Cruise Freek Forums Blogcast

Cruise Freek Forums is pleased to announce the ports of call for the 2009 Christmas and New Year’s sailing:

New York -

Grand Turk-

Tortola

Curacao

Grenada

Bridgetown

Castries

Dominica

Basseterre

Charlotte Amalie

New York

This sailing departs on Sunday, December 20, 2009 and we are offering group rates and group amenities for this sailing and, we encourage you to sign up via our opt-in email list to be notified of pricing and when we open for booking.

In the meantime, feel free to take a sneak peak at our dedicated website for this sailing, please pardon the appearance, it’s still under construction: http://www.cunardholiday2009.makeswebsites.com/

Please feel free to also drop by Cruise Freek Forums and join us on the Cunard threads to meet your shipmates, vote on pre-cruise activies which currently include: Tickets to Radio City for the Christmas Spectacular and dinner either prior or after the show. Remember ALL activities are voluntary. Cruise Freek Forums groups NEVER force socialization but, plenty of activities that would like a more social experience are being planned. So come join us on! http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/cunard-f26/

Can’t join us for Christmas? We have lots of other group cruises available so be sure to come by to check us out: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/index.htm Sea you on-board!

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!

Cruise Freek Forums very pleased to announce that our Bermuda,

June 20, 2009 sailing on Explorer of the Seas is NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING!

Additionally, Bob was able to snag some really prime cabins including: the coveted aft D1 corner cabins 1688 and 1388 as well as the aft E1’s 9690, 9692,9392,9390, 7388, 7688, 8690 and 8390

DEPOSITS ARE JUST $200 PER CABIN. SO EVEN IF YOU NEED TO THINK OR PLAN ABOUT THIS SAILING, NOW IS THE TIME TO SECURE A CABIN WITH A VERY LOW DEPOSIT!

Special Cruise Freek Amenities Package includes: Private Cocktail Party AND On-Board Credit!

Pricing begins at just $1070.13 per person for an inside and Bob has a great mix of cabins, truly something for every budget!

Bob can be reached at 800-869 0674 or bobd@worldviewtravel.com

While best known for its shorts and golf courses, Bermuda has much more to offer. And on a cruise vacation, you have the opportunity to see it all. Explore the underwater world or stroll along the historic streets of St. George. Relax on a pink-sand beach or swim in the sparkling turquoise waters. From sailing to shopping to sunbathing, the only thing you’ll want in Bermuda is more time. *** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.
Day Port *** Arrive Depart Activity *** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

PRICING:INSIDE - CATEGORY Q - $1070.13 PER PERSON

PROMENADE - CATEGORY PR - $1170.13 PER PERSON

DELUXE BALCONY - CATEGORY E2 - $1520.13 PER PERSON

DELUXE BALCONY - CATEGORY E1 - $1530.13 PER PERSON

SUPERIOR BALCONY - CATEGORY D1 - $1570.13 PER PERSON

JUNIOR SUITE - CATEGORY JS - $1970.13 PER PERSON

3rd/4th persons sharing $1011.13

Additional categories may be available. Please call for pricing and availability.

PRICES INCLUDE PORT CHARGES, TAXES AND FUEL SUPPLEMENT.

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE FREEK AMENITIES:

PRIVATE COCKTAIL PARTY

ONBOARD CREDIT

• $25 FOR CATEGORIES Q, PR, I
• $50 FOR CATEGORIES E1, E2, D1 AND JS

PRE CRUISE DESTINATION PACKET DEPOSITS: $200 PER CABIN DUE BY 06/20/2008 FINAL PAYMENT DUE 04/08/2009 AFT AND SUITE CABINS MUST DEPOSIT BY 04/20/2008

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

BOB DeAGAZIO

WORLDVIEW TRAVEL

LA JOLLA, CA

PHONE 800-869-0674

  CRUISE FREEKS GROUP AMENITIES:

• PRE CRUISE INFORMATION PACKET
• PRIVATE COCKTAIL PARTY
• ONBOARD CREDIT
• OPTIONAL PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS

PRICING

Space is very limited.  Please reserve early to avoid disappointment. 

Additional categories may be available, please call for prices and availability.

ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE ALL PORT CHARGES, TAXES, GOVERNMENT FEES AND FUEL SURCHARGEl .

