west indies 2015 cricket tour

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1 west indies 2015 cricket tour 1

2 Welcome Australian Sports Tours is proud to invite you on tour to the West Indies in May/June Australia return to the West Indies for the first time since 2012 under the guidance of Darren Lehman and coming off the back of a very successful Test Series win against India at home. This will be a very important tour for our boys with it being the first taste of Test cricket action abroad before heading off to England to defend the Ashes. In what will be a shortened Two Test Series, we travel to the largely untouched Dominica and perennial favourite Jamaica seeking to win the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy. In between the tests, we visit Antigua and its 365 white sandy beaches; there is always that ideal spot to relax and unwind and enjoy the sparkling clear blue waters. After the Jamaican test we head to Montego Bay, which is both a raucous party town and a destination for those seeking a more low-key adventure. Known equally for its shopping, snorkeling, diverse nightlife and natural beauty, Montego Bay makes for a perfect Jamaican getaway. The West Indies team has experienced some mixed results in recent Tests, but they are a different proposition at home. In our 2012 tour they pushed our boys all the way eventually losing the 1st and 3rd Tests by 3 wickets and 75 runs respectively and drawing the 2nd Test. Our past functions in the West Indies have featured some of the greatest cricketers to play the game as guest speakers. In 2012 the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers spoke at our Barbados Function while other players to feature have included Curtley Ambrose, Richie Richardson, Joel Garner, Des Haynes, Ian Bishop, Lance Gibbs, Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel amongst others. A tour of the West Indies is everything you ve imagined it to be - crystal clear waters, sun drenched beaches, laid back lifestyle, friendly locals and calypso cricket - there is definitely something for everyone here, so why not join us, as we embark on our 5th tour to this cricketing paradise. The team at Australian Sports Tours astsports.com.au windiestour

3 An Invitation from Merv Hughes After a three year break, I can t wait to get back to the Caribbean with AST for this 2015 West Indies Tour. This will be my fifth visit to the Windies with AST over the last 12 years, and I m looking forward to this one more than ever. Ever since visiting the West Indies as a player in the early 90s, I have loved the place. The people of the Caribbean are friendly, easy going, cricket mad, and know how to enjoy themselves just like me! They have some of the best beaches in the world and each island has its own soul and culture which makes it a little different. Having now hosted over 25 tours with AST, you can be assured you are with the best in the business. The Caribbean can be a challenging destination at times, but with AST you know that your travel, accommodation, sightseeing, functions, and most importantly match tickets have all been expertly organised. That Australian side from just 3 years ago still featured the likes of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey so the team has changed significantly since then. I m especially looking forward to seeing if Steve Smith can continue his outstanding recent form on what will be his first tour of the West Indies. The Windies have some explosive cricketers of their own, and the team always lifts a notch in front of a noisy and passionate home crowd. The atmosphere at cricket in the Caribbean is like nothing else in world cricket, something that as a cricket fan you will never forget. It s always great catching up with some of my old on-field sparring partners over there and living the relaxed lifestyle for which the Caribbean is famous. I look forward to welcoming you on tour and introducing you to some of my favourite beachside watering holes! ~ Merv merv hughes 3

4 fine print conditions astsports.com.au West Indies 2015 AST return to the Caribbean for the 5th time in June 2015 to watch Australia take on the resurgent West Indies in a two Test Tour, with the winner walking away with the coveted Frank Worrell Trophy. Matches Included 5-9 Jun 1st Test Windsor Park, Dominica Jun 2nd Test Sabina Park, Kingston Exclusive AST Tour Functions Passengers on our Dominica and Kingston Escorted Tour will attend two (2) hosted functions - a welcome function at the start of the tour and a Test Match dinner in Kingston. Members on the Jamaica Only Escorted Tour will attend the 2nd function in Kingston. Each function will include a 3 course meal or buffet dinner, unlimited beer, wine, soft drink and fruit juice and will be compered by your AST Tour Host Merv Hughes. The Test Match dinner will feature special guest speakers discussing both the current series and their own career highlights. Our past West Indies function have included such famous names as Sir Garfield Sobers, Curtley Ambrose, Joel Garner, Richie Richardson, Des Haynes, Ian Bishop, Michael Holding and Lance Gibbs Flight Information All tours and packages prices are exclusive of International flights. Our escorted tours have internal flights around the West Indies and US which are included in the tour price. These flights are operated by reputable local airlines and the details will be included in your final documents. Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is not included in our travel packages or tours, however it is highly recommended as all payments made are nonrefundable. Travel insurance should be taken out as soon as you pay your first deposit as you are covered from the day you purchase your insurance for any unforeseen circumstances as per the information stipulated in the product disclosure. We have a long standing relationship with SureSave Insurance and will be able to organise this for you. We will also be offering tour members a 25% discount on all policies. Please contact our office and one of our staff members will be able to assist with obtaining a quote on coverage appropriate for you. You will need to make SureSave aware of any pre- existing medical you may have.

