FORMAL NIGHTS .... TUXEDO RENTAL , Roger says ABSOLUTELY!

Since I was gathering this information for Roger. I thought I would also write up a blog to share this information with those who might be interested in considering the option to rent their formalwear to lighten their luggage.

Yes we are mainly talking about Men’s Formalwear. But there are minimal options for Women as well. At least it’s worth a peek?

Not an easy task to find. But let me start by sharing what I found on-line with Princess Cruises. The following information can be found under Princess.com > Booked Passengers > FAQ:Cruise Answer Place > On Board > Dining & Nightlife > Formal Wear Rentals   or just read this ...

“Princess offers formal wear rental on all cruises; this can be arranged prior to embarkation. Dress with an elegance and style that is perfect for all the formal activities on your cruise with Princess. Cruiseline Formal Wear delivers beautifully-tailored clothing directly to your stateroom.To order your formal wear, please visit cruiselineformal.com, call 800-551-5091 or 305-252-8572. For questions, email: custservice@cruiselineformal.com.”

The website Cruiseline Formalwear is a Formalwear company that caters to Cruise Ships. So when you go exploring on their website be sure you link on for “Princess Cruises” 

IMPORTANT NOTE: the website price list works for those for going on the 16 day cruise
but for those like Roger who are going on the 32 day cruise, read the following information I found on their website regarding those traveling beyond 21 days. Here is what you have to do:

“The prices listed on the web site are for single voyages of 21 days or less. Please call our Customer Service Department to obtain the correct pricing on your specific voyage (1-800-551-5091).  If calling from outside the USA or Canada, please call 1-305-252-8572, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST.” 

I noticed that they have a great selection of choices and I recall that Roger had used this same service on our Cruise on the Celebrity both for the Caribbean and for the Mediterranean. So I know that this service is very reliable.

And finally once you link on to the Cruiseline Formalwear for Princess Cruise’s Men’s Apparel Page on the right-hand side of the sidebar, very last item is “Measurement Guide”. Click on that and you can print up the page to take to have your measurements done at your tailor or for Free Men’s Wearhouse (Note: Roger is particularly fond of the inseam measurement, go figure!). 

I can’t wait to have Roger dress up...I wonder if you will recognize him without his “I Buy Japanese Sword T-Shirt”...and now you know one of the true reasons why Diana loves cruising.
Hope this helps.....oh one more final thing...16 Day cruisers have 3 formal nights and us 32 Day Cruisers can double that to 6 nights...I get 6 nights with no “I Buy Japanese Sword 
T- Shirts”...How I loooooove cruising....

REMINDER...MY PRINCESS-CRUISE PERSONALIZER

Just a friendly reminder that Alex would like for you to get your MY PRINCESS/CRUISE PERSONALIZER completed and filled out. Please complete this no later then Friday,
March 15, 2013.

This will allow her time for her to review your information and work on any follow-ups as needed. This is very important as you will not be able to get your cruise documents if you
do not have this information completed and on-line for her to access. If you need assistance, contact the 800 Princess Cruise line (I have used them and they were very helpful) or contact us and we'll do our best to help you.


Photo provided by Princess Cruises

RFID CREDIT CARD FRAUD

RFID CREDIT CARD FRAUD.....IMPORTANT SAFETY PROTECTION

Did you know that many credit card, debit card and yes even your identification cards and passports too, are embedded with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) that contain both personal and financial information. With many of us on the go through airports, tourist areas and shopping destinations. Identity theft can become an easy access with anyone of us. 

To take appropriate steps to protect yourself. Please take a moment to view the 6 minute YouTube Video and also to explore how you can protect yourself with RFID wallets, pursues

backpacks and other accessories that are available through various links I have listed for you below. 

Kelly and Lien, you might want to seriously take advantage of your winning Cruise Orientation Door Prize and think seriously of protecting your information with your Amazon Gift Card. Congratulations on being the big winners!! 

