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 ! 

SEEK - SHOP - SHARE - SOCIAL by Peggy

Its me, Peggy.... and if you recall, I wanted to remind you all of my announcement at the Pre-Cruise Brunch about our SEEK-SHOP-SHARE-SOCIAL. Hopefully you got a chance to check out and reference Diana’s two favorite shopping picks in a previous blog article. Remember they are in the ports of Honolulu, Oahu and Lahaina, Maui. 

On our past Asia Cruise in 2013, we had this great opportunity to share our shopping finds, laugh with some companionship and of course enjoy some drinks and stories. Diana has asked me to coordinate this event for our Hawaii Cruise and I thought I would try and encourage you all to join us with your special upcoming purchases in advance.

Once on board you will receive an invitation to join us with the time and location so stay tuned. In the meantime, all you need to do is shop-shop-shop and we will all look forward and try not to be jealous... that you found a great deal and an incredible item. Will you try and keep track of where you found it tho’...just in case I can’t live without it and have to come back to Hawaii to get it? Oh what a pitty that would be, wouldn’t it?

Lastly, my hubby Rocky will also be involved at this same time with our Photo Contest judging. So stay tuned for more details on that event too. Having too much fun! I’m ready to c’mon aboard now...see you on deck soon! 

Shop till You Drop in Paradise - Two of Diana’s Favorites!

Which bag to take for my shopping spree?! 

With the Hawaiian Islands being a tourist mecca. You can count on shopping opportunities. Both Honolulu Oahu and Lahaina Maui are two of my favorites and will be great opportunities to find some unique island items to take home. 

In Honolulu there are must shop locations such as Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ward Village Shopping Center and of course Waikiki Beach with its numerous ABC Stores, Royal Hawaiian Center, Luxury Row and other small independent stores and centers off Kalakaua & Kuhio Avenue. 

Lahaina will have Front Street along the waterfront with the likes of Old Lahiana Center and The Outlets of Maui. Like Laguna Beach it has small souvenir and independent store shops and with a bit of a walk or a short taxi drive away check out Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Check out the websites I have mentioned to help you  assist in planning out your shopping and hopefully restaurant exploration for you adventures in Honolulu & Lahaina. 

  

  

Progressive Rummy by Karen & Buzz

Ahoy Fellow Cruisers!

   

Some of you already know the Progressive Rummy Game that Roger and Diana have taught many of us. If not, stay tuned as we heard that they have plans to gift you all with a set of cards, the rules of the game and a score sheet for your enjoyment and endless hours of entertainment....depending on your competitiveness. Grab an experienced player and learn the ins and outs of this really fun card game.

Truth be told, the game was introduced to them by Linda Kadis Davis, who with husband Duane, had to cancel their cruise due to medical reason. But here’s to you Linda & Duane, for keeping us all entertained for many, many hours!!

So on this cruise, Diana and Roger would like to make a little contest out of the game. They have anointed Karen and Buzz as guardians of the galaxy...oops...different game...of the contest so we are providing you with a few rules and procedures here.

Two Winners!

First, only games played during our days at sea will count. Because we have two segments of days at sea - at the beginning and end of our cruise - there will be two prize winners - one for each set of days at sea on this cruise! That means you may enter your scores for games played at sea on the first leg of our journey from Los Angeles to Hilo, Hawaii. Then you may also enter your scores for games played on the second set of sea days of the cruise -  Maui, Hawaii to Ensenada, Mexico. Here’s how it will work:

We will be collecting score sheets that wish to be entered prior to arrival in Hilo, Hawaii, our first land stop and the person with the lowest score of all the entries on this trip segment will be the winner. 

Then we will collect the next set of score sheets wishing entry the day prior to leaving Ensenada, Mexico, our last stop. The lowest score for all the entries in this segment of the trip will be the winner. 

Both winners will be announced and awarded their prizes at dinner the night we depart for home from Ensenada. If one person has the lowest score for both segments, that person may win both prizes. So, play often and play well. You never know what will wind up being the lowest score with these many people playing.

Entry

To enter the contest, please use an official score sheet! Contact either the Vaughns or Davises if you need one.  You must play with a minimum of 3 players total or a maximum of 5 players total. You can enter scores sheets as many times as you wish and your official score sheet should include the names of all players in the game.

