Arabian nEGULF VOYAGE Aboard the Island Sky / November 29–December 10, 2009
William Rugh, Andrea Rugh & John Swanson
(FROM PMS 357)
Featuring Middle East experts
100% K
WHITE
nE
study leaders William Rugh, who teaches public diplomacy at Tufts University, was U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates 1992–1995.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Andrea Rugh, an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute, is an anthropologist, writer, and independent consultant on family and social life in the Middle East. John Swanson is associate provost and director of the core curriculum for special academic programs at the American University in Cairo.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” —Mark Twain
Dear traveler, Take Mark Twain’s words to heart and join an exceptional cruise adventure aboard the Island Sky. Discover Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar, each rich in history, culture, and traditions—exciting, unfamiliar, and mysterious—that differ greatly from our own. A team of study leaders will provide multiple and complementary perspectives on this dynamic region, which found itself abruptly jolted out of obscurity and onto the world stage following the discovery of oil in the 1930s. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to look behind the veil—you will never forget what you see!
You will be joined by travelers from the Smithsonian, American Museum of Natural History, Washington & Lee University, and Columbia University. Space is limited.
William Rugh “Few Americans have visited, or know much about, the Middle East countries that dominate the headlines. The economic boom in Dubai has been reported widely in the media; the largest share of the world’s exported oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz; and the countries and cultures of the United Arab Emirates and Oman have existed for centuries, but their history remains largely unknown in the West. As we explore the history, politics, and economics of the Persian/Arabian Gulf countries, we will come to better understand how the people of this region view the United States, and how and why American policymakers and businesspeople have become increasingly involved with them.”
To make your reservation, please call (800) 395-3288. Or visit www.hcptravel.com or contact your professional travel advisor.
Photography Dunes (© rrruss - Fotolia.com); Jumeirah Mosque (© Punchstock); Small photos (© iStockphoto.com / Gez Browning; © iStockphoto.com / Kelly C; © iStockphoto.com / Lingbeek; © iStockphoto.com / Paul Cowan; © iStockphoto.com / Alexander Hafemann; © iStockphoto.com / Antonio Dalbore; © iStockphoto.com / Fong Cheng Lim; © Ekaterina Pokrovskaya / Dreamstime.com)
Traditional Arabian coffee pot
Andrea Rugh “First-time visitors are usually struck by the friendliness and propriety of the local people. During this voyage, we will explore tribalism (which some have called as close to an indigenous form of democracy as exists)—how tribal society works, the role of tribal women, and the way the tribal vision is translated into everyday life. We will take a look at what remains of the tribal way of life, and what has changed with oil wealth and modernization. And we will talk about how local women have played a significant role in the history of the Gulf countries, and how their very ‘invisibility’ has enhanced their political power.”
John Swanson “My first experience in the Gulf States left me amazed, for they were unlike anywhere else I had, or have, ever been. The Gulf States share a heritage of commerce, culture, and art that stretches back five thousand years. You will see this heritage everywhere—in traditional ships at anchor in the port of Muscat; in modern mosques that are powerful symbols for countries striving to reconcile Muslim tradition with Muslim modernity; in cities competing to be among the most important financial, cultural, and architectural centers in the world. In my lectures, I will illustrate the many ways that past and present intersect in the Gulf States, pointing the way to an uncertain but strategically vital future.”
When you go November 29–30 / U.S. / Dubai UAE December 1 / Dubai 2 / Dubai / Sharjah / Dubai (Embark) 3 / Abu Dhabi 4 / At Sea 5 / Manama B A HR A I N 6 / Doha Q ATA R 7 / Ras al-Khaimah UAE 8 / Khasab, Musandam Peninsula OMAN 9 / Muscat 10 / Muscat (Disembark) / U.S.
