Good Evening Bloggers – all 82,000 of you.
As usual here are some quick answers to some of the questions posted.
BIG ED – Thanks for the comments on the blog, mate, and glad you are enjoying the links to the ship. I love the new title Blog Director, just want to make sure they don’t drop the L from Blog! Keep the comments coming, mate. As for January, I am sorry to say I will not be onboard. I do not know my schedule yet but will let you know as soon as I do. I am with you on the booth thing.
GLCANADA – Welcome new blogger! I have left a message from you to the Salters and I am sure they will have lots to tell you. Thank you for the nice words about Heidi, she truly is the wind beneath my wings even when I have “the wind!”
GREG G – I can only imagine what your dad was wearing for him to be denied entrance to the contest. Thanks for sharing your Carnival memories and hope we share new ones together soon.
JOSE – The blogs will keep coming a bit longer so hurry up and get here so you can see what we are all about.
KATHY AND PAUL – I know how your husband feels about climbing the tower. Heidi made me do it and there wasn’t even a restaurant at the top.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – I passed your wishes to my Mum and she invites you for dinner anytime. See you in 25 days.
KATHY AND PAUL – Did you ever come to the UK with the ice show. Thanks for the kind words about the crew; they are the best at sea.
EQTY – I am not sure what I would say to Joe. His ships have given Carnival a totally unique look and he is very adventurous with his designs. My favorite lounge on any ship is the cigar bar on here (The Habana Bar). He has created another unique look here on the Freedom and, so far, guests are applauding his designs. Anything else will have to wait for the book……………………………….DO YOU THINK I SHOULD WRITE ONE?
JUST4FUN1 – The Conquest will be a great cruise. As for the non smoking ship, I am sure you will appreciate that 80% of the public areas on all our ships are now non smoking. Thanks for reading the blog thingy.
WAWW – Most guests disembark the ship then stay in Rome for a few days. May I suggest you contact Carnival as they have some great hotel deals for stays before and after the cruise. Personally, I would do it after the cruise. Thanks for reading the blog thingy.
NANETTEALI – Wow, the Ecstasy, that is still one of my favorite ships. I was a bit ummmmmmmm…………..skinnier then! As for Michael Andrew, he was and still is one of the best entertainers I have ever met and has gone onto great things. Here is his we bsite for you to check out what he is doing. His nerd act was amazing and as a double act we had so much fun. Can’t wait to see the photo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.michaelandrew.com
ZYDECOCRUISER – Thanks for the great photos. I am so happy you got to share that special cruise with us. Inaugural cruises are always a challenge so thanks for your patience and it was an honor to have you onboard.
TERRI910 – Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Spotted Dick…………my favorite. Wait until you try my Mum’s Black Pudding and Haggis! Istanbul is a very special place and leaving the city is a special moment.
Richard and Merrilyn – Good idea on the menus, I will write something about the food which means I will now have to eat everything on the menu before I comment on it………………….what a shame.
Richard – The first Western med cruise will be special, especially sailing into Venice!
Brad and Debbie – Might as well congratulate now on winning the Cricket World Cup. See you soon, mate, and please keep reading the blog.
SIXT132 – We are setting up a special clinic to help those people with blog addictions. See you in October.
PETER AND GLENNIS – The three main shows on each ship have a shelf life of approximately five years. It is a HUGE job to offload scenery and bring in new ones. This is usually done when a ship is in a refit period. The other entertainers are different every cruise as they fly into and out of each port, See you next month.
SANDRA AND PIET TEN BRINK – I hope you are enjoying your new house. Our love to Max, Luc and Sartcha and Jackiexxxx
Each time I write one of these blog things I usually have some idea what I am going to write about before I sit down, however I find myself tonight second guessing myself if I should continue with what I want to tell all my blogger friends tonight………………………………but after chatting with Heidi about it I have decided to go ahead and write it anyway.
One of the questions posted on last weeks blog thingy was “What was the most difficult thing you have ever had to do as a cruise director?” Well there are many humorous stories which I could tell you (and probably will sometime) but when I seriously analyzed that question there is only one honest answer to this and that’s why I am uncertain about writing the answer on this blog thingy. If this upsets anyone, I offer my heartfelt apologies.
