Wanted to let you know that Roger and I booked the Pre-Cruise Hilton Over-night in Long Beach.
Did this on our last cruise from San Diego and we found it to be very relaxing. Had fun with our friends the night before as we were all so very excited and it was fun to share the thrill with others. It was particularly delightful for me, as I found myself not rushing to the last minute as I often do and instead relaxed.
Alex our travel agent said the bartender at the hotel was a hoot (and Alex should know as she is a hoot!) Let’s hope this person is there when we are.
There will be a number of us signing up for this and so it should be lots of fun. I’m sure you will easily find us laughing in the hotel lounge. The details are below. All you have to do is call Alex, if you care to join us… please don’t delay as Alex has informed me that this pre-cruise deal can be canceled by Hilton at anytime…
Let me know if you have any other questions otherwise give Alex a call to reserve this special deal she has for our group. You can reserve it now and then work out your travel details. If you have to cancel you can do so a week before the cruise, if you need too. But seriously, why would you...you'd just miss more fun with us!
Well as of today, it’s only 70 days till we meet on deck! Are you getting excited? I know I am…Have a couple of updates and some reminders for you…so check it out and check it off!
· Reminder: our deadline for our final payment is due October 1st. I know you know that, just a reminder!
· Update: You will be receiving through email an invoice for our cruise by next week sometime. Alex is currently, working on getting these sent out. Please be patient…we have 50 individuals coming on board. Yahoo! Check your email inbox and also your spam/junk box as the invoice is a Carnival Cruise Invoice, so your computer may shuffle it as junk mail or spam.
· Update: Alex got us another $5.00 off our cruise price if you have a category 6B or 6C. If this is you, your upcoming invoice will reflect this additional discount. Hey, that’s an extra drink for you on the Carnival!
· Update: Thank you for all those who sent a check to Alex for travel insurance. You Rock!
· Reminder: For those who haven’t sent their check in…Please, do so NOW, she’s waiting…our thanks in advance!
· Update: Alex would like a copy of your passport for her file. Please send/fax it to her.
· Reminder: Pre-paid gratuity will be noted on your invoice. Thanks for letting Alex know you approved this!
· Reminder: There are still a few cabins left on hold. Not sure how long Carnival will allow Alex to keep them. If you would like to invite a friend or family member to join us. Be sure they give Alex a call ASAP. The cabins are on a first come first serve basis.
· Update: Alex has also informed me she has a couple of inside cabins that has significantly dropped in price. The per person (double occupancy) rate for the inside cabin are $299.20pp ($125 cruise cost, $89 port charge, $36.20 govn’t fee & taxes and $49 for travel insurance). Remember there are only a couple of cabins, limited availability and first come, first serve!
· Reminder: Finally, Alex wanted me to mention the overnight special again at the Hilton for $89. You get a room, 2 drinks at the lobby bar (great bartender per Alex), internet service, free parking during the cruise and a courtesy shuffle to the ship. Plus an opportunity to explore Long Beach's many attraction. Alex informed me that the cruise parking will be about $50 if you park at the pier.
Although many of our cruisers are locals and will be driving from the Southern California vicinity not all are! So besides knowing what dock to arrive at to board the Carnival Cruise Paradise Fun Ship. Others may need to decide what airport to fly into and what shuttle they need to reserve.
My personal flight recommendation is Long Beach Airport. Check out Jet Blue for flights into Long Beach and if that just doesn’t work for you, a secondary option is LAX. I recommend Southwest Air as the airline choice, if you can. No charge for two luggages! Oh my latest find? Check out Virgin America as they had great rates and the sale ends 09/21/09. Let me highlight a couple of comparisons between these two airports.
From LGB to Long Beach Cruise Terminal, approximately 7-12 miles one way
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
4100 E. Donald Douglas Drive
Long Beach, California 90808
From LAX to Long Beach Cruise Terminal, approximately 23+ miles one way
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
1 World Way
Los Angeles, California 90045
Our cruise terminal:
The Carnival Cruise’s Long Beach Cruise Terminal 231 Windsor Way Long Beach, California 90802. Phone: 562-901-3232
Be aware that you need to go to the Carnival Cruise Long Beach Cruise terminal NOT Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. Be sure this is clear in your direction with your shuttle transport. Give them the Windsor Way Long Beach address.
You will need to arrange a shuttle transport from your airport to the cruise terminal. Sorry, I cannot pick you all up ... you all just don’t pay me enough, oh yeah I forgot…this is my volunteer work! So arrange a shuttle, please and we will meet you on deck!
Here’s a suggested option, if time allows. You might consider signing up for Alex’s pre-cruise in Long Beach. This option allows you for a more leisurely arrival and generally Thursday air flights are cheaper than Friday. Lots to see and do in Long Beach, contact Alex for further details about availability for the Long Beach Hilton pre-cruise package. Don’t forget, pre-cruise Hilton deal includes complimentary shuttle to the cruise terminal and parking during your cruise. Click here to reference our blog article that was posted on September 9th.
Those individuals who can’t do the Pre-Cruise at the Long Beach Hilton and need shuttle service between your airport and Long Beach Cruise terminal here are options to check out:
Ruth responded by email on 09/15/2009 and quoted me a flat rate of $30 for LGB to the Carnival Cruise Terminal in Long Beach and $60 for LAX to the Carnival Cruise Terminal. There are no per person charges and no luggage handling charges. This might be worth coordinating with others to share a shuttle ride and save dollars, give it some thought as you make your arrangements. There are sedans which carry 4 passengers to mini-vans that transport 5 to 6 passengers. There are minimal vans that carry 8 to 10 passengers. But all should be arranged with a reservation and keep in mind gratuity is not included. And reminder the quoted price is for one-way so consider a round-trip deal?
As of 09/16/2009, I spoke with Liz and she quoted me for one person, LAX to the Carnival Long Beach Cruise terminal $16 per person and for LGB to the Carnival Long Beach Cruise terminal $16pp. Tip not included. Please be advised that this can take up to a ½ hour to 2 hour shuttle because of additional pick-up stops and traffic. And definitely reconfirm with a phone call
As of 09/16/2009, I spoke with Ann and she quoted a price of $30 per person from LAX to Carnival LB Cruise terminal and $19pp from LGB to the Carnival LB Cruise Terminal.
To date the Nor Cal travelers below have deposited for our cruise. I have listed their names below and my take on their potential airport departure. It might be worthwhile to coordinate and share the flight and shuttle together?
Welcome Aboard! Are we gonna have some fun or what? Diana and I are thrilled to have you be with us to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Yee gads, 70? All I see in the mirror anymore is my dad and he is really looking old……………..what happened??Anyway, the ship is stocked with extra supplies of all of our favorite drugs and other remedies so for a few days let’s forget about our aches and pains and live it up in the martini bar and/or the disco.
PLEASE remember, NO PRESENTS……seriously since I won’t be able to pack things like Corvettes, flat screen TV’s, cases of gin, and other kinds of large/expensive gifts that I know you would like to bring………so, know that there will be awards for the most disgusting/sick birthday cards I will be receiving….. give it your best shot or not!!
See you on board,
Roger
Title Header Photo provided by Flickr.ikkoskinen
How to Comment on a Post
To respond to a post, click on the "0 comments" at the bottom of the post. This will take you to a separate window where you can write a note. If there are other comments, you will see them when you click on the same link. Also you can subscribe to automatically receive posts by email by filling out the box below.
Subscribe via email
Alex, Our Travel Agent
Alexandra Kuncio
INNOVATIVE TRAVEL PLANNER, INC.
4570 CAMPUS DR, SUITE 100, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
