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Frequently Asked Questions for the NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

Quick Reference: 1. Who are these tours for? 2. What deposits are required? 3. What are the deadlines? 4. What is included in the price? 5. Are children welcome? 6. What about meals on the tour? 7. Sharing accommodation 8. Early departures and late returns 9. What about insurance? 10. Payments for the tour 11. "Count the Cost" 12. Important Notice about air fares 13. Booking 14. Passports

Who are these tours for?
Our tours are arranged for Jehovah's Witnesses and those who study the Bible with them only. However, non witness spouses and family members are welcome to join their Witness relatives who may be taking one of the trips with us.

What deposits are required?
A twenty-five ($50.00) dollar deposit will be required per person upon application for the North American tour. This is a non-refundable deposit, but will be applied to the total cost of the trip. If for some reason the whole trip has to be cancelled then the deposits will be returned.

What are the deadlines?
We must make our commitments to the air lines, the hotels and the bus companies etc., several months in advance. Thus it will be necessary to know as soon as possible those who desire to take a tour in 2010. Final payments must be made three months in advance of the tour.

What is included in the price?
Everything is included in the price of the tour with the exception of meals and extra sight-seeing etc. The price includes air fares, bus transportation, all accommodations, boat cruises and other items as per the itinerary.

Are children welcome?
Yes indeed, children are most welcome on the tours. However, if a child occupies a seat on the airplane or on the bus (2 years of age and older) he/she is considered an adult and there are no discounts available. Nevertheless, we are arranging to give a discount of $50.00 each for children under 12 years of age.

What about meals on the tour?
Meals are not included with your tour price. In making your plans it has been a general rule to expect to average about $35.00 US per person per day. More information about meals will be provided to those who make application.

Sharing accommodation
It is best that you arrange for your own partner or group on the tour. Each hotel room can accommodate up to four people. While we cannot recommend anyone for you to share accommodations with, we will be glad to send you the name & address of others on your tour looking for partners.

Early departures and late returns
Some may want to leave early for their tour or come back later so that they may visit friends in Ontario before or after the tour. This can be arranged without extra charge. Just let us know early so that we can book your air ticket accordingly.

What about insurance?
Hospital and Medical insurance while traveling in the United States is a must! MJM Travel Groups does have insurance available through RBC Insurance (Royal Bank) and will send information to those who make application.

Payments for the tour
All payments for the tours should be with cheque if possible. Your cancelled cheques, of course, will serve as receipts. We can also accept payment by VISA or MASTERCARD. However, if you use a credit card you must agree to a 4% surcharge.

"Count the Cost"
Please make sure that you "count the cost" before deciding whether to go on the tour or not. It would be wise not to send in an application unless you are quite sure of making the trip. We will require complete payment at least sixty days before your departure.

Important Notice about air fares
It has become increasingly difficult to deal with the various air lines in Canada in recent months. Once tickets are issued they cannot be changed on one airline. Also, prices are changing from day to day. If the prices we have been quoted change dramatically we may have to increase our prices. If you book a tour closer than two months before your departure, there may also be an additional charge.

BOOKING
After considering this preliminary information on Bethel Tours from Western Canada, if you are interested in taking a trip, please go to the "Online Booking" page to fill out the booking form.

Passports
As of June 1, 2009, everyone traveling to the United States either by air or ground will require a valid passport. Please make sure your
passport is up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions for the EUROPE TOUR

Quick Reference: What Insurance do we need? Can you cancel your tour once you have applied and get a refund? If we apply, when will all the money be required? What about sharing accommodation? What are the deadlines and how soon should we apply? How many will be on the tour? Can you pay by credit card? Will we require vaccinations for this trip? What about passports & visas? What can we expect of the weather? What kind of accommodation will we have? What about persons with some limitations or infirmities, can they come on the tour? Who may come on the tour? What kind of money will we need? What can we expect to pay in the way of gratuities? Optional land tours and excursions

What Insurance do we need?
Everyone on the tour must have hospital and medical insurance. Cancellation insurance may also be wise. If you have to cancel your tour under the three months before departure, cancellation insurance is the only way you may get your money back. MJM Travel Groups are agents for RBC (Royal Bank) Insurance. We will send you a package of information for insurance to those who apply.

