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A b o a r d t h e C a led o n i a n S k y
N ovember 5 to 24, 2017
a p rogra m of the sta nford alum ni association
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There are places on earth
that might be described as iconic, remote or
even mysterious. On our voyage from Tahiti
to Easter Island we will explore several places
that aptly fit all of those descriptions…and
then some. Both legends and true stories
are woven into the places on our itinerary,
from artist Paul Gauguin’s tumultuous years in
Tahiti and the Marquesas to the HMS Bounty
mutineers who took refuge on Pitcairn Island to
Easter Island’s haunting moai. Easter Island, in
particular, is steeped in mystery and folklore that
goes beyond its enormous carved megaliths.
Speculation is rife about the rise and fall of
its population, but the real story is still largely
unknown. I’ve always loved a compelling travel
story, especially one with a cliffhanger. I hope
you’ll join us for a journey to a remote part of
the world marked by spectacular beauty and
embellished with a bit of enigma.
Brett S. Thompson, ’83, Director, Stanford Travel /Study
Highlights
caption
P H O T O G R A P H the
V I E W Easter Island’s giant
M E E T the residents of tiny
E N J O Y snorkeling or
exquisite Marquesas with
their sky-piercing volcanoes,
lushly carpeted canyons and
chiseled bays.
volcanic stone statues, or
moai, their original purpose
lost through time and
one of the world’s great
archaeological mysteries.
Pitcairn Island; most are
direct descendants of the
HMS Bounty crew.
diving nearly every day
amid healthy reefs teeming
with tropical fish.
Stanford Faculty Leader
R o b D u n b a r , whose research interests span climate change, marine ecology,
“Rob’s lectures
are always
wonderful. His
organization and
presentation are
excellent.”
Nan Hampton,
Iceland to
G r e e n l a n d, 2 016
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— At Stanford: William Keck Professor of Earth Science; J. Frederick and
Elisabeth B. Weintz University Fellow in Undergraduate Education;
and Victoria P. and Roger W. Sant Director, earth systems program
— Recipient of the Richard W. Lyman Award for exceptional volunteer
service to the University
— BS, geology, University of Texas Austin
— PhD, oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC-San Diego
ORD
alumni.stanford.edu/trip?tahiti2017
(650) 725-1093
S i g n up online :
OR BY PHONE:
F
oceanography, glaciology and biogeochemistry, heads a Stanford research group that works
on past, present and future climate change as well as its impacts on oceanic and coastal
environments. He works regularly with the U.S. government as well as the United Nations to
help develop and implement solutions to environmental and resource problems. Dunbar has
been studying the coral reefs of the central and eastern Pacific, including Easter Island, since
1977. In 2009 and again in 2015, he led a group of 23 Stanford undergraduates on a 3,500mile scientific sailing voyage from Tahiti through various island groups to Hawaii. He also led
the first-ever deep-ocean submersible expedition to seamounts of the newly designated U.S.
Central Pacific Islands National Monument. During our expedition Dunbar will speak about
coral reef ecology, the origin of the 50,000 seamounts estimated to be in the Pacific Ocean,
the global impacts of modern changes in the largest ocean on earth and what we can learn
about global sustainability practices from an examination of small island systems.
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MARQUESAS
ISLANDS
Nuku Hiva
Hiva Oa
Fatu Hiva
Puka
Puka
Apataki
Pape’ete
Tahiti
Puka Rua
TUAMOTU
ISLANDS
Pacific
Itinerary
S unday, N ovember 5
DEPART U.S. /
PAPEETE, TAHITI
Depart the U.S. on
independent flights to
Papeete, arriving in the late
evening and transferring to
our hotel. Intercontinental
Tahiti Resort & Spa
M onday, N ovember 6
Enjoy a morning at leisure,
then take a tour of Papeete,
the capital of French
Polynesia’s largest island.
Pass by orchards of papaya
on our drive along the
stunning coast, and visit the
Museum of Tahiti, which
traces the islands’ history.
Embark our ship this evening.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)
T uesday, N ovember 7
APATAKI,
TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Our first stop is at the atoll
of Apataki in the remote,
sparsely populated and
far-flung Tuamotus, which
comprise the world’s largest
atoll chain. These venerable
coral constructions rise
PITCAIRN ISLANDS
just high enough above
the water to be called land,
and if it weren’t for their
waving coconut palms, they
might be entirely invisible
from a distance. With few
visitors and little industry, the
dazzling lagoon of Apataki
offers a pristine underwater
landscape for snorkelers and
divers to explore. Partake in
a welcome cocktail reception
before dinner this evening.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)
Wednesday, November 8
AT SEA
Enjoy our lecture series and
the amenities of our ship
today as the Caledonian Sky
cruises toward the legendary
Marquesas Islands.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)
T hursday to S aturday,
N ovember 9 to 11
MARQUESAS ISLANDS
The Marquesas lie farther
from a continental coast than
any other islands in the world.
