General Information
We’ll sail out of beautiful Montreal, Quebec along the
St. Lawrence River on the intimate ms Westerdam! The centerpiece of this
elegant ship features Luciano Vistosi’s “Totem,” a monumental
sculpture using nearly 2,000 shimmering pieces of glass, prominently displayed
in a soaring three-story atrium. Superb five-course dining in the elegant
Rotterdam Dining Room, or you can plan a special occasion meal by reservation
in the intimate Pinnacle Grill. Plus, over fifty scheduled shipboard activities...all
offered with gracious award-winning service that sets the ms Maasdam apart
on all seven seas
CABIN
Your cabin will be modern and cheery whether you choose a more economical
inside cabin or a room with a view. You can even have your own
private balcony if you choose, or a penthouse suite. Each cabin has two lower beds
(which can be arranged into a Queen or King bed), a TV, safe and bathroom
with a shower and/or tub. Cabins which are designed for the physically
challenged are also available.
COSTS
Your cruise price is a special rate for our East Coast Quilt Seminar at Sea
2009. It includes your ship accommodation for the 7 day cruise, ocean transportation,
all meals, services, activities and entertainment on board, as well as
all quilting classes, group activities and parties!

PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDEDin the above prices, however, government
fees and taxes estimated at $115.00 per person are additional. Fuel
Supplement estimated at $7 per person per day is additional. Rates are per
person, cruise only. Other cabin categories are also available. If
you are a single and would like to share a cabin, we can assist you with finding
a roommate. The rate for the third person in the cabin is $1070 for any category
chosen.
Other items not covered in the cruise cost are kit fees for each class, plus
items of a personal nature such as photographs, laundry, massage, as well as
shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, sodas, or tipping. Holland America applies
a service charge for tipping to your account on board at the rate of $10 per
guest per day. All service personnel on board receive gratuities from this
service charge, so no additional tipping is necessary except for bar drinks
and spa services which have “as-you-go” service charges added separately
DRESS
Being casual and comfortable is a part of life on the ms Maasdam. Weather
in the East in the fall can vary tremendously so you’ll want to “layer” your
clothing. You will need sweaters and a jacket for both cool weather and potential
rain. (A sweater may also be desired for comfort in the air conditioned public
areas.) The temperature in each cabin is individually controlled for your
own comfort. There are two formal nights (black tie not required, but suit
and tie for gents) and five nights are “smart casual”. We will
have early dining reserved for the group. If you don’t want to participate
in the formal nights, you have the option of dining casually on the Lido
deck.
TRAVEL TO MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Air transportation is available through Holland America Line. The airfare
is by city and will be quoted at the time of reservation. Those who purchase
their air along with their cruise will be provided with transfers from the
airport to the cruise ship and back. Air schedules will not be available
from the cruise line until August 2009. If you would like to request
a specific airline or air itinerary, you may do so for an additional fee. Pre and Post-cruise
packages are available at an additional cost from Holland America Line for
those who would like to arrive in Montreal a day or two early or would like
to stay after the cruise in Boston. Ask about these options, and price quotes
will be given. AAA Travel can also arrange airline tickets and pre and post
stays in if you would rather not purchase these additional arrangements through
Holland America Line
PAYMENTS
A deposit of $500 per person is needed to guarantee your reservation for the
cruise ($100 is non-refundable). Final payment will be due no later than
June 1, 2009. Payments may be made by check (payable to AAA Washington Travel),
or by credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover).
CANCELLATIONS
The cancellation policy is as follows:
Before 76 days prior to the cruise: ~ $100 per person non-refundable
From 75 days to 46 days prior to the cruise: ~ $500 deposit
per person non-refundable
From 45 days to 16 days prior to the cruise: ~ 75% of the
fare per person non-refundable
There is no refund within 15 days of sailing.
THE PURCHASE OF TRIP CANCELLATION, TRAVEL ACCIDENT, AND BAGGAGE INSURANCE
IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. There are many uncertainties and unforeseen circumstances
involved in our world; we therefore strongly recommend the purchase of travel
insurance. This provides coverage in the event prepaid payments are forfeited
due to your trip having to be canceled because of unforeseeable sickness, injury
or death to you, a family member, or a traveling companion. It also provides
coverage if there were to be a default on the part of the cruise line. In addition,
it will provide coverage for travel accidents, baggage loss or damage, and
medical evacuation. This insurance coverage is available at a rate which varies
by your age and the cost of your cruise. FOR SPECIFIC RATE INFORMATION, PLEASE
SEE THE Access America “Trip Assist Plus” flyer which is enclosed.
You will be completely covered, waiving all pre-existing conditions, only if
the insurance is purchased at the time of deposit. Please complete the section
on the registration form regarding insurance. We cannot accept your registration
unless this is completed and signed.
IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your return date is
required for travel. Non-US citizens must have a valid passport and any necessary
visas. Legal names must be correct on all documents. Lack of proper ID will
result in denial of embarkation, therefore all passengers are responsible
for necessary identification. If you have access to the internet, the following
website offers excellent information regarding applying for and renewing
passports: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. If you need to
obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate: http://www.vitalchek.comis a helpful website.
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