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

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

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

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!

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

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.

Acapulco, Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo by Budget Travel

Here's a bit of information on Acapulco and Ixtapa/Zihuantanejo you might want to checkout from Budget Travel Magazine. The article
is "Nonstop Mexico" by Zora O'Neill and Jane Onstott, December 2008/January 2009 issue. Great Mag...I subscribe to this magazine and this popped out at me. Thought I'd share.



Enjoy!

Diana











Zihuantanejo From Carnival Spirit, December 2006 Cruise

Shore Excursions

The question was proposed to me by one of our guest as to what I thought...shore excursions with the Carnival Cruise Line or independent? I guess it's a matter of choice but you do have to consider a couple of serious issues. Here are a few of my points that you might want to think about before you decide:

1. Are you willing to do the research and homework? If not definitely sign up with a Carnival Cruise Line. They will handle the transportation, you will have a guide who is knowledgeable and familiar about the tour/location and they can also communicate as needed with the locals.

2. Still want to try the independent hire the local cab and explore on your own? Then do this early in the day and allow yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. You miss that gang plank and it will be your responsibility (financial as well) to get to the next port to catch the ship.

The cruise line doesn't care that your taxi broke down due to engine failure. The ship's horn is blown and they are off to the next port.

3. Hiring an independent shore excursion? Be sure you agree on a price before getting in the vehicle. You don't want to be stranded. Many times the driver is expecting to have lunch if they are with you all day. So give them lunch money or treat them.

4. Choosing to go with a shore excursion with the Cruise Line alleviates any issues as to problems that might arise that can make you late or if any issue of concern arises you have a guide to assist you. Go alone and you are the leader with your successes & headache as well.

5. If you find that shore excursion you like, don't delay...sign up NOW! You can take your chance and sign up once you get on board but there is no guarantee. So sooner the better.

6. The shore excursion is filled. Once you get on board the ship, head directly to the purser's counter and ask about who you can talk to about shore excursion sign-ups. It's worth following up as you might be able to still get in because of a cancellation or change in the size of the shore excursion group. Best to ask..it certainly can't hurt.

Photo: Carnival Cruise Spirit tendered boat to port for shore, Davis 2006

Group Activity Schedule Matrix is for your use!

Check your email inbox as you should be getting an email with an attachment.
There is a Group Activity Schedule Matrix for our cruise. Feel free to use this tool to reference your activities, plan your wardrobe, add your shore excursions or if you like just delete.

There are scheduled activities noted and your participation is optional. Additional group activites will be planned as we arrange the dates and time once confirmed on board with the ship for coordination.

Photo provided by Flickr: miguelrius

Carnival Cruise ...What to Wear?

Was reviewing the Carnival Cruise "What to wear in the dining room dress policy" .

It seems that basically Carnival Cruise has three main dress codes: 1. Casual Attire during the day, 2. Casual Dining Dress code and 3. Elegant Dining Dress Code. For a detail description link on to the Carnival "What to Wear?"

You will be glad to know that Carnival takes on a much more liberal dress code and allows for Jeans (not cut-offs, I'm guessing more on the dressy jean choice), dress shorts (long) as part of their casual nights in the dining room.

Hope this link helps you out!




Photo provided by Flickr: erix!

FORMAL NIGHT ...Black Tie & Glitz!

Wanted to remind everyone that there will be two (2) formal nights on our cruise.

If the schedule is the same as in 2006 when I 'ventured this cruise, then the formal nights will be Thursday March 5th (2nd Sea Day) and Wednesday, March 11th (2nd to the last Sea Day). But, plan on 2 formal nights nonetheless.

So if you are thinking of ordering a Tuxedo for rent. Best get on line at Carnival and download the form and head to Men's Wear House or other source you might use to get measured. Then order your tux and accessories through the cruise line.

The alternative is a dark jacket and tie, gentlemen! Ladies, black is always in and any glitzy or stunning jewels and accessories works. If the Specialty Restaurant is your choice...then you will need to be wearing a jacket and a bit more dressy. A night of the lifestyle of the rich and famous?

Okay, so maybe just an adult version of Prom Night? Either way...you're lookin' good!

