NORTHERN CALIF Fun Cruisers

[mountainhouse]

I could use a warm, exotic trip. Just too many places to go!

[IMG]http://www.mountainhousephotography.com/South-Pacific-2007/French-Polynesia/Maupiti/MG1855/180819935_v8VTi-L.jpg[/IMG]

[barnismom]

[quote name='mountainhouse']Thanks, Janice. :D We're going to the Baltics in July. Have the big decisions made, but now need to work out the details, like: is that hole in the fence, I see in Google Steetview, still there to shorten our walk to the dock by 500 feet. :rolleyes: Seriously, we'll be in Denmark on our own for a week pre-cruise, so there are some details to think through. Based on Rick Steves' recommendation, we're going to start on [URL="http://www.bryan-thorne.com/EEE%20-%20plus/29.%20%20Aero%20Island,%20Denmark/Aero%20Island,%20Denmark.htm"]Aero Island[/URL]. It will be different! But, I really enjoy the planning, so it's all fun.[/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy]Oh I am envious...I would love to head that direction but DH loves warmer weather. I have always wanted to see St. Petersburg, and the Scandinavian countries. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy]My SIL & BILL did a Rick Steves European tour once and they learned how to really pack light. I remember when I went to Europe in my younger years taking a 24" suitcase just filled with my fragrances (I layered at that time), makeup etc. However, over the years you learn to travel lighter.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy] [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[barnismom]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=3]quick post here as I am suppose to go out with hubby for a late lunch -[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Frank = your cruise sounds great but then you always go on those nice exotic far away very exciting interesting places![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Yvonne - wish I could afford Disco Bay! you look too young to even have a son who is married!![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Yes Janice, another lunch is due - and yes, after my april cruise would be nice - better weather etc...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]We usually meet at Texas Roadhouse - yes Yvonne, hubby and I love stopping there - and it is noisey - last time we met with Janice and Frank and group - we were able to get the private room that is off the main door - however, it was still noisey! think it was the sound system above us - love their food tho'![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]we will have to set it up and get a real date and go from there! that is if you don't mind driving from San Jose to Tracy again - I know Yvonne can always visit her son too... and Frank, he's just down the road - I'll contact some of the other CA folks who have attended in the past...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]ok - be back later - I am off to do errands and have lunch with Narce...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]carol[/SIZE][/quote]
[SIZE=5][COLOR=navy] Carol, there is also Famous Daves nearby...we might be trying that place this weekend (we now have one in San Jose)![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][COLOR=navy]Hope everyone had a good WEDNESDAY...half way through for most of us who still have to work![/COLOR][/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='SANJOSEGAL'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Hello Northern California cruisers here in San Jose its a beautiful clear day just a bit chilly.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Carol so you are originally from the Isleton area we actually seem to frequently drive near that area. We love to visit the lakes in the area, Murphy's and of course like I said before a little snow time. We have a cabin booked in Arnold next week for a little down time. Our son and his wife bought a home in Discovery Bay last year and love the area just not the commute on Vasco Rd. We recently started eating at Texas Roadhouse wow is that food good. The place can get a little noisy yet the food is worth it. I was wondering if your sign on MOUNTAINHOUSE had anything to do with the exit off 580............The Baltics sound amazing can't wait to hear all about your trip when you return.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Janice I love the idea of going on a maiden voyage so you are a celebrity wow I had no idea. I try to record any shows on cruising and I love the Discovery Channel. I wonder if that show would repeat I will keep my eyes open Mighty Ships. I did a Google search and this came up only I can't open it here at work. I will do it at home so how do I recognize you?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/mighty-ships-/mighty-ships-season-3/mighty-ship[/URL] s-oasis-of-the-seas/

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Time to get back to work I hope you all have a wonderful day in beautiful California. [/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy]Yvonne, hello again. Well in all of our tv spots Emmy and I were wearing our Pink Boas! Inside Edition edited us so we are only really seen toasting; the sound part wasn't there. Channel 9 (Australia) aired our whole little blurb and we sounded like party girls which we really aren't. On Mighty Ships we were flashed on twice; one was a close up. I know that our cruising friend Laura posted a photo she took with her cell phone from Inside Edition and Emmy posted a photo too which I am assuming she probably did the same thing.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy]All in all the Oasis Maiden Voyage was so very special in many many ways. FYI, we are sailing this September on the Allure of the Seas (the bigger sister); perhaps you can try out Royal Caribbean and join us. We are sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy]Yvonne sounds like you like to get away on weekends too! This Sunday we are heading up to Red Hawk Casino for a few hours and back to the Bay Area for dinner at Flemings Steakhouse.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy] [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[barnismom]

[quote name='mountainhouse']I could use a warm, exotic trip. Just too many places to go!

