Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Cruising on the Disney Dream

So, my husband and I have decided to take our family on the Disney Dream, February 10, 2011. And just to clarify … just because we own a travel agency doesn’t mean we get a deal. Yes, we are paying full fare for this trip! Surprisingly we were able to book two staterooms in a Category 11A, inside guarantee. Normally we would not cruise in an interior stateroom; however, we really want to see what Disney has done with these staterooms. On other cruise ships, the inside stateroom has absolutely no view to the outside; usually just a mirror hangs in place of where a window would be if one was traveling in an ocean view. Not the case on the Disney Dream. They have created this “virtual porthole” which actually carries a live feed from a camera located on the ship. So you are seeing virtually what is really outside. And leave it to Disney to add their magical touches to it … I have been told that on this virtual porthole you just might see Nemo swim by or another Disney character. How Disney is that!!! My only concern is that I am in a Guarantee Stateroom, which means I did not pick an actual room. I am certainly hoping, just this one time, that we do not get upgraded to an ocean view or balcony! I really want to see that virtual porthole! I figured for the three night sailing to Nassau and Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas) that I can deal with an inside stateroom, especially a magical inside stateroom.

We are taking our 8 year old son and our almost 2 year old daughter, and to make it even more fun, Grandma is coming, and so is my son’s best friend. Now you know why we split into two staterooms. We have pre-booked some time for our little traveler in the It’s A Small World Nursery on two evenings. This will allow us to have some free time to explore the ship. It is wonderful when a ship has a program for children under 3 years old … not many of the do. Kudos to Disney! We are also hoping that my son and his friend will spend some time in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab as well. Truth be told, I want them to go so they can tell me about it since I don’t think they will let me play in there myself (too bad!).

This will be me and my husband’s first Disney Cruise (my son and his grandmother have been on the Wonder). We are really looking forward to experiencing Disney. I have heard that they have really outdone themselves with this ship and I cannot wait to see for myself. I will certainly update my blog after we return.

If you are interested in pricing for the Disney Dream, please contact us at 888-882-5793 or visit us on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas

Yesterday we met our Business Development Manager for Royal Caribbean and went on a ship tour and lunch on board Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. I have to start by saying I absolutely love this ship. I have been on other “large” Royal Caribbean ships, but not this one.

We got to board early, prior to any guests coming on board, so we really got to see the ship and the staterooms. We did the staterooms first. We saw Interior Staterooms, Promenade View Staterooms, Ocean View Staterooms, Balcony Staterooms, Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Owners Suites and the Presidential Suite. All of the staterooms were very nicely appointed with plenty of room. This was my first time seeing a Promenade View Stateroom, and I must say it is a nice alternative to an inside stateroom. I personally do not like the inside staterooms because I don’t like having no view at all and no access to “natural” light. These rooms overlook the Royal Promenade, where you can see shopping parades, places to eat and play. There was a nice seating area right in the window.

On to the rest of the ship … it is quite a large ship. The Freedom of the Seas is 1,112 feet long, weighs in at 154,407 tons and carries approximately 3,634 passengers. There is something for everyone on this ship. There are kids programs from age 3 up to teens. And in March, the ship is getting a nursery on board (like on the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas) which is wonderful for families with smaller children. Things to do … the video arcade was quite large, the sports court, the rock climbing wall, the mini golf course and the FlowRider surf simulator … guests can be kept busy and entertained the entire trip! There is an amazing H2O Zone aqua park, which looked like lots of fun for the kids. The main pool area was fabulous looking, and if you want to get away from the kids, there is an adult only Solarium. Gambling anyone? The Casino Royale is the place to be. I actually felt like I was in a Vegas hotel! Slots everywhere and gaming tables which included Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, 3 Card Poker and Let It Ride.

Unfortunately, we had to disembark after a quick lunch in the Windjammer Café. But we know we will be back! We are cruising the week before Christmas, as the Freedom of the Seas is doing a 5 night Western Caribbean sailing on December 18, 2011. We have some nice block space on this sailing with some extra amenities. Give us a call at 888-882-5793 to get more details. Also, check out our Facebook Fan Page to see photos of this ship tour along with some others.

