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