[IMG]http://www.mountainhousephotography.com/South-Pacific-2007/French-Polynesia/Maupiti/MG1855/180819935_v8VTi-L.jpg[/IMG][/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=sienna] There never seems to be enough money or time or both; sometime life isn't fair![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[cctn]

[SIZE=3]Frank - you were the loudest one at that lunch!!!ha!ha! just kidding........so greatful that you and Marianne were able to come - hope we can do it again - and have a good group get together...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Janice - we went to Famous Dave's once in the same area down the road from Texas Roadhouse - it was ok - I still like the food at TR but maybe for a different atmosphere, it won't hurt to try FD's for us all. I think it's smaller than TR - don't know if they have a private room.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]WE just came home from San Rafael - it was sunny and warm there - then onto Concord where we stopped for some Asian food snax. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Yvonne - hubby and I are filipino's - 2nd generation - but love our native foods since I don't know how to make them that well! ha!ha![/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]carol[/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=3]Frank - you were the loudest one at that lunch!!!ha!ha! just kidding........so greatful that you and Marianne were able to come - hope we can do it again - and have a good group get together...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Janice - we went to Famous Dave's once in the same area down the road from Texas Roadhouse - it was ok - I still like the food at TR but maybe for a different atmosphere, it won't hurt to try FD's for us all. I think it's smaller than TR - don't know if they have a private room.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]WE just came home from San Rafael - it was sunny and warm there - then onto Concord where we stopped for some Asian food snax. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Yvonne - hubby and I are filipino's - 2nd generation - but love our native foods since I don't know how to make them that well! ha!ha![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]carol[/SIZE][/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=darkslateblue] Carol, Patrick and I were watching a show about the best ribs or a rib cook off (I forget now - old age) and Famous Dave's was mentioned to be one of the best. We have not yet tried them out...too bad there isn't a Claim Jumper or BJ's nearby![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=darkslateblue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=darkslateblue]Glad you and Narce are getting around...is he still off work?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[cctn]

[SIZE=3]I love Claim Jumpers - we were just talking about that too - cuz I like their chicken and their sauce - also bottled sauce that they sell - used to really like their salad bar when they had one - we have one in Concord -[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]BJ's I wasn't too crazy about - went to the one in Elk Grove -[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I think I just had a BBQ sandwich of some sort when we were to Famous Dave's - [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]today in San Rafael, there were so many eateries - plenty of Thai food places - I don't know much about Thai food = the one in Hawaii that we go to is nice, but it's cuz I am used to it - I am not that adventurous! I had a burger in a mall, which was very good, flavorful - nothing fancy - just had to have something to eat since I hadn't eaten all day - then the snax in Concord.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Janice: have you shopped for your airfare for your cruise yet? I booked on SouthWest for FL since I liked that they don't charge you for 2 checked in luggages - we tried to do our Alaska air but even with the $99 for a companion, it was way too high; SW was more reasonable - plus I had to watch the nephew's budget too - [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Yvonne: when is your next cruise? [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]carol[/SIZE]

[mountainhouse]

[quote name='corkey']
[SIZE=3]today in San Rafael, there were so many eateries - [/SIZE][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/quote]

I loved [url=http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/]Sol Food Restaurant[/url]! That's a wonderful place. DDD video is [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6MTLQ3VblA]here[/url].

