DINING OPTIONS to ALEX!

MAY 29th was the deadline for Dining Options to Alex.... 

you are now Traditional 2nd Seating - Late Dining at 8pm UNLESS you contacted Alex. If you meant to do so and didn't...best to email her NOW and let her know this weekend so she has it sitting in her email inbox ...first thing Monday Morning! Otherwise, welcome to joining Roger and Diana at 8pm for dinner! See you soon! 

Photo Provided by Princess Cruises

ALEX's NEW EMAIL

Not sure if anyone else made this notation, but Alex has a NEW EMAIL ADDRESS ... it is 

innovative.travel.planner@gmail.com

so change your address book, contact information etc. etc.etc...

you will wanna stay in touch with this fine lady! 

For Your Information,

Diana

LEE & BOB: Cruise Connection

Hi, my name is Lee Spar and my husband is Bob Spar. 

We know Roger and Diana as High School friends.  Although I did not really know Roger in High School, we met and got to know he and Diana while working on our Reunion

committee several years ago.   I must say that it has been our absolute honor to have them as friends.   Diana is one of the best things that happened to our Reunion committee.  She is always intuitive and helpful no matter what we may need.

Bob & Lee 

Bob and I love to travel and have been fortunate to be able to do quite a bit of it, both business and pleasure.  We took our first cruise when we planned an 80th Birthday for Bob’s dad.  We took them and our children Michelle and John to Alaska and we could not wait for the next cruise. 

Some of the places we have been, sometimes cruising and sometimes driving, are to Kenya, Tanzania, Switzerland, West and East Germany, England, Portugal, Spain, Budapest, Estonia, Panama Canal, The Amazon, Brazil, several places in Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Most of France, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Albania, Holland, Romania, Denmark, Czechoslovakia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, and many of the other Caribbean Islands.  I am sure that I have forgotten a few, but given our age, I think I did pretty a pretty good job. 

Friends & Reunions 

We have 2 other couples that we have traveled with for the last 25 years, and due to health problems, they will no longer be able to travel with us.

We have had to decline previous invitations to join the Davis Group because of our other commitments.   When this opportunity opened up, we were more than happy to make our reservation and to enjoy and laugh with all of you.  We are so looking forward to finally meeting everyone.

We plan to continue traveling as long as we can, and to include our children and our grown grandchildren whenever possible. 

We are very happy to be celebrating the 25th wedding anniversary of these 2 very “special” friends.

Davis’ ’ 25th Anniversary Pre-Cruise Social Brunch

FELLOW CRUISERS

"So have you gotten it yet? You know in your mailbox...old school style! It’s your exclusive invitation to our Pre-Cruise Social Brunch at Duke’s in Huntington Beach. Just wanted to send you a reminder that your check which is due by Saturday, June 6th will be your RSVP confirmation to attend. Your check will not be cashed till Friday, June 12th when restaurant reservation will be confirmed with our final count.

Joining us for Brunch thus far are... ANDRE, KAREN & BUZZ, ROCKY & PEGGY, NORM & WENDY, JOMARY & MICHAEL. And still others, right? 

Lots to get excited about fellow cruisers....Delicious Brunch & Drinks, Friends to Reunite with & to Meet, Raffle Prizes that can only be won if you attend, Cruise Announcements & Question & Answer Opportunity.

It's time to get onboard and have some fun & party for our kick-off to our Hawaii Cruise! 

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Diana & Roger

ROSS “Keoni” MOODIE:Cruise Connection

Howzit! Ross Keoni "don't call me haole" Moodie here! 

Anyone ready to join Ross on an excursion? 

Keoni?  Are you Hawaiian?  Were you born in Hawaii? My mother Portuguese Hawaiian, Her fault my nose, red hair and belly. Santa Ana born and raised, no Islands. Spent most summers I can remember as a kid on Oahu; therefore, my pidgin is passible.  No hula. No play the ukulele.  Grind poi and laulau, drink beer, but not Primo, it’s nasty. 

