Convention 2010 Tour Plans

Tourism British Columbia.

From soaring mountains to coastal views to eclectic shops and restaurants, explore every corner of this breathtaking city and the surrounding scenic wilderness aboard Quota's Convention tours. There's something for everyone on our Vancouver tour circuit!

Click on each tour name below to read more about it. We are now accepting tour registrations through our exclusive tour partner, Venue West, on-line (preferred!) or by phone. Should you have questions about the registration process or any of the tours, please contact Venue West in Vancouver at congress@venuewest.com or (604) 681-5226. (You will not be able to register for tours on your convention registration form as in past years.)

To register for one or more convention tours, click here.

All tour prices (except the Alaskan cruise) are in Canadian dollars and for non-Canadian participants, subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate. Your rate will be the exchange rate on the day that you charge a tour to your credit card.

Scenic Whistler Alpine Excursion
Thursday, July 1, 8:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Can.$95

Explore Vancouver: City and Nature Tour
Friday, July 2, 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Can.$140

Convention-Wide Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunday, July 4, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Can.$118

Granville Island Shop and Browse
Monday, July 5, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Can.$48

North Shore Wilderness Tour: Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Rainforest Walk
Monday, July 5, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Can.$50

City by Cycle: Guided City and Seawall Bike Tour
Monday, July 5, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Can.$85

Grand Tour of Victoria
Tuesday, July 6, 7:15 a.m.- 9:15 p.m., Can.$255

Ultimate Alaska Adventure Cruise
Wednesday, July 7, 5:00 p.m. (board anytime from 1:00 p.m.) - Wednesday, July 14, 8:30 - 10 a.m., beginning at U.S.$1,049 for double room occupancy

Scenic Whistler Alpine Excursion

Thursday, July 1
8:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$95 (approx. U.S.$87)

Co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, Whistler is one of North America's greatest ski and outdoor resorts. Mountains blanketed with wildflowers and distant glaciers make for spectacular views from miles of hiking trails, bicycle paths, and a gondola at the top of Whistler Mountain. There is plenty to enjoy on the way to your final destination, as the deluxe motor coach takes you through downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park, across the famous Lions Gate Bridge, and then along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway overlooking spectacular Howe Sound with its striking views of the waterways and Coastal Mountains. After a stop at Shannon Falls (one of North America's highest waterfalls at 1,000 feet), the restaurants, shops, and spas of pedestrian-only Whistler Village and the surrounding natural beauty await!

Tour cost includes: Motorcoach transportation, tour guide, applicable taxes and gratuities.

Explore Vancouver: City and Nature Tour

Friday, July 2
8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$140 (approx. U.S.$128)

A city of neighborhoods, Vancouver offers an eclectic mix of culture, architecture, shopping, and dining. You'll sample a little of everything when you board the deluxe motorcoach, which begins with a drive past the quaint cobblestone streets, steam clock, and unique shops housed in the turn-of-the-century buildings of Gastown.

Tourism Vancouver.

The tour then continues with a drive through world famous Stanley Park, a 1,000 acre forest set in the heart of downtown. The scenic drive includes the park's Lost Lagoon and stops to enjoy views of the city, harbor, and shoreline at the Totem Poles and Prospect Point. We'll then cross the impressive Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore and wind up the Capilano Canyon, stopping at the Capilano Suspension Bridge—the first of its kind—suspended 230 feet above and stretching 450 feet across the Capilano River. Enjoy the towering firs and walking trails of the park before boarding the coach to reach the base of Grouse Mountain, where a gondola awaits to take you to the top of the mountain—the Olympic home of NBC's The Today Show. At the top of the 3,700 foot ascent, you'll find breathtaking views of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands as well as several award-winning restaurants.

Tourism British Columbia.

Tour cost includes: Motorcoach transportation, admissions, tour guide, applicable taxes and gratuities.

Convention-Wide Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sunday, July 4
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$118 (approx. U.S.$108)

Tourism British Columbia.

Quota fellowship, a stunning cityscape, and fantastic entertainment: you'll find them all aboard the cruise hosting our Convention Fellowship Party. Enjoy a fabulous dinner cruise aboard one of Vancouver's finest charter boats while enjoying the sunset, city lights, and mountain vistas of Howe Sound and the Port of Vancouver. This 3-hour evening includes the vessel charter, a dinner buffet featuring the best of local West Coast cuisine, and live music.

Tourism Vancouver.

Tour cost includes: Motorcoach transportation to and from Coal Harbour, vessel charter, dinner, live music, tour coordinator, applicable taxes and gratuities.

Granville Island Shop and Browse

Monday, July 5
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$48 (approx. U.S.$44)

Tourism Vancouver.

