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"Charting the Course...Airport to Cruise. Ge Terminal" "LGB or LAX...which is better?" "Welcome Aboard"
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Wanted to remind everyone that there will be one(1) formal night on our cruise, I believe it will be on Saturday Night. So if you are thinking of ordering a Tuxedo for rent. Best get on line at Carnival and download the form and head to Men's Wear House or some other source you might use to get measured. Then order your tux and accessories through the cruise line.
The alternative is a dark jacket and tie, gentlemen! Ladies, black is always in and any glitzy or stunning jewels and accessories works. If the Specialty Restaurant is your choice...then you will need to be wearing a jacket and get a bit dressy is the ship’s choice of attire. A night of the lifestyle of the rich and famous? Okay, so maybe just an adult version of Prom Night? Either way...you're lookin' good!
However, to give you an inside tip, yours truly WILL NOT, let me repeat (hear this Diana), WILL NOT be wearing a tuxedo on this cruise!! Are you surprised or what??? I know if Diana has her way I will be wearing a tie & jacket but as of this writing the jury is still out. Let’s see may wind up coming is costume that night…stay tuned!!!
Photo provided our Carnival Cruise Spirit, March 2009
Okay ,the ladies of our group have been inquiring about our formal night .Well on this weekend cruise you can count on ONE FORMAL NIGHT and I am guessing that it will be on Saturday, December 5th.
Generally, the first night of the cruise, the Dining Room has a casual dress code. On one occasion I recall, we had a delay in our delivery of our suitcase so Roger had to show up for dinner in his ‘I BUY JAPANESE SWORD’ T-Shirt and shorts. I think he really loved it. We apologized & explained our circumstances to our Maître d and Waiter but they were very gracious and accommodating. I think it’s happened before.
Sunday night is also a Casual Dining so a Hawaiian Shirt or Polo shirt will be an acceptable attire for guys and woman can come in a sundress, pants or even dressy shorts. Following is the Carnival Cruise guideline for “WHAT TO WEAR"...best to read this so you can looooook gooooood!
Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.
Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.
Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).
Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.
Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!
Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m married to Diana (poor thing) and I tend to have a good time in almost every situation. We have both been on this cruise before and it is incredible!! Diana asked me to help with an FAQ or Frequently Asked Question article so I thought I would try to answer a few typical questions that you all may have. Remember, I have a very twisted yet light-hearted approach to everything so bear with me….
Will I have a good time on this cruise?
Only if you like to drink, laugh, tell stories, dance, eat, people watch, explore Ensenada, shop for really stupid souvenirs that seem OK at the time….but really are stupid when you get back home, eat (I know I mentioned this before…but you’ll eat a lot), relax by a beautiful pool, drink (yes, you’ll drink a lot too), play cards, play Bingo, read a book or just stay in your room and sleep. The Carnival Paradise itinerary will have activities almost 24 hours each day so you can run yourself ragged or just lay by the pool and have your cocktails delivered by a usually attractive server ("Oh Pool Boy" as Martie plans to flag down a drink)……I mean you are almost guaranteed to have a good time, right Martie?
This is my first cruise….can I expect something special?
You bet!! Perhaps you have heard of the “Mile High Club”?? Well, they also have a “Sea Level Club” that is there for first timers. Unlike its more conservative cousin the Mile High Club that is usually for couples, the Sea Level Club is a group event that is unfortunately for females only. Typically the welcoming “group” will consist of a few selected friends, other passengers and, of course, crew members. Please see me once you are on board and I will arrange for your special welcome.
What about luggage?
What about it?? Just kidding!! Most of you will be coming from that foreign country know as the U.S.A. so you’ll be limited to whatever the baggage requirements are for your airline or Carnival luggage policy. However, there is a problem, some of you seem to have a propensity to buy loads of treasures (crap by most standards) in Mexico. So if you have packed your luggage to the bursting point to start with you will be faced with a major problem when you try to fly home. Yes, there are UPS stations and yes, there is the postal service……but shipping a stuffed frog or tanned bull testicles can be a bit of a challenge. So, try and shop wisely!!
Can I bring booze on board?
Unfortunately the answer is NO!! Damn!! There will be plenty on board but it can be expensive. Some of us have been known to bring vodka or gin in a water bottle and others have brought Jack Daniels in a Coke bottle……..but you are risking confiscation. Same goes for recreational drugs (did I need to mention that with this crowd??). So, be careful!! However, I recall Diana saying something about being able to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per guest at embarkation only. Check on the FAQ for Carnival to verify this! You know I never pay attention to details, what for when I have Diana in my life!
Is there a dress code?
Did Diana have someone ask this question?? The answer is yes, but typically for the evening only. I’ll be in shorts, T-shirt and tennis shoes most of the time and for dinner slacks, dress shoes, and a aloha shirt works for me. There will be one formal night if you are interested in a Tux. My personal suggestion is that you go on line to the Carnival link under formal wear/rent a tux through the ship. It will be waiting on board for you and you don’t have to pack anything and they’ll take care of it when you leave. I believe there are formal rentals for the ladies but most of you will probably opt to bring your own. Note: for this cruise, I will NOT be wearing a tux !!
What if I don’t like this crowd?
Ah, another good question and I don’t blame you for asking. There will be over 2,000 folks on this ship so it should be pretty easy to blend in with others and not be associated with this group. And, you don’t have to ever go on shore….you can just stay in your room or hang out on your own. Also, don’t forget you have room service, so you can pretty much not associate with any of us. Of course, if I were you I would just save money and not go on this fantastically fun voyage…….wouldn’t that be a lot easier???
