S.T.E.P. - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Jo Mary has shared this program with me. I checked it out and you can easily register and sign up as an added preparation and planning to being a Smart and Safety Cautious Traveler. This program once you enroll offers latest travel updates and information about every country where you may visit. As well as provides assistance in case of natural disasters or emergencies to U.S. Citizens. In addition when you register with this program, the travel and contact information you enter into the U.S. Department of State, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will be able to assist you better in such emergency incident as loosing your passport or if it were to be stolen during your trip.

The information you provide will also make it easier for consular officers in U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world to contact you and your loved ones in case of an emergency - this would also includes situations where YOUR family or friends in the U.S. are having problems trying to contact you with important news.

So ‘Thanks Jo Mary’ for highlighting this point and all should at least check it out and consider to enroll. Though daily life in OUR world is opening up to global viewpoints, unfortunately, many of the ‘Third World Nations’ are still surprisingly working with their own set of standard, polices and procedures. So every travel tool we can use, certainly can't hurt

Here is the link to get you started ....

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html

Photo provided by pptform.state.gov

Tips for Better Travel Photos

So who isn’t going to bring a camera on our trip? Not many I’m sure...but unlike Rocky, John and Stella...my camera is a simple point and shoot camera. Not into adjustments and too lazy to carry a bulky camera. Where do I put it if I wanted to shop and look, right?

I came across this article on Independent Traveler that I thought for cruisers like me might want a quick read to make potential better improvements with your travel photos. It may not all be retained, but some simple improvements may make such a difference at the end result. So check it out.

Also if you missed it,  be sure to check out John's blog article on "Traveling with a Camera", posted February 22, 2013. Use the Home page, right side bar under Blog Article Archive.

19 Tips for Better Travel Photos

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/19-tips-for-better-travel-photos

Photo Karen, Mexican Riviera Group Cruise 2009

Insect Spray for Your Packing List?

Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang are but a few of the ports of call we will be visiting and since these destinations will be a in much warmer region there will be a good chance the bugs, including mosquitos could invade our juicy skin. I highly recommend you consider bringing a can of insect spray to use on your clothes or skin. I was told that the product with DEET is the best. But controversy of it being a chemical verses organic alternative is always a personal choice. Whatever you decide, be sure you add this to your packing list. I know it never hurts to be prepared....

Sample resource links that may assist you...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm

http://www.consumersearch.com/insect-repellent

http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/safer-bug-spray

http://www.fitsugar.com/Bug-Spray-Dilemma-DEET-Really-Bad-1692380

Hand Sanitizer ...Diana's Pick!

Just wanted to share with you that I found an excellent product that is produced by CVS Pharmacy. It is their own brand hand sanitizer. With over 2,000 passengers and tons more for ship crews and staff roaming the ship and this doesn’t even mention all the people that are in our Ports of Call, Security Personnel as we embark and disembark the ship we will be visiting. I highly recommend you carry and bring a hand sanitizer. For those who use this handy health tool, you know what I’m talking about. 

What I like about this particular product is that unlike others when I use it my hand does not feel sticky after I spray or drop it on and rub it. You can also buy the portable stick holder which is light and handy to carry around while you are in port and on the ship. And there is a refillable bottle you can also pack in your suitcase. Do not bring this on your carry-on. Check out the photo so you can see what the brand looks like. The ship usually has a hand sanitizer as you enter the dining room but this is the gel kind that leaves your hand sticky. I know I’m not into sticky, just picky I guess!

IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM ALEX

Here's cruise biz updates that Alex has shared with me .... 

Number One
You should be receiving your cruise documents from Alex by mail within a few days, if you haven't already. Look for a large white envelope. All the information you have been planning with Alex is in your packet. So please be sure you read all the fine prints. There are pages so thumb through all the details. Double check your information! I am not going to list each items since each of you has a personalized  packet that was arranged between you and Alex. My only recommendation is to check NOW, so if there are issues, Alex can assist you. Feel free to call or email her. Thanks Alex for getting this to us! Yes, I got ours!

Number Two
If you would like to add Pre-Paid Gratuity to your booking, contact Alex by email or call her to make this arrangement. Yes, you can pay ahead or you can wait till the end of your cruise
when they will hand out envelopes and you can then decide to give what amount to whom or charge it to your ship sail credit account. There was a blog article that I posted on March 18 regarding Gratuity and Tipping.

