Friends & Fun Cruise...the Beginning!

Welcome Aboard! I'm Diana and I believe most of you know me by now. You might recall that I am the annoying cruise cheerleader, who has been nagging you one way or the other to come join us on this Mexican Riviera Cruise in March 2009. But before I get into posting various articles on cruising, I thought I would take a moment to explain that this cruise would not be a group sailing, if it were not for the members of the Honolulu Friends of Parks & Recreation. So ‘mahalo’ (thank you) to my dear Friends!

Please indulge me as I step back a bit, in 1985 a group of California Parks & Recreation Professionals participated in a Learning Exchange Program with the Hawaii Recreation & Parks Association. Besides the opportunity to learn from one another about our professional endeavors we came away with a more valuable benefit, our gift of friendship which has lasted over these past 20 years.

With our friendship through the years we were able to share networking ties, conferences, workshops, committee projects, moments of life’s laughter & tears with relationships/family experiences as well as cherished celebrations that will be treasured a lifetime. On this cruise you will no doubt be hearing retold stories, yet again. Those new to this circle, will not be left out --- we're contagious and you’ll soon be a part of this very unique group of friends!

One of the shared bonding that has flourished the last twenty years was whenever the conference was in Southern California we would drive to Ensenada via Puerto Nuevo for lobster meals for a few days. This tradition came about with Steve leading the pack in his VW Bug back in 1986 and a caravan of cars and friends following. Our last excursion was in 2006 when we celebrated our 20th anniversary.

I being the party pooper had figured after 20 years we were all ready to say adios! Well to my surprise at our 20th anniversary dinner at El Rey de Sol Restaurant in Ensenada, Steve and his amigo buddy Ronald (I’ve been told) came up with this idea of taking a cruise? For anyone who knows me, cruising is definitely one of my favorite ways to travel. Naomi who loves Mexico was of course right there in a second, agreeing that a Mexico Cruise was a fabulous alternative to our tradition.

In December 2006, my husband Roger and I went on this same cruise ship & itinerary. We loved it so much that we had to take this opportunity to share this with you. In the upcoming articles, I would like to introduce you to Naomi, Steve and Roger. If you note on the right hand side of this blog you can see that there is an email contact for us. Please feel free to get in touch with either us or our travel agent, Alex. So, with that in mind, here begins our journey AGAIN and…welcome aboard the Fun Ship!

Hola Mi Amigos ... From Naomi

I’m Naomi and so excited about returning to my favorite country and my first adventure on a cruise ship, let alone a fun ship! I'm told it's the best way to travel, especially as we get older and our bodies don't hold up as well as it used to. I'm told that on a ship we can drink too much and need not worry about a DUI; no kitchen to clean up after an "ono" (delicious for you Mainlanders) meal; who cares what you look like in a bikini...laughs are always good for the soul; company is just a stateroom away… ah, so many other positives reasons to cruise.

As for visiting my favorite land, Mexico is full of history, tequila, culture, tequila, archeological sites, tequila, shopping, did I say tequila? And of course the best margaritas south of Ensenada.

Looking forward to seeing old friends (no pun intended), and making new ones. I’ve heard so many stories about Roger's Harley buddies, and of course Lady Di's fun-loving, trip-taking friends. CAN HARDLY WAIT!

And if this hasn’t got you to join us, my beautiful hula dancing friend Maxie will even give you all a lesson or 2 as a fun ship activity. There'll be about 20 or so of us from Honolulu joining you all for this cruising adventure. So looking forward to having you share this first cruising adventure with me on the Carnival Spirit, see you soon!

Ten Things Then & Now ... by Steve

1. Everyone was working in 1985. Now, most of the original group members are retired.Aren’t we lucky!

2. Those that were fat are skinny now (of note Big Mike and Steve).Those that were skinny are fat now(of note "you be the judge").

3. Drinking in 1985 included margaritas, tequila, Corona Extras, tequila and margaritas,you get the picture. Drinking in the now includes one glass of wine & your quota of glasses of water for the day.

4. Transport across the border in 1985 included a VW Bug & Honda.Today SUV's,oh well somethings do get better.

5. The Ensenada fish markets, still open early. Everyone can still eat their share of lobster, fish tacos, beans, rice and tortillas.And still today our Mexico getaway remains a tradition for us.

6. Everyone can still shop. Some things do not change.

7. Years ago in Kona some went swimming in underwear. In Ensenada nothing was worn. Now, no one swims --- afraid of the cold water, consequences & the federalese!

8. Our suitcases used to be half filled on trips to allow for purchases. Now they are full of required medications…but we’re here & still smiling.

9. Some of us are lucky to have hair still, even if it is gray.

10. And finally, for kicks we used to carry people when drunk, jump Mexican ‘gutter rivers’, and run down Mexican highway workers. Now are kicks are none, unless you count being able to show up, remembering the memories we shared and creating new ones with this upcoming cruise. So how about showing up to create some new kicks with us?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)…..Roger’s perspective

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m married to Diana (poor thing) and I tend to have a good time in almost every situation. We have both been on this cruise before and it is incredible!! Diana asked me to help with an introductory article so I thought I would try to answer a few typical questions that you all may have. Remember, I have a very twisted yet light-hearted approach to everything so bear with me….

Will I have a good time on this cruise?

