SEE YOU ON DECK... It's Bon Voyage Time!

For those of you who have been counting the months, weeks and days till cruise time.......it is now just a matter of hours before cocktail time on the Lido deck!!

Diana, et. al., have provided at least 107 blog articles on a variety of subjects including luggage packing tips; slack-key guitar history; sex on a moving ship; all about Hawaii Ports; excursions; and a multitude of other informative subjects.  And, although there is no prize, I’m sure most of you will agree that the article on the do’s and don’ts of sex on a moving ship was by far the most informative despite the lack of detailed illustrations.  While we’re on the subject, please give it up for the many article authors including: Peggy and Rocky Alby, Alex Kuncio, Karen Vaughn, Angie Burgh, Maureen Molludakis, Wendy Kilgore, JoMary Murphy, Andre Mathieu, Linda Davis, Elliot Ghirtner, Jim Berkson, Jan Noce,Sean Hagerty, Sara Graves, Stella Hacker, Ross Moodie, Lee Spar, Irene Cianfarani, Patricia Fierro and yours truly.

As Diana has so aptly put it before, this is all about family and friends..  Thank you all for taking the time and spending your money to be with Diana and me for out 25th wedding anniversary......it means a lot to both of us.

So, in words of the renowned wabbit hunter, Elmer Fudd, Thaaaaaaaaat’s all Folks!! 

INTRODUCTION: Roger & Diana's 25th Anniversary Renewal Celebration!

 OK, we’re gettin’ close! Recent blog articles have covered various details of this Hawaiian Cruise from sign-ups to shore excursions; pre-cruise brunch plans to passports & ID’s...besides plans to go on a fun filled vacation getaway. The main reason why this cruise is happening is because Roger said to Diana, “Let’s get married again for our 25th anniversary” and so here we are on this Hawaiian Cruise with fun friends and family. So again welcome aboard and hang in there as we use this article to spotlight our 25th Anniversary Celebration and those attendees.

It might be important to open with the simple fact that this is our “FINAL” 25th Anniversary Renewal Celebration. We are truly grateful that each of you have chosen to join us and share in this final chapter of this Davis event.  For some of you this may be a first and a new Davis experience, such as Andre, Dee Dee, Holly, Connie & Irene to mention a few. For others, it was important to just show up that being the case for Fumi and Jan. Jan stop kicking yourself for missing the 10th Renewal...you’ve made the final one to help close this chapter and most importantly to share it with your guy Jim!  For others they have been there in the beginning such as Karen, Buzz, Rocky, Peggy, Fumi & Reagan  and even Sara & Stella who may be swayed with a cocktail or three to share Diana’s Bachelorette Party Stories in Vegas as well as their 5th Renewal with Elvis!  And then there is the “dynamic duo” Alex & Ted, the fun-loving, let’s make it happen couple, awaiting direction, offering support, expertise & travel wisdom. To this mix we have past Davis group cruisers & fun-loving friends Sean, Andrea, Pat, JoMary, Michael, Angie, Lien, Ross & Gary, Wendy, Norm & Bob & Lee, Carole & Elliott  who can’t get enough of the Davis’ or is it that they simply love to have fun! Whatever the reason we are honored and thrilled to have you help us celebrate. 

Our renewal ceremony and celebration will be on the afternoon of Monday, October 12th, the SEA DAY after the port of call of Lahaina, Maui. The attire will be Aloha Dress. Which means, hawaiian shirts for the men and hawaiian sundress for the ladies. Yes, we even welcome matching outfits for those love birds. More details will be forthcoming, once we board the Ruby Princess. 

In the meantime allow us to introduce our renewal party members....Next to Diana, will be her Matron of Honor KAREN VAUGHN and her Brides Maids PEGGY ALBY  & STELLA HACKER. These three gals standing with her on this special day have weathered the years with her. These gal pals of Diana’s have stood by her since she was just a childhood kid, her dating & numerous married and re-maui’d days with Roger as well as her professional career days and yes even through retirement as well. These gals have always stood by her and Diana is thrilled that her dearest and closest gal pals will be here to celebrate this final celebration chapter.

