We are planning a large group of family and friends to go, around 40 of us! Anyone going to Ensenada out of Long Beach this weekend? This is the second time doing this cruise. We are making it an annual cruise. Its so much fun for so little money. Last year we went through Royal and hoping Carnival is just as fun!

Happy Cruising!

Shelly

I liked to cruise on the Monarch too (for Spring Breaks), but since she'll be gone; I thought I'd book for this weekend and check it out.  I have only been on the Paradise once, but by the time we sail, I will have sailed on her again (Thanksgiving week).

You certainly have a big group going.  I like the Paradise, but I prefer the Monarch's room service menu.  I miss that ship already.

yes, we're on 011609, paradise, Baja. we're 4 family. hope to C U on board. this is our first time.

Hey Shelley!  Sounds like  our groups will be onboard at the same time.  We  have a group of about 35 people all familly and friends taking the Paradise on 1/16/09.  Our group is very diversified.  There are a few who have never cruised, some who have only cruised once before and then there are those who are seasoned cruisers.  A small core group have sailed this same weekend cruise for the past several years.  It's great!  This is the first time we actually have a confirmed group al travelling together.  We hope to continue to make this an annual event with everyone and even have others who already plan to go with us next year but couldn't make it this time around.  I have travelled with Royal several times but this is my second cruise with Carnival.  Both are great.  This month was the last month that Royal will be doing the 3 and 4 day cruises out of Long Beach.  Carnival pretty much has the monopoly on the short Mexican cruises so if you are planning on going again I would book as soon as you can because the prices are  only going to go higher. I can't tell you why Royal pulled out of the short cruises to Mexico but they were a little more pricey by comparison with Carnival for the same route.  Have you planned any group excursions?  Well, hope to meet you in January!  I will be celebrating my birthday while on board!  January 18th.  My cousin will be celbratig her's as well but a little belated since her birthday is actually  Jan. 10th.  Can't  wait to see everyone!

Doni

Hi Doni,

We are so excited too. Unfortunitly our group has downsized because of the economic problems. We are down to 13 rooms now. This is our annual trip but we have not booked for next year yet due to planned births and or money issues, but we are working on it.

We have booked on The Riveria deck and will be the loud, fun (mostly blonde) group! Hope we can bump into you there and maybe have a drink together as a group. Hope you have a great time and Pre-Happy Birthday!!!

Shelly

 Thanks!  Well as I said we are quite diversified group......I'd say about half the group are asian and the rest are caucasian with a few hispanic thrown in the mix.  Most of us are on the Riviera Deck as well......the ship isn't that big!  I'm sure we'll be running into each other.  Our group also likes to make noise and have fun......especially if there is alcohol in the mix!  We'll have to make a date to meet for drinks.  I'm always up for an excuse to have a drink.  BTW have you booked any excursions?  We've done the shopping and the La Bufadora (Blow hole).  I'm thinking maybe the horse back riding?  Any suggestions?   The winery and distillery tours also sound like fun.  Have you gone to any of them?   l like to get word of mouth recommendations.  Well, gotta go for now.  Keep that drink cold and see you soon.

Doni 

Hi Again,

We went on the blow hole shopping tour, it was great! Its about a 45 minute ride through the town but it was interesting. We had a great tour guide.

There is lots of cheap stuff there plus they will drop the price if asked. Each both has several that sell the same stuff so they will offer great prices. Even the jewelery is cheap and we got most for half what they were asking, you just have to wheel and deal with them. If they wont deal walk away and then they even drop the price more!!!

My son went to the winery tour and he said it was better. They got to sample wines and got drunk! He said they even bottled wine for them to bring back. I think half our group will do the wine/blow hole tour. Most of our guys will probably just go to Papas and Beer! They have done the tour before.

Shelly

 Hey Shelley,

Are you local?  My group is all from SoCal.  Mostly Inland Empire and San Gabriel valley.  I live in Alta Loma/Rancho Cucamonga area....we live just north of the Ontario airport and just below Chaffey College.  How about you and your group?  My daughter and I will be leaving on the Paradise this Monday  We will be taking her 4 day cruise to Catalina and Ensenda.  Been several times to Ensenada by car this will be my daughter's first time cruising.  It should be fun!  

Doni 

marshowse:

 BTW have you booked any excursions?  We've done the shopping and the La Bufadora (Blow hole).  I'm thinking maybe the horse back riding?  Any suggestions?   The winery and distillery tours also sound like fun.  Have you gone to any of them?   l like to get word of mouth recommendations.  Well, gotta go for now.  Keep that drink cold and see you soon.

Doni 

I'm going with a group of about 20. Also on the Riviera.

I went on the horseback riding. It was really nice, but the guides said that it can get real muddy after it rains. You go riding in the hills just a little north of the port for about 2 hours. FYI the horses like to trot! GREAT VIEWS!!  Try going in the morning when the weather is cooler and you might see some wildlife, then you have the rest of the day to shop. You do get dusty and smelly, so plan on going back to the ship to shower and change before heading to town. 

 Thanks for the advice!  My daughter and I are going on the 4 day Paradise cruise this Monday 11/10-11/14  so what we don't do next week we can try to do on 1/16/09 trip.

Doni 

Papas and beer is the place my son will celebrate is 21st there saturday with corona's and hot wings he loves is wings hope to see u on board . 

We are going on the wine and blow hole tour and will be at Papas and Beer right after to celebrate too!

Happy Sailing!!!!

Shelly & group!