Monday, May 31, 2010

18 Months to World Cruise 2012


Reality is just beginning to set in... In approximately 18 months time I will begin the journey of a lifetime, a world cruise. I've received a variety of reactions from friends, family and people I meet about this trip, but, I think my own reaction has been the biggest surprise. I haven't allowed myself to really enjoy the anticipation - I've been so busy dealing with other things - from finally eliminating a truly odd duck from my life to trying to figure out my adventures in real estate... I haven't allowed myself to enjoy what lies ahead of me.

I'm actually going to get to see a good chunk of the world, and, visit places I could only hope to visit without the aid of this world cruise. Oh sure, I still don't have a clue about the itinerary (other than QM2 is confirmed for 28 days in Australia in 2012) and I'm sure there will be a few ports here and there I wouldn't care to see in the first place, but, really - this is something most people only dream about experiencing and here I am getting to go and I'm still in my 40s.

I realized my good fortune this morning when I was awaken by my best friend that the clock is ticking and that we should use the time to go shopping. Ok, so, it's an excuse to go shopping, but, the reality of it is that I have to have clothing for a variety of climates and everything from ballgowns and accessories to go with it to jeans and shorts... 3 months worth!

Why do I have a feeling I'm about to get on a first name basis with the entire staff of both Saks and Bergdorf's?? Damn the tourists, it's off to Fifth Avenue and a serious shop-a-thon today!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Meet me on Meetup

I was approached about joining this Meetup club and what the heck? I'm single and I love luxury and upscale cruises. Sounds like a perfect match! Why not join the group with me? Here's the link: http://www.meetup.com/Luxury-and-Upscale-Cruises-Group/

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Fashion's Night Out is September 10 2010

Ok girls (and the occasional guy) circle your calendars for the evening of Friday, September 10, 2010 from 6pm to 11pm. It's Fashion's Night Out.

What is it?
Fashion's Night Out is the kick-off event for New York Fashion Week which is co-produced by Vogue and SPEC Entertainment. According to Vogue this year will boast 200 top models showing trends for Fall 2010.

The 2009 FNO (Fashion's Night Out) had more than 800 participating stores across the five boroughs of New York and brought out thousands of shoppers who supported the fashion and retail industries.

The 2010 event is expected to be bigger and better than 2009, and, you should register now to receive information first. If you are a retailer who wants to participate click the following link: http://www.fashionsnightout.com/register/ and if you are a consumer/fan/shopper then please click this link: http://www.fashionsnightout.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click where is it says "Attention Shoppers". A pop-up box will allow you to register.

A percentage of the sales from the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt will be donated to the NYC AIDS Fund. Be sure to check back in August for retailer information and locations.

I'll be there and I hope you'll join me.

Photo provided by nitrolicious.com

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Positano anyone?

Funny, I was just discussing the Amalfi coast with a friend yesterday, and, today I find out that I am heading to Positano sometime next year. And, while it's a tough, I'll be staying at Le Sirenuse.

I just have to figure out how to extend the stay! Who wants to go with me? (As if I already don't know)

Now, as I was just discussing with a friend, if you want to see a fun movie that has a lot of great Italian scenery, do yourself a favor and rent "Only You" with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. This movie didn't win any awards and most critics tore it to shreds, but, it's a nice movie - a fun movie on many levels. Not a lot of laughs but a light hearted film. Here's a trailer if you're at all interested: http://www.videodetective.com/titledetails.aspx?PublishedID=5346

Now that you've seen the trailer, who wants to go to Italy with me in 2011?

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Speculation: Cunard Royal Rendezvous 2012

I could be wrong, but, I'm beginning to wonder if Cunard is planning a Royal Rendezvous in Fort Lauderdale on January 19, 2012. Here is how I am jumping to this thought:

1. QM2 is making an Eastbound Transatlantic crossing on January 3, 2012. If they schedule her for a turnaround for a Westbound Transatlantic and the start of World Cruise 2012 on January 10, 2012, she would be back in New York on January 17, 2012. Add on two days to get to Fort Lauderdale to bring the date up to January 19, 2012.

2. QV is going to be in Fort Lauderdale on January 19, 2012 for an 11 night Caribbean sailing. This is fact, not speculation.

3. QE's early January sailing in 2012 for 5 nights has now been removed from the reservations system. One can assume (and assume big) that it is because Cunard will use QE for a World Cruise in 2012 since nothing is in the reservation system beyond QE's holiday sailing which returns to Southampton on January 5, 2010 giving ample time to get to Fort Lauderdale on January 19, 2012.

