Friday, October 23, 2009

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS or Roger’s FAQ Perspective?


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!!


Photo provided by Carnival Cruise Spirit, March 2009


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