5 Passport & Visa Information Visas & Departure Taxes Country Visa Requirements* Departure Taxes* US Barbados Antigua Dominica Jamaica A visa is not required for travelling to the United States. However, as all tour members will be spending some time in the USA, you will be required to complete an online visa waiver prior to travelling at a cost of US$14. This can be done at: No visa required for stays less than 6 months No visa required for stays less than 30 days No visa required for stays less than 21 days No visa required for stays less than 5 months Included in airfares Approx BBD$55 or USD$28 equivalent Included in airfares Approx USD$22 Approx USD$20 *These prices and information were correct at the time of printing. USD = United States Dollar BBD = Barbadian Dollar To travel to the West Indies, you will require the following: A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from your return date to Australia Possession of a return/onward ticket at each destination Please note the above is based on Australian passport holders. If you are a passport holder of another nationality other than Australian please contact the embassies or consulates for any visa requirements. Windies 2015 Merchandise We are currently working with the manufacturer on the final design and once confirmed, images will be available on our website. Deposit & Payment Schedule The following deposit and payment schedule applies:: Initial deposit at the time of booking: $3,000 27th March 2015: The final remaining balance of the total tour cost. accommodation options All escorted tours include a variety of accommodation ranging from 3 to 5 stars however most tours feature 4 star hotels. Expected hotels are included at the end of each day in the detailed itineraries however they are subject to change and all tour accommodation will be confirmed in your final tour documentation. When booking our escorted tours, you have the following accommodation choices: Double room - one double/queen bed for two people (a couple) travelling together Twin room - two separate beds for two people travelling together Single room - one bed for one person travelling on their own and not wishing to share a room (single supplement applies) Single person in a twin share room - one person travelling on their own wishing to be matched up with another single passenger of the same gender in a room with two beds* Our staff complete site inspections of all properties used and work diligently to ensure that each hotel provides the right mix of comfort, location, service and price to maximise your enjoyment and value for money. *While we endeavour to match all single in twin passengers this is dependent on an even number of people choosing this option on each tour. The last person to book single in twin share might be asked to pay a single supplement. We will try our best to match people of like age and social habits but this cannot be guaranteed. We will request some personal information from single in twin share passengers in due course to assist with the matching process. fine print5 Tipping and Porterage Barbados: In Restaurants and Nightclubs, tipping is usually 10-15%. Porters tipping is usually at ones discretion. Jamaica: 10 to15% is a usual tip given in Hotels and Restaurants. Antigua: Hotels and Restaurants generally add 10% as a standard. Otherwise 10-15% is expected