AIRFARE, SHORE EXCURSIONS, INSURANCE AND OPTIONAL PRE/POST CRUISE HOTEL PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL COST.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION        BOOK EARLY AND SAVE!! $900.00 PER CABIN DUE BY JUNE 18, 2008 SUITES MUST DEPOSIT BY APRIL 15, 2008 FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY MARCH 10, 2009

Contact: Bob @ Worldview Travel 7777 Girard Ave, Suite 106
La Jolla, CA 92037
800-869-0674
bobd@worldviewtravel.com

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 

LIVE CHAT TONIGHT!  MARCH 15 @ 6PM EASTERN AND AGAIN 6PM PACIFIC FEATURING THE BRAND NEW CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

CAN’T MAKE THE CHAT? 

Are you spending this weekend planning your cruise vacations? Have you ever consider booking a group cruise?

Cruise Freek Forum groups are formed for pricing and amenities purposes, and, forced socialization and forced dining together are never part of our group cruises. Your reservation is handled as an individual. It’s your vacation, it’s your time attitude! Why not take advantage of one of our groups today?

Explorer of the Seas - 9 Night Canada Cruise from Bayonne, NJ departing on August 28, 2008. Travel Agent: Bob DeAgazio of Worldview Travel. Bob can be reached at: 800-869-0674 or by email at bobd@worldviewtravel.com This sailing is open for booking, deposits are $500 per cabin and a dedicated website for this sailing can be found at the following web address: http://www.explorercanadacruise08.makeswebsites.com/

Grand Princess - 14 Night Caribbean Cruise f rom Fort Lauderdale, FL departing on December 19, 2008. Travel Agent: Bob DeAgazio of Worldview Travel. Bob can be reached at: 800-869-0674 or by email at bobd@worldviewtravel.com This sailing is open for booking, deposits are $600 per person ($1200 per cabin) and a dedicated website for this sailing can be found at the following web address: http://grandprincessdecember192008.makeswebsites.com/

Ruby Princess - 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL departing on February 14, 2009. Travel Agent: Susan Schaefer of Ships N Trips Travel. Susan can be reached at: 888-221-1209 or by email at susan@shipsntripstravel.com This sailing is open for booking, deposits THIS WEEK ONLY ARE JUST $100 PER PERSON. After January 19, 2008 deposits go back up to $250 per person. A website for this sailing is currently under construction. Visit: http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

Europe, 2009 - While this group is still forming, it does appear this group will traveling in May, 2009 aboard Celebrity Cruise Lines, however, this is still subject to change according to the wishes of the group. To make your point of view known and have a voice in this sailing please visit the Group Proposals section of the Cruise Freek Forums board. Travel Agent: Bob DeAgazio of Worldview Travel. Bob can be reached at: 800-869-0674 or by email at bobd@worldviewtravel.com for questions or comments about this forming group. Visit http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

Alaska, 2009 - While this group is still forming, it does appear this group will traveling in July, 2009 aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, however, this is still subject to change according to the wishes of the group. To make your point of view known and have a voice in this sailing please visit the Group Proposals section of the Cruise Freek Forums board. Travel Agent: Bob DeAgazio of Worldview Travel. Bob can be reached at: 800-869-0674 or by email at bobd@worldviewtravel.com for questions or comments about this forming group. Visit http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

July 4th, 2009 on Queen Mary 2 - While this group is still forming, this group will be traveling during July 4th week in 2009, however, this is still subject to change according to the wishes of the group and availability from Cunard. To make your point of view known and have a voice in this sailing please visit the Group Proposals section of the Cruise Freek Forums board. Visit http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

Bermuda, 2009 - While this group is still forming, it does appear this group will traveling in June, 2009, however, this is still subject to change according to the wishes of the group. To make your point of view known and have a voice in this sailing please visit the Group Proposals section of the Cruise Freek Forums board. Visit http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

Genesis of the Seas, Fall, 2009 - Our opt-in list for Genesis of the Seas Inaugural sailing is rapidly approaching the 100 interested persons mark, and, as I’m sure you know there is great interest on the Cruise Freeks board about this ship and sailing. While Royal Caribbean hasn’t released much information, as the months roll along the list is certain to grow. Our assigned travel agent for this event is Susan Schaefer of Ships N Trips Travel. Susan can be reached at: 888-221-1209 or by email at susan@shipsntripstravel.com to receive information and updates on Genesis please be sure to put your email in the opt-in list which can be found at this webpage location: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Genesis-Inaugural-Cruise-Join-Us-h7.htm