I will never forget that day as I am sure none of you will either. We were aboard the Carnival Triumph, I was in the cabin, in the shower, when Heidi walked in the bathroom and said, “ think you had better get out of the shower, something terrible has happened”. My immediate thoughts were “family” and as I jumped out of the shower I could see that my usually calm wife was ashen white. I looked at the television as like millions of others, I watched the world change. I sat, aghast, watching the image of smoke pouring out of the top of one of the familiar Manhattan buildings. I sat glued to the images coming via satellite across the Pacific. On CNN – or was it a feed from NBC? I forget – the commentators were speculating wildly about the cause. Several minutes passed. Then in a blur, a small dark object flashed in from the right of the screen. The second tower belched flame and debris from its middle.
Oh, no…
Oh, no.. Please no.
This can’t be real. This mustn’t be real. It is too hideous to imagine.
My wife joined me watching on the main television changing between the four live transmissions from the US that the ship’s satellite was receiving.. They showed the second impact again — in slow motion. How many people were there in the buildings? Who was doing this?
Then CNN crossed live to a new picture. I don’t know how much time had passed. It was the Pentagon, they said. It was billowing with gray smoke. War.
I sat holding Heidi’s hand hoping that any minute that someone would say that this was a trailer for some Hollywood action picture…….but they never did. I seemed to be in a trance, then Heidi looked at me and I will never forget what she said…..John, you need to tell the passengers.
It was just after breakfast time and the Carnival Triumph was sailing the Western Caribbean spending the day at sea heading to Grand Cayman. I was due on stage in an hour to tell the guests about the fantastic beaches of Cayman and the fabulous Dunns River falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I called the Captain, one of my best friends, Angelo Los, and told him what was happening and that I was heading to his cabin. I remember walking out of the cabin to the elevator passing crew members who also had no idea what was happening each greeting me with a cheery “good morning ” which I tried my best to reply to.
I reached Captain Los’s cabin and we both for some reason ” hugged ” we spoke no words. just hugged………It was one of those moments where it seemed the natural thing to do. I headed for the bridge to make the announcement. I imagined everyone having breakfast on Lido, sunning themselves in the already searing Caribbean heat, laughing and joking with their families or having a late morning in the cabin after a night of fun in Cozumel. I was about to change the memories of their vacation forever.
I pressed the emergency button which sends the announcement into every guest and crew cabin and every public area…………….The bing bong of the PA sounded…………………………………………and I told 3,000 guests and 1,000 crew.
A lot of what happened after that is a blur, but here are some random memories.
I had the news playing all day on the big screen in the main lounge as guests watched, cried and prayed together.
I remember sitting with the Cabrini family from new York who were on the cruise to celebrate an anniversary. Their son was a New York Fire Officer, they were inconsolable as they tried to contact him……….I never new did find out but will always remember sitting with the family in their cabin, 6242, a cabin that if I ever pass now on any ship the memories return.
I remember how hard it was for the families onboard like the Cabrini’s who because of the flying restrictions could not get off the ship.
I remember calling my Mum and dad who were worried about me.
I remember holding a Q and A session in the main lounge and one guest wanting to “arm himself ” and buy a gun in Jamaica because we “are at war.”
I remember arriving in Cayman the next day and most guests not getting off the ship. They just watched the TV’s and waited.
It was then that I had the most difficult choice I have ever had to make as a cruise director. Should I continue with the program of shows, fun and activities or like Letterman and Leno or cancel the shows. I agonized over this for hours and finally I made a decision. I called all the guests into the main showroom after sailing
From Cayman and before dinner….it was 5 pm. Every seat was taken, guests were standing and sitting on the floor and the stage. I was very nervous as I said that it was my belief that if we canceled all the ” FUN SHIP ” entertainment that indeed whoever had committed these horrendous acts would be the winners and in a miniscule way they would have beaten us. I asked the audience if they agreed……….I had no idea what their reaction would be……the answer? STANDING OVATION.
And so the cruise continued and even though the tears continued every show, every joke, every piece of music was greeted with applause and laughter like I have not heard since. I wish I had the names of every guest who was with me that cruise so I could say thank you for helping me get through this most difficult time I have ever had as a cruise director.
I apologize to anyone of my blogging friends who may have found this depressing. Morbid or not, what this fun blog should be about but it is an honest answer to a question.