Of course this is my own personal speculation based upon facts I have researched the past few hours. Personally, I am hoping for a Royal Rendezvous in Fort Lauderdale and I do believe it would be extremely festive and fun. However, with a 2011 Royal Rendezvous in place for January 13, 2011 my 2012 theory seems less likely, but, all we can do is wait and see...

Monday, May 24, 2010

Bermuda on my mind

I know I've been bad about posting in here and I'm trying to do my best to keep up, and, so today I'll simply state that I have Bermuda on my mind. I don't know what it is about Bermuda, but, I happen to love it. I've checked and double checked the strict rules for foreigners buying property in Bermuda, and, unfortunately, I don't think I will able to afford to buy there - ever. It won't keep me from visiting - I do love it so.

I see Elbow Beach just got a major face lift - it's such a nice resort! Of course, if you're a golfer, Southampton Princess is good too.

Yes... I foresee a trip to Bermuda for me in the not so distant future...

Sunday, May 23, 2010

World Cruise 2012 Cunard QM2 - Who's with me?

I know I haven't really written in this blog in a while - sure I've cut and pasted information, but, as far as an actual entry, it's been a while.

I have started a journal on TravelPod for World Cruise 2012 in case anyone is interested. And, I hope I find a few people truly interested in joining me on this journey. I have one faithful friend who is going to attempt to travel with me but given his line of work, it might be tough for him to take off 3 months - hopefully he can join me for part of the voyage if not the full voyage.

I'm waiting for another friend to respond to me, he kind of drifts in and out of my life. I've have traveled with him before and he does make an excellent travel companion. However, I have not received any commitment at this point, but, it's still early in the game.

As I wrote in my Travelpod entry for today, I'm currently trying to second guess Cunard. I do know and have had it confirmed that QM2's last voyage currently in the reservations system is for a Transatlantic crossing on January 3, 2012. Now given other information such as the Royal Circumnavigation of Australia which begin February 8, 2012, logic dictates that the itinerary will be similar to that of the QM2 2011 World Cruise.

Now I just have to wait and see if I'm right!

Those interested in joining me on World Cruise 2012 should visit the following websites:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108081605886749

Opt-in Email List: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001pj6W7ke0zfty3BLwOyFm-Q%3D%3D

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

World Cruise 2012: Updates Volume 3
Queen Mary 2
Hello!

You are receiving this email update because you or someone you know added your email address to our opt-in list. If you no longer wish to receive updates you may remove your name from our list by using the unsubscribe link below.

What's new?
We are expecting pricing and itineraries in mid-year 2010 - which isn't far away!

________________________________________________________
28 Days in Australia!

World  Cruiser
The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will call at eight Australian ports during her time Down Under including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays, as well as maiden visits to Cairns (Yorkey's Knob), Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane. Her circumnavigation will also include a call at Bali.

There will be three circumnavigation options - a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on 14 February 2012, a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on 8 February 2012 and a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on 11 February 2012.

Visit our photos of these ports of call at:
http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com/photoalbum/6-6.htm

In addition to the full world cruise. We will be offering group pricing and amenities for this exciting Australia segment of World Cruise 2012 aboard Queen Mary 2.

Pricing is expected to be available in mid-year 2010.
________________________________________________________
Booking Form is now available!

World  Cruiser
For your convenience, a booking form as been added to the 2012 World Cruise website. This will help speed the booking process and will prove very handy for those living in time zones outside of the East coast of the United States.

Take a sneak peak at the booking form:
http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com/3/custom_form.htm

We respectfully ask that you use the Booking Form for the purpose of an actual booking. If you have questions please use the Contact Us form on the website: http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com/3/contactus.htm or email us at JackieThresten@yahoo.com
________________________________________________________
Have your visited?

2012 QM2 World Cruise website:
http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com/

We are currently waiting for pricing and itinerary. In the meantime, please browse this website.

We're sure you'll agree it is one of the most - if not the most - comprehensive websites for this sailing on the Internet!

Don't forget to check out our photo albums and please feel free to join our message board (even if you don't book with us)
________________________________________________________
Your travel agent
Luxury Travel by  Jackie
For those who have just signed up, I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Jackie Thresten, and, I will be your travel agent for World Cruise 2012. A website has been made for this group and you'll be able to everything from photos to requesting a price quote on it. I'm sure you find it very useful in the months to come! Please visit the website at: http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com/

________________________________________________________
Your fellow cruiser and book author

World Cruiser
As you may or may not know, I am forming this group for World Cruise 2012 in association with a blogger (who wishes to remain anonymous since this blogger will be writing a book on the World Cruise experience.) If you wish to get familiar with this blogger please visit: http://aroundtheworld2011.typepad.com/worldcruiser/

Everyone who books with me will receive a copy of World Cruisers book about World Cruising including 100s of photos from the 2012 World Cruise on Queen Mary 2. This is an office exclusive!!



