001
002
003
Darwin’s
GALAPAGOS
Featuring a Private 7-night Cruise
Aboard the Yacht Isabela II
SEPTEMBER 4–14, 2011
WITH PRINCETON STUDY LEADER DAVID WILCOVE *85
004
Dear Princetonian,
Mention the Galápagos Islands, and someone will invariably bring up the giant tortoise or Darwin.
And although Charles Darwin’s visit to this idyllic archipelago aboard the H.M.S. Beagle brought
about a life’s scientific work, your voyage to these islands could be just as eye-opening. Join fellow
Princetonians to experience the flora and fauna of this wonderous place aboard the 40-berth
Isabela II, September 4-14, 2011.
Begin the Journey from Ecuador’s highlands with two nights in Quito, the world capital boasting the
highest altitude at 9,895 feet. Then fly some 600 miles off the coast to the Galápagos Islands.
Animal life varies from island to island, but likely encounters include sea lions, fur seals, marine
iguanas, sea turtles, and the Giant Tortoise, as well as a wealth of bird life such as
penguins, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos hawks, Darwin’s finches, Nazca
boobies, storm petrels and short-eared owls. At Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, visit the
highlands and then the Charles Darwin Research Station. Visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island for a
hike to Darwin Crater. And, on Bartolomé Island, hike past lava tubes and spatter cones and learn
about the volcanic origin of this archipelago.
Princeton travelers will share this exclusive charter of
Isabela II with those from The American Museum of
Natural History.
With space limited to only 35 participants, contact the
Princeton Journeys team today at (609) 258-8686
or [email protected] to book your space on this
special voyage.
Sincerely,
Margaret M. Miller ’80
Assistant Vice President for Alumni Affairs and
Director, Office of the Alumni Association
Princeton University
On the cover:
A Galápagos Tortoise enjoys a
snack.
Back cover:
Sea lion pups seem to smile for
the camera; Strolling along a
beach on Bartolomeo Island; Two
rare Waved Albatrosses enjoy
each others’ company.
This page:
A Blue-Footed Booby perches
precariously.
Our Study Leaders
David Wilcove *85, Professor of
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and
Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School,
will serve as Princeton study leader for
this program.
Appropriately bestowed a dual
appointment in the Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology department and the Woodrow Wilson
School, Professor Wilcove has long been poised at the
intersection of environmental science and policy. His
research focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and,
in particular, the development of innovative approaches
to protect endangered species, migratory species, and
wilderness. He has also studied the impacts of global
climate change on wildlife. Over the past decade, he has
undertaken a number of studies pertaining to imperiled
wildlife around the world. His most recent book, No
Way Home: The Decline of the World’s Great Animal
Migrations, was released in fall 2007. Prior to joining the
Princeton faculty in 2001, he served as senior ecologist
with the Environmental Defense Fund (1991-2001)
and The Wilderness Society (1986-1991). Professor
Wilcove graduated from Yale cum laude with distinction in
the major of biology and continued to receive his M.A. and
Ph.D. in that same field from Princeton.
As Senior Project Manager for
Exhibitions at the American Museum of
Natural History, Stephen C. Quinn
oversees all aspects of new diorama
creation—including field expeditions,
exhibit fabrication, and installation—
as well as diorama conservation and
restoration. He was a project leader
for the 1995 field expedition to the Central African
Republic, which resulted in the rain forest diorama in the
museum’s Hall of Biodiversity and was a project manager
for the 2003 renovation of the Milstein Hall of Ocean
Life. Mr. Quinn provided the illustrations for the 1994
book What Color is That Dinosaur? by Lowell Dingus, and
was co-author of Inside the Dzanga-Sangha Rain Forest
(1998) and author of Windows on Nature: The Great
Habitat Dioramas of the American Museum of Natural
History (2006). He has been a member of the Society
of Animal Artists since 1978 and a member of Artists for
Conservation since its founding.
At left, top to bottom:
Acacia Trees bloom brilliantly on the Galápagos; A Red-Footed Booby takes refuge in
the branches; Flamingos flock to Floreana Island; Marine Iguanas are found only on the
Galápagos.
