Roger's 70th B-Day Cruise

GONE CRUISING - On Board the Carnival Paradise

2009-12-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

Our cruise blog will be sailing out as of December 3rd as many of us are kicking off our cruise at the Long Beach Hilton for an overnighter before we set sail out of Long Beach towards Ensenada on the 4th. Thank you to each and everyone of our friends & family for helping to celebrate Roger’s Birthday Bash Cruise 2009. Can you believe it 55 cruisers, Wow!

Thanks for all who were loyal readers to our blog and we look forward to meeting you on board
the Carnival Paradise. Yeaaaaaah, the countdown has finally arrived!

It's Bon Voyage Time --- See you on board!

Diana & Roger

Photo provided by Flickr kthypryn

Finally, Our Embarkation Day is here!

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Embarkation Hours:

Los Angeles (Long Beach) - 1:30 P.M.

This is the scheduled time that Carnival has designated, but we have easily began to check-in our baggage around 11:30-12 Noon at the cruise terminal. Its about Carnival being ready or not.

Guests staying at Pre-Cruise Long Beach Hilton

As part of your package you will have parking for the duration of your cruise on the back surface lot of the Hilton parking Lot. We will be taking the hotel shuttle to the cruise terminal and will announce the details, including what time to take the shuttle on Friday.

Remember to have your Fun Pass documents, Photo ID, passport & credit card information for check-in. Also it is customary to tip $1.00 per bag to the cruise terminal porter once we get off our shuttle. So plan on small bill denomination in cash!

Guests Arriving at the Cruise Terminal by Private Car

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal:
Guests will follow the directions to the Port and pass through Port Authority Security.

Guests will be asked to show Proof of I.D. and Cruise Documents.

Guests will drop off their luggage at the Baggage Drop-Off area and give the luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag.

Guests will park their car in the designated parking area and walk back to the terminal; depending on the distance, some cruise terminals have a complimentary shuttle from the parking area to the terminal.

Guest will proceed into the cruise terminal for Check-In.

The Embarkation Check-In Process:
Security Checkpoint
Guests will pass through the X-ray Security Machines with their carry-on bags. Luggage larger than 24" x 16" will not be permitted through the security machine and must be checked-in with a curbside porter.

Check- in
Guests will proceed to the Check-In area. The embarkation process will include submitting cruise documents, showing proof of travel documentation and issuing a credit card (if applicable) for their Sail & Sign Account.

All guests must activate his/her Sail & Sign Account with a credit card (Amex, Visa, Discover, JCB, Visa/ MasterCard gift cards and MasterCard ) or opt to pay with cash. The credit card must be present at embarkation and the cash is deposited on board at the Information/Purser’s Desk.

Each guest will be issued a Sail & Sign card, which is used to (1) charge on their Sail & Sign Account, (2) get on/off the ship. On Carnival Paradise each guest will be issued a Sail & Sign Card and Stateroom Key.

Embarkation Photo
Guests will have a "Welcome Aboard" photo taken by the Ship's Photo Staff. The photo will be on display later in the cruise for purchase.

The Security Personnel will take guest’s Sail Sign Card and with the onboard security system, imbed a full color, digital photograph together with personal database information directly onto the Sail Sign Card.

Welcome Aboard the Carnival Paradise!

Photo provided by Flickr.e-mcgee

Don't Forget ...Final Reminder!

2009-11-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

We're now at countdown FOUR (4) DAYS... or Three (3) if you are meeting us at the Pre-Cruise Long Beach Hilton!

Passport, ID, Passport, ID, Passport, ID, Credit Card, shorts & sunscreen? Can't help but to remind you again don't forget your passport and ID. Carnival Cruise will not allow you to board otherwise.

Also your bathing suit for those wanting to take advantage with a dip in the jacuzzi or pool. And for ladies, I saw on the the Carnival website that we need to bring a hair dryer. Seems odd to me, but, when in doubt, bring on? A light coat would not hurt and looks like showers may be on us for Monday when we disembark.

We are on our final SHORT week and looking forward to seeing you soon. Roger and I are in Stateroom M37 on the Main Deck if you need to reach us once on board. You can also reach us at Diana's cell phone while we are in the Port of Long Beach. Will email that information to you.
Welcome Aboard!

Last Call & Roll Call – Who’s Joining us on "Paradise" time?

2009-11-29T01:03:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, we’re down so close on our count that I can see the gang plank to board on our ship, can you? Hope you’re packed with your passport & Fun Pass in hand.Here is our final list of friends & family joining us on Roger’s Birthday Bash Cruise 2009…see you on board the Carnival Paradise. Welcome Aboard Everyone!!!!