So, do you get the picture?
This will be a fun time for one and all. Both Diana and I hope to see all of you on this cruise. Oh, almost forgot, if you’re looking for entertainment, stay close to me. Seems I almost always do something stupid and/or entertaining for others….especially when I’m drinking so feel to buy me one and let the good times begin!!
Wanted to let you know that our Travel Agent Alex will be out of her office from October 21 through November 10, yes even travel agents deserve a fun vacation! Alex will have a back-up substitute agent in place but I would like to request that you contact me or wait till Alex returns, if at all possible.
If it is an absolute emergency and can’t wait, please contact me and I will follow-up with the appropriate steps in coordinating a solution.
Please accept this “thank you” in advance for your understanding and cooperation. Oh for those curious on where is Alex going? On a river cruise in Europe! Can’t wait to hear her adventures…
Hope you will join Roger and me to extend a personal ‘Thanks’ to our fabulous Travel Agent, Alex Kuncio and we will tell you why in a minute or two? She is truly a gem!
Decided to research some websites today for some comparative pricing of our cruise, with so many other costs (port charges, taxes, government fees etc.), in our overall cruise price. I am almost certain you are not aware of what a deal we got!
So allow me to provide you with a bit of insight. Because a majority of us paid for an ocean view stateroom, I will be using this as a guideline. Are you ready for this announcement? Those with ocean view stateroom your per person cost is $175 for this 3 night cruise. Yup, $175 per person!
I have noted below a number of advertised specials on this same cruise. Check it out, you are gonna be thrilled you signed up with us...NOW, are you ready to give a “high five” to Alex for her hard work?
Carnival Cruise Brochure Price … $789
The prices below are noted for October 17, 2009, based on double occupancy and per person rate. Be advised that this price may also be a lower category stateroom then our 6C.
YOUR (per person) Ocean View Stateroom/Category 6C … $175
There is definitely something to be said for a laid back appeal of, Senor,Manana or Mister, tomorrow! For Roger and me it is a laid back port of call for us in Ensenada. We have been visiting this place for near 20 years on a route of every other year with my parks and recreation friends from Hawaii. So there is definitely a comfort level for us. Just take the ship shuttle which drops you in town and roam on our own. There are options for you to signing up for a Carnival Shore excursions** (see Roger's excerpt below on the Bufadora) if you like. But, we prefer to see, do and experience Ensenada on our own. Come join us and feel the energy as it definitely is a whole different ball game when the cruise ship hits this port. Here are some of our favorites for this port of call:
**EXCURSION TO LA BUFADORA (BLOW HOLE) shared by Roger
Now, the official spin on this phenomenon is that as the tide/waves come crashing into the rocky area, the pressure forces the sea water up and through a small circular opening in the rocks thus creating a Blow Hole where the water shoots up like a giant geyser or fountain.
However, after extensive research at both Hussong's and La Bufadora, our own U. S. Government geologist Mr.Seany-Boy (who will be joining us on this cruise) has postulated that there is a very significant correlation between the flushing of the toilets at Hussong's and the "eruption" of the Blow Hole. Personally we think he is on to something and are excited that he will be continuing his research and experiments at Hussong's on this cruise. Why else would he be going???
FISH MARKET - Mercado de Marisco, Malecon at Avenida Alvarado
If you love seafood and seeing the catch of the day you have to visit this place. Be sure to try the Fish Tacos, Clam Ceviche, Seafood Cocktails, and Mojarra - Fried Fish
STREET CARTS – 3 popular seafood street carts, don't be surprise if you might have to wait a bit.
Al Tata Marisco – Avenida Lopez Mateos & Riveroll
Marisco La Guerrerense – Costero and Riveroll
Navolato Marisco – Costero and Riveroll
CHICKEN (Pollo) LUNCH (Avenida de Lopez Mateo)
Las Brias Restaurant - Look for the Rotisserie Chicken (in the window) and a lady making fresh homemade corn tortillas - Yummy-o and a must if you like pollo!
FINE DINING
El Rey de Sol Restaurant – French cuisine (we frequent this place over our decade of visits)
Punta Morro Resort (has a restaurant with a view) Hwy Tijuana- Ensenada, from downtown Ensenada about 2 miles north
BARS & BREWS
Papas & Beers
Hussong’s
WINERY
San Tomas Winery
SHOPPING
Tons of shops on the Avenida de Lopez Mateos and Boulevard Costero
Visit a local liquor store, Checkout a local grocery, leather, purses, Mexican dresses, silver, blankets, pottery, souvenir T-shirts and other junks! Yes it can be junk, so shop with caution as many of the labeled items and jewelry you see are faux/fake. When you had enough shopping, pick one of the numerous café and have a beverage while you people watch.
Costco Ensenada, if you have done it all in Ensenada, simply curious or love Costco like Sean. Here's a new adventure, Costoc is in Ensenada. Yes, hotdogs for sale but so are bulk hot sauce, frijoles, arrozo and other Mexican delacacies. It's truly a twist on our standard institution in California. Costco Ensenada Address: Carr. Transpeninsular La Paz 4179, Carlos Pacheco, Ensenada
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – Costero Boulevard & Macheros
Plaza Civica, locally known as the Three Heads Park of Mexico’s heroes – Miguel Hidalgo, Benito Juarez and Venustiano Carranza.
Also recommend a couple of website you can click onto before you visit this port of call:
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
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Alex, Our Travel Agent
Alexandra Kuncio
INNOVATIVE TRAVEL PLANNER, INC.
4570 CAMPUS DR, SUITE 100, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
