Param Shakti Peeth of America 3301 W. imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90630, Tel: 310-673-0041 General Questions and answers regarding Cruise Katha May 2011 1. Q- Who is undertaking the cruise? A- Param Shakti Peeth of America, 3301 West Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 A- May 7th 2011 set sail from Long Beach California to Alaska and ends on May 14th 2011.Ends at Vancouver Canada. 2. Q-When and where the cruise starts and ends 3. Q-. Details of Cruise A- NORWEGIAN STAR Package Itinerary: Package Voyage Date LOS ANGELES 05/07/2011 AT SEA 05/08/2011 AT SEA 05/09/2011 At SEA 05/10/2011 JUNEAU 05/11/2011 JUNEAU 05/11/2011 KETCHIKAN 05/12/2011 KETCHIKAN 05/12/2011 CRUISE INSIDE PASSAGE ALASKA 05/13/2011 VANCOUVER 05/14/2011 Arrive Time Depart Time 4:00 pm 7:00 am 3:00 pm 8:00 am 6:00 pm 8:00 am Name: Norwegian Star, Built Date: 11/01/2001, Capacity: 2240, Country of Registry: BAHAMAS Crew: 1080, Length: 935, Speed [cruising]: 24, Speed [maximum]: Tonnage: 91740 4. Q -What all places we can visit A- Explore Juneau, Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line Sample Shore Excursions: Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier Tour: See an overview of this fascinating capital city and its attractions. Then proceed to Mendenhall Glacier, the world's only drive-to glacier. The Visitor Center houses many glaciology exhibits. Cap off the day with a drive to scenic Auke Lake. Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens Tour: Like walking into a picture book, enter the Glacier Gardens Rainforest nestled near Thunder Mountain. Follow your guide up 580-feet past incredible scenery: the Mendenhall wetlands and Gastineau Channel. Tour Mendenhall Glacier next. Underground Juneau Gold Tour: There's gold in them thar hills! Relive Juneau's mining past as you venture up to Sheep Creek Valley to the 1913 Alaska Gastineau Mill. See a mining equipment display and go 360 feet underground for a closer look at how miners lived. Mendenhall Glacier & Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour: Work up an appetite walking around the Mendenhall Glacier before you head off to the salmon bake. This traditional salmon bake will be all you can ask for and more. Popular Shore Excursions in Juneau, Alaska: Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier Tour Mendenhall Glacier & Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour Historic Gold Mine, Panning & Salmon Bake Tour Juneau Sports fishing Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast Mendenhall Glacier River Float Juneau Rainforest & Sea Coast Nature Walk Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Explore Ketchikan, Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line Ketchikan, Alaska: Just three miles long by three miles wide, Alaska's first city is lively. Replica totem poles are on display at Totem Bight State Historical Park. Walk the old boardwalk along Ketchikan Creek in search of shops and cafes Popular Shore Excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska: 1. Totem Bight & Ketchikan City Tour 2. Ketchikan Cultural Discovery 3. Saxman Native Village 4. Nature Sanctuary, Eagle Center & Totems Tour 5. Ketchikan By Horse-drawn Trolley 6. Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary 7. Lighthouse, Eagles & Totems Excursion 8. Best of Ketchikan by Land & Sea 9. Ketchikan Duck Tour 10. Wilderness Exploration & Crab Fishing Adventure 11. Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer, 12. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Vancouver City Tour Approximate Duration: 3 1/2 hours Nestled between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver's beauty is proudly unveiled during your fully-commentated tour. Venture through exotic Chinatown and historic Gastown. Enjoy the splendor and beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park, with its abundance of flowers and indigenous trees. Next, continue in to Nature's splendor, the thousand acres of Stanley Park. Surrounded by brilliant city and ocean views, you'll have plenty of opportunity to take that perfect picture and stop to see the world famous totem poles. After a leisurely drive along English Bay Beach, you'll arrive at Granville Island Public Market a collection of theatres, artists' studios, craft shops, restaurants and food vendors. After a brief visit to Granville Island you will make your way through the upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood where old homes and stately mansions dominate the landscape. 