Magellan Travel

http://www.magellans.com/small-bags-and-wallets/small-bags-and-wallets-rfid-blocking

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A1036592%2Ck%3Arfid%20blocking

Travel smith

http://www.travelsmith.com/ProductSearch?storeId=10057&catalogId=10057&langId=-1&firstAnswer=&searchTerm=RFID+CREDIT+CARD+BAgs&externalSearch=false&historyString=1361688383512%257CsearchTerm%255E5%255ERFID%2BCREDIT%2BCARD%2BBAgs&currentSortOption=Relevance&sortBy=ProductSearch%3FstoreId%3D10057%26catalogId%3D10057%26langId%3D-1%26firstAnswer%3D%26answerPerPage%3D%26historyString%3D1361688383512%25257CsearchTerm%25255E5%25255ERFID%252bCREDIT%252bCARD%252bBAgs%26action%3D6%26entryID%3DNA%26currentSortOption%3DNA%26externalSearch%3Dfalse&answerPerPage=100&answerPerPage=100

Video provide by YouTube

25 WAYS TO WEAR A SCARF & MORE

Some of you have been asking me how do you plan your wardrobe for a 32 day cruise? One of my secret is to coordinate my outfit by bringing black/red/yellow/pink/blue top (stay away from white as it picks up drips from your fine dining on the cruise). Add and exchange with either black pants, black skirt, black dress AND THEN accessorize, accessorize, accessorize with your scarves, jewelry, belts. Your combo of outfits are multitude!

Here is a video that fellow cruiser and fashinista Karen Vaughn shared with me. 25 ways to wear a scarf or in our case one (1) scarf and 25 new cruise outfits? Thanks Karen and YouTube!

Buying Foreign Currency: Get More Bang for Your Buck

Here’s yet another article I came across on Independent Traveler on buying your foreign currency before your trip. Just be sure you allow enough time to get your money. 

Also, at our cruise orientation luncheon,  fellow cruiser Stella stated she got her foreign exchange currency at her Credit Union, might be worth an alternate check to your bank if you belong to one. We’re getting closer to our bon voyage time....

Buying Foreign Currency: Get More Bang for Your Buck

http://www.independenttraveler.com/blog/?p=7030

Photo provided by: Flickrs.Photos8.com

CRUISE ORIENTATION LUNCHEON FOLLOW-UP

What a fun time for sure! Everyone arrived promptly at Capital Seafood at Irvine Spectrum. The restaurant had set up a beautiful private room for our group which was absolutely perfect. There were two family style dining tables which seated: Alex Kuncio, Ted Rodriguez, Angie & Lien Burgh, Michele Lovenduski, Bob DiNunzio, JoMary & Michael Murphy, Scott & Liddy Paulsen, Wendy Brown, Kelly Feldman, Stella Hacker and of course Roger Davis and me, Diana!. In addition, our friend Russell Cobb was in town and joined us as a guest.

Roger opened the Luncheon by doing a quick welcome, introduction and spoke about how the orientation luncheon will proceed. Our thanks to Allan and Charles from Capital Seafood who assisted with this luncheon and set-up our menu with a focus of our visiting ports of call countries which included: Assorted Variety of Dim Sum (Hong Kong), Filet Mignon Skewers and Pickled Vegetable (Thailand), Honey Walnut Prawns (Hong Kong), Capital Filet Mignon Cubes (Vietnam) Singapore Shrimp Vermicelli (Singapore), Pea Leaves with Roasted Garlic Sauce (Hong Kong), Sesame Fire Shrimp (Hong Kong), Chef’s Special Fried Rice (China) and Roasted Peking Duck (Beijing) and Mango Pudding was provided complimentary of Roger and Diana. Also, to satisfy the sweet tooth, Stella brought a huge platter of homemade cookies to share with everyone, including the restaurant staff. Thanks Stella!

After we all pigged out on a delicious lunch. Roger once again opened up the orientation and introduced Diana and Alex to facilitate the cruise orientation. Diana highlighted that the group started out with 50 deposited guests and now have 25

as it’s current list. 24 are confirmed to be going and Stella is currently on a wait list in hopes to get on the 16 day cruise. The 32 Day Cruisers are: Roger & Diana, Rocky & Peggy, John & Lucy, Cristin & Mike. The 16 Day Cruisers are: Alex & Ted, Scott & Liddy, Jo Mary & Michael, Michele & Bob, Linda & Bill, Angie, Lien, Wendy, Kelly, Marsha, Patty & Stella.