[cctn]

[quote name='mountainhouse']I loved [URL="http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/"]Sol Food Restaurant[/URL]! That's a wonderful place. DDD video is [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6MTLQ3VblA"]here[/URL].[/quote]


[SIZE=3]We were in San Rafael last Fri too as well as yesterday and we passed this place - it was packed - lines out the door so we didn't want to wait - I am not familiar with puerto rican food but I am sure their shrimp or chicken will be good - next time we are there, must go in - hubby enjoyed some puerto rican food when we were in Maui a while back so I am sure he will like it here. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Today we went out for lunch again - indian/pakistani food near our house.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]carol[/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=3]I love Claim Jumpers - we were just talking about that too - cuz I like their chicken and their sauce - also bottled sauce that they sell - used to really like their salad bar when they had one - we have one in Concord -[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]BJ's I wasn't too crazy about - went to the one in Elk Grove -[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I think I just had a BBQ sandwich of some sort when we were to Famous Dave's - [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]today in San Rafael, there were so many eateries - plenty of Thai food places - I don't know much about Thai food = the one in Hawaii that we go to is nice, but it's cuz I am used to it - I am not that adventurous! I had a burger in a mall, which was very good, flavorful - nothing fancy - just had to have something to eat since I hadn't eaten all day - then the snax in Concord.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Janice: have you shopped for your airfare for your cruise yet? I booked on SouthWest for FL since I liked that they don't charge you for 2 checked in luggages - we tried to do our Alaska air but even with the $99 for a companion, it was way too high; SW was more reasonable - plus I had to watch the nephew's budget too - [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Yvonne: when is your next cruise? [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]carol[/SIZE][/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy] Hello Carol![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy]Both SWA and Alaska will give you a credit should your airfare go down. For SWA the credit is a year from the date of the initial purchase. I am not too certain how Alaska works their credit anymore but I think it is from the date they issue you your credit not the original booking date.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy]I had a wonderful savings on Alaska for a booking we did down to Puerto Vallarta. I believe Jet Blue might also do a credit too...keep checking airfare.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy]I have been looking at options now too. Last time (for the Oasis out of Ft. Lauderdale) we flew into Miami because of the airfare savings. Unfortunately the cost of ground transportation negated the savings so I am not doing that again...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] Edited January 21, 2011 by barnismom

[mountainhouse]

Hmmmm. Love Indian food. By the way, [URL="http://www.abhiruchiusa.com/"]this place[/URL] used to have a back room they'd let you use for free, and it's good food! Just a thought for getting together.

[cctn]

[quote name='mountainhouse']Hmmmm. Love Indian food. By the way, [URL="http://www.abhiruchiusa.com/"]this place[/URL] used to have a back room they'd let you use for free, and it's good food! Just a thought for getting together.[/quote]


[SIZE=4]It depends if everyone is geared for trying out puerto rican food - and San Rafael isn't far from us - also not too bad from San Jose - is it, San jose-an? it'll be far from you but if you don't mind, then we can consider it - [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]sounds real god - [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]carol[/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=4]It depends if everyone is geared for trying out puerto rican food - and San Rafael isn't far from us - also not too bad from San Jose - is it, San jose-an? it'll be far from you but if you don't mind, then we can consider it - [/SIZE]

[SIZE=4]sounds real god - [/SIZE]

[SIZE=4]carol[/SIZE][/quote]
[COLOR=darkslateblue] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Carol, we will travel anywhere to get together with you and Narce...should say almost anywhere. FYI, DH hates Indian food; I have to go with a girlfriend to get my fix.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=darkslateblue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=darkslateblue]We haven't tried Puerto Rican food but thinking it is close to Mexican perhaps? We had a limited time in port so we didn't eat anywhere in Old San Juan. I know that Samantha Brown & Rachael Ray have done shows from there![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[cctn]

[SIZE=4]i was telling Narce about the puerta rican place cuz we noticed that it was busy when we passed it yesterday and last week - as long as they have some sort of chicken or shrimp, I should be ok -[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]I do like Indian but stick to the places I am familiar with around our area -[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]sounds like we can plan for around end of may and hope we can get more to join us!![/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]you guys are so sweet to say you'll go anywhere for us!! when it comes to good food, narce will too!![/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]carol[/SIZE]

