4th of July Cruise from Brooklyn on Princess in 2010

Yes, I'm bad, very bad about blogging regularly, you'll need to forgive me!

Why Book With Us

We Offer Group Perks Without The Group Hassles!

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, the assigned travel agent will be escorting the group to aid with any on-board requirements that might arise.

Pre-Cruise in NYC

Times Square

Unlike other group cruises, we will be taking full advantage of all that Manhattan has to offer. We are offering an outstanding pre-cruise package available for 1 or 2 nights before the cruise! For Those Who Book 2 Nights PLUS The Activities For Those Who Only Book 1 Night : -Arrive at hotel -Free time until 5pm -Bus Transportation to Little Italy for Dinner -Bus Pick Up in Little Italy followed by Evening City Lights Tour Those Who Book 1 Night (Those Who Book Two Nights Have Both Sets Of Activities INCLUDED) -Bus Tour of Upper Manhattan (morning) or similar activity -Return to hotel around 12 noon -Free time for those who are already checked in -Arrival of those spending just one night -Bus Pick Up for Pre-Theater Dinner at The Heartland Brewery -Bus Pick up from restaurant to theater -Broadway Show -Bus Pick Up from Show to Hotel Prices are PER PERSON and include 2 Nights at Hotel, Dinner at Heartland, Broadway Show Ticket, Sightseeing Bus, Transportation to and from theatre, dinner and hotel. Transportation to the pier is also included. This does not include dinner in Little Italy. (An activity that will be scheduled for those who book the 2 night package) RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY - PRICES BELOW REFLECT PRICES FOR 2 NIGHTS STAY AND INCLUDE ALL ACTIVITIES ABOVE Hotel Name Single Occupancy]RATES ARE PER PERSON 1 per room Double Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 2 per room Triple Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 3 per room Quad Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 4 per room Novotel $1,258.00 $871.00 $761.00 $706.00 Holiday Inn Midtown $1,172.00 $828.00 $733.00 $685.00 Sheraton NY $1,172.00 $828.00 $733.00 $685.00 Sightseeing Information: Gray Line of New York: All Loops Tour – See New York from a Red Double-Decker Bus! Ticket is valid for 48 hours, and gives you access to 3 tour loops (Uptown, Downtown and Brooklyn Loop). Feel free to hop-off at any stop that interests you and simply hop-on the next Gray Line bus that stops.(Gray Line has added a $1.00 Fuel Surcharge, payable at the Gray Line Visitor’s Center) Theater: Rate is based on an order of 20 or more tickets to the same performance. Surcharges may apply on select performance. One Broadway theatre performance per person Dining: Restaurant may require one entrée selection for the entire group. All meals include Tax and Gratuity. Group Dinner at Heartland Brewery Free Inclusions: Admission per person to choice of the Empire State Building Observatory or the Rockefeller Center Tour Admission per person to the American Museum of Natural History Shopping discounts & vouchers for coupon books (one per room) Invitation to be a Special Guest of the CBS Early Show Additional Inclusions: Baggage handling –Applicable for groups with 10 or more rooms. Tax on included features."

Cruising From Brooklyn

New York Cruise terminals both in Manhattan and Brooklyn offer passengers easy access to parking as well as convenient embarking and disembarking procedures. Please select either Manhattan Terminal or Brooklyn Terminal on the left for respective details on embarking, disembarking, parking, NYCruise operations, history, facts, and contact information for the selected terminal.

Embarking

Passengers arriving by private car should drop off luggage and passengers at the Terminal curbside first, and then proceed to either the on-or off-site parking lots. Immediately upon entering the Terminal, passengers will be directed towards the security and passenger screening area, and check-in area.

Disembarking

Following retrieval of baggage and exiting the Terminal building, returning passengers will be directed to awaiting coaches, taxis/limousines and car parking. Passengers with cars may first retrieve their car and then pick-up luggage and fellow travelers.

Parking

Parking at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is about 200-300 yards south of the terminal entrance/exit. Parking resides in an outdoor lot with security. Handicap spaces are available and the same rates apply as follows. Reservations are not needed to park.