In review of Carnival's dress and attire for the cruise...Carnival is very liberal. If you link on the Dining Attire requirement it even offers option on dress jeans and dress shorts, unheard of for other cruise lines.

Photo provided by Flickr Zorilla

UPDATED NEWS...Cruise Document are here?!

Just wanted to let you all know that Carnival Cruise has sent our travel agent Alex, hard copies of our cruise documents. Yes, even if Alex had requested that documents be sent electronically. I know, go figure!

So here is the plan…WE HAVE DOCUMENTS for you. With our Hawaiian Friends that are cruising with us, the cruise documents will be sent to Naomi Carter who will be distributing these documents perhaps at your next meeting. Naomi will relay this information.

I have cruise documents for the Miyasaki, Vaughn and Mike Tiffany and will get them to you, personally.

The rest of the group cruisers should look for your documents through the mail. Upon receiving your documents be sure that the information is accurate. If you have not done so, I personally would still go on line at Carnival Cruise to fill out you’re “MY PROFILE” and other information including emergency and passport information. Doing so will expedite your check-in process at
the cruise terminal.

Struggling with the on-line? Alex informed me that she can assist you or feel free to contact me. For those who already completed this request…start organizing what you will be packing and welcome aboard.

Thanks,
Diana
dianamdavis@cox.net

Logo from Carnival Cruise

IMPORTANT WORDS from our travel agent

An email was sent out to you via our travel agent Alex. If you haven't received it, here it is. And please contact Alex directly so that she can be sure she has the latest email contact for you. Now, Words from Alex, out travel agent:

Ahoy fellow cruisers!
The time has come to start packing!!
For many of you, this may be a first time cruise experience. If you have any questions about what to pack, what to do, where to go....CALL ME, PLEASE! I look forward to meeting each of you on board the Spirit on March 4th.

There are a few things that need to be done before we go. First, you should go to http://www.carnival.com/ and fill out the FUN PASS information, especially the emergency contact information for someone back home. Once you're in the website:

1. Click MY CRUISE which will have a drop down menu and click FUN PASS. It will ask you for you booking number (which is on your statements that I emailed to you); your last name (I hope you know that, if not, call me and I'll tell you); SHIP NAME: CARNIVAL SPIRIT; SAIL DATE: MARCH 4, 2009

2. This should hopefully get you into your reservation and the form that you need to fill out. Things like your address, last 4 digits of your credit card, emergency contact. You will also need to acknowledge acceptance of Carnival's Policies and Procedures (no throwing you wife/husband overboard; no swinging parties; stuff like that).

3. Once you have completed the Fun Pass, then you can go back to MY CRUISE and click on MY DOCUMENTS. This is where they will ask you for your passport number, expiration date, issue date, where it was issued. Once you have filled out all the information that they request, you can then print your edocs and luggage tags.

If you prefer to have me fill out the information for you online, I would be happy to do it or to help you while you're online to do it. Just email me your emergency contact information and I will take care of it.

SEE YOU SOON!!
MAHALO NUI,
ALEX
INNOVATIVE TRAVEL

Laurel Airport Parking has a discount coupon!

One of our fellow cruiser Janice just sent me this bit of information you might want to check out. I believe this is the same place where Karen and Buzz mentioned they use a coupon for their
parking. Gracias Janice!



Janice just talked to a parking facility in San Diego called Laurel Airport Parking. They are on the corner of Laurel and Kettner. If you go on-line to their site Laurel Parking you can get a $3.00 off coupon per day. Roof top parking with the coupon would be $9.00 per day and covered parking would be $11.00. They provide a shuttle to the cruise line.

NEED YOUR HELP Please!

NEED YOUR HELP – IMMEDIATE REPLY REQUESTED!

A direct email has been sent to you so please check your InBox
We need to know the size of either a Men or Ladies Polo Shirt.

We have already set up an awaiting order for these shirts and will be coordinating a group photo by the ship photographer during our cruise.
Your selected shirt size and more details will be provided to you once we get on board the ship. And there is no additional cost for you to participate. We are requesting your assistance to expedite your response and would appreciate your immediate effort and answer.
Please be advised that these shirt sizes seem to run a “wee bit” larger. But remember you will be in warmer weather and a looser shirt might feel more comfortable as well.
Mucho Garcias,
Diana & Roger

Why PRE-PAID GRATUITY you ask?