[SANJOSEGAL]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I don't know where to begin so I guess I will just jump in. First of all that Puerto Rican Restaurant looked amazing I think it calls for a day trip to San Rafael it looks like its about a hour from SJ. We took a cruise that left from Puerto Rico so we decided to spent some time in San Juan. We visited a few restaurants that were mentioned on the Rachael Ray $40 a day show and fell in love with Puerto Rican food. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Our next cruise leaves from Port Canaveral on Sept 10th on one of Carnivals newest ships the Dream. This cruise was more about re-connecting with our friends then the actual itinerary. On our last cruise we decided to try out a AFT cabin and fell in love with it so again we booked a AFT cabin. We actually have a whole row of cabins on the AFT booked with some of our group. The dividers open so we will be having one heck of a party at least one of the days.

Janice I love the photo you posted where was that taken it looks so familiar to me. It looks like St Lucia maybe :cool:. I just checked out that link I posted on the Oasis and it did not seem to show what I was looking for. I need to spend a little more time I was rushing to dinner. Since you were all talking about food I will mention that we ate in Japan town at Minatos a small family owned restaurant that has pretty yummy food. Have a blast at Red Hawk and hope you get lucky. We were in Vegas in October for our twin boys 21st birthday. We are not big gamblers so we were pretty happy to walk away with a $250 jackpot. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Carol aren't you sweet my son is 27 and just got married this year (2009) in Maui. It was the most amazing wedding it was just immediate family hers and ours. It was held at the Grand Wailea we were lucky enough to stay there for the week. Overall the cost probably compared to having a big wedding back home. This way we all got a great vacation in addition to a wedding. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]As far as Filipino food goes the only thing I've had is Lumpia and I love it. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]A fellow cruise friend said that Southwest will open their reservations for Sept starting on Feb 8th in case you didn't know. Our last cruise left from Miami though we flew into Ft. Lauderdale and took a shuttle to Miami. Our 2009 cruise left from Ft. Lauderdale. We usually go a day or two early and stay one night on the return. I always book our hotel rooms on Priceline and have been lucky to get some great hotel rooms for a very reasonable rate. On the return of our last cruise we stayed in Ft Lauderdale at the W hotel for $98 a night. Wow was that fun since it was a holiday weekend they had a big pool party planned with a DJ. The crowd was much younger than us yet we really had a great time. I felt like I was on a MTV show watching all these young guys and gals in the pool.

Like usual I am chatting way too much so I will sign off for tonight. So glad tomorrow is TGIF and aren't we lucky to have such beautiful weather.


[/FONT][/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='SANJOSEGAL'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I don't know where to begin so I guess I will just jump in. First of all that Puerto Rican Restaurant looked amazing I think it calls for a day trip to San Rafael it looks like its about a hour from SJ. We took a cruise that left from Puerto Rico so we decided to spent some time in San Juan. We visited a few restaurants that were mentioned on the Rachael Ray $40 a day show and fell in love with Puerto Rican food. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Our next cruise leaves from Port Canaveral on Sept 10th on one of Carnivals newest ships the Dream. This cruise was more about re-connecting with our friends then the actual itinerary. On our last cruise we decided to try out a AFT cabin and fell in love with it so again we booked a AFT cabin. We actually have a whole row of cabins on the AFT booked with some of our group. The dividers open so we will be having one heck of a party at least one of the days. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Janice I love the photo you posted where was that taken it looks so familiar to me. It looks like St Lucia maybe :cool:. I just checked out that link I posted on the Oasis and it did not seem to show what I was looking for. I need to spend a little more time I was rushing to dinner. Since you were all talking about food I will mention that we ate in Japan town at Minatos a small family owned restaurant that has pretty yummy food. Have a blast at Red Hawk and hope you get lucky. We were in Vegas in October for our twin boys 21st birthday. We are not big gamblers so we were pretty happy to walk away with a $250 jackpot. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Carol aren't you sweet my son is 27 and just got married this year (2009) in Maui. It was the most amazing wedding it was just immediate family hers and ours. It was held at the Grand Wailea we were lucky enough to stay there for the week. Overall the cost probably compared to having a big wedding back home. This way we all got a great vacation in addition to a wedding. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]As far as Filipino food goes the only thing I've had is Lumpia and I love it. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]A fellow cruise friend said that Southwest will open their reservations for Sept starting on Feb 8th in case you didn't know. Our last cruise left from Miami though we flew into Ft. Lauderdale and took a shuttle to Miami. Our 2009 cruise left from Ft. Lauderdale. We usually go a day or two early and stay one night on the return. I always book our hotel rooms on Priceline and have been lucky to get some great hotel rooms for a very reasonable rate. On the return of our last cruise we stayed in Ft Lauderdale at the W hotel for $98 a night. Wow was that fun since it was a holiday weekend they had a big pool party planned with a DJ. The crowd was much younger than us yet we really had a great time. I felt like I was on a MTV show watching all these young guys and gals in the pool. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Like usual I am chatting way too much so I will sign off for tonight. So glad tomorrow is TGIF and aren't we lucky to have such beautiful weather. [/FONT][/SIZE]