Next to Roger will be his Best Man BUZZ VAUGHN, then his Groomsmen REAGAN MIYASAKI & GARY HEARD. Roger and Buzz go way back with Karen and Diana having shared a lot of special couples times together. Reagan of course is Roger’s LOL Bro-Man and Gary is Roger's Sonoma Pal or is it more Martini Time Buddy...anyway, Roger couldn't imagine a celebration without Gary, after all who drinks Bombay Sapphire Gin Martini with him anyway? Gary will....AND so here stands Roger’s gang! 

We also asked ALEX KUNCIO to be our Officiant (yes she is multi-talented) and assisting her will be ANDRE MATHIEU (Diana's childhood school mate). Both of these creative people will be working together to come up with a renewal ceremony for us. 

Lastly, we have ROCKY ALBY, NORM KILGORE and SEAN HAGERTY as our our cruise/renewal photographers. Of course we welcome any photos that anyone can candidly take as we would ultimately love to create a memorable photo album of our entire cruise. But these dear friends have extended their friendship as well as their skills. So be sure you smile to the camera! 

Now save this date, Monday, October 12th, afternoon... .we are so excited to have you be a part of our 25th Anniversary Finale Renewal Celebration...let the celebration begin! 

Mahalo Nui Loa, 

♥ Diana & Roger   

  

HOT OFF THE PRESS ... Alex has been sighted on the Ruby Princess, already?!

Was checking my inbox and to my surprise my travel agent, 25th anniversary officiant & dear friend Alex has been sighted on the Ruby Princess.  Boy her Travel Agent status has her with some kudos and powers...Super TA!  I knew she was the right one for the job when we met some 10 years ago. Woo Hoo!!  I have always been impressed with her multi-talent, focused skills and her lust for creativity. But unless Ted her husband has been taking computer classes to doctor up these photos. How is it that she beat us on board? Alex we don’t board till Saturday? But, you are always prepping and
planning! One step ahead...

Check out the photos that Ted shared with me...note that she is standing in front of my stateroom? And she’s on deck already checking out where we can meet, huh? Alex, looking forward to hearing this story... 

FRIENDS ... My Lifesaver & My Anchor!

FRIENDS |frend| 

noun

a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

                                      ==================================

FRIENDS... for me personally are one of the biggest highlight of our cruise. They are my comfort and pleasures of this journey ... our getaway. Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband, but I enjoy my friends...they are the ones who keeps me company, when my  husband wants to take a nap, call it a night or just wants to take a break from “me”. My cruise friends share in the excitement beginning with the pre-cruise as we chatter about the preparation, the planning of all the things we will be doing or not doing. The numerous activities or simple relaxation of cruising lifestyle...those lovely sea days offering both, time for more friends or time for a little one on one friendship moment.   

FRIENDS ...are my lifesavers. On this cruise we have celebrations and planning. My friends are there for me helping to share the thrill and joy. My dear friends have stepped in without a hesitation

to help me enhance the cruise, the occasion and events. They have tossed in the enthusiasm, the anticipation and the excitement. They have simply been there for ME! Thank you for being my lifesaver.

FRIENDS... are my anchor. The tie and the stability of being there as solid as an anchor is to this ship. My friends are by my side. On this cruise we have so many years of friendship with each cruisers. Tho’ there are many different groups of friendship, they are also one of the same being anchored to me. Sharing various stages of our lives here and there through the years -- Childhood, Educational Pursuits, Professional Careers & Organizational Groups, Lifetime Events & Celebrations, Travels & Leisure Bucket Lists shared and even the decision to Retirement. There in the beginning and in the end, my friends!

FRIENDS... on a cruise ship! The encounter meeting with someone new, or reuniting with someone we met before....getting to know you better, sharing a meal, enjoying a shore excursion, laughs over a conversation with old friends, crossing path with a comforting and familiar smile, joining an activity or acknowledging a solitary moment in passing. The joys of friends on a cruise!

FRIENDS ...creating the lifetime moments. The memories ..the special time. The fun and laughter that creates side aches you can’t remember why you hurt. The warm fuzzy- happy moments and the simple slower times, quiet talk times to enjoy one another -- hanging out and sharing, talking stories. These are but a few of the joys I cherish about being on a cruise with friends. I am grateful, appreciative and thrilled to be sharing

this with you all.

