QUEEN MARY DINNER OPTION

You hopefully checked-in and found your way to your Queen Mary Stateroom, got comfortable for the overnight stay and now ready to connect with Roger and Diana. So where are Roger and Diana? Well it’s the Davis’ once again announcing, is it time to “EAT & DRINK” yet?

We have decided not to commit to a group dining venue for this overnight stay on the Queen Mary. With 30 individuals in our group. We explored the option of setting up a group dining at SIR WINSTON’S RESTAURANT and the CHELSEA CHOWDER HOUSE and found the group menu to be very pricey and a limiting group menu selection. As an example our group dinner at SIR WINSTON’S RESTAURANT would range between $63 to $129 plus a 18% service charge and a 9% tax fee per person. At the CHELSEA CHOWDER HOUSE our group menu was cheaper ($40-$60 plus a18% service charge and a 9% tax fee per person), but did not include items from their raw bar as an example. As a result, we have decided that for this reason everyone should decide independently who they would like to have dinner with and make their own reservation arrangement. Keep in mind that a group is considered 10 or more! 

In the meantime you can find Roger and Diana for a pre-dinner cocktail at the CHELSEA CHOWDER HOUSE BAR, say around 5-7pm and then find them in the OBSERVATION BAR

after dinner for a night cap drink! We should be there around 8:30-9:00pm after our dinner at 7pm 
at Chelsea's Chowder House. 

Below is the list of the various dining establishments on the Queen Mary. Be sure you go on-line and explore their website for more details and sample menus.   

OBSERVATION BAR    

http://www.queenmary.com/dining-bars/observation-bar/

1930’s sophistication and style with your classic drink with friends. Whether to meet before dinner or perhaps after for a night cap. This is the Queen Mary Bar that can keep you from that DUI, but be sure you don’t fall off the ship, now! 

CHELSEA CHOWDER HOUSE & BAR 

http://www.queenmary.com/dining-bars/chelsea-chowder-house-bar/

A casual eatery that captures a bit of the British Chowder House feel. The menu here has fresh seafood selections, small raw bar, salads, soups/chowder and a minimal meat selection of a couple of steaks & chicken. The restaurant also has a bar and a bar menu.

SIR WINSTON’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 

http://www.queenmary.com/dining-bars/sir-winstons-restaurant-lounge/

This is the award winning fine ding restaurant for the Queen Mary. The restaurant menu is continental with a wine list. Quality meats & seafood with a la carte selection. Would 

recommend a smart casual attire as this would be considered their formal dining restaurant.

PROMENADE CAFE

http://www.queenmary.com/dining-bars/promenade-cafe/

Is the Queen Mary’s answer to Breakfast-Lunch and Dinner. The cafe offers comfort food classics like gourmet burgers, seasonal salads, fish & chips, Mac & Cheese & meatloaf.

MIDSHIP MARKET PLACE

http://www.queenmary.com/dining-bars/midship-marketplace/

This is your grab and go eatery. Quick Starbuck’s Coffee & pastery, sandwich, yogurt & fruit to name a few items. 

QUEEN MARY - Our Group Pre-Cruise Package

Typically before a cruise out of the Port of Los Angeles, Roger and I utilize a hotel “Stay and Park” at a local hotel in San Pedro. And like all things in life, change happens ...so on this particular cruise, Alex & Ted have been working hard on another option for us which has sparked quite a group interest. 

This pre-cruise opportunity is a very relaxing and comfortable transition to our embarkation day and a fun way to kick-off our cruise. Being that you are there a day before guarantees that you will not have to rush and miss the ship. And because your shuttle will be included you will have a more leisurely arrival to your cruise embarkation. 

Friday October 2, 2015 the Davis Group will be kicking off the pre-cruise at Long Beach’s famous Queen Mary. The current package that had been set up include a Deluxe King (limited availability, please confirm with Alex) stateroom for overnight, parking for your car during our entire 15 day cruise, round trip shuttle to and from the Ruby Princess, full buffet breakfast on embarkation day and of course taxes.  

There are two price package one for singles and another for double. 

The cost for the packages are:

SINGLE:  $206.45      DOUBLE: $241.45

                   

More details will follow as to when we can check-in and what plans we might be having for dinner. But in the meantime as I know curious minds would like to know....Below is a list of fellow cruisers who informed me of their interest and have signed up for our Group Pre-Cruise Queen Mary Package....

