Wednesday, April 25th, 2007...9:09 am
A Tale of Two Sheiks
Good Day To You From Istanbul.
It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shinning and there are no garments on the bathroom floor because the Mrs. is coming back today.
So, I need to start on today’s blog because we have things to do when she comes back. …………………stop it, I know what you are thinking (especially Big Ed) but I am talking about sorting the mountain of paperwork which seems to have made its home on my desk.
And now, pray silence for the Q & A Session.
MIKI176 – Hello, Michelle and I am glad you had a safe journey home from your April 7 cruise. Your praise about the Pisa tours are well noted and I have passed them on to our shore excursion department. I have done the same for your stateroom steward and dining room staff and I have also posted your comments on our crew notice boards. I am very proud to work alongside such great people. I am glad you liked the Bedtime Story, it has proven to be my signature piece and I still love doing it even after all these years. I hope to write a book one day as I still have lots of stories to tell. Until the next time we meet Heidi and I send our best regards to you and your family.
JERY CALVERT – The average square footage is 185 square feet – nice cabin but why not treat yourself to an ocean view! Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
JO MYERLY – The best way for you to see Florence and Pisa is to take the aptly named FLORENCE AND PISA TOUR. This will take you first to Pisa for a two-hour tour including the tower and cathedral (you do not climb unless you want to………….400 steps ). Then we have lunch included at a great restaurant then it is a one-hour journey to Florence where you will have free time to shop at the Ponte Vecchio bridge. It is our most popular Livorno Tour.
As for the airport the first bus does leave for the ship at 9:30am and I think you will find many improvements now at the airport itself. Bring some Euros for a cup of coffee. See you soon and my best to Dave.
JOHN AND LISA – Congratulations on becoming a Platinum Club Member, I hope you enjoy all the wonderful benefits that go with it and just think in 490 cruises time we name a ship after you! I must admit that sometimes I do find it hard to sit and blog but the rewards are knowing that I am able to help so many people. Heidi is due back in about an hour and I will pass on your kind regards. See you both soon and please keep reading the blog thingy.
ANN MARIE – Did you just GAFAW over your screen.? I did this one time with a can of Diet Coke when I opened an e-mail that said 25,000 had read the blog thing in just one week! Please keep reading and hopefully we can keep laughing together. Now, go and clean your computer screen.
ANETTEALI – Buenos Nachos. Gracias para el blogo commento abouto myo bedtime Story O. This is a thing I do with three guests on stage and often it results in a great deal of physical abuse for me. As I mentioned above, it is my favorite show to perform. I cannot believe that you still have videos of Michael Andrew and I. If you ever come and sail please bring them with you as I would love to see them. Mucho Gusto and keepo bloogero reado…youro amigo Juanito.
KERSPLOTT – What a fantastic cruise you have planned on the Carnival Freedom, 28 days will be sensational and I hope it brings as many memories as the last trans-Atlantic cruise did. The 6 clock changes are fantastic but not so much fun going the other way. I am still waiting patiently for the Splendor itinerary and I am sure you will not be disappointed when you see it! Have a wonderful summer in Alaska and I hope to visit your beautiful part of the world very soon.
BREAKING NEWS…………………….Janet (jkeller527 Cruise Critic . WE FOUND YOUR RINGS…………THEY WERE STILL IN THE SAFE TUCKED IN THE FAR CORNER. THEY WILL BE SENT TO THE MIAMI OFFICE AND THEN ONTO YOU. NOW, HOW ABOUT THAT FOR THE POWER OF THE BLOG! Hope this cheers you up and I am very happy that you will have them back soon.
LINDA HERNACKI – Thanks for saying I am young, Linda. I certainly do not feel it at the moment. Delivering a new ship is always a challenge and I have been going since February 10 and I must admit to being a little tired. The book will come one day and I am sure there will be many more stories to tell. Carnival Triumph is a great ship and I promise you a great time sailing the Caribbean. Heidi will be home soon and as you quite rightly say I have missed her very much. Thanks for the information on the Freedom run on 2/23/08 and you are indeed correct that it is the Eastern Caribbean run that it will be doing. Best to you and Mike the Saw.
INEZ – There are cruises you never forget and as I mentioned in a previous blog “You’ll Never Walk Alone. The cruise you are referring to was one that I will never forget as you say neither will you. How wonderful then that we got to meet in April last year for the Carnival Liberty’s trans-Atlantic. I am truly humbled by your words of kindness and the memories I have of the tribute show will be everlasting. I sincerely hope we get to see each other very soon.
ALAN AND CHRIS – What great news that in September you will take your first Carnival cruise here in the Med. It will be a vacation to remember and if you need any information or suggestions me and the bloggers will be happy to help. You also ask if you will get the Red Sox and having checked with the doctor onboard he said not to worry if you do as he can give you some cream for itSee you soon.
CINDY AND BOOOOOB – Guess what, in six days you will be here. Have a safe flight and please leave me a note when you get onboard . See you soon.
BUSTER6195 – Hello mate and congratulations on choosing the best of the Naples tours with your exploration of Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. Please note that if you do book your tours online and then hear something that you would rather do you can indeed change it. Come along to the adventure talks and see what wonderful tours we have for you to enjoy. I am having a conference call on Thursday to discuss the Bloggers Cruise.