Only if you like to drink, laugh, tell stories, dance, eat, people watch, see some really cool ports in Mexico, shop for really stupid souvenirs that seem OK at the time….but really are stupid when you get back home, eat (I know I mentioned this before…but you’ll eat a lot), relax by a beautiful pool, drink (yes, you’ll drink a lot too), play cards, play Bingo, read a book or just stay in your room and sleep. The ship’s itinerary will have activities almost 24 hours each day so you can run yourself ragged or just lay by the pool and have your cocktails delivered by a usually attractive server……I mean you are almost guaranteed to have a good time.

This is my first cruise….can I expect something special?

You bet!! Perhaps you have heard of the “Mile High Club”?? Well, they also have a “Sea Level Club” that is there for first timers. Unlike its more conservative cousin the Mile High Club that is usually for couples, the Sea Level Club is a group event that is unfortunately for females only. Typically the welcoming “group” will consist of a few selected friends, other passengers and, of course, crew members. Please see me once you are on board and I will arrange for your special welcome.

What about luggage?

What about it?? Just kidding!! Most of you will be coming from that foreign country know as Hawaii so you’ll be limited to whatever the baggage requirements are for your airline….unless, of course, you have already booked with Aloha or ATA in which case you’ll be swimming over and luggage will not be a problem. However, there is a problem. Hawaiians seem to have a propensity to buy loads of treasures (crap by most standards) in Mexico so if you have packed your luggage to the bursting point to start with you will be faced with a major problem when you try to fly home. Yes, there are UPS stations and yes, there is the postal service……but shipping a stuffed frog or tanned bull testicles can be a bit of a challenge. So, try and shop wisely!!

Can I bring booze on board?

Unfortunately the answer is NO!! Damn!! There will be plenty on board but it can be expensive. Some of us have been known to bring vodka or gin in a water bottle and others have brought Jack Daniels in a Coke bottle……..but you are risking confiscation. Same goes for recreational drugs (did I need to mention that with this crowd??). So, be careful!!

Is there a dress code?

Did Diana have someone ask this question?? The answer is yes, but typically for the evening only. I’ll be in shorts, T-shirt and tennis shoes most of the time and for dinner slacks, dress shoes, and an aloha shirt are perfect. There will be two formal nights and I suggest that you go on line to the Carnival link, check under formal wear/nights and rent a tux through the ship. It will be waiting in your room and you don’t have to pack anything and they’ll take care of it when you leave. There are formal rentals for the ladies but most of you will probably opt to bring your own.

What if I don’t like this crowd?

Ah, another good question and I don’t blame you for asking. There will be over 2,000 folks on this ship so it should be pretty easy to blend in with others and not be associated with this group. And, you don’t have to ever go on shore to any of the fun ports….you can just stay in your room. Also, you can have all of your meals delivered to your room so again, you can pretty much not associate with any of us. Of course, if I were you I would just save my money and not go on this fantastically fun voyage…….wouldn’t that be a lot easier???

So, do you get the picture?

This will be a fun time for one and all. Both Diana and I hope to see as many of you as possible on this cruise. Oh, almost forgot, if you’re looking for entertainment, stay close to me. Seems I almost always do something stupid and/or entertaining for others….especially when I’m drinking so feel to buy me one and let the good times begin!!

Got Cruise Blog? ... What is a Blog Anyway?

If you're anything like me you're saying what is a "BLOG"? Well, with my limited and simplistic brain my best description explains it as an interactive electronic newsletter. There is someone who creates, manages and administers various topics of articles that get posted on the blog (newsletter). You, as a reader, to the blog can comment, respond or even debate what the article says. I heard that the blog came about from what was originally known as a web log and in time it was shortened to become what is more popularly known today as blog...we"blog," get it?

My intent in creating this cruise blog is to provide our cruisers a central source of information and reference to assist and share as needed for this cruise that we plan to take in 2009. I hope to provide articles on basic cruising tips to helpful information about the ports-of-call we will be visiting. I want your voyage to be an easy and smooth transition. Hopefully this blog will provide an avenue to network our group and to offer an opportunity for interaction as distance often separates many of us and more often, daily life of endless tasks keeps us too busy to stay in touch and connected. In that being said, its my hope that this blog will be a helpful tool for you as you prepare for this journey on the high seas.

I am by no means an expert and thus welcome others to be guest writers for this cruise blog. If you come across a great resource or information that you think is valuable and don't mind sharing your tips. Please email me with your article. I'd love to post it with credits to you and let's see if we can initiate others to comment and share as well. No experience or requirements necessary just a passion for fun and a joy for sharing. It's really quite simple, write your article (it does not have to be lengthy, a paragraph is just fine), send it on an email and I'll take care of it from there. Just be sure I have your http://www/ link address if it applies, so that I may link your article according.

If you have questions don't hesitate to contact me. Look on the right side bar of our blog and you can click on email Diana and write to me directly. I'll do my best to assist you. So welcome aboard the Fun Ship, looking forward to seeing you on deck!

Itinerary

Date	Destination & Time
Wed Mar 4	San Diego Embark 12noon /Ship Departs: 4pm
Thur Mar 5	"Fun Day" at Sea
Fri Mar 6	"Fun Day" at Sea
Sat Mar 7	Acapulco Arrive: Noon
Sun Mar 8	Acapulco Depart: 1:00am
Mon Mar 9	Zihuantanejo/Ixtapa Arrive:9am /Depart:6pm
Tue Mar 10	Manzanillo Arrive:7:00am /Depart:6:00pm
Wed Mar 11	"Fun Day" at Sea
ThurMar12	"Fun Day" at Sea
Fri Mar 13	San Diego Arrive: 7:00am