1. Roger & Diana Davis

2. Reagan & Fumi Miyasaki

3. Gary Heard

4. Andre Mathieu

5. Wendy & Norm Kilgore

6.  Lee & Bob Spar

7. Rocky & Peggy Alby

8. Jim Berkson & Jan Noce

9. Sean Hagerty & Andrea Babby

10 Stella Hacker & Patricia Fierro

11.JoMary & Michael Murphy

12.Russell Cobb

13.Linda & Duane Davis

14.Sara & Holly Graves

15.Connie King

16.Alex Kuncio & Ted Rodriguez

17.Ross Moodie

In closing, Alex shared with me that the Ruby Princess will be embarking cruisers at one berth and disembarking at another pier. And long term parking for Princess Cruises passengers will be at the disembarkation pier . So those not joining us will have to drop their luggage first and then park your car at long term parking then take the complimentary shuttle back to embark the ship. I will be posting a more detailed description of this procedure on an upcoming blog article.

No worries for those of you on the Queen Mary we will coordinate our shuttle to and from the ship. Relax have a great time & welcome aboard! 

Photo provided by cruiselawnews.com

And the "Winners" are.....

What a great time was had by all ... and I believe Karen had the best time of all of us! Appreciate your help Karen in getting our winner's all lined up for our blog posting. Here are the winner's of the Pre-Cruise Brunch Raffle at Duke's in Huntington Beach. Congratulations to our Winners! 

RAFFLE PRIZES		WINNER’S NAME
Brunch Raffle #1: Duke’s Restaurant Souvenir &1 Paid Brunch .............		Patricia Fierro
Brunch Raffle #2: Chocolate Mac, Postcards, Martini Cards & $25 Shell Gas Card ........		Andre Mathieu
Brunch Raffle #3:Vegas Souvenir Basket ..................................................		JoMary Murphy
Brunch Raffle #4: Aloha Wine Bag & Sparkling Wine ............................		Peggy Alby
Brunch Raffle #5: Red Welcome Aboard Pillow ......................................		Stella Hacker
Brunch Raffle #6: Navy Welcome Aboard Pillow ...................................		Alex Kuncio
Brunch Raffle #7 Crab Bottle Stopper & White Wine ...............................		Lien Burgh
Brunch Raffle #8 Lobster Bottle Stopper & Red Wine .............................		Jim Berkson
Brunch Raffle #9: Journal & $25 iTunes Gift Card ...................................		Buzz Vaughn
Brunch Raffle #10:“Alex”Princess Cruise Coffee Card & Shot Glass .......		Reagan Miyasaki
Brunch Raffle #11:“Alex”Princess Cruise Coffee Card & Chardonnay ......		Dee Dee Pittaluga

Pre-Cruise Brunch Notes!

Notes from:

Roger & Diana's 25th Anniversary Renewal Cruise

PRE-CRUISE BRUNCH 

Sunday, June 28, 2015 - Duke’s Huntington Beach

25 Attendees: Alex Kuncio, Ted Rodriguez, Andre Mathieu, Angie Burgh, Lien Burgh, Buzz & Karen Vaughn, Connie King, Diana & Roger Davis, Dee Dee Pittaluga, Patricia Fierro, Fumi Miyasaki, Reagan Miyasaki, Jan Noce, Jim Berkson, JoMary & Michael Murphy, Norm & Wendy Kilgore, Peggy & Rocky Alby, Ross Moodie, Stella Hacker & Russ Cobb's Substitute: Stacy Miyasaki

WELCOME REMARK & BRUNCH

ANNOUNCEMENTS & FAQ 

⚓ 25th Anniversary Renewal Celebration (Roger & Diana)

Welcome & Thank you for joining us at this Pre-Cruise Brunch Kick-off

Roger & Diana’s 25th Anniversary Renewal Ceremony will be held on

Monday, October 12th - The Sea Day after Maui, more details to follow

⚓ Renewal Party Introductions
Joining us today: Matron of Honor: Karen Vaughn Best Man: Buzz Vaughn

Bridesmaids: Peggy Alby & Stella Hacker, Groomsman: Reagan Miyasaki

Photographers: Rocky Alby, Norm Kilgore

Renewal Officiants: Alex Kuncio & Andre Mathieu

Absent: Groomsman: Russell Cobb & Gary Heard

Photographer Sean Hagerty

⚓ Aloha Attire - Smart Casual Day

Requesting Cruiser Guests to wear Aloha Shirts and Dresses for the Renewal Ceremony

If possible in major colors of Blues-Greens-and accents of Purples-Yellows-Whites-Black 

⚓ Mahalo No Gifts, Necessary!

Your presence is all that Roger and Diana requests

⚓ Shirt Color & Size Selection

Contact Diana or Roger if you have not picked out your color and size for a T-Shirt  

⚓ Postcard - Cruise Blog Address (Diana)

Cruise Blog Address is on the postcard on your table, next to your party favor. Please check-in to the blog as this is our main communication channel. 

