Thank you so much for requesting information about the 2010 Glenmary Pilgrimage/Cruise.  I look forward to meeting you and sharing more about our unique ministry.  I have enclosed some materials for you to read which I hope you enjoy.  Also, if you have internet access, please go to www.glenmarysisters.org to learn even more about the Sisters.

Before you start reading the enclosed materials, let me give you some easy to read information about the Glenmary Sisters and some of the assistance we provide. 

• Since 1941, we have remained dedicated to reaching out to those in need here at home
• Assist and minister to those in rural areas and Appalachia through missions in Georgia, Missouri, and Kentucky
• Are full-time missionaries
• Organize labor and materials for minor home repairs
• Provide transportation to medical appointments and Mass
• Provide hundreds of families each year with basic necessities such as:  food, clothing, shelter, assistance with utility bills, transportation, auto repairs, medicines, and most of all, spiritual and emotional support.
• Provide annual Christmas gifts to nursing homes
• Work with volunteer groups who provide wheelchair ramps for the disabled
• Host youth groups throughout the year (These groups experience the love of Christ through faith in action)
• Prepare meals for those who are sick and homebound
• Minister in areas where the Catholic population is < 2%
• Are often the first Catholics these people have ever met
• Work in areas with no resident Priest or Catholic church
• Rely solely on donations (Are not affiliated with the Government, United Way or other community fundraising organizations)
Thank you again for your interest in our work.   Since we rely solely on donations, it is only because of people like you that we are able to do the work of the Lord.  Whatever you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. 

I also need you to know that we have never and will never sell the addresses of our donors.  I don’t want you to worry that sending donations to us will cause your mailbox to overflow with pleas from other organizations.  We do respect your privacy!

Be assured of my love and gratitude for all you do to bring the love of God to so many. 

 With Blessings and Gratitude,
 Sister Sharon Miller, President

Glenmary Sisters Pilgrimage/European Cruise

12 Night Mediterranean Greek Isles from Barcelona, Spain
Join us for the vacation of a lifetime while also deepening your faith and supporting the Glenmary Sisters!  For every cabin booked a $100.00 Donation will be made in your name to the Glenmary Sisters so they can continue their work which brings the love of God to so many. 

Daily Mass Available
Father John Vaughan, Spiritual Director

 

 Ship Information

Ship Facts
Occupancy: 2,501
Tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Beam: 105.6 feet
Draught: 26.7 feet
Cruising Speed: 25 knots (28.8 mph)
Electric Current: 110/220 VAC/1500 watts
Ship's Registry: Bahamas
Entered Service: July 19, 2002
Last Refurbished: N/A

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas is just another example of Royal Caribbean's commitment to making your at sea vacation experience one you will never forget. More outside cabins, glass elevators facing the sea, nine-story glass-constructed Centrum, state-of-the-art technology and of course, our Gold Anchor Service® that is second to none, are just a few of the ways this cruise ship will make your journey special and unique.

Dining Seating:
Our group will be sitting together for the late seating at 8:30PM.  You are welcome to join the group at this time, or you may choose to dine on your own at the main seating at 6:30PM. 

To take a virtual tour of the cruise visit:
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?shipCode=BR

Stateroom Categories

All staterooms include minibar, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV, phone, computer jack, vanity table with an extendable working surface for laptop computers and 110/220 electrical outlets.

Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom. (179 sq. ft., balcony 41 sq. ft.)

Ports of Call:

Barcelona, Spain:  Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.

Nice(Villefranche), France: Villefranche is your gateway to the French Riviera, home to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice. Shaded by jagged mountains touching deep blue shores, Villefranche offers sunny beaches, sophisticated resorts, quaint red-roofed villages and spectacular views.

Florence/Pisa(Livorno),Italy:  Livorno, in the Tuscan region of Italy, is ideally located for exploring some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Florence and Pisa. Florence is most noted as the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy:  Civitavecchia is the gateway to all the magnificence of the ancient city of Rome. Whether it's the Forum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon or St. Peter's Basilica that sparks your interest and intellect, Rome is home to a lifetime's worth of historical, architectural and spiritual sites.

