No Post Today I Have A Horrible Cold

No post today due to a serve cold. Yuck! Thanks to my co-workers...

A Merry Christmas at Sea

Ever have one of those colds that your entire body aches, you're coughing so much you swear your coughing up your lungs, you're so stuffed up you can't sleep and so tired you can't think straight? I wish I felt that good...

A Merry Christmas at Sea

It's not hard to get into the Christmas spirit right from the start, as ships are trimmed from stem to stern in festive holiday decor, complete with wreaths, holly, mistletoe and, of course, Christmas trees, which often even decorate the ship's mast. It's not uncommon to see Yuletide carolers strolling the decks singing favorite holiday tunes, or waiters wearing Santa hats. Seasonal entertainment abounds, as passengers may enjoy themed production shows, live music and films during the voyage. Passengers can also attend midnight mass and inter-denominational church service.

A special Christmas dinner features traditional favorites such as roast turkey or goose, and passengers will enjoy a range of seasonal sweet treats such as gingerbread mousse, mincemeat pie, chocolate Yule logs and special Christmas cookies.

With kids out of school, holiday cruises have become a popular getaway for families. And to keep younger passengers busy, youth counselors provide a wide array of activities including parties, sing-a-longs and arts and crafts classes, where they can create ornaments to decorate the ship's Christmas tree. Junior cruisers can also participate in an endearing holiday play, which they perform for passengers. On Christmas day, Santa Claus makes a surprise appearance, bringing joy (and gifts) to each child on board.

Book Grand Princess departing on December 19, 2008 Today!

Departing December 19, 2008
Returning January 2, 2009

Holiday Cruise - Grand Princess - December 19, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008 - Fort Lauderdale 5pm Departure

Saturday, December 20, 2008 At Sea

Sunday, December 21, 2008 At Sea

Monday, December 22, 2008 Aruba 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Curaca0 8:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 At Sea

Thursday, December 25, 2008 Port Of Spain 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday, December 26, 2008 Barbados 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday, December 27, 2008 St Vincent 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday, December 28, 2008 St. Kitts 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Monday, December 29, 2008 St Thomas 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 La Romana 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 At Sea

Thursday, January 1, 2009 Princess Cays 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday, January 2, 2009 Fort Lauderdale 07:00 AM Arrive


PRICING:
Cat. JJ- Inside-- $2020.12 per person
Cat. FF- Obstructed Oceanview-- $2380.12 per person
Cat. EE- Unobstructed Oceanview-- $2630.12 per person
Cat. BC- Balcony-- $2828.12 per person
Cat. AB- Mini Suite-- $3430.12 per person

Prices include all port charges, taxes and government fees.

Group Amenities:$50.00 per person Onboard Credit & Bottle of wine per cabin.

Additional categories may be available.

Please contact Bob at Worldview Travel for prices and availability. Payment Terms: $600.00 per person deposit due at time of bookingFinal Payment will be due by Sept. 20, 2008

How To Book:

Please contact Bob at Worldview Travel and Cruises: 800-869-0674
or
by email: bobd@worldviewtravel.com

Visit the Cruise Freek Forums Page for this sailing at: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Holiday-Cruise-Grand-Princess-December-19-2008-h5.html

Grand Princess Fun Facts

Sorry to be posting so late, I have an awful cold and I slept most of the day. I do apologize.


Fun Facts

What does it take to stock one of the world's largest cruise ships? From place settings in the restaurants to supplies in the staterooms to provisions in the kitchen, these are just some of the items needed for Grand Princess' passengers and crew:

96,396 pieces of glassware

51,612 pieces of silver-plated flatware

13,200 bath towels

8,640 boxes of facial tissue

23,000 bed sheets

59,300 wooden coat hangers

18,000 rolls of toilet paper

Daily food consumption aboard Grand Princess includes:

200 pounds of salt

960 pounds of bananas

322 pounds of carrots

852 pounds of shellfish

1,431 pounds of game/poultry

104 pounds of smoked salmon

1,170 pounds of potatoes

910 pounds of ice cream

3,900 muffins

390 pounds of bacon

1,600 pounds of beef

306 pounds of veal

551 pounds of butter and margarine (salted and unsalted)

150 yards of link breakfast sausages

DID YOU KNOW...

The traditional gala champagne waterfall on formal night is a not-to-be-missed event. Bathrobes are provided for use during your cruise -- all you have to do is ask the room steward to deliver them. Wheelchair-accessible staterooms with 33-inch wide entry and bathroom doorways, plus bathrooms fitted to ADA standards, are available in an array of categories.

LITTLE KNOW FACT...

When Grand Princess was introduced in Europe, she was affectionately dubbed the Shopping Cart because her stern spoiler reminded Europeans of a grocery cart.