DAVID – I was very interested in the podcast suggestion. I know Frank in the office is looking into this as a source of adding to the blog thingy. Lets have a chat about this when you sail as I agree That it sounds fun although I must admit to not really understanding how it works. Thanks mate and see you soon.
LINDSAY – Congratulations on choosing the Carnival Miracle (remember to give her the full name):
The Carnival Miracle was the last of our award-winning Spirit-class of ships and she will be sailing to some fantastic ports including Grand Turk and St.Thomas. You must try the supper club and do not miss the shows including the spectacular Ticket To Ride. The cruise director will be Brent who is a great entertainer and I know you will have a brilliant time. Please let me know if you need any further information or advice.
DOMINICK AND LINDA – Diabetes is a pain but I only have myself to blame (that rhymes). Anyway, not to worry and I am keeping good control on my sugar levels. I cannot believe you are already packing for the 12-day cruise in October, but as you asked there are two formal nights on the first and last sea days. It will be here before you know it. See you soon and best to you both.
BIG ED – Hello D.O.M.A.S.S. and thank you for my cyber-celebrity status which has a lot to do with you. For this reason I need a chief reporter and photographer (C.R.A.P.) to follow my celebrity status and therefore I proudly offer you the position. Best to Mrs. Ed.
MIKE – Thanks for reading the blog thingy and I hope you enjoyed your cruise on the Carnival Pride. The best way to secure a job as entertainment staff is to obtain some microphone experience and inter action skills. For further information check out www.carnivalentertainment.com which has full job descriptions and contact information. Good Luck
SEWING NUT – Hope you did not drop a stitch typing that great information for HIJEAN. Thanks for sharing and this is what this blog thingy is all about.
KIM NOTTINGHAM – is Nottingham your last name or is that where you are from? Anyway, for your back to back cruises the menus will probably be the same as the ones I posted with a slight change here or there. This means you will have tough choices ahead and as I have tried EVERYTHING on the menu (except the desserts) please let me know if you need any help deciding.
CE’S AT SEA – Great name for a group by the way. I promise to give a shout out to your illustrious leader and yes please remind me. Here are the answers to your questions.
1. The Laundry detergent we use is TIDE, it comes in a red box and says it is hypoallergenic, whatever that means. You can also do laundry the way I do by throwing your clothes on the floor in a corner of the bedroom and the next day as if by magic it is clean.
2. We have lots of private car tours in the Med because some people prefer not to tour with other people. This can be a fun way to do it so contact me onboard when you get here for further information. Unfortunately there will not be time to drive from Spain to France but remember we are in Cannes the next day.
3. Lets chat together onboard about the fluffy ones who want a Gondola ride, we can make it work for you.
See you all soon and please keep reading.
VIKKI AND MAT – welcome to the land called blog. I received your e mail so please keep reading and a warm welcome from all of us.
MEHYDER – You are too kind. I don’t like to ask but I do hope that I will be able to sail one day on the QM2 and as for the TV show I think it could only benefit the cruise industry to have a weekly hour long show just for them whether it is presented by me or not. Let us see what the future brings.
BARBARA AND JIM – Congratulations on getting the Carnival Leg End in Tampa, it has been and always will be one of my favorite ships. I know Ron well and please send him my best. Please ask to speak to the hotel director Shanaz when you board. She is a great friend and colleague and please give her my best and ask her “HOW IS COLIN.” I loved the story about the couple from Michigan and it proves that the cruise industry provides such great opportunities to meet new friends. Let me know what you think of the ship and write soon.
PAULETTES MUM – You asked what is my favorite show on the Carnival ships. That is a difficult question to answer but I must go with: ROCK DOWN BROADWAY and TICKET TO RIDE. My best to your daughters and please keep reading this blog thingy. By the way, I once danced in Rock Down Broadway wearing a G String !
MTSFP – I am sure your Essex is not much different to my beloved home town and we must discuss this when you sail.Thank you so much for your kind words about the blog and you are correct it does feel like one big family of bloggers.Thanks mate and see you soon.
JILL NEWMARK – Your kind words about the purser’s Office and especially Elisa have been passed on. I hope you continue to read the blog and I am happy that you feel like you are already aboard. Hopefully, you will be here one day for real.
PATRICK TYE – Email me your address mate and I will e mail you a cd…………also check out www.gavinahearn.com.
NEIL MAXWELL – I would love to do an interview for your Website but these sorts of requests have to be coordinated through our public relations department. Please allow me to get back to you and good luck with the website.
GEORGE AND LINDA – I have sent a message to Dino and I am sure he will be able to look after you both. I am sure it will be 24 fantastic days aboard the ship. See you soon.
SUE – You see Sue, I had this image in my mind that your daughter was still at school not married with a family of her own. However, I think it is fantastic that you and her get to spend some Mum and daughter time together on the Carnival Freedom. I agree with you that the best way to see Dubrovnik is to take the Best Of Dubrovnik Tour, it will show you why this is a highlight stop for many of our guests. See you both soon.
Heidi has just called, she is leaving the airport and will be here in 20 minutes….one last check to see if I left anything on the bathroom floor.
And she is home and sends her best to everyone. I have not seen her for seven days and even though I have to finish this blog thingy it is time for a little romance…………………….back in five minutes!