Santorini, Greece:  Black-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and whitewashed villages that cling to volcanic cliffs make the island of Santorini a wonder to behold. Many visitors come to Santorini to uncover the mysteries of the lost kingdom of Atlantis, while others revel in its relaxed mountaintop atmosphere to enjoy the scenic waters of the Mediterranean.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey:  Kusadasi is your gateway to Ephesus, a city created by the Ionians in the 11th century B.C. and later expanded by the Romans. Now considered one of the grandest reconstructed sites in the ancient world, the region also hosted the likes of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle.

Athens, Greece:  Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo and seafood mezedes.

Naples/Capri, Italy:  Naples is not only picturesque, it's also one of the world's greatest cultural centers, filled with extraordinary works of art and architecture in the classical Greek and Roman styles. Several tours are available of the city and the fascinating places just outside of Naples.

Cruise Pricing Information:

Category                  Cruise Fare       Port Charges       Price Per PersonDouble Occupancy
INSIDE-N                     $1450.00               $279.00                             $1729.00
INSIDE-L                      $1540.00               $279.00                             $1819.00
OCEAN VIEW-H          $1760.00               $279.00                             $2039.00
OCEANVIEW-G           $1820.00               $279.00                             $2099.00
BALCONY-E3              $2520.00               $279.00                             $2799.00
BALCONY-E2              $2570.00               $279.00                             $2849.00

Taxes  (in USD)
Taxes:$123.66  Due with final payment
Gratuities (in USD)
Gratuities must be pre-paid for our group at the rate of $117.00 per person for the ENTIRE cruise. This includes the tips for your Stateroom Steward, head waiter, your personal table waiter and the assistant waiter. It's just wonderful not to have to worry about this all through the cruise!  Amount is due with final payment.

Single Cabin Rate
Single Occupancy Fares are available upon request to guests within a specific category and will be charged at two hundred percent (200%) corresponding Double Occupancy Rate for that category of stateroom shown in the Table above.
Third & Fourth Guests
The rates for triple and quadruple guest staterooms are quoted at the time of request. There are a limited number available so call early for these cabins.

Optional Insurance Information:

GROUP TRAVEL INSURANCE
Life happens! We never know when we will have to change or cancel our plans because of an unforeseen circumstance. Please be sure to submit the correct amount that you want covered besides the cruise (airfare, hotel,etc).
 
Trip Cost Rate
$3,000 - $3,500... Insurance cost - $145
$3,501-$4,000... Insurance cost - $165
$4,001 - $5,000… Insurance cost – $200
$5001- $ 6000… Insurance cost- $245
$6001- $7000 … Insurance cost - $300

This insurance covers:
 
Trip Cancellation* Trip Cost**
Trip Interruption* 150% Trip Cost**
Trip Delay (6 hours) $750 ($150/day)
Baggage/Personal Affects $1,500
Baggage Delay (24 hour) $400
Emergency Accident/Sickness Medical
Expense $50,000
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of
Remains $250,000
24 Hour Accidental Death &
Dismemberment $25,000
75% of Non-refundable Trip
Cost, cancellation must be 2 or
more days prior to scheduled
departure***

Cancelation Policy:
Cancel prior to 2/19/2010 and receive 100% of your deposit back without penalty.  After 2/19/2010 the deposit in non-refundable.  After final payment is made you may cancel for any reason covered under your insurance policy.  If you opt out of insurance all final payments are non-refundable.

Optional Group Flight Information:

From Louisville or Nashville departing June 18th and arriving in Barcelona June 19th
Departing Barcelona and returning to Nashville or Louisville July 2nd

Round trip Group airfare from both cities:  $1466.13 pp

*We will provide round trip bus transportation from Owensboro to both airports for $70 per person subject to enough people requesting this service.

*If you are not flying from the Nashville/Louisville area of the country please contact Faith in Travel and we will gladly assist you make flight arrangements from your home city. 

Checked Baggage—International
For customers traveling between the U.S. or Canada and Europe customers in economy class will be charged 50 USD/CAD/EUR* each way for the second checked bag when prepaid during online check-in at delta.com (55 USD/CAD/EUR* when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside).

For travel between the U.S./Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands to/from Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America, the first two checked bags are free.