Holiday Cruise, 2009 Aboard Cunard Cruise Lines - While this remains unofficial we have information that Queen Mary 2 is returning to New York City for the Christmas and New Year’s sailing in December, 2009. We have a lot of interest on the boards and via our opt-in list for this sailing. If you are interested in learning more about Cunard during the holidays please be sure to check out the Christmas threads on the Cunard board on Cruise Freeks. Not sure Cunard is right for you? Check out my short article titled Is Cunard Right For You. You can also read and see photos of the 2007 Christmas cruise on Cunard as written by our own Marina (Curvy Gal Cruises) in the LIVE FROM QM2 thread. Our assigned travel agent for this event is Nina Van Harn of Ambiance Travel. Nina can be reached at: 616-405-6950 or by email at Nina@ambiancetc.com A website (including sign up to receive updates on this sailing) is located at the following web address: http://www.cunardholiday2009.makeswebsites.com/

The NEW Queen Elizabeth, Inaugural Sailing, 2010 - As some of you might already know Cunard has sold QE2 after 40 years of service in the fleet. In 2010, Cunard is unveiling the NEW Queen Elizabeth and Cruise Freek Forums will be there for the inaugural sailing. Very little information about this new ship is currently available but, if you’d care to join us please be sure to visit the opt in page to sign up for updates on the ship and inaugural sailing: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Cunard-Queen-Elizabeth-Inaugural-2010-h29.htm Our assigned travel agent for this event is Nina Van Harn of Ambiance Travel. Nina can be reached at: 616-405-6950 or by email at Nina@ambiancetc.com

Caribbean, 2010 - While this group is still forming, it does appear this group will traveling in February, 2010, however, this is still subject to change according to the wishes of the group. To make your point of view known and have a voice in this sailing please visit the Group Proposals section of the Cruise Freek Forums board. Visit http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

Easter Cruise - April, 2010 - While this group is still forming, it does appear this group will traveling in April, 2010, however, this is still subject to change according to the wishes of the group. To make your point of view known and have a voice in this sailing please visit the Group Proposals section of the Cruise Freek Forums board. Visit http://www.cruisefreakforums.com

“While I was in Ft Lauderdale last week for the cruise3sixty convention, I had a chance to talk to a couple of the sales managers for area hotels. They are all eager to work with pre-cruise groups, but of course we cannot set up anything without dates from RCCL. Each hotel has a limit as to how many rooms can be set aside for groups, so depending on our group size and the hotel limitations we may have to use more than one hotel.

I also spoke with a local bus company (that can provide transportation to group events). At the very least I’m thinking they will be the way to go for transportation to the cruise terminal the morning of the cruise … otherwise we’ll overwhelm the hotels (the ones that offer shuttles that is) or go nuts trying to arrange for a multitude of taxi cabs.

I also spoke with someone at the Seminole Hard Rock which works with groups of 25 or larger … they’ll provide free transportation to their property and give everyone a gaming voucher, in return you need to spend about 4 hours on property (of course they hope you are spending that time gambling).

As for finding out anything about the cruise itself … noting, nada, zip … maybe late May or early June they’ll start releasing tidbits of information … they won’t even commit at this point to whether or not group space will be available (although it’s been available on previous inaugural cruises, they are qualifying themselves by saying “Genesis is different….” “Genesis is unique….”)”

Join Cruise Freek Forums on Genesis for the Inaugural sailing in Fall, 2009!

had a great time at my cruise conference and toured the Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Caribbean Princess. (more on that once I get a chance to organize my pictures)

At the private club that Cunard had set up for their top agents at the conference I talked to Carol a bit, wonderful lady, very gracious and down to earth. I was treated like the darling of the Club which was fun and got the emails of almost every VP in the company with an invitation to contact them if I needed anything. (Still wondering if that was because of my record with Cunard or thanks to my dress but we’ll see!) Although, I had met many of them at the QV event it was nice to build the relationships more. I will be working with them on some new marketing ideas which will be fun. Hopefully, I will be able to gain more insider knowledge for our groups here through these firmer relationships.