Diana continued by extending her appreciation for all the guest writers in supporting the Cruise Connection articles in the blog. She also stated that currently the blog has 72 published posting articles and that her last article will be posted on Sunday, April 7th.

Additional topics Diana presented were on distances of Port of Call & Destination City on this cruise, Embarkation Day and to allow plenty of time, Inquiry as to who plan to celebrate their birthday, anniversary on this cruise & to be sure to note this on your on-line My Princess/Cruise Personalizer, as Princess is very good about acknowledging their guests. In closing her presentation, Diana and Roger distributed their “Thank You Gifts” to each cruiser and Diana then did a show and tell of each item in the packet. 

The “Thank You Gift” included: an embroidered group Polo Shirt that needs to be brought on the cruise as we will be coordinating a group photo on the ship, a portfolio that Diana recommends you use to compile all your cruise documents and information, a group removable personalized door label you can decorate, then stick and add a pen & post it notes for others to leave a message on your cabin door, a Rummy Card Game Set with instructions & Score Sheets for playing on the ship with others in the group, Name Tag Holder & Leash which can also be used on the ship to hold your ship card while on board, a Starbuck’s Living Earth App card which can be loaded with your port of call destinations (She also showed how the app actually worked on her iPhone , iPad & Roger’s mini iPad) and finally your own personal chopstick to practice using before the trip. Other handy ideas and tips were shared and discussed among the group during lunch and the presentation.

Alex was next. She handed out everyone in attendance their passport which had their

approved China Visa. Also Alex distributed and discussed the Pre-Post Cruise Tour Package and as well as the shuttle arrangements between the airport & hotel as well as discussion on embarkation/debarkation transfers between the hotel & ship for 16 Day Cruisers.

It was brought up by Alex the importance that each cruisers complete the on-line My Princess/Cruise Personalizer information. Alex has offered to print and compile the cruise documentation and luggage tags for everyone as long as they have completed My Princess/Cruise Personalizer. 

Alex stated that the majority has been assigned to 2nd seating dining option. She also requested if anyone had a special cruiser that they wanted to sit by for dinner to be sure and notify her as she will be setting this up with the cruise line. Also if you had special dietary needs to also contact her directly so she can assist with this as well. 

On the 16 day cruise there will be 3 formal nights which means for 32 day cruise there will be 6 formal nights. Roger shared that Men can go on line and rent tuxedos which is his favorite cruise service. Diana will research this and plan to post a blog article shortly. The group discussed ideas for formalwear as well as appropriate day cruise wear in visiting temples and other sites in port. Alex, stated you can go on line at Princess.com and download a copy of the Cruise Answer Book which was packed with information. Diana also shared that there was already a blog articles posted about My Princess and Cruise Personalizer as well as a great PDF icon under each Ports of Call which was a pamphlet highlighting information about each visiting port. Well worth the time & effort to

print-up for your reference.

The Cruise Orientation went over about 30 minutes from the scheduled time however the event closed with the door prize raffle opportunity. The winners of Roger and Diana’s raffle prizes were: KELLY who won a $30 Amazon Gift Card for usage on RFID security travel essentials or other related items, LIEN also won a $25 Amazon Gift Card, SCOTT who won a $15 iTunes APP Gift Card and MICHAEL won the Door Label Assorted Decoration Kit. Alex’s Innovative Travel Raffle Items were won by: ANGIE, Deluxe Chopstick Set/ Pre-Cruise Packet Holder/Calendar & Tote Bag, JOMARY  won the Deluxe Chopstick Set, Postcard Set & Tote Bag and finally STELLA won the Chopstick & Postcard Set.

Everyone left with a full belly, gifts galore, cruise information, acquaintance of fellow cruisers and an enthusiastic spirt of excitement as we all realized how soon our embarkation date was approaching. Thanks to one and all for joining us at this kick-off event and yes we look forward to seeing you on deck!

CLOSING CRUISE CONNECTION by DIANA

With Gratitude to My Friends & Fellow Cruisers....

