Changing Tides: Cruising the Baltic Sea
Cruise aboard the exclusively chartered five-star m.s. Le Boréal from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Stockholm, Sweden. Experience the renaissance of Gda´nsk, Poland; the medieval charms of Tallinn, Estonia & Visby, Sweden; the stunning architecture in cosmopolitan Helsinki, Finland; and the grandeur of St. Petersburg, Russia. Hear from lecturers throughout the trip, including speaker guest speakers, Former President Lech Walesa of Poland and Dr. Sergei N. Khrushchev. Norway pre-cruise and Stockholm post-cruise optional extensions are available.
Itinerary
Denmark’s vibrant world-class capital of great heritage and seafaring traditions, and embark the Five-Star M.S. LE BORÉAL. (D)
Once a flourishing Hanseatic League port, today Gdansk showcases its glorious architectural heritage in the meticulously restored, elegant patrician mansions featuring late Renaissance and Baroque façades in the Stare Miasto (Old Town). Stroll along the pedestrian-only Droga Królewska (the Royal Route) to see the iconic Neptune’s Fountain and the 14th-century Artus Court, a Gothic guildhall inspired by the ideals of Britain’s legendary King Arthur, which now houses a fascinating collection of Polish artifacts.
In 1980, shipyard workers led by Lech Wałesa founded the Solidarity movement, the first independent trade union in Eastern Europe and the key factor in winning the Polish struggle against Communism. Visit the historic Lenin Shipyard, where the movement began, and its Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers. Enjoy time to explore Gdansk’s lovely Old Town at your own pace. By special arrangement, meet the leader of the Solidarity movement, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Wałesa, on board the ship this evening. Mr. Wałesa will discuss his perspective on Solidarity, globalization and progress in the region, with time for questions and answers. (B,L,D)
Spend the day at leisure cruising the Baltic Sea while enjoying a series of enriching lectures. This evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception. (B,L,R,D)
Having largely escaped the ravages of World War II, Tallinn’s UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town has remained virtually unchanged for 600 years. During the walking tour, see Toompea Castle—the seat of Estonia’s Parliament—the landmark Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the 13th-century Church of St. Nicholas. Visit the medieval Town Hall, the only intact Gothic-style hall in Northern Europe. Enjoy time on your own to explore Tallinn’s Old Town before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Peter the Great founded majestic St. Petersburg in 1703 as his “Window on the West.” After cruising into the heart of the city, enjoy a specially arranged, early-entry guided tour of one of the world’s greatest art repositories, the incomparable State Hermitage Museum. Former czarist palace of Catherine the Great and a UNESCO World Heritage site, its spectacular collections are rivaled only by the museum’s lavish interior.
This afternoon’s panoramic tour of the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features legendary landmarks scattered across more than 100 islands and linked by more than three times as many bridges. St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospekt, showcases exquisite examples of Russian Baroque and neoclassical architecture. See the ornate Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood (Church of the Resurrection of Christ), built on the site of Emperor Alexander II’s assassination, and the 19th-century St. Isaac’s Cathedral, with a striking golden dome that is one of the glories of the city’s skyline. Visit St. Petersburg’s first building, the Peter and Paul Fortress, constructed to secure the country’s access to the sea, and the impressive Baroque Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, containing the tombs of 32 czars, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II, the last of the Romanovs. The evening is at leisure. An optional opportunity to attend a Russian folklore show performed in the Nikolaevsky Art Center is offered. (B,L,D)
This morning, visit the imperial compound of Pushkin and Catherine the Great’s elaborate rococo palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighted by a special visit to the extraordinary Amber Room which is said to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Then, savor a lunch of traditional Russian specialties. Enjoy a guided tour of the splendid parklands and extravagant UNESCO World Heritage-designated Grand Palace of Petrodvorets, commissioned by Peter the Great to rival the Palace of Versailles. The elaborately landscaped grounds feature magnificent formal gardens and cascading fountains. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil, skimming over the Gulf of Finland. (B,L,D)
Helsinki was named the World Design Capital in 2012 for its innovative use of design in stimulating an urban environment. Stand on deck as the ship approaches the city for the best view of the 18th-century maritime fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a panoramic city tour, see the stately Senate Square and the diplomatic quarter of Kaivopuisto. Visit the modernistic Temppeliaukio Church, or “Church of the Rock,” impressively hewn out of natural bedrock. Enjoy free time to explore Helsinki’s lively Market Square before reboarding the ship. (B,L,D)
Call at the Baltic island of Gotland, rich in Swedish history with abundant ancient sites and more than 100 medieval churches. The marvelous Old Town of Visby, the former Baltic center of the Hanseatic League, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the best preserved medieval city in Scandinavia. On the walking tour of this “city of roses,” see the 13th-century walls, the original medieval gates, towers and stone warehouses. Tour the iconic Cathedral of St. Mary and the Gotlands Historical Museum. Enjoy time at leisure before returning to the ship. This evening, attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception. (B,L,R,D)
Be on deck as you cruise through the scenic Stockholm archipelago, the gateway to Sweden’s magnificent “Venice of the North.” Disembark and continue on to explore the historic splendor and dramatic beauty of Stockholm on the post-cruise option or depart for the U.S. (B)
Immerse yourself in majestic Norwegian landscapes and traditional Scandinavian culture on this unique and exclusive five-night journey from Bergen to Copenhagen. Tour the historic city of Bergen, including Bryggen (the old wharf), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit Troldhaugen, the home of famed composer Edvard Grieg. Travel on the legendary Flåm Railway, one of the “most scenic train rides in the world,” through pristine fjordlands, passing snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls and alpine lakes. Cruise by private ship on spectacular Nærøy Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, see the highlights of vibrant Oslo and enjoy a panoramic tour of Copenhagen during an exclusively chartered cruise along the city’s idyllic canals. Accommodations are for four nights in comfortable hotels, including the historic STALHEIM HOTEL, and one night aboard an award-winning SEAWAYS ferry.
