islanders live in thatched-roofed houses set under shady trees. After watching lyrical dances by grass-skirted women, wander and admire the island handicrafts, including unique fish hooks fashioned from golden-lipped pearl shells. In the afternoon choose to snorkel, dive, sail in one of the atoll s distinctive outrigger canoes or go birding with our ornithologist. SUNDAY, MARCH 17 SOROL ISLAND This afternoon, watch for green turtles as our Zodiacs zigzag through coral reefs and shallow sandbars en route to one of Sorol Island s white-sand beaches. Snorkel over a coral drop-off or enjoy a dive in deeper waters populated by large pelagic fish. Spend the afternoon at sea, cruising the South Pacific Ocean and enjoying the many amenities our ship has to offer. CALEDONIAN SKY (B,L,D) MONDAY, MARCH 18 NGULU ATOLL Today, stop at the large, stunning Ngulu Atoll, its ring-shaped lagoon bordered by tiny islets with swaying palm trees and beaches that offer a nesting ground to sea turtles. Go ashore to meet with the chief and the small number of villagers living here. Afterward, visit the nearby palm-dotted sandy islets for nature walks, birding, snorkeling and diving. Enjoy a festive farewell reception before dinner to celebrate our South Seas adventure. TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 & 20 KOROR, REPUBLIC OF PALAU / DISEMBARK / U.S. Disembark on Tuesday in Palau and check in to our hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and dinner before transferring to the airport for independent late evening flights. Arrive back in the U.S. the next day. PALAU ROYAL RESORT DAY ROOMS (3/19: B,L,D)

SUN DECK CATEGORY 3 CABIN Caledonian Sky Program Cost * The Caledonian Sky, formerly the Hebridean Spirit, is a 114-passenger premier expedition ship refurbished in 2012. All cabins have an ocean view, en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and/or bathtub, spacious wardrobe or walk-in closet, safe, mini-bar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, flat-screen television and sitting area with sofa. Twenty-three of the suites feature private balconies. The ship s amenities include a dining room, two lounges with bar service, library, small gym, sun deck with comfortable lounge chairs, hairdresser, laundry service and gift shop. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Caledonian Sky s chefs prepare quality international meals, predominantly Western-style, served in a single open seating. A friendly crew provides exceptional personalized service, with more than a 1:2 crew-to-passenger ratio. The ship features advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. BRIDGE DECK Outdoor Cafe PROMENADE DECK Salon Gym WC 433 431 434 432 Elevator Elevator 511 509 507 505 512 510 508 506 427 425 423 421 Bridge 419 417 415 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 Rates are per person, based on double or single occupancy, as specified. DOUBLE RATE SINGLE RATE** CATEGORY 1 $13,980 $17,480 Castle Deck, 244 sq. ft. with 2 portholes, shower CATEGORY 2 $15,180 $18,980 Caledonian Deck, 232 sq. ft. with large window, bathtub, shower (except #329, #330 and #331 shower only) CATEGORY 3 $16,780 Promenade Deck, 217 sq. ft. with large window, shower (except #431 and #432 with bathtub, shower) CATEGORY 4 $17,980 $22,480 Promenade Deck, 217 sq. ft. with sliding door to the Promenade Deck, shower CATEGORY 5 $19,680 Promenade Deck, 243 sq. ft. with sliding door to the Promenade Deck, shower CATEGORY 6 $22,380 Bridge Deck, 217 sq. ft. plus 60-sq.-ft. private balcony, sliding glass doors, walk-in wardrobe, shower, bathtub CALEDONIAN DECK CASTLE DECK Bar 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Castle Deck Caledonian Deck Lounge Reception Elevator 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person. **Single accommodations may be limited to as few as 2 cabins. Built: 1991 / Refurbished: 2012 / Weight: 4,200 tons / Length: 297 feet / Beam: 50 feet / Draft: 14 feet / Cruising Speed: 11 knots / Registry: Bahamas Restaurant 261 259 257 255 Doctor Elevator 262 260 258 256 254 252 250

Information Terms & Conditions DATES March 3 to 20, 2019 (18 days) SIZE This program can accommodate a total of 96 participants, including travelers from Stanford and Zegrahm Expeditions. Single accommodations are extremely limited; please call for availability. INCLUDED 1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations; use of hotel day rooms on 3/19 13-night cruise aboard the Caledonian Sky 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Gratuities to guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary 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 Air transportation, including the charter flight from Cairns to Rabaul 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 You are responsible for booking and purchasing all airfare for the program, including the charter flight from Cairns to Rabaul. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore. Onshore, you must be able to walk moderate distances, unaided, over varied terrain (e.g., uneven beaches or dirt streets and paths in small villages). Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s ( F) to the mid-80s, and sunshine and humidity create a very temperate atmosphere. 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 reserve space for this program. A $200-per-person deposit is required to hold space for the optional Papua New Guinea pre-trip extension. Sign up online at alumni. stanford.edu/trip?micronesia2019 or call the Travel/Study office at (650) 725-1093. 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. 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. You may choose to subscribe to optional trip-cancellation and baggage insurance. Information will be provided to travelers with their welcome materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of your participation on the trip. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members price. A person traveling as a paid guest of a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ membership or call (650) 725-0692. Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 EMAIL travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 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, motor coach, 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. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford 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 March 2018 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305-6105 (650) 725-1093 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association ABOARD THE CALEDONIAN SKY March 3 to 20, 2019 alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy The trip gave an excellent exposure to the topography, village life, marine and bird life of Micronesia. PAUL JONES, 71