5. Q-What inspires the Cruise Katha A- Join with us for an exciting 7 days trip filled with Spirituality, meditation, Katha, Blessings and the uncompromising beauty of Alaska. Be a part of the family, enjoy and keep the everlasting Memory of Satang and the divine nature of Alaska with Pujjya Sadhvi Ritambharaji (Didi Maa) The most prominent spiritualist in this age from the blessed land of Bharath. Her motherly affection enthralled many. Bharath, the land of divinity, birth place of many religions, love, respect, culture and the mother land of many celestials, the land of GITA, and the land of ancient and current wisdom. It is a blessing, do not miss it. Join with Vatsalyagram extended family and be a part of it. 6. Q - Package price Total 200 Cabins A- Balcony Category BA 57 Cabins A. inside cabin = $799, Balcony Category BB 29 Cabins B. Ocean View =$ Ocean View Category OK 54 Cabins C. Balcony = $ 1179 879 Inside Category IA 60 Cabins D. Super Balcony = $ 1199 + $ 100 for site seeing (JUNEAU, KETCHIKAN) 7. Q- Food A-Indian Vegetarian Dishes of North, East, West and South served. (Special arrangements made) 8. Q- What tour can be provided? A- Deluxe Los Angeles City Tour Morning Proceed to Downtown, Visit the Music Center where the Oscar Award ceremony was held, and you can also view the 73-story Bank Building, the Bureau of US Citizenship and Immigration Services Building, the Department of Water & Power and City Hall. Continue to Olvera Street (the oldest remaining building in Los Angeles). Afternoon towards the famous Hollywood area, visit Mann's Chinese Theater and The Hollywood Bowl (the largest open air amphitheater in the world). Proceed to Sunset Blvd., Rodeo Deive in Beverly Hills. Then proceed to famous NBA basketball teams' home court- Staples Center, as well as L.A. "Times Square" - L.A. Live. Universal Studios Tour In the Morning, Passing Downtown Los Angeles to Universal Studios and begin a "behind-the-scene" tour of Hollywood's busiest back lot, see how and where movies and TV shows are filmed. Face King Kong as he unleashes 30 feet and 30,000 pounds of howling, growling, living terror-just 36 inches from your unbelieving eyes! Be thrilled by the "Stunt Show Cowboys"; relive the attack by the shark from "Jaws", experience an earthquake, or watch the mesmerizing "Water World" show, feel the flames of "Back draft" and the newest attraction "Jurassic Park"! Universal Studios, Where Hollywood Comes to Life! Disneyland Tour Morning start tour for Disneyland, known as the Happiest Place on Earth, with unlimited fun for the entire family. You can visit Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and Small World. See the new Honey, I Shrunk The Audience(TM) 3-D movie, or take a ride with Indiana Jones and enjoy many new exciting rides and the new "FANTASMAC!" LOS ANGELES - SOLVANG - HEARST CASTLE – SAN FRANCISCO Leave Monterey Park in the morning and take the scenic route along The Pacific Coast Highway and arrive at Solvang, a town which is more Danish in character than Denmark. Continue north to San Simeon for a visit to Hearst Castle, the only castle to be found on American soil. You will marvel at the priceless collections of art and antique pieces and the gilt-edged swimming pools. Overnight in San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO In the Morning, Visit the Fabulous City of San Francisco. On arrival, tour the world famous Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Oakland Bay Bridge, Chinatown and Treasure Island. Afternoon free time, shopping, visit relative or (Optional in Depth City Tour: Castro St., Saint Mary Church, Twin Peaks, San Francisco City Hall). SAN FRANCISCO - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - LOS ANGELES In the early morning, your coach will take you north to Yosemite through miles of vineyards, orchards, and fertile farmland of California. Enter Yosemite National Park to view the waterfalls, El Capitan, and walk along trails among towering pine trees. Will return to Los Angeles in the evening. LOS ANGELES - LAS VEGAS Depart from Los Angeles, Stop by Factory Outlet on the way. We Proceed to Las Vegas, Nevada- the Gambling Capital of the World. Both 2 Nights stay at hotel located centre of the Las Vegas Strip, so you can visit famous hotels with walking distance such as- Luxor, New York New York, Treasure Island, Mirage, etc.....You may Join Optional Night tour or Best Seller Famous Jubilee Show. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK (SOUTH RIM) - LAS VEGAS Morning Proceed to One of the 7 Wonders of the World- the Grand Canyon National Park. The Canyon is much Greater both in Size and Beauty Contrary to General Misconception. Back to Las Vegas in the evening. Tonight, you can Shop for Famous Brands in Caesar's Palace or Try your Gambling Luck. CHOCOLATE FACTORY - DESERT CACTUS GARDEN - LOS ANGELES In the morning, we will continue the tour to Chocolate Factory and Desert Cactus Garden. Depart for Los Angeles, on the way; we will stop at the Len wood factory outlet mall where you can purchase famous brands at the lowest price possible. Arrive in Los Angeles in the evening. 9. All must go tours Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier is a glacier about 12 miles long located in Mendenhall Valley. It is one of the most visited in all of Alaska. Juneau is an interesting place, more sophisticated and vibrant than you would expect. It is also unlike any other state capital in this country, as it is accessible only by sea or air. It has no flat land to speak of and it has a giant ice field blocking off any chance of land access. It has been said that there are no stolen cars in Juneau, just joy rides, as there is nowhere to go! After boarding your small van or bus, you will begin in historical downtown Juneau, and will show off its narrow angled streets and interesting architecture, an area that you might choose to return to later on. Among the buildings that you will pass are the Alaska State Museum, the State Office Building, and the octagonal St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. Your visit to the remarkable Mendenhall Glacier will be about an hour and a half stop. At certain times of the year, you will be able to see the bears catching fish in the stream from an overlook point located off one side of the entrance to the glacier. The glacier itself is one of the most accessible to the public. You will drive within a mile of the face 10. KETCHIKAN CITY AND SAXMAN TOTEM VILLAGE TOUR Your guide is eagerly waiting to share his knowledge with you. Much of Ketchikan is built on fill, on pilings over the water, or on hillsides with steep winding ramps for streets. We felt it the most charming of all the towns we saw in Alaska as its success hasn't overshadowed its reality, a great fishing and logging town. As you make your way around the city, you'll drive past the cannery as well as some of the residential areas. You will explore the famous Ketchikan waterfront including Creek Street, the former historic Red Light district and have some time for shopping there. Watch as salmon head up the fish ladder and struggle through the current to spawn. No trip to Ketchikan can be complete without visiting the Saxman Totem Village. This is the only totem park of Alaska that has 29 authentic totems carved by Tlingit and Haida natives. The poles were moved here from their original sites in the 30's and have been restored by native carvers. Your guide will be able to give you great insight into the background of the tribes and the ritual of carving. As Ketchikan gets upward of 14 feet of rain per year, the residents pride themselves on almost never canceling baseball games and picnics due to rain. The weather prediction is easy - if you can't see the top of Deer Mountain, it's raining; if you can, it's going to rain! Bring your slicker! Vancouver Stanley Park, QE Park, Lion gate Bridge, Capilano Fish Hatchery, Lynn Canyon, Granville Island, Mini Ferry ride on False Creek Vancouver-Victoria-Vancouver Ferry Cruise through Georgia Strait, Victoria China Town; Harbor front Area, Beacon Hill Park, Mile Zero, Confederation Square, Legislative Buildings and Butchart Gardens. Ferry back to Vancouver Seattle Visit the 1962 World Fair site where the lies the 605 feet high Space needle. Space Needle has been Seattle’s landmark since it was built. Phone: (562) 924 0029 Fax: (562) 924- 0104 Tour/Travel agent info: Bharat Bhakta: GLOBIMAX SAMSON TOURS & TRAVELS, www.globimax.com , Email: bharat@globimax.com, IATA: 056048 11. Q- Is this package included? A- No. These tours can be arranged if group of people want to see the sights at their own expense and will provide the price if there are sufficient members to participate 12. Q- What is the all must go tour A- Those tours are listed above. 