Sweet Memories

Hello Everyone,

I am feeling much better this week and busy making more plans. It is almost one year to date that we will be on a cruise of a lifetime.

To commemorate that great event I have been in contact with Carnival Fun Design Co. They customize memorabilia: t-shirts, tanks, beach towels, and beach tote bags for cruise guests.

The items I designed are customized with; Augustina Family Cruise, ship name, and dates of trip. Some items can include names too. The merchandise are for cruise guests only. I will send the order forms out 6 months before we leave because shipping may take up to 3 - 4 months.

Have a blessed week.

Chanky

T-shirts & Tank Designs

Beach Towels & Tote Bag

Hey Stop That Ship, Don't Leave Without Me!!!!!

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to let you know about an option that some of us are already planning to do.

HOTEL: When I scheduled the first sisters cruise I rented a few rooms at a hotel in Miami the night before we were suppose to board the ship. I did that because of my experience the first time I took a cruise; my husband and I almost did not make it to the ship on time due to a layover and delayed flight. I did not want that to occur with the sisters.

Side note....one of the sisters has a coworker who did miss the ship due to a lay over and they had to catch the ship two days later at the first port stop.

It was fun in Miami. We walked to the outside mall where they had great food, live music and dancing. The shops had the latest fades and trends. VERY MIAMI. Below is the web link to that mall. http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/html/

A few of us went and took advantage of Miami's infamous South Beach and did not come back until 5:00 AM. What happens in Miami, stays in Miami!

The hotel we had stayed at previously has been torn down and renovated into corporate offices. The travel agent has looked into possible hotel rates for the group. The least expensive rate she could get was the Holiday Inn across the street from the mall for $177.55 per room. (That is at a discount rate and it is not locked in until we confirm how many rooms we need.) You could fit 2-4 people (possibly sneak a 5th) in one room and split the cost of the room. It is only for one night, that Saturday before we leave.

We do have a relative who works for a hotel chain but come to find out this week the discount that she used to get was taken away due to budget cuts.

So, if you confirmed you are coming with us on the cruise you might want to join us in the hotel stay too. Let me know by December 10th if you are interested.

TRANSPORTATION: Once I know the final count of registrations and who is and who is not doing the hotel I will be making arrangements for transportation. I will check to see if it would be less expensive to go taxi or best to rent a mini bus. It would be a possible three trips; from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to ship and then from ship to airport.

The hotel stated they may have a transport van for us at $5.00 each person each way. That would be great. I will let you know closer to the day.


God Bless,
Chanky

Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Hello Everyone,

Today I am feeling a little bit under the weather so it will be a short and sweet post.

This weeks feature is On-board Activities. We have three days at sea that can be fun filled if you take advantage of everything the ship coordinators have to offer.

Every morning you will receive a newsletter slipped under your cabin door that lists the day and night activities. There is so much you can do from: shopping; art auctions; casino - blackjack tournament, bingo and gaming lessons; big screen movies; Spa; to lounge shows, guest talent show; pools; sun bathing and much much more.

I tried to attach an example of a Day-At-A- Glance newsletter you will receive but having a bit of an issue. I will try again tomorrow.

God Bless,
Chanky

What to do, what to do?

Hello Everyone,

What an exciting week with registration opening early.

Due to popular demand, this weeks featured presentation is on Shore Excursions offered by the Carnival Cruise Line. I would definitely recommend booking those excursions either before the trip (online) or when we are on the ship rather than going on your own . Once we are on the ship they do have a brief presentation on the different excursions available and an opportunity to sign up for them.

On these excursions you are going with a group and transportation is included. I beg you not to go alone anywhere on shore!!!!!

Below are web links to the shore excursions for every port we are going to stop at. The web links will state the name of the excursion, description, duration, level of endurance needed, pricing and other important information. Clicking on the icon in the legend will give more information. It can be a little confusing. To find out the price click on the dollar sign and it will give you the estimated amount.

The ship does rent out snorkel equipment for the week if you need them. The price is reasonable too.

Cozumel, Mexico - http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?portname=Cozumel%2c+Mexico&portcode=CZM&region=CW

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?portname=Grand+Cayman%2c+Cayman+Islands&portcode=CAY&region=CW

Ocho Rios, Jamaica - http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?portname=Ocho+Rios%2c+Jamaica&portcode=OCJ&region=CW


MY EXPERIENCE - Below are the shore excursions I went on last time and comments regarding them.

Cozumel - Dolphin Swim & Snorkel at Chankanab Park
Swimming with the dolphins was an experience I will never forget. You are in a group of about 10 and about 3 dolphin trainers. You are not left alone with them. The trainers go through with you what to do and not what to do. They also tell you general information about them. You do get to swim with them for about 15 minutes to half hour. You get a chance to see them do tricks and be a part of them. Definitely take a waterproof camera. The snorkeling was great too. The shore excursion (3 hours) worth the money but it was expensive, $150.00 per person.