Hope you find the moments to enjoy “your friend”, whether it be to reconnect with your spouse, or long time friend. Perhaps sharing a cocktail of the day with a new friend to get to know them better?

Enjoying a drink, a talk,  a laugh or two while you play, share in an activity or do nothing but be there by your friend’s side in silence because that’s what friends can do... I hope you create and savor your moments and I hope a few of them will be with me. Thank you for being my lifesaver and anchor...its bon voyage time!

Friendship Quotes provided by Google.com

    

Cruise-Hawaii-Ensenada... Margarita Time by Alex

ALOHA FELLOW CRUISERS!   

Well, here we are again, getting ready to pack, checking passports, getting last minute prescriptions, and not knowing where the time has gone.  It always seems as if this date will never come and then IT’S HERE!!!!   HURRAY!!!!

Diana is rubbing off on me as I’m making list after list after list!  The overnight prior to the cruise is wonderful because it allows you to forget something but still have time to either run home (for some of us!) or purchase it locally before you go. 

I’m busy packing and negotiating some extra space in Ted’s suitcase…..girls need a lot of extra stuff so be kind to your significant other….  Guys, this is where you can REALLY rack up some points.  Give her half your suitcase space!  She’ll love you for it and it won’t cost you anything!

We look forward to seeing most of you at the Queen Mary and the rest of you on board the Ruby Princess!  

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone very soon.  Give me a call with any last minute questions…..Alex & Ted

Common Hawaiian Words & Phrases - It’s another language!

Although Hawaii is as American as apple pie, when you are there in the islands, you can feel like you aren’t quite certain of this. The mixed cultures that make up Hawaii - the pidgin english, the hawaiian language and mixed hawaiian-english words & language used can easily transport you to what feels like a foreign country. But its 100% USA and the beauty of the different cultures, traditions and customs are what makes Hawaii in my mind so very special and unique.  

While you are visiting it might be helpful to know and understand a couple of simple words that Hawaiians use... following are a few that I thought you might want to know. And if you really want to check things out... look up this website:

                       Hawaiian Words - Hear the Spoken Word

I found it to be helpful as you can actually hear the words being spoken. Enjoy the Aloha

and you cruisers my thought is let’s get jiggy with it! Have fun!

Aloha - love, affection;greeting, salutation; Hello! Good-bye!

Mahalo  - Thank you

Mahalo Nui Loa - Thank you very much

Ono - Delicious

Pau  - Finished, ended ,all done

Wahine - Woman, Lady

Kane - A man or a boy

Kama’aina  - Commonly referred to a long time resident of Hawaii

Malihini - Newcomer, Visitor

Haole - A foreigner, pidgin slang-caucasian

Hapa haole - Person of mixed racial ancestry

E Komo Mai - Welcome, Enter

A hui hoa Until we meet again

A hui hoa kahou - Until we meet again - said to a group

Kai - Sea, sea water, seaside

Mauka - Inland, upland,towards the mountain

Pupu - Snack or appetizers

Kuli Kuli - Be Quiet! Shut up!

Wiki wiki - Fast or Speedy

RUBY PRINCESS: Progressive Check-In Information

PROGRESSIVE CRUISE CHECK-IN INFORMATION

Please be advised that Ruby Princess will berth at Pier 54 and embarkation will not begin until 1:00 PM. To ensure a smooth start to your voyage, we operate a progressive embarkation schedule. Guests with a Preferred Boarding Pass may check in at any time from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, though we kindly request that you arrive during your recommended time. If you have booked a Princess Cruise Plus Package or Princess Transfer, your check-in time will be provided at your hotel or airport. Boarding will commence shortly after check-in. Please do not arrive prior to 1:00 PM, as your cabin will not be ready, and there are not adequate facilities at the pier to accommodate early-arriving guests. All guests must be onboard by 3:15 PM.

