Cruise Freek Forums Blogcast

Announcing its 20th consecutive season in the region, Royal Caribbean International today unveiled its 2009 Alaska cruise season. Vacationers to the “Last Frontier” can choose from 10 distinct itineraries, ranging from seven to 15 nights, on 57 sailings departing from San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Seward (Alaska), and Vancouver. On select itineraries, guests can extend their Alaska adventure with a Royal Caribbean cruise-tour to go deeper inland. Royal Caribbean’s 2009 Alaska cruises and cruise-tours open today for booking.

“Royal Caribbean International is the premier cruise line for active vacationers to discover Alaska,” said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Royal Caribbean’s history of sailing the region has allowed us to continue offering some of the most compelling and robust vacation experiences in Alaska. Our cruisetours take our guests’ experience to the next level and make a Royal Caribbean Alaska vacation truly memorable.”

Guests will sail aboard one of three Royal Caribbean ships deployed in the region in 2009: Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Rhapsody of the Seas. Radiance-class Radiance and Serenade are considered among the world’s most gracefully-designed cruise ships and feature the 10-story glass-enclosed Centrum, offering spectacular vistas of the coastal landscape. Vision-class Rhapsody offers a more intimate cruise experience and a wide range of onboard amenities.

Guests on Radiance of the Seas can extend their vacation with one of 21 Royal Caribbean cruisetour options for a more immersive Alaska experience. Ranging from three to seven nights, cruisetours combine a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise with inclusive activities, transportation and hotel stays, all escorted by an experienced Adventure Specialist. A new seven-night cruisetour itinerary will give guests a more comprehensive Alaska adventure, highlighting Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. On 19 cruisetour options, guests will enjoy a segment aboard the Wilderness Express, Royal Caribbean’s luxurious, glass-domed railcar, offering unobstructed views of Alaska’s terrain.

During the day, guest can opt for a rejuvenating session in the onboard Day Spa, or capture an unparalleled birds-eye view from the top of the line’s iconic rock-climbing wall. On-board every Royal Caribbean ship, guests can enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service, award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, top-rated Adventure Ocean kids programming with teen-only spaces fleetwide, and Royal Caribbean’s Gold Service Standard of friendly and engaging service from staff and crew.

Additional highlights of Royal Caribbean’s 2009 Alaska Cruise Season include:

• Radiance of the Seas will alternate seven-night itineraries departing from Seward and Vancouver, while Serenade of the Seas will offer a seven-night, round-trip itinerary from Vancouver.
• Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas’ itineraries will feature a visit to Hubbard Glacier, the largest glacier in North America and the only advancing glacial formation in the state.
• Sailing round-trip from Seattle, Rhapsody of the Seas will feature cruising through the Inside Passage and up the narrow 32-mile Tracy Arm Fjord in order to reach the 200 feet-high Sawyer Glacier. In addition, guests will enjoy a full-day call at Victoria, British Columbia, one of the highest rated overall ports of call by past guests.
• Guests on Serenade of the Seas also can extend their vacation with a three- or five-night Whistler or Canadian Rockies cruisetour out of Vancouver. The three-night Whistler cruisetour features a train-ride to visit the 2010 winter Olympic destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, while the five-night Canadian Rockies package features the picturesque Lake Louise.
• Royal Caribbean also will make 38 calls at Icy Strait Point in 2009, more than any other cruise line. As the only wilderness port of call in Alaska, Icy Strait Point is adjacent to the largest Tlingit Native American settlement, and claims the world’s longest zip line measuring at 5,330 feet in length.