And here I am. Seriously though it is wonderful to have my best friend back and I am a much happier person for it.
I wanted today to tell you the story of two sheiks. By sheik, of course, I mean Arab royalty of which over the years two have sailed on our ships.
The first – we will call him “Sheik 1″ sailed with me on the Sensation back in the early nineties. My mate Roger Blum was the hotel manager and we talk about this story all the time. Sheikh 1 had booked all the suites on verandah Deck for himself, his staff, his security and his..ummmmmmmmm…………entertainers !!!! He obviously did not like variety in his entertainment as all were blonde, tall and aged 21 -25 years old. Anyway, he spent all his days in the Casino or having massages and both the spa manager and the casino manager had smiles the size of his wallet. We were a few hours away from entering the port of San Juan when Roger called me. Sheikh 1 had instructed his staff to find a restaurant in San Juan that served Arabic food and Roger and I were tasked to find one.
I knew a friend who had some shops in San Juan and he was Lebanese and I thought he might know somewhere so I gave him a call. Indeed, he did find somewhere and called the owner who on hearing who would be dining there tonight promptly wished he had been wearing brown pants! So, Roger and I assured the Prince’s staff that we had found a great restaurant and all would be well. We arrived in San Juan and a fleet of limousines and buses pulled up. There was a total of 30 people from the Sheik’s staff and ummmmmmmmm……….entertainment and myself, Roger and a few others.
Now Roger and I had never been to this restaurant and really had no clue what to expect but our hearts sank and our bottom cheeks clenched together when we arrived. Have you ever seen the series Cops on TV? You know when they arrest people coming out of a shady bar who are dressed in vests with no sleeves. Welcome to the restaurant we had chosen for a member of the oldest and richest family in Arabia to eat at. It was a $%^& house…….plain and simple. Roger and I both thought we would soon be buried up to our necks in the Sahara desert with various animals taking turns to eat us alive. As we entered the restaurant there was a lot of bowing and scraping as the prince took his seat. He seemed OK so far but his staff were in their minds wishing they could cut off parts of our bodies and feed them to their various hunting birds we knew they had back home.
So the food came and so far the Sheikh had not spoken a word but the dim surroundings and furniture that had seen much better days did not seem to have ruined his appetite. Then, suddenly, he clapped his hands and one of the girls stood up, a staff member put in a tape and then the belly dancing started. Now this girl was fantastic as everything wiggled and jiggled in time to the music, in fact as she danced she nearly tripped over Roger’s tongue!
After dinner a small (and I mean this in a nice way) height-challenged man started doing tricks and running around bumping into things and generally looking like he had forgot to take his medication. Turns out, he was the court jester! The prince stood up and that was the signal to leave. He never asked for the bill of course leaving his staff to take of an amount he would earn in one second as the oil continues to flow in his back garden. We returned to the ship and he spent the rest of the cruise as he had done before in the casino and being…ummmmm……entertained. It was a night Roger and I would never forget.
Here is Sheik story number 2. This was in 1999 aboard the Carnival Triumph. We had a charter by a company called MUSICHANDLESTADT. This is a massive TV show in Germany and the entire ship was full of German guests who had paid to see the stars who were sailing. Also sailing was Sheik 2. He was onboard as the next week the show was switching to Dubai and would take place in the prince’s luxury six-star hotel.
On the formal night the wonderful Captain Angel Los, a master at hospitality, invited the Sheik and some of the German stars to dinner in his dining room. I was also invited and I sat next to Sheik 2. The conversation was strained as the Sheik was very shy and his bodyguards waited outside to make sure none of us attacked him with a toothpick! Nothing was being said, some did not speak English and although the Sheik did he was quiet and seemed to be drinking a lot, not whisky, not wine but milk.
I looked at him and said, ” Sir, you seem to love milk, are you a MILK SHEIK?” Everyone stopped eating and looked at me as if to say – what did you say? The Sheik leaned back in his chair and a huge belly laugh echoed around the dining room and, of course, seeing that he was comfortable everyone else took the cue and started to laugh, as well. From that day forth he wanted to be known as MILK SHEIK and everyone on his staff was ordered to call him that. He then insisted on eating with us every night and we became the best of friends. I still e-mail him know and then and I have an invitation to his hotel. I have never gone but one day I must go and visit my mate the Milk Sheik.
Athens tomorrow and here is what you will see when you sail:
Time for Heidi and I to take a walk on deck
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
49 Comments
April 25th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Hello John,
I have enjoyed reading your blog. I am booked for the 6/15/2008 Freedom cruise. I just found out that the ship will not be going to Rhodes, Greece but Marmaris, Turkey. Can you tell me anything about this port and why the change?
Thanks so much.
Lisa
April 25th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
John, It’s 9 months to the day I would like to see as the bloggers cruise on the CARNIVAL FREEDOM. So good luck to you and Heidi on her return to you. It would be great as your “chef reporter and and photographer” C.R.A.P. on the day I stand-in for you to report to the Bloggers that they are now all Godparents to the newest blogger. I’m cleaning all my camera lenses to be ready to film and photo that “BIG” day. Heidi smile WIDE.
“BIG” Ed
C.R.A.P. at ekonefe.wordpress.com or just click on underlined “BIG” ED above.