What you see Gold and spice souks, Ski Dubai—the only indoor ski slope in the Middle East, Sharjah Wildlife Center, Zayed University for women, archaeology museums, mosques, rare Qu’ranic manuscripts, falcon market, I.M. Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art, sand dunes and oases, Muscat’s famous Muttrah Souk, 16th-century Jelali Fortress, palace of Sultan Qaboos, artifacts from the Dilmun civilization Burj Al Arab
What you do Take a four-wheel-drive desert safari, sail on wooden dhows through Omani fjords, cross Dubai Creek in abras (water taxis), talk with University students, enter the majestic Grand Mosque—the only Omani mosque that allows non-Muslims inside, have your hands painted with henna, smoke a shisha (water pipe), snorkel near a coral reef
Sand dune safari
where you go U. S . / DUB A I , UA E
Sunday & Monday, November 29 & 30 Depart New York on Sunday on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently, for Dubai. Arrive late Monday evening and check in to The Palace, The Old Town Hotel. Tuesday, December 1 After a tour of the Dubai Museum, cross Dubai Creek by abra (water taxi) to visit the gold and spice souks. In the afternoon, visit Ski Dubai, the only indoor ski slope in the Middle East, and enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Burj Al Arab before returning to the hotel for a welcome reception and dinner. ( B, L , R , D) D U BA I
D U BA I / SHA RJAH / D UB AI ( EMB ARK)
Wednesday, December 2 Travel to the emirate of Sharjah to visit the Wildlife Center, where native species such as Rueppell’s sand foxes, Egyptian fruit bats, and Arabian oryxes are protected in their natural habitats. In the afternoon, tour the outstanding Sharjah Archaeology Museum before embarking the Island Sky. (B,L, D) Thursday, December 3 In Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, meet with some of the remarkable women students at Zayed University and discuss their vision for their country’s future. At the renowned Emirates Palace Hotel, see plans by four architects for turning Abu Dhabi into one of the world’s new cultural capitals, AB U DH AB I
BAHRAIN
Friday, December 4 The Island Sky cruises the Arabian Gulf toward Bahrain. (B ,L, D) AT S E A
Saturday, December 5 Manama, the capital of Bahrain, was once a center of trade between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Visit Al Fateh Grand Mosque and the National Museum, known for its rich collection of artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization. Also admire rare Qu’ranic manuscripts at the Beit al Qu’ran, an exceptional institution dedicated to promoting the understanding of Islam. In the nearby town of A’ali, view an interesting mix of modern family homes and ancient massive tombs. (B ,L, D) M ANA MA, B A HR AIN
Sunday, December 6 Experience the traditions of daily life in Doha, the capital of Qatar, as you visit a falcon market in the beautifully restored old souk and walk along the lovely seafront Corniche. Also visit the headquarters of Al Jazeera television network and, after a lunch of Arabian specialties, tour the new Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei. (B ,L, D) DOH A, QATAR
AT S E A / R AS AL-K HAI MA H, UA E
Monday, December 7 Enjoy a morning at sea en route to the
emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. There, take a desert safari in four-wheel-drive vehicles to view a magnificent landscape of red sand dunes, the steep Hajar Mountains, and palm-filled oases. (B ,L, D) KH ASAB , MUSAN DAM PE N I N S U L A ,
Tuesday, December 8 Oman’s Musandam province, separated from the rest of Oman by steep mountains, is a region of fjords and small villages and one of the Gulf States’ last wilderness areas. Board a traditional wooden dhow to explore scenic inlets, and snorkel near a coral reef to view butterfly fish, groupers, and even dolphins. (B ,L, D) OMAN / AT SEA
Wednesday, December 9 Disembark the ship for a tour of the majestic Grand Mosque, the only mosque in Oman that allows non-Muslims to enter. Then explore the famous Muttrah Souk, an exotic, fragrant treasure chest filled with gold and silver, antiques, frankincense, clothing, toys, and spices. After lunch, enjoy a city tour that includes views of the 16th-century Jelali Fortress and the palace of Sultan Qaboos. At the Bait alZubair Museum, admire a comprehensive collection of Omani art and artifacts. Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner aboard ship. (B ,L, D) MUSC AT
MUSC AT ( DISEMB A R K) / U. S .
Thursday, December 10 Early this morning disembark the Island Sky and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B )
SHIP LAND
MANAMA
Want more?
AIR
Q ATA R DOHA
including a new Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel’s Louvre Abu Dhabi, a spectacular maritime museum by Tadao Ando, and a performing arts center by Zaha Hadid. Also visit the new Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a dazzling construction of white marble, golf leaf, semi-precious stones, crystals, and ceramic tiles. (B ,L, D)
ARABIAN GULF
KHASAB / MUSANDAM PENINSULA
RAS ALKHAIMAH DUBAI ABU DHABI
SHARJAH GULF OF OMAN
UAE MUSCAT
OMAN
Join an optional post-tour extension on December 10–12 to explore Oman’s charming villages: the lively cattle and goat market in Nizwa; the mud-brick hamlet of Al Hamrah; World Heritage–listed Bahla, famous for its fort and its pottery; and pretty Birkat Al Mauz, set in the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) and surrounded by dense date plantations. Extension rates: $2,295 per person, double occupancy; $2, 990 per person, single occupancy.
