Tuesday, March 3, 2009

GONE CRUISING...We're on the Carnival Spirit


Our cruise blog will be sailing out as we will be heading out of the bay of San Diego. Our long awaited Friends and Fun Mexican Riviera Cruise will be taking place from March 4th through March 12th, 2009.

Thanks for all who were loyal readers and we look forward to meeting you on board
the Carnival Spirit. Yeaaaaaah, the countdown has finally arrived!

It's Bon Voyage Time --- See you on board.

Diana

Photo provided by Flickr kthypryn

Monday, March 2, 2009

Always Be With Who Makes You Smile!

Final Count on our group cruise guest roster ...we have 47 individuals joining us on this trip. Wow! Wanted to personally thank everyone who made this committment to join our Friends & Fun Cruise.

And again, welcome aboard and glad you're gonna"Be with who makes you smile!"
See you on deck!
Diana



Naomi Carter
Carol Sakai
Joyce Chinen
Maxeen Shea
Walter Abe
Charmille Abe
Tom Alford
Flo Alford
Mike Aoki
Darlene Aoki
Steve Blancarte
Ron Wong
Willy Ching
Wayne Sasaki
Jean Gillman
Joan Cliffe
Sean Hagerty
Andrea Babby
Linda Hilleboe
Clara Triana
Janice Wagner
Shari Larner
Reagan Miyasaki
Fumiko Miyasaki
Ken Mohr
Sandy Mohr
Jean Myers
Sheila Wensel
Richard Nagashima
Euphemia Nagashima
Bobby Pereira
Jeanette Pereira
Ted Rodriguez
Alex Kuncio
Jeff Schatz
Julie Scahtz
Benjamin Schatz
Mike Tiffany
Buzz Vaughn
Karen Vaughn
Joan Yamanaka
Joyce Spoehr
Diane Mefford
Pamela Brown
Robert Brown
Diana Davis
Roger Davis

Graphic Photo provided by Flickr SassyPanda

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Visiting Mexico Border TJ ...Rethink Again?

Understand that the temptation and curiosity to visit border Mexico/Baja may be lurking in your mind...but think again. If the United States Marines need permission to visit Mexico, should you be considering this option for a pre or post-cruise excursion?
Take a moment in reading this article in the Orange County Register on January 15, 2009, "Marines need permission before visiting Mexico". And the order by Lt. Gen. Helland extended this procedure indefinitely.

Our Mexican Riviera ports are not in the drug and government uproar that our neighbor Tiajuana is currently experiencing . But in any travel --- safety, being attentive and aware is a must! Pick-pocketing is a standard in any tourist area and these ports we will be visiting is not immune from that. So ladies watch your purses and men watch your pockets especially after those margaritas and shooters. Also don't be a prey for those cute ninos (childrens). They may lurk for your attention and pesos, but they are also very clever emotional thieves as well. Be very careful everyone!

As for those shopping spree, Coronas and corn tortilla tacos? Stay safe in San Diego's Old Town is my recommendation!


Photo provided by Flickr Hoyasmeg

Thursday, February 26, 2009

You're Invited

There will be a NO-HOST Pre-Cruise Night Cap Cocktail Hour in Old Town San Diego for our group.
We will be meeting in the patio bar of the Old Town Mexican Cafe.

Date: MARCH 3, 2009
Time: 9:30pm to 11:00pm
Location: Old Town Mexican Cafe
2489 San Diego Avenue
San Diego, CA 92110

If you're in town and would like to start celebrating our cruise. Come join us!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

You're invited to our Mexican Riviera Cruise Group Room on Snapfish




An invitation to Snapfish.com (a photo website) Group Room was sent to your email inbox awhile back. Depending on how your computer is set up, the invitation might have been dumped into your JUNK or SPAM FOLDER. So double check the appropriate folders in your email box so that you don’t miss out on the communication.We have enclosed the address link & room code to our Snapfish.com Group Room in the email invitation. Hope you get a chance to explore this group room and take advantage of this opportunity to share your adventure and special moments with others on this upcoming Mexican Riviera Cruise.