Parking Instructions (164 kb)

Parking Rates Effective 4/1/08

• Short Term (Up to 1 Hour)
  $6.00
  
  
• Short Term (Up to 2 Hours)
  $7.00
  
  
• Short Term (Up to 6 Hours)
  $12.00
  
  
• Daily Rate (10 Hours)
  $17.00
  


• Overnight Rate (24 Hours)
  $22.00
  


• Day Rate After 1st Day (Multi Days)
  $19.00
  

For inquiries regarding Brooklyn Cruise Terminal parking, please contact:
By email: BCT@nycedc.com
By phone: (718) 246-2794 x303

Want more information so you can join us for 4th of July week in 2010? click the link below!
http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

The New Caribbean Princess Debutes in January 2009

Opps, it has been a while since I blogged... Sorry folks!

Did you know that we now have a dedicated website for this sailing? Check it out!
Website for the sailing
http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

In January, 2009 Caribbean Princess is heading into dry-dock and here are the exciting features we can expect to see:

The ships' updated atriums will not only feature the specialty coffees, freshly baked goods, paninis and tapas of the International Cafe, but will also introduce an expanded Vines wine bar concept, which will now include rare vintage wines, a selection of artisan meats and cheeses, plus a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle. In addition, passengers will be able to relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess' signature adults-only retreat, featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. The ship will also replace its current steakhouse with the Crown Grill restaurant featuring an open show kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters. As part of the renovation, each vessel will also receive seven new suites with ocean-view picture windows, and the casino will be relocated one deck higher to deck 7, bringing it into the ship's central entertainment area.

Furthermore, for those who book this incredible sailing through Cruise Freek Forums you are in for some very special treats! Our travel agent, Jeanie Beck, of Becks Tours and Travel managed to snag us group space already AND compared to the prices of 2009 we are ALREADY saving more than 100 per person. And yes our prices are already LOCKED IN!

Oh that got your attention did it? Then make sure you get your email on our opt-in list by clicking here: http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

Then come by Cruise Freek Forums to join the fun and dicussions of waiting and planning this amazing cruise experience! http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/index.htm

A night time tour of NYC

For those who will join us for the two night pre-cruise package, after dinner in Little Italy there will be a night time tour of New York City by bus. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the city without the the wear and blisters on your feet! And, you're in for a wonderful treat!

While our tour might vary slightly since we will be starting in Little Italy, I'm sure we'll hit most of the major highlights such as the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan Bridge, perhaps Brooklyn and more!

And I'm sure there will be an on-board commentator to explain the sights and history of the buildings and locations we'll pass on the tour.

Interested in joining us?

Website for this sailing: http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

Cruise Freek Forums Website: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/index.htm

Join us on Caribbean Princess in 2010!

Well I see I've been a bad girl, I haven't posted in here in almost a week. So this is a quick post linking to our official website for this sailing: http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

I cannot wait to go on Caribbean Princess! And, we have a fantastic, fun group that continues to join us on Cruise Freek Forums.
http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/index.htm

Unlike other group cruises, we will be taking full advantage of all that Manhattan has to offer. We are offering an outstanding pre-cruise package available for 1 or 2 nights before the cruise!

For Those Who Book 2 Nights PLUS The Activities For Those Who Only Book 1 Night :

-Arrive at hotel
-Free time until 5pm
-Bus Transportation to Little Italy for Dinner
-Bus Pick Up in Little Italy followed by Evening City Lights Tour

Those Who Book 1 Night (Those Who Book Two Nights Have Both Sets Of Activities INCLUDED)

-Bus Tour of Upper Manhattan (morning) or similar activity
-Return to hotel around 12 noon
-Free time for those who are already checked in
-Arrival of those spending just one night
-Bus Pick Up for Pre-Theater Dinner at The Heartland Brewery
-Bus Pick up from restaurant to theater
-Broadway Show
-Bus Pick Up from Show to Hotel

Prices are PER PERSON and include 2 Nights at Hotel, Dinner at Heartland, Broadway Show Ticket, Sightseeing Bus, Transportation to and from theatre, dinner and hotel. Transportation to the pier is also included.