6 DOMINICA & KINGSTON 2015 West Indies Cricket Tour // 31 May - 22 June 2015 // 23 Days // Host - Merv Hughes astsports.com.au $ 10,495 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 2,899 Sun 31 May: Arrive Miami We arrive in Miami today. After checking into our centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore some of Miami s many attractions, including the South Beach Area and Lincoln Road Mall. Accommodation: Surfcomber Miami South Beach or similar Mon 1 Jun: Miami After breakfast we embark on a Everglades National Park tour aboard an Airboat. With 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies and tropical jungles, this is one of the most unusual US public parks. The park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida Panther and the West Indian Manatee. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening you have the chance to attend a Major League Baseball game with the Chicago Cubs in town to take on the Miami Marlins at nearby Marlins Park. Accommodation: Surfcomber Miami South Beach or similar Tue 2 Jun: Barbados This morning you will be transferred to Miami Airport for our flight to Barbados - the spiritual home of West Indian cricket, the island having produced such legendary names as Greenidge, Haynes, Weeks, Walcott, Garner, and Sir Garfield Sobers. On arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. This evening take the opportunity to visit the famous area of St Lawrence Gap, renowned for its array of bars and restaurants, and lively nightlife. Accommodation: Accra Beach Hotel and Resort or similar Wed 3 Jun: Barbados This morning we embark on a half day sightseeing tour of the island, taking in the plantations in the east, and the beautiful scenery of the West Coast. We also stop in at the Legends of Barbados Cricket Museum. Packed with memorabilia dating back to the early 1900s, the Museum fills the senses with nostalgia for those glory days when the West Indies stood on top of the cricketing world. Afterwards, we ll visit the famous Kensington Oval - the mecca of Caribbean cricket. This afternoon is yours to relax on the beach. Accommodation: Accra Beach Hotel and Resort or similar Thu 4 Jun: Dominica This morning following breakfast you will be transferred to Barbados Airport for our short flight to Dominica. Known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, Dominica is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty. Largely undeveloped, it is a chance to experience the old world Caribbean culture and lifestyle. Join us tonight at our pre-test Match function with special guest speakers. Accommodation: Anchorage Hotel or similar Fri 5 June Tue 9 Jun: West Indies v Australia, Windsor Park, Dominica Each morning following a pre-match briefing with Merv, you will be transferred to your reserved seat at Windsor Park. This will be just Dominica s 4th test match in its short history as a Test venue. The two teams faced off here in 2012, where a first innings century from Matthew Wade and a second innings haul of 5/86 from Michael Clarke led Australia to victory by 75 runs in an entertaining match that went the full 5 days. Accommodation: Anchorage Hotel or similar Wed 10 Jun: Antigua This morning we fly to Antigua - home of West Indian cricket royalties in Curtley Ambrose, Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson, and Sir Viv Richards. On arrival you will be transferred to your all inclusive resort, where we have the next 2 days to relax and enjoy resort life. Accommodation: St James Club Antigua or similar

7 MATCH DETAILS 1st Test Match: West Indies v Australia Windsor Park, Dominica 2nd Test Match: West Indies v Australia Sabina Park, Kingston Thu 11 Jun: Antigua Today is at your leisure - enjoy your all inclusive resort, or explore one of Antigua s 365 beaches - one for each day of the year! Overnight: St James Club Antigua or similar Fri 12 Jun: Kingston, Jamaica This morning you will be transferred to Antigua Airport for our flight to Jamaica. On arrival you will be transferred to our accommodation in Kingston. Overnight: Pegasus Hotel, Kingston or similar Sat 13 Jun - Wed 17 Jun: West Indies v Australia, Sabina Park, Jamaica Each morning following breakfast there will be a pre-match briefing with your host Merv Hughes, after which you will be transferred to Sabina Park and your reserved seating. It was here in 1995, that the Windies 15 years of international cricket dominance came to an end, as a 231 run stand from the Waugh twins led Australia to a comfortable victory and clinch a 2-1 series win. Four years later, it was a masterclass from Brian Lara that led the West Indies to victory - his 213 rated by many as the greatest ever Test Match innings by a West Indian. You will be a guest at our Test Match function on the evening of Day 4, including guest speakers. Overnight: Pegasus Hotel, Kingston or similar Thu 18 Jun: Montego Bay This morning following breakfast, we travel by coach to the northern coast of Jamaica and Montego Bay - the holiday capital of the rich and famous. On the way we will stop to visit Ocho Rios and tour Dunns River Falls, which you may recognize as the location of one of the most iconic scenes in the history of James Bond films, from the movie Dr. No. On arrival in Montego Bay, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa or similar Fri 19 Jun: Montego Bay Today is at your leisure to explore the colourful and lively streets of Montego Bay. There are over 200 shops and restaurants and you can shop for local souvenirs and craft items at the Montego Craft Market. Overnight: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa or similar Sat 20 Jun: Montego Bay Today is at your leisure to relax in the comforts of our resort and enjoy our last day of Caribbean paradise. For those looking to do more exploring there are a huge variety of options in Montego Bay including water sports, the Bob Marley Experience, and you can even relive the exploits of the famous Jamaican bobsled team on a Bobsledding Tour! Overnight: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa or similar Sun 21 Jun: Miami After a morning at leisure, you will be transferred to Montego Bay airport for our flight to Miami, where upon arrival you will be transferred to our airport hotel. Overnight: Marriott Airport Hotel or similar Mon 22 Jun: Depart for Australia It is a bittersweet feeling today as we say goodbye to new friends as the tour comes to a close, and tour members board flights back to Australia or continue with onward travel in the USA. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Guaranteed tickets to the 1st Test Match in Dominica and the 2nd Test Match in Kingston, Jamaica 22 nights resort and hotel accommodation Services of Merv Hughes as Tour Host for the duration of the tour Services of experienced AST Tour Leaders for the duration of the tour Test match dinner in Kingston including guest speakers Guided sightseeing tour of the Everglades in Miami Sightseeing tour of Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios in Montego Bay Guided touring of Barbados and the Barbados Cricket Museum Other inclusions Breakfast daily Coach travel throughout with airport and match transfers as detailed in itinerary Welcome dinner in Barbados Economy flights from Miami to Barbados, Barbados to Dominica, 2 Dominica tests to Antigua, Antigua to Kingston and Montego Bay to Miami AST Merchandise 7