Cruise Freek Forums is taking advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska opportunities on July 17, 2009 aboard Radiance of the Seas. This exciting Northbound itinerary is as follows:

Friday, July, 17 2009 Departure from Vancouver, BC Saturday, July 18, 2009 Inside Passage (Cruising) Sunday, July 19, 2009 Ketchikan, Alaska Monday, July 20, 2009 Juneau, Alaska Tuesday, July 21, 2009 Skagway, Alaska Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Icy Straight Point, Alaska Thursday, July 23, 2009 Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) Friday, July 24, 2009 Seward, Alaska

Pricing:

• Inside- Cat. N– $1217.79
• Ocean View- Cat. H– $1507.79
• Deluxe Balcony- Cat. E2– $2047.79
• Deluxe Balcony- Cat. E1– $2077.79
• Superior Balcony- Cat. D1– $2207.79
• Junior Suite- Cat. JS– $2757.79

3rd and 4th passengers $972.79

Amenities Package:

o PRIVATE COCKTAIL PARTY

o ONBOARD CREDIT—

$50.00 for Cat. N, H

$100.00 for Cat. E1, E2, D1

$125.00 for Cat. JS

Payment Information:

$500.00 per cabin deposit due by 6/15/08

Final Payment due by 5/1/09

To Book:

Bob DeAgazio at Worldview Travel

at 800-869-0674 or

email Bob at: bobd@worldviewtravel.com

WHY BOOK A GROUP CRUISE WITH CRUISE FREEK FORUMS?

1) No forced socializations! We will certainly organize Meet and Greets and other such activities if there is enough interest, however, you are never required to attend. Likewise, you may select your dining time and table size just like if you were booking an individual reservation. It’s your vacation, it’s your time!

2) Groups generally tend to receive some type of amenities package like on-board credit and other benefits such as bottles of wine or dinner at a specialty restaurant and depending on the cruise line selected, it could even mean reduced fares for members of the group.

3) Reliable, dependable, trustworthy travel agents to make booking your cruise a pleasure. Unless there is a scheduling conflict, our assigned travel agent will be escorting the group to aid with any on-board requirements that might arise.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas offers the ultimate “at sea” experience by combining speed, added comfort, greater open spaces, sweeping ocean vistas and an exceptional cruise staff committed to serving your every whim. Among her spectacular features are the 10-story glass-constructed Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea, and the highest percentage of outside staterooms in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Take a virtual tour of our Radiance Family of Ships. Radiance Of The Seas 2005, Royal Caribbean Radiance Of The Seas Cruise Radiance Of The Seas Review: Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas cruise ship combines speed, added comfort, greater open spaces, sweeping ocean vistas and an exceptional cruise staff committed to serving your every whim. Ship Highlights Rock-climbing wall Portofino Italian Restaurant Chops Grille Seaview Café Themed bars and lounges Casino RoyaleSM The Colony Club, a unique British colonial-style lounge with self-leveling pool tables African safari-themed Solarium Indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator Adventure Ocean® youth facilities Day Spa and Fitness Center Sports court with basketball/volleyball court Ship Facts Maiden Voyage: March 10, 2001 Passenger Capacity: 2,501 Godmother: Margot Pritzker Gross Tonnage: 90,090 Length: 962′ Beam: 105.6′ Draft: 26.7′ Cruising Speed: 25 knots

Call Bob DeAgazio of Worldview Travel at: 800-869-0674

**MEMBERSHIP IN CRUISE FREEK FORUMS IS NOT REQUIRED TO BOOK THIS SAILING**

Cruise Freek Forums is announcing a group cruise to Alaska on Radiance of the Seas for July 19, 2009. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter for Pricing and Booking instructions: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Alaska-Group-Cruise-2009-h35.htm

Radiance of the Seas - July 17 2009 Fri 17 Jul 2009 Vancouver, British Columbia 5:00 PM Boarding Sat 18 Jul 2009 Inside Passage (Cruising) Sun 19 Jul 2009 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 AM 3:00 PM Docked Mon 20 Jul 2009 Juneau, Alaska 8:00 AM 9:00 PM Docked Tue 21 Jul 2009 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM Docked Wed 22 Jul 2009 Icy Strait Point, Alaska 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Tendered Thu 23 Jul 2009 Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) 7:00 AM 11:00 AM Fri 24 Jul 2009 Seward, Alaska 3:00 AM Departure

WHY ALASKA?