April 25th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Amigo Juanito!!
Im sailing with you in exactly 42 days June 6 !!!. We cant wait to see our amigo after 15 years
I will bring the video and a picture that we have with you when we were just 27 years old (we are the same age).You are going to love it(the video),it has a bingo game with you and Michell Andrew and a male nightgown competion that you are going to love .
April 25th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
John, as I’ve mentioned before, Larry & I have booked the Carnival Freedom’s shore excursion “Virgin Mary’s House & Ancient Ephesus”…we are SO looking forward to it! I believe that by booking this excursion through Carnival, entrance fees, to any of the sites visited during the excursion, are included — can you confirm if my understanding is correct?
April 25th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Hi John, Sounds like you have interesting times with Sheiks! Thanks for sharing those stories. I think I wouldn’t mind being an “entertainer” for a sheik if I got to go on cruises and there were several of us! Having never been to Europe before, can you tell me if “please have your shoulders and legs covered when entering religious buildings” means no capris? (see, I have been reading more than your blog, but I never miss a new blog!). I get the shoulder thingy, but I’m going on the 5/25 sailing and thought capris’d be perfect with my sneakers–cool enough but not shorts. Does it have to be pants? Maybe I can just say I’m expecting a flood and they are short [on me] long pants (I’m 6 foot so I can get away with that statement!) How about men? I’m pretty sure my husband is planning on knee-length shorts most of the time. Since we’re both 50 ish we don’t want to be showing too much off, but are definitely in to comfort! However, we DO want to see everything and DON”T want to offend the locals!
Just a note to BIG ED too, thanking him for putting all the pics in one place. Great reference for those of us looking forward mightily to cruising on the Carnival Freedom!
Thanks, Gloria
April 25th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
OOps, I forgot! Welcome home Heidi. I know John’s been missing you!
April 25th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Hi John,
I sailed with you on the Carnival Liberty Oct 2005 Med. Cruise with some friends and our parents…yes lots of laughs, beautiful sites as of course patience used on that trip!
My friends Ann and Gary Addivinola (pronounced Add- i- vin-ola) are currently sailing (April 19th dep.) with you on the Carnival Freedom.
I was unable to go with them on this cruise and as I look out the window while at work to cloudy skies in Boston -I am even more jealous than the fact they were in Istanbul yesterday!
Anyway, Ann and Gary Addivinola (pronounced Add- i- vin-ola) are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary and wondered if you could give them greeeting “Happy Anniversary from Melissa and your families and friends” on your tv show sometime over the next few days? I
I love this blog by the way – they way you write it I can almost hear you talking…I will have to go on the Carnival Freedom Greek Islands/Turkey sailing in the near future – that is only way to get over my jealousy I guess!
All the best to you and Heidi,
Melissa – Boston, MA
April 25th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
oh dear ?!? Mr. C.R.A.P. sir (aka Bid Ed) Permission to speak sir? You are the head honcho, correcto?
Does he really mean a G string like as in “chippendales”? Does he mean a G string from a guitar? (still a scary thought). Or does he mean a G string like something worn under proper “in public” clothing and a treat for that special someone later in private??
yikes. The June 6th sailing should be one to remember! Makes me think back to the 2/1/99 Jubilee when our new friend “Ed” walked the entire length of the showroom in his boxers. Long story but had something to do with dressing him up as a … ummm … woman.
Mr. C.R.A.P. sir, you wouldn’t be that Ed, would you? Didn’t think so, but thought I would ask.
I really need a new visual. Or a shot of tequila. Mr. Heald sir, nothing personal of course. There are just so few out there who can wear a G string in public. And during the Broadway show????
April 25th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Sorry I have to write again(sometimes I feel guilty, I dont want to give you more work
. Its that I want to tell you that we admire you so much for doing this!! I still cant believe that we are able to get to know our CD in this way before a cruise.It is a first for us after 30 cruises.What you are doing is great, answering all this questions and taking all the requests. Who does that ? Not even my daughters beloved CD on the other cruise line 
She had to admit that.This is our second cruise on the Med and I thought that no other could be better than the first because it was so perfect. But now I think this one in your ship is going to be even more perfect. We( group of 
cant wait to start our “adventure” on the Carnival Freedom. I think that you are going to be a very important part of our dream.We already think of you as our friend. Sooo when on June 6 you hear a bunch of people screaming Juanito!!!! its us the Margaridas from PR LOL I am very happy that Heidi is back so you are not solito. Please take care!!
Los Margarida;
Nanette, Eugenio, Viviana and Cristian
April 25th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Hi John,
I sailed with you on the Carnival Liberty Oct 2005 Med. Cruise with some friends and our parents…yes lots of laughs, beautiful sites as of course patience used on that trip!
My friends Ann and Gary Addivinola (pronounced Add- i- vin-ola) are currently sailing (April 19th dep.) with you on the Carnival Freedom.
I was unable to go with them on this cruise and as I look out the window while at work to cloudy skies in Boston -I am even more jealous than the fact they were in Istanbul yesterday!
