July 14 2012 RUSSIA

Attached to this letter is a flyer/ brochure describing a river boat trip through some of the most interesting parts of Russia along the Volga and Svir Rivers. The trip includes port time in two of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, Moscow and St. Petersburg, with stops in Russian Golden Ring towns along the river way. 
 

We have a commitment of 20 cabins on the deluxe 5 Star River Cruiser ms Katarina owned and operated by AMA Waterways considered to be the premier deluxe riverboat operator in Europe. The Katarina is newly refurbished and has the largest cabins on the river in each of all price categories, We were fortunate to get this cabin commitment since we are a relatively small tour company but we have some very good connections in the travel industry. We do, however, have a deadline. We must forward to AMA Waterways all of the names and a $500.00 per/person deposit no later than June 30^th.  of this year. If we do not have the names and deposits by this date we lose our special cabin allotment and then we must buy cabin space from what ever space may still be available. We realize that it is more than 14 months prior to the departure date of this trip but there are only 106 cabins on the boat and we have 20% of the cabins under contract on a prime date during the middle of the high  travel season. As many of you know these boats sell out more than a year in advance. 

At first glance the cost of this trip seems to be a bit pricey, but keep in mind that this is a 13 day trip including the transfers to/from the US international airport, airfare to/from Russia, accommodations for 11 nights on a five star river cruiser, six (6) meals and snacks per day with wine at dinner times, and most of the major site visits and sightseeing. We believe that the value of all of this is approximately $2,000.00. Art lectures will be provided by Russian experts and by our own Artist, Art Educator, and Museum Consultant “Maura O’Shea”. Plus! Joani & I  will be with you throughout the entire time. There will be a full time Doctor onboard the boat during the cruise.

There are four (4) different stateroom categories to choose from and each is a different size with a different window or French Door treatment. All cabins are outside. Category (F) is the smallest room and it is located on deck #4. It has only one window but it is the lowest cost at $4,295.00 per/person/ double.  Refer to the flyer/ brochure for the other cabin locations and costs. Category (C) cabins are deluxe, located on deck #3 and feature 238 sq ft of space. Cat. C cabins have balconies and full floor to ceiling “French Doors” that open. Singles are available but they are 50% more expensive, than the double price,  for the category chosen.  All cabin categories have the same amenities. All prices are plus the US & Russian airport taxes, customs fees, and security charges, plus the river port charges, and Russian Visa Fee.

You must have a Russian Visa to enter and stay in Russia for any length of time. Approximately 2 months prior to departure date we will collect all of the US Passports and take them to the Russian Consulate in New York City along with completed Russian application forms. It will take the Russians approximately 10 days to issue the visas. When the visas are ready we will go back to the consulate, retrieve the passports with the visas included and return them to you. 

If you are interested in joining us on this unique and once in a lifetime trip, we must have your $500.00 deposit and completed Reservations Form as soon as possible but before June 30, 2011. As soon as we get your deposit and reservations form we will assign you a specific cabin in the category of your choice.

If you have any questions or require more information, please call us.