2012 World Cruise Itinerary - Coming Soon!


We are currently waiting for pricing and itinerary. In the meantime, please browse this website.

We're sure you'll agree it is one of the most - if not the most - comprehensive websites for this sailing on the Internet!

Don't forget to check out our photo albums and please feel free to join our message board (even if you don't book with us)




2012 World Cruise Website

A website specifically for World Cruise 2012 aboard Queen Mary 2 has been made and designed especially for this group. On it you will find:
  • Photos of the ship and ports of call
  • Pricing and Amenities for this group
  • 2012 Booking Incentives
  • Royal Balls Information
  • Quote Request Form and more
Please visit at:
http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com/

Deposits
As we begin gearing up for World Cruise 2012, questions are sure to arise for example what type of deposit requirements will be necessary. Keep in mind that I will be unable to give exact information until pricing comes out later this year, however, based on World Cruise 2011, deposits will be approximately:

* D5 Inside cabin $5515
* A4 Balcony cabin $8258
* P2 Princess Grill cabin $14,799

Deposits are based upon double occupancy (two people sharing one cabin)

Again, the prices above are just ball park figures, but, many find it helpful as they begin to chart-out their finances for the long voyage.

Q&A
Question: What is the purpose of forming a group for a World Cruise?

Answer:
To help obtain the lowest possible price for everyone who is interested in being part of the group.
_____________________
Question: Does this mean we eat together and have activities together?

Answer:
No, it isn't that type of group. This group is for pricing and amenities purposes only. You will not be forced into socializing, dining or any other "group" type activities.
_____________________
Question: Can I make payment arrangements with you?

Answer:
Absolutely! A world cruise is very expensive, and, I can tailor payments to your special needs and requests. The only requirements are that you make the full deposit as determined by Cunard Cruise Lines and that you make your final payment by the deadline as determined by Cunard Cruise Lines
_____________________
Question: What type of amenities will you be offering?

Answer:
As you may or may not know, a world cruise (usually) comes with a variety of amenities, especially aboard a Cunard World Cruise. In the past the following have been included by Cunard as amenities:

* On-board Credit of up to $2,000 per stateroom
* Savings of up to 10% off Early Booking Fares
* Complimentary Hotel & Dining Charges
* Up to $400 per person in Shore Excursion Credits for Grill guests
* Gala World Voyage Dinner
* Special Commemorative Gifts
* Welcome Aboard Reception & Senior Officer Dinner
* World Voyage Cocktail Parties
* Services of a World Voyage Concierge

And, I do believe these same amenities will be included in World Cruise 2012. In addition, I will be offering special amenities to this group as an office exclusive, and, more information will be provided later this year.

Booking World Cruise 2012 on Queen Mary 2? Join us on Facebook and meet your shipmates! Simply click the link to go to our page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108081605886749

I will update you as more information becomes available, and, I will do my best not to email you unnecessarily. The next email update will contain the pricing and itineraries we've all been waiting to receive.

I look forward to working with you and to help your World Cruise in 2012 a wonderful, exciting experience!

Warmest regards,
Jackie Thresten

Sunday, May 16, 2010

World Cruise 2012 news


Yes it's been a while since I've posted, I've been very busy working, but, I now have information for World Cruise 2012 I'd like to share.

For those who are sincerely interested in Queen Mary 2 World Cruise in 2012, I have received word from travel agent Jackie Thresten that Cunard plans to release information mid-year 2010. That means in the next several weeks, the information we've all been waiting for will finally be given to us.

If you haven't done so already, place your email address on the opt-in list. People on the opt-in list will receive information first. Travel agent Jackie Thresten has been working hard making a full and comprehensive website for the sailing and you can enter your email on the first page: http://www.qm2worldcruise2012.com

Keep in mind that our travel agent Jackie Thresten is going to have group space for the full world cruise as well as the 28 day segment for Australia. If you are interested in either you should sign up on the opt-in email list. I will be on the full World Cruise in 2012 aboard Queen Mary 2.

Additionally, as a reminder, those that book the full world cruise or a segment of world cruise 2012 with Jackie Thresten will receive a signed copy of the World Cruise book when it comes out in late 2012. The book will feature the history of world cruises, a day by day travel journal of the 2012 voyage, and, hundreds of photos to help you remember the voyage!

Questions? Email travel agent Jackie Thresten at JackieThresten@yahoo.com