Number Three
Check your Shanghai port of call time schedule on April 28th. There is a change in our arrival and departure time. It is due to "Tidal Restraints", which means the ship has to change their docking time due to the ocean's tide level which will not allow them to sail in as originally planned. The NEW SCHEDULE will be arrival time of 10:00AM and departure time of 11:59PM this is a change from our original schedule of 7:00am to 6:00pm.

This schedule has great advantage and adds another wonderful experience for us. The skyline of Shanghai is incredible, especially the view of the modernistic Bund region. Not sure where are ship will be docked. But I am hoping to be on the ship's deck with my camera because you want to capture whether by memory with a drink or a digital click with your camera of this most majestic view. So let's cross our fingers that that the Diamond Princess sails right pass this incredible skyline. Anyone want to meet me on deck?

Number Four
Lastly, now that you have your cruise/travel documents....it's time to organize and put it in your portfolio booklet that Roger and I gave you. This handy tool is something I do for every trip. You can add your notes that you might have taken or those clipped magazine articles as well. Hopefully it's got enough pages for you and don't forget you can always back to back the pages to increase your space. Doing this will certainly add to the long awaited anticipation of this exotic cruise and when you return you will have a handy souvenir memory of your trip.

It's nearly Bon Voyage Time everyone.... 

Pre-Trip Panic Attack?

Yikes...it’s really here! The date is fast approaching and though I am a planner and organizer. I’m actually having to take a breathe and s-l-o-w myself down. I guess with 
the long awaited planning and being busy with everyday things of life (yes, even for us retirees) plus with the focus and the eye on the “Group”...I guess my day has finally come. Well as seasoned as I am, I’m sure this must be hitting some of the other cruisers,  if not it may. So I came across this interesting article that might help you in your last minute preparation.

Five Ways to Beat Pre-Trip Panic

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/troubleshooting/five-ways-to-beat-pre-trip-panic

Photo provided by amarilysis.wordpress.com

CHEF'S TABLE

One of the joys of cruising for me is the culinary experiences that cruising offers. As much as I enjoy cooking, trying new recipes, reading and learning about regional specialities.  I need to confess that I love being spoiled by NOT having to cook, clean and then being served gourmet dishes, fine wines & delightful cocktails with class & service. And this is just in the daily dining seating at dinner. The ship also offers buffet, spa food, pizzaria, outdoor grilled burgers, room service and speciality restaurants and cafe. But one of the “not so advertised” service that is definitely for Foodies, Gourmands, Epicureans and Gastronomes that Princess Cruises offers is the “Chef’s Table”.  

Roger and I have decided to once again try and sign-up for this opportunity. We participated in this evening event on the Island Princess when we went to the Panama Canal in 2010. It is very competitive to get to participate. It requires getting on board the ship and immediately pursuing sign-up. It’s no guaranteed as there is very limited seating opportunities. I was told by a representative of Princess that there was a maximum of 10 per table and there will be a maximum of 4 tables per a 14 day cruise. Which if you calculate it out, that means 40 people  will get to sign-up among the Diamond Princess’ passenger capacity of 2,670. In addition the cost per participant is $95 with wine and $80 without wine. 

I am not certain that I am able to get a table of 10. But will try and do so upon my arrival. If this is truly a passionate interest, please contact me and I will take your name based upon a first come first served list. I will then pursue to try and get a table of 10. If I find that there are more then 10 individuals, I will then coordinate with one or two cruisers to assist me in working on this opportunity. Below is the information that I found on the Princess Cruise Website.

Food & Dining: The Chef's Table

The Chef’s Table is designed as a special treat for dining enthusiasts, and offers the rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley to enjoy a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation hosted by the executive chef.

While many passengers are able to enjoy galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef's Table experience takes interested diners behind the scenes during the height of dinner preparation where they'll also enjoy Champagne and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room.

The Chef's Table begins when the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley where they can observe the bustle of dinner-hour preparations and meet the executive chef, plus enjoy Champagne with appetizers. The chef previews the details of the menu he created for that evening, and the group is welcomed to their special table in the dining room.