Mom’s ohana, ten keiki.  Lotta relatives on islands. Cousins joke, you need to ask a girl who her parents are, so you don't end up bleeping a cousin.

Enuff about my paternal ohana and on to my COI ohana. I work with da wacky wahini Diana at UCP (University Community Park)  two years.  We kept AP (Adventure Playground) open!  On my eval I commented, “As sands through the hour glass, so goes the days of our lives!”  Next ting I know, Diana go to NCP (Northwood Community Park) and bruddah David Suter my boss again (apparently Dave was the only one who could handle me. I guess I was a handful in those days). Met my brah, Roger when he work out of trailer on Sand Canyon with Karen (talk story later).

Ross ready for a new cruising photo!
This one was from Rome on or Med Cruise. 

Dis my numba two time with Diana and Roger to Hawaii, numba tree cruise with them (Med and Mex). Numba one time, nobody eat slipper lobster, tell them it cockroach.  More for me to grind.  (Warning!!! Cockroach fly in HI! Also in Pidgin it means to steal, so you know cockroach on dis trip). No do this time as lots of food on cruise.  You know, if they have poi on the ship, try it!  It’s good if you like ground pigs feet. It was the trip where First trip, Diana, akamai, did luggage inventory and used everybody to ship food back for the reception.

I can hear the chant already, “Hana Ho!  Hana Ho!  Hana Ho!”

All pau for now.  Goin’ to the islands in May to practice my pidgin, buy my slippahs and see the ohana.  Next time talk okole maluna, pakalolo, mokes, tetas, lolos, honu… 

Later, shaka and ALOHA!

Keoni

DINING OPTION - Let Alex Know....

One of the decisions you will have to make this month is your Dining Option. In fact you will need to notify Alex with your choice by FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2014. Currently, we are “ALL”
assigned to a TRADITIONAL LATE DINING OPTION. Which means you will be having dinner around 8:00 pm and you will have a regular nightly assigned table seating. This option provides you with the same dining room, table, seat and also the same wait staff throughout your cruise.This option also guarantees your table mates to be familiar faces through out the cruise. 

The cruise lines have recently made changes to accommodate passengers needs and interests. There are now various options for dining. 
You can opt’ for...  

Sean & Andrea waiting to dine! 

TRADITIONAL “EARLY SEATING” DINING, 5:30PM

You are assigned to the same dining room with the same table, same wait staff and same time.Recommended for those wanting to be sure they can catch an evening performance show. As not all shows are double scheduled for late dining cruisers.

TRADITIONAL “LATE SEATING” DINING, 8pm

You are assigned to the same dining room
with the same table, same wait staff and same time.Good option for those wanting time to get ready leisurely after excursion and a day in port. Also for those enjoying late night activities, this dining option will allow you to take a nap prior to dinner.

ANYTIME DINING, Dinner service 5pm-10pm

This is a new popular dining venue on the ship for cruisers. You can show up at anytime you like within the dinner service time frame. There is open seating and so you will more likely be sitting with someone new nightly. You may also bring a fellow cruiser with an anytime dining option to be seated with you. Just line up together and as you get escorted in ask to be seated together. If you like or if you have a large party, it is recommended you call in advance for a specified reservation time. This may require 1-3 days in advance. But you will not have to wait in line as there is a designated reservation line for you.

Each of these dining option will have the same daily menu. You can also choose to participate in Room Service, Buffet, the Pizzeria or the speciality restaurant for an additional fee with required reservation for this restaurant option. So think about what will work best for you and be ready as Alex will need to know this information by FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015 - 5pm. 

Remember you are currently assigned to TRADITIONAL “LATE” DINING, if you want to change from this option please contact Alex. Your dining option is required as it will be placed on your cruise card. 

FYI, for ROGER & DIANA, we have decided on.... "TRADITIONAL LATE SEATING" DINING! 

