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March updates
March 26, 2022
Dear Friends and Fellow Voyagers,
By now it has become obvious that our unique Russia cruise is no longer possible in 2022. Certainly in the future, but much will have to change to clear the path for such a trip. However, we know you are excited to travel this year (as are we) and we assume that by now you are considering some options.
Because you are a part of a most remarkable, self-selected group of people who have signed up for our unique travel adventure, we have talked in detail with Scot and Maurine Proctor and have decided to offer another amazing “bucket-list” experience this year and we hope you’ll join us.
Mark and I have been talking with friends about returning with a small group to the Dalmatian Coast on the Adriatic Sea just east of Italy and belonging to Croatia. This is a pristine area, stunningly beautiful, and just begging to be visited. Ever since we first discovered this amazingly beautiful land we’ve desired to return.
The Proctors have also been there (as has Eric) and were very enthusiastic about the chance to return when we suggested the possibility to them just two weeks ago. The Roman empire caesars and noble class vacationed here in ancient times and you’ll see why. It has a Slavic flavor mixed with Italian, and is just now becoming a destination for people’s bucket lists from all over the world.
This pristine, stunningly beautiful area became the vacation land of the rich and famous of ancient Rome. Emperor Diacletius built a magnificent palace in Solin, near the port of Split.
The most intact Roman Amphitheater is up the coast in Pula. Zadar and Kastel have breathtaking coastal vistas of the mountains rising up and are home to many Roman ruins. And there are MANY ancient Christian sites as well – the apostle Paul sent Titus to Dalmatia (Croatia).
The jewels of the coast belong in the crown of islands between Split and Dubrovnik. Croatia has more than 1,000 islands – 48 are inhabited.
We’ve chartered a modern yacht that sleeps only 40 to take us all around the islands, stopping at charming and well cared for villages, some old Roman villas, and amazing solitary bays where we can take a break from the beauty and charm of the land to frolic in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Snorkel, jet ski, fishing (shore and deep sea) are part of the ship’s repertoire.
At nights we have local musicians present a one hour program of light classic and local folk music…under the stars aboard our yacht. All meals aboard the ship are provided as are the water sport equipment, and land tours. Nearly all meals and tours are included on the rest of the tour.
Croatia has a Slavic flavor with a strong Italian and Etruscan architecture influence. All of this has moved Croatia as a “must see” destination for people’s bucket lists from all over the world. Prices have been climbing, but we have a contract.
Please take a look at what we’ve put together for you and see if it is something that could satisfy your desire to not only travel in 2022, but to travel with this amazing group that had desired to be together on a high adventure. You can see the route, itinerary, photos of the land and the ship at our new URL: BucketListCruisesandTours.com
Here are a few highlights:
You have THREE dates in August 2022 to select from. We will escort all dates. Scot and Maurine will be on the last two sailings. A fourth cruise at the end of August has already been fully booked.
A- August 2 - 17 (includes 2 nights in Venice)
B- August 11 - 26 (includes 2 nights in Athens)
Maurine and Scot Proctor on board
C- August 17 - 31 (includes 2 nights in Venice)
Escorted by Maurine and Scot Proctor
D- August 27- Sept 3 (includes 2 days in Medjugorje, Bosnia) SOLD OUT
PRICE: The price you paid for the Heart of Russia Cruise remains your final price. If you paid in full, you’re paid up. If you made a deposit, your final payment is the same and due in April. For anyone who was not registered for the Heart of Russia Cruise, their price is $6,999 for the basic cabin. If you paid for a cabin upgrade, you’ll have a good upgrade on the yacht.
Although this is actually a more expensive trip than the Heart of Russia Cruise, and fuel and food prices are rising daily, your price won’t change.
PLUS: No expensive visas nor vaccine requirements (as of now)!
EXTRA PLUS: Call to find out how to get FREE AIR from New York. Only available for the first 5 cabins confirmed.
The yacht will fill quickly and the hotels are nearly sold out, so we need to hear from you immediately if you want to join us.