The multi-course menu is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course is accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Specially selected wines complement the meal. During the dessert course, the chef rejoins the group at their private table to participate in a discussion about the evening's meal, answer questions, and share culinary secrets perfected during many years of experience at sea and on land.

Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized, autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is available on amazon.com. Passengers will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef.

The Chef's Table* experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night, at an additional cost. Reservations are made onboard through the ship's DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise.

*Not available on Sun, Dawn and Sea Princess while in Australia.

Celebrating on the Diamond Princess?

Anyone celebrating an Anniversary? Birthday? Retirement? Or some other special day? If so I recommend that you note this in your My Princess, Cruise Personalizer. Princess is very good about recognizing your special occasion. 

I recall spending my birthday on the Island Princess in 2010 and they had my door decorated and such. There are also additional specialty items you can order on the gifts and services link at Princess to enhance your cabin stay.

To my knowledge I believe we have Rocky and Peggy celebrating their Anniversary on April 17th.

Is there anyone else among our cruisers celebrating?

Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you on board.

 

SAVE THE CORK!

There are plenty of opportunity to purchase a bottle of wine on the cruise. SAVE THE CORK! You can order your own personal bottle for your room to enjoy on your balcony. SAVE THE CORK! You can order a bottle of wine to share with friends at one of the bars or lounges on the ship SAVE THE CORKS, yes you heard it, SAVE THE CORKS and then there is of course ordering a bottle for your dinner on the cruise ship Again SAVE THE CORKS or perhaps a celebratory occasion on the ship, SAVE THE CORK. Or you and a fellow cruiser decide to try the ships' specialty restaurant. SAVE THE CORK! Either case our goal is to collect wine corks (and yes, SAVE THE CORKS) that we have consumed on this trip. Why you ask? 

Rocky Alby who is one of our 32 day cruiser, has contacted me and stated that he thought this would be a fun raffle give away for the last day of the cruise. He has purchased a Wine Cork Trivet Kit that he would like to donate as a raffle gift. The goal is to collect 47 wine corks by members of our group during this cruise trip. Rocky would like for you to hang onto your wine cork and when you see him he would like to have you sign your cork. If we are able to collect some 47 wine corks. Rocky will assemble the trivet and on the last night of the cruise at our dinner we will draw the lucky cruiser in our group and Rocky will mail this trivet directly to the winner. Sounds like fun to me, thanks Rocky for this fun goal! Kampai (a Japanese toast) everyone!!!! 

Photo provided by http://absolutegalore.com/?tag=cork
Also check out this fun read blog article

Gratuity & Tipping

As varied as language, customs, traditions and values are with each country. Note that on this cruise we will be visiting some 6 different countries. Gratuity and Tipping customs vary, including on our ship world aboard the Diamond Princess. Potential tipping circumstances that  you may come across besides the ship staff who serve you are: taxi drivers, shuttle drivers and assistance, airport and hotel porters for baggage, waiters/waitress at restaurants, food service servers, hotel concierge, shore excursion guides & drivers, room service attendants and restrooms attendants to name a few. Below are information and links for you to explore and note on how to properly tip for receiving services rendered but to also learn not to insult other ethnic customs while in port. Hope this helps to prepare you in our upcoming journey.

Princess Cruises “Gratuity & Tipping”
During your cruise on the Diamond Princess, you will meet a number of crew staff who provide you with service. To simplify the tipping process for our passengers, a discretionary gratuity of $12 per person for mini-suites and suites, and $11.50 per passenger in all other staterooms per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff across the fleet. For your convenience, this gratuity can be pre-paid before you sail by calling 1-800 PRINCESS and referencing Special Services item number 0597.

A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges and dining room wine accounts. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff. We know you will find these services onboard exemplary.
Casino dealers and Lotus Spa® personnel do not share in these gratuities, as not all passengers utilize these services.

Budget Travel
http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/budget-travel-advice-tipping-guide,9030/

Tipping In Asia

http://goasia.about.com/od/Customs-and-Traditions/a/Tipping-in-Asia.htm

Tips for Tipping Abroad
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/passports-and-international-travel/tips-for-tipping-abroad

Tipping Etiquette: Guide for Travelers
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/money-and-insurance/tipping-etiquette-a-guide-for-travelers

Photo provided by Flickr.ErikSiang