1) Soar with eagles over vast landscapes and massive glaciers. Commune with bears, moose, whales and sea lions. Experience the drama of calving glaciers. Trace the footsteps of hearty pioneers. Reach the top of a wilderness trail for a breathtaking view. Epic in its proportions and filled with awesome natural wonders and wildlife - welcome to Alaska!

2) In Alaska you may decide to:

	Take a scenic arctic adventure on White Pass & Yukon, the “Scenic Railway of the World.”
	Hike through the glacial waterfalls and rain forests outside the picturesque capital of Alaska, Juneau.
	See the spectacular Juneau Ice Field on a helicopter adventure.
	Take a wildlife cruise onboard a high-speed catamaran.
	Explore the famous Inside Passage of Ketchikan on a guided mountain-bike tour.
	Race across a glacier in an exhilarating dogsled ride.

3) Not just a cruise but the opportunity to see the interior as well. Cruise-tour packages are available for those with additional time or who want a more in-depth visit in Alaska.

WHY BOOK A GROUP CRUISE WITH CRUISE FREEK FORUMS?

1) No forced socializations! We will certainly organize Meet and Greets and other such activities if there is enough interest, however, you are never required to attend. Likewise, you may select your dining time and table size just like if you were booking an individual reservation. It’s your vacation, it’s your time!

2) Groups generally tend to receive some type of amenities package like onboard credit and other benefits such as bottles of wine or dinner at a specialty restaurant and depending on the cruise line selected, it could even mean reduced fares for members of the group.

3) Reliable, dependable, trustworthy travel agents to make booking your cruise a pleasure. Unless there is a scheduling conflict, our assigned travel agent will be escorting the group to aid with any onboard requirements that might arise.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas offers the ultimate “at sea” experience by combining speed, added comfort, greater open spaces, sweeping ocean vistas and an exceptional cruise staff committed to serving your every whim. Among her spectacular features are the 10-story glass-constructed Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea, and the highest percentage of outside staterooms in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Take a virtual tour of our Radiance Family of Ships. Ship Highlights Rock-climbing wall Portofino Italian Restaurant Chops Grille Seaview Café Themed bars and lounges Casino RoyaleSM The Colony Club, a unique British colonial-style lounge with self-leveling pool tables African safari-themed Solarium Indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator Adventure Ocean® youth facilities Day Spa and Fitness Center Sports court with basketball/volleyball court   Ship Facts Maiden Voyage: March 10, 2001 Passenger Capacity: 2,501 Godmother: Margot Pritzker Gross Tonnage: 90,090 Length: 962′ Beam: 105.6′ Draft: 26.7′ Cruising Speed: 25 knots

Cruise Freek Forums Launch Booking Engine

Now in addition to having live chat, message boards, blogs and group cruises, I’m very proud to announce that Cruise Freek Fourms has launched a booking engine in partnership with Travelocity!

So come by, visit, price shop, visit the boards, and purchase your air, car, hotels, even cruises online:

http://www.makeaneasywebsite.com/cruisefreekforums/booking_engine

Want to shop cruises? CLICK HERE

Our comprehensive cruise site includes ship tours, ship photos, great prices but don’t forget to check out our group cruises on Cruise Freek Forums because we have EXCLUSIVE deals on sailings including Europe, Bermuda, Alaska, the Caribbean and more so come check us out before booking online!

We even have currency converters and attraction tickets right on the site!

Just be patient, the page takes about 15 seconds to load but it’s worth your time because we’re offering the same great rates as Travelocity because we’re Travelocity partners!