Reagan Miyasaki & Tauni Tharp

Buzz & Karen Vaughn

Judy Neal

Ardith Richey

Linda Kadis & Duane Davis

Russell Cobb

Randy Hardin

Pat & Maureen Moudakis

Ross Moodie

Stephen Baldwin

Perry Soderberg

Michael Tiffany

Judy Webb

Wanda Doty

Becky Duggins

Gary Heard

Jan Olufson

Ken & Joan Carr

Karen Allison & Robert Tennent

Rod & Jenny Nish

Jim Berkson & Jan Noce

Jean & Gary Jones

Renelle Davis

Cole Koegle

Marty Bryant & Kathi Weathers

Martie Norrbom

Fumi Miyasaki

Sean Hagerty & Andrea Babby

Joe Paine & Kris Boyce

Laura & Dell Tredinnick

Trout & Chris Davis

Eric Markson

Dennis & Sally Hooper

Roy & Kathleen Beal

Cindy & Gary Street

Stacy Miyasaki

Roger & Diana Davis

Photo provided by Flickr tinou bao.friendship

Friday Night Dining

2009-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to let you all know that we had to provide seating assignments for the first night of our dinner together.

Our dinner is at 8:15pm, late seating dining in the Destiny Dining Room on Deck 8 Atlantic towards the aft (rear) of the ship. There are two dining rooms, ours is the Destiny Dining Room and the other is Elations Dining Room . When you arrive to the entrance of the dining room you will be greeted by the maitre d’ and hosts, who will guide you to your table. If you are unhappy about your table assignment, see if you can agree to switch with someone at another table. Otherwise the next day get there early and you can sit where ever you would like as it will be a first come first serve opportunity.

For you newcomers to cruising with the Davis’, we generally meet for cocktails before we head into the dining room. With 10 bars to choose from on this ship…Roger will spread the word as to which one we will meet at, so stay tuned!

Here is what our maitre d’ has for our seating assignment:

Table A

Roger & Diana Davis, Rod & Jenny Nish, Trout & Chris Davis, Renelle Davis &

Cole Koegle

Table B

Russell Cobb, Randy Hardin, Duane Davis, Linda Kadis, Jean & Gary Jones, Karen Allison & Robert Tennent

Table C

Sean Hagerty, Andrea Babby, Eric Markson, Gary Heard, Joe Paine, Kris Boyce, Laura & Dell Tredinnick

Table D

Judy Neal, Ardith Richey, Judy Webb, Wanda Doty, Rebecca Duggins, Jan Olufson, Joan & Ken Carr

Table E

Jan Noce, Jim Berkson, Ross Moodie, Stephen Baldwin, Marty Bryant, Kathi Weathers, Karen & Buzz Vaughn

Table F

Reagan Miyasaki, Tauni Tharp, Fumiko Miyasaki, Stacy Miyasaki, Michael Tiffany, Martie Norrbom, Perry Soderberg, Cindy & Gary Street

Table G

Sally & Dennis Hooper, Roy & Kathleen Beal, Pat & Maureen Moudakis

Photo provided by SS All You Can Eat Ship Leo Cullum, NobleWorks.com

Restaurants In Downtown Long Beach

2009-11-27T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some options for you to checkout if you're
hungry in Long Beach. These restaurants are located
near the downtown area and can be an experience
to kick-off your embarkation or to meet after your
disembarkation. For those joining us at the Pre-Cruise
Long Beach Hilton, I'll have a detailed handout for you.

ROGER’S BIRTHDAY BASH CRUISE

DECEMBER 2009

DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH

RESTAURANT SUGGESTION LISTING

SEAFOOD

Gladstone Long Beach

Parker’s Lighthouse

King’s Pine Ave Fish House

Berth 55 Fish Market & Seafood Deli

Chelsea Restaurant @ Queen Mary

The Reef Restaurant

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant

STEAK & CHOPS

The Madison

555 Restaurant

BREW PUBS & RESTAURANT

The Yard House

The Auld Dubliner

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

INTERNATIONAL

Alegria Cucina Latina (Tapas)

Café Sevilla Long Beach

George’s Greek Deli

Mum’s/Cohiba Restaurant (Fusion)

JAPANESE/SUSHI/ASIAN

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

Tokyo Wako

P.F. Chang’s

ITALIAN

L’Opera Ristorante

La Traviata Restaurant

Portofino on Pine

MEXICAN/SOUTHWEST

Tequila Jack’s

Tikal Restaurant

AMERICAN

Island’s Fine Burger’s & Drinks

Famous Dave’s BBQ

Hilton Long Beach … Meet Us in the Hotel Lobby Bar!

2009-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

It’s 5 o’clock, somewhere… and isn't it "Happy" Hour time somewhere as well?! Meet us in the Hotel Lobby Bar so we can toast to our Pre-Bon Voyage! I’m sure you will catch us playing cards with Buzz & Karen, just follow the laughter and hopefully not the swearing! Remember this package includes complimentary drinks so bring your ticket.

At the hotel we will have a handout listing downtown restaurants that we compiled that you can use for dinner options. More details can be discussed at our Happy Hour.