[/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue] Hello Yvonne![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue]That wasn't my photo and I am wondering where that location is...one of my to do's is to spend a vacation at the Grand Wailea. My brother just got back from there. We are loyal Hilton Honors members so I was hoping to use some points...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue]FYI, my email address is: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][EMAIL="jsmoan@yahoo.com"][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue]jsmoan@yahoo.com[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/EMAIL][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue]. Yippee it is Friday and payday for moi.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkslateblue]Hope it is sunny again. My co-workers and I have been walking during our afternoon break. Have a wonderful Friday everyone![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[barnismom]

[quote name='SANJOSEGAL'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I don't know where to begin so I guess I will just jump in. First of all that Puerto Rican Restaurant looked amazing I think it calls for a day trip to San Rafael it looks like its about a hour from SJ. We took a cruise that left from Puerto Rico so we decided to spent some time in San Juan. We visited a few restaurants that were mentioned on the Rachael Ray $40 a day show and fell in love with Puerto Rican food. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Our next cruise leaves from Port Canaveral on Sept 10th on one of Carnivals newest ships the Dream. This cruise was more about re-connecting with our friends then the actual itinerary. On our last cruise we decided to try out a AFT cabin and fell in love with it so again we booked a AFT cabin. We actually have a whole row of cabins on the AFT booked with some of our group. The dividers open so we will be having one heck of a party at least one of the days. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Janice I love the photo you posted where was that taken it looks so familiar to me. It looks like St Lucia maybe :cool:. I just checked out that link I posted on the Oasis and it did not seem to show what I was looking for. I need to spend a little more time I was rushing to dinner. Since you were all talking about food I will mention that we ate in Japan town at Minatos a small family owned restaurant that has pretty yummy food. Have a blast at Red Hawk and hope you get lucky. We were in Vegas in October for our twin boys 21st birthday. We are not big gamblers so we were pretty happy to walk away with a $250 jackpot. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Carol aren't you sweet my son is 27 and just got married this year (2009) in Maui. It was the most amazing wedding it was just immediate family hers and ours. It was held at the Grand Wailea we were lucky enough to stay there for the week. Overall the cost probably compared to having a big wedding back home. This way we all got a great vacation in addition to a wedding. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]As far as Filipino food goes the only thing I've had is Lumpia and I love it. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]A fellow cruise friend said that Southwest will open their reservations for Sept starting on Feb 8th in case you didn't know. Our last cruise left from Miami though we flew into Ft. Lauderdale and took a shuttle to Miami. Our 2009 cruise left from Ft. Lauderdale. We usually go a day or two early and stay one night on the return. I always book our hotel rooms on Priceline and have been lucky to get some great hotel rooms for a very reasonable rate. On the return of our last cruise we stayed in Ft Lauderdale at the W hotel for $98 a night. Wow was that fun since it was a holiday weekend they had a big pool party planned with a DJ. The crowd was much younger than us yet we really had a great time. I felt like I was on a MTV show watching all these young guys and gals in the pool. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Like usual I am chatting way too much so I will sign off for tonight. So glad tomorrow is TGIF and aren't we lucky to have such beautiful weather. [/FONT][/SIZE]


[/quote]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=navy]Oops, thanks for the tip on the new SWA window for fares![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=navy] [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[cctn]

