NORTHERN CALIF Fun Cruisers

[barnismom]

Wow that's what you call a lesson learned the hard way. My name is Yvonne and we live in San Jose. Compared to some of my fellow cruisers I still feel pretty new to cruising yet from our experience we always fly in a day or two early for a few reason. One of the most important is flight delays or luggage problems. Then the other reason is just decompressing from the hustle and bustle of getting there before the cruise begins. Last September we flew into Fort Lauderdale a few days before our cruise. We landed around 4:30 PM. Our cruise was leaving from Port of Miami we just usually find better prices flying into FLL. Well there was a big thunder storm as we landed and as we waited for our luggage we were informed that they could not unload our luggage due to lightning so to come back the next day to get our luggage. Of course there was big drama by all the passengers some getting very angry. We had a shuttle driver waiting for us from SAS transportation he assured us this happens all the time and eventually they will unload our luggage so he said I will wait as long as it takes. That was pretty impressive for the SAS driver to be so cooperative. About a hour later our luggage was unloaded and we were on our way to Miami though we had no idea exactly how long we were going to be waiting which was nerve racking.

 

This October we are cruising again out of Miami and again flying into Fort Lauderdale. We usually fly on SW except the only flights available arrive after 11:00 PM from San Jose. So we are flying on Virgin Airlines its a direct flight and its a red eye. We leave SFO at 11:30 PM and arrive at 8:30 AM in FLL. Still coming in the day before our cruise. One more interesting thing the Virgin flight was much, much cheaper than SW current prices.

 

To all my fellow Northern California cruisers I hope you are all doing good. I have not been on in awhile yet try to keep up with what's being posted now and then. We will be taking a vacation to Kauai in two weeks and so looking forward to the break.

 

We were in San Francisco last Sunday and WOW what amazing weather with temperatures in the 70's. We went directly to Muir Beach and hiked for a few hours on the coastal trail. Then we went to Sausalito for lunch and walked up and down the harbor looking at all the beautiful boats. We ended our day at Rodeo Beach to watch the sunset. As we left Rodeo Beach we took a right and ended up with the most amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge. That was one of the best Northern CA days ever.

 

Take care everyone

Aloha Yvonne! You have been missed! Hasn't our weather been incredible? We really are fortunate to live where we live. Have you made it to any Sharks games this year? I cannot believe how poorly they are doing now...thought it would be one of their best.

Enjoy your visit to Kauai! We are heading to Maui in November for my birthday; managed to use Hilton Honors points for the Grand Wailea.

HAPPY WEEKEND (almost) everyone!

[SANJOSEGAL]

Yvonne: all I can say about your day in SF is WOW!!! It is one of my fave cities! I love the view from the Bay Bridge and from the GG, even more fantastic -

 

That is freaky about your luggages not being unloaded-- so that is the very reason we should all try to get there a day or two earlier than our cruises - didn't know about flying into FT Laud. cuz it's cheaper - will note that.... also about Virgin Airlines - did you have to pay for your check in luggages? When we flew on Hawaiian Air last Jan, they actually weighed our 'hand carries' -- 20# was the limit and they were very strict about it -

they weighed ours but as it got busier, the other Pax's hand carries were not weighed and they didn't get the special little tag that they put on ours - we saw a lot of BIG rolls on's getting on the plane and NOT fitting in the overhead bins without being really squashed in there - not fare - I heard from some of the intern'l flight folks (Luftansa and I think Quantas) that they are also being strict and the limit there is 15# -- geeze... 15# is practically nothing -

 

glad you posted Yvonne - and have a good time in Kauai - haven't been there in ages - I hope you get perfect weather like we did last Jan.

 

Carol

 

Carol we will need to pay for luggage on our Virgin flight yet the savings were still a lot over SW. That is crazy weighing your carry on I've never seen that done before. We are flying on Alaska direct to Kauai.

 

Aloha Yvonne! You have been missed! Hasn't our weather been incredible? We really are fortunate to live where we live. Have you made it to any Sharks games this year? I cannot believe how poorly they are doing now...thought it would be one of their best.

