I have some VERY EXCITING NEWS from Cruise Freek Forums. Host Nina has announced that while it is “unofficial” it does look like Queen Mary 2 will be returning to New York City for the 2009 Holiday Sailing! We are currently forming a group for this sailing and, you are cordially invited to join us!
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Yesterday, Cruise Freek Forums Host Nina of Ambiance Travel, a Virtuoso agency affiliate, announced, after speaking with her Rep at Cunard Cruise Lines, that Cunard will be returning to New York City for the Holidays in 2009. While this remains unofficial until March, 2008 when Cunard plans to release the 2009 itineraries and prices, Cruise Freek Forums, now has our 2009 Holiday Cruise on Cunard under way in full swing.
Additionally, several of our fellow Cruise Freeks, including fellow blogger, Marina who writes Cunard Cruiser, are currently aboard QM2 and has also received unofficial confirmation from crew members that Queen Mary 2 returns to New York City in 2009 for the holidays. Marina has also sent along some photos to share to show you just how festive a Cunard Holiday sailing is for the passengers and crew:
Queens Room
One of many Christmas Trees
throughout the ship
CUNARD HOLIDAY CRUISE 2009 - JOIN US
Cunard Line has been named #1 among the top ten largest cruise lines in the new 2008 Berlitz Guide to Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships. The Line also received top honors for Best Overall Food and Best Overall Service in the independent guide, which was written by renowned cruise authority Douglas Ward, whose expertise spans 960 sailings and over 5,400 days at sea on virtually every cruise line in the world.
"It is especially gratifying to receive this recognition for our flagship Queen Mary 2 and beloved QE2 as we prepare to launch our newest ship, Queen Victoria in December of this year," said Carol Marlow, Cunard's president & managing director. "It is a very exciting time for Cunard, particularly with our recent announcement to build the new 2092-passenger Queen Elizabeth, which will debut in 2010."
Douglas Ward, the world's top authority on cruising and cruise ships, is president of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide. With over 40 years of experience, he spends more than 250 days a year aboard cruise ships, inspecting and evaluating their facilities.
Cunard Line has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceSM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
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 discounted rates on fares. Cunard has one of the best and flexible group programs in the industry, even though you book as part of a "group" your reservation is treated like an individual reservation.
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.
4) The "other" boards usually don't offer group holiday cruises, reasoning that prices are too high and most people won't book. We've often found this to be a very strange argument considering holiday cruises are among the most popular of the year and often sold out long before the sailing date. Why not join the group that gives you want you want, when you want it!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q) ARE CHILDREN WELCOME AND WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THEM?
A) Of course children are welcome! Cunard welcomes families with a beautiful Nursery and children’s center full of toys, games and activities which are supervised daily by fully trained nannies and youth staff. Older children and teens will enjoy activities offered by the Youth Staff such as sports, discos, video games, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts.
Q) IS CUNARD STILL ON THE "CLASS SYSTEM". I DON'T WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN.
A) This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Cunard Cruise Lines! All Cunard passengers have the use of the entire ship with one or two exceptions and these basically pertain to the dining arrangements. Suite and mini-suite passengers have their own seperate dining rooms, known as Queen's Grill and Princess Grill. This is one of the very few exceptions. Cunard prides it's self on service and you will never be treated as "second class"!
Q) WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR CUNARD?
A) Unlike the mainstream cruise lines, Cunard aheres to tradition. One of the joys of sailing with Cunard is the glamour of evenings at sea. In keeping with the high standards of elegance aboard, it is suggested that you dress for dinner as you would for a fine restaurant. There will be formal nights announced, and dress suggestions will be listed each day in the ship's Daily Programme. Evening attire will be specified as one of the following:
Formal: Black tie or formal dark suit for gentlemen. Evening dress or other formal attire for ladies.
Semiformal: Jacket and tie for gentlemen. Cocktail dress or trouser suit for ladies. No jeans.
Elegant casual: Jacket, no tie required for genetlemen. Dress, skirt or trousers for ladies. No shorts or jeans.
Q) WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WILL CUNARD HAVE ON DAYS AT SEA?
A) Well, you aren't going to find hairy chest contests! However, you’ll be amazed by just how much there is to do. From deck sports, friendly quizzes and dance classes to fascinating talks and terrific movies, there’s so much to choose from. Your ship’s Daily Programme (delivered daily to your stateroom) has full details of all the activities, events and entertainments happening each day. Just watching your chefs carve their fabulous ice sculptures on deck is an inspirational way to pass the time! Cunard Cruise Lines if for those who seek a more refined and relaxed cruise experience.
If you'd like to join us for the holidays in 2009 then please fill be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for this event. Updates will be sent when a travel agent has been assigned to this sailing and the ship and itinerary has been selected. And, yes, international passengers are welcome, this offering is not limited to residents of the USA.