Can you cancel your tour once you have applied and get a refund?
Yes you can cancel up to three months before departure and receive a refund of the monies you have paid less the non-refundable deposit of $150.00 and other monies that have been paid out on your behalf that cannot be refunded. After the three-month cut off all monies will have been paid to the airlines, cruise lines, ground transportation and hotels etc. Cancellation insurance may allow you to get your money back.

If we apply, when will all the money be required?
The non-refundable deposit is required with the application. It applies on the total cost of the trip. Whatever arrangements you would like to make for payments are fine with us. However, we suggest that you pay some money as soon as possible and the balance later. We must have complete payment three months before departure or by May 1, 2010.

What about sharing accommodation?
Accommodation, prices etc. on this tour are based on two people sharing a room in the hotel and a stateroom on the ship. It is best that you arrange for your own room mate or partner. If you are alone, please go ahead and make application. We will be happy to send you the names and phone numbers etc. of others who are looking for room mates. In the event of a family of three or four, special rooming arrangements may be made.

What are the deadlines and how soon should we apply?
We suggest that you send in an application right away or as soon as you can. We suspect that this tour will fill up quickly. Also, we must make commitments to the airline and Princess Cruise Lines several months in advance.

How many will be on the tour?
We have reserved 25 staterooms on the ship. We hope to have 50 brothers and sisters join us.

Can you pay by credit card?
Yes you can pay by credit card. However, with your permission and approval we have to add a 4% surcharge.

Will we require vaccinations for this trip?
No, vaccinations are not required for the countries and places we will be visiting.

What about passports & visas?
Everyone traveling in Europe must have a valid passport. Visas are not required for any of the countries we will be visiting.

What can we expect of the weather?
Beautiful and warm, but no guarantee. Most of the tour will be in the month of August. 

What kind of accommodation will we have?
The hotel in London is 4/5 star. All of the staterooms on the ship will have private balconies. (See picture on page 19)

What about persons with some limitations or infirmities, can they come on the tour?
Yes indeed, but they must have a companion with them who will look after them.

Who may come on the tour?
This is a Bethel Tour and a vacation trip for Jehovah's Witnesses. However, non-witness mates or relatives are welcome to come; accompanied by a brother or a sister, of course. Anyone under 16 years of age should also be accompanied by a parent or another adult.

What kind of money will we need?
In England the English Pound Sterling is used. In the rest of the countries of Europe that we visit, they use the Euro. You can use ATM machines in England or at the various ports of call. Of course, credit cards can always be used. For purchases on the ship you can use a credit card issued to you by Princess Cruise Lines.

What can we expect to pay in the way of gratuities?
You can pre-pay all of the gratuities in connection with the cruise, either before the cruise or at the time of check in. We will let all those who apply for the trip know what is involved with gratuities and how to pay them when they make application.

Optional land tours and excursions
At every port of call there will be various tours and excursions available. These are optional and up to you if you wish to take them. You will be able to see what is available on the ship before we get to the various ports. You can book these side trips on the ship if you wish. The exception is at Lisbon where a bus tour to the Portugal Bethel and other sights are arranged. Also there is a bus tour to the Italian Bethel and downtown Rome arranged as part of the trip. Back in London a bus tour is included to the London Bethel and British Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions for the SOUTH PACIFIC TOUR

Quick Reference: 1. Is this a Bethel Tour? 2. Why 22 Days? 3. What can we expect of the weather? 4. Why plan so far in advance? 5. What about Passports and Visas? 6. What are the deadline? How soon should we apply? 7. Why a non-refundable deposit? 8. Can you pay by Credit Card? 9. Can you cancel your tour once you have applied and get a refund? 10. What insurance do we need? 11. Who may come on the tour? 12. Sharing accommodation. 13. Are meals included? 14. What kind of money should we take? 15.If we apply for the tour when will all the money be required? 16. Can we wear casual clothing? 17. How about those on the last South Pacific Tour, did they enjoy it?

