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... 

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

INDEPENDENT EXCURSION: USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL & PUNCHBOWL

It has been brought to my attention that Princess Cruises Shore Excursion for
Pearl Harbor is on wait list. There are cruisers who are wanting this excursion from our group and Alex has graciously found an alternative option for our group. If you are interested please contact Alex by next Wednesday, September 9th so she can arrange this excursion for our group. 

In the meantime here are the details and information regarding this independent shore
excursion:

USS ARIZONA & USS MISSOURI with PUNCHBOWL CRATER TOUR

The Arizona & Missouri with Punchbowl tour, aka Pearl Harbor Remembered, takes you to the beginning and ending of World War II. You’ll watch a powerful documentary film and board the ferry for the ride out to the Arizona Memorial, which represents the beginning of American involvement in the war. You’ll also have a chance to visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial, which stands as a monument to the 429 sailors who died when that ship capsized during the attack on Pearl Harbor. You will also participate in a guided tour of the USS Missouri, a battleship of the same class as the USS Arizona. The USS Missouri was the scene of the end of World War II as the Japanese signed formal documents of surrender aboard this ship in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. You will see a copy of the Declaration of Surrender on the exact spot where the document was signed.  You will continue downtown with a narrated Honolulu City Tour.  A drive through the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater completes this very popular and very moving tour.

Date: Friday, October 9, 2015

Time: 9am  (Approximate return:4:30pm) 

Maximum: 25 individuals

Transportation: Mini- tour bus with large viewing windows, & pick-up from cruise ship.

Cost: $92.66 (with Hawaii sales tax) per person

What to Bring & Wear: Tour participants should wear respectful attire (shoes must be worn and no swimwear allowed). Due to heightened security no bags, purses, or strollers are permitted at the Memorial. Storage of these items is available for a nominal fee. Cameras and small, hand-carried wallets are permitted.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Cruise Payment Balance Due

Hopefully you have all received your FINAL PAYMENT REMINDER in your email inbox.

Alex has informed me that she has sent them all out and that you all have received them. If this is not the case please contact Alex immediately.

Alex has requested that payment be completed preferably before Thursday, July 16th

as she will be out of the office celebrating her birthday...and so those waiting till Friday, July 17th deadline? Hmmm..... oh that’s right, Alex is a professional...But we know what fun this Salsa Queen can have... so help her out and get your payment in early, please!

I have also posted a blog about pre-paid gratuity. You can pay this with your cruise balance or contact Alex and make arrangements for another payment date. Thank you for agreeing to do this as this will allow our group much more flexibility in our Traditional Dining Seating for dinner. So Thanks for your cooperation...

83 days till embarkation day! 

Pre-Paid Gratuity for Our Group

In speaking with Alex the decision was made to implement a Pre-Paid Gratuity for our group. The main reason for this decision was so that our Late Seating Dining would allow us to not have to have pre-assigned seating for our group. Allowing us the freedom to sit where there is an opening or to adjust our table seating on days that there might be openings due to our group members having chosen to not dine with us that night or their decision to partake in a speciality restaurant for that evening.

You may pre-pay your gratuities with Alex with your cruise balance or contact her directly for another date for payment arrangement.

The gratuity payment is based on the category of your stateroom and they are as noted below:

$12 per person per day Mini-Suites & Suites

$11.50 per person per day All Other Staterooms

This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards and housekeeping staff across the fleet.

Photo provided by Flickr.Dolphinsdock

Our Pre-Cruise Queen Mary Package!

Below is a flyer that was distributed to our cruiser attendees at our Pre Cruise Brunch on Sunday.

There is limited cabins available and on a first come first serve basis.

To confirm that you have reserved a cabin...please contact Alex

at innovative.travel.planner@gmail.com or call her at 949-756-3223.

To guarantee your reservation you will need to send the appropriate payment noted below.

Contact Alex for assistance.

Hope to see you on deck!

Diana & Roger

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

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

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! 

