Join a Relaxing and Educational Vacation Cruise to the Caribbean

Hosted by Dr. Rami Arav, Bethsaida Excavations Project Director

Eastern Caribbean Sailing Seminar

January 2-9, 2005

Enjoy a week on the luxurious Holland America ms Oosterdam while studying the archaeological discoveries in Israel at the time of Jesus Christ. Dr. Arav will give a fascinating on-board series of presentations that reconstruct the environment of Jesus’ ministry, including sites that have been excavated.

Itinerary and Ports of Call

Sunday, Jan. 2 - Arrive in Fort Lauderdale and transfer to the port to board the ms Oosterdam. We set sail for the warm waters of the Caribbean late this afternoon.

Monday, Jan. 3 - Arrive in Nassau, the captivating Queen of the Bahamas. You have the morning to explore! Clip-clop through town in a horse–drawn surrey, shop the bustling Straw Market, or take an excursion to the famed Ardastra Gardens to see the pink flamingos perform. Depart Nassau at 12:00 noon. Evening opening seminar: Jesus in Archaeology.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 – Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Morning and afternoon seminars: Archaeology in the Holy Land.

Wednesday, Jan. 5 – Arrive mid-morning in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, a delightful island under two flags—half Dutch, half French. Shop for Dutch chocolates and delftware in Philipsburg or stroll the beautiful beaches. Depart St. Maarten at 11:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 6 – Welcome to the island of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. Our port is Road Town and you have the entire day to explore this peaceful island. Cane Garden Bay is a favorite beach, complete with snow-white sand and azure seas. Depart Tortola at 6:00 p.m. Evening seminar: What Archeology can tell us About the Life of Jesus.

Friday, Jan. 7 – Another delightful day at sea. Morning and afternoon seminars: Galilee and Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus.

Saturday, Jan. 8 – Enjoy a day at Holland America’s private island retreat—Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas! Go kayaking or aqua cycling, take a nature walk, go bone fishing or snorkeling,.and don’t miss the tropical beach barbecue. Depart Half Moon Cay at 4:00 p.m.  Evening seminar: Galilee and Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus.

Sunday, Jan. 9 – Arrive this morning back in Fort Lauderdale. After disembarking the ship, transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

Cruise cost, based on double occupancy

$1,449 per person for an Inside Stateroom – Category K

$1,592 per person for an Outside Stateroom – Category E

$1,632 per person for an Outside Stateroom – Category C

Tour Inclusions

• Round trip transfersby motorcoach between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood or Miami International Airport and the ship.
• Accommodations aboard the ms Oosterdam for seven nights, based on double occupancy.
• All meals, service by the Holland America staff, and entertainmentwhile on board. Some Alternative Dining Rooms charge an additional fee. Certain non-alcoholic beverages are also included while on board the ship.
• Port charges and taxes.

Price does not include airfare, optional shore excursions, or gratuities to the ship’s crew.

More details and full color brochure coming soon!

To receive a brochure, please contact:

Dr. Rami Arav ~ 402-554-4986 ~ rarav@mail.unomaha.edu

Duane and Kathie Pieper ~ 402-331-3415  ~ kdjpieper@yahoo.com