Grand Cayman - Atlantis Submarine
The submarine was designed for underwater sightseeing so if you do not want to go snorkeling but want to see the breathtaking fish here is your chance. My mom loved it. $50.00 per person. An hour and a half long.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Ocean Kayak to Dunn's River Falls
This one was a little tricky, luckily I had a husband that was athletic and helped with steering the kayak. I was useless but pretended very well. Kayaking was nothing compared to trying to climb this waterfall. I was holding my own but you actually have to hold hands in a group to climb this waterfall. I would not recommend this if you are not active. Each part alone, possibly. Together is exhausting and you can easily hurt yourself.

My ultimate favorite shore excursion to do is snorkeling. It is so peaceful, the water is so clear and the fish are so bright. I LOVE IT!!!!!

One story: On my first cruise my husband and I went to the Eastern Caribbean for our honeymoon. We went on a snorkeling excursion, first time I ever did it and I do not know how to swim, luckily you can rent floatation devices too . Well, we are having a great time snorkeling and it starts to rain. Why get out when your in the water. So this wave comes in and I am whisked off closer to shore and rub into a burning coral reef. It was so painful. We get out I go to the group and there is a bar where the group is and people tending the snorkel shop too. I go by the shop attendants and tell them what happened. The said "We just ran out of vinegar but it will go down if you you let your husband urinate on your leg." Yeah that was not an option for me. So I asked if they had any Tylenol /aspirin anything for the pain. They said go to the bar and ask for a painkiller. So I hobble over to the bar and ask for a painkiller. Well what do you know, there is a drink called a pain killer. Jeez Louise, I drank that sucker felt no pain afterwards and went back snorkeling. I was the only person out there in the rain. The moral of the story is; watch how close you are to the coral reef because there may not be a bar close by and you may have to go to the other option.

Well, I hope you plan to do an excursion, they are fun and so full of memories.

God Bless,
Chanky

News Flash

Hello Everyone,

As of yesterday afternoon the travel agency opened registration and you are now able to submit the 1st deposit. This date is 3 weeks earlier than planned.

Every guest must complete a registration form and submit with the 1st deposit to the travel agency. I have written another newsletter with instructions and it is going to the printer today. I should be able to mail them out late today or early tomorrow morning. The usual family contact person will be receiving them by mail within the next couple of days. If you need more registration forms you can make copies of the ones sent or I can ask for more. Let me know if you have any questions after receiving them.

One note: The agency forgot to make check boxes for the dinner time selection. The options are 6:15 or 8:00 PM. Since a couple of the sisters are diabetic I thought 6:15 would be the best time for the whole group. Please place that time somewhere on the registration form. Unless you would prefer eating at the 8:00 time slot.

I will still post this weeks feature on Thursday.

God Bless,
Chanky

Hook, Line and Sinker

Hello Everyone,

I thought I would highlight some of the wonderful features Carnival Cruise Lines has to offer to help you "close the sale or sail" with your loved ones. Let me know if you have any quesions, this will be my 4th experience on Carnival. For the next few weeks I will present information on one feature.

This weeks feature is the FOOD on board.

There is food available 24 hours a day and it is so tastey. You have several dining options: formal dining, buffet, pool side, on deck, and even in your stateroom available breakfast, lunch and dinner. Below is a link from the Carnival website on a short presentation. I also included a example menu for you to gander at. Yum yum! If you can not decide form those options on the menu you can order two entress. How great is that!

http://www.carnival.com/cms/static_templates/promos/total_choice/?wt.mc_id=LinkOnbExpDining

Prewarning, my friend went on the same cruise last year and gained 17 pounds in one week.