Calling All Princess Cruisers - Now is the Time To Book Grand Princess Holiday 2008

In spite of a severe head and chest cold complete with chills, fever, sore throat and the works. that has me down for the count. My friends at Cruise Freeks are counting on me, so, I will post this today. And yes I feel like complete crap. Thanks for asking.

CALL TO ALL PRINCESS CRUISERS - COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE NEWEST CRUISE MESSAGE BOARD ON THE WEB WHO WANT US TO BOOK THEIR CRUISES!

Now is the time to start booking your 2008 cruises. And Cruise Freek Forums needs to fill our group space! Show your support of the newest cruise message board on the web by booking TODAY! Note that Bob is on Liberty of the Seas and will be back on October 1 2007


CRUISE OPPORTUNITY - BOOK EARLY WITH CRUISE FREEKS


HOLIDAY CRUISE ON GRAND PRINCESS IN 2008

GRAND PRINCESS

Departing December 19, 2008
Returning January 2, 2009

Holiday Cruise - Grand Princess - December 19, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008 - Fort Lauderdale 5pm Departure

Saturday, December 20, 2008 At Sea

Sunday, December 21, 2008 At Sea

Monday, December 22, 2008 Aruba 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Curaca0 8:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 At Sea

Thursday, December 25, 2008 Port Of Spain 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday, December 26, 2008 Barbados 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday, December 27, 2008 St Vincent 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday, December 28, 2008 St. Kitts 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Monday, December 29, 2008 St Thomas 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 La Romana 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 At Sea

Thursday, January 1, 2009 Princess Cays 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday, January 2, 2009 Fort Lauderdale 07:00 AM Arrive


PRICING:
Cat. JJ- Inside-- $2020.12 per person
Cat. FF- Obstructed Oceanview-- $2380.12 per person
Cat. EE- Unobstructed Oceanview-- $2630.12 per person
Cat. BC- Balcony-- $2828.12 per person
Cat. AB- Mini Suite-- $3430.12 per person

Prices include all port charges, taxes and government fees.

Group Amenities:$50.00 per person Onboard Credit & Bottle of wine per cabin.

Additional categories may be available.

Please contact Bob at Worldview Travel for prices and availability. Payment Terms: $600.00 per person deposit due at time of bookingFinal Payment will be due by Sept. 20, 2008

How To Book:

Please contact Bob at Worldview Travel and Cruises: 800-869-0674
or
by email: bobd@worldviewtravel.com

Visit the Cruise Freek Forums Page for this sailing at: http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/Holiday-Cruise-Grand-Princess-December-19-2008-h5.html

Bad head cold, no post today

Woke up with a terrible head cold today. No post.

Cruise Freek Forums Announce Cruise Quotes

Cruise Freek Forums has announced that FREE, NO OBLIGATION cruise quotes are now available from registered travel agencies.

Quotes are Free and there is No Obligation to Book.

Please do not abuse this privilege. More than 10 quotes in any given month will be considered excessive.

To begin CLICK HERE or you can find the Cruise Quote Section at the very top of the Cruise Freek Forums main topics page.

Please be sure to fill out the form completely. If you do not select a specific travel agent from the list, your request will be sent to all agents and may result in multiple quotes. Cruise Freek travel agents can be viewed in our Travel Agent Directory by CLICKING HERE

If you are a registered Cruise Freeks travel agent and do not see your name on the list and want to be included please contact the ADMIN as soon as possible. To register as an official Cruise Freek Forums Travel Agent please contact the ADMIN.


Cruise Freek Forums is striving to become the best cruise message board on the Internet.

Grand Princess - Why Your Kids Will Love A Holiday Cruise On This Ship

To Book The Cruise Freek Forums's Christmas and New Year's Eve Cruise, a 14 Night Caribbean Holiday Please CLICK HERE

Grand Princess is a consummate host at sea, rivaling the most luxurious resorts on land. Included among the myriad of features are the Lotus Spa, Movies Under the Stars®, more than 700 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of Mini-Suites, as well as dozens of dining and entertainment options.

A BOATLOAD OF FUN
Cruising with Princess is a complete escape for all ages. There's everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, and splash pools (on select ships) to teen centers with ping-pong tables, juke boxes, and all the latest video games. There's a play area and special outdoor deck exclusively for toddlers. And Remix is designed to give teens their own space — and the time of their lives. In addition, kids on Grand and Golden Princess will also enjoy their own deck space with a Whale's Tail splash pool, and teens have a separate hot tub and deck area just for them.

All Youth and Teen Centers are fully supervised by our staff of Youth Activities Coordinators.

Children are welcome on all Princess ships, but facilities vary. Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess do not have dedicated Youth and Teen Centers (programs are available only when 20 or more children are sailing). However, when 20 or more children ages 3 to 17 are traveling on these ships, they will enjoy a varied schedule of supervised activities organized by a Youth Activities Coordinator.