Below, left to right: A sea lion and her pup strike a pose; Kayaking is available at many ports of call; Galápagos Penguins are the only penguins that reside within the tropics.
Itinerary
Overview
Full details on the itinerary are
available online at:
alumni.princeton.edu/main/
education_travel/princeton_journeys/
or in print by request through the
Princeton Journeys office:
(609) 258-8686.
Sept 4 • U.S. / Quito, Ecuador
Check into the Hilton Colón.
Hilton Colón Quito
Sept 5 • Quito
Tour of the colonial center followed
by a welcome reception and dinner.
Hilton Colón Quito (B,D,R)
Sept 6 • Quito / Galápagos
Fly to the Galápagos and board
Isabela II. Sail to North Seymour
Island. Welcome cocktail offered by
the captain this evening.
Isabela II (B,L,D,R)
Sept 7 • Hood Island
Snorkel in Gardner Bay, walk over
lava terrain at Punta Suárez, see the
nesting Waved Albatross and the
famous blowhole.
Isabela II (B,L,D)
Sept 8 • Floreana Island
See flamboyant flamingos then
kayak, snorkel, or ride the glassbottom boat. Learn about the
human side of the islands, its early
inhabitants, and the adventures of
pirates and whalers.
Isabela II (B,L,D)
Sept 9 • Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research
Station to see the famous giant
tortoises.
Isabela II (B,L,D)
The Peruvian Pelicans are a common sight.
Sept 10 • Tower Island
Activities this day can include
birdwatching, walks over lava beds,
swimming, snorkeling, kayaking,
hiking, and more.
Isabela II (B,L,D)
Sept 11 • Isabela Island /
Fernandina Island
Cross the Equator and visit volcanic
lands, secluded coves, and abundant
wildlife.
Isabela II (B,L,D)
Sept 12 • James Island /
Bartolome Island
Hike to the top of the island for a
birds-eye view of the surrounding
terrain before this evening’s farewell
cocktail.
Isabela II (B,L,D,R)
Sept 13 • Galápagos /
Guayaquíl
Disembark Isabela II and fly to
Guayaquíl for a brief overnight near
the airport. Finale dinner at your
hotel.
Hilton Colón Guayaquíl (B,D)
Sept 14 • Guayaquíl / Home
Return flights to U.S.
(B)
Below: Sea turtles swim serenely in the local waters; Galápagos Hawks have been surveying the scene for over 300,000 years.
Program Cost
Classic Cabin, double occupancy
Master Cabin, double occupancy
Standard Cabin, single occupancy
Quito / Baltra / Guayaquil airfare
Quito
ECUADO
R
Guayaquil
Area
of
detail
$7,590
$7,990
$11,990
$400
Fares listed are per person, based on double
occupancy.
Expedition price is based on a minimum of 25
participants.
Airfare from your home to Quito and return from
Guayaquil is not included.
Equator
Tower (Ge
novesa)
James (Sa
ntiago)
Bartolomé
Seymour
Fernandin
a
Baltra
Santa Cru
z
Isabela
Floreana
Española
Sally Lightfoot Crabs inhabit the seaside rocks.
Below: The Galápagos Tortoise gave its name to the islands; The Great Frigatebird likes to show off its stuff.
The yacht ISABELA II has 21 comfortable
guest cabins, all of them with full private
facilities, hot and cold water, ample closet
space, and central control panel for room
temperature, loudspeaker volume, and
lights. All cabins are fully carpeted and airconditioned. The three public decks include a
spacious lounge/bar, library, dining room with
capacity for all guests in one seating, office,
boutique, sun deck with a hot tub, and an
outdoor bar.