This does not include dinner in Little Italy. (An activity that will be scheduled for those who book the 2 night package)

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY - PRICES BELOW REFLECT PRICES FOR 2 NIGHTS STAY AND INCLUDE ALL ACTIVITIES ABOVE

Hotel Name	Single Occupancy]RATES ARE PER PERSON 1 per room	Double Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 2 per room	Triple Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 3 per room	Quad Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 4 per room
Novotel	$1,258.00	$871.00	$761.00	$706.00
Holiday Inn Midtown	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00
Sheraton NY	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00

Sightseeing Information:

Gray Line of New York: All Loops Tour – See New York from a Red Double-Decker Bus! Ticket is valid for 48 hours, and gives you access to 3 tour loops (Uptown, Downtown and Brooklyn Loop). Feel free to hop-off at any stop that interests you and simply hop-on the next Gray Line bus that stops.(Gray Line has added a $1.00 Fuel Surcharge, payable at the Gray Line Visitor’s Center)

Theater: Rate is based on an order of 20 or more tickets to the same performance. Surcharges may apply on select performance.

One Broadway theatre performance per person
Dining: Restaurant may require one entrée selection for the entire group. All meals include Tax and Gratuity.

Group Dinner at Heartland Brewery

Free Inclusions:

Admission per person to choice of the Empire State Building Observatory or the Rockefeller Center Tour

Admission per person to the American Museum of Natural History

Shopping discounts & vouchers for coupon books (one per room)

Invitation to be a Special Guest of the CBS Early Show

Additional Inclusions:

Baggage handling –Applicable for groups with 10 or more rooms.

Tax on included features."

JOIN US!
http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

Caribbean Princess for 4th of July Week 2010

An interview with Jeanie Beck, owner of Becks Tours and Travel and Cruise Freek Forum's official travel agent for the 2010 - 4th of July week sailing aboard Caribbean Princess.

1.) What can you tell me about Caribbean Princess? (Anything that makes it stand out from other ships?)

The Caribbean Princess holds more passengers than any other ship in the Princess Fleet. It can carry 3100 passengers. The Caribbean Princess also has 900 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of mini-suites. It truly caters to everyone.

In January 2009 the ship will enter dry dock for some incredible renovations. It will include the transformation of the Deck 5 atrium into the inviting piazza-style street café currently found on the Crown & Emerald Princess. The ship will also add Princess’ signature adults-only Sanctuary and Crown Grill Restaurant. Another big renovation will be seven new suites with ocean view picture windows, and the casino will be relocated one deck higher to deck 7.

2.) Tell me about the 4th of July sailing on Caribbean Princess.

• What type of pre-cruise package are you offer?
  

We are offering a special two night pre-cruise package in Manhattan. It will include one or two nights in a Manhattan hotel, Broadway show tickets, Sightseeing on Gray Line of New York, Admission to either the Empire State Building Observatory or the Rockefeller Center Tour, dinner at Heartland, Transportation to dinner and the Broadway show and transfers to the Port. I’m also working to get dinner in Little Italy, then a nighttime tour of the city.

• Is it fully escorted? It is escorted, but there will be time for everyone to go off and explore on their own if they wish!
  

• Do you have pricing yet? We do have some preliminary prices, but since it is still two years away, I cannot give firm prices yet. Here are some preliminary prices. They are subject to change.
  

Hotel Name	Single Occupancy]RATES ARE PER PERSON 1 per room	Double Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 2 per room	Triple Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 3 per room	Quad Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 4 per room
Novotel	$1,258.00	$871.00	$761.00	$706.00
Holiday Inn Midtown	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00
Sheraton NY	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00

3.) Tell me about on-board activities being planned (For example, scavenger hunts, group dinner together, meet and greet, etc). We are planning a Meet & Greet and a group dinner together. I’m sure there will be more to come since we are still in the early planning stages.

4.) Some people are very intimidated by New York City, why is the pre-cruise package the perfect solution for those who might be a bit uptight about visiting The Big Apple?
New York City is an incredible city!! But indeed it can be very intimidating. With our pre-cruise package, the hotel, transportation and tours are taken care of. We take care of all of the worries.

5.) Are people who book with you and Cruise Freek Forums obligated or in any way pressured to participate in activities?
Not at all! If someone does not want to take part in any of the activities, they do not have to feel any pressure at all. Everyone is free to make their own choice.

6.) With the continuing rise of gasoline prices and the new airline baggage
surcharges, in your opinion, do you believe a cruise with the New York City package is a good value?
Absolutely! I am locking in rates now so that by 2010 our prices will be much lower and more affordable. Also, since we are traveling as a group, the prices will be much better and everyone will end up saving money in return.