Check your Email In Box...a message was sent to you requesting your action as follows:

This is a request to have you contact Alex at Innovative Travel either through phone or by email for approval to charge $80.00 per person for pre-paid gratuity on your credit card.

After much contemplation and thought. We believe that this will be the best course of action for our group. Unfortunately this pre-paid gratuity is an all or nothing group participation decision. And we wanted to let you know why we have made this decision.

1. In order to provide the opportunity to mix and mingle among our tables for our group at our late night dining, we would have to pre-pay our gratuity. Cruise ship policy! Yes, we wanna play musical chairs throughout our cruise dining and pre-paying our gratuities will allow this opportunity.

2. We have chosen this option because we did not want to, play God and have to make the decision to assign who had to sit at who’s table. Hey were honest aren’t we?

3. Paying ahead as such will be one less thing you have to worry about till of course you get your credit card bill….but you knew that!

4. On those select day or days you choose to participate in the Specialty Restaurant reservations or maybe not want to dress-up and head to the buffet or worse yet too hung over from the partying in port to show up for dinner and settled for room service? Well having you gone won’t impact the one or two lonely individuals at your table who managed to dress-up, show-up and stayed sober! They can now join another table for company --- get the idea now?

So, need your help as the time has come to make the dining arrangements. Give Alex a call or email her to charge your credit card and we will be on our way! This is a PRIORITY ACTION ---please! You don’t want us nagging you and especially me (ask Roger he’ll verify that!).

Thanks for your immediate response,
Diana & Roger Davis
Naomi Carter

Photo from Carnival Cruise

What's the best parking option for the cruise?

Roger and I just made a day trip to San Diego the other day and wanted to update you with our findings. We have decided to spend the night in San Diego on March 3rd (pre-cruise)and have booked our reservation at the Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites on Shelter Island.


We chose a Snooze 'n Cruise option that was $139 (Tropical Pool & Garden View) which also included our overnight accommodation as well as a complimentary parking for our car during our cruise. Additionally, complimentary shuttle transport between the hotel and cruise terminal was also included. The hotel also has a Snooze 'n Cruise for $119 (same category) for those flying in to San Diego Airport and not driving. Be sure you get the Snooze 'n Cruise rate as this is a lower promotional price. See our Snooze 'n Cruise blog article. I suggest you book directly through the hotel if this is of interest. The phone number is 619/224-3411 or 800/345-9995.


The other option for those not wanting to spend the night is, we found parking rates to be
between $12-18 per day pending on location of your parking lot and whether you care if your car
is under a parking structure or out in the open.



There are a number of parking options off of the 5 freeway when you exit on to
Sassafras / Kettner Blvd as you head towards the airport. We specifically stopped to get prices for the Cruise Terminal Parking (5 Star Parking) on Harbor and Broadway. This was directly across from the Cruise Terminal. It was $15.00 a day with no parking structure so your car will be out in the open.



In talking to my girlfriend Karen, she brought up a discount coupon you can get on-line for parking lot structure on the corner of Sassasfras and Laurel. Not sure if they have a shuttle service between the parking structure and the cruise ternimal. Perhaps Karen can add her two cents if she finds this info with her comment to this article?


Some of our other local friends shared their interest about taking the train to San Diego from Orange County. You can walk from the train terminal to the cruise terminal via Broadway. But, don't plan to have multiple luggage as the road way maybe bumpy and I'm not certain that there was a sidewalk from the train to the cruise terminal on Broadway. Still thinking train ride....You can always take a cab to haul you to the cruise terminal?


And finally, the current information I have is that our Hawaii friends have chosen to get into the Mexican spirit by selecting Comfort Inn at Old Town as their pre and post cruise accommodations. Ole'! My personal recommendation is to checkout the OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE. Best Corn Tortilla I've had this side of the border and their Pork Pozole Soup is delicious!

Photo provided by Flickr SD Dirk, view from Shelter Island to the San Diego Skyline.