Allow me to open, by extending my personal appreciation to each of you who willingly and even those who were hesitant to write your Cruise Blog Article, “Thank You So Much!!”  Each article has its own style and individual finesse which made reading the articles incredibly fun. It was truly enjoyable and an excellent way to introduce each other particularly when we are so separated by distance. Most recently, ROCKY and PEGGY shared with me that they took each of the photos from the Cruise Connection articles and identified who was who on a handy reference chart so they could get to know everyone. Yes, another great idea to get acquainted with our upcoming Cruise Family. 

So I can’t believe that embarkation day is just around the corner. Gotta start by giving a big shout out to my main man, partner and hubby, ROGER. Thanks “Honey”, for all your support, patience and understanding for these past three years as we began this journey to make this bucket list trip a reality. You truly are amazing to put up with me! Love You! 

Secondly, gratitude goes to my other partner ALEX as she has been just as supportive addressing my demands, need, wants and expectations. Yes, the “Diana Craziness” will end soon, I promise! The quiet and steady TED, Alex’s hubby cannot be forgotten. Thanks Ted for your generosity in understanding the demands of our group trip. And so glad you can join us as well.

My 30 plus year career in Recreation and Community Services has truly been a blessing. The City of Irvine has given me some incredible friendships. STELLA is the sister, I never had and now found, thanks to Irvine. This sisterhood has an incredible story that you will have to ask her to share with you. Let me preface Stella’s story by saying, it’s imaginary, but a great story over cocktails and I’ll close at that! But beside Stella, my working days with the City of Irvine brings about additional friendships on this cruise, they include: MARSHA, PATTY, ANGIE and her mom LIEN, MICHELE and her boyfriend BOB, JO MARY and her husband MICHAEL.   

Planning and dreaming of bucket list cruises, events, trips and getaways is obviously one of my passions. If I think about it, it’s been a part of my core for as long as I can remember. I started an annual Youth Ski Trip when I was a Sophmore in High School because there was no Recreation in my hometown of Sonoma and now in my retirement. I’m still planning, facilitating and coordinating events and activities. Including supporting Roger with his High School Reunion Committee which is where I had the pleasure of meeting SCOTT and his wife LIDDY. Scott was the reunion committee chair  and a fellow classmate with Roger. Liddy and I would attend the reunion committee meeting hoping to just sip our wine and support our husband from afar, but of course that was never the case. Needless to say, the bond was sanctioned and the four of us have become great friends sharing many fun memories and laughter. 

As the Cruise Connection article notes Peggy, Rocky and I goes way back to when we were in our early school days as kids. Traveling with them is LUCY, Peggy’s sister and Lucy’s husband JOHN who you might have caught his blog article “Traveling with a Camera”. Thanks John for your contribution. Additionally, Rocky’s fellow co-worker friend, MIKE and his wife CRISTIN will also be joining us on the 32 day cruise. And to show how truly small this world is, a fellow co-worker of mine Stephen from Irvine who had to drop from this cruise had invited his friend BILL and his girlfriend LINDA. Who by the way, decide even if Stephen dropped out that they would still join us. That’s terrific! Love, true travelers! The “Small World” and “Cruise Connection” concept found that there was a connection between Linda, Cristin and Peggy. It seems a few months ago at a dinner gathering, over a conversation there was a connection that the three gals all worked at the same hospital. Different departments, but same organization. Small World indeed !!

In closing, I need to give a big high five spotlight to my BESTIE BFF,  KAREN and her hubby BUZZ. Most recently, both Buzz and Karen had to drop from our cruise. Buzz had to schedule an unexpected surgery and unfortunately couldn’t get a medical recovery release in time to make this cruise. We all will be raising our glasses to toast you both in “Gratitude” as it was Karen who found this cruise for us and without her diligence we all would not be going. So as much as I will miss you greatly, Karen and Buzz, I am wanting you to recover with good health as this is only a hiccup and we will be planning another cruise journey again soon. 

Thank you everyone for all your love and support and yes, let the fun begin, its Bon Voyage Time and I’ll see you on deck!            

CRUISE CONNECTION by ROGER

My fellow cruisers.........

Allow me to set the record straight.  Yes, I am married to Diana and yes, I did really good.  OK, OK, OK.....I did really, really, really good........but hey, I do have some redeeming qualities........hmmmm, I’m thinking.  