  

Necessary Documentation for our Hawaii Cruise...by ALEX KUNCIO

Dear Cruisers,

I wanted to write a short blog on what you need to bring with you on the Hawaii cruise in

terms of identification and documentation.  Since we are sailing both out of and into Los Angeles, a valid passport is not required……but it really does make life much simpler if you have one.  I highly recommend getting a passport if you don’t have one or making sure that you get your old one renewed.  You never know when a tall dark stranger will invite you to Paris for the weekend on the spur of the moment!!  The process typically takes 4-6 weeks and presently costs $110 plus a $25 execution fee, a total of $135.  If you visit Travel.State.gov all the information you need will be there.  You may always call or email me as well at 959 756-3223.  My new email address is:  innovative.travel.planner@gmail.com

The alternative to having a valid passport is the original or certified copy of your birth certificate along with a second government issued ID such as a driver’s license.  If you are a married woman who has changed her last name, you must also bring your certified copy marriage license to verify your current last name.  As I said before….a passport is soooo much easier and is good for 10 years!

There is another option of a Passport Card,  but this has very limited use.  A Passport Card cannot be use for air travel.  It can only be used if crossing a border with the United States by land or coming into the United States by sea from Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean.  The cost is $30 plus $25 execution fee, a total of $55.  Did I mention that a Passport is so much better?

If you have a passport, please check the expiration date.  Typically, you want an expiration of no less than 6 months from the last day of travel.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other travel matter, please email or give me a call.

Warmest regards,

Alex Kuncio

Innovative Travel Planner, Inc.

Photo provided by Flickr.nathanborror

February 2 to 6, 2015 ...Another Opportunity to C’mon Aboard

This is to announce that there will be another $100 Deposit Sign-Up promotion for the upcoming week of Monday February 2 through Friday February 6, 2015 for the Roger and Diana's 25th Anniversary Renewal to the Hawaiian Islands. Round Trip from the Port of Los Angeles on the Ruby Princess for a 15 day cruise. 

Please contact our travel agent Alex Kuncio during this week... 9am to 5pm, leave a message with your phone number if she is unavailable to talk to you directly. If you will not be available during this promo week, please feel free to contact her in advance so that she can assist you and be prepared to place your deposit during this specified time period. 

Again, this is a special promotion for our group only. Alex can assist you with any specific questions. However, it would be helpful to have your stateroom category available for her. You can check out our cruise blog article at: 

http://rogerdiana25thanniversarycruise.blogspot.com/2014/10/im-cmon-on-board-now-what.html 

to get you thinking or speak directly to Alex to answer your questions.

Again here's another chance to save your dollars in your hand (and Savings Account) and just sign up with a $100 per person deposit or $200 per stateroom to secure a guaranteed spot to fun...hope to see your name on our group cruise roster soon!

Join Us? Hope so! 
Diana & Roger

    

On Deck.... Diana & ... Alex too!

Just wanted to give an “Ahoy Matey” ... to let you know that Alex and I are on a Mexico Getaway Cruise for 10 days on the Grand Princess and may have limited access to assist you.

So from October 30th to November 9th, please leave us an email message with your questions and concerns and we will get back to you on Monday, November 10th...which by the way, hoping you have been checking our Group Cruise Blog...well have you? ....a friendly reminder, Monday November 10th will kick off our Group Cruise Promo Sign-Up., it's only for the week..so check out the details on our Roger & Diana 25th Anniversary Renewal Cruise blog. Gotta go ...I hear my lounge on the Lido deck calling me! Bon Voyage for now...Thanks, Diana

  

I’m C’mon On ‘Board ...Now What?

Yahoo! You made the hardest decision to c’mon aboard with us...as our invitation stated, you now have to make the decision to pick a stateroom. But before we go there. Let’s think about a few things...

• Do you plan to hang out in your room or are you planning to be at the pool, in the bar, at the spa, in activities most of the day and so all you want to do is change your  clothes and sleep in your room?

• Are you a people person? Socializer? Or do you need some solo time away from the group?

• Do you enjoy fresh air and like to sit out and read or relax outdoors frequently?