7.) When will rates for this sailing be available? And what are the deposit requires for the cruise portion?
Rates are currently available for the cruise. However, I cannot publish them until next Spring. If anyone wants to know the categories and prices available they can email me at jeanie@becktours.com.

When the sailing opens for bookings next year I will hold a One Week Cruise Sale, so each person only has to put down a $100 deposit. After that the deposit should be around 20% of the cruise fare.

8.)Let's talk about families for a moment. 4th of July week is one of the most popular vacation weeks of the year. Is cruising family friendly and why would a family benefit from booking this particular cruise?
This is the perfect family vacation! In fact, I am bringing along my three children. Princess has one of the best Children’s Programs at sea. There are so many activities for kids onboard the Caribbean Princess. There are different Fun Zone activities for kids ages 3-12 and a Teen Center for teenage passengers. Plus, the ship offers babysitting during Port Days and evening hours! Parents can enjoy some alone time if they choose.

9.) Tell me what you're planning with Cruise Freeks to help make this cruise special? In otherwords, what type of incentives to book will you be offering?

We are working to offer an amazing incentive to book with us. However, I cannot give away the secret just yet! Don’t worry; it will be well worth the wait!

10.) Is there anything you'd like to add that I have covered? Just stay tuned for more exciting news as we get closer to sailing!

For more information regarding Cruise Freek Forum's 4th of July week cruise aboard Caribbean Princess please visit: http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/ or join Cruise Freek Forums to add your voice to the discussions and plans for this cruise at: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/index.htm

Pre-Cruise Stay in Manhattan open for Deposits

In eager anticipation of the 4th of July week cruise aboard Caribbean Princess, those of us on Cruise Freek Forums have been planning our pre-cruise activities for a few months now. I am thrilled to be able to announce that our pre-cruise package is now open for booking!

Deposits are $150 per person and your deposit is fully refundable. Your deposit is placed toward your balance of the pre-cruise stay in New York City.

Unlike other group cruises, we will be taking full advantage of all that Manhattan has to offer. We are offering an outstanding pre-cruise package available for 1 or 2 nights before the cruise!

For Those Who Book 2 Nights PLUS The Activities For Those Who Only Book 1 Night :

-Arrive at hotel
-Free time until 5pm
-Bus Transportation to Little Italy for Dinner
-Bus Pick Up in Little Italy followed by Evening City Lights Tour

Those Who Book 1 Night (Those Who Book Two Nights Have Both Sets Of Activities INCLUDED)

-Bus Tour of Upper Manhattan (morning) or similar activity
-Return to hotel around 12 noon
-Free time for those who are already checked in
-Arrival of those spending just one night
-Bus Pick Up for Pre-Theater Dinner at The Heartland Brewery
-Bus Pick up from restaurant to theater
-Broadway Show
-Bus Pick Up from Show to Hotel

Prices are PER PERSON and include 2 Nights at Hotel, Dinner at Heartland, Broadway Show Ticket, Sightseeing Bus, Transportation to and from theatre, dinner and hotel. Transportation to the pier is also included.

This does not include dinner in Little Italy. (An activity that will be scheduled for those who book the 2 night package)

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY - PRICES BELOW REFLECT PRICES FOR 2 NIGHTS STAY AND INCLUDE ALL ACTIVITIES ABOVE

Hotel Name	Single Occupancy]RATES ARE PER PERSON 1 per room	Double Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 2 per room	Triple Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 3 per room	Quad Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 4 per room
Novotel	$1,258.00	$871.00	$761.00	$706.00
Holiday Inn Midtown	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00
Sheraton NY	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00

Sightseeing Information:

Gray Line of New York: All Loops Tour – See New York from a Red Double-Decker Bus! Ticket is valid for 48 hours, and gives you access to 3 tour loops (Uptown, Downtown and Brooklyn Loop). Feel free to hop-off at any stop that interests you and simply hop-on the next Gray Line bus that stops.(Gray Line has added a $1.00 Fuel Surcharge, payable at the Gray Line Visitor’s Center)

Theater: Rate is based on an order of 20 or more tickets to the same performance. Surcharges may apply on select performance.

One Broadway theatre performance per person
Dining: Restaurant may require one entrée selection for the entire group. All meals include Tax and Gratuity.