Isabela II
ISABELA II
SUN DECK
LIFE BOATS
BAR
JACUZZI
LIFE BOATS
CABIN DECK
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
21
19
17
15
11
9
7
5
3
1
MAIN DECK
RECEPTION
LIBRARY
SALOON
RESTAURANT
HALL
Master
BUFFET TABLE
GIFT SHOP
BAR
TOUR INFORMATION
Program Rates Include:
Comprehensive educational program
by Princeton faculty and co-sponsor
lecture team, shipboard naturalists, and
local guides; Two nights at the Hilton
Colón in Quito; 7-night cruise aboard
Isabela II; One night at the Hilton Colón
in Guayaquíl; Meals as indicated
in the itinerary; All on-tour coach
transportation; Welcome and farewell
receptions; Bottled water on coaches;
Comprehensive program of shore
excursions; Gratuities to porters, guides,
and waitstaff for all group activities;
Gratuities to shipboard personnel; $100
Galápagos National Park fee; Port fees
and embarkation taxes; Complete
packet of pre-departure information
including
education
materials;
Professional tour management throughout.
Program Rates Do Not Include:
Domestic,
international,
or
ontour airfare; Passport and visa fees;
Immunization costs; Airport security
fees; Meals and beverages other than
those specified as included; Excess
baggage charges; Trip cancellation/
baggage insurance; Transfers and
baggage handling for those not using
group transfers; Laundry, room service,
telephone/email/fax
charges,
and
other items of a personal nature.
Airfare:
International airfare is not included in
the program cost, nor is airfare from
Quito to Baltra Island and back to
Guayaquíl. Transportation from Quito
International Airport to the Hilton Colón
is included in your tour cost if you arrive
in time to meet the scheduled group
transfer on September 4. A group
transfer is also included from the Hilton
Colón in Guayaquíl to the airport on
September 14.
What to Expect:
Participants in this program should be
able to walk over cobbled surfaces in
Quito. Please note that Quito’s elevation
is 9,350 feet. In the Galápagos you
must climb in and out of pangas (small
inflatable boats). Landings will be either
dry (stepping out onto rocks with the
help of crew members) or wet (stepping
into knee-deep water and wading
ashore onto sandy beaches). Walks
on the islands will be on beaches, over
lava, and at times up steep staircases
and will generally be between one and
two miles. On some days, shorter walks
or more leisurely activities than those
described are available. Participants
should be fit and in active good health.
Limited medical facilities are available
on board the Isabela II. By forwarding
the deposit for passage, the participant
certifies that s/he does not have any
physical or other limitation that would
create a hazard for her/himself or other
travelers.
Size:
This departure is limited to a maximum
of 35 paying participants.
Reservation Contact:
For more information, contact
Princeton Journeys staff at:
[email protected] or
(609) 258-8686.
the
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Reservations & Payments:
To reserve space, return the completed
reservation form with your $1,000 per
person deposit to: Princeton Journeys,
John Maclean House, P.O. Box 291,
Princeton, NJ 08542-0291 or fax to (609)
258-1281. Balance of payment is due
May 6, 2011. We accept personal
checks, payable to Travel Concepts, as
well as VISA, MasterCard, and American
Express. Reservations will be processed
in order of receipt.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Upon payment of a deposit, all
reservations are subject to the
cancellation provisions set forth below
and by which the passenger agrees
to be bound. Cancellations shall not
be effective until they are received
in writing and confirmed by Princeton
Journeys. Deposits are refundable
(less a $250 per person administration
fee) if written notice of cancellation is
received within 30 days of reservation;
after that deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Final payment is due May
6, 2011 (120 days prior to departure).
Cancellations within 120 days of
departure are 100% non-refundable. For
this reason we strongly urge participants
to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
If the program is cancelled by Princeton
Journeys or our tour operator, you will
receive a full refund, without further
obligation on our part. No refunds will
be made for any part of this program
on which you choose not to participate.
Note: Neither the Office of the Alumni
Association of Princeton University
nor Travel Concepts, Inc. the tour
operator, accepts liability for any airline
cancellation penalty incurred by the
purchase of a nonrefundable ticket
in conjunction with this tour. Due to
fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge
may be added to your tour fee. Details
and costs will be advised prior to your
departure.