Our website provides similar details and photos of our route & yacht - check us out at BucketListCruisesandTours.com
To confirm your Croatia cabin:
The yacht will fill quickly and the hotels are nearly sold out, so we need to hear from you this coming week if you are willing to join us.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth Stoddard
801.669.1777
PS. Boris Leostrin’s St. Petersburg tour business has been one of the casualties of war. He’s soon heading to Croatia to confirm all of our arrangements and make sure everything is perfect for you. You’ll be supporting Boris when you come. He needs it after struggling with Covid cancellations and now this current catastrophe
.Here's a pic of me meeting a couple of Croatia Sisters in 2018. And then Mark and I at the spectacular waterfalls we'll take you to see.
Dear Friends and Fellow Voyagers,
By now it has become obvious that our unique Russia cruise is no longer possible in 2022. Certainly in the future, but much will have to change to clear the path for such a trip. However, we know you are excited to travel this year (as are we) and we assume that by now you are considering some options.
Because you are a part of a most remarkable, self-selected group of people who have signed up for our unique travel adventure, we have talked in detail with Scot and Maurine Proctor and have decided to offer another amazing “bucket-list” experience this year and we hope you’ll join us.
Mark and I have been talking with friends about returning with a small group to the Dalmatian Coast on the Adriatic Sea just east of Italy and belonging to Croatia. This is a pristine area, stunningly beautiful, and just begging to be visited. Ever since we first discovered this amazingly beautiful land we’ve desired to return.
The Proctors have also been there (as has Eric) and were very enthusiastic about the chance to return when we suggested the possibility to them just two weeks ago. The Roman empire caesars and noble class vacationed here in ancient times and you’ll see why. It has a Slavic flavor mixed with Italian, and is just now becoming a destination for people’s bucket lists from all over the world.
This pristine, stunningly beautiful area became the vacation land of the rich and famous of ancient Rome. Emperor Diacletius built a magnificent palace in Solin, near the port of Split.
The most intact Roman Amphitheater is up the coast in Pula. Zadar and Kastel have breathtaking coastal vistas of the mountains rising up and are home to many Roman ruins. And there are MANY ancient Christian sites as well – the apostle Paul sent Titus to Dalmatia (Croatia).
The jewels of the coast belong in the crown of islands between Split and Dubrovnik. Croatia has more than 1,000 islands – 48 are inhabited.
We’ve chartered a modern yacht that sleeps only 40 to take us all around the islands, stopping at charming and well cared for villages, some old Roman villas, and amazing solitary bays where we can take a break from the beauty and charm of the land to frolic in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Snorkel, jet ski, fishing (shore and deep sea) are part of the ship’s repertoire.
At nights we have local musicians present a one hour program of light classic and local folk music…under the stars aboard our yacht. All meals aboard the ship are provided as are the water sport equipment, and land tours. Nearly all meals and tours are included on the rest of the tour.
Croatia has a Slavic flavor with a strong Italian and Etruscan architecture influence. All of this has moved Croatia as a “must see” destination for people’s bucket lists from all over the world. Prices have been climbing, but we have a contract.
Please take a look at what we’ve put together for you and see if it is something that could satisfy your desire to not only travel in 2022, but to travel with this amazing group that had desired to be together on a high adventure. You can see the route, itinerary, photos of the land and the ship at our new URL: BucketListCruisesandTours.com
Here are a few highlights:
- Unique, off-the-beaten-path-destinations
- Breath-taking beauty with natural wonders
- Historically rich with Roman ruins
- Opportunities to meet the Latter-day-Saints who live in this stunning land
- Cruising in a small group on a yacht reserved for just our group
- Travel with Scot & Maurine Proctor & the Stoddards
- On-board native specialist
- Classical musicians in the evenings
- Spectacular new places you’ve never heard of (and will never forget)
- Water sports - jet skies (right off the yacht), snorkeling, fishing, etc.
- The option to extend in Italy, Greece or elsewhere in Europe.
- Opportunities to explore on your own
You have THREE dates in August 2022 to select from. We will escort all dates. Scot and Maurine will be on the last two sailings. A fourth cruise at the end of August has already been fully booked.