Unlike other Polynesian
islands, the Marquesas have
no surrounding reefs or
placid lagoons. Their wide,
deep bays are havens for
vessels such as ours. Spend
three days exploring this
Santiago
to Santiago
Rikitea
Henderson
Mangareva
Ducie
Pitcairn
Ocean
PAPEETE / EMBARK
CALEDONIAN SKY
Pitcairns
Easter
Tahiti
Island
Easter
Island
dazzling collection of
islands whose breathtaking
vertical peaks reach into the
clouds, while carpets of lush
vegetation drape cliffs and
canyons that descend to
sea-sculpted bays. Zodiacs
bring us ashore on a variety
of islands, to be greeted
by dancers and drummers
adorned in leis and tapa
cloth. View petroglyphs
and tiki figures representing
deified ancestors, flanked
by banyan trees, fragrant
plumeria, blooming orchids
and silvery waterfalls,
then stop at open-air craft
markets displaying baskets,
shell jewelry and wooden
carvings. The birders among
us can search for the
endemic Nuku Hiva pigeon
and Marquesan swiftlet,
and though the islands lack
fringing reefs, our snorkelers
and divers can keep
company with colorful fish
against a backdrop of sheer
walls and dramatic arches.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D—ALL 3 DAYS)
S unday, N ovember 12
PUKA PUKA,
TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Delightful music and dancing
welcome us at this idyllic
island—the first land sighted
in the South Pacific by
Europeans. Visit the island’s
small village whose residents
raise taro, bananas and
coconut palms for copra
(dried coconut). Birders can
keep an eye out for Pacific
reef-heron while snorkelers
and divers explore the
fringing reef. Caledonian Sky
(B,L,D)
M onday, N ovember 13
PUKA RUA
Today we drop anchor at the
island of Puka Rua, where
coconut palms and breadfruit
trees cover the beautiful islets
ringing its lagoon. Garlandbedecked dancers greet
our group in the tiny village
whose hospitable inhabitants
earn a living selling copra.
Witness the process of
coconut drying, enjoy a local
crafts market or stroll along
the lagoon’s shores watching
crested terns circling
overhead. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)
T uesday, N ovember 14
EXPEDITION STOP
Conditions permitting, stop at
one of the many uninhabited
Tuamotu Islands to enjoy a
day of swimming, snorkeling
and/or diving. Caledonian Sky
(B,L,D)
Wednesday, November 15
MANGAREVA,
GAMBIER ISLANDS
Going ashore on the island
of Mangareva, visit the small
village of Rikitea, strolling
its tidy streets flanked with
colorful tropical vegetation.
Also ascend the slopes of Mt.
Duff for nature walks. Birders
have a chance to search
for Christmas and tropical
shearwaters. Spend the
afternoon snorkeling or diving
in Mangareva’s large lagoon.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)
T hursday, N ovember 16
PITCAIRN, PITCAIRN
ISLANDS
Today we visit tiny, volcanocrowned Pitcairn Island, the
fabled, unfathomably remote
refuge of the crew members
of the HMS Bounty who
mutinied there in 1790. Visit
with the small handful of
inhabitants of Adamstown,
most of whom are the lastremaining direct descendants
of the nine mutineers and
the 18 Polynesian men and
women they had brought with
them from Tahiti. Check out
the anchor of the Bounty that
rests beside the courthouse
and the ship’s bible that
resides in the church.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)
F riday, N ovember 17
HENDERSON
Sheer limestone cliffs
surround this elevated
coralline island, a World
Heritage site, pockmarked
by caves and blowholes.
The island is home to 10
endemic flowering plants
and four endemic species
of land birds, including the
Henderson Island crake and
Stephen’s lorikeet. In addition
to observing the outcome
of Henderson’s astounding
natural selection, we’ll also
have the opportunity to
snorkel or dive in the marine
life-rich waters. Caledonian Sky
(B,L,D)
S aturday, N ovember 18
DUCIE
This small, uninhabited and
rarely visited atoll is rimmed
with white sand beaches that
in turn surround a crystalline
lagoon. As we walk along the
shore, we’ll witness a vast
variety of seabirds—tens of
thousands nest here, including
Murphy’s and Phoenix petrels,
masked boobies, frigatebirds
and red-tailed tropicbirds.
Underwater forays will bring
snorkelers face to face with
legions of rainbow-hued fish
in the warm, clear waters of
the atoll’s lagoon. Caledonian
Sky (B,L,D)
S unday & M onday,
N ovember 19 & 20
AT SEA
For the next two days, enjoy
relaxing on deck and hearing
our ongoing lecture series
as we cruise toward Easter
Island, a World Heritage
site and one of the most
mysterious places on earth.