13. Q-What about the Hotel and Transportation in Los Angeles A-From LAX airport On May 6th to the Hotel transportation arranged, Hotel accommodation arranged Lunch/ Breakfast will be provided, On May 7th breakfast and Lunch provided Accommodation, transportation and food include $ 55 per person and have to pay 14. Q-What time we need to reach Long beach to board the ship A- 8am to 10 am for security and other formalities. 15. Q-What time the ship will set sail A- 4pm in the evening on May 7th 16. Q-Which day and what time the cruise will end On May 7th transportation from Hotel to Long Beach Pier transportation arranged A- May 14th 8am at Vancouver Location: Cerritos/Artesia- In Little India, Hotels motels arranged this area 17. Q-How people will go to Vancouver to Seattle A- Special buses arranged for transportation on $ 30 charge per head. PSPA Identification cards will be provided to all participants 18. Q-Why the cruise Price is little high or seems to be high 21. Q- What about Insurance, cancellation refunds etc A- Travel and tour agent is working on those issues A- We are in a group and the cruise ship has to make many arrangements to a big group where facilities should be given exclusively, special vegetarian food and many things. Advertisement charges office charges etc. Most of the charges are Tax and service charges. Still we are getting $200 less than last year’s price. 19. Q-Security A-Baggage screening, personal screening and security measures will be taken by the cruise ship security just like we are boarding in an air plane. 22. Q- How registration can be done and when A- Registration already started; you can call the local coordinators of PSPA chapters, Karyalay or Tour Travel agent. 23. Q-How charges can be paid A- Through check, Credit card or Cash. 24. Q – Is there any early special or consideration. A- The cabins will be allotted first come first served basis 20. Q-What papers we need 25. Q-what about the cruise charge if the initial 200 cabins are booked A-Those who comes from India and other countries need to have USA and Canadian visas A- It may go higher and all depends up on the Cruise ship Those who have already visa to these countries do not have to do any paper work 26. Q- Are you expecting more participation Travel agent and Karyalay can only direct the participants how visas can be obtained Karyalay will make sure to forward Agreement papers to all participants in time which will indicate the tour expenses and other details. Contact Los Angeles Chapter of PSPA A- We do and we are in consultation with Tour and Travel agent with such situation. 1. Sri. Ramjibhai Patel 4. Sri. Mahesh Mehta (310) 673-0041, (562) 659-4353 (562)229 2866, (714) 699-1457 2. Sri. Vijay Telkikar 5. Sri. Soman Nair (909) 920- 5037 (714) 644-0827, 562-402-2382 3. Sri. Anil Parekh Param Shakti Peeth of America (562) 335-2349 Additional options for Site seeing, before 7th May 2011 or after 14th May , Please contact bharat@globimax.com (Bharat Bhakta , Globimax Samson Tours & Travels , 18021 Pioneer Blvd , Artesia , CA 90701 , Phone ( 562) 924 0029 , Fax (562) 924 0104 ) Option 1 A. Los Angeles City /Universal Studios -Tour One day Charges including admission fees transportation and tips etc =$ 150 B. Disney land one day tour =$120 $ 100 per day for accommodation and food,= $ 200 Total = $470 Option 2 A. San Diego tour Sea World one day Charges including admission fees transportation and tips etc = $100 B. San Diego zoo one day Charges including admission fees transportation and tips etc =$ 100 $ 100 per day for accommodation, food =$200 Total = $ 400 Option 3 Los Angles to Las Vegas-(Casinos-Shows etc) and back to Los Angles two days and one night tour Charges including transportation and tips etc = $150 $ 100 per day for accommodation =$200 Other Expenses =$100 Total =$ 450 Participants need to pay the ticket price by themselves and choose the world famous shows Option 4 Los Angles to Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and back to Los Angles two nights and three days tour Charges including transportation and tips etc =$ 200 Admission fees to Park =$75 Accommodations for three days =$300 Total= $575 Food expenses will be extra ,shows in Las Vegas participants need to pay separately Option 5 Vancouver City and Victoria Tow days’ tour Charges including admission and transportation= $50+$150 =$200 Transportation from Vancouver to Seattle =$ 30 Accommodation for two days =$ 200 Food and other expenses = $70 Total =$500 The cost can be reduced to certain extent once we get the actual