Turn in your score sheet to Karen or Buzz Vaughn, or leave it in the mail box by our door (D201) prior to each of these deadlines. Again, you may enter as many times as you wish and only Karen and Buzz will know the scores that are entered. 

Best of luck and enjoy your game time!!

Cheers!!

Karen and Buzz

Dolphin 201

Photo provided by Amazon.com

THINGS ONE OUGHT NOT DO WHILST IN ONE’S CABIN by Roger

In case you hadn’t noticed, the cabins on the cruise ship are not only rather cramped but the walls are very thin without much insulation so it’s kinda like being in the room next to another.  Due to this type of construction, noises and odors seem to circulate.  Therefore, tone down the arguments; try to keep the sex at a more reasonable level; don’t smoke (tobacco and other medicinal products) or light candles or incense; use heavy perfume; and, especially for Roger, avoid the emission of noxious odors.

Don’t iron clothes in the cabin (there are irons in the various laundry rooms) and don’t use a hotplate (why on earth one would have a hotplate is beyond comprehension).  Also, for some reason you can only use a hair dryer at the desk.....not in the bath room as one would expect.

Although you might feel you are alone in your cabin.....one never knows.  You’ll be in for a major surprise if you’re running around naked with the curtain open and a crew member is outside cleaning the balcony glass or doing some painting or other maintenance chores.  Speaking of balcony’s, don’t leave the balcony door open and don’t hang items out to dry on the balcony.  Of course there are those of us that actually do enjoy flashing..........so have at it if that’s your thing!!

Don’t leave items on the floor and/or make a mess.  You’re in unfamiliar surroundings so you may trip over items at night when you get the calling at bed time.

And it goes without saying, don’t steal the towels and bathrobes!!  And don’t leave items in the safe when you leave......duh!

Other than the above, enjoy yourself and have a good time.  And if you want to ignore the tip about loud sex...........go for it!!  We only live once.

PRINCESS CRUISES’ ALCOHOL POLICY

That's right, ONE BOTTLE only! 

The alcohol policy for Princess Cruises basically states that individual cruisers can bring 

ONE (1) bottle of Wine or Champagne per adult of drinking age per voyage and the bottle may not be larger then 750ml. In addition, if you consume your bottle in your stateroom you will not incur a $15 corkage fee per bottle. If you choose to bring additional bottles a $15 corkage fee per bottle will be charged regardless of where you choose to consume it. It is also my understanding that those who are cruising solo can still only bring 1 bottle per person.

Below is the Princess Cruises’ Alcohol Policy as stated on their website:  

As provided in the Passage Contract, guests agree not to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind onboard for consumption, except one bottle of wine or champagne per adult of drinking age (no larger than 750 ml) per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a $15 corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of our policy will be removed and discarded.*

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise.  A member of the ship's staff will be at the gangway to assist guests with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while our Boutiques staff will assist guests with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

*Princess Cruises is not responsible for any alcoholic beverages removed and discarded by shoreside security staff.
Such items are not eligible for monetary refund or replacement. 

Cruise Ship Docking & Other Port Helpful Information

Please be advised that changes can occur for cruise docking and that this information was based on my finding as of 09/02/2015, I found the following cruise docking schedule for the Ruby Princess on the Hawaii Department of Transportation for Harbors . Click on the highlight phrase or word  for more information and explore.

HILO  “BIG ISLAND” HAWAII - Thursday, October 8, 2015 

Cruise ships dock at piers in Kuhio Bay on Kuhio St approximately 2 miles east of downtown. Shuttles may be provided to Walmart and the adjacent Hilo Hatties at Prince Kuhio Plaza 2 miles south of the pier. The Downtown Farmer's Market may also offer a free shuttle.

Here is a google map of the cruise ship dock in Kuhio Bay on Kuhio Street, Hilo, Hawaii

For More Cruise Port Information & Maps

Check out - “CruisePortWiki - Hilo” 

HONOLULU “THE GATHERING PLACE” OAHU - Friday, October 9, 2015

I checked out the link below on the Hawaii Department of Transportation for Harbors and found that the RUBY PRINCESS on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015 is currently scheduled to be docked at the Primary cruise ship terminal Pier 2. It seems there are two cruise terminals and Pier 2 cruise terminal is at the West end of Channel Street, off Ala Moana Boulevard. This is not the Aloha Tower Cruise Terminal. 

