New York, New York, also known as “The Big Apple,” is an incredibly diverse and active place. Consisting of an intricate patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own character and history, yet one neighbourhood blends into the next; Lower Manhattan with the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park and South Street Seaport; Chinatown; trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village; Little Italy; The Lower East Side, one of the most densely populated places on earth; Chelsea; The Flat Iron District and Gramercy Park; Midtown West and the Garment District; Midtown East and Murray Hill; The Upper West Side and Morningside Heights; Central Park and its 843 acres (341.1 hectares) of paths, ponds, lakes and green space; the Upper East Side; and Harlem. In New York, there are always things to see and explore: From world-class museums to breathtaking skyscrapers, from vibrant neighbourhoods to parks and gardens. As they say, it is the “city that never sleeps.”
Once known as a hideaway for pirates and freebooters, the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.), are today a lure for sun worshippers and yachtsmen alike.
Constant trade winds along the Sir Francis Drake Channel make for ideal sailing conditions, while the secluded beaches, incredible vistas, and friendly inhabitants make the islands a wonderful place to visit. Tortola, the largest island in the B.V.I., is home to Road Town — the islands’ capital. Browse the many small shops, enjoy a drink at a harbour café, or simply relax on the spectacular beach at Cane Garden Bay. The island’s mountainous terrain makes for fabulous views — on a clear day, you can glimpse the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a real treat, take a ferry across the channel to Virgin Gorda — home of the famous Baths. At this unique beach, gigantic boulders create secluded coves and form picturesque grottos.
In the days before the canal, the Chagres River was the vital artery used by travellers transiting Panama. Conquistadores shipped Incan gold down the river on its way to the coffers of Spain; 49ers followed its course in their quest for the goldfields of California. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the 25-minute drive to the river, passing en route the Gatun Locks, the massive lock gates themselves, and the spillway that controls the flow of water in Gatun Lake. Board your motor launch for an approximately 40-minute cruise up the river into the heart of the tropical forest. Disembark and set out on your hike. As you travel a path through the forest, your guide relates facts about the rain forest ecosystem and points out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, anteaters and iguanas. After your walk, board your transportation for the return trip to the ship.
Grenada is the Caribbean’s “Isle of Spice” — one of the world’s major producers of nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. Indeed, the fragrant aroma of spice seems to envelop the island’s emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Grenada is truly a feast for the senses. Americans, of course, may remember the island from the 1983 U.S. military intervention. Over two decades later, Grenada is again an ideal vacation spot. No building here may be built higher than a coconut palm. The majority of hotels are small and family owned. St. George's Harbor is a picture-perfect postcard of an idyllic Caribbean anchorage.
Barbados is one of the few Caribbean islands solely colonized by one nation. No wonder Bajans describe their country as being “more English sheself,” that names like Worthy and Hastings abound, or that you will find a Trafalgar Square. But look around and you know you are not in England: Rich and fertile tropical fields meet a glistening, azure sea. The soft pastels of old chattel houses blend with the vibrant reds, oranges and greens of roadside fruit stands. In short, Barbados exudes a charm all its own. Perhaps it is due to Bajan culture — that celebrated blend of English tradition and the African heritage brought to the island by slaves imported to work the sugar plantations. The resultant mix makes a potent brew flavouring every aspect of island life — from music, dance, and art to religion, language and food.
Nestled below the Pitons, twin peaks rising over 2,600 feet (792.4m) above the azure waters of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is an oasis of tropical calm.
The island’s capital of Castries is a town of charming, pastel-collared colonial buildings, home to some 60,000 souls. Yet despite its peaceful setting, St. Lucia has a turbulent and colourful history. Fierce Carib warriors overran the peaceful Arawaks in the 9th century. The first European settler, Francois Le Clerc, was a French buccaneer. Le Clerc’s countrymen followed in his wake, establishing the town of Soufriere in 1746. Sugar was the lure, sugar was king — within four decades some 50 plantations flourished on the island. And St. Lucia became part of the Caribbean’s 18th-century trade triangle of sugar, slavery, and rum. Today this beautiful island welcomes visitors drawn to its exotic tropical landscape, superb beaches, crystalline waters, and colourful marine life.
Lying between Guadeloupe and Martinique is the island of Dominica — an unspoiled Caribbean paradise. The vibrant, rich rain forest is home to rare birds, including sisserou and jacquot parrots. Streams tumble down mountain slopes and thread fertile valleys on their short route to the sea. Dominica is also home to the last Carib Indians. When Columbus made landfall on his second voyage of discovery, this fierce tribe managed to keep the explorer at bay. And while the island proved a lure for both British and French planters, Dominica somehow managed to escape the trammels of civilization. This former British possession, independent since 1978, today lures tourists from around the world with its unspoiled beauty. As the islanders fondly say, “Apres Bondi, c’est la terre” — “After God, it is the land.”
Jagged volcanoes soaring above azure and turquoise seas, dense rain forests in myriad shades of green, rolling fields of sugarcane — welcome to St. Kitts.
Along with its neighbour, Nevis, St. Kitts presents an exotic landscape more common to Polynesia than the Caribbean. The islands’ terrain, rich soil, and climate made them ideal locations for raising sugarcane. St. Kitts and Nevis, in fact, were the crown jewels of the Caribbean. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Spain, France and England vied for control of the islands, with the English finally winning out in 1787. Today, British and French heritage is evident on both islands. Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, boasts fine, restored colonial buildings. Impressive Brimstone Hill Fortress — called the Gibraltar of the West Indies — is one of the most impressive fortresses in the Caribbean.