  

REAGAN : Cruise Connection

Hey There....Meet, REAGAN MIYASAKI !!!  

Diana’s younger middle brother. And Roger’s brother-in-law & buddy pal. Did you know that Reagan and Roger have their birthday one after another? Yup Dec 11th is Reagan’s and Roger’s the 12th. No wonder trouble attracts one another. Reagan is number 1 of two of Fumi’s sons (Ladd is the youngest of Fumi’s 3 kids) Reagan has a girlfriend Tauni who is not much on traveling. But his one & only truly love, is his Jack Terrier Mix Dog,  “Dots”! She would have gladly joined him had Princess Cruises allowed dogs, NOT! So Reagan will have to enjoy family and friends for a change.

Like Roger and Diana, Reagan enjoys laughing out loud, tasting different and delicious cuisines and enjoy being with family and friends. So that’s why he didn’t hesitate to sign up to “C’mon Aboard” this Hawaiian Island cruise. Hanging around Diana and Roger he knows you can count on a good time. Certainly lots of laughter and fun. So why wouldn’t you join them, right? Heck it’s certainly better then working for goodness sake!

On this cruise Reagan will be Fumi’s roommate. Although being that his stateroom is right next to Diana and Roger’s. He’s counting on a direct tie to a great time and will no doubt be keeping Diana company as  he knows Roger loves his sleep and nap time. Reagan is an early riser and so if you are too. Be sure you connect with him and rendezvous at the International Cafe on Plaza deck 5 or check him out in the Internet Cafe. Don’t be surprise to see Diana sipping an early cappuccino with him as well.

Reagan, like Fumi, Karen & Buzz has not missed any of Roger and Diana’s Renewal Celebrations. And he was certainly not going to loose this honorable status by not showing up for the Finale Renewal. By the way, Reagan wants to know if he gets a prize for showing up to all these renewals. It can be quite exhausting to laugh so much that your side hurts, to not miss eating delicious food and creating memorable lifetime memories to cherish...but Reagan will do it! 

You can be sure to catch Reagan on the Sun deck 16 for “Movie Under the Stars” or join him for a “Sea Breeze” at the Calypso Bar and then challenge him to a game of Progressive Rummy. Though the tip here is to change his other favorite drink, “Ice Tea” to Sea Breeze and add extra vodka  so you might have an edge to win (hear this tip Peggy?) 

Asian food is Reagan’s absolute favorite so heading off port will be a culinary delight for him in the Hawaiian Islands. Reagan can’t wait for that fresh sweet juicy Hawaiian Pineapple and of course he is counting on his sister Diana to show him the way for all the local kine ono food, manaupa, siamen, kalua pork, malasadas, adobo stew, shaved ice, Kahuku Shrimp and sweet homegrown papayas and oh so many more.... oh my mouth is watering too! Hey Reagan, maybe Matsumoto will have Blue & Orange T-Shirts, your favorite color, Brah’!

So when Reagan is not hanging around Roger and Diana he is often playing with his APPLE computer, iPad, iPhone and other gadgetry. I’m sure we’ll see him on Plaza Deck 5 at the Internet Cafe. Reagan also loves DIY projects, Gardening, Music, Recreational Vehicles and he also Scuba Dive as well (Hear that Alex, Ted, Rocky & Gary, SCUBA!) When are shore excursions on line anyway??  

So to recap a bit here,  Reagan hopes to relax, have fun, eat-drink, spend time with friends and family! Reagan does have a bit of concern with the sea days but after talking to his sister, don’t think there’s gonna be enough time to be bored. Oh and he has to share this (sorry Roger), his favorite cruising moment? Caribbean Cruise 15th Anniversary Renewal, Roger’s finest moment at the reception “‘Peed in his Pants “ - Ask him to share that story. OMG...see you guys on deck for more fun moments! 

     

EDITOR'S SHORE EXCURSION PICKS!