I leave you with the song that was sung at the memorial service we held on the last day of the cruise and it was the only time I have ever sung as a cruise director and you will all be happy to hear I never will again. Thanks for listening and see you all in the morning
When you walk through the storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Tales from the Ship
Thank goodness that it’s Passover and I am all alone in my office this morning as I read your blog. And when I’m done, I shall have to run to the bathroom wash my face and re-apply my eye makeup. Five and a half years later and I still start crying at the mention of 9/11. I work in Manhattan and was in the city on that terrible morning, fortunately though I work in midtown, which gives me the odd position of being both involved in and an outside observer of the events. Having a ring side seat meant no one expected me to carry on as normal in the days following, I can’t imagine how difficult it was to figure out how to start “carrying on” so quickly after such an event. Thank you for your story and your grace under pressure.
L.
John,
Thanks so much for sharing. I got a little choked up reading the entry today, but I think you did the right thing. We won’t ever forget that day, and sometimes we need to remember what happened to understand why life is important… Thank You!
Sarah
John, so you put goose bumps on my arms twice with this glog. The first time bringing back my memories of that day and being glued to the TV. The second was the song because it’s the theme song Jerry Lewis sings at the end of his 24 hour MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY TELETHON each Labor Day on TV here in the states. When Jerry, in tears, sings it I get goose bumps and when I read it here in the blog I got them too.
NEWS ITEM FRESH OFF THE WIRE
ALL CARNIVAL CRUISE DIRECTORS ARE FROZEN INTO PRESENT CONTRACTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE NEXT 307 DAYS. All CDs will be given normal leaves except John Heald who will not be allowed leave from the FREEDOM the week of January 26, 2008.
“BIG” Ed
Thank you for Sharing.
Yes this brought a tear to my eyes, but I think that you did the right thing in sharing. That was a dark time for all of us. I hope that one day you hear from the Cabrini family.
Back to reality……
We must not forget that day nor all the people who lost their lives. It makes the US Naval Ship in Naples a few days ago so much more moving, we wish we were onboard to see that.. My husband was in the Air Force and my dad was a Marine.
No, John, I was not in the UK with Disney On Parade, only toured the US and part of Canada. I was in the original format which was all dancers, no skating and it was NBC-Walt Disney, NAWAL Productions. It’s now on ice, ….so am I ! Ha! Stiff ! I think the Feld’s produce it now (circus folks) It’s called Disney On Ice.
I did visit the UK and Ireland for 22 days on a bus trip in ‘87..I’m of English and Irish “extraction” and I did kiss the Blarney Stone,,,,,,no I’m not “full of it” !!!!! And it’s Kathleen to my mom and the nuns!!!
Kathy and Paul
Thank you for sharing your moving blog this a.m.I will be seeing you in a few days, and I so much look forward to it. I have been reading your blog”thingy”. Thank you for sharing. If you see an extra medium lady with a tiedyed tee on, and red hair. Please say “hello, YaYajacque…….see you soon.
God Bless you John.
Hi John,
Your memories of 9/11 were the perfect response to the question presented to you. Thinks for the reminder, and your perfect handling on that day.
We will be with you on 6/17 cruise, and my grandson is hoping the piano-bar player that was on the Liberty’s first cruise is with you now on the Freedom. Don’t remember his name, but I believe he is from New Jersey.
Bob & Mary, Jax., FL
John,
Thank you for sharing ‘where you were’ on that day. Hopefully there will never be another day like that where we all remember where we were.
Hi John,
Have b2b ‘07 Xmas/New Year cruises on Freedom booked for our honeymoon & very disappointed that it appears you will not be CD!!!!… have they thought about cloning?! Thankyou for your blog thingey including today’s poignant account of your 9/11 experience.
Jazz
Oh Johnny,
You gave me goose bumps once as well.
Ta-ra for now.
Everard.
Hi John
Just line to say how much we appreciate your blog we read it everyday as a way of keeping in touch with the ‘freedom’ on which we will take our first ever cruise, will you be onboard for 17/08/07? Up the Hammers!
Best wishes
Bill Horncastle
PS surprised you do not not what a Quentintodger is, or do you!!
Bill Horncastle
Chelmsford
Wow john, i was at work when those unfournate events occurred and remembering all of the usa coming to a complete stand still.I can’t even imagine what be like being on a cruiseship in the carribean away from loved ones during such an emotional time in us history.I wasn’t around for pearl harbor but unfournately was around for the 2nd day in us infamy
Thank you john for sharing that story, and like big ed sent goose bumps down my arms as well…But one thing for sure those passengers were lucky to have you as their CD during such a trying time, couldn’t have gotten anyone better for the trying time.Can’t wait to see you john in 12/1 and tell willy bangor said hi!