8 JAMAICA ONLY 2015 West Indies Cricket Tour // Fri 12 Jun - Sun 21 Jun 2015 // 10 Days // Host - Merv Hughes $ 4,495 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,190 Watching a Test Match in Jamaica is high on all Australian cricket fans wish list and there s no better time to do that as the Aussies return to Sabina Park for the first time in 7 years to take on the West Indies. Following the Test, we ll have the ultimate beach escape at Montego Bay where everywhere you look you ll think it has come straight out of a glossy brochure - white beaches, blue water, great golf courses and of course fantastic Caribbean hospitality! Fri 12 Jun: Kingston, Jamaica Welcome to Kingston, Jamaica for what promises to be a fantastic tour. Upon arrival at the hotel, you have the opportunity to relax in the hotel surroundings, explore the nearby city centre, or catch up with fellow tour members to talk about the much anticipated 2nd Test Match to start tomorrow at the famous Sabina Park. Overnight: Pegasus Hotel, Kingston or similar Sat 13 Jun - Wed 17 Jun: West Indies v Australia, Sabina Park, Jamaica Each morning following breakfast there will be a prematch briefing with your host Merv Hughes, after which you will be transferred to Sabina Park and your reserved seating. It was here in 1995, that the Windies 15 years of international cricket dominance came to an end, as a 231 run stand from the Waugh twins led Australia to a comfortable victory and clinch a 2-1 series win. Four years later, it was a masterclass from Brian Lara that led the West Indies to victory - his 213 rated by many as the greatest ever Test Match innings by a West Indian. You will be a guest at our Test Match function on the evening of Day 4, including guest speakers. Overnight: Pegasus Hotel, Kingston or similar astsports.com.au

9 MATCH DETAILS 2nd Test Match: West Indies v Australia Sabina Park, Kingston Thu 18 Jun: Montego Bay This morning following breakfast, we travel by coach to the northern coast of Jamaica and Montego Bay - the holiday capital of the rich and famous. On the way we will stop to visit Ocho Rios and tour Dunns River Falls, which you may recognize as the location of one of the most iconic scenes in the history of James Bond films, from the movie Dr. No. On arrival in Montego Bay, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa or similar Fri 19 Jun: Montego Bay Today is at your leisure to explore the colourful and lively streets of Montego Bay. There are over 200 shops and restaurants and you can shop for local souvenirs and craft items at the Montego Craft Market. Overnight: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa or similar Sat 20 Jun: Montego Bay Today is at your leisure to relax in the comforts of our resort and enjoy our last day of Caribbean paradise. For those looking to do more exploring there are a huge variety of options in Montego Bay including water sports, the Bob Marley Experience, and you can even relive the exploits of the famous Jamaican bobsled team on a Bobsledding Tour! Overnight: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa or similar Sun 21 Jun: Depart for Australia It is a bittersweet feeling today as we say goodbye to new friends as the tour comes to a close, and tour members stay on in the Caribbean, board flights back to Australia or continue with onward travel in the USA. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Nine nights accommodation staying in premium accommodation throughout Jamaica Guaranteed tickets to the 2nd Test Match in Kingston, Jamaica Sightseeing Tour of Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios in Montego Bay Attend an all-inclusive function with your Tour host Merv Hughes and other international cricket legends as guest speakers Other inclusions Breakfast daily Services of Merv Hughes as Tour Host for the duration of the tour Services of experienced AST Tour Leaders for the duration of the tour Coach travel throughout with airport and match transfers as detailed in itinerary Test match dinner in Kingston including guest speakers AST merchandise jamaica9