Diana at KCC Farmer's Market

Diana loves the Hawaiian Islands and so do many others which is why the Hawaiian Islands are bombarded with over 8 million visitors a year. With only a day in port, one cannot have it all so what is it that one, should do? 

Well first I would pick what you “enjoy” and then “balance your excursion choices” between the ports you will be visiting. Perhaps a little sightseeing, participatory interactive activity, a bit of memorable cultural enlightenment and perhaps a bit of sun and fun? Whatever it is, planning ahead will make it a far more pleasurable time. 

So to assist those who might still be wondering “What shore excursions should I pick?”  Here’s my paradise island picks, if I were signing up for shore excursions on Ruby Princess.... 

Hawaii, Hawaii - Port of call: Hilo

BIG ISLAND or ORCHID ISLE 

VOLCANOES-VOLCANOES-VOLCANOES....The Big Island is about active volcanoes and I would take this opportunity to add this to my travel adventures visiting this World Heritage Site, Volcanoes National Park. I would take a bus tour verses a helicopter tour as I am saving my helicopter excursion adventure for another island port. There are a number of Volcanoes tours that will meet your specific interests.You can go on-line now and check out some potential options before the actual excursions are posted for our cruise.

Oahu, Hawaii - Port of Call: Honolulu, Hawaii

GATHERING PLACE 

Lucky for us Honolulu will be the longest port stay for our ship. And my Oahu shore

excursion pick would be Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial for sure. This is a must do if you haven’t done so. It will give you a profound sense of honor and respect for those who fought this attack for us. 

Then for your late afternoon evening experience, head to Waikiki for a waterfront sunset cocktail and some last minute shopping or make it easy and sign up for a luau or a sunset cruise. Honolulu with its aloha energy and gorgeous skyline lights are some incredible photo opportunity and heck an umbrella drink with some Hawaiian music to enjoy will embed your memories for a lifetime. Oahu certainly touched my heart in more ways then one can imagine! 

Kauai, Hawaii - Port of Call: Nawiliwilil 

GARDEN ISLE

On the island of Kauai there are fabulous natural wonders, some of my favorites are the the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Wailua River with the Fern Grotto, and Na Pali Coast. For those who love the high adventures this is the port where you want to shoot for those activities so check out the zipline, tubing the Hanamaulu Ditch, Off- Roads, Trekking, Kayaking and the Zodiac Ride & Snorkel.

My favorite? Do the longest helicopter ride possible! I will always treasure 

my memory of having Kenny G playing through my headphones as I was flying through the arch of the Waimea Canyon and then tipping from the red, rust and orange sedimentary layers of the canyon walls to the steep drop emerald green mountains of Na Pali to the Blue Ocean floors of the Pacific...simply breath-taking!

Not thrilled about the heights of the helicopter or the adventures of the great outdoor. Well then, I would check and see if Princess Cruise is offering the Hollywood Movie Tour of Kauai might be a fun excursion as I recall there have been over 50 movie productions

that have been filmed on this island. Now which have you seen? 

Maui, Hawaii - Port of Call: Lahaina

VALLEY ISLE

As with many and I am not an exception,  Maui is often noted for being everyone’s favorite

Hawaiian Island. Maui No Ka Oi -- "Yes, Really?” Check out the Cruise Connection blog articles by our cruisers who share this same thought.  We all have our reasons of course and for Roger and I it is a sentimental reason as we got married just off of Molokini Isle on a catamaran, some 25 years ago, Yikes! So naturally my recommendation for a shore excursion would be for you to enjoy Molokini Crater snorkeling or diving.

My alternate shore excursion is to simply take the tender off the ship and savor and explore this historic whaling village of Lahaina. This West Maui hot spot has an quaint waterfront town with numerous art galleries, restaurants, bars and shops. I guess I feel very much at home here because it reminds me of my Southern California hometown of Laguna Beach. Last call for souvenirs to take home...wonder where I can find a coconut

postcard...you know where you write your message on a coconut and mail the whole coconut, yes really, not kidding!!!