⚓ Thank You for Cruise Connection Introductions (Diana)

Mahalo for all your introductions. They are now all on-line. 

Get to to know your fellow cruisers!

⚓ Email & Phone Contact for Cruisers (Diana)

Your Phone Number and Email Address will be shared via a roster

among our group only. This will be sent via email. Check your email inbox. 

It will not be posted on the group cruise blog.

  

⚓ On-Line “Guest Check-In” (Diana)

Check on your Princess Cruises On-Line Check-In. 

You will need to update your & your cabin mate’s personal information.

⚓ Princess Cruises Shore Excursions On-Line (Diana)

Princess Cruises Shore excursions are now on-line.

Roster for Fellow Cruises will be forth coming to inquire about which shore excursions you can perhaps share together.

⚓ Hilo Scuba & Snorkel Dive Excursion (Rocky)

Rocky is coordinating a independent private Scuba and Snorkel Group.

Flyers were distributed. 

Sign-up directly with Rocky

Wine & Liquor Policy (Diana)

There is a ship policy of one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person 

that can be brought aboard on embarkation. If you are not a drinker, 

please contact Diana or Rocky so that we may make arrangements to have 

you bring a bottle(s) for us.

Thank You!

⚓ Chef Table Interest List (Diana)

If you have not done so, please check out the Cruise Blog on the Chef’s Table and contact Diana for sign-ups. She will be attempting to coordinating our group once on board with the Maitre 'd. 

⚓ Speciality Restaurant (Diana)

Please be advised that there will be no formal group sign-ups by Diana for the Speciality restaurants on board the Ruby Princess. Both Sabatini and Crown Grill can be reserved individually or with your favorite fellow cruisers. Plan ahead for the best days! 

⚓ Rummy Card Game (Karen)

There will be two Rummy Game Contest with Prizes coordinated by Karen & Buzz Vaughn

Check both the blog and your Welcome Packet, to be distributed at the Queen Mary

 ⚓ Photo Contest (Rocky)

Our Group Cruise Photographer, Rocky is hosting a Photo Contest.

Check on our Cruise Blog for an advance Preview of the Contest. 

Flyer with details will be in your Welcome Packet

Rocky also offered to assist anyone who is interested in creating a 12 months calendar

of your best photos from this trip. Contact Rocky directly for details.

⚓ Shop-Share & Social (Peggy)

Peggy will be hosting a social event to share your wonderful buys and shopping treasures on the latter sea day after the Hawaiian Islands. So stay tuned for more details and information. Happy Shopping both on the ship and on the islands!

  

⚓ Cabin Door Decoration Contest (Stella)

Stella will be coordinating the Cabin Door Decoration Contest with yes, Prizes!

So here’s your chance to show your creativity, make it personal, establish your theme and have fun... but remember, no X-Rated display, hear that Roger & Ross!  

⚓ Alex’s New Email (Alex)

Alex has a new email address. Check the blog for the details

⚓ Friday, October 2, 2015 - Pre-Cruise Overnight & Parking (Alex)

Contact Alex if you are interested in our Group Pre-Cruise Overnight, Parking, Shuttle & Breakfast on the Long Beach Queen Mary Ship.

Rooms are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Don’t delay!

⚓ Cruise Payment Balance (Alex)

Cruise Balance will be due this mid-July.

Check your cruise booking confirmation for the exact date

or call Alex for assistance. 

⚓ Passport & ID (Alex)

Reminder bring your current Passport and Driver’s License 

and your major credit card

⚓ Other FAQ’s (Alex)

⚓ We will be implementing a pre-paid gratuity payment so as we can move about freely at our Traditional Late Seating Dining without set seating assignments for our group. You may either pay for this with your balance cruise payment or contact Alex to prearrange your payment date before Friday, September 11th.  

RAFFLE

11 prizes were raffled see Cruise Blog for Winners!

THANKS FOR JOINING US

Your Cruise Begins in 97 Days

See you on deck soon! 

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

REMINDER: CHECK IS IN THE MAIL, right?

FRIENDLY REMINDER....DUE By JUNE 6th!
That's this coming Friday! 

Need your check payment for the upcoming Pre-Cruise Brunch on Sunday, June 28th at Duke's Huntington Beach. I need to get our restaurant reservations in. The brunch is reserved for us at 12noon, get there early and meet at the restaurant bar, if you like.  Roger and I will be there by 11am...so come find us!

Thus far our YES RSVP  are.... Andre  - Karen & Buzz - Rocky & Peggy - Norm & Wendy - Michael & JoMary - Ross - Pat - Jim & Jan - Angie - Lien, Ted - Alex & of course Roger & Diana ...still waiting to hear from more!   

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