NICE DAY IN PORT

To keep in touch with what the day will be like in port, I advise checking the Weather Report. I generally use the msn.com on the computer but watch the weather channel on the television. Either source would be a helpful tool to get an idea for what to expect. Here’s what I found out for the MONTH OF MARCH, the average of our four ports from the msn.com website:

City/Port •Average Low •Average High •Average Precipitation
San Diego • 50 Degree F (Low) • 68 Degree F (High) • 2.07 inches
Acapulco • 71 Degree F (Low) • 89 Degree F (High) • 0 inches
Zihuantanejo • 71 Degree F (Low) • 89 Degree F (High) • 0 inches
Manzanillo • 68 Degree F (Low) • 83 Degree F (High) • 0.02 inches

Photo provided by Flickr:Sarchi

SNOOZE & CRUISE with PARKING?

Came across some great information on Cruise-Friendly Hotels in San Diego through the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. I have highlighted below some of the hotels that were on this website for those who will be having a vehicle to park during our cruise. Might want to consider checking it out as perhaps staying one night before the cruise may very well cover the cost of parking as this is a premium issue in San Diego.

Best Western Seven Seas
•Located in Mission Valley
•Complimentary shuttle service to the airport and Cruise Ship Terminal
•Parking through the duration of the cruise

Comfort Inn at the Harbor
•Located across harbor & 1 mile north of San Diego Airport
•One night hotel stay
•Parking during the cruise
•Round trip transportation to the Cruise Ship terminal
•Complimentary deluxe breakfast for two

The Dana on Mission Bay
•Located in Mission Bay
•One night of accommodations
•Ten days of complimentary parking
•Complimentary transportation to and from the Cruise Ship Terminal

Days Hotel – Hotel Circle – SeaWorld
•Located near SeaWorld & the beaches
•One-night hotel accommodations
•10 days of complimentary parking
•Transportation to and from the cruise ship terminal.

Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside
•Located across from the scenic San Diego Bay, 1 mile from the Airport & 3 miles to the Cruise Ship Terminal
•Overnight accommodations
•Up to 10 days of complimentary parking
•Complimentary transportation to and from the airport and the cruise ship terminal.

Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn
•Located on Shelter Island along the San Diego Bay
•One night stay
•Ten days of complimentary parking
•Complimentary transportation to and from the airport and Cruise Ship Terminal

Marriott Gaslamp
•Located downtown Gaslamp Quarter
•Offers two “Snooze ‘n’ Cruise” packages
•1st Snooze ‘n Cruise Package: for guests who drive into San Diego & includes a one-night stay, breakfast for 2 in Soleil @K, transportation to and from the Cruise Terminal and complimentary valet parking in secure garage for up to 10 days
•2nd Snooze ‘n Cruise Package: is for guests who fly into San Diego and includes a one night stay, breakfast for two in Soleil @ K and transportation to and from the Cruise Terminal

Photo Provided by Parking Lot Flickr. David Hilowitz

UPDATE ...Who's Cruising with Us?

Today's Update...are you on the A List?

From Alex our travel agent, here it is the latest participation list for our group, to date.

Alex can still assist you & your friend in signing up on this group cruise---its' not to late to be on this "Fun Ship"with us.

WELCOME ABOARD...

• Roger & Diana Davis

• Naomi Carter & Carol Sakai

• Joyce Chinen & Maxeen Shea

• Walt & Charmille Abe

• Thomas & Florence Alford

• Michael & Darlene Aoki

• Steven Blancarte

• Willy Ching & Wayne Sasaki

• Jean Gillman & Joan Cliffe

• Sean Hagerty & Andrea Babby

• Linda Hilleboe & Clara Triana

• Janice Wagner & Sharon Larner

• Reagan Miyasaki & Fumiko Miyasaki

• Kenneth & Sandra Mohr

• Jean Myers & Sheila Wensel

• Richard & Euphemia Nagashima

• Robert & Jeanette Sylva-Pereira

• Ted Rodriguez & Alex Kuncio

• Julie, Jeff & Benjamin Schatz

• Michael Tiffany

• Buzz & Karen Vaughn

• Joan Yamanaka & Joyce Spoehr