numbers to negotiate with various agencies such as hotels, transportation and probably restaurants also. All PSPA group need to follow Norwegian Cruise line (NCL) terms and condition. Paramshakti peeth of America (PSPA) also recommends that all guests review the Additional Terms and Conditions listed below. (1) Cancellation Policy No refunds will be made in the event of interruption or cancellation. No refunds will be given on any cruise for no-shows, Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to the above cancellation fees (2) Baggage Loss or Damage PSPA will not be responsible for any loss or damage. (3) Passengers with Special Needs: Any physical disability or request requiring special treatment or attention should be reported to PSPA when the reservation is made, so that appropriate accommodations can be provided. PSPA reserves the right to refuse or to revoke passage to anyone in such physical or mental condition as to be unfit for travel or who, in the judgment of the carrier, may be a danger to themselves or others. (4) PSPA suggest to buy Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Protection Plan Book Safee Travel Protection to help cover the cost of: 1.Trip cancellation 2.Trip interruption 3.Lost luggage 4.Trip and baggage delays 5.Medical expenses 6.Emergency medical transportation (5) Make all checks payable to PSPA and mail to 3301 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303. (6) All other written correspondence should be sent to: PSPA, 3301 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 (7) All registration fees are not refundable (8) Guest need to arrange their own transportation to participating in any of the indoor or outdoor activities. (9) PSPA or any of its committee/board members will not be responsible for any injuries that May result while participating in any of the indoor and outdoor activities. (10) Guest need to take care of their own health and any insurance they need. (11) Guest need to follow all rules set time-to-time by PSPA (12 PSPA terms & conditions may change without notice. (13) PSPA reserve right to refuse or cancel any booking without notice. (14) The cost of traveling on a cruise ship (cruise katha) is not tax deductible because they are not considered charitable donations. Cruise registration will only be valid if signed by applicant and furnished with Complete info as requested. With signing this form I agree with all terms and condition as mentioned. First Name: ____________________________Last Name:__________________________________ Signature of Applicant: __________________________________________Date:__________________ Paramshaktipeeth of America Nonprofit organization 3301 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 Tel.310-673-0041 Email: ramjibs@aol.com Cruise Katha Booking Form May 7th to 14th 2011 (Los Angles-Alaska-Vancouver) Name (First) (MI) Birth Date: (Last Name) Disabled: Yes No Circle one : US Citizen /Green Card Holder/Canadian Citizen/Indian Citizen /H1 B visa/UK Email Address: Cell Phone: Home Phone: Street Address: City: State: Emergency contact information: Name (First) _____________________ Zip Code: Last Name:___________________ Home Phone: ___________________ Cell Phone: __________________ Work Phone:________ Home Address : Street Name :__________________________________________________________ City: ___________________ State: __________________ Zip Code:_______________________ Please mark your choice Cruise price for PSPA Inside cabin $799 Balcony $1179 Ocean View $879 Super Balcony $1199 (Rates are per person on twin sharing basis) $ 100 Extra fro site seeing at JUNEAU & KETCHIKAN Amount $_____________________________________ check No: __________________________________ Make check Payable to : PSPA Mail to: 3301 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 I understand that the seats are allotted first come first served basis. Tours, excursions, hotel stay, transportation and other things which is not included in the cruise price may cost extra amount which can be with group discount should be paid before the service is provided. I further understand that cancellation is subject to PSPA guidelines which will be notified to me in due course. I am responsible to come up with all travel documents and to submit it before the stipulated time’. First Name: _________________________________Last Name:_________________________ Signature of Applicant:__________________________________________date:_____________