10 MATCH Package // Fri 12 Jun - Thu 18 Jun 2015 // 7 Days // Kingston, Jamaica MATCH DETAILS 2nd Test Match: West Indies v Australia Sabina Park, Kingston Package Inclusions Guaranteed tickets to the 2nd Test Match in Kingston, Jamaica 6 nights hotel accommodation Breakfast daily Services of Merv Hughes as Tour Host for the duration of the tour Services of experienced AST Tour Leaders for the duration of the tour Coach travel throughout with airport and match transfers as detailed in itinerary Test match dinner in Kingston including guest speakers AST Merchandise Fine Print 1. Match Packages are inclusive of match tickets and hotel accommodatio, tour host and tour leader. 2. This package is suitable for more independent travellers who have other plans and want to make their own touring schedule. 3. All accommodation prices are per person. astsports.com.au $ 4,109 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,410 match package

11 add ons & extras Miami Extra nights accommodation kingston Extra nights accommodation AVAILABILITY HOTEL STAR RATING Pre Tour Post Post TBC Marriott Miami Airport Hotel You can add extra nights before or after the Windies Full Test Tour at Miami TWIN SHARE TBC 4 $495 * $260 * Pre Tour Pegasus Hotel 4 $260 * This option is only available for our Jamaica only passengers SINGLE PRICE montego bay Extra nights accommodation Post Tour Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa 4 $430 * (all inclusive) This option is only available for our Jamaica only passengers Antigua Pre Tour TBC TBC $1,395pp^ $2,059pp^ An Antinguan experience for our Jamaican Only passengers This option is only available for our Jamaica only passengers Meet us in Antigua, 2 nights all inclusive, flight to Kingston plus sightseeing and one airport transfer and host/guide services Flights Pre Tour N/A Dominica to Antigua $385pp * Price is per room ^ Price is per person twin share 11

12 San Koo s attention to detail was outstanding. His interest in our individual welfare was outstanding. Having Joel Garner was a coupe, access to him was outstanding. AST provided an affordable and secure framework in which all can have an enjoyable and memorable cricket experience ~ Bob Tomkins Calypso Tour 2012 Without doubt, Damon Minotti is the jewel in the crown. His skills are fantastic. ~ Peter Brennan Caribbean All Rounder 2012 astsports.com.au testimonials

13 windies testimonials I am taken aback by the cricketing talent AST have at their disposal including Merv Hughes & Joel Garner. Meeting Sir Garfield Sobers was the highlight and a memory I will never forget. This just added to the fact that many ex-test players stayed in the same hotels made the experience a cricket fans dream or I should say a cricket tragics dream. ~ Steve Williams, Caribbean All Rounder Tour 2012 This was my forth tour with AST and I ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. The added bonus of being able to meet and talk with cricket legends and current players is fan heaven, whatever your age. The tour is the complete package for the cricket tragic. ~ Susan Lyons Calypso Tour 2012 Damon was great at sorting out those little problems, nothing was too minor. Great people skills. During the trip, I required medical attention and Damon went out of his way to assist me through a trying time (excellent). Great tour leader, nothing was a problem. The Windies was fantastic, cricket celebrities organised were great, tour leader exceptional. ~ Brett Loveday, Caribbean All Rounder 2012 The best trip I ve ever had - caters for all age groups. ~ Gary Goodworth, Caribbean Allrounder Tour 2012 Islands visited were all beautiful and varied. Nothing more relaxing and invigorating than a Caribbean vacation. ~ Hugh Figgis Caribbean All Rounder

14 Book now and guarantee your place on our West Indies tours by visiting our website or contacting our office: astsports.com.au