Ensenada , Mexico

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR 

If I were to pick a shore excursion it would be to visit Ensenada’s Guadalupe Valley Wine Country which is located just northeast of Ensenada. This wine country is in the forefront of the Baja wine movement and is home to over 50 wineries. Check out an excursion that will allow you to “sip & savor” of course! 

However for Roger and I, our favorite Ensenada excursion is to take the ship’s shuttle into downtown Ensenada and head to “See, Shop & Savor” on Avenida de Matteo Lopez..okay so it's SAVOR-SEE-SHOP! This is the main street for Ensenada and the cobblestone street is a place to see & explore, shop AND barter. Of course drink and eat to savor mexican culinary delights abound if you are willing. I also recommend you head to the fish market by the water and see all of the daily catch.Great photo opportunity! Roger and I personally, enjoy getting off the ship as soon as we can to have a fish taco for breakfast and a mexican seafood cocktail to follow. We then walk around and explore the various shops and then plan to have fresh handmade tortillas with fire roasted chicken for lunch., did you get that Peggy & Rocky?! And for others...there is Hussong’s Cantina, Papas & Beers and Senor Frogs, oh my youthful days, best to “keep my mouth shut” of some crazy memories! Let's say... "What happens in Ensenada, Stays in Ensenada" ... don't ask & don't tell!!

Photos by Princess Cruise Shore Excursions

   

STELLA : Cruise Connection

For those of you who know me and my preferences for travel, you’re probably asking “why would Stella sign-up for a cruise?” There are only two reasons I would sign-up for a cruise...Roger and Diana!

Diana & Stella - sisters by heart! 

From our first meeting at the City of Irvine, I felt a connection to this beautiful gal and Roger. Roger was instrumental in teaching me the in’s-and out’s of purchasing :-) and I’ll NEVER forget those lessons, Rog! After almost 25 years, and constant nagging from Diana :-) retirement called to me 2007. Paul retired from LA County Fire in 2003.

My hubby and I have attended several of Diana and Roger’s renewals and adventures and our cruising experiences have been only with Di and Rog...all fantastic! Paul and I were thrilled when our tender recovered from its Poseidon adventure and we made it safely back to the ship on our Mediterranean cruise. The reason we enjoy traveling with the Davis’ is their ability to make everyone feel special, whether you are an old friend or new acquaintance and the atmosphere, no matter where we are, is all about having fun.

Normally, you would find Paul and me on the East Face of Everest or hiking 200 miles

Paul & Stella from 17,000 ft 

across England. We love the outdoors and all its recreational activities...hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, you name it, we probably do it. There’s a special feeling we get at 17,000ft, gazing across the magnificence of the Andes or Himalayas, soaking in the views of our incredible earth and living simply. We never get homesick, although after months on the road, a big bowl of rice and some tofu taste pretty darn good. 

Paul and I also enjoy being “trailer trash.” We own a 21ft travel trailer which has made many journeys back and forth across the USA and Canada. Believe it or not, our marriage survived after spending 9 weeks together in our little “Palace on Wheels.” 

Although I love adventure and pushing the envelope, it's not to say I don’t enjoy kicking back and relaxing. Give me a stack of trashy magazines, some good coffee, flannel

Sisters so different & yet the same! 

pajamas, My Sis, "Diana" and I’m a happy camper for hours on end. And then there’s food! Oh how I love to eat! Currently Paul and I are eating our way through the 61 Best Latin Restaurants in Orange County and 101 Cheap Eats in LA.

