The following is something that I sent to OBOL and about 25 Oregon birders.
While this cruise will not be off Washington in day light hours, I thought
that some might find it interesting.

Jeff Gilligan
Portland, and, near Nachotta, WA


------ Forwarded Message
From: Jeff Gilligan <jeffgill at teleport.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:44:54 -0600
.

As previously mentioned, the fabulous Golden Princess (a configuration like
the ship we were on in SEP 2007) is sailing from Vancouver, BC at the
prefect departure time of 5:00 PM on SEP 28, 2008, and arrives in LA early
in the morning on OCT 1. (This should put the ship off Oregon at dawn and
off about Point Reyes at dawn.) If you google "Golden Princess" you can see
the ship. The thin dark line over the bow ifs the covered deck where the
birding is typically best.

Distance from shore typically varies by latitude from about 65 to 40 miles.
The ship's speed typically has been about 21 to 23 mph.

I have arranged a group rate that saves $50.00 off the regular price per
person. (Disclosure: I have no financial interest in arranging this. This
is a service to promote far off shore birding and because it is fun.)

Cost: Inside room per person: $303.94 inclusive of taxes and port fees.
The travel agent indicated that this is a savings of about $50.00 per person
off the inside unit price. (Princess is listing the price as $314.00 plus
taxes and fees.)
Balcony room: $398.94.

The prices are inclusive of food. Some brought adult beverages aboard last
SEP. Tips which are standard - I think at about $10.00 per day - are added
on. You can opt to tip individually. I use the standard option. The
employees on the ship are paid very very little by the cruise line.

I already know of 9 who intend to go.

If there are at least 14 who desire, I will arrange a bus to get us to
Vancouver, BC. In SEP 2007 that cost about $60.00 per person - and saved
about $180.00 per person off flying and ground transportation.

If you fly back from LA, or fly to Vancouver, I highly recommend getting a
cruise ship transfer that is arranged by the cruise ship line to and from
the ship. It can be obtained through the travel agent.

If a birder needs to find a roommate, I can prepare a list and send it to
you of others who are looking for a roommate.

It is highly recommend that you take a scope and tripod as well as bins.

Some find it useful to bring a high deck chair with them for being able to
sit and use a scope over the railing.

The discounted rate that I arranged is only available if you go through Dan
Johnson at Fairview Travel. You must mention the group rate and my name to
associate with the discounted rate. His telephone number is 503-666-3893.

This is not an organized tour. That being said the more than 20 birders on
the bow last SEP were all very supportive of each other. Some of the past
cruises have produced very interesting sightings of birds and mammals.

Jeff Gilligan
Portland
(I will be at 520-399-0773 through December.)






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