Once an industrial island, Granville Island has undergone a unique urban redevelopment that has transformed it into a breathtaking post-modern oasis brimming with tantalizing restaurants, local arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Studios that were once foundries and machine shops have been transformed into artist's havens for creating pottery, jewelry, textiles, and more. This culinary hotspot features options for every palette, from frothy cappuccinos to every ethnic food you can imagine, as well as the island's centerpiece, a public market providing the very best of fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and more from around the world. You'll take it all in on this excursion, which provides ample time for sampling the wares and meals offered by local businesses, strolling through the unique streets, and enjoying the scenic waterfront view.

Tourism Vancouver.

Tour cost includes: Motorcoach transportation, tour guide, applicable taxes and gratuities.

North Shore Wilderness Tour: Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Rainforest Walk

Monday, July 5
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$50 (approx. U.S.$46)

Just beyond the city, the North Shore wilderness awaits! This fun adventure takes outdoor enthusiasts on an exciting tour away from the skyscrapers of the city to the skyscrapers of Mother Nature. Giant Cedars and Douglas Fir trees greet guests as they walk across the spectacular Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, hanging 20 stories above Lynn Creek and offering stunning views of the canyon below.

Afterward, spend an hour walking through the River Bank Rainforest, watching the steam rise from the forest floor and the misty sun rays pick their way through the overhanging branches. Learn about British Columbia's rainforest ecosystem and savor memories of an enlightening encounter with untamed Vancouver. Be sure to bring your camera and your walking shoes! Please note that the walk is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour cost includes: Motorcoach transportation, admission, tour guide, applicable taxes and gratuities.

City by Cycle: Guided City and Seawall Bike Tour

Monday, July 5
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$85 (approx. U.S$78)

Surrounded by a spectacular seawall, Vancouver's unique downtown is more biker-friendly than most of the world's major cities. The view from a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the city! Your bike ride begins in historic Yaletown, on the banks of the ocean inlet known as False Creek, and continues on a leisurely tour past yacht clubs, beaches, housing developments, beautiful English Bay, and around the Stanley Park Seawall with its magnificent views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. The tour includes stops at the Totem Poles, beaches, and scenic view areas for lots of picture taking. (These are not motorized bikes; you'll have to use pedal power—your own!)

Tour cost includes: Taxi transfers, bike and helmet rental, beverage and snack, tour coordinator, applicable taxes and gratuities.

Grand Tour of Victoria

Tuesday, July 6
7:15 a.m.- 9:15 p.m.
Cost per person: Can.$255 (approx. U.S.$236)

A visit to Victoria is the perfect day trip. This charming British-style city offers a beautiful inner harbor setting, some of North America's best museums, excellent cuisine, and European flair. This fully guided tour will take you on a 90-minute ferry ride through the Gulf Islands, featuring rocky shorelines and unique marine life. Upon arrival on the island, enjoy a scenic drive into downtown Victoria and take a walking tour through the center of British Columbia's capital, boasting stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

Next, High Tea at the world-famous Fairmont Empress awaits! During the summer months, more than 800 people per day (more than most hotels in London) come to enjoy a tradition that has been part of the hotel since she first opened her doors in 1908. The elegant hotel has long been accustomed to entertaining kings, queens, and Hollywood celebrities; Rita Hayworth, Jack Benny, Pat O'Brien, Douglas Fairbanks, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Tallulah Bankhead, Roger Moore, John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, and a host of others have passed through its lobby. Shirley Temple arrived accompanied by her parents amid rumors that she had fled from California because of kidnapping threats, a story born from the presence of two huge bodyguards who took the room opposite hers and always left their door open. The hotel has twice been restored to preserve its architecture and interior design.

Afterward, you'll have time to explore the bustling Inner Harbor on your own: the waterfront cove is fronted by the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and a pedestrian walkway. Dotting the waterfront are many historic buildings, waterfront attractions, and boutiques and cafes.

Our motor coach will then take us to Butchart Gardens. This privately owned estate is now a National Historic Site of Canada, offering 55 acres of beautiful flowers and shrubs. You will enjoy a leisurely stroll through a stunning summer display including begonias, dahlias, hydrangeas, and roses: a spectacular floral rainbow whose impression will last as you board the ferry for our return trip to the Vancouver Fairmont.

Tour cost includes: Motorcoach transportation in Vancouver and Victoria, ferry tolls, tour guide, Victoria City Tour, admission Butchart Gardens, High Tea at the Fairmont Empress, applicable taxes and gratuities.

Ultimate Alaska Adventure Cruise

Departure: Wednesday, July 7, 5:00 p.m. (board anytime from 1:00p.m.)
Return: Wednesday, July 14, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Cost per person: beginning at U.S.$1,049 for double room occupancy

Tourism Vancouver.

Cruise America's last frontier—Alaska's Inside Passage—with Quota friends! Roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, July 7 - 14, 2010!

Tourism Vancouver.