For those who are driving their car, we have FREE parking for the duration of our cruise with this package. Be sure you park in the “back surface parking lot” only! We will find out the FREE cruise terminal shuttle schedule from Hilton and update you.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that we currently have 15 rooms at the Hilton from our group. Here’s a peek as to who’s participating in this Pre-Cruise Overnighter Package:

Buzz & Karen Vaughn

Linda Kadis & Duane Davis

Pat & Maureen Moudakis

Russell Cobb & Randy Hardin

Jan Olufson & Joan & Ken Carr

Jim Berkson & Jan Noce

Gary & Jean Jones

Sean Hagerty & Andrea Babby

Stephen Baldwin & Ross Moodie

Karen Allison & Robert Tennent

Michael Tiffany

Gary Heard

Eric Markson

Joe Paine & Kris Boyce

Roger & Diana Davis

Photo/Slogan provided by Long Beach Hilton Hotel

Where is Everyone?

2009-11-24T02:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek to where your stateroom is location to your friend(s) or family. You can go on line at Carnival Paradise deck plan to see the actual details.

	Guest Name	Stateroom
	Gary Heard	M31
	Roger & Diana Davis	M37
	Mike Tiffany	M39
	Pat & Maureen Moudakis	M43
	Judy Neal & Ardith Richey	M47
	Jan Olufson, Joan & Ken Carr	M51
	Judy Webb, Wanda Doty & Becky Duggins	M55
	Renelle &Cole Koegle	M57
	Stephen Baldwin & Ross Moodie	M73
	Trout & Chris Davis	M77
	Marty Bryant & Kathi Weathers	M81
	Perry Soderberg	M101
	Karen Allison & Robert Tennent	M109
	Reagan Miyasaki & Tauni Tharp	M135
	Dennis & Sally Hooper	M161
	Roy & Kathleen Beal	M165
	Buzz & Karen Vaughn	M38
	Duane Davis & Linda Kadis	M40
	Russell Cobb & Randy Hardin	M44
	Jan Noce & Jim Berkson	M48
	Rod & Jenny Nish	M52
	Gary & Jean Jones	M56
	Fumiko Miyasaki & Martie Norrbom	M82
	Sean Hagerty & Andrea Babby	M90
	Laura & Dell Tredinnick	M98
	Eric Markson	U5
	Joe Paine & Kris Boyce	U46
	Gary & Cindy Street	R204
	Stacy Miyasaki	R56

Having FUN with FUN Friends on the FUN ship…

2009-11-23T01:03:00.000-08:00

Just about to board our ship the Carnival Paradise and wanted to update or recap in some instances the activities that will be taking place for you to join us if you would like. So are you ready to come aboard the Fun Ship? Here are some of our group activities that we are planning on:

1. PRE-CRUISE DRINKS & DINNER IN DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH, Thursday

2. MEET FOR BON VOYAGE DRINKS After Muster (Life Boat) Drill,Aft (Rear) Verandah Deck 11 Bar, Friday

3. PROGRESSIVE RUMMY CARD GAMES ( Prizes), Thursday through Sunday 2pm

4. RENDEZVOUS to visit Ensenada’s eatery adventures with Roger & Diana, Saturday

5. INFORMAL WINE TASTING, Martie Jo, Sonoma Valley Jacuzzi Winery, Saturday

6. CRUISE GROUP PHOTO OPPORTUNITY, Atrium Stairs, Sunday

7. BIRTHDAY COCKTAIL PARTY, Sunday

8. CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT EXCHANGE, Sunday

9. DOOR DECORATION CONTEST WINNERS, Sunday

10. TIARA, CROWN & BOAS PHOTO OPPORTUNITY, TBA

11. BIRTHDAY CARD CONTEST, Sunday

Photo provided by Flickr.smileeygeekgirl(backsoon)

Do What Makes You Happy...

2009-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Thought this would be a good time to share with you our philosophy on traveling with our group...

“Do what makes you HAPPY. Be with who makes you SMILE. LAUGH as much as you BREATHE & LOVE as long as you LIVE”.

It’s our wish to have you enjoy yourself and so whether it’s with our group or some quiet alone time to regenerate. Do what makes you happy! All we ask is that you also respect and are considerate of others in the group. It’s that elementary!

So allow us to thank and update you with our current participants who will be joining us on this cruise. Looking forward to seeing you on deck...

Karen & Buzz Vaughn

Reagan Miyasaki & Tauni Tharp

Judy Neal

Ardith Richey

Linda Kadis & Duane Davis

Russell Cobb

Randy Hardin

Pat & Maureen Moudakis

Ross Moodie

Stephen Baldwin

Perry Soderberg

Mike Tiffany

Judy Webb

Wanda Doty

Becky Duggins

Gary Heard

Jan Olufson

Ken Carr & Joan Carr

Karen Allison & Robert Tennent

Rod & Jenny Nish

Jim Berkson & Jan Noce

Jean & Gary Jones

Renelle Davis

Cole Koegle

Marty Bryant & Kathi Weathers

Martie Norrbom

Fumi Miyasaki

Sean Hagerty & Andrea Babby

Joe Paine & Kris Boyce

Dell & Laura Tredinnick

Trout & Chris Davis

Eric Markson

Dennis & Sally Hooper

Roy & Kathleen Beal

Cindy & Gary Street

Stacy Miyasaki

Roger & Diana Davis