Superior Suite Spa/pool area, Erikson Deck
island sky
What it costs Book by April 15 and save $1,000 per cabin!
The all-suite Island Sky offers exceptionally spacious and well-designed cabins. Wood paneling and brass fittings throughout the vessel create the ambiance of a private yacht. All suites, ranging in size from 216 to 306 square feet, have outside views with portholes, large picture windows, or patio doors leading to a private balcony. Each luxurious suite has a sitting area, private bathroom, large wardrobes, mini-fridge, and telephone. The airy and finely decorated public areas include a lounge, elegant bar, library, spa with Jacuzzi, and a dining room that accommodates all guests at a single seating for meals featuring delicious international cuisine. The ship’s sun deck invites a leisurely stroll, and an outdoor café and bar area offer an ideal spot for relaxing and socializing. The ship is air-conditioned throughout and there is an elevator between decks. The Island Sky is limited to 116 passengers, who enjoy a level of personal service and attention not found aboard larger cruise vessels.
Per person
Double
Single*
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Standard Suite forward $8,790
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Standard Suite
$9,090
$13,635
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Superior Suite
$9,790
$14,685
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Premium Suite
$10,590
$15,885
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Corner Suite
$11,090
—
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Deluxe Balcony Suite
$11,790
—
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Owner’s Balcony Suite $12,590
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*Special Offer for Single Travelers Do you need a roommate? We will try to find a share for you and you will be charged the per person double occupancy rate even if no roommate is found.
What you get
Airfare Round-trip airfare between New York
Two nights at The Palace, The Old Town Hotel, in Dubai / Eight nights aboard the Island Sky / 28 meals (10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners) / Welcome reception with alcoholic beverages, and welcome and farewell dinners with wine / Comprehensive program of lectures, excursions, and special events / Complete packet of pre-departure information including suggested reading list and luggage tags / Transfers to and from airports for those participating in or meeting group flights / Baggage handling for one bag plus one carry-on bag per person while on tour / Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, and waiters for all group activities, and to ship’s crew / Port charges / All on-tour transportation / Bottled water on coaches during excursions / State-of-the-art headsets for clear reception of expert commentary during excursions
and Dubai, with return from Muscat, is not included in the program rates. As of December 2008, economy-class airfare is estimated at $1,790 (subject to change). We are happy to assist you with making your air travel arrangements. Potential Fuel Surcharge Published prices do not include allowances to cover increases in fuel costs that may occur. Please be aware that, while every effort is made to keep program costs as low as possible, the volatile nature of oil prices may make it necessary to assess a fuel
E X P L O R ER DECK
603
601
604
602
surcharge. We appreciate your understanding.
SUN DECK
COLUMBUS DECK
E R I K S O N DECK
512 510 508 506
347 345 343 341 339 BRIDGE
511 509 507 505 SPA / POOL
335 333 331 329
LOUNGE 348 346 344 342 340338336 334 332 330
429
427 425 423 421
419 417
415
430
428 426 424 422 420 418 416
414
LIBRARY
RESTAURANT
MAGELLAN DECK
M A R C O POLO DECK
261 259 257 255
DOCTOR
262 260 258 256 254 252 250
Terms & Conditions Not Included Not Included U.S. domestic and international airfare / Passport and visa fees / Immunization costs / Airport security fees imposed by the government or airlines / Meals and beverages, including alcohol and wine, not specified as included / Transfers for those not participating in or meeting group flights / Excess baggage charges / Baggage and cancellation insurance / Personal items such as laundry, telephone, fax, and email charges, gratuities for non-group services, and other items not specified as included
Arabian GULF VOYAGE Please mail your completed reservation form and deposit to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107; or call (800) 395-3288. Or contact your professional travel advisor.
Reservations & Payments A deposit of $1,000 per person (payable to High Country Passage) is required to confirm all reservations. Please mail the check to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107. Final payment deadline is August 1, 2009,
What you pay
Cancellations & Refunds Deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by High Country Passage within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% non-refundable. Cancellations after final payment deadline: 100% penalty. All
Percancellations person Double Single must be made in writing. $7,990
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Itinerary, Program, & Cost Modifications The itinerary, as contained
this brochure, to modifications and change by High ● inStandard Suite is subject$8,290 $11,590
Country Passage. Every effort will be made to carry out this program
● as Superior Suite —after the final itinerary is planned, but alterations$8,990 may still occur
sent. Costs, although given in good faith and based on information
● Premium Suite
$9,790
$13,690
available upon publication of the brochure, are also subject to change
● and Corner SuiteDue to fluctuations $10,290 — a fuel surcharge may revision. in oil prices,
be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to
● Deluxe Balcony Suite
$10,990
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● Owner’s Balcony Suite
$11,790
—
your departure.