 

Enjoy your visit to Kauai! We are heading to Maui in November for my birthday; managed to use Hilton Honors points for the Grand Wailea.

 

HAPPY WEEKEND (almost) everyone!

 

 

Hi Janice we never made it to a Sharks game this season. We were at the tank last night to see Jimmy Buffet. You lucky girl going to the Grand Wailea that is the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed at. Not sure if you remember that our son was married there 2 years ago.

If you've never stayed there before you are in for a great birthday present and using HHpoints what could be better.

 

Don and I rented a penthouse ocean front condo in Kauai.I was shocked to find it at such a great price $199 a night. Check out the details http://bookings.kauaiexclusive.com/Unit.mvc/Details/50153

Ok time for me to get to what I get paid to do work :cool:

Have a great weekend everyone.

Yvonne

[cctn]

Love all the Hawaii talk -

Janice - didn't realize you have finalized your plans for your special birthday this Nov -- how exciting!!yay and double yay!!

Yvonne - have tons of fun!! we haven't been to either of these islands for years - somehow, we have been going to Oahu, which I love anyway - but next time Narce mentioned we are going to Maui.

Have a good weekend everyone!!

carol

[barnismom]

Carol we will need to pay for luggage on our Virgin flight yet the savings were still a lot over SW. That is crazy weighing your carry on I've never seen that done before. We are flying on Alaska direct to Kauai.

 

 

 

 

Hi Janice we never made it to a Sharks game this season. We were at the tank last night to see Jimmy Buffet. You lucky girl going to the Grand Wailea that is the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed at. Not sure if you remember that our son was married there 2 years ago.

If you've never stayed there before you are in for a great birthday present and using HHpoints what could be better.

 

Don and I rented a penthouse ocean front condo in Kauai.I was shocked to find it at such a great price $199 a night. Check out the details http://bookings.kauaiexclusive.com/Unit.mvc/Details/50153

 

Ok time for me to get to what I get paid to do work :cool:

 

Have a great weekend everyone.

Yvonne

Hello Yvonne!

Yes I remember your son's wedding and the lovely photos that you shared! I have wanted to stay at the Grand Wailea for a long time and the only way we can afford this experience is to cash in our Hilton Honors points. It would be nice to get upgraded but from what I have been reading that property doesn't seem to do that very often...I did say we would be willing to pay extra for an upgrade which is determined at check-in.

For DH's 50th birthday we got upgraded to a Penthouse at the Doubletree Alana...he was so surprised! Yvonne enjoy your Penthouse experience and report back. You really got a wonderful rate and hopefully your airfare was just as special.

How are things at work? Come back again!

[barnismom]

Love all the Hawaii talk -

 

Janice - didn't realize you have finalized your plans for your special birthday this Nov -- how exciting!!yay and double yay!!

 

Yvonne - have tons of fun!! we haven't been to either of these islands for years - somehow, we have been going to Oahu, which I love anyway - but next time Narce mentioned we are going to Maui.

 

Have a good weekend everyone!!

carol

Carol dear you could always join us! That would be so much fun...I am researching air fare right now! We are going to use the Alaska Companion Fare and should have booked a few days ago as the rate just went up on the outbound.

[timetravler]

I'm new to this thread, so let me introduce myself. My name is Bernadette and I live in the Napa valley. I do not own any wineries or anything like that, just drink the wine. I worked for at&t for 30 years and retired a few years ago. My passion is cooking, cruising, pets and bicycling. I'm married to Eric. We own a Boston Terrier who is 8 months old. Our whole family is into animals. My DIL is a vet, but she does not live in California. Anyways, we cruise with Princess, but would love to try others. We have a cruise this fall, Quebec city to Fl. Today we booked the Trans-Atlantic cruise for 2013 on the new Royal Princess. If you have not seen the video's yet go to the Princess web site. Very pretty ship

BTW, we were in Kauai last September and stayed at the Kiahuna Plantations. We have been there many times.

That's all for now. Hope to talk to you soon. ALOHA!