Hi John,
This is a terrific blog, please keep it going.
Thank you for recalling that horrendous day. Time passes and events like these pass into history and if you were not directly involved become a distant memory. Here in New Zealand even though we are thousands of miles away from New York we were horrified by the events unfolding on our TV screens. No matter where you live in this world the majority of people must have been shocked and our sympathy and prayers went out to the American people at that time and our hopes that nothing like that ever happens again. We must all be vigilant.
Peter and Glennis.
John,
It’s not an official confirmation, but presuming the Cabrini’s son had the same last name, there are no “Cabrini’s” on the victims list for 9/11. Hopefully, the Cabrini parents will see your blog and let you know for sure. Thank you for sharing, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to struggle with your own emotions and at the same time take care of so many others. The passengers from that week will always remember where they were when “it” happened (as do we all), but they’ll also remember you and how you helped them get through those difficult days.
Regards,
Anne
John, Please keep blogging. We will be on the 5/25 cruise with you. Thanks for your blog today and sharing your feelings. Can’t wait to meet the world’s best CD! This will be our first trip to Europe. See you in 52 days!
Leona
Hi John, have been reading your blogs and love them
we will be on board this coming Saturday and can’t wait.
Here in Oz we watched the terrible events unfold on
9/11 and I don’t think any of us will ever be the same
after seeing those terrible visions. But as CD you handled everything perfectly, can’t let those buggars
win!
Grahlyn
Hi John,
Enjoy reading your blog, and can’t wait to join you
on Saturday. Love the name of the Ship.
Here in Oz we watched our television screens in horror at the unfolding images that horrible day in
September 2001. Our world will not be the same again, they have changed how we do things now but we must not let those buggars win and
allow them to stop us doing what is our right, enjoy our Freedom
Hi John,
Thanks for sharing from your heart. That must have been an excruciating time for you as a CD. We’re sure you handled it with compassion, sensitivity and class. We have cruised with you 2 times in the past and truly have not had a better CD than you. We were so happy to hear that you are the CD on the Freedom. We have a cruise scheduled, with our adult children and family, for the week of Thanksgiving. Will you still be on board?! We are looking forward to introducing them to the world of cruising and you being the CD would make things perfect. Thanks for your reply in the blog. Love the blog!
Hi John,
Thanks so much for sharing your memories of that awful day. My husband was in the Pentagon on 9/11 and while his office was blown away he was not injured by the blast. I didn’t know if he was alive until later on that evening and chose to do the same thing you did – kept things as normal as possible under the circumstances. And now we will be joining you on the April 19 sailing of a ship named Freedom. I have really been looking forward to meeting you, but even more so after I read of your handling of that days events. It must have been very difficult for you, but I suspect you made quite a difference in the lives of the passengers on 9/11.
John, here’s to you mate for saying what needed to be said. Your honesty is very much appreciated. We all had to make decisions at that time, very similar to the one you had to make on the ship. Mine was to go back to work in Manhattan the following day…I wasn’t going to let them win and not going in was giving in to the enemy. I was returning to the place I wanted to so desperately leave just 12 hours before. My beloved city has come back and so have we all. We need to talk about these things so the healing can continue. Thank you again.
John,
You are a awesome CD. Thank you for your blogs and your memories of 9/11. I was on a cruise with you and you had my father play Willy Bangor with the play boy boxers. I hope to sail with you again one day. I became a travel agent because of you because I want other people to share in the same kind of fun I had shared with you as a CD. Thanks for all you do!
Angie
I remember the day and thank you for sharing your experiences about that day. A frequent cruiser, I understand how difficult a decision it must have been to soldier on. Well done. Be seeing you May 25th for a memorable cruise to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary to my lovely bride Karen. Cheers
John, it looks like Heidi gave you very good advice again, thank you Heidi. 21 comments already and all positive about this blog topic. Most of them are new names to your blog and like myself I bet this is the first blog they have posted on. Your site got me into blogging. So with all your years as CD I know we will enjoy reading more blogs like this one and “THE GOOD OLD DAYS”.
“BIG” Ed
John,
This was an incredible recollection of 9/11 and I’ve read a variety of versions from many ships – including the S.S. Norway which is a truly beloved ship of mine. I appreciate your sharing of this story.