I’m looking forward to this cruise because I will have just completed a 500 mile bicycle ride across Oregon and Roger promised he would care for my tender, bruised and abused parts on all the sea days.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart”

Confucius

PREPARING FOR SHORE EXCURSION SIGN-UPS

Well soon you will be approached with the decision of what shore excursions you will need to pick. But like a kid in a candy store or you at a buffet table you need to know that you won’t be able to have it all. With our ship anchored in port for one day on each island with only 9-16 hours pending the island. AND be sure to remember that you more then likely won’t be able to get off the ship till after an hour after the anchor is set plus you will need to get back at least an hour before the ship’s departure time...well you are now looking at a reality of 7 to 14 hours! So being efficient and making the best choice is the success of a great shore excursion.

In my opinion the safe, guaranteed and no-worry bet is to utilize Princess Cruises Shore Excursions. If the shore excursions gets caught up in traffic (yes, the islands have traffic & grid lock too) and the excursion is late. The cruise line will be responsible and will hold the ship till the group arrives. Not so much, if you chose to pick “your independent” and “cheaper” excursion that you found on the internet yourself. Miss the boat and you are responsible to get to the next island to catch up. Something to think about for sure!

The other thing to think about, is to decided what you would like to see and experience on each island. There are Helicopter Rides on just about each of the island but so are Sightseeing Drive and Visits. Oh what to do??? Do you want an active excursion, kayaking, biking, trekking or do you want to lounge on the beach? Is shopping your thing? Or do you want to have a Hawaiiana Cultural excursion? Each island has its highlights and beauty.

I recommend you go on-line “NOW” and check out Princess.com > Ships & Experience > Ports & Excursions.  #1 Select a Destination (Hawaii), #2 Select a Port of Call (Hilo, Hawaii / Honolulu, Hawaii / Kauai ‘Nawiliwili’, Hawaii / Maui ‘Lahaina’ Hawaii and our last ports of call Ensenada Mexico).

These excursions and ports of call will be a good indication of sample excursions and highlights of each of the ports of call. If you viewed my previous blog article “Important Cruise Deadlines for your Calendar”, it is anticipated that Princess will be posting our cruise shore excursion anywhere from 140 - 75 days prior to our embarkation date of October 3. Which means that Princess will be starting to post shore excursions as early as the week of May 12th to as late as the week of July 21st. Why the lengthy window of time? Because Princess reps will be negotiating independent island excursions for their cruisers and these details often require time and detail contract preparations.

So check back frequently during this period under Princess.com Log-In>Booked Guests > Cruise Personalizer>Excursion Reservations.  There is a wish list option for you to consider,if you like.. 

Its been my experience that if its something that is a “must do” or a close to my “heart bucket list gotta have” sign-up early and use your diligence. You won’t regret it!  Now might also be a good time to talk to fellow cruisers about what excursions they will be taking and asking if you can share the excursion experience by coordinating your sign-ups together. Though it might be the same excursions the time can vary and you maybe assigned to different groupings. So if you want to share it with another fellow cruisers get in touch and coordinate the registration!

Not everyone is planning to head to a shore excursion, maybe because they have visited Hawaii before and done it or may have friends and family that they plan to visit on the islands. Whatever the choice, be sure you do not miss the boat and allow yourself ample time to get back to the ship. In the Princess Patter there is ‘Emergency Contact for Princess Cruise Passengers', in case you miss the ship” so check that out in your daily newsletter and have that information with you. Just remember the expenses to catch up to the ship will be yours! So plan accordingly.

Oh and here's a veteran cruiser tip ...if you are not planning to get off the ship...take advantage of the quietness of the ship and enjoy the public areas without the crowd and contact the spa and see what kind of specials are running for treatment at a discount. Good opportunity to enjoy this indulgence!  

Lastly since many often inquire and would like to know.......Roger and I, we will not be participating in the sign-ups of Shore Excursions at this point. Our plan is to visit friends on some of the islands that we will be visiting. Or catch Roger and I at a local restaurant or bar as we par take in our favorite “ono-licious” Hawaiian fare in between roaming for some sightseeing shopping for fun!

Happy exploring...it’s under a 200 days now till our ship leaves the Port of Los Angeles!

Photo provided by BestPlacesHawaii