I mean seriously, could this cherubic wonder be anything but absolute joy and amazement??  Upon seeing this picture, I am sure that those of you who do know me will be wondering....WTF??  How could this cute, adorable child turn out to be the perverted, sick and twisted adult that we all know and love (way too strong) adore (again too yucky) like (close but no cigar) tolerate (yes, lets go with tolerate) and that somehow managed to get Diana to marry him??  Well, let me assure you it wasn’t easy!!

Had to ask her four (4) different times before she finally caved.  Seems she didn’t like being asked in the kitchen; or in my truck; or while on the toilet.......go figure??  So I actually had to spring for a romantic dinner and she caved.  See, a redeeming quality!

We’ve been married 23 years now, we’re both retired, and, as you know, been doing lots of traveling.  I was very concerned when we retired that Diana would get bored and want to go back to work......no such luck.  Instead, she discovered the 24-7 internet, got bit by the travel bug and viola, here we are. Of course this 24-7 thing has totally ruined my sex life, but my sacrifice is your gain and we are about to embark on another great adventure.  See, I did REALLY good!!

CRUISE CONNECTION by ALEX & TED

The first time I met Diana and Roger was when they walked into my office, clipboard in hand, to interview me as their potential travel agent. They had been referred by Wendy Brown, to whom I will be forever thankful.  The rest, as they say, is history.  After a grueling 6 hours of questioning....I was in like Flint!  I never saw Roger take so many notes! Over thirty years of experience: check;  teacher at Coastline Community College in the Travel & Tourism Department: check; Certified Travel Consultant (graduate level program for travel agents): check;  traveled to almost 90 countries (at the time...I'm up to 108 today): check;  owned and managed my own agency: check;  personally recommended by someone they knew: check;  willing to always research the best deals: check; husband was a chef: check.......whew!  Grueling I tell you....grueling. 

I'm exaggerating of course....but those of you that know Diana and Roger, know it ain't far from the truth.  They were very thorough in their questioning of my experience.  That was back in 2003!  Over the years we have shared so many amazing adventures, not only traveling, but our favorite pastime...eating great food.  I'm sure most of you have experienced Diana's cooking.  She puts as much love and effort into her cooking as she does everything else.  Not to leave Roger out....he makes a darn good martini!  Shaken...not stirred!

The best part of knowing Diana and Roger is the laughter that comes with getting together with them.  You know it will always be an evening filled with more laughter than you know what to do with.  On our 14 night cruise through Europe in 2008, we had more fun than we knew what to do with.  We ended the cruise in the incredible city of Venice, which is where we took this picture below....at Hemingway's favorite hangout.....Harry's Bar.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that when Diana and Roger come up with a travel trip, you can be sure that it's been researched and thought out and comes with a guarantee of having the time of your life.  As much as I like to eat....many times I don't even finish my meal because of all the laughter that comes with sharing a meal together.

Ted and I are looking forward to this trip on several levels...great itinerary, great cruise line, great group of people.  We will see you all on board the Diamond Princess in April 2013.

Warmest regards,

Ted & Alex (T & A for short)

CRUISE CONNECTION by ANGIE

I'm Angie and I'll be joining the Diana and Roger 2013 Asia Cruise with my mom, Lien.  I, too, am a City of Irvine employee and have worked forthe city for over 13 years.  I had the pleasure of working with Jan Noce(a mutual friend between the Davis'), who was the recycling guru at Irvine, and she told me about the wonderful cruises that Diana has organized.  When Jan retired in 2010 I had the pleasure of meeting Diana and Roger at Jan's retirement party. I gave Diana my contact info and asked her to include me when she organized another cruise.  

Well...as you all know back in early 2011, Diana sent out information about the 2013 Asia Cruise.  When I saw the interesting countries we would be visiting I could not resist.  I told my mom about it and she felt the same, so we decided to go on the cruise.  Needless to say, I thought 2013 was so far off in the distance that it would take forever to get here, but lo and behold here we are just less than a couple of months to go.  Now that we've finalized all our documents with Alex, we are really excited about the cruise because this is our first one!  Yes, we are rookies when it comes to cruising, so we are looking forward to meeting our fellow cruisers and picking up travel tips from you all.

Angie