Look forward to meeting you (again) on the 5/13 voyage.
Steve
John
I look forward to all of your new entries of this blog….good night…see you soon…….Jacque
John and Heidi,
Thank you for the honesty and sobering reminder of a day no one will ever forget. I can’t help but shed tears remembering that day that has forever changed so many lives. If we could all live in the unity that was shared during that time it would be wonderful. My sister and I will be with you on April 19th. So look forward to finally getting to sail with you.
Sharon
John we will never forget 9/11, I will never forget coming out of my house and looking over at New York that given day. (we live in New jersey across the water from the New York skyline)> you handle that cruise like a pro you are and thanks for sharing, I doesn’t feel like it was about 6 years ago. I know your cruise the following Saturday had over half a ship. We were on the Sept 22 sailing with you and I must admit we will never forget that sailing. I wrote your boss Mr. Robert Dickinson on return. I would like to share with your fans and you what I wrote about this cruise. Here are a few of the comments in my letter.
This cruise was more than a vacation for us, being from the New York, New Jersey area it was
a matter of saying thanks we are a live, thank God for freedom and God bless America.
This cruise was planned months in advance, during our planning, we never imagined the events
of September 11 in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. There was much uncertainty as
to whether this cruise would be possible. Once the decision was made to continue there was still doubt
if this was the right choice.
. You could tell that events of September 11 had major impact on all. It was obviously that everyone was very depressed at the terrorist attack.. As we waited to board the ship you could tell
that something was lacking, the normal buzz from the guests during embarkation was not there.
John Heald was the Cruise Director aboard the Triumph and at the Welcome Aboard Show you
could tell that John knew the change in attitude of the passengers compare to other cruises that we have been on with him. John being a true professional in his field reacted and supplied the best possible
medicine. John had people rolling in the aisles with laughter during the show and during the week at all
his shows. .
During the week we saw people wearing t-shirts displaying “God Bless America”, American
flags flew with great pride from many of the ship balconies. The 3,000 passengers came together during
the week. No one could forget the tragic events of September 11 but this cruise did take on a new meaning,
led by our Cruise Director John Heald.
Everyone during the week experienced the same renewed feeling of what life is all about and the true meaning on fun, laugher and freedom. The name of the ship Carnival Triumph speaks for itself thanks
to people like John Heald and your leadership. God Bless America civilization and freedom will indeed
last forever. John in closing thank you for giving so much, you will never walk alone.
Robert and Suzann
Hello John and Heidi !!
As self proclaimed President of Heidi’s FANCLUB…I wanted to thank you for sharing your thoughts about 9/11. If you recall the following week we had a half full ship and we still managed to have a great time with all the Cruisemates Bunch,Kuki,Robert(trigger) on the “Test your sanity cruise”and I recently watched the video again of that cruise,the bedtime story with Big Mama Mary….It was still as funny today as it was back then…….
I had my picture made with one of my Hero’s of the Travel Industry (now that I am a travel agent) Vicki Freed…at Cruise3Sixty this past week in FLL.Look for that picture on HER Blog soon….We talked about you quite a bit.
She was sooooo Nice !!
Love the Blog…Want to hear from Heidi some on here too John…
Mark,Mandy and Catie (now
send in your rootbeer order anytime….we deliver.
Dear John,
This is the first blog that I have ever read from start to present, and I am happy to say that I am quite addicted! My husband is also a cruise member of the Carnival, and he was working on the Inspiration on 9/11, sharing a similar story. Kudos to you for sharing your memories.
My husband, Dennis, is right now a restaurant waiter on the Freedom, and I would like to wish him Happy Birthday (last March 30). I hope to see him (and you) in August, if plans work out.
Keep up the good work!
Risa
Hi John
your memories of that awful day were so poignant. We were in Rimini on holiday when we were told by a fellow traveller. We watched all day on the TV, couldnt do anything else. When we saw Americans in the street, we felt so sad for them and did not know how to ease their sadness, didnt want to intrude, stiff upper lip and all that. but we felt it all the same. Thanks for reminding us, it puts other trivial worries into perspective. Handled brilliantly by yourself, but then I wouldnt expect anything else from a graduated ‘Essex Boy’.
Like everyone else has said so well – you did a good thing. I too will be sailing with you this Sat – (April 7) and really looking forward to it. I was on the Liberty with you (well not that close) and enjoyed every minute! We can’t wait!!!!!!!!! Maybe there should be a bloggers party!!!???