The US Virgin Islands are America’s paradise, offering an easygoing blend of island ways and American practicality.
St. Thomas, capital of the island group, offers every imaginable sport: snorkelling, golfing, hiking, and sailing. Just a few miles (kilometres) away lie St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters, and white-sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze — the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise.
New York, New York, also known as “The Big Apple,” is an incredibly diverse and active place. Consisting of an intricate patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own character and history, yet one neighbourhood blends into the next; Lower Manhattan with the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park and South Street Seaport; Chinatown; trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village; Little Italy; The Lower East Side, one of the most densely populated places on earth; Chelsea; The Flat Iron District and Gramercy Park; Midtown West and the Garment District; Midtown East and Murray Hill; The Upper West Side and Morningside Heights; Central Park and its 843 acres (341.1 hectares) of paths, ponds, lakes and green space; the Upper East Side; and Harlem. In New York, there are always things to see and explore: From world-class museums to breathtaking skyscrapers, from vibrant neighbourhoods to parks and gardens. As they say, it is the “city that never sleeps.”
PRICING:
Prices are PER PERSON
Category D5
Inside
$3692.00
Category B5
In-Hull Balcony
$4080.00
Category A2
Deluxe Balcony
$5310.00
Category A1
Deluxe Balcony
$5310.00
Category AA
Britannia Club Balcony
Call For Pricing
Category P2
Mini-Suite Balcony
$7340.00
Category Q6
Suite with Balcony
$12205.00
Space is very limited. Please reserve early to avoid disappointment.
Additional categories may be available, please call for prices and availability.
ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE ALL PORT CHARGES, TAXES, GOVERNMENT FEES AND FUEL SURCHARGE AS ADVISED.
AIRFARE, SHORE EXCURSIONS, INSURANCE AND OPTIONAL PRE/POST CRUISE HOTEL PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL COST.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATIONBOOK EARLY AND SAVE!! 25% of Cruise Fare FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
Exclusive Amenities include
Invitation to private cocktail party
Pre-cruise information packet
Invitations to private group onboard functions and exclusive, handcrafted shore excursion experiences
PRE-CRUISE PACKAGE
Book by September 30, 2008 and receive our pre-cruise package FREE!**
**Includes Regency Club Level Room - Your choice of King or Double Beds - and access to the private Regency Club Lounge, including private concierge, continental breakfast, snacks and evening hors d'oeuvres.
Transfer and luggage assistance including all taxes and gratuities to Queen Mary 2 the next morning.
About Ambiance Travel:
We realize that sometimes doing business on the Internet can be risky and that's why Cruise Freek Forums is proud to have Nina Van Harn, owner of Ambiance Travel, as our official travel agent for of our Christmas and New Year's cruise aboard Queen Mary 2. Ambiance Travel is a Virtuoso affiliate agency.
What is a Virtuoso agency? Virtuoso is an exclusive network of travel agencies who serve the most affluent, well-traveled individuals worldwide. Out of over 30,000 travel agencies in the USA, just 300 are Virtuoso agencies and membership is by invitation only! Virtuoso travel specialists have an average of 20 years of experience in the travel industry and are certified with the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.
Additionally, Ambiance Travel is a Cunard Commodore Agency. This means that Nina Van Harn has completed an extensive training program offered exclusively through Cunard Cruise Lines. The Cunard Academy focuses on White Star Services and the Cunard fleet.
Lastly, you can rest assured service from Ambiance Travel does not end when you book your cruise. From start to finish Ambiance Travel is there to assist your needs and, Nina Van Harn will be on-board the Christmas and New Year's sailing of Queen Mary 2 and, she will be in New York City for all the pre-cruise activities escorting those who choose to participate in the fun.
Pre-Cruise Hotel and Activities Information:
Book by September 30, 2008 and receive the pre-cruise package Free!
While Cruise Freek Forums group cruises NEVER forces socialization, we do offer fun and interesting packages for those who are interested. For those who wish to take advantage of the Pre-Cruise package in New York City, here's what you can anticipate.
Bobby Van's Steakhouse is a traditional American grill, combined with the classic elements of a first-rate steakhouse. Run by the same four partners who have been awarded Tom Horan's American Top Ten Steakhouses in each of the past three years, the Grill caters to those seeking the legendary Bobby Van's Porterhouse as well as lighter dishes such as pastas, salads and fish, and, it will be a wonderful start for our planned evening out.
After dinner it's off to Radio City for an evening performance of the annual Christmas Spectacular. The Christmas Spectacular has been running for over 75 years and features Santa Claus, live animals and, of course, the world famous Radio City Rockettes. The show is approximately 90 minutes in length. Pricing will be made available sometime in 2009 for these two activities.
**Depending on timing we will be offering photo opportunities at Rockefeller Center either before or after the show. Rockefeller Center is just steps away from Radio City Music Hall.
On-Board Activities:
As already mentioned, Cruise Freek groups never force socializations, however, if you are so inclined, many of our group members are already in the planning stages of on-board activities including:
Dinner or Lunch at Todd English
Cocktail Party
Pub or Cabin Crawl
You are invited to join Cruise Freek Forums and contribute your ideas for our on-board activities!