FAMILY CRUISING TIPS
Anytime Dining is recommended for families who want to dine together, so children may fully participate in the evening youth activities (starting at 7 p.m.).

The dining alternatives onboard our ships allow parents the freedom to spend time with their children while they eat an early dinner at the pizzeria, in the 24-hour restaurant offering a special children's menu, in their stateroom with 24-hour room service, or in one of our many alternative dining locations. After taking their children to the supervised Youth and Teen Centers, parents can enjoy dining on their own in the elegant dining rooms.

Many shore excursions have been selected with family cruisers in mind. Discounted rates for children and "family-friendly" activities are available to make the most of your time in port. Please see your Adventures Ashore brochure for details.

On embarkation day, the Princess Youth and Teen Schedule for the entire cruise will be delivered to your stateroom. If you need more than one copy, please contact your Youth Activities Coordinator.

Don't miss the orientation and registration meeting on the first night of your cruise. You and your children can meet the Youth and Teen staff and learn more about our exciting shipboard programs. Parents are always welcome to join their children in the Youth and Teen Centers.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Sea Days:	9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
	2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
	7 p.m. - 1 a.m.*

Port Days: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ^†

On Pacific and Tahitian Princess, the Princess Youth and Teen Programs are available when 20 or more children are sailing.

Please note: no group kidsitting on Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess.

* A $5 USD per child/hour group kidsitting charge is applicable from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. for youth passengers ages 3-12.
^† A supervised, complimentary lunch service is available with parent consent.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER
In a cruise industry exclusive, this respected Los Angeles institution provides educational and entertaining interactive science activities for children onboard most Princess ships. Young passengers will be enthralled with award-winning science programs geared toward their particular ship's destination. Whale watching, chemistry experiments, building and racing sailboats, marine biology studies, and squid dissection are just some of the activities that may be offered.

PETE'S PALS^SM
Youngsters who participate in Princess Youth events will take home a limited-edition member of Pete's Pals^SM as a way to learn more about endangered species in the areas in which Princess sails. On each cruise, Princess will issue a specially designed plush animal — beginning with "Pelican Pete," the program's mascot. In conjunction, kids will learn about the plight of many such threatened and endangered creatures, including white pelicans, manatees, sea turtles and bald eagles.

PELICAN'S PERCH^SM
Kids can make the most of their Caribbean adventure in this supervised play area on our own private island, Princess Cays.^® This special playground is managed by the shipboard youth staff and provides a secure place for children while parents enjoy the many beach amenities and water sports offered. Pelican's Perch^SM is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PRINCESS YOUTH & TEEN DINNER EVENTS
As part of the Princess Youth and Teen program, junior cruisers will also participate in two special dinner evenings designed for each age group. Younger passengers will enjoy dinner without parents and in the company of newfound friends and counselors in one of their ship's many eateries. For teens, one of the two evenings will feature a formal get-together in one of the main dining rooms, complete with photographs and a group night out to enjoy many Princess evening offerings*.

* The teen dinner may be held in a different location other than the main dining room.

CHILDREN'S TV PROGRAMMING*
In addition to Cartoon Network and Boomerang, movies and TV programs for children may be shown on the in-stateroom television and in the Youth and Teen Centers throughout the day on Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Dawn Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess and Regal Princess. Pacific Princess, Tahitian Princess and Royal Princess do not have speciallydesignated Youth and Teen Centers, but offer programs for youth when there are 20 or more aboard.

* Where satellite permits.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS
Children under 3 are not permitted in the Youth Center unless accompanied by a parent at all times. Youth Center staff cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service.* Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children must be potty-trained.

* Lunch is provided outside the Youth and Teen Centers on days when ship is in port or during special events. Parental consent is required.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Princess welcomes all teens and children ages 3-17 to participate in our programs. Let our staff know of all medical and/or special needs for your children. We will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that Princess Youth staff may not offer individual one-on-one supervision.


PRINCESS YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS

Princess Pelicans, ages 3 to 7, are entertained with non-stop activities:

ACTIVITIES • Arts and crafts • Backstage tours • Disco night • Movies and cartoons • Scavenger hunts • Talent shows PARTIES • Birthday parties • Kids dance parties • Pajama parties FOOD • Afternoon ice cream • Kids-only dinners • Pizza and ice cream parties

Shockwaves, ages 8 to 12, are always busy with activities such as:

ACTIVITIES • Arts and crafts • Backstage tours • PlayStation® 2 • Movies and cartoons • Scavenger hunts • Talent shows • "Edutainment" programs and services • Shipboard olympics PARTIES • Birthday parties • Kids dance parties FOOD • Pizza and ice cream parties • Kids-only dinners

Remix, designed for teens ages 13 to 17, offers a wide range of activities:

ACTIVITIES • Sports competitions • Late-night movies • "The Dating Game" • T-shirt painting • Karaoke and lip-sync shows • Casino night • PlayStation® 2 • Talent shows • DJ workshops • Hip-Hop dance classes PARTIES • Dance parties • Hot Tub parties FOOD • Pizza parties • Mocktail parties

Note: Age groups may differ on Caribbean Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Star Princess, Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess.