Dinner Menu
Starters
Hickory Smoked Alaskan Salmon
Garnished with Purple Onion Rings, Fresh Dill and Baby Capers
Tropical Fruits
Marinated with Lime Juice and a Touch of Tequila
Fried Chicken Tenders on Marinated Cucumber and Lettuce
Served with a Zesty Honey Mustard Sauce
Ziti with Italian Sausage, Assorted Bell Peppers and Fresh Mushrooms
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Also available as an Entree)
Asparagus Velouté
Asparagus Cream Soup
Beef and Barley Soup with Diced Root Vegetables
Gazpacho Andalouse
Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs
Salads
Wedge of Iceberg Lettuce
Garnished with Red and Yellow Cherry Tomatoes and Bacon Bits
Choice of Blue Cheese, Thousand Island, Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or French Dressing
Caesar Salad
Hearts of Romaine Lettuce Tossed with our Caesar Dressing
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese and Herb Croutons
These Items are Lower in Calories, Sodium, Cholesterol, and Fat. Salads are prepared with
Diet Dressing. Calorie Count and Fat Content can vary up to 10%.
Marinated Fruit with Papaya Smoothie
[130 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]
Wedge of Iceberg Lettuce with Cherry Tomatoes
Tossed with a Low-Calorie Dressing [40 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]
Peppered Fillet of Tilapia with Asparagus Fondue
Served with Zucchini Rolls and Vegetable Curls
[330 calories, 8 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]
D71A. 0307
GEORGES BLANC SIGNATURE SELECTION GEORGES BLANC SIGNATURE SELECTION
It is with special pride that we offer our guests the culinary masterpieces of French master chef Georges Blanc.
We’re honored that we are the only cruise line that can offer the unique recipes and guidance of this legendary master chef,
restaurateur, wine connoisseur and bestselling cookbook author. Once you have savored the unparalleled creations of our
signature chef —paired with superb wines chosen from his own collection— you will appreciate why
Georges Blanc has achieved such international fame.
Main Courses
Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia
Herb Butter Sauce with Tomato, Stewed Shallots, and Eggplant Mash
Sweet & Sour Shrimp
Large Tiger Shrimps in a Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauce, Served with Oriental Fried Rice
Chicken a la Grecque
Baked Boneless Chicken Breast with Herbs and Tomato Sauce
Virgin Olive and Basil Oil Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables Tossed with Penne Pasta
Rack of New Zealand Spring Lamb Dijonnaise
Marinated with Garlic and Fresh Herbs, Baked with Dijon Mustard Crust
Roasted Root Vegetables, Broccoli and Sautéed Potato Slices
Grilled, Aged New York Sirloin Steak with Three Peppercorn Sauce
Broccoli Roses and Roasted Red Bliss Potato Wedges
Indian Vegetarian Dinner
Cottage Cheese and Peas, Roasted Vegetables Mash with Indian Spices
Slow Cooked Chick Peas, Indian Bread Stuffed with Cumin Scented Red Onions
Alternative Selections
Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail with American Cocktail Sauce
Fresh Fruit Cocktail
Broiled Fillet of Fresh Pacific Salmon
Served with Vegetables of the Day
Grilled Breast of Corn Fed Chicken
Served with Vegetables of the Day
Premium Black Angus Jumbo Burger
Served on a Freshly Baked Bun with Traditional Garnish and Golden Fries
Barbecued Baby Back Ribs
Served with Creamy Coleslaw, Grilled Spring Onion and Fries
Baked Idaho Potatoes, French Fries or Steamed White Rice
Assorted Steamed Vegetables

Desserts
GRAND MARNIER SOUFFLÉ
Served with Orane Vanilla Sauce
g
CAPPUCCINO PIE
Coffee Ice Cream Pie with Whipped Cream
DIET APPLE PIE
Dessert is Prepared with a Sugar Substitute
Alternative Selections
WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE
Served with Vanilla Ice Cream
FRESH TROPICAL FRUIT PLATE
Ice Creams
VANILLA • CHOCOLATE • STRAWBERRY • BUTTER PECAN
*Sugar-Free Ice Cream is available upon request
Sherbets
ORANGE • PINEAPPLE • LIME
Cheeses
PORT SALUT • BRIE • GOUDA • IMPORTED SWISS • DANISH BLEU
Beverages
FRESHLY BREWED COFFEE, REGULAR OR DECAFFEINATED • MILK • SKIMMED MILK
HOT CHOCOLATE • ICED, HOT AND HERBAL TEAS • ESPRESSO • CAPPUCCINO
Liqueurs
SAMBUCA • KAHLÚA • GRAND MARNIER
AMARETTO DI SARONNO
Cognacs and Brandies
HARDY V.S.O.P. • HENNESSY V.S.O.P. • COURVOISIER V.S.
FUNDADOR BRANDY
Dessert Wines and Ports
RIESLING, ZELTINGER SONNENUHR, SPÄTLESE SELBACH OSTER
DOW’S LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE • GRAHAM’S SIX GRAPE
QUADY ELECTRA, CALIFORNIA
Denotes Master Chef Georges Blanc Signature Selection

A Time to Remember

Hello,

When contacting everyone to give them information about the scheduled cruise I found it to be a challenge at times. So I created this site as an informational tool on the latest news without the bother of a weekly call from me. Here you can read the latest information on the cruise at your leisure.

As of now we have 10 people confirmed. I will post who at a later date. If attendance is low we may want to open it up to the men. I will let you know after the 10th of November.

On November 1st I will be sending out a form that has to be completed and submitted to the travel agency with the payment. Remeber 1st deposit of $25.00 is due November 30th to the travel agency. They can receive payment beginning November 7th.

Update: Please remember to call or email me by the 7th of November so that we know how many cabins and of what category to save. This date has changed, it was the 15th. We will be reserving the cabins on the 7th.

Once you have made a deposit and the bookings are closed you will receive an invoice of that payment and subsequent payments that need to be made for the rest.

Also remember passports are mandatory to enter the ship. There are no exceptions. The wait after application can be up to 6 months or longer.

Please revist this site weekly for updates and more information.