Cruise Freek Forums Blogcast

Announcing Cunard Queen Mary 2 Holiday Cruise 2009

Departing: December 20, 2009

Returning: January 4, 2009

Announcing Cunard Queen Mary 2 Holiday Cruise 2009

Departing:  December 20, 2009

Returning:  January 4, 2009

PRICING:

Prices are PER PERSON

PRICING:

Prices are PER PERSON

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 SURCHARGE AS ADVISED.

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

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION BOOK EARLY AND SAVE!!
25% of Cruise Fare

FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY SEPTEMBER 20, 2009

Exclusive Amenities include

• $100.00 OBC for inside/outside
• $150.00 OBC for Balcony/Grill
• Invitation to private cocktail party
• Pre-cruise information packet
• Invitations to private group onboard functions and exclusive, handcrafted shore excursion experiences

As the group grows there is the chance that extra OBC will also be awarded so tell your friends!

PRE-CRUISE PACKAGE You also have access to our exclusive pre-cruise NYC City package starting at just $289.00pp/dbl

• Includes 1 night at the Library Hotel
• -Breakfast included, Cocktail reception, complimentary internet and all day snacks.
• Transportation to Dinner at Rosie O’Grady’s*
• Transportation to Radio City Music Hall for “Christmas Spectacular”*
• Transportation back to hotel.
• Transfer and luggage assistance including all taxes and gratuities to Queen Mary 2 the next morning.

About Ambiance Travel:

We realize that sometimes doing business on the Internet can be risky and that’s why Cruise Freek Forums is proud to have Nina Van Harn, owner of Ambiance Travel, as our official travel agent for of our Christmas and New Year’s cruise aboard Queen Mary 2. Ambiance Travel is a Virtuoso affiliate agency.

What is a Virtuoso agency? Virtuoso is an exclusive network of travel agencies who serve the most affluent, well-traveled individuals worldwide. Out of over 30,000 travel agencies in the USA, just 300 are Virtuoso agencies and membership is by invitation only! Virtuoso travel specialists have an average of 20 years of experience in the travel industry and are certified with the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.

Additionally, Ambiance Travel is a Cunard Commodore Agency. This means that Nina Van Harn has completed an extensive training program offered exclusively through Cunard Cruise Lines. The Cunard Academy focuses on White Star Services and the Cunard fleet.

Lastly, you can rest assured service from Ambiance Travel does not end when you book your cruise. From start to finish Ambiance Travel is there to assist your needs and, Nina Van Harn will be on-board the Christmas and New Year’s sailing of Queen Mary 2 and, she will be in New York City for all the pre-cruise activities escorting those who choose to participate in the fun.

Pre-Cruise Hotel and Activities Information:

While Cruise Freek Forums group cruises NEVER forces socialization, we do offer fun and interesting packages for those who are interested. For those who wish to take advantage of the Pre-Cruise package in New York City, here’s what you can anticipate.

Accommodations at The Library Hotel. The Library Hotel is well situated on Manhattan’s East Side, located at 41st Street and Madison Avenue. This boutique hotel is themed after the Dewey Decimal System and features over 6,000 books in it’s private library, all at your reading disposal. Your nightly rate includes breakfast, all day snacks, complimentary Internet access, and, a cocktail reception. Rates begin at just $289 per person, based on double occupancy.

Please note that The Library Hotel is a smoke-free environment.

Dinner at Rosie O’Grady’s and Evening Performance of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Rosie O’Grady’s is a wonderful steak and seafood house that is a Theater District fixture and offers a dinner menu for nearly taste and budget, and, it will be a wonderful start for our planned evening out. After dinner it’s off to Radio City for an evening performance of the annual Christmas Spectacular. The Christmas Spectacular has been running for over 75 years and features Santa Claus, live animals and, of course, the world famous Radio City Rockettes. The show is approximately 90 minutes in length. Pricing will be made available sometime in 2009 for these two activities.

**Depending on timing we will be offering photo opportunities at Rockefeller Center either before or after the show. Rockefeller Center is just steps away from Radio City Music Hall.

On-Board Activities:

As already mentioned, Cruise Freek groups never force socializations, however, if you are so inclined, many of our group members are already in the planning stages of on-board activities including:

• Dinner or Lunch at Todd English
• Cocktail Party
• Pub or Cabin Crawl

You are invited to join Cruise Freek Forums and contribute your ideas for our on-board activities!

Ready to Book?:

Contact:

Ambiance Travel
http://ambiancetc.com/

Phone number: 1-616-405-6950
Fax number: 1 (866)762-2709
E-mail: Nina@ambiancetc.com

For more information visit the dedicated website for this sailing: http://www.cunardholiday2009.makeswebsites.com/

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 

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