• Do you tend to get motion sickness?

• Are you claustrophobic? Not thrilled about small, enclosed spaces? 

• Do you like it to be quiet or do you not mind some hustling activities? 

• Do you have requirements for wanting a tub and not just a shower for 2 weeks?

• Do you want to be near our group to interact and socialize or would you rather have privacy and your own space?

• Do you have a request to be near your friend or host? Or want to simply be near an elevator? Or certain location of the ship, like towards the spa or main pool? Internet cafe? Or Skywalker Bar? 

These questions were presented to you so that you can think about your cruising lifestyle for the 15 days aboard the Ruby Princess. If you know what you enjoy then this will help our travel agent Alex know how to assist you in picking just the right room.

Now back to the staterooms...below are links on the Princess Cruise website that

can introduce you to the various stateroom options. However, it boils down to these generalized descriptions...

Mini-Suite 

Inside Stateroom: no window, inside corridor location

Ocean View Stateroom: window or porthole with a view to the outside

Balcony Stateroom: includes a verandah/lanai that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck. Has a shower only.

Mini-Suite Stateroom: a larger cabin & balcony with a separate seating area and full tub & shower. 

Suites & Family Suites; limited availability. Contact Alex.    

Being with a group such as ours can be a lot of fun or overwhelming depending on how much interaction you want. Decide if you would prefer to be close to the group or friends you choose. The convenience to walk down a few door to visit with a friend or lean over your balcony to capture a photo opt of yourself with your neighbor can be a lot of fun. Or you can request for a bit of distance just to have some privacy. The choice is absolutely yours. Just be sure you talk to Alex in your decision when you book... this includes notifying your interest to be near a particular friend and travel buddy too. And yes Alex has Roger and Diana’s stateroom so absolutely request to be by us!

Check out the video and information on the stateroom for the Princess Cruise Line ships. These are general descriptions and each ship has its unique style and character. But may lend  some additional information to help assist your decision before you talk to Alex. Just click on the blue highlighted statement below to explore. Now grab your credit card and place that deposit and you are on your way...let me be the first to welcome you aboard! 

Video to Stateroom 

Staterooms

Photo provided by Princess Cruise Line

Where are the cruise prices?

Why are you not listing the cruise prices for your 25th anniversary cruise? Because cruise prices are constantly and regularly changing till we just about embark onto or the ship fills up! Not to mention prices can vary depending on what kind of stateroom you pick,  to what part of the ship you would like to be located at. Whether you are first time cruiser with Princess Cruises or a returnee. Are you a military retiree? Yes, our travel agent can assist you with possible special benefits...and this is why contacting Alex is your best option. 

New to cruising? What are you talking about Diana? Well in a quick response, you can pick a stateroom such as an interior room with no windows to a mini-suite which has a full tub/shower bathroom and balcony. Then pending which deck or even which part of the ship you choose, can make a price difference. Generally a stateroom located in the middle of the ship is more stable, centrally located and thus cost most. Whereas the front (bow) or the stern (rear) of the ship can be known to be the cheapest, but again availability can make a difference so contact our travel agent.

Alex, our travel agent has all the details and can assist. The again, some of you just have to know... so here you go as of September 29, 2014 the prices are quoted as noted below. AND remember the prices can change until you book to hold your stateroom with a deposit. So what are you waiting for? 

Stateroom Type	Interior	Oceanview	Balcony	Mini-Suite
Departure: Saturday October 3, 2015 Round Trip Los Angeles - Ruby Princess	$1699 **	$2299 **	$2599 **	$3099 **
** Prices noted as of 09/29/2014 from Princess.com and subject to change without notice. Deposit required to secure cruise fare.Cruise fares are based on double occupancy and prices above are per person. Fares above are cruise fare only. Additional taxes, fees, services, travel insurance & port expenses not included. For current & specific pricing and details for our group, please contact our travel agent for assistance. Please contact Alex at Innovative Travel Planner at Bookit1@earthlink.net or 949-756-3223 or Diana at dianamdavis@cox.net.