Anyway, Ann and Gary Addivinola (pronounced Add- i- vin-ola) are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary and wondered if you could give them greeeting “Happy Anniversary from Melissa and your families and friends” on your tv show sometime over the next few days? I
I love this blog by the way – they way you write it I can almost hear you talking. I will have to go on the Carnival Freedom Greek Islands/Turkey sailing in the near future – that is only way to get over my jealousy I guess!
All the best to you and Heidi,
Melissa – Boston, MA
April 25th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Hi John and Heidi! We fly out in just 4 short weeks. Can’t wait. I’ve already printed out our itenary for the whole 12 day cruise and will post them around the pharmacy where I work. They will sooooo hate me. We tried to reserve Best of Florence but unable to since it was already full. Can we do Florence on your own and see the museums and still get back in time? Also, when in Venice I’ve ready about a weight limit for the gondolas and your comment today about fluffy ones who want to take a ride you could make it work. Could you tell me how? I love reading your blog every morning. Your sense of humor is always a great way for me to start my day. I’m reading it at 5:30AM in N.C. every morning. Hope to see you and Heidi as we are taking our nightly walk. Thanks for all you do.
Leona
April 25th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Thanks for your response on the inside cabin size.
We probably will treat ourselves to an outside. There will be four couples on the Oct 13 2008 Med cruise.
April 25th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
John, You MUST scan that picture Nanetteali has of you at the age of 27, we would ALL love to see it, unless you might have one you could include in your blog of your “younger” days? Welcome back Heidi, John sure did miss you, he couldn’t sleep while you were gone! Hope you had a nice visit with your mom and family, but we are all glad you are back, as I am sure John is too! Did you fill your room with rose petals as I instructed him to do? And I hope he picked up after himself, and didn’t leave his underwear on the bathroom floor! HA! HA! You know what they say “Absence makes the heart grow fonder!” Hope he lavished you with a wonderful dinner, wine and flowers! Bye for now, Linda & Handyman Mike
April 25th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
dear john hummmmmmmmmmmm, i have been reading your blog since the beginning, and i must tell you it’s a great way to end my day as my count down has started until may 13 when me and my lover of 48 years get on board. we have had the pleasure of meeting you some years back on the glory. it was your last cruise on her, and we actually won a botle of bubbley on your morning quiz show. do you still do that i hope so what a great way to start the day. well till we meet again keep blogging best to heidi your friend kathy
April 25th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Jo Myerly:
It sounds like you are boarding Carnival Freedom when we get off. I will wave.
I was in Pisa and Florence 21 years ago. I remember the jewellery stores well at the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence. (The ones in Venice are great too.) I am looking forward to the ‘window shopping’ in both places again. Since my hubby will be with me, not likely any buying happening.
You said you didn’t want to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I did 21 years ago and it was absolutely breathtaking. I plan on doing it again and dragging my hubby along.
Happy shopping in Florence.
SewingNut
April 25th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Hello John…..we thoroughly enjoy your daily reports and are following the present and next cruise with especial interest as two of our dearest friends, Clare and Colin Robinson are on board with you now….and also on the next cruise May 1 to May 13 during which they will celebrate their 30th anniversary on Monday May 7……we
do not know unfortunately their cabin number…
is it possible you might be able to make their day
even more memorable by passing on greetings from all their Kiwi friends in New Zealand on that day??….your Carnival reports have great interest for us as we have over 30 cruises under our belts (and it shows!!) and none so far with
Carnival….maybe that should change……
best regards…….Barry R
April 25th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
John,
We will be sailing with you on the June 30th cruise of the Grand Med. Two quick questions. Does Carnival offer a wine program at the dinner table. We cruised on the other line a couple of years ago, and they offered 8 bottles at a certain price if you purchased them on the first day. Secondly, what currency do they use in the Casino on board the Freedom?
April 25th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
John,
Maureen and I continue to read the blog and are looking forward to our 22 September cruise on the Carnival Freedom to celebrate our 10th anniversery. I’ve corresponeded with you previously and felt that I needed to send you a line after reading a review on Cruisecritic where it was mentioned that the FREEDOM “won’t be going to Turkey in a couple of months”. Do you have any information about this…Maureen and I were looking forward to our stops in Turkey. Again looking forward to meeting you when we arrive.
Cheers,
Mike
April 25th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Since most of us from the CE’s at Sea group are single women–what activities have you for us to get together with single men?? Maybe Heidi should answer this one–glad she’s back and I hope she had a wonderful and relaxing time!
April 26th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Hello John,
I have some very good information for YOU and fellow bloggers, look what cam out today:
http://www.carnival.com/CMS/STATIC_TEMPLATES/PROMOS/SPLENDOR/default.aspx
Carnival’s website has just like the Freedom an address dedicated to The Splendor.
These are the itineraries she will be sailing:
12 day Northern Europe
Details
7 day Exotic
Eastern Caribbean
Details
12 day Greek &
Mediterranean Isles
Details
12 day
Grand Mediterranean
Details
16 day Transatlantic Voyage
Details
12 day Europe
Dover – Rome
coming soon…
To book a cruise, call your travel agent, 1-888-CARNIVAL or contact a Carnival Vacation Planner today!