Here is a google map of Honolulu Cruise Terminal Pier 2 

For More Cruise Port Information & Maps

Check out - “CruisePortWiki - Honolulu” 

NAWILIWILI,  “GARDEN ISLE” KAUAI - Saturday, October 10, 2015

Cruise ships dock at the port by the town of Lihue which is the commercial center of the island. Free shuttles run to car rental offices, Hilo Hatties, Kmart (beside Kuhio Grove), Walmart, and smaller malls from the pier. Kalapaki beach is nearby.

Here is a google map of  “Nawiliwili Bay” 

For More Cruise Port Information & Maps

Check out - “CruisePortWiki - Nawiliwili”

LAHAINA, “VALLEY ISLE” MAUI - Sunday, October 11, 2015 

The seaside town of Lahaina is located on the westside of the island of Maui

Cruise ships anchor offshore and tenders take passengers to Lahaina Harbor

Here is a google map of the seaside town of “Lahaina & Lahaina Harbor”

For More Cruise Port Information & Maps

Check out - “CruisePortWiki - Lahaina” 

Photos provided by CruisePortWiki

Roger’s Top 10 Thumbs Up Reason for this Hawaii Cruise!

1. To hang out and be with Roger and Diana and, of course, eat and drink.
2. Being there on board ....Simply because you can!  You’re not dead, you know!!
3. Good Food & Drinks and as much as you like! Did I already mention this?
4. Lots of Laughs and Laughter- special moments & stories
5. Meeting new and old friends - great reunions too!  Some you’ve already met??
6. Visiting the Hawaiian Islands (and on this cruise 4 major islands).
7. Lifestyle cruise, its living the good life! You have earned it!!
8. Being a part of both real and imaginary cruise stories to be shared.
9. Last Call for Roger & Diana’s Renewal Ceremony ...and you were there!
10. Experiencing the Aloha Spirit and did I mention....eating and drinking? 

On Your Own in Hilo...free shuttle to Hilo Farmer's Market & Downtown Hilo!

If you are on your own in Hilo which is our first port of call, this maybe of interest to you. I came across this website for the Hilo Farmer’s Market that offers cruise ship passengers free shuttle to the Hilo Farmer’s Market and Downtown Hilo. It is approximately 2 miles between the ship and downtown Hilo. Check out this link on HILO FARMER”S MARKET and decide whether this will work for you? Be sure you read the details as you do need to call and make advance reservations via email and its good until 11:00am only and our ship docks at 9am. Worth a peek if you are thinking of exploring downtown!   

Photo provided by Hilo Farmer's Market

PRINCESS@SEA & Internet Minutes

DON’T FORGET..to bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop on this cruise and here’s why!    

PRINCESS@SEA: Everything at your fingertips... while on board the 

Ruby Princess cruise ship. You will have access to PRINCESS@SEA

which connects to your personal electronic device with the Ruby Princess

ship’s Wi-Fi. No cellular or data charges required and it operates in 

“Airplane Mode”. 

Be advised that some portions of PRINCESS@SEA requires the creation of a user ID and password before proceeding. These include My Stateroom Account and My Cruise Planner which can be found on the Home Page.

Once you are on board, you can create an account and then open your browser and PRINCESS@SEA will be the default page that appears. Type in your browser “ruby.princess.com”  and then you can begin to explore:

HOME: Shows a sampling of today’s events while welcoming you to the next port

of call or encouraging you to enjoy your day at sea.

EVENTS: Show casing the current events and activities available to you throughout 

the ships.

INTERNET: Connecting to the internet is easy via Princess@Sea.

For more information about PRINCESS@SEA , double click and check it out!

PLUS: Check out your stateroom account, General Information from you stateroom directory, Itinerary, Locations, Hours and more including Internet access.

Check out Princess Cruises website under BOOKED GUESTS > CRUISE GIFTS & SERVICE>INTERNET & IN-CABIN CALLING for pre-purchase internet minutes. Buy them on-line and get those extra bonus minutes! 