__________________________________________________ Name 1 (as on passport)
120 days prior to departure.
● Standard Suite forward
Contact Information (please print)
Insurance Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is highly recommended and should be considered for your financial protection.
Round-trip airfare between New York and insurance and emergency Another important consideration is medical Dubai, withevacuation return from Muscat,Aiscomprehensive not included package will be medical coverage. in the program rates. As upon of XXXX, 2008, made available to you receipt of your initial deposit. Early economy class estimated $XXXX medical conditions. purchase willairfare provideiscoverage of at pre-existing (subject to change). Our tour operator is happy to assist you with should makingbe your air travel Health All participants in good health and capable of arrangements. walking over rough terrain. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or
Business-class travelers can enjoy special other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/ savings ofor upother to XXX off published businessherself passengers. class fares. To take advantage of these reduced rates, please inquire byCountry XXXX, Passage 2008. (HCP) acts only as an agent Responsibility High for the suppliers and contractors providing transportation and/or all
Potential Fuel Surcharge: Published prices other travel-related services and assume nodo responsibility howsoever notcaused includefor allowances to cover increases personal injury, or for personalin or property loss or fueldamage, costs that may occur.with Please aware that, in connection any be service. Additionally, responsibility is notevery accepted forislosses due to sickness, weather, strikes, while effort madeor toexpenses keep program terrorism, wars, or otherthe such causes. HCP reserves the right to make costs as low as possible, volatile nature of changes to the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, oil prices may make it necessary to assess a fuel conditions or if they it necessary for the comfort, surcharge. Wewarrant, appreciate yourdeem understanding. convenience, or safety of the tour. Occasionally, unforeseen changes in transportation schedules or other pressing matters necessitate a change in the land portion of the tour or cause a tour to be extended beyond its scheduled completion; any extra costs incurred in such cases are the responsibility of the passenger. HCP reserves the right at their discretion to alter, change, omit, and/or feature any part of the itinerary or any reservation, conveyance, or routing at any time and without notice and for any reason whatsoever without allowance of refund. HCP also reserves the right to decline or accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any person to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by their representative to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant. HCP reserves the right to withdraw without penalty any tour announced. Personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. Printed on recycled paper • CST #2070901-40 • 091129 DMI HCP
__________________________________________________ Name 2 (as on passport)
__________________________________________________ address
___________________________________ ____ _________ city
state
zip
________________ ________________ ________________ phone (home)
(work)
(cell)
________________ __________________________________ fax
Payment ❑ Enclosed is a check for $ _________ ($1,000 per person), payable to High Country Passage, for ___ space(s) on the Arabian Gulf study tour. OR ❑ Please charge my deposit of $ _________ ($1,000 per person) to the following credit card: ❑ MasterCard ❑ VISA ❑ American Express ________________________________ _________ _______ card no.
exp. date
sec. code
____________________ _____________________ _______ signature
name (as on card)
date
Accommodations Cabin category preference (refer to deck plan): ________________________ _________________________ 1st choice
2nd choice
Bed preference (not guaranteed): ❑ One bed ❑ Two beds Single Applicants Only ❑ I prefer single accommodations. ❑ I plan to share accommodations with: __________________. ❑ Please arrange a share for me. I am a ❑ smoker ❑ non-smoker. We will try to find a share for you and you will be charged the double occupancy rate even if no roommate is found. Acceptance of Terms I/We have read the program information and the Terms and Conditions in this brochure and agree to the terms as stated therein. ________________________________ _________________ signature
date
________________________________ _________________ signature
date
CMYK (FROM PMS 357)
A Arabian GULF VOYAGEG 100% K
500 Third Street, Suite 455 San Francisco, CA 94107 www.hcptravel.com
Book by
April 15
& save
$1,000 per cabin!
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Featuring Middle East experts
William Rugh, Andrea Rugh & John Swanson
“Educationally, this was the most extraordinary trip I have ever taken. Quite fabulous!” —2007 Arabian Gulf traveler
Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai