Cruise Freek Forums Blogcast

Cruise Freek Forums is going to Hawaii in 2010 and you are invited!

ALOHA!

Cruise Freek Forums group cruise for Hawaii.

Cruise Freek Forums Present Celebrity Millennium 15 Night Hawaii to Vancouver, BC Departs Friday, April 9, 2010

Cruise Freek Forums is going to Hawaii in 2010 and you are invited! We have selected Celebrity Cruise Line’s “Millennium” for this very special cruise offering! We will set sail on April 9, 2010 departing from Honolulu for an Eastbound itinerary that features the Hawaiian Islands and several West Coast ports including: San Francisco, Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver.

The full itinerary is as follows:

Pricing is as follows:

Category 12 Inside $1306.91 per person

Category 09 Inside $1336.91 per person

Category 08 Outside $1506.91 per person

Category 04 Outside $1546.91 per person

Category 2C Balcony $2106.91 per person

Category 2A Balcony $2146.91 per person

Category CC Concierge $2406.91 per person

Category SS Sky Suite $3206.91 per person

Category RS Royal Suit e $6206.91 per person

Prices include port charges, taxes and fuel surcharge

Deposits are $900 per cabin and refundable until January 29, 2010!

Sign up today to be notified of Travel Agent assignment so you can place your deposit! http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Hawaii-Group-Cruise-h68.htm

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 

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! 

• 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
• Text ads run for 30 days
• 100 Character maximum
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Cost: $5 per ad

Banner Ads - $100 per month home page; $25 per month all other pages. Banners larger than 468 x 60 are subject to surcharge.

• Perfect for the travel agents looking for more exposure
• Banner ads run for 30 days
• Banner can contain flash
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Cost: $100 per month home page; $25 per month all other pages

Newsletter Ads & Articles - Various prices see below

• Text Ads $5 per ad, limit 3 per agency
• Banner ads run $25 per banner
• Banner can contain flash
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Articles written by you and promoting your agency $100 per article, we do not proof read, articles are placed as submitted

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
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• As to not spam our members we limit this to 2 blasts per agency per month

Email us for more information about signing up with this growing board

Cruise Freek Forums will be getting a face lift during the coming weeks - you will see a more organized board, hopefully making it easier to find what you’re seeking faster and easier. We will be adding web pages for articles, updates, group cruises, cruise news and more (including a cleaned up message board with less advertising, which is being moved to it’s own dedicated area) - agents and board moderators will be receiving a separate email later in the week to explain the changes in detail. Any board outages for these updates will be kept to a bear minimum and, we will try to take care of updates during off peak times.

Also a reminder that we will be having a LIVE CHAT with Host Bob on Sunday, March 15, 2008. 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 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!

Interested in Advertising on Cruise Freek Forums?

• 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
• Text ads run for 30 days
• 100 Character maximum
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Cost: $5 per ad

Banner Ads - $100 per month home page; $25 per month all other pages. Banners larger than 468 x 60 are subject to surcharge.

• Perfect for the travel agents looking for more exposure
• Banner ads run for 30 days
• Banner can contain flash
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Cost: $100 per month home page; $25 per month all other pages

Newsletter Ads & Articles - Various prices see below

• Text Ads $5 per ad, limit 3 per agency
• Banner ads run $25 per banner
• Banner can contain flash
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• Articles written by you and promoting your agency $100 per article, we do not proof read, articles are placed as submitted

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
• WE DO NOT PROOF READ, ADS ARE PLACED AS SUBMITTED
• As to not spam our members we limit this to 2 blasts per agency per month

Email us for more information about signing up with this growing board