Exceptions to the second checked bag fee include:

First and Business Class passengers
SkyMiles and WorldPerks Elite members (Platinum, Gold, and Silver)
Active duty U.S. military members traveling on orders
Passengers who purchased tickets prior to May 23, 2009 (to Europe)
Passengers who are confirmed on a Full Y class Economy ticket
 

Optional Pre-Trip Information:

HOTEL – 4 Star Hotel in the center of Barcelona!

Standard Double Room: $130.00 PP
Standard Single Room:  $220.00 PP
Triple room at AC Diplomatic:  $133.00 PP

NOTE:  The triple room rate is more expensive than the standard double room rate quoted because all triple rooms at this property must be superior triple rooms.  Please note that a superior double room is $146.00 PP.  A superior single is $262.00 PP.

Optional Transfers & Excursions:

Optional Transfers & Excursions will be available to all those who sign up for this amazing journey.  We will be offering a tour in Barcelona including Mass on Sunday morning prior to boarding the ship.  We will also offer private group excursions at a few different ports in addition to all of your options with Royal Caribbean! 

We will offer a private group excursion to the Papal Audience while in Rome!  This will be subject to the Pope being present in Rome on that date.

Optional Transfers & Excursions:
Please note that Royal Caribbean offers many excursions at various price ranges at every port.  They also offer transfers from the airport to the ship on the day of the cruise and from the ship to the airport on the day the cruise returns. 

Transfers
We are only offering the below transfers from the airport to the hotel for people flying in with the group from Nashville & Louisville arriving in Barcelona on June 19th and  those flying out on group flights on July 2nd.  We will assist all other passengers on an individual basis.

Pricing below is per person, per transfer and is inclusive of English-speaking assistance.  This is the price for transfers from the airport to the hotel, hotel to port, &/or port to airport.

 $26.00 per transfer pp

Excursions
We are offering special excursions in a select few ports where we felt we could offer something unique that Royal Caribbean will not be offering.

Barcelona Excursion
4 Hour tour the morning of Sunday June 20th prior to boarding ship
$75.00 PP

• Pickup from Hotel after Breakfast and transfer to Mass + Tour
• A Professional English-speaking guide
• Private motor coach at disposal for 4 hours
• Entrance to the Sagrada Familia
• Drop off at the cruise port

Nice Excursion
Monday, June 21, 2010
10am arrival; 8pm departure
$105.00 PP
 
• Full day coach (pick up/drop off Nice pier)
• English speaking assistance at disposal
• Guided visit of the Monastery
• Private mass at the Monastery
• Private organ concert

Itinerary:
Board your private coach and depart for the Basilique de Marie Madeline in St Maximin La Sainte Baume.  This is the Baroque Basilica and convent where the St Marie Madeleine was buried. Tour the Basilica with the assistance of a local guide.  Following your tour, enjoy a private mass with the group followed by the opportunity to listen to a small private organ concert, played on the basilica’s historic organ.  Before returning to the ship, drive by the Saint Baume Cave where the Saint live for almost 30 years.  We will stop for a panoramic view, pictures and for a prayer at the bottom of the mountain.  (NOTE:  There will only be time to drive by the cave, as buses are not allowed to enter and it requires a 30 minute walk).  Return to the ship this evening.  Please note you will be given one hour of free time for lunch.
 

Rome Excursion
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
7am arrival; 7pm departure 

MORING PORTION:  (We will offer only one morning option)
$40.00 PP  (For Morning portion only)

Transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome for Papal Audience
• Private one-way motor coach transfer from Civitavecchia pier to St Peter's (Drop off Gianicolo bus terminal)
• English speaking assistant at disposal
• Entrance tickets to Papal Audience**** (If the Pope is not available on this date we will arrange for a special private Mass in Rome)

AFTERNOON PORTION: (We will offer 3 afternoon options for you to choose from)

Option 1: Half day Vatican tour with Sistine Chapel
$125.00 PP  (For Afternoon Portion Only)

• Half day tour (4 hrs) of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with a Professional English-speaking guide
• English speaking assistant at disposal
• Entrance fees to Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel
• Private motor coach for transfer from St Peter's (Gianicolo Bus Terminal) back to Civitavecchia 

Itinerary:
For being the smallest independent country in the world, The Vatican City has a world of mystery, art and history within its walls.  Follow the footsteps of centuries of admirers with an expert guide who will assist you in unraveling the intrigue that surrounds the sensational papal state.  During your guided visit to the Vatican Museums, you will explore the halls and rooms of Greek and Roman statuary, relish the Renaissance-era frescoed maps covering the walls of the Gallery of Maps, and see Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel.
 