[SIZE=3]Yvonne - you can never be too chatty here -...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]always love to read what everyone has to say - cruise or non cruise related...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]sounds like the puerto rican place has 3 votes - well 4 counting Frank's- ok Frank - it was your suggestion so you need to be our MC !! ha!ha![/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]lumpia - yes, need to make some - I am not a good cook at all and I can't make food that my parents used to cook - wish I had paid more attention. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Unfortunately, SW doesn't go to NJ - that's our next cruise after the April one - sailing from Bayonne - or I think it doesn't go there - I should check.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]the Maui wedding sounds beautiful - our niece had her ceremony there last yr but we could not go - however hers was in Lahiana somewhere - I am sure it was a nice hotel/resort too - oh I remember, Narce had a very intense project at work - so when it was done, we made it a point to go to Hawaii, altho' we stayed in Honolulu - same tropical breeze - I love both islands.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I am jumping around here - our next cruise is sailing from Pt Canaveral too and we have never been there so it'll be a first for us - we have sailed from Ft Laudersade and of course many times from Miami ( which we love) so PT Can. will be new and looking forward to a new experience. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]WEll ladies and gent... have a good Fri - I am off - everyday, thank you = however, I put in my dues for 38 yrs!! so I deserve it !! ha!ha![/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]stay warm ! carol[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]

[SANJOSEGAL]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=3].[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I am jumping around here - our next cruise is sailing from Pt Canaveral too and we have never been there so it'll be a first for us - [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Carol this will be our first time cruising out of Port Canaveral also. Many of us just booked our hotel rooms at the Radisson Resort at the Port [URL]http://www.radisson.com/cape-canaveral-hotel-fl-32920/flcocoa/meetings[/URL] someone in our group found a discount code CarlsonF which worked great when we booked. It actually is for friends and family of people who work for Carlson long story short after someone posted this information I realized my sister works for Carlson so if you need a name you can use Lisa Arens. So here is the rate we got...... some of the first people who used it got a rate of $88.00 a night for a regular room. By the time I found out and tried it the only thing that came up was a 2 room suite with jacuzzi tub for $109.00 which I was fine with. This includes a free shuttle to the port. Another option is we booked a block of rooms though the rate was not as good as this discount code. Another great thing about all this is you do not have to pay in advance and you can cancel if necessary. I hope this helps with your planning. Luckily many in our group have cruised out of this port and some live pretty close so they have lots of helpful information. Our next decision is how we will get from the airport to the hotel shuttle? rent a car? It all just depends on what flights we all get. Oh well we have lots of time to figure this all out I am just a obsessive planner. [/SIZE]

[cctn]

[SIZE=3]Yvonne: thank you so much for the Name - you are so kind - If it were just me and Narce, we would have used it - the Raddison had good reviews and yes, close to the pier and you can take a shuttle - however, I have to consider our nephew's budget - it's their first cruise, honeymoon cruise = actually, it's our wedding gift to them = nephew being he's the son we never had - I told them we would give them the cruise but airfare/hotels had to be theirs-- yikes! wish I could have done it 100% but ........[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]anyway, we did SW for all 4 -- then I found a Best Western that is 1 mile from Disney World so we had points at BW and the reviews were good - located in Kissimmee - since we will be there for 4 days, it was reasonable for us.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]we will rent a car or perhaps an SUV from the airport, use it for 4 days then return in Pt Can. and I think the car rental co. is suppose to have a shuttle to the pier. we will not stay at the port evening prior to the sailing - we have decided just to drive in from Kissimmee as we won't be in a hurry. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]so far, that's what we are doing, already booked the hotel - hubby is supppose to do the car -[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]we are going to Disney World and probably the other popular places during the span of 4 days before sailing... [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I'll eye it out for ya since you won't be going til sept. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I am excited cuz it'll be the nephew's and his wife's first cruise - oh gosh! is Auntie Carol going to drive them nuts?!!! ha!ha![/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]c[/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=3]Yvonne - you can never be too chatty here -...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]always love to read what everyone has to say - cruise or non cruise related...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]sounds like the puerto rican place has 3 votes - well 4 counting Frank's- ok Frank - it was your suggestion so you need to be our MC !! ha!ha![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]lumpia - yes, need to make some - I am not a good cook at all and I can't make food that my parents used to cook - wish I had paid more attention. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Unfortunately, SW doesn't go to NJ - that's our next cruise after the April one - sailing from Bayonne - or I think it doesn't go there - I should check.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]the Maui wedding sounds beautiful - our niece had her ceremony there last yr but we could not go - however hers was in Lahiana somewhere - I am sure it was a nice hotel/resort too - oh I remember, Narce had a very intense project at work - so when it was done, we made it a point to go to Hawaii, altho' we stayed in Honolulu - same tropical breeze - I love both islands.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I am jumping around here - our next cruise is sailing from Pt Canaveral too and we have never been there so it'll be a first for us - we have sailed from Ft Laudersade and of course many times from Miami ( which we love) so PT Can. will be new and looking forward to a new experience. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]WEll ladies and gent... have a good Fri - I am off - everyday, thank you = however, I put in my dues for 38 yrs!! so I deserve it !! ha!ha![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]stay warm ! carol[/SIZE]