Several updates to announce to you today.  First, for those who missed the Celebrity Solstice chat with Host Bob on Saturday, a recap of chat can be found here: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/celebrity-f28/recap-of-solstice-live-chat-t860.htm As a reminder to those who plan to book Celebrity Solstice May 25, 2009 featuring Italy, Greece and Turkey with Bob to please send your booking forms into Bob by Tuesday.  For those who didn’t attend, Bob has made special arrangements with Celebrity Cruise Lines to allow him to block group space one day earlier than the planned release date, this is just one of many advantages of booking with CruiseFreek Forums and Host Bob for this sailing.  Bob has lots of wonderful extras lined up for the group from a private cocktail to specially arranged shore tours and a few more surprises yet to be revealed!  Deposits are $900 per cabin.

Bob can hold specific cabins up to 30 days without deposit being due so if you’re thinking about this cruise, now is the time to lock in your cabin!  So you can hold a cabin while you wait for prices! Additional information on the Solstice (including cabin types) can be found at: www.cruisecelebritysolstice.com and deck plans can be located at: http://www.celebritycruises.com/plancruise/ships/ship.do?shipCode=SL Booking forms are located here: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Celebrity-Solstice-May-25-2009-Booking-Form-h53.htm Your information is transmitted securely with a 256 High-grade encryption system and go directly to Bob.

Again, your information is transmitted securely with a 256 High-grade encryption system and go directly to Nina. Due to Nina’s special relationship with Cunard we have unofficial confirmation that the 2009 Holiday season will return Queen Mary 2 back to New York City and sail to the Caribbean to celebrate Christmas and New Years.  TheCunard holiday group is an active one and, many pre-cruise activities are being planned in Manhattan for those who wish to participate including:

• 1 night pre-cruise stay at either the Library or Casablanca Hotel
• Dinner at Rosie O’Grady’s (http://rosieogradys.com/)
• Tickets to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular Show
• Transportation to events and to/from ship

Additionally several on-board social events are also being discussed including dinner at Todd English (the alternative restaurant on-board).  Join us for this very special cruise!  Who saidCunard Cruisers are stiff?! Can’t make it for Christmas in 2009?  Cruise Freek Forums is also planning on a group cruise on Queen Mary 2 for the 4th of July in 2009!  This is an excellent opportunity to experience this extraordinary ship without the commitment of a longer cruise.  We’re still waiting for the itinerary but, ifCunard follows past itinerary history, this sailing will be depart from New York and heading to New England (usually with fireworks in Boston Harbor) and Canada.  Typically it is between a 4 to 6 night sailing.

Like the Christmas sailing, our board members are busy planning pre-cruise activies including:

• 1 night pre-cruise stay at either the Library or Casablanca Hotel
• Tickets to a ball game for the guys and a shopping trip for the gals
• Dinner at to be voted upon and announced
• Theater tickets to a Broadway show - to be announced
• Transportation arrangements for all events and to/from ship

Booking Forms for the 4th of July cruise on Cunard Queen Mary 2 are located here: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Queen-Mary-2-Booking-Form-4th-of-July-2009-h38.htm

Your information is transmitted securely with a 256 High-grade encryption system and go directly to Nina. NEITHER HOST BOB OR HOST NINA WILL CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.  YOU WILL BE CONTACTED TO GO OVER PRICING AND DETAILS OF THE CRUISE AND TO OBTAIN YOUR PERMISSION TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD.  THEREFORE SUPPLYING YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ON THE FORMS IS PURELY OPTIONAL!

Lastly, you are going to be seeing changes to the Cruise Freek Forums boards during the coming weeks.  We are adding web pages for Cruise News, Cruise Specials from our registered Travel Agents and Sponsors, and most (but not all) of the advertising will be pulled off the message boards and be located on the web pages.  We hope you like the changes and, if you have any suggestions or ideas for our new design you’re more than welcome to submit them! In closing, on this St. Patrick’s Day, I’d like to offer each of you an Old Irish Blessing, I’m sure many of you know it well:

As always thank you for your support of Cruise Freek Forums, it is truly appreciated!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

http://www.cruisefeakforums.com