A- August 2 - 17 (includes 2 nights in Venice)
B- August 11 - 26 (includes 2 nights in Athens)
Maurine and Scot Proctor on board
C- August 17 - 31 (includes 2 nights in Venice)
Escorted by Maurine and Scot Proctor
D- August 27- Sept 3 (includes 2 days in Medjugorje, Bosnia) SOLD OUT
PRICE: The price you paid for the Heart of Russia Cruise remains your final price. If you paid in full, you’re paid up. If you made a deposit, your final payment is the same and due in April. For anyone who was not registered for the Heart of Russia Cruise, their price is $6,999 for the basic cabin. If you paid for a cabin upgrade, you’ll have a good upgrade on the yacht.
Although this is actually a more expensive trip than the Heart of Russia Cruise, and fuel and food prices are rising daily, your price won’t change.
PLUS: No expensive visas nor vaccine requirements (as of now)!
EXTRA PLUS: Call to find out how to get FREE AIR from New York. Only available for the first 5 cabins confirmed.
The yacht will fill quickly and the hotels are nearly sold out, so we need to hear from you immediately if you want to join us.
Our website provides similar details and photos of our route & yacht - check us out at BucketListCruisesandTours.com
To confirm your Croatia cabin:
- Please email me at [email protected] and I will call you back to confirm your details and answer any questions.
The yacht will fill quickly and the hotels are nearly sold out, so we need to hear from you this coming week if you are willing to join us.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth Stoddard
801.669.1777
PS. Boris Leostrin’s St. Petersburg tour business has been one of the casualties of war. He’s soon heading to Croatia to confirm all of our arrangements and make sure everything is perfect for you. You’ll be supporting Boris when you come. He needs it after struggling with Covid cancellations and now this current catastrophe
.Here's a pic of me meeting a couple of Croatia Sisters in 2018. And then Mark and I at the spectacular waterfalls we'll take you to see.
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A PAUSE ON OUR CRUISE IN RUSSIA
March 4, 2022
Like you, we’ve been carefully following the news as well as speaking to our friends in Russia. We are heart sick at the actions of Putin toward Ukraine. We grieve for Boris Leostrin and the saints in Russia. They didn’t want this invasion. We grieve for the Ukrainian people and saints. We have many friends there.
We are taking the next two to three weeks to carefully check with sources inside both countries as well as European and USA sources to try and determine our course of action. International airlines, and other travel as well as international monetary exchanges are being affected and we need to know to what extent we will be affected. Of course, we will do nothing that would endanger our guests travelling with us on our Heart of Russia Cruises.
Rather than speculate now, give us until the end of March to see the degree of certainty with which we can make plans. You are upper most in our minds. We will be back to you soon with a more definitive plan for Heart of Russia Cruises.
March 4, 2022
Like you, we’ve been carefully following the news as well as speaking to our friends in Russia. We are heart sick at the actions of Putin toward Ukraine. We grieve for Boris Leostrin and the saints in Russia. They didn’t want this invasion. We grieve for the Ukrainian people and saints. We have many friends there.
We are taking the next two to three weeks to carefully check with sources inside both countries as well as European and USA sources to try and determine our course of action. International airlines, and other travel as well as international monetary exchanges are being affected and we need to know to what extent we will be affected. Of course, we will do nothing that would endanger our guests travelling with us on our Heart of Russia Cruises.
Rather than speculate now, give us until the end of March to see the degree of certainty with which we can make plans. You are upper most in our minds. We will be back to you soon with a more definitive plan for Heart of Russia Cruises.
fEBRUARY uPDATES
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February 24: St Petersburg, Russia tonight chanting "No to war", "Shame", and "Ukraine is not our enemy!" Russia has been arresting protesters all day and yet the crowd has grown.. Our prayers are with the many good people in Russia who courageously stand against the dictator, Putin, as well as the Ukrainians who are giving their all to stand firm for freedom.