[cctn]

I'm new to this thread, so let me introduce myself. My name is Bernadette and I live in the Napa valley. I do not own any wineries or anything like that, just drink the wine. I worked for at&t for 30 years and retired a few years ago. My passion is cooking, cruising, pets and bicycling. I'm married to Eric. We own a Boston Terrier who is 8 months old. Our whole family is into animals. My DIL is a vet, but she does not live in California. Anyways, we cruise with Princess, but would love to try others. We have a cruise this fall, Quebec city to Fl. Today we booked the Trans-Atlantic cruise for 2013 on the new Royal Princess. If you have not seen the video's yet go to the Princess web site. Very pretty ship

BTW, we were in Kauai last September and stayed at the Kiahuna Plantations. We have been there many times.

That's all for now. Hope to talk to you soon. ALOHA!

 

 

Thanx for joining us here Bernadette - Everyone - this lovely lady is a new friend -- we are not that many on this thread but we are all special - I know you will continue on the CA Cruisers one but this one is our own Nor-Cal group so we love being here.

I haven't been to Kauai in ages - we were on Oahu last Jan - I think Maui may be next - our Janice is going there this yr - Love Hawaii -- my most favorite place to vacation - next to cruises...

I need to work on some cruises for this yr - I don't have anything booked and that's not like me - hubby has a wierd schedule this yr - Janice and I are going on RCCL's Navigator 2/23/13.. sailing from New Orleans - should be fun and would love to have all of you join us!!

Carol

[barnismom]

I'm new to this thread, so let me introduce myself. My name is Bernadette and I live in the Napa valley. I do not own any wineries or anything like that, just drink the wine. I worked for at&t for 30 years and retired a few years ago. My passion is cooking, cruising, pets and bicycling. I'm married to Eric. We own a Boston Terrier who is 8 months old. Our whole family is into animals. My DIL is a vet, but she does not live in California. Anyways, we cruise with Princess, but would love to try others. We have a cruise this fall, Quebec city to Fl. Today we booked the Trans-Atlantic cruise for 2013 on the new Royal Princess. If you have not seen the video's yet go to the Princess web site. Very pretty ship

BTW, we were in Kauai last September and stayed at the Kiahuna Plantations. We have been there many times.

That's all for now. Hope to talk to you soon. ALOHA!

Bernadette and Eric!

Welcome to this thread. Lucky you to be retired for most of us we all love to travel (a no brainer) and of course love to cruise mostly on Royal Caribbean. We live in San Jose and grew up in Palo Alto (moi) and Menlo Park (DH). I think living in CA spoils you in many ways. My DH and I love to go wine tasting and have joined various wine clubs but also have had the opportunity to help harvest grapes at a nearby winery in Gilroy...what a unique experience.

Besides travel and wine tasting, we both love animals (have 2 cats) and dining, spending time with friends, love our San Jose Sharks. Plus I do love my occasional trips to a nearby Indian Casino to play penny slots.

Please come back again!

[timetravler]

Bernadette and Eric!

 

Welcome to this thread. Lucky you to be retired for most of us we all love to travel (a no brainer) and of course love to cruise mostly on Royal Caribbean. We live in San Jose and grew up in Palo Alto (moi) and Menlo Park (DH). I think living in CA spoils you in many ways. My DH and I love to go wine tasting and have joined various wine clubs but also have had the opportunity to help harvest grapes at a nearby winery in Gilroy...what a unique experience.

 

Besides travel and wine tasting, we both love animals (have 2 cats) and dining, spending time with friends, love our San Jose Sharks. Plus I do love my occasional trips to a nearby Indian Casino to play penny slots.

 

Please come back again!

I love animals too. We own a 8 month old Boston Terrier. Our whole family are major animal lovers with even my DIL who is a vet.

Today we get to go to a wine event. It's called pick up your wine event,lol

They throw a big BBQ and have games and such so picking up you case of wine is actually fun. It is a very small winery about 1/2 miles from our home. The winery is named Lava.