CruiseOne Freer & Associates is the only place you need to go to plan your next vacation. Whether it is a cruise, a land tour or hotel we can help you with your dream vacation. Visit us on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com and browse our specials.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Why Use A Travel Agent?

So, lately one of my top questions from potential clients is “why should I use a travel agent and what is the benefit?”

First of all, I think a lot of people are under the impression that using a travel agent will cost more money than booking direct with a company directly. That is definitely NOT the case! While some agencies will charge a fee, we do not.

Let’s use cruises and cruise lines for example. We have access to the same rates that the cruise lines offer, as well as what other agencies offer. The rate is the rate, is the rate. Cruise lines do not allow discounting. However, we often get special promotions offered by the cruise lines that are just for us. It might be an upgrade special, maybe some on board credit, could be a bottle of wine. A lot of times, these specials are not advertised and they are specific to CruiseOne. Well, there is your first benefit of using a travel agent … sometimes there is a little value added extra that would not be offered by the cruise line.

Another benefit? Well, if you are looking for a cruise, and you know you want a 7 night sailing to the Caribbean we can look at all options and cruise lines for you. If you call a cruise line, you are only going to get information on that one cruise line. We will also work with you to find out what your needs are, what your wants are and what your dream vacation would be like. We will then take that info and match you up with a suitable cruise line. If you are traveling with kids, and want non-stop action, a great family friendly ship with lots to do, I might recommend Royal Caribbean (which by the way has a nursery on board some ships for the little ones!). If you want a relaxing vacation where you could just spend lots of leisurely time doing whatever you want, a more refined experience, I might recommend one of the Celebrity Solstice class ships, or perhaps Princess or Holland America. We will look at everything for you and help determine what the best fit is for your vacation. There is no “one size fits all” here!

However, one of the most important benefits is service. How many times have you called a company to hear an automated service, or someone who sounds like they could really care less that you called? It happens far too often now a days. Just when you thought the days of old fashioned customer service were gone, here we are! We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service that will far exceed any service offered by the cruise line. We will help you from start to finish and any questions in between. Have a question about a port? Give us a call. Having trouble with your online registration … no problem. We will get you through it, even if we do it all for you. If it is 9:00 in the evening and you have a question, give us a call. We can be reached just about any time of any day. We take extreme pride in what we do, and we love to help people plan their dream trip, whether it is a short weekend get-a-way, or a cruise around the world. There is nothing better than hearing from a client upon their return that they had the most incredible time.

And by the way, this doesn’t just go for cruising! This is for any vacation we plan with you: cruise, land, amusement park, wherever your dreams may take you.

So, what are you waiting for? Give CruiseOne Freer & Associates a call today and let’s get started planning your next trip! You can reach us toll free at 888-882-5793 on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com or by email at kfreer@cruiseone.com

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Monday, January 17, 2011

For value, variety and satisfaction...you haven't vacationed until you've cruised!

Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures and benefits of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends and families are sailing away on the vacation of a lifetime. Last year alone, approximately seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation. When you add it all up, it's easy to see why.

The price of your cruise ticket includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board, your stateroom, activities, parties and entertainment; plus, an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally-enriching places in the world. The same cannot be said for a land based vacation.

You will find that a cruise ship is a floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more! You'll meet new friends who share the same tastes and interests as you.

The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated. A cruise is one convenient package. You don't have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking. You get to your stateroom, unpack one time, and that is it! The cruise ship is your floating “hotel room” for all of your destinations on the trip.

You can lie back, relax and be completely pampered. Or, choose to go non-stop. Dine like never before. Enjoy one great show after another. Let your cares float away!

It's no wonder that more people are taking cruise vacations than ever before. And once they get a taste of cruising, they come back for more, again and again.

Let CruiseOne Freer & Associates help you plan the voyage of a lifetime! We have access to all major cruise lines and will compare rates, itineraries and specials to find the perfect cruise that fits your desires and budget. Call us anytime at 888-882-5793 or visit us on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A Dream Voyage … A World Cruise

The World Cruise is one of travel's greatest experiences. Navigating the globe on a world cruise is the journey that dreams are made of. Interest in World Cruises has increased recently. It is not only where you journey that determines your overall enjoyment, but how. A world cruise offers the ultimate travel adventure! You will see parts of the world you always dreamed about -- and all from the comfort of your luxurious cruise ship.