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February 22 Ukraine is under attack by Putin Despite threats from the USA and Europe to pose sanctions if Putin attacks Ukraine, he has done as we expected and invaded eastern Ukraine known as the Donbass – oblasts (sort of like States) of Donetsk and Luhansk. We didn’t think he’d do more than that, but Putin certainly may take over ALL of Ukraine. NATO, the EU and the USA leadership has tried sounding mighty and determined but their feckless actions in Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and energy sanctions hasn’t left leave Putin shaking in his jackboots. As far as our cruise in Russia is concerned, we’re watching things minute by minute and spending time discussing all events with our contacts in Russia. We will only proceed with our cruise IF our customers will be safe to travel to Russia and cruise Russia. If we cancel the cruise or postpone it until 2023, our customers will have the option of getting their deposits and funds back or having them applied to a cruise in 2023. If customers choose to cancel, they can get back everything except their deposit. -- Warmly, Mark J. Stoddard Co-Founder and Chairman Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC |
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February 19
For those who were unable to join us for the fireside February 16, here's the recording of that meeting. Enjoy. |
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February 11
We've been contacted by several customers telling me the January updates landed in their spam folder. Since there is important information in these updates, I've added a new page to the website and will be posting all updates here, so you can reference them. 1. Today Meridian Magazine posted an article that gives the link to next Wednesday's ZOOM fireside with Boris Leostrin, St. Petersburg Stake President. https://latterdaysaintmag.com/just-announced-live-zoom-fireside-with-russian-stake-president-on-february-16-for-meridian-readers/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=scot-maurine-proctor&utm_content=Friday%2C+February+11%2C+2022 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86427369021?pwd=K0tIK2lZb2dEc0xUYzRUWjZsMHdwdz09 Meeting ID: 864 2736 9021 Passcode: wT14Er If you'd like to submit questions for President Leostrin, you can email them to [email protected] by Monday if possible. 2. We are in the process of transitioning to the customer service system of Expedia Cruises Lehi and there are a few things we need in order to complete the customer records that will help us serve you better. I've created a form that needs to be completed for each person traveling with us this year. You can access that form here: https://forms.gle/ZAqv3K9uAuxPuGGHA In case you are wondering, we won't be processing Russian visas until April and will contact you when that process begins. Dawn will be working on airline arrangements and will contact you in the next month. This is a service that is an option for you. Expedia doesn't charge for their services and are going to coordinate those who want to arrive early or stay late so group rates can be provided. Again, you are not obligated to use their service, but it will make your trip easier to be included with group transfers. |
January Updates
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January 26
Three quick updates: 1. I know you are watching the news wondering what in the world is happening with Russia and Ukraine. So we've just posted a blog by Mark analizing the situation. Check it out at https://www.heartofrussiacruises.com/blog/assessing-the-risk-of-russia 2. You may have missed Mark's latest Meridian article that was published this week. You can read it here: https://latterdaysaintmag.com/two-sacrament-views-in-soviet-russia/ 3. We have scheduled a February 16 zoom meeting with Boris Leostin, our partner and St. Petersburg Stake President, for our customers to get to talk with him. He will be speaking about Latter-day Saints in Russia: their strengths and challenges. You are invited to join us for this discussion and we invite you to submit questions for Boris to address. You can send them to me and I'll make sure he receives him. The meeting will be Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00 PM Mountain Standard time. I'll get you the link the day before our meeting. As I mentioned before, Boris will be in Utah at the end of March so we'll arrange a time for you to meeting him in person if you live in this area. We are still offering $500 per person for any friends or family who sign up in January, so if you have someone interested, send me their name. January 19, 2022
A quick update for our Heart of Russia cruisers. I’m sending this group email to let you know a few things that are happening: Thanks to all who responded to our New Year’s letter and gave us your passport expiration dates. Some were brilliant and sent pictures of their passport picture pages. If you haven’t sent that info, please send it to me at [email protected] on a separate email.