When I figure how to get pictures from the uploaded photo part to here, I will post a picture of our puppy. I tried for about 1/2 hour and then gave up. I need lessons!:o

[kingsnake57]

Hi NoobCruise:

We always try to get into 'town' the day or sometimes 2 before sailing - more relaxed for boarding and not rushing around - welcome to this cruise gang!!

 

carol

 

Hello everybody!:D

Our very first cruise was Oct. 7 2001. We were supposed to go with a group os about 5 coworkers and their spouses. But, they all cancelled a couple months before the trip. We were supposed to arrive the day before the cruise. But our T.A. changed us to a redeye due to arrive 9am the day of the cruise. By the time we got on to the ship, we were so stressed and tired. Never again! We usually arrive 2 days before, and stay one night after. Except when RCCL was still doing Mexico out of San Pedro.

[kingsnake57]

.

 

To all my fellow Northern California cruisers I hope you are all doing good. I have not been on in awhile yet try to keep up with what's being posted now and then. We will be taking a vacation to Kauai in two weeks and so looking forward to the break.

 

We miss Hawaii:( Have a wonderful time!

Edited March 17, 2012 by kingsnake57
added a line

[barnismom]

I love animals too. We own a 8 month old Boston Terrier. Our whole family are major animal lovers with even my DIL who is a vet.

Today we get to go to a wine event. It's called pick up your wine event,lol

They throw a big BBQ and have games and such so picking up you case of wine is actually fun. It is a very small winery about 1/2 miles from our home. The winery is named Lava.

When I figure how to get pictures from the uploaded photo part to here, I will post a picture of our puppy. I tried for about 1/2 hour and then gave up. I need lessons!:o

Hola! I hope you can get that great shot of your puppy...I am challenged in that area so I cannot help you. We saw the cutest Boston terrier (think it was a puppy) in a car this morning. Did you ever see the Mastercard commercials with Badger? He was so cute...we live in a condo complex and it isn't conducive for dogs although many live here. DH wants a bulldog!

Hope you had fun at your wine event at Lava; sounds intriguing! We just got back home from a St. Patrick's Day party! The cabbage is not agreeing with me right now.

[barnismom]

We miss Hawaii:( Have a wonderful time!

Yvonne, based on your last post I am thinking you are leaving around the 20th - 23rd. Patrick and I hope that you have a wonderful time in Kauai and hope that the weather cooperates.

A co-worker got back from Maui and said it rained most of the time.

[barnismom]

Carl, I hope that you caught tonight's game! It is good to have Havlat back!

[kingsnake57]

Carl, I hope that you caught tonight's game! It is good to have Havlat back!

 

Sure did:D

They need to pretend that every team they play is the red wings. They bring the best out of the boys.

[barnismom]

Bernadette, have you sailed on the Golden Princess? My annual conference was cancelled so for the first time in over a decade I can finally sail in early May...contemplating a two night out of SF to Vancouver. The prices are really reasonable; anyone game?

[T.K.B.]

For Bernadette & Eric and anyone else thinking of a TransAtlantic cruise. Several years ago my husband and I took a "repo" (repositioning or one-way) cruise - Italy thru the Med and in to NY - aboard the Celebrity Milleneum. Was one of the best vacations we ever took. Met ppl from all over Europe. One of the best parts about going West-bound was that we got an extra hour of sleep almost every night as we moved thru time zones! Arriving in NY past the Statue of Liberty made us both think about how our grandparents might have felt immigrating to America. Have a fantiastic time! Tom & Karen in SF

[timetravler]

Bernadette, have you sailed on the Golden Princess? My annual conference was cancelled so for the first time in over a decade I can finally sail in early May...contemplating a two night out of SF to Vancouver. The prices are really reasonable; anyone game?

Yes I did sail on the Golden to Hawaii from LA. Fantastic cruise. Then from San Francisco to Alaska, we sailed on the Sea Princess. Even though the Sea Princess is a older ship, it still looked great. Anyways, a short little cruise from SF to Vancouver would be fun, so if you like short cruises, go for it. You might get lucky and have a clear day sailing from the city. The site of the GG bridge from a ship is spectacular.