I think I posted this before but I will post it again, pricing is scheduled to come out April 20th or close to that although it won’t formally be announced until the beginning of April. Hopefully, they will get ahead of schedule and come out with it sooner since Princess is coming out March 21st and the two companies work very closely together. I’ll keep you posted on that. Also, 4th of July is certainly out of NYC and I got another nod from the top to the positive for NYC for Christmas in 2009 although they haven’t finished scheduling so couldn’t give me a firm yes just yet. I also found out that they will be watching these groups! Good things to come if they are successful That’s it in a nutshell.

The chat will be featuring the May, 2009 European cruise on the brand new Celebrity Solstice and any other updates Bob has to share with us. Everyone is invited and you’re encouraged to attended even if you’re just curious or thinking about this sailing. An additional reminder will be sent out later in the week with times the Live Chat will be taking place. For more information about the European cruise CLICK HERE to be taken to the dedicated page that lists the itinerary, allows you to sign up for email updates regarding this sailing, and see a Sneak Preview Slide Show of Meditteranean.

CAN’T MAKE THE CHAT? MAKE YOU SIGN UP FOR OPT-IN EMAIL LIST FOR UPDATES ON THE MAY 25, 2009 SAILING ON CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

Can’t make it to Europe with us in May, 2009? We are also organizing a group cruise on Celebrity Solstice for President’s week in February, 2010 in the Caribbean. Click Here for more details!

VISIT http://www.cruisefreakforums.com to learn more about this new and fast growing Cruise Message Board Community! 

THIS IS NOT, REPEAT NOT THE PRICING FOR MAY 25, 2009. I AM MERELY POSTING TO GIVE A ROUGH IDEA OF PRICING. WHEN THE MAY 25, 2009 BECOME AVAILABLE, I WILL POST IT IMMEDIATELY!!

INTERIOR $2399 PP OUTSIDE $2549 PP BALCONY $2649 SUITE $3049

Again these are NOT the prices for May 25, 2009. The prices above are preliminary pricing for the July 17, 2009 sailing - the only pricing even somewhat available at this time. I promise to post May 25, 2009 as soon as it is available.

Cruise Freek Forums is heading to Europe in May, 2009 on Celebrity Solstice! Now is the time to sign up for this exciting and growing group being escorted by our own Host Bob. Pricing and intinerary will be released shortly. To be notified by email click on the banner and fill in your email address. And check out the sneak peak of Europe slideshow while you’re there! Just click on the banner!

Sign up for our newsletter to be kept informed about which month, ship and itinerary has been selected. Future newsletters will also include prices and booking procedures. Open to the public and offer not restricted to residents of the USA - all are welcome.

EUROPE MAY 25, 2008 HAS BEEN SELECTED, THE ITINERARY IS AS FOLLOWS:

Mon 25 May 2009 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 6:00 PM Boarding Tue 26 May 2009 At Sea Wed 27 May 2009 Santorini, Greece 2:00 PM 10:00 PM Tendered Thu 28 May 2009 Mykonos, Greece 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked Fri 29 May 2009 Istanbul, Turkey 1:00 PM Docked Sat 30 May 2009 Istanbul, Turkey 2:00 PM Docked Sun 31 May 2009 Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey 9:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked Mon 01 Jun 2009 Rhodes, Greece 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked Tue 02 Jun 2009 Athens (Piraeus), Greece 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked Wed 03 Jun 2009 At Sea Thu 04 Jun 2009 Naples/Capri, Italy 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked Fri 05 Jun 2009 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Departure

• Perfect for the travel agent with a smaller budget to showcase their company, and promote their vacation packages and cruise specials
• Includes listing on Cruise Agency page with company logo, link to web site, and up to 100 words of copy
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Cost: $50 per month

Text Ads- $5 per advertisement

• Perfect for the travel agent with a very small advertising budget
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• 100 Character maximum
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Banner Ads - $100 per month home page; $25 per month all other pages. Banners larger than 468 x 60 are subject to surcharge.

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Newsletter Ads & Articles - Various prices see below

• Text Ads $5 per ad, limit 3 per agency
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Email Blast - One Special, blasted to all registered emails $25 per blast

• Your Ad, no other advertisers, based to all registed emails for $25 per blast
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Email us for more information about signing up with this growing board