John, the other day on cruisecritics.com there was a thread titled “Why is John Heald the best CD?”….I think this blog entry would be fine evidence as to why that is. In recalling that day, you were able to not only relay the events, but evoke the feelings of so many different people you came into contact with. As we read, we feel it all along with you. I must have read and re-read the entry 4 times yesterday…and each time I got goosebumps.
There is a difference between reporting what has (or is) happening and making everyone a part of it. Is there any better definition of what makes someone “the best” Cruise Director?
Thanks.
Terri
Great message today, John. It was one of those rare moments where everyone will remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they got the news.
Bob & Gay
John,
Great story, I’m glad you shared it with us. I pray your 15 countrymen in Iran come out okay, we’re all in this together!
We’re platinum and will be on the June 6 sailing of the Freedom with two other couples. DO you knwo who the new piano guy will be then? I’ll be talking to you!
Jim & Peg
truly the day that changed the world. we will always remember where we were and what we were doing at that moment…
and john, i will be with you FOR 26 days, not IN 26 days, but in october for a btb transatlantic. wish it were that soon. but, hey! we do sail on the legend again on monday!
smiles, s’dreams
John,
Thank you for this latest entry in your blog. I’m sure everyone will always remember where they were on 9/11. Being away from friends and family during a time of crisis makes it a little bit harder to deal with a situation. Sounds like you helped make the ship’s cruisers into a family to help everyone share their pain. Thank you for setting a positive tone for all on board. Hope to God we never have to deal with this again. Freedom is an awesome name for a ship. God Bless America – and the rest of the world.
Linda
Hello John, to get me ready for our trip on the Freedom for Sept. 10, I’ve been reading your blogs since the begining now. The blog concerning what you and the ship was going through after the attack on the US was amazing. My Husband and I were going to be married on the 15th of Sept. 2001 and then the attacks happened, we had to cancel our honeymoon and just take a road trip, but we promised each other that we would go on a very special trip during our 5th anniversary to make up for it. We found out about the Freedom and decided to wait till our 6th anniversay instead. We have been on 3 carnival crusies before but he has never been to Europe and I haven’t been since 79 so this will be something special for both of us. Please keep posting comments and answers to your guest questions, It really does help people be prepared for this trip.
hola , soy maria jose abad de valencia ,españa,, en agosto voy a su barco con mi marido y mis dos hijos de 8 y 6 años.estoy enganchadísima a su blog ya q tengo mucho interes en conocer todo lo de su barco , de todos modos me gustaria saber si en el freedom se habla spanish??”’
Odd reading this.
All my sailings out of NY harbor, pre 9/11, I always found myself with camcorder in hand, going up and down those two monoliths as we passed her in each direction.
My last time sailing past them, on the Triumph, in 1999, with no less than Mr Heald himself as the CD, upon returning to NY, there was an odd cloud formation around the towers, as if she was on fire. I filmed them as usual, and thought how horrific it would be had they actually been on fire.
2 years later, I watched in horror from 20 miles away.
Even sadder was my silent experience on the Legend one year later, with nothing to film.
John, I sat here sobbing as I read your account of 9/11. I can only begin to imagine the pressure on you and the other CDs to respond to that day’s events graciously, appropriately, respectfully and yet honoring the fact that people were on vacation–many of them on their once-in-a-lifetime cruise. What wisdom you showed in how you handled the decision to go “on with the show” or not.
Bless you for your sensitivity on that day, which is even more meaningful to us as Americans when it’s coming from a Brit. . .!
John,
My first Carnival cruise will be on the Triumph next month and so by reading Cruisecritic on the Carnival boards I found out about you and your blog and have been reading it everyday. I have really enjoyed the humor and and have really pondered the serious issues. But, when it came to the Sept 11th blog, I cried as I read it and then cried as I read it aloud to my husband.
My husband is a firefighter and we live in the midwest, so while we weren’t personally affected by the events, we cried with the rest of the nation for all of the precious lives lost and especially for the 383 firefighter families who lost their loved ones.
I hope to someday go on a cruise in which you are the CD. Keep on blogging and we’ll keep reading!
Luanne
Sorry John- wrong Cruise Director-still the same comment though-you are the best-we sailed with you on the Liberty April ‘o6!!
Inez