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!!