Well our story begins in just over 200 days, when we will embark on the Ruby Princess. So to take our journey without a hiccup, planning and preparation will be key to a smooth
No. 1 - Identification
I have asked Alex to share some insight in an upcoming article about what type of identifications we will need for this trip since we will be stopping in Ensenada Mexico on the way back from the Hawaiian Islands. I recommend this might be a good time to double check on the expiration date on your US Passport, Driver’s License or any other ID you might have. Including an original birth certificate which is always a good ID, so check your files for that option if needed. By the way, Roger did check on our passport and we were expired, where did ten years go?
No. 2 - Insurance/Vacation Protection
Emergency and other unexpected circumstances do happen. Roger and I always like to have a back up and we ask Alex to assist us in covering our cruise investment. Dollars well worth the cost for insurance. I recommend you contact Alex and talk to her about your needs. She can assist with this, whether to cover for you and your trip expense or perhaps to cover an unexpected family member’s emergency that might interrupt your plans. You’ll be glad you called Alex!
No. 3 - Getting There
Not everyone going on this trip will be from Los Angeles so now is a good time to begin to think about your transportation to the Port of Los Angeles. If traveling from afar, flights will be to either Los Angeles (LAX) or Long Beach (LGB) airports which are your closest options. You will also need to get a Shuttle Transportation arrangements from the airport to the port and back. How about coordinating with other cruisers who may be going out of the same airport? It makes it fun, folks!
No. 4 - Pre-Cruise Stay & Park
The ship will depart on Saturday, October 3rd. But for the Davis’, our trip begins on Friday, October 2nd when we will be checking into the San Pedro Double Tree Hotel for a overnight stay and park your car program. Great option for those who want to drive and our car will be residing under the care of Double Tree Hotel for the next 15 days. There will also be an overnight stay option with no parking as well for those flying in. If you are interested in joining Roger and Diana and starting the cruise early....contact Alex as I have asked her to work with Double Tree to come up with a group rate for us.
No. 5 - My Booking & Cruise Personalizer
If you haven’t already checked this out, you should! Alex has emailed your cruise booking confirmation if you made your deposit. On that document is your booking number which will allow you to access your Princess Cruise “ Cruise Personalizer ”. This is a great time to explore this valuable tool and an invite to your first peek into your upcoming cruise. It will get you excited about your cruise.. Have questions or need help, give Alex a call. Yes, she has your booking number if you can’t find your invoice.
No. 6 - Roger and Diana 25th Anniversary Renewal Cruise Blog
I know many of you have visited this cruise blog. But I also know first hand that many have not (As I have had to resend the blog address and yes will do it again). Don’t fret...you don’t have to sign up or pay for this service. It’s free, but it will not visit you unless you visit us at our group cruise blog. This will be where I will be in touch with our group, unless you email or call me directly. I highly recommend that you check here as our blog will be our central communication tool where both Alex and I will be relaying our information first hand. So bookmark this in your computer favorites!
No. 7 - Special Needs Request
If you have a special request, whether its to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Or you need to have some medical needs such as distilled water for a CPAP machine or a sodium free diet. The cruise line can assist and so can Alex. Think about what you might need to make your cruise as comfortable and efficient as being at home. The cruise line will do all they can within their limits. As you go on-line and begin to explore and complete your My Princess/Cruise Personalizer note that you can request certain medical/health accommodation as well as to note that you are going on this cruise for a celebration such as your birthday, retirement or anniversary?
No. 8 - Cruise Dress & Attire
Well you certainly would not want to forget your swimsuit and cover-up as you walk on the Lido deck. But also remember we have 3 Formal Nights and 12 Smart casual Nights. I wrote an article back in December on this blog titled “Helpful Tip - Preparing Now For Formal Night” . Now, would be a good time to revisit this as you can begin to get your cruise wardrobe together as Spring and Summer season approach. Heading to Hawaii will be be warm and humid. But don’t forget, the ship and your cabin is air-conditioned as well as on deck it can be quite chilly from the winds. So you will need a wrap or light jacket to protect you from these conditions. I know many of the gals in our group would often wear long sleeve tops or bring a sweatshirt/windbreaker as we sit and play cards or have a drink.
No. 9 - Shore Excursions
Cruising can best be described as visiting a buffet table. Lots of options to pick, but you can’t have it all. With limited hours in our port of call, varying between 9-16 hours. And of course don’t forget you generally won’t be able to get off till an hour after the ship docks plus be back on the ship an hour before departure (Don’t miss the boat otherwise it will be your responsibility to catch the boat at the next port). This will be a good time to explore your options of what is it you truly would like to do on each of the island. Start making your list and talking to your travel partner or friends, so that you can be ready once the shore excursions are posted for sign-ups.
No. 10 - Pre-Cruise Meet & Greet Social
Hopefully with advance notice many can join us for the upcoming No-Host Pre-Cruise Meet & Greet Social that will be held in Orange County this Summer. Currently, Karen Vaughn and Diana are exploring options for a location site. This is a great chance to meet some of our other fellow cruisers. As well as have an opportunity to talk to Alex & Diana for some “Frequently Asked Questions”. Okay and of course there will be “Eats & Drinks”...how else did you think Roger would be there? Please keep checking with our cruise blog for important dates and information. A handy Master Calendar Timeline is forthcoming with important details in a future “what else”... BLOG ARTICLE...stay tuned!
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