January 6, 2022
I'm writing to everyone who is going to Russia with us this year, so please forgive that I'm not taking the time to personalize each message, but I'm anxious to get this message to you as quickly as possible. Please be sure to read each numbered paragraph as there is important information regarding your trip. First let me assure you that the cruise is going forward, full steam ahead. We are excited for our 2022 adventure with you and need to let you know of a few new developments and a new exciting offer. Now, please read: 1. We have upgraded our ship to a five star ship that we know you will love. We have posted the new layout and photos on our website and encourage you to check it out. We are re-assigning rooms and assure you that it will be an upgrade for each of you. 2/3 of the rooms have balconies and all of the rooms have king sized beds that can be separated into two beds if you prefer. There is an elevator on the ship and everything is first class. Eric went to check it out in person in November and we couldn't be more excited about it. 2. The new ship requires another route change, but this is the best of both worlds as we include part of the golden ring (the best part of course) and will be cruising to St. Petersburg. We still will be using a hotel in St. Petersburg as we prefer to be downtown where you can walk out of the hotel and see the city on your own if you choose. 3. With this new itinerary we will be adding an extra day to your trip with no extra charge. That day will be in St. Petersburg and will mean you have a free day to explore on your own or to book an additional tour if you prefer. Many have told me they want an extra day at the Hermitage or to explore the famous canals of St. Petersburg and so many other sites. We will have plenty of options ready for you to decide when you get there. 4. This means we will be leaving from the US on August 19 rather than August 20, so please plan accordingly. The lock system of Russia's waterways is usually set in early fall, but this year as with so many things, the schedule has been slow being set and we were just notified that our departure date was moved up one day. 5. This new ship is larger and we have enough sales to insure that the cruise runs, but we do need more passengers so we are offering a new incentive for you to invite your friends. We will pay you $500 for each customer you bring with you on this cruise. This offer is good until the end of January and we will determine at that time if it extends any further. Since word-of-mouth is our best advertising, we are rewarding your efforts to fill the ship. Sorry, it's not retroactive for those already bringing friends, but we have rooms for you to bring more friends. 6. To help you in this, we will be submitting articles to Meridian Magazine for you to share with friends. Today's article is written by my husband, Mark and is titled "Are Communism and Socialism Really That Bad?" You can read it and share it with this link: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&shva=1#inbox/FMfcgzGmtNbPKWLSzFfdZnWxWdJpsDnK 7. You can also share my personal story that is a google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yaXy4whmZm_gftN6NBq8JjdL3jALAmOyo7AfNP4a044/edit?usp=sharing 8. It's time to make sure your passport is current. I'd really appreciate a response to this email with the name and expiration date on your passport so I know you are going to be able to travel in August. Required Russia entry requirements include a current, valid U.S. Passport (6 months validity beyond stay) and a Russian travel visa. We will be getting you the details for your Russian visa in February. 9. Be sure to check on on our blog each month. We are posting good background information there and it will enrich your travel experience to read and prepare for the coming adventure. Future posts will include packing advice and more details about the trip. 10. This latest varient of the covid is good news. The best scientific minds are predicting this is the end of the pandemic and at the rate it is spreading, we think they may be right. Not only is it highly contagious, but it is milder and much less deadly. Last week I read a report that there have been no deaths in the US from omnicron and while I'm not sure that's correct, it's close. Here's a link to a good discussion you can share with friends afraid to travel. https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/omicron-covid-public-health-testing-masks-marc-siegel 11. We are now collaborating with Expedia Cruises, Lehi to offer you a full service travel agent. They will book group air where possible, make individual air bookings where needed as well as offering travel insurance and helping with Russian visas. They will also help arrange extension tours with Boris Leostrin, our Russian partner who has his own travel business. Dawn Harvey is our dedicated agent and can be contacted at 801.205.8621. She is usually on the phone, but will call back when you leave a message. Let me know if you have any trouble reaching her. 12. Boris Leostrin, the St. Petersburg, Russia, Stake President will be holding a special Fireside on Sunday, January 30 in South Jordan at 4 pm. He will discuss "The Church in Russia -- Gospel Challenges and Growth in the New Russia." We will let you know if we schedule an additional fireside that evening. There will be no marketing done in these meetings. We will let you know the address as we get closer. Well, I think that's all I have for you today. I'll be getting your room assignments ready and when I hear back with your passport expiration date, I'll answer with your room number. How's that for a trade? Best wishes, Elizabeth l.. |
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