Finally, a Vatican City day of discovery would not be complete without the treasures of St. Peter’s Basilica.  Get “up close and personal” with Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s ornate altarpiece, gold-covered faces of actual popes’ bodies in glass caskets, the enchanting Baldachin above the papal altar and many other astonishing sculptures, paintings and mosaics. Following will be your transfer back to the Civitavecchia pier.
Note:  We will walk from St Peter's to the Vatican Museums

Option 2:  Half day Ancient Rome with Coliseum
$110.00

• Half day tour (3 hrs) of Ancient Rome with a Professional English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees to Coliseum/ Forum
• Private motor coach at disposal for guided tour and transfer to Civitavecchia 

Itinerary:
This afternoon you will experience true immersion in ancient imperial Rome! Your guide will explain Rome’s greatest amphitheatre, the Coliseum in depth from both the inside and outside. You will make a stop at the Arch of Constantine and learn how Constantine changed Rome forever. From there you will walk along the “Via Sacra” (Sacred Way), the route followed by religious and triumphal processions in ancient Roman times.  Pass through the remarkable Roman Forum, filled with a patchwork of ruins, temples, triumphal arches, and basilicas. Walk up the stairs of the Campidoglio and marvel at the grandiose ancient city below you.  Following your tour, transfer back to the Civitavecchia pier.

Option 3: Free time and transfer back to Civitavecchia
$40.00 PP

• English speaking assistant at disposal
• Private one-way motor coach transfer back to Civitavecchia pier 

Ephesus Excursion
Sunday, June 27 2010
7am arrival; 6pm departure
$109.00 PP

• Full day coach (pick up/drop off Ephesus pier)
• English speaking assistance at disposal
• Archaeological sites of Ephesus
• House of Virgin Mary with private Mass within the grounds
• Entrance to Saint John’s Basilica
• “Biblical Lunch”
• Brief lecture at a private library in the town of Selcuk with tea/coffee & cookies
• Optional time for shopping close to the pier

Itinerary:
Meet with your guide at the pier and take a short drive to visit the glorious city of Ephesus (Rev 1:11, 2:1-7) (Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41 Ephesians). Ephesus was the capital city of Roman Province of Asia Minor; the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World; Temple of Artemis, and the site of the third richest library of the ancient world, Celsus library. 
Your visit will include the archaeological sites of Ephesus including the open air museum and the Grand Theater, where Paul preached, it is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 people

St. Paul came to Ephesus in 54 AD and stayed for three years. He preached the Gospel, gained followers and also established the church of Ephesus. St John (author of Revelations according to the New Testament) also spent his last years in Ephesus. St. John is believed to have been buried within the Basilica of St John.  A strong tradition in the Catholic Church states that St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus and she ascended to heaven from Ephesus. A private Mass will be held at the Church within the grounds of Virgin Mary House area.

Included in the price of this tour is a “Biblical Lunch” where we will be served food cited in the bible.  We will enjoy a special visit to a private library in the town of Selcuk where a small lecture will be given over tea/coffee and cookies. Upon arriving back at the pier there will be optional time for shopping.

Sign me up!!!!

Contact us directly at the office.

•  $250.00 deposit due per person by January, 14 2010.
• $350.00 deposit if you choose group air due by Dec, 1 2009 and is refundable until March 1st. 
• Final Payment is due by April, 2 2010. 
• Final payment should include the following minus your deposits:
•  Stateroom Cost
•  Port Charges
• Taxes
• Gratuities
•  Any optional selections including pre-trip, transfers, and excursions

Payment Options:
You can pay for your cruise by credit card or by check.  You may call Faith in Travel directly or fill out the Passenger Cruise Form and mail it in with your credit card information or your check. 

Hotel, Flight, Transfers & Excursions are preferred to be paid by check payable to Faith in Travel.  Otherwise you may also provide your credit card for these options.

Make checks payable to Faith in Travel and mail to:
Faith in Travel
241 Terre Hill Rd
Morganfield, KY 42437