West
Chester University Alumni Travel Program 
PA SSHE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS TRAVEL PROGRAM
"Tulips & Windmills" Cruise on Viking Spirit
April 7-17, 2009
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Holland's floral splendor only happens in the springtime. Come see the rainbow of colors, and visit two of Belgium's most beautifully preserved medieval cities for the ultimate 10-day spring vacation in the Low Countries. Explore Amsterdam's cosmopolitan atmosphere and world-famous museums. Experience Belgium's Golden Age in Antwerp's Steen Castle and the lovely patrician city of Brugge. Learn more about Holland's age-old battle against the sea with tours of ingenious windmills and the massive Delta Works project. Plus, enjoy savory Dutch cheeses, delectable Belgian chocolates and Belgium's exquisite, intricate lace on this delightful vacation.
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PORT |
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April 7 |
United States |
Depart U.S. on overnight flight to Amsterdam |
April 8 |
Amsterdam |
Arrive in Amsterdam.  We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to get acquainted with this canal-laced city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D) |
April 9 |
Amsterdam |
After breakfast, embark on a canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city's Golden Age. Then, visit the Van Gogh Museum, featuring works by the artist and his contemporaries. After lunch aboard, take free time to visit the Anne Frank House or explore the city—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard; evening departure. (B, L, D) |
April 10 |
Hoorn & Volendam |
This morning features a guided walk through Hoorn's cobbled streets. See age-old cheese  warehouses and the Westfries Museum on the town's main square. Free time before returning aboard for lunch. Cruise to Volendam, a quaint fishing village where fishermen still dress in traditional costume. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit a local bakery and shop for souvenirs. Depart during dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D) |
April 11 |
Arnhem & Nijmegen |
After early arrival in Arnhem, take a journey to 17th-century Paleis Het Loo,† for 300 years the  Dutch royal family's summer residence. Take a guided tour through its sumptuously furnished rooms and stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens. After lunch aboard, enjoy free time, or join the optional battlefield tour that also visits the Airborne Museum. Cruise through dinner to Nijmegen, one of Holland's oldest cities, where you have a free evening. (B, L, D) |
April 12 |
Dordecht |
Arrive this morning in Dordrecht, then take a journey to Kinderdijk to see its 18th-century system of windmills.  Tour a working windmill at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch aboard. During afternoon free time, discover Dordrecht's Old Quarter, city gate and 14th-century church. Depart midafternoon; dine aboard. (B, L, D) |
April 13 |
Antwerp |
Wake up in Antwerp and enjoy a half-day city tour featuring Cathedral of Our Lady  with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens; the Grote Markt (Grand Square) surrounded by the Golden Age Town Hall and guild halls, and Het Steen (Steen Castle), Antwerp's oldest building. You have afternoon free time before dining aboard; sail tonight for Ghent. (B, L, D) |
April 14 |
Brugge |
From Ghent, travel to Brugge, one of the oldest towns in Flanders. Your city walk visits the Church of Our Lady, with its famous  Madonna and Child sculpted by Michelangelo. Also see the Beguinage , a hidden courtyard inhabited by nuns, and the town's scenic network of canals. Stay in Brugge for lunch on your own or lunch aboard. Depart Ghent this evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D) |
April 15 |
Middleburg, Delta Works & Rotterdam |
Your day begins with a walk through Middelburg. From here, travel to Neeltje Jans Expo to learn more about how the  Delta Works protect Holland from the sea. See the hydraulic lock system and walk along the massive dam. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. Arrive this evening in Rotterdam; rebuilt after much World War II destruction, it is the world's second largest port. Your evening is at leisure; dinner aboard. (B, L, D) |
April 16 |
Amsterdam |
 After breakfast, take a journey to picturesque Keukenhof Gardens, the world's largest floral park. Admire the stunning floral beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits of millions of vibrant blooms including tulips, hyacinths, croci and daffodils. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to discover Amsterdam's hidden treasures. You may choose to explore Museum Square, take a bike ride, or shop for colorful clogs and tulip bulbs. Dinner is served aboard, followed by free time to enjoy Amsterdam's night life. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D) |
April 17 |
Amsterdam |
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)  |
PRICING
Category A |
Category B |
Category C |
Category D |
Category E |
Deadline |
$3,419 |
$3,344 |
$3,169 |
$2,994 |
$2,519 |
Pay in full by December 15, 2008 |
Prices are per person, CRUISE ONLY and include port charges and taxes (subject to change until final payment is received). Please call for airfare price. A $500 per person deposit is required to hold your space. BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST CABIN AVAILABILITY! |
The best way to discover the heart of Europe is to travel along its great rivers. And there is no better way to do it than aboard the deluxe Viking Spirit. Stroll the decks at sunset, linger in an elegant lounge, take in the splendor of Europe's breathtaking scenery from panoramic windows in our elegantly appointed public areas, or from the privacy of your stateroom. The ships' staterooms feature hotel-style beds, some with large picture windows that open. Carrying a maximum of 150 passengers, the Viking Spirit offers an intimate atmosphere where passengers can really get to know fellow vacationers.
Viking Spirit Features 
- Sun Deck with 360-degree views
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Souvenir shop
- Library
- Internet station
- 75 comfortable outside staterooms
- Walk-around, open air Promenade Deck
Fine Dining
Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections including eggs, cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Or maybe you prefer a made-to-order hot dish like an omelet or pancakes. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary—from Dutch cheeses to Austrian wine. It is all part of experiencing the local culture.
Staterooms
- Staterooms: 75 (63 deluxe, 12 standard)
- Deluxe Stateroom: (Cat A, B, C, D) 154 sq. ft.
- Standard Stateroom (Cat E) 120 sq. ft
- All staterooms are outside with river view
- Category A and B have large windows that open
- Category C and D have large windows that cannot be opened
- Category E has half-height picture window that cannot be opened
- Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
- Standard staterooms have a Pullman bed and a sofa bed
- All beds are equipped with a feather duvet (or hypoallergenic substitute on request)
- Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two post cards.
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The Daily Program for the following day will be delivered each evening to your room.
 
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For information and reservations, call Christie (ext. 107) or Craig (ext. 103) at Cruisin'
610-341-1979 or 800-506-7447 |
Cruisin' (Alumni Vacations) is not responsible for any rate and/or availability changes and we reserve the right to correct any errors.
Responsibility Clause and Disclaimer of Liability
Cruisin' Inc., and the State System of Higher Education and its 14 institutions, its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively "Cruisin'") does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, cruise, airline, bus or other transportation companies or conveyances, lodging, restaurant or entertainment facilities, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Cruisin' is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any third party. Without limitation, Cruisin' is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force nature, adverse weather conditions, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, problems of any kind while aboard vessels or other conveyances or in hotels or otherwise, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Cruisin'.
Arbitration Provision
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to this Responsibility Clause and Disclaimer of Liability, to this contract, to 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 Court of Common Pleas, County of Delaware, State of Pennsylvania in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent. In any such proceeding, the substantive law of Pennsylvania will apply. |