One of the most handsome Scandinavian cities, Stockholm is a harmonious blend of medieval and modern architecture showcased on 14 small islands connected by more than 23 bridges. Visit the magnifi cent City Hall, the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Walk through the Gamla Stan (Old Town) and visit the maritime museum built to house the Vasa, the only preserved 17th-century war ship in the world. Accommodations are for two nights in the ideally located SHERATON STOCKHOLM HOTEL.
Cost and Details
Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)
8 - $6,195 Ocean-view, one large window, shower. Deck 3, Le Champollion, forward.
7 - $7,795 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 3, Le Champollion, aft.
6 - $8,295 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 3, Le Champollion, midship.
5 - $8,495 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 4, Le Lafayette, forward.
4 - $9,195 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower. Deck 4, Le Lafayette, midship.
3 - $9,395 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower. Deck 5, Le Normandie, forward.
2 - $9,995 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower or tub/shower. Deck 5, Le Normandie, midship.
1 - $10,195 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower or tub/shower. Deck 6, Le France.
Deluxe Suite - $10,995 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, tub/shower and sitting area with sofa. Deck 6, Le France.
Prestige Suite II - $11,995 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms: tub/shower and shower, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 5, Le Normandie.
Prestige Suite I - $12,995 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms: tub/shower and shower, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 6, Le France.
Owner’s Suite - $14,995 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors onto two private balconies, one and a half bathrooms, separate tub and shower, sitting room with sofa, table and four chairs and writing desk. Deck 6, Le France.
Single occupancy cabins are available in Category 6 at $15,395 and in Category 4 at $16,895 on or before December 2, 2016.
Prices above reflect the Early Booking Discount. Add $1,000 for reservations made after December 2, 2016. Taxes are an additional $495 per person and are subject to change.
Included:
Exclusive lectures and presentations by Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Wałesa and scholar and author Sergei Khrushchev, son of Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev; Eight nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star M.S. LE BORÉAL; Cruise from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Stockholm, Sweden, featuring port calls at Gdansk, Poland; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Visby, Sweden; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available throughout the cruise; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Group visa for excursions in Russia; Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre-departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company
Not Included:
International airfare; Taxes of $495 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($120 per person); Hotel staff gratuities (Pre-/Post-Cruise Options) ($2 per person per day) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and individual visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Optional Russian Folklore Excursion available at additional cost; Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section.
Optional Pre-Tour: Wonders of Norway: Bergen, Fjords, Oslo
$2,460 per person, double occupancy,
$3,060 single occupancy
Optional Post-Tour: Splendor of Stockholm
$860 per person, double occupancy,
$1,260 single occupancy
All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.
Educational Highlights
By exclusive arrangement, Lech Wałesa, former president of Poland (1990 to 1995), Polish hero and international icon in the pursuit of freedom and democracy, will meet with our group on board the M.S. LE BORÉAL. From his position as a marine electrician in Gdansk’s Lenin Shipyard, Mr. Wałesa emerged as a world-renowned figure in the struggle against Communism during the 1980 shipyard workers’ strike and the establishment of the Polish Solidarity labor movement. Despite winning the right to form an independent union, Mr. Wałesa and Solidarity continued to confront the Soviet-backed regime of General Wojciech Jaruzelski, which jailed Mr. Wałesa and imposed martial law in Poland in December 1981. Mr. Wałesa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, a watershed moment widely considered to have been the first crack in the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain, which crumbled with the Berlin Wall in 1989. Mr. Wałesa became the first foreign non-head of state to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in 1989.
A distinguished author and scholar, Dr. Sergei Khrushchev is the son of former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev (1957-1964) and a visiting professor of Slavic studies at Brown University, where he has also served as a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies. Dr. Khrushchev’s research has focused on the history of the Cold War and the turning points in relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the Khrushchev, Eisenhower and Kennedy eras; the history of Soviet missiles and space development, in which he played an active role; and the Soviet Union’s transformation from centralized to decentralized government and market economy. He co-authored his father’s memoirs, The Time, the People, the Power (1999), and translated them into English (2005-2007). Dr. Khrushchev is a popular commentator for the American media and the author of more than 350 books and articles, including Khrushchev on Khrushchev (1990), Nikita Khrushchev: Crisis and Missiles (1994) and Nikita Khrushchev and the Creation of a Super Power (2000).
Terms and Conditions
Cancellations
Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:
From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s))
From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 70% of the published full regular tariffs
59 days or less prior to departure: No refund
A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.
In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply.
Discounted Reservations
Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by December 2, 2016. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Airfare
Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.
Luggage
Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.
Physical Accessibility
All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.
Rates
Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.
Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility
The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.
Binding Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.
Acceptance of Contract
By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.