[/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=magenta] Carol, you can count Patrick and I in for the Puerto Rican restaurant...I haven't told him yet. FYI, we had a yummy meal of ribs at Famous Dave's tonight and the service was excellent. I joined their "PIG" club last night and got an email with a free appetizer.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[cctn]

[quote name='barnismom'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=magenta] Carol, you can count Patrick and I in for the Puerto Rican restaurant...I haven't told him yet. FYI, we had a yummy meal of ribs at Famous Dave's tonight and the service was excellent. I joined their "PIG" club last night and got an email with a free appetizer.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=darkred]ok - so we can start planning for San Rafael then - I hope Yvonne can make it too - probably May? we get back on the 17th, but Easter is the following weekend - [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]Frank - hope you can come too - thanx for the idea.. and recommendation of the restuarant -..[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]glad you liked Famous Dave's Janice - I forgot what I had - it was so/so but then maybe I just had a burger. I know it was quieter than TR - I guess no matter where I go, I'll be happy!![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]I made wonton soup today from scratch except I bought the wontons from the freezer section of an asian market - then chicken curry with coconut cream - it was good - not too strong as I diluted the coconut cream with some broth - [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]problem is - for the two of us, I make enough for 8 - wish you all lived close to us = I would have shared![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]carol[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[barnismom]

[quote name='corkey'][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkred]ok - so we can start planning for San Rafael then - I hope Yvonne can make it too - probably May? we get back on the 17th, but Easter is the following weekend - [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]Frank - hope you can come too - thanx for the idea.. and recommendation of the restuarant -..[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]glad you liked Famous Dave's Janice - I forgot what I had - it was so/so but then maybe I just had a burger. I know it was quieter than TR - I guess no matter where I go, I'll be happy!![/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]I made wonton soup today from scratch except I bought the wontons from the freezer section of an asian market - then chicken curry with coconut cream - it was good - not too strong as I diluted the coconut cream with some broth - [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]problem is - for the two of us, I make enough for 8 - wish you all lived close to us = I would have shared![/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=#8b0000]carol[/COLOR][/SIZE][/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy]Dear Carol, you are really not that far away and the creative won ton soup sounded yummy more in the vein of Straits which I think is the Malalysian/Singapore style.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][COLOR=navy]YES hope Yvonne can make it...I hope she doesn't have to work every Saturday. SO lelt's work on a "real date" to put into our calendars...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[SANJOSEGAL]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Hi girls and Frank I would love to meet you all for lunch in May. I rotate working Saturdays so in May I off May 28th which is after Carol's cruise. This working Saturdays just started this month for the first time since I starting working here 7 years ago and it is no fun. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Janice sounds like we need to try Famous Daves out maybe even tonight. I hope you hit a jackpot at Redhawk.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]By the way I would love to try out another cruise line sometime so if you start putting something together let me know. Of course just not this September since we are booked on the Dream. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Well its time for me to hit the road home so I hope you all have been enjoying this beautiful day. [/SIZE][/FONT]