1:00 PM - Dolphin and Emerald Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with D & E 

1:45 PM - Caribe and Riviera Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with C and R 

2:15 PM - Aloha and Lido Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with A and L         

2:45 PM - Baja and Plaza Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with B and P

Peek into Ruby Princess ... shared by Stella

Are you getting excited about the cruise? Though some of our cruisers have cruised Princess Cruise ships before with us, others have not. My dear soul sister Stella shared this You Tube video (Ruby Princess Cruise Ship Video Tour) of touring the Ruby Princess with me and thought some of you might enjoy this as well. Check it out if you have a few minutes. It’s about 16 minutes long. A nice perspective after you explore the Ruby Princess Deck plan... thanks Stella and enjoy! See you on deck soon...Diana

Cabin Door Decoration Contest ...Just One More Thing!

Hopefully you caught Stella’s Cabin Door Decoration Contest information on the blog.

If not double click on this title: “CABIN DOOR DECORATING CONTEST by Stella”  to access her blog article. This article has the details for what you need to do to prepare.

In addition, I would like to share with you some additional helpful hints:

1.Don’t count on Stella’s goodie bag to provide all your inspiration and creativity for your door decorations. Instead use her generosity and kindness by supplement your own personal contribution. By doing this, you might find that edge to be a winner!

2.Stella MAY have a few tools and supplies, but she is certainly not going to bring everyone their own personal scissors, tape etc. So pull your self a small tool kit of removable tape, poster putty, scissors and other enhancements such as photos and clip art to personalize your own theme.

3.You will be receiving a group removable door label that you can place on your door.

You don’t want to be bothered with creativity and arts and crafts...well then acknowledge your group cruise spirit and just stick this on your door. Add a post it note and a pen on a string and you’ve welcome your friends to leave you a note!

4. IMPORTANT REMINDER...be sure you SAVE your backing from the door label to re-stick your group cruise label. You can take it home and use it as a souvenir remembrance, that yes you were here!

5. Once on board and exploring about you might find some alternate themes and items to incorporate on your door decoration. Keep in mind that safety is a first and that protruding 3-D structures blocking the hallway or obstructing entry to the cabin will most likely end up that your masterpiece will be tossed to the trash. So use your common sense and keep it at least G to PG rated! 

  

Rocky's Hawaiian Cruise Photo Contest

Our fellow cruiser and renewal cruise photographer, Rocky is coordinating a fun activity for us to participate in during our 15 day cruise to Hawaii. Below is a description of a contest you can join in. It does not require you to be a professional nor have a 35mm camera. What it does require is for you to have fun and have a camera to make that storytelling photo. Use your iPhone, point & shoot or that Nikon you have. Check out the details below and join in the fun... oh yes there is prize ....thanks Rocky, you Rock!  

Hawaiian Cruise Photo Contest

Organizer: Rocky Alby (Stateroom D719)

Contest:  During the cruise please take your best photos, and then share them by entering them in a photo contest.  There are two categories to enter.  The judging will take place at 4:00 pm on Friday, October 16 (location to be determined). Three judges will judge all of the photos.

Instructions:  Prior to the judging date, go to the ship photo shop and have a 8x6 ($3.00) or 8x10 ($5.00) print made of your photo.  On the back of the photo put you initials, cabin number, and indicate Cat. I or Cat II.  Give the photo to Rocky Alby (cabin D719), prior to 4:00 pm, on Friday October 16. You can take your photo to the photo shop on a scan disk or thumb drive. Remember that any photo order will take 24 hours for the photo shop to complete. 

Category I:  Enter with a photo that was taken on or from the cruise ship. 

Category II:  Enter with a photo that was taken off of the cruise ship on one of the Hawaiian Islands.

Rules

1. Photo must be taken by the person entering contest.

2. No photos of photos please.

3. First, second, and third place winners in each category.

4. Must be willing to share photo with other cruise members.

5. No nude or compromising photos.

6. Judges can decide to accept or decline a photo.

7. All judges’ decisions are final.

8. Enter as many photos as you like.

9. Photos will be returned after contest.

Prizes:  A first, second, and third place prize will be given in each category.

The important thing is to have FUN, take great pictures and be able to show them off during our final days at sea.  Remember to use your imagination !