Group tours and
festival cruises for 2003

By Ronald Kelly

For many years the WCG has sponsored a variety of group tours and cruises. In this issue of the WN we are pleased to announce the tour schedule for next year.

We announce these tours now to allow maximum time for planning. It is advantageous to book early. For example, on the cruises, early bookings often mean a financial discount, members can select the price range of cabins and even request a specific cabin, and receive dining preferences. For those who want to go on a land-based tour, early booking allows us to project numbers and plan for motor coaches, hotel space and tour guides.

Festival cruises are an appreciated opportunity for a vacation combined with the joy of fellowship and the inspiration of worship. Our members find special value in assembling with fellow believers for camaraderie and worship as a group.

Further, quite a number of members use a cruise as a time to gather family and close friends for a vacation together. We always welcome friends and family on our group tours and by no means want them to feel compelled to attend worship services (although they are welcome).

So, if one or more of these opportunities would be of interest to you, please contact Travel Gallery (see box) for information regarding the tour or cruise, specific pricing, additional airfare (if desired) and other questions you may have. In addition to the published prices for our tours, a WCG registration fee of $25 per adult will be charged for our group tours and cruises.

This year we add the excitement of a group tour to Russia, Oct. 9 to 17. John Halford, who has conducted numerous international WCG programs, will be host of this tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Members will tour the historical and cultural sites of the Russian capital as well as experience one of the most beautiful cities of the world—St. Petersburg.

It will be an all-inclusive land program including meals, lodging and visa. The land price is $1,395 per person, based on double occupancy. Group airfare from the United States will be available as well. Contact Travel Gallery for complete itinerary, details and air options.

The Eastern Caribbean cruise will be the introduction of Holland America’s newest ship, the 82,000 ton Zuiderdam. Two thirds of the staterooms have verandas, and 85 percent of the staterooms have ocean views. The Zuiderdam has 40 percent more space than Holland’s main fleet of ships, but only 25 percent more guests.

Our Oct. 11 to 18 cruise puts into port at Holland America’s own private island, Half Moon Cay, as well as St. Thomas, Nassau and an island new to our festival cruisers, St. Kitts/Nevis. Contact Travel Gallery for daily itinerary and complete pricing. Prices start at $673 based on double occupancy. Port fees and government taxes are not included.

In 2003 we will offer a seven-day cruise, Oct. 13 to 20, on Holland America’s MS Ryndam, departing San Diego, California, then sailing on the Pacific Ocean to the Mexican Riviera. The ship will put into port at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. The itinerary includes three sea days for fellowshipping. Contact Travel Gallery for complete details. Prices start at $658 per person (plus port charges and taxes).

Next year we offer a land-based tour June 5 to 11. Participants will fly from Seattle, Washington, to Anchorage, Alaska. From there, aboard the historic McKinley Explorer train, it’s on to Denali National Park, home of Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America.

Your time in Denali will include a stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort and a Tundra Wilderness tour to search for grizzly bear, moose, caribou and mountain sheep. Then, board the dome rail service train to Fairbanks. There, learn about the Alaskan gold rush and the Alaska pipeline. Pan for gold at the El Dorado Gold Mine and visit a recreated Athabaskan Indian Village.

Pricing is still being negotiated. The tour includes train fare, lodging and meals as well as entry fees to all sites. Group airfare rates are available from Travel Gallery. Contact them for details and complete itinerary.

We travel by motor coach Oct. 12 to 19 to the Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce and Zion National Parks and Monument Valley. Worship services are conducted on selected days. This Western-themed tour will include all motor coach transportation, admission fees for all National Parks, all meals (except a lunch or two), accommodations in first-class hotels (where available), and gratuities for guides and drivers. The price will be about $1,295 per person based on double occupancy. Please contact Travel Gallery for pricing and full itinerary.

Travel Gallery

1388 E. Walnut St.

Pasadena, California, 91106-1528

Phone: 1-800-858-6999

Fax: 1-626-577-0577

info@travelgallery.com

www.travelgallery.com

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002