Imagine standing on the majestic deck of a luxurious cruise liner, watching whales breach and eagles soar. Imagine being among the lucky few to spend a whole day in Glacier Bay National Park. Imagine traveling through Alaska's sublime beauty and frontier ports in unsurpassed luxury and comfort. On the ms Volendam, imagination meets reality.

Aboard this Alaskan cruise, you'll experience the exquisite grandeur of the mountains, wildlife, sea life, and glaciers of this spectacular part of the world and visit the boomtowns of the Gold Rush days! All this and a pampered life on board a luxury cruise ship, where guests enjoy dining extravaganzas, exceptional entertainment nightly, and the comfort of a deluxe stateroom.

Click on the links below to learn more about Quota's Ultimate Alaskan Adventure Cruise. Reservations are being accepted now! EXCLUSIVE OFFER—Book during the week of March 15-22, 2010, and you will receive a $100 per cabin shipboard credit, a reduced deposit ($100 per person instead of $250), and an onboard coupon booklet (up to $100 per cabin).  More than 110 Quotarians and their guests have already booked!  If you need a roommate for the cruise, ask our cruise consultant to match you up (see Book a Cruise below). There is already one person waiting for a Quota roommate.

• Cruise Itinerary
• Stateroom Options, Rates, and Fees
• Learn More about Holland America's ms Volendam
• Book a Cruise
• Contact Tour Operators

Tourism Vancouver.

Cruise Itinerary
For more information about destination spots, click on links below:

Day 1    Departure Vancouver
              (1:00 pm, boarding begins; 5:00 p.m. departure)
Day 2    Cruise the Inside Passage
Day 3    Tracy Arm cruising and stop in Juneau
              (2:00 - 10:00 p.m.)

Day 4    Skagway (7 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
Day 5    Glacier Bay (7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Day 6    Ketchikan (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Day 7    Cruise the Inside Passage
Day 8    Arrival in Vancouver
              (7:00 a.m; disembarkation from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.)

Inside Passage

As you cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, you will revel in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of pristine water, snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and islands blanketed with majestic western hemlock and giant Sitka spruce. With its mild, maritime climate, the area is rich in wildlife. Keep your eyes wide open and you may catch a glimpse of bald eagles gliding on deep blue air currents or sea lions, porpoises, and whales frolicking in the waves. Coastal communities are rich in Russian history that is well preserved in churches and other structures. Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indians dominate this area, and ancient totem poles can be found in many communities along with traditional dance and music.

Juneau

Nestled at the base of towering mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel is Juneau, Alaska's capital and the third largest city in the state. You'll find everything in Juneau—from a sophisticated and vibrant cosmopolitan city with great dining, shopping, and fun-filled nightlife to a temperate rainforest, tidal beaches, and mountains capped by alpine meadows. Hiking in the wilderness, watching for humpback whales, fishing for salmon, and taking helicopter rides to view the breathtaking scenery are all available for the adventurous visitor…there is so much to see and do in Juneau that you'll wish you could stay for a week.

Skagway

Known as the "Gateway to the Klondike," this historical coastal community with a frontier flavor is a port of call on Alaska's southeast Inside Passage route with snow-capped and glaciated peaks as a backdrop. Designated a historic district by the U.S. National Park Service, the area along Broadway from First to Seventh avenues features fully restored, turn-of-the-century wooden hotels, saloons, and shops—you'll really think you are back in the days of the Gold Rush. The former railroad depot, a handsome 1898 building, serves as the Park Service visitor center and departure point for walking tours conducted by park rangers.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay is a natural waterway from Alaska's Inside Passage to the tidewater glaciers that are Glacier Bay National Park's main attraction. The park's marine wilderness includes tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, ocean coastlines, deep fjords, and freshwater rivers and lakes. This diverse land and seascape hosts a mosaic of plant communities and a variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife and presents many opportunities for learning about this unique and powerful place. Its numerous branches, inlets, lagoons, islands, and passages also offer you limitless opportunities for exploration and inspiration.

Ketchikan

A scenic town located in the heart of Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is a wonderful spot for travelers who want to experience wilderness and adventure. Known as The Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan provides an abundance of salmon and outstanding fishing opportunities. If you don't want to go fishing for your meal, you can find a wide variety of taste-tempting Alaskan seafood at numerous restaurants, cafes, and casual dining spots. You can also enjoy sightseeing the local native culture by viewing majestic totem poles and other historical artifacts found on downtown streets, in local parks, and museums. Sightseeing options include fully guided land, sea, and air tours and do it yourself bike and car rentals.

Stateroom Options, Rates, Amenities, and Fees
"QUOTA" convention cruise rates include accommodation, port fees, onboard gourmet meals, snacks, coffee and tea service, 24-hour room service, onboard nightly professional entertainment, and access to an onboard naturalist while visiting the glacier regions. In addition, a tour representative will personally meet and greet the delegates at the cruise terminal and assist with boarding and offer personal assistance with preparation and packing for the cruise.

