Announcing group tour and fellowship cruises for 2005

Announcing group tour
and fellowship cruises for 2005

By Ronald Kelly

PASADENA—We are in the early planning stages for three inspirational Worldwide Church of God group travel and worship opportunities in 2005. We hope many of you will find one of these activities to be of interest.

In the past we have sponsored several land-based tours—Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, China and two years ago, Russia. These tours provide an opportunity for education, inspiration and worship. Several thousand WCG participants have enjoyed these tours.

In 2005 we want to offer an option to visit Berlin, Wittenberg and Dresden in Germany. Berlin is again the capital of Germany. Its museums contain some of the most significant archaeological finds in the world, including the Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon.

Wittenberg is where Martin Luther attached his 95 Theses to the door of the church, ushering in one of the most important eras in church history. With the significant changes in theology in the Worldwide Church of God, what happened in Wittenberg in 1517 takes on even more significance.

Finally, we will visit Dresden, where one can experience what was once East Germany, but now united with the West and rebuilding.

Whether you are a seasoned WCG group traveler or you have never taken one of our land-based tours, you will be in for an exciting time. We anticipate prices in the range of $1,760 per person plus airfare. Dates for this group tour would be either in September or October.

For many years, members have enjoyed the fellowship on Caribbean cruises. In 2005, we will once again offer the seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise with ports of call at St. Thomas, Tortolla, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. Prices for this cruise start at $502 per person. Cruise dates are Oct. 15 to 22.

Many members have commented on how much they appreciate such great travel experiences and the fellowship and worship on board. A number have expressed the desire for a 10-day cruise. Although the costs are higher, the opportunity to see new places and spend more leisure time are appealing to some.

In 2005, Holland America offers a 10-day cruise that puts in at Curacao, Aruba, goes part way into the Panama Canal, turns around and docks in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and proceeds to Holland America’s own private island at Half Moon Cay.

This will be a different itinerary, and for those who can afford the extra cost, a great way to enjoy the fellowship and worship of a WCG cruise. Prices start at $1,024 per person for this cruise. Cruise dates are Oct. 12 to 22.

Both cruises will depart from and return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Holland America Lines is offering an incentive for early bookings. For those who book before the end of January, they offer cabin category upgrades or a shipboard credit.

The prices for these groups are preliminary and could fluctuate as we make final preparations. As with all our tours, we strive to get the best possible price and often, especially on the cruises, we get even better prices than the original estimates.

Each of these group fellowship activities requires a minimum number of participants—especially the German land-based tour. Early applications allow us to complete our planning arrangements. If you are interested in one of these activities, please contact John Siston at Travel Gallery. His e-mail is john@travelgallery.com and his toll-free phone number is 1-800-858-6999.