Today there are a growing number of World Cruises from a number of cruise lines available. World Cruises have become so popular that prime staterooms sell out almost instantly once they go on sale. It's best to plan at least a year in advance as you usually will not find any last minute staterooms or deals available.

Many of the major cruise lines offer full world cruises from 65- to 144-enchanting days aboard some of the finest cruise ships in the world. Liner Voyages of 31 to 76 days and Segment Voyages of 12 to 25 days are also available on some cruise lines so you can experience the special ambiance of a world cruise by joining the ship when she visits your favorite part of the world! In 2011 the New Queen Elizabeth will set out on her Maiden World Voyage. Seabourn Sojourn's 2011 World Cruise is to include unique shoreside events. And you can enjoy a Full World Cruise or a Segment Voyage aboard Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America.

Of all the world's travel experiences, none can compare to a world cruise. You will discover legendary antiquities from the Acropolis in Athens to the Pyramids of Egypt. Trace the footsteps of biblical prophets in Israel from Jerusalem to Nazareth. Transit the historic Suez Canal, sail the Pacific to Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Traverse Australia and view the incredible fjords of New Zealand. Explore Australia' kaleidoscopic Great Barrier Reef.

World Cruises and World Cruise Segments depart from all over the world. If you're interested in making the whole trip, most typically depart from Ft. Lauderdale, New York, or Los Angeles in January, February or March.

Let CruiseOne Freer & Associates help you plan the voyage of a lifetime! We have access to all major cruise lines and will compare rates, itineraries and specials to find the perfect cruise that fits your desires and budget. Call us anytime at 888-882-5793 or visit us on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com or at www.sealuxe.com/kfreer.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Great Cruise for the 2011 Holiday Season!


Looking for that perfect holiday get-a-way without being gone for Christmas? How about a cruise? “I have the perfect sailing” says Kathy with CruiseOne Freer & Associates. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida is Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas®. It is doing a special 5 night Western Caribbean sailing leaving December 18, 2011, and returning December 23, 2011. It will visit Georgetown Grand Cayman and Cozumel Mexico for this sailing.

“I have held 12 staterooms at group pricing, which is about $50 - $90 less than current offered rates” continues Kathy. “Also with this sailing I have value amenities of $25 on board credit per stateroom and a bottle of wine per stateroom” she adds.


The Freedom of the Seas® entered service in 2006. She carries approximately 3,634 passengers, is 1,112 feet long and weighs in at 154,407 tons. The Freedom of the Seas® is a fantastic ship for everyone. Some of the highlights of the ship are: the FlowRider® surf simulator, and ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, 9 hole mini golf course, theme bars, specialty restaurants, plus much more. You will also find the Casino Royal SM, a fitness center and a world class spa on board. There are also a wide range of staterooms on board, from interior rooms, promenade views, ocean views, balconies and suites. You can also find Family Staterooms, but they are very popular and don’t last long.



CruiseOne Freer & Associates has 12 rooms in three different categories available at special pricing. A Category K, Interior Stateroom is being offered at $637.21 per person, based on double occupancy. A Category E1, Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony is being offered at $817.21 per person, based on double occupancy, and a Category D2, Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony is being offered at $837.21 per person, based on double occupancy. Once these staterooms are sold, pricing will be at the current offered rate by Royal Caribbean.




Contact CruiseOne Freer & Associates to reserve your stateroom. We are Your Cruise & Vacation Specialists. 888-882-5793, www.kfreer.cruiseone.com or via email at kfreer@cruiseone.com

CruiseOne Freer & Associates is Independently Owned and Operated



Prices per person, double occupancy; port charges and government fees are included; service fee of $19.95 may apply; limited availability. Prices shown are min. fares for select departure dates. Other dates higher. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this ad. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply. Ships Registry: Bahamas, SOT number FL ST 35829