Oh by the way their photo service is great and simple to use. Remember if you take the address link and code with you. You can also access it on-line at the internet cafe on board the ship, once you register. It's FREE! Downloading your photo or video will help you clear out space on your camera disk space for even more photos. If you want to learn about Snapfish Group Room check out their website. Any other questions, Roger says don't call me, I don't know what she's talking about .... feel free to contact Diana!


Photo logo from Snapfish.com ...double click to open & learn about Snapfish! You'll love it!

Day One...Seating Assignment Status


Wanted to let you know that Alex has confirmed our seating assignment for the first night's dinner. We are all signed up for the late night dining. This assignment was set up to make it easy for you and the cruise dining room staff when you enter for dinner on the first night. The cruise dining staff will have this seating arrangement so you will know where to go.

For those new to cruising you will arrive to the dining room and check in with the cruise staff who will be greeting you. Similar to a restaurant reservation when you check in. Simply give them your name and they will guide you to your table.

Since we all pre-paid our gratuity we will have the opportunity on the upcoming dinners to switch and move about as we wish. However, if you like your table and don't want to switch for the other nights then let others who come by your table know, politely of course and they can then find another seat at another one of our designated table. The choice is yours, enjoy your friendship or meet a new one to add to your world... "Be with who makes you smile" is my motto! Bon Appetit everyone
.
We have three (3) tables of 12 and two (2) tables of 6. Here is the assigned list for the first night...

First Table of 12
Diana, Roger, Reagan, Fumi, Buzz, Karen, Sean, Andrea, Mike T, Diane, Ted & Alex

Second Table of 12
Willy, Wayne, Steve, Ronald, Mike, Darlene, Joan, Joyce S, Jean M, Sheila, Bob & Pam

Third Table of 12
Joyce C, Maxeen, Jeff, Julie, Benjamin, Naomi, Carol, Bobby, Jeanette, Naga & Fooney

First Table of 6
Tom, Flo, Jean G, Joan C, Walter & Charmille

Second Table of 6
Linda, Clara, Janice, Shari, Ken & Sandy
Photo provide by Carnival Cruise.com












Sunday, February 22, 2009

Stateroom Door Contest

As with all activities we invite you to join in the fun, however this is an optional activity as all of our get togethers are. But would a dangled carrot in front of you such as a "PRIZE" if you are a "TOP WINNER" help your participation?

Each stateroom will be given a 8.5" x 14" removable label for your door. You and your cabinmate will have the opportunity to decorate as you so choose. Providing that you do not damage the door and keep your decoration on the provided label as much as possible. Oh yes and for some individuals whom I will name namelss, a reminder to keep it a G-rating and appropriate for the general public viewing.

We thought it would be fun and a great way to recognize our group! This was a big hit on a recent cruise Roger and I went to in Europe and since many of our group members are on the same deck it made it very visable as we walked down the hallway. You know important ID and memory association for the AARP group!

Still confused? Let me help...Stick the label on the exterior of your stateroom door. Wanna take it a step further? Here are past ideas that I can share with you to decorate your door label that was used on a previous cruise. Decor themes: port of call, your hometown or special interest/hobby themes. Use of scrapbook paper, stickers, stick on letters for our names , personal photos of yourself and your cabin mate to ID your stateroom. Destination or even postcard of our hometown were also used to decorate the door label. I personally hung a pen and sticky notes which was fun as I got notes from our group visitors and also other cruisers who left me notes saying what a cool idea. You know just in case we're not in our cabin and at atrium bar or somewhere else having fun.

Okay so now it's your turn to get creative or not. Just stick the label on your door with your name on it for the minimal approach. Or a simple note with a permanent marker for all is cool as well. These items can easily be purchased at stores such as Michael's, Target, Wal-Mart, Long's Drug & ABC stores to name a few. It's fun and the creative side is endless with your personailty at the helm...

Yes, Roger and I will be decorating our door...but we will not be in the contest, so fear not - one less competitor for you!

Just remember please keep your decorations on the label which is REMOVABLE so as not to damage the stateroom door. Common sense: you damage it --- you pay for it! Thanks for your cooperation with following this request.

Those intrested in the competition-- your door label decorations need to beon display for judging by Friday, March 6th 12noon.

Looking forward to seeing your creation. Still stuck? Email or call me and we will connect! Have fun.