Options and Rates:

Staterooms are limited at the above rates and subject to change based on availability at the time of booking request. Upgrades are offered for all staterooms booked before January 15, 2010, and subject to availability.

Stateroom Amenities

• Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
• Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
• 100% Egyptian cotton towels
• Premium massage showerheads
• 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
• Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo, and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
• Complimentary fresh fruit on request
• Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
• Flat-panel TV and DVD player
• Ice service, shoeshine service, and nightly turndown service

Port Fees and Fuel Supplement
Included in the above rates. At this time no Fuel Supplement is applicable; however, the cruise line reserves the right to reinstate the Fuel Supplement at a future date.

Government Taxes
U.S.$112.49 per person, additional to the above rates

Payment and Cancellation Policy
A $250 per person deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due April 7, 2010. All major credit cards are accepted. Cancellation fees begin 90 days prior to departure. Please contact our cruise consultant Jodi Pallan at (800) 943-8687 or (604) 801-6627 for our group's specific cancellation fee schedule.

Double Occupancy
All prices quoted are for double occupancy in one stateroom. If you need a Quota roommate for the cruise, please tell Jodi Pallan when booking; she will try to match you with another Quota member who needs a roommate.

To learn how to book your Ultimate Alaska Adventure Cruise, click here.

Learn More about Holland America's ms Volendam

From the moment you step aboard the ms Volendam, you will recognize the Holland America Line difference. The cruise line sails with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the gracious, award-winning service that defines classic cruising. Enjoy spacious wraparound teak decks, panoramic views, and large staterooms. With elegant fine dining and enriching activities, you'll discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.

The beautiful garden theme of the ms Volendam is reflected in an artful floral motif throughout the ship's spacious public rooms and elegant staterooms. "Flowers" can be found in abundance in the forms of floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of tropical floral arrangements and chrysanthemums.

In addition to fresh flowers throughout the ship, Holland America Line has drawn on its collection of incredible artwork to enhance the interior of the ship's public spaces. Everything from pre-Columbian fetishes and sculptures to Renaissance-era fountains imported from Italy are included in its hallway galleries. At the heart of the ship an elegant sculpture by Luciano Vistosi, inspired by the myriad of moods and colors of a kaleidoscope, greets visitors in a soaring three-story atrium.

Special Ship Features:

Rotterdam Dining Room: Features impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian, and low-carb options.

Pinnacle Grill: This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes, and many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator—as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens.

Lido Restaurant: Offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties.

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine: Our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests.

Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times: A comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email, or simply read the morning paper.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon: Features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite, and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.

Frans Hals Show Lounge: Features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians, and variety acts.

Crow's Nest: Offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening.

Club HAL®: Our dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 - 12; activities are supervised and age appropriate.

The Loft and The Oasis: Designed exclusively for teens (13 - 17) to have fun, socialize, and hang out with people their own age.

Ship Facts:

Ship's Registry: The Netherlands

Passenger Capacity: 1,432

Crew Members: 615

Gross Tonnage: 61,214 grt.

Length: 781 feet

Beam: 105.8 feet

Maximum Speed: 23 knots

Dedicated: November 1999, by tennis professional Chris Evert

To learn more about ship dining, activities, enrichment, and entertainment go to http://www.hollandamerica.com and click on Onboard Our Ships.

How to Book a Cruise
For further information about this Alaska cruise and the services on board, or to book your cruise, contact Jodi Pallan with the Alaska Cruise Company Ltd. directly at 1-800-943-8687 or (604) 801-6627, mentioning that you are part of the Quota International group. You may also e-mail Jodi at jodi@alaskabysea.com.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER—Book during the week of March 15-22, 2010, and you will receive a $100 per cabin shipboard credit, a reduced deposit ($100 per person instead of $250), and an onboard coupon booklet (up to $100 per cabin).  More than 110 Quotarians and their guests have already booked!  If you need a roommate for the cruise, ask Jodi to match you up. There is already one person waiting for a Quota roommate.

Contact Tour Operators
Quota International has partnered with Venue West, a Vancouver-based Destination Management Company, to provide our Convention 2010 tours.

While you should contact Jodi Pallan with the Alaska Cruise Company Ltd. directly at 1-800-943-8687, (604) 801-6627, or jodi@alaskabysea.com, and mention that you are part of the Quota International group, to book your Ultimate Alaska Adventure Cruise, should you have questions about the cruise reservation process or any of the other tours being offered for Quota, please contact Venue West at congress@venuewest.com or (604) 681-5226.

To register for Quota convention tours other than the Alaskan cruise, click here.

You will not be able to register for the Alaskan cruise or convention tours on your convention registration form as in past years.

Home / Join / Help / Marketplace / Contact Quota / Site Index