Under 18

With Princess, young kids and teens have their own kind of fun - and their own place to hang out. Our youth and teen centers are fully equipped with everything from the latest video games and movies, to arts and crafts, fooseball tables, board games and jukeboxes. And for the littlest ones, activities like kids' karaoke, pizza parties, pajama nights and more.

Kids & Teens This ship's activities run the age-appropriate gamut for those under 18 - from Princess Pelicans (ages 3 to 7), and Shockwaves (ages 8-12), to Remix (ages 13-17). Teen Center Youth Center Teen hot tub Video game arcade Splash pool

Youth and Teens Junior cruisers ages 3 to 17 can enjoy a boatload of exciting onboard activities. Our dedicated youth centers are staffed by trained counselors, who are ready to ensure our young sailors stay happy all day long. On all Vessels except Tahitian and Pacific Princess you'll find completely equipped Youth & Teen Centers. There's everything from arts and crafts corners, games tables, movies, and splash pool area. Princess operates youth programs on Tahitian or Pacific Princess, when 20 or more children ages 3 to 17, are traveling on a given voyage. Children under the age of 3 are allowed to visit the Youth Center, if accompanied and supervised by a parent at all times.

Fun Zone Activites Exclusively designed for junior cruisers ages 3 to 12! More >> Teen Center Our astounding Teen Centers are packed with Playstation® 2, movies, Karaoke, giant screen TV, and more. More >> Kid Sitting & Port Days Kid Sitting is available for ages 3-12 at a fee of $5.00 per hour per child, except on Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific Princess. More >> Dining Junior cruisers will be able to participate in two special dinner evenings designed for each age group. More >> TV Programming Our special kids TV programs include cartoons, movies, and award winning shows. More >> Edutainment From dissecting squid and building roller coasters to learning about endangered species, kids will have fun and learn too! More >>

Kid-Sitting & Port Day Activities

Kid-Sitting For your convenience, group kid sitting for children ages 3 to 12 years is offered on all vessels except Royal, Tahitian and Pacific Princess, from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for a charge of $5.00 per hour per child. Port Day Activities Our Youth and Teen Centers are open while in port from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A supervised complimentary lunch service is available with parental consent.

To Book The Cruise Freek Forums's Christmas and New Year's Eve Cruise, a 14 Night Caribbean Holiday Please CLICK HERE

Welcome To Grand Princess Holiday Cruise 2008

Thanks for visiting the Grand Princess Holiday Cruise 2008 blog. I'm writing this in association my the group that is forming on Cruise Freek Forums for this sailing. I will be blogging about Grand Princess, how to book this cruise, why holiday cruises are great, and how to get ready for a 14 night cruise! In the meantime here's the basic information:

Holiday Cruise Aboard

GRAND PRINCESS

Departing December 19, 2008

Returning January 2, 2009

Holiday Cruise - Grand Princess - December 19, 2008

Itinerary
	Port	Arrival	Departure
1	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida	12:00 AM	5:00 PM
2	At Sea
3	At Sea
4	Aruba	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
5	Curacao, Netherlands Antilles	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
6	At Sea
7	Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
8	Barbados	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
9	St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
10	St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
11	St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands	7:00 AM	6:00 PM
12	La Romana, Dominican Republic	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
13	At Sea
14	Princess Cays, Bahamas	9:00 AM	4:00 PM
15	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida	7:00 AM

PRICING:

Cat. JJ- Inside-- $2020.12 per person
Cat. FF- Obstructed Oceanview-- $2380.12 per person
Cat. EE- Unobstructed Oceanview-- $2630.12 per person
Cat. BC- Balcony-- $2828.12 per person
Cat. AB- Mini Suite-- $3430.12 per person

Prices include all port charges, taxes and government fees.

Group Amenities:
$50.00 per person Onboard Credit
Bottle of wine per cabin

Additional categories may be available. Please contact Bob at Worldview Travel for prices and availability.

Payment Terms:
$600.00 per person deposit due at time of booking
Final Payment will be due by Sept. 20, 2008

How To Book:

Please contact Bob at Worldview Travel and Cruises: 800-869-0674

or

by email: bobd@worldviewtravel.com

Worldview Travel and Cruises is Cruise Freek Forum's official travel agency for this cruise offering.

Christmas cruises and New Year's Eve cruises are among the most popular of the year. It is to your advantage to book early to secure your cabin for this extraoridinary chance to be onboard for both without booking a back to back holiday cruise.