TRAVEL GADGETS... that you might want to consider

Are you still making out your packing list? Came across this article below that I thought you might want to look over. Also here are a couple of my handy tips if you are interested that I like to bring with me... make a list? ...Diana 

• Removable hooks that are very handy. I generally place them near the hallway door... to hang our shore excursion back pack and another for Roger’s hat.
• Post-it Notes are a must for writing reminders that I can place on the mirror.
• Night Light with a on-off switch
• Power strip for all my extra gadgets
• Headlight or small flashlight in case of emergency 
• Booklight especially if you have a roommate

Cruise Critic Article

10 Gadgets That Enhance Your Cruise Experience

Diana's Pre-Packing Tips for Hawaii Cruise on the Ruby Princess!

I thought I would share some helpful tips from my recent visit aboard the Ruby Princess. On this 15 day cruise being organized and efficient can alleviate that “over packing” and “whoops I forgot syndrome issue”. Listed below are some possible helpful pointers to assist in this pre-cruise task... 

✪ There will be 3 Formal
Nights...which means tux or a dark suit and tie for the men.

For the women folks formalwear can be that little black dress or for fun time take out that glittery long New Year’s evening gown for the glitz night. Those not wanting to dress up can settle for room service or head to the Buffet. The option is of course yours! 

✪ 12 Smart Casual Days. The key here is mix and match work style outfits and to 

     accessorize your casual wear with shirts, tops, pants, skirts scarves and jewelry for 

     the women folks. And for the men? Remember no shorts or sandals in the dining 

     room. Hear that Roger and Reagan! Collared Shirts, Big Boy long pants & shoes!

✪  As we cruise towards the Hawaiian Islands it can be come very humid. But   

     remember on the cruise ship the air conditioning are going at full blast so remember 

     to bring a sweater or light cover-up top. And be mindful that as you walk on the 

     deck it can be extremely windy and cool!

✪ There are laundry facilities on board the ship. So remember to bring you detergent 

    pods and dryer sheets. There are ironing boards as well in the laundry room for touch 

    ups!

✪ Plenty of pools and jacuzzi’s to enjoy - So don’t forget your swim suit and cover-up as 

    well as your sandals or flip flops.

✪ The toiletries in the bathrooms are very minimal. They have a shampoo conditioner 

     and a bath gel that is refilled in a dispenser. So if you have your favorite products, I 

    would bring them along.

✪ The wall unit hair dryer on board for the women may not be up to your standards so 

     if you use one I would bring one from home. 

✪ There seems to be plenty of hangers on board, but a helpful tip is to bring some of 

     your outfit pre-arranged on disposable wire hangers...I like to set-up my outfits by each 
     day. This will alleviate any extra clothing for that over stuffed suitcase. Karen and Buzz 
     love their foldable garment bag for this option!

✪  You can also count on the Ruby Princess Ship to have shopping opportunities.

      Look for discounts in your welcome booklet and daily promo flyers in the Princess 

      Patter Newsletter.

✪ Our 25th Anniversary Renewal Ceremony will be Alohawear ...which means 

    Aloha Shirts and Sundress/Hawaiian Style Dresses with sandals or flip flops. We are 

    not doing a formal white wedding. C’mon we did that at our 5 year renewal in Vegas, 

    remember?

✪ Wanna be a “fashonista and color coordinated” for our Renewal Celebration? Pick 

    any color shades of BLUE, like the sea, GREEN like the tropical Island, WHITE like 

    the white caps of the waves, BLACK like the volcanic sand beaches and you will fit 

    right in!   

  ✪ And if you like, you can shop while in the Hawaiian islands as our renewal ceremony 

    celebration will be held on Monday, October 12th which is the day after we 

    leave Lahaina Maui --- the final Hawaiian Island Port of Call! 

✪ Wanna shop now? Check out the following links for ideas for hawaiian clothes.... 

✪ Here are some links to some Hawaiian style clothing

http://www.shakatime.com

http://www.lavahut.com 

http://www.papayasun.com

http://www.alohaz.com

http://hawaiianclothingfactory.com

http://www.alohaoutlet.com

http://www.alohafunwear.com

http://www.jadefashion.com 

http://www.hilohattie.com 

http://www.hawaiianoutpost.com

http://www.hawaiianshirtsinc.com

http://www.mauishirts.com