Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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

Saturday, July 12, 2008

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

Friday, July 11, 2008

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."

Thursday, July 3, 2008

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