Group Dinner at Heartland Brewery

Free Inclusions:

Admission per person to choice of the Empire State Building Observatory or the Rockefeller Center Tour

Admission per person to the American Museum of Natural History

Shopping discounts & vouchers for coupon books (one per room)

Invitation to be a Special Guest of the CBS Early Show

Additional Inclusions:

Baggage handling –Applicable for groups with 10 or more rooms.

Tax on included features.

Join us today! Place your email on the opt-in list and please check out the dedicated website for this very exciting cruise from New York! Then come on over to Cruise Freek Forums and introduce yourself and join in the planning fun! http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/index.htm

4th of July Cruise in 2010 from NYC

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS JUNE 28 2010
For those who maybe interested we have word from Princess Cruise Lines that Caribbean Princess will be returning to New York City for a third season of cruising in 2010. At this time, we have very unofficial pricing from Princess and, while we are two years away from sailing, we MAY obtain special permission to open bookings exclusively for our group. However, this is not confirmed yet but, if this sailing is of interest to you, we will try to arrange for a reduced deposit sale when and if we get the nod from Princess that we can start booking cabins. In the meantime, you are invited to come visit the dedicated website, which again, is still very much under construction so your patience and understanding is appreciated. However, it's a great opportunity to see the ship and check out the wonderful pre-cruise activities being planned in Manhattan. Here is the link: http://www.caribbeanprincessjune282010.makeswebsites.com/

Jeanie Beck is our assigned travel agent and Jeanie can be contacted at jeanie@becktours.com

Visit Cruise Freek Forums for all June 28, 2010 Caribbean Princess cruise for all related information: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/princess-cruise-lines-f25/

Times Square

Unlike other group cruises, we will be taking full advantage of all that Manhattan has to offer. We are offering an outstanding pre-cruise package available for 1 or 2 nights before the cruise!

For Those Who Book 2 Nights PLUS The Activities For Those Who Only Book 1 Night :

-Arrive at hotel
-Free time until 5pm
-Bus Transportation to Little Italy for Dinner
-Bus Pick Up in Little Italy followed by Evening City Lights Tour

Those Who Book 1 Night (Those Who Book Two Nights Have Both Sets Of Activities INCLUDED)

-Bus Tour of Upper Manhattan (morning) or similar activity
-Return to hotel around 12 noon
-Free time for those who are already checked in
-Arrival of those spending just one night
-Bus Pick Up for Pre-Theater Dinner at The Heartland Brewery
-Bus Pick up from restaurant to theater
-Broadway Show
-Bus Pick Up from Show to Hotel

Prices are PER PERSON and include 2 Nights at Hotel, Dinner at Heartland, Broadway Show Ticket, Sightseeing Bus, Transportation to and from theatre, dinner and hotel. Transportation to the pier is also included.

This does not include dinner in Little Italy. (An activity that will be scheduled for those who book the 2 night package)

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY - PRICES BELOW REFLECT PRICES FOR 2 NIGHTS STAY AND INCLUDE ALL ACTIVITIES ABOVE

Hotel Name	Single Occupancy]RATES ARE PER PERSON 1 per room	Double Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 2 per room	Triple Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 3 per room	Quad Occupancy RATES ARE PER PERSON 4 per room
Novotel	$1,258.00	$871.00	$761.00	$706.00
Holiday Inn Midtown	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00
Sheraton NY	$1,172.00	$828.00	$733.00	$685.00

Sightseeing Information:

Gray Line of New York: All Loops Tour – See New York from a Red Double-Decker Bus! Ticket is valid for 48 hours, and gives you access to 3 tour loops (Uptown, Downtown and Brooklyn Loop). Feel free to hop-off at any stop that interests you and simply hop-on the next Gray Line bus that stops.(Gray Line has added a $1.00 Fuel Surcharge, payable at the Gray Line Visitor’s Center)

Theater: Rate is based on an order of 20 or more tickets to the same performance. Surcharges may apply on select performance.

One Broadway theatre performance per person
Dining: Restaurant may require one entrée selection for the entire group. All meals include Tax and Gratuity.

Group Dinner at Heartland Brewery

Free Inclusions:

Admission per person to choice of the Empire State Building Observatory or the Rockefeller Center Tour

Admission per person to the American Museum of Natural History

Shopping discounts & vouchers for coupon books (one per room)

Invitation to be a Special Guest of the CBS Early Show

Additional Inclusions:

Baggage handling –Applicable for groups with 10 or more rooms.

Tax on included features."