IS THIS A BETHEL TOUR?
Yes it is. We will be visiting the brothers in the Cook Islands, the New Zealand Branch, the Australian Branch, the Congregation in Nadi, Fiji and the Fiji Branch of Jehovah's Witnesses.

WHY 22 DAYS?
We are traveling a long distance to get to these Countries and Islands. We want to be able to do and see as much as possible.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT OF THE WEATHER?
It will be summertime in that part of the world. So it will be hot for the most part, especially in the Cook Islands, Cairns, Australia and Fiji. It should be pleasant in New Zealand.

WHY PLAN SO FAR IN ADVANCE?
More than a year ahead is not too far in advance. A tour such as this requires a lot of work, time and planning. And time does go by fast.

WHAT ABOUT PASSPORTS AND VISAS?
Everyone going on this tour must have a valid passport. A visa may be required for New Zealand or Fiji but they will be supplied by the Airline.

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES? HOW SOON SHOULD WE APPLY?
We suggest that you send in an application right away, or as soon as you can. We suspect that this tour will fill up quickly. Also we must make our commitments to the airlines, hotels and bus companies several months in advance.

WHY A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT?
We require a non-refundable deposit as non-refundable deposits are required from us long in advance to hold space on the airlines, hotels, etc.

CAN YOU PAY BY CREDIT CARD?
Yes, we can accept payment by VISA or MASTERCARD. If you use your credit card we must have your approval to add a 4% charge.

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TOUR ONCE YOU HAVE APPLIED AND GET A REFUND?
Yes you can cancel up to three months before departure and receive a full refund of all monies paid less the $150.00 non-refundable deposit. After that date we cannot give a refund as all monies will have been paid out to airlines, hotels and ground transportation, etc. and they will not give us a refund. Of course, it is possible to get some form of cancellation Insurance.

WHAT INSURANCE DO WE NEED?
Everyone must have Hospital and Medical Insurance. Cancellation Insurance may also be a good idea for some. MJM Travel Groups are agents for RBC Insurance through the Royal Bank. We will send a package of information on insurance to those who apply for the tour.

WHO MAY COME ON THE TOUR?
This is a Bethel Tour for the Brothers and Sisters. However, non-Witness mates or relatives are welcome, accompanied by a brother or sister, of course. Anyone under 16-years of age should be accompanied by a parent or other adult. If you have some form of infirmity you are also welcome, but you must be accompanied by someone who can look after you.

SHARING ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation, prices, etc. on this tour are based on two people sharing a room. We do not recommend more than two in a room. However, there can be exceptions for families. Of course it is best that you arrange for your own room mate or partner. If you are alone please go ahead and make application. We will then be very happy to send you the names and addresses and phone numbers of others who are also looking for room mates.

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included. You are on your own for most lunches. Some are included.

WHAT KIND OF MONEY SHOULD WE TAKE?
We have found that Travelers Cheques can be a problem. Many businesses will not take them. However, they can usually be cashed at the Hotels. Some may want to get cash in the various currencies before leaving on the trip. Others take as much cash as they are comfortable with and exchange it from country to country as they go. Of course, there are ATM machines everywhere. Your credit cards are also good.
The two countries and Islands we will visit use dollars. Our Canadian dollar is stronger than the New Zealand dollar and the Fiji dollar. As of August 2010, here are the rates of exchange:

IF WE APPLY FOR THE TOUR WHEN WILL ALL THE MONEY BE REQUIRED?
The non-refundable deposit of $150.00 is required with the application immediately. It applies on the total amount of the tour. We suggest payment in one of three ways: 1) If you are in a position to pay the whole amount immediately that would be much appreciated. 2) You could pay half the amount now and the balance by August 1, 2010. or 3) You could divide the total in to 12 equal payments and send us post dated cheques. Complete payment must be made three months before departure or by August 1, 2010.

CAN WE WEAR CASUAL CLOTHING?
Please see the counsel in the "Organized to Accomplish our Ministry" book, page 131, paragraph 2: "When visiting the Bethel Home our dress, grooming and conduct should be similar to what is expected at the Kingdom Hall". While traveling on the bus, sight-seeing etc. and while not visiting any of the Society's facilities, dress can certainly be casual.