Insurance:
As a service to its travelers, the Office
of the Alumni Association of Princeton
University automatically provides all
travelers basic medical coverage
under a group travel insurance policy.
It is highly recommended that you
supplement this basic protection with
your own additional coverage, as well
as trip cancellation/interruption or
baggage coverage. Information on
additional insurance is available and
will be mailed upon receipt of your
reservation.
Disclaimer:
Princeton University, through its Office
of the Alumni Association and Princeton
Journeys, is pleased to provide this
service of facilitating travel opportunities
for its Alumni and Friends. The Office of
the Alumni Association strives to work
with the best tour operators to make
available interesting and enriching
travel opportunities for the Princeton
family. Please note that the University
does not conduct tours, nor does it act
as an agent for guests interested in tours.
Princeton Journeys acts as a facilitator
with tour operators, with whom tour
participants make arrangements for
completing travel, and is pleased to
act as a liaison with tour operators
should you have any questions or
concerns that may arise before, during,
or after your tour. Princeton Journeys
encourages you to familiarize yourself
thoroughly with the tour operator’s
cancellation and refund policies, and
also to investigate available services
such as trip cancellation insurance. The
University is not responsible for changes
to trips or travel arrangements or for
losses or additional expenses resulting
from travel.
California Seller of Travel Program CST #2088800-40
Registration Form
Please make your deposit check payable to Travel Concepts
and mail to:
Princeton Journeys
John Maclean House
P.O. Box 291
Princeton, New Jersey 08542-0291
Or fax credit card information to: (609) 258-1281
PAYMENT
Enclosed is my check for $ ____________ ($1,000 per person),
to reserve _______ place(s) on the Princeton Journeys program
Darwin’s Galápagos
OR
Please charge the deposit to my:
CARD #
VISA /
MC /
EXP. DATE
AMEX
SECURITY CODE
CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE
NAME AS IT APPEARS ON THE CARD
NAME #1 (as on passport)
PRINCETON AFFILIATION
NAME #2 (as on passport)
PRINCETON AFFILIATION
STREET ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP
HOME PHONE
WORK PHONE
FAX
E-MAIL
CABIN PREFERENCE
First Choice ________________ Second Choice _________________
SINGLE TRAVELERS: I understand that there is a supplemental
charge for single accommodations. If this is a reservation for
one person, please indicate:
I prefer to have single accommodations.
OR I plan to share accommodations with: __________________
OR I’d like to know about roommates.
I am a
Smoker/
Non-smoker.
I understand that if one cannot be found, I will pay the single
rate.
I/We have read the tour information section of the brochure
and agree to the Terms and Conditions stated therein.
SIGNATURE
DATE
SIGNATURE
DATE
For more information, contact the Princeton Journeys staff at
[email protected] or (609) 258-8686.
Office of the Alumni Association
Princeton University
John Maclean House, P.O. Box 291
Princeton, NJ 08542-0291
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
San Jose, CA
Permit 222
Highlights
Begin in Quito, the vibrant capital of Ecuador, to
visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in the colonial
center.
Discover the Galápagos as Darwin did, sailing island
to island on an unforgettable shipboard adventure.
Enjoy an exclusive 7-night charter of Isabela II,
one of the finest ships in the Galápagos.
Call at Punta Suarez on Española Island to
see the magnificent but comical Waved Albatross,
nesting during your visit.
Cross the equator for a day at Genovesa (Tower)
Island, a popular stop with gulls, frigatebirds, redfooted and Nazca boobies, storm petrels and shorteared owls.
Spend a day at Isabela and Fernandina
Islands and watch for Galápagos penguins,
flightless cormorants, iguanas, and the islands’
namesake tortoises.
Release your inner explorer as you swim and
snorkel with sea lions in calm natural harbors and
make your way across fields of lava and volcanic
craters.
Visit ten islands in total, each with its endemic
species that have evolved differently than on
neighboring islands.
Darwin’s
GALAPAGOS
Featuring a Private 7-night Cruise
Aboard the Yacht Isabela II
SEPTEMBER 4–14, 2011