Caledonian Sky (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)
T uesday & W ednesday,
N ovember 21 & 22
EASTER ISLAND, CHILE
Spend two full days exploring
Easter Island. Visit the
ceremonial center of Ahu
Vinapu where the monolithic
stonework is reminiscent of
the Inca civilization in Peru,
contributing to the theory of
contact between the islanders
and South America. View
the intriguing stone heads,
or moai, built on massive
stone platforms at Tahai,
along with nearly 400
monolithic statues in various
states of completion at the
spectacular volcanic tuff
quarries. At Ahu Tongariki visit
the largest ceremonial site in
Polynesia. Then drive to the
Rano Kau volcano to view its
giant caldera, whose floor is
dotted with lakes. Visit the
ceremonial village of Orongo
which is perched majestically
near the top of the caldera’s
rim and commemorates
the annual Birdman Cult
competition, a dangerous
ritual held in the 18th century.
Celebrate the conclusion of
our seaborne adventure at a
farewell cocktail reception this
evening. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D—
both days)
T hursday & F riday,
N ovember 23 & 24
EASTER ISLAND /
DISEMBARK /
SANTIAGO / U.S.
After breakfast, disembark the
Caledonian Sky and enjoy a
short tour. Then head to the
airport for our afternoon flight
to Santiago where we board
international flights, arriving
back in the U.S. the next day.
(11/23: B)
sun deck
standard suite
Caledonian Sky
The Caledonian Sky is a 114-passenger premier expedition ship
that was 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
air conditioner, flat-screen television and sitting area with
sofa. The ship’s public amenities include a dining room, two
lounges with bar service, small library and 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 at a single open seating.
PANORAMA DECK
A friendly crew provides exceptional personalized service, with
more than a 1:2 crew-to-passenger ratio. The ship features
Panorama Lounge Sun Deck
advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment,
roll stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft.
Program Cost*
Rates are per person, based on double or single occupancy, as specified.
CATEGORY 1
DOUBLESINGLE
RateRate**
$19,980
—
Castle Deck, 244 sq. ft. with 2 portholes
CATEGORY 2 $21,480$26,980**
Caledonian Deck, 244 sq. ft. with 2 to 4 portholes
CATEGORY 3
$22,880 —
Promenade Deck, 232 sq. ft. with large window
Library
Bar
Elevator
CATEGORY 4
$24,980$31,380**
Promenade Deck, 217 sq. ft. with large window
BRIDGE DECK
511
509
CATEGORY 5
507 505
Outdoor Cafe
Elevator
512
510
508 506
CATEGORY 6 PROMENADE DECK
Salon
433
431
425
423
421
428
426
424
422
419
417
415
418
416
414
$29,980
Bridge Deck, 217 sq. ft. plus 60- sq.-ft. private
balcony, sliding glass doors, walk-in wardrobe, shower
Elevator
WC
Gym
427
$26,980
432
434
420
CALEDONIAN DECK
347 345 343 341 339
Bar
Castle Deck
Lounge
335 333 331 329
Caledonian Deck
Reception
Elevator
348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330
CATEGORY 2
CATEGORY 3
CATEGORY 1
CASTLE DECK
261 259 257 255
Doctor
Restaurant
Elevator
262 260 258 256 254 252 250
­­—
Promenade Deck, 215 sq. ft. plus 45-sq.-ft. private balcony,
sliding glass doors, walk-in wardrobe, bathtub, shower
Bridge
*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
—
Information
Terms & Conditions
Dates
Deposit & Final Payment
A $1,000-per-person deposit is
required to hold space on this
program. Sign up online at alumni.
stanford.edu/trip?tahiti2017 or call
the Travel/Study office at (650) 7251093. 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.
November 5 to 24, 2017 (20 days)
Size
This program can accommodate a total of 100 participants,
including travelers from Stanford and Zegrahm Expeditions.
Single accommodations are extremely limited; please call for
availability.
Included
1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations 17-night cruise
aboard the Caledonian Sky 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 18
dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail 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
International and U.S. domestic airfare 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 Excessbaggage charges Personal items such as internet access,
telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup
services
Air Arrangements
Airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip,
economy-class airfare on American Airlines from San Francisco
to Papeete, Tahiti, and return from Santiago, Chile, is approximately $2,610 as of September 2016 and is subject to change
without notice. The Easter Island to Santiago flight is not included in the tour cost. Estimated cost for that flight is $500.
Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by
Zegrahm Expeditions.
Wh at to E xpect
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 60s (°F) to the upper 70s, 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.
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 offering
such insurance 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
Alumni Association as the program
cost for nonmembers is $300
more than the members’ price. A
person traveling as a guest paid
for by a current member will not be
charged the nonmember fee. For
more information or 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
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 onboard
their plane or conveyance. Neither
the 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
September 2016 and is subject to
change without notice to reflect
fluctuations in exchange rates,
tariffs or fuel charges.
(650) 725-1093
[email protected]
tELEPHONE
Email
California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50
© COPYRIGHT 2016 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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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
A b o a r d t h e C a led o n i a n S k y
N ove mb e r 5 to 24, 2017
alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy
“Rob Dunbar is the best! He was so easy to engage, so enthusiastic
and so joyful in all of his talks, both formal and informal. He brought
a wonderful sense of humor and playfulness to the trip.”
J e nnif e r Pin t o M a r t in , ’ 7 8 , Ev e r e s t B a s e C a m p T r e k , 2 0 1 5
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