[timetravler]

For Bernadette & Eric and anyone else thinking of a TransAtlantic cruise. Several years ago my husband and I took a "repo" (repositioning or one-way) cruise - Italy thru the Med and in to NY - aboard the Celebrity Milleneum. Was one of the best vacations we ever took. Met ppl from all over Europe. One of the best parts about going West-bound was that we got an extra hour of sleep almost every night as we moved thru time zones! Arriving in NY past the Statue of Liberty made us both think about how our grandparents might have felt immigrating to America. Have a fantiastic time! Tom & Karen in SF

That is exactly what everyone who has done a Trans-Atlantic cruise says. So that makes me even more excited.

[cctn]

Hi T.K.B.

We have done several TA's and one Best of Europe - always sailed westbound and end up in Miami instead of NY. Love those sailings - don't mind the sea days because we also get a good number of ports so that's good for me - hubby loves the seadays.

Where are you going on the Infinity? Hear she is being revamped -- went on her 2 yrs ago to Alaska - enjoyed our cruise on X, good service, food ok, but the ship was a bit drab from wear and tear.

Janice, a couple of my friends are doing the 2 day jaunt on Princess from SF to Vancouver - should be fun - love Vancouver.

Carol

[barnismom]

Yes I did sail on the Golden to Hawaii from LA. Fantastic cruise. Then from San Francisco to Alaska, we sailed on the Sea Princess. Even though the Sea Princess is a older ship, it still looked great. Anyways, a short little cruise from SF to Vancouver would be fun, so if you like short cruises, go for it. You might get lucky and have a clear day sailing from the city. The site of the GG bridge from a ship is spectacular.

Well we are now booked on the Golden Princess for May 20-22. I couldn't believe the great price of $149 pp with a balcony guarantee. The taxes and fees were almost as much as the base price.

I used my Alaska Airlines miles and just paid for the taxes and fees and that was under $100. Our hotel is covered with Hilton Honors points so this should be a relatively inexpensive getaway.

Bernadette, I prefer longer vacations but my employer only gives 2 weeks maximum after 3 years of employment so I need to be somewhat creative.

A bucket list for me is sailing under the Golden Gate so here's to clear weather!

[barnismom]

Hi T.K.B.

 

We have done several TA's and one Best of Europe - always sailed westbound and end up in Miami instead of NY. Love those sailings - don't mind the sea days because we also get a good number of ports so that's good for me - hubby loves the seadays.

 

Where are you going on the Infinity? Hear she is being revamped -- went on her 2 yrs ago to Alaska - enjoyed our cruise on X, good service, food ok, but the ship was a bit drab from wear and tear.

 

Janice, a couple of my friends are doing the 2 day jaunt on Princess from SF to Vancouver - should be fun - love Vancouver.

 

Carol

Carol, do you know which sailing? We are doing May 20th. We are giving Princess a second chance...sailling with them before gave us a $50 pp discount from $199 pp to $149. Perhaps you can join us?

[kingsnake57]

Janice, those sharks are killing me. How can they be so good against Detroit and Nashville, and be so bad against a non playoff team like Anaheim?:eek:

[barnismom]

Janice, those sharks are killing me. How can they be so good against Detroit and Nashville, and be so bad against a non playoff team like Anaheim?:eek:

Carl, a co-worker summed it up best by saying that the SHARKS need to play every game like they are playing against the Redwings...

[cctn]

Carol, do you know which sailing? We are doing May 20th. We are giving Princess a second chance...sailling with them before gave us a $50 pp discount from $199 pp to $149. Perhaps you can join us?

 

 

He just said, 2nd sailing--- don't know the dates... I get seasick going from SF to Vancouver - did it 3 times, 3 times I got so sick - I did everything to prevent it-- drank gingerale, took ginger pills, took bonine along with them, ate green apples, got one of those drinks from the bar that is suppose to be good for seasickness -- so Narce said, from now on, we need to skip that sailing and fly directly to Seattle if we ever do Ak again... carol