Talk to you soon john.See you and the beautiful freedom in 219 days,7 hrs,2mins,50 secs
matt
cme030603@yahoo.com
April 26th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Hi John, Glad to hear Heidi made it back to you safetly! I’m sure you feel better knowing she’s back and can take back over all the hard work. I’ll have Shelly look for just the right picture where she looks most like that angelina girl. If we can figure out how to post it we will. Hope the cruise is going well this time, The water seems a little more rough on the Greek side than it does on the Itialian side, is that true? Keep up the good work, still reading everyday. See you june 18….Mark & Shelly
April 26th, 2007 at 4:32 am
Hello! I have to admit, I have been reading your blog and I even went back and read the archives! It makes me laugh! You make me laugh and you have made me laugh as Cruise director as well! I have been on numerous cruises and the CD makes the cruise! Your bedtime story is the best! Every time my friends and I get together, your version of Bedtime story comes up!!! Another highlight from you is when our friend Karen (who reads this blog) was in the Game Show and our other friend was in the front row laughing hysterical!!! You kept saying “Caress”… and to this day we just have to say ‘caress’ and it takes us back to the ship!! She actually won the game show in March on the Carnival Destiny. Now she has a ship on a stick!!
A bloggers cruise sounds good to me, count me in!!!
I think a ‘bloggers cruise’ sounds exciting…
April 26th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Good morning John, welcome back Heidi, I’m not sure if i’m doing this right, but i’ll try one more time.
I am on the Freedom on June 6, and am getting so excited! Booked all our excursions,and our hotel for the last two nights in Rome, we’re ready! I was wondering if you knew of a sight where people could meet, and possibly book things like transfers together. We are looking to go right to our hotel after the cruise, and the prices drop dramaticaly when there are more than 2 people.
This sight has been so wonderful, and full of information, thanks! I see there are two early, and two late seatings. How can I confirm the later early seating? This one would work better with our excursions. I don’t have a cabin # yet.
I am traveling with my best friend from Texas, and was wondering if you could just ignore anything she writes to you! When I turned 40 ten years ago she surprised me in Vegas, and told everyone “Lordy, Lordy look who’s fourty!” I was wondering if she starts the fifty thing if maybe we could just leave her in one of the ports?!
I would love to book the Spa Special on the 9th, earlier in the day, any suggestions?
I was on the Ledgend a few years ago, you are right, most spectacular, but it should be required that everyone sees Alaska, at least once.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, but my offer still stands, if you want any Bagels from Brooklyn, just let me know!
April 26th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Hi John, I see you are in Athens today. Please write about the tours there. Which ones do you like?
Thanks,
Jo and Dave
April 26th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Wow, thanks for taking the time to do such a great blog on the day Heidi returned!
April 26th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Hey John, We’re still reading and you’re still doing a wonderful job writing on this blog. Thanks for keeping it up so we can share in the excitement. My wife & I are on the Legend from Tampa on Nov 11 (great way to spend rememberance day) and I’ve got 60 cabins blocked for the Carnival Freedom on Jan 26/08 from Miami. The ‘MS Cruise for Freedom’ fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. What’s the update on you still being on board? Have a great day!!
Jim
April 26th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Thank you for your kind wishes John. Photo please of you in Rock Down in a G-string. Did you do the splits? Wondered why you walk funny….. Glad Heidi’s back perhaps she can keep you under control- or maybe not!
April 26th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Hi John,
I sailed with you on the Carnival Liberty Oct 2005 Med. Cruise with some friends and our parents… lots of laughs, beautiful sites and yes of course patience used on that trip!
My friends Ann and Gary Addivinola (pronounced Add- i- vin-ola) are currently sailing (April 19th dep.) with you on the Carnival Freedom.
I was unable to go with them on this cruise and as I look out the window while at work to cloudy skies in Boston -I am even more jealous than the fact they were in Istanbul yesterday!
Anyway, Ann and Gary are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary and wondered if you could give them greeeting “Happy Anniversary from Melissa and your families and friends” on your tv show sometime over the next few days?
I love this blog by the way – they way you write it I can almost hear you talking…I will have to go on the Carnival Freedom Greek Islands/Turkey sailing in the near future – that is only way to get over my jealousy I guess!
All the best to you and Heidi,
Melissa – Boston, MA
April 26th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Hey Jhon i blogged about 2 weeks ago about if it was possible to a video tour of the ship
Any news ?????
April 26th, 2007 at 10:55 am
HI Again John and Heidi
Its me SHIP-BOUND Tom!
you remember…. “ISTAMBUL TOM”….!!!! hahaha OK…..
I thought that would ring a BELL…LOL
I was so glad to read that your team found Janets’ rings…. that really says something about the integrity of that great crew you have. I am impressed!!!!!
Way to GO Carnival Freedom……..!!!!!!!!!!!
O.K. NOW……. as they say in Italian…. lol
I lost something also that I thought you might be able to help me get back…. It was a rather large sum of cash…… thats right CASH…!! It accidentally slipped out of my sign and sail card in the casino if you would be so kind as to report this catastrify to the casino manager for me and have the monetary funds found or it not found just replaced to my card my credit card company and I would be eternally in your debt….!!!!!! LOL ….no really that was great to read….!!!! Super JOB Carnival..!!!!!!!! Our Stateroom Attendant “Fery” deck 7 aft was so attentive we thought we were at the Waldorf Astoria…..They really make your vacation nice always washing the balcony windows, fresh towels and the stateroom was always clean and neat that is very important on a cruise, it is very easy for two or even more people to turn a 185 sq. ft. into a mess without people like “Fery” and the Carnival team… well…… lets just say Cruising would NOT be the number choice for vacationers.. everywhere..
There I think I have blogged enough…. please John if you would be so kind as to forward this to him and thank him for us…. from Tom & Jerry #7447 it was only two weeks ago I think he will still remember us also please let him know that we really appreciated him taking such good care of us. Always opening the door for us as we came down the hall and so many more little things. He made our vacation just that much more special…. and I am sure Janet feels the same way about the Carnival team….. especially now that she is getting her rings back… you know women and their jewelry they might as well cut a finger off as to loose a piece… Thanks you John
OH FERY…. More “ICE” please!!!!! LOL
P.S.
Just on more thing and I won’t bother you for a few days or so….. OK………
Glad to read your having another great cruise. Now that we have been home for a couple of weeks or so….. it is the talk at the dinner table all the fun and great sights and how we want to go back to Naples and the Amalfi Coast next year for a couple of weeks. That’s the nice thing about a cruise its like a sample tray if you taste something you like go back and have more…..OK I’m done Choe!
Keep on Blogging!!
Regards
Ship-bound Tom
April 26th, 2007 at 10:59 am
John
Please recommend any good restaurants in Rome that are priced moderately and where the food is good. We are looking for breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurants. Please advise if you can. I am so excited for the 6/6/07 cruise.
April 26th, 2007 at 11:46 am
John,
Everyone seems to write comments alerting you to where they are going to be and when they are going to be there, you must have a huge social calendar to keep track of all of this. In that vein, I thought you might like to know that I won’t be going on a cruise anytime soon (thank my wife for that). However, I will be enjoying the cold and rain here in the USA/mid-west wishing i was going on a cruise.
Just wanted to make sure you were in the loop regarding my lack of travel plans.
Jason
April 26th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Hello John,
Well i did an entry with breaking news but for some reason didn’t take.
Well john i will help you out guess what was annouced yesterday and maybe your could add it to your links.
http://www.carnival.com/CMS/STATIC_TEMPLATES/PROMOS/SPLENDOR/default.aspx
Last night they had it up and running, maybe you can check with your higherups back in miami and find out why it’s coming up as error page now?
Anyways like the Freedom webpage they had one specifically annoucing the Splendor and her itens.
Well sorry it didn’t go through last night wanted ,wish it had before site had error.
Well john see you mate in 218days,20hrs,3mins,15 secs
matt
cme030603@yahoo.com
April 26th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Hi John,
My wife and I were on the Early April cruise out of Rome, room 2236 or room 2263. We had a wonderful time, and particularily enjoyed the night shows, especially, the sleeping lady who you so rudely awoke but who eventually got pay back on you.
My wife is a cellist among other talents, and she really enjoyed the guest cellist you had on board the one night, but I can’t remember the particulars for him, to try to look him up for CD’s and such, could you send me some info?
I never did get the chance to talk to you though I would see you in the Havanna Bar while I was enjoying my brought-from-cuba contraband, or at Istanbul at an outdoor cafe enjoying a cigar.
Being this was our first cruise, I would recommend Carnival’s funship experience in Europe, especially the ones with John on them.
On my website, I have posted a photo album of all the pictures deemed safe for public consumption from our cruise. Lots from the excursions, and a few from formal night and just tanning on lido deck.
You can probably tell from the other pictures that I am also a Canadian Soldier and was saddened to hear about the 8 fallen during our vacation.
April 26th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Sorry for the triple posts- operator error and a touchy internet connection
April 26th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
I did it. I am celebrating the 20th anniversary of my 1st Carnival Cruise (August 1987 on the Jubilee) by booking the 5-day cruise on the Imagination on 12/3. Now I don’t feel so bad about reading everyone’s wonderful adventures – I have one to look forward to. And let me know where to send your real NY bagel – except if will probably be stale, hard as a brick and moldy by the time it reaches you. I also just asked my vacation planner if he had heard anything about the Splendor’s itinerary. Nothing yet. A couple of days ago you mentioned the fact that you had to decide whether or not to put on one of the shows because of rough seas, and I remembered that happened on the Valor in November 2005. The last formal night show had to be postponed to the last night because we were trying to out run Tropical Storm Gamma back to Miami. And our C.D. Josh (Riff, I think – his last cruise) decided it was too dangerous for the dancers. What a great C.D. Besides you, he is the only one I can actually remember. But that night he and a couple of others did an improvisational “Whose Line is it Anyway”. I never laughed so hard. I actually lost my voice. I guess it’s a lot like the “Bedtime Story” – you never know what’s going to happen. I’m rambling again. You also mentioned Ed Rocks before. This was his last cruise on the Valor too. OK, I’m going home to start packing for December. I’ll be the one with the wrinkled clothes. Take care,
Carol
April 26th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Hey John,
I’ve been reading your blog from the start and am fascinated by all the stories. I hope to one day sail with you! Anyway, a thought occurred to be earlier, people are always asking which cruise director is on which ship, but I always wondered what happened to some of my old cruise directors. For example last year we had one of the best cruise directors ever on the Carnival Legend, Trevor Block. He was so hilarious and a very nice guy, however I don’t see his name listed anywhere anymore. Same goes for two other cruise directors, Josh Riffe and Mark Hawkins. Now I’m not going to go and start complaining about my experience with these two guys but I’m just curious, what ever happened to them?
April 26th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
John & Sewingnut…
Two identical and uncoordinated responses to my Cannes question are a pretty good hint of what to choose. And I’m glad for the input; before I read the tour description Monte Carlo wouldn’t have even occured to me.
BTW, John, am I understanding you are in the market for a real NY bagel? I’d be happy to bring one with me, but it would be 2 days old by the time it got on board.
Thanks again!
April 26th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
John, what did you do to me. WHY! did you set it on the 1/19 cruise?. Will you also be on the CARNIVAL FREEDOM on 1/26/2008 cruise.
“BIG” ED
April 26th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
To Coleen Vito!!
We have a very active roll call on cruise critic for our June 6 sailing. We are doing everything that you mention.Please visit so you get to know many of us that are going to share this “adventure” with you on the Carnival Freedom with my friend Juanito.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
John, I see it must be a joke. The date they put is January 19, 2007. You had me scared. So I waiting for the correct date January 26, 2008 yes 2008.
“BIG ED
April 26th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Hello john,
is there a problem with the blog site today?Twice i tried send a comment in reference to the splendor and both times nothing.
Anyways for brief period carnival had a minisite like freedom with all the splendor stuff listed.
I tired to paste the url and like said nothing.
also carnival will be accepting reservations begining may 10th for the splendor..
thanks john see you in 218days,15 hrs,6 mins and1 sec
thanks matt
April 26th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
i remenber from long time ago, image you had black hair was about small ed, instead of bi f ed, that was in the 1990 when you were a director,onthe sensetion or imagination. dont exactly remenber well the first time i saw you, but i never forgot a comedy that you did , when a tourist japonese or chinese that you used , had a camera and was taken pictures, i had a ball that night in which trhu the tears i had not forgotten
April 26th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Hey John,
Bob and I will be seeing you in a couple of days now. We are so excited!!!! I have a few questions for you. 1) Do we have a formal night on the first night? 2) Should we bring Euros with us, or will be able to change our money(American) on the ship? 3) We are from Western N.Y. (Buffalo, to be exact) Do you know of any others from our area that are traveling on the same trip? Your blog is just hysterical. You have a real talent for expressive writing. I especially enjoyed the Sheik stories .
See you Soon,
Cindy Bruce
April 26th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Allow me if you will to welcome Heidi back and send her a cyber-hug. We’ll talk young lady next time we get to see you and let you know what John has been up to in your absence. The Blog is doing great my friend and I have seen a number of names here that are familiar! Have great times and enjoy the area. I hope that you have availed yourself to all those fantastic shore excursions that are available there. I know that you have checked out some personally with Heidi and a certain lady-friend of mine. Explaining to your followers just how fantastic these ports are would be really nice. Take care my friend and best to you both.
Jim
May 9th, 2007 at 6:25 am
John,
WeatherGuy’s review on CruiseCritic is odd in more ways than one.
Here’s his webshots album of his Carnival Freedom cruise;
http://travel.webshots.com/album/556751650LkUDXL
What’s really odd is the album creation and last edit times are PRIOR to his cruise;
created: Mon, Jan 1, 2007
last edited: Sun, Feb 18, 2007
And the photos in his album are of a different ship;
and photos of him on a different ship;
He does mention a few areas that are specific to Carnival Freedom, but given that he seems to have pulled parts of the review out of thin air, it stands to reason he’d use some elements of fact eh?
I’ve never posted a review on that section of Cruise Critic because I don’t follow the soup recipe format very well. Perhaps he attempted to follow the format and instead of soup he made poop instead? ;D
Heidi,
Work on getting John to make Cruise Critic’s VIP cruise on March 22, 2008 a ‘co-blogger’ cruise.
May 18th, 2007 at 6:45 am
Hello John,
We were just on the May 1-13, 2007 sailing, European Cruise, aboard Carnival Freedom. Just wanted to commend the stress-free and most organized disembarking process we’ve ever seen. This was our 5th cruise and none would ever give the assurance and hassle-free disembarking that your crew did. We are so pleased!!!
Question for you: I saw the itinerary for another European Cruise which we are interested in. This one covers Italy, Turkey, and Greece (covering Rhodes, Greece, instead of Marmaris, Turkey). There seems to be an overnite in Civitavechhia on Day 12; so, will disembarking take place on Day 13? You see, we did not see Rome in this last cruise, so perhaps we could have on- shore excursion in Rome, if Day 12 is an overnite stay? Am I interpreting the itenrary correctly? We really want to see the Vatican, St Peter’s Square, which we missed in this May 07 cruise. We are not seasoned cruisers yet, and we did not want to spend any more money staying in a hotel, either pre-cruise or post-cruise.
Can you adivse? Thanks in advance for any help you could give. By the way, I am Canadian, my husband and I reside in Mississauga, Ontario, a western suburb of Toronto. Our roots are Filipinos, and we have just found the love of cruising, but don’t know a lot yet on organizing our shore excursions, to make the most of it.
Sincerely,