Much more information on this exciting Tour will be necessary for those who will be making the trip. Detailed packages of information will be sent to those who are taking the tour on an ongoing basis.
We hope that we have given you enough information in this Frequently Asked Question Section for you to make a decision whether to go or not. You should make sure to "count the cost".
In the meantime if you would like more information or have any further questions before filling out the booking application please contact us.

One more question

HOW ABOUT THOSE ON THE LAST SOUTH PACIFIC TOUR, DID THEY ENJOY IT?
Yes indeed! Most of them want to go again.

Frequently Asked Questions for the ALASKA CRUISE

Quick Reference: 1. Are the prices firm? 2. What deposits are required? 3.When will payment be required? 4.What is included in the cost? 5.How do we make payment for the cruise? 6.What about the ports of call and activities on shore, are they included in the cost? 7.What if I am alone and do not have a room mate? 8.Will we be doing things as a group? 9.Do we need travel insurance for this trip? 10.Do I need a passport? 11.Do we have to make our own way to Vancouver?

ARE THE PRICES FIRM?
Yes. The prices quoted for the various categories on the Ship are firm. We are dealing with Carnival in US dollars and have converted to Canadian. All prices are in Canadian dollars.

WHAT DEPOSITS ARE REQUIRED?
A $100.00 non-refundable deposit per person is required with your application. We must give non-refundable deposits to Carnival Cruise Lines to hold our staterooms.

WHEN WILL PAYMENT BE REQUIRED?
There will be the $100.00 deposit with your application. When you receive a reply from us with a package of information on the Cruise please make a further payment. Complete payment is due by June 1st, 2010.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
When you are on the ship everything is included. Your stateroom, your meals, your room service, all foods anytime day or night, all taxes, departure fees and all of the entertainment etc. Gratuities, of course, are extra unless you prepay them.

HOW DO WE MAKE PAYMENTS FOR THE CRUISE?
Payments for the Cruise can be made by cheque, bank draft, bank transfer or by VISA or MASTERCARD. We are not able to take any other credit cards. If you pay by VISA or MASTERCARD we will need your permission to add a 4% surcharge.

WHAT ABOUT THE PORTS OF CALL AND ACTIVITIES ON SHORE. ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE COST?
There are many things to do at each port of call that do not cost you anything. However, other things you may want to do will cost you extra. You will want to check on the ship before arriving at each location and decide what you want to do when you land.

WHAT IF I AM ALONE AND DO NOT HAVE A ROOM MATE?
If you are alone we will let you know of others on the Cruise who are also looking for a room mate and you will be able
to contact them directly and make arrangements to share accommodation.

WILL WE BE DOING THINGS AS A GROUP?
The whole group of brothers on the Cruise will be doing a few things together. For example, we will have a meeting together to get acquainted just after the ship sails. We will have a Watchtower study in one of the lounges and there will be a reception for our group one evening. When we are in Juneau we will go on tour together to the Kingdom Hall and for a tour around the area.
Most of the time on this Cruise is free time and you can do whatever you want, on board ship or on land. You will no doubt be doing things together in smaller groups of two or three couples.

DO WE NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THIS TRIP?
Yes it is always wise to have travel insurance. Hospital and medical insurance is a must. Alaska is a part of the United States so you are traveling outside of Canada. You can also look at cancellation insurance. MJM Travel is an agent for RBC (Royal Bank) Insurance and will send travel insurance information to everyone who applies for the cruise.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
Yes, you will need a valid Passport!

DO WE HAVE TO MAKE OUR OWN WAY TO VANCOUVER?
Yes, you will have to arrange for your own transportation to Vancouver. If MJM Travel Groups can help by arranging
air or other transportation for you, we will be glad to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions for the BIBLE LANDS TOUR

Quick Reference: 1. ARE VACCINATIONS NECESSARY? 2. WHAT TO WEAR? 3. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN THESE COUNTRIES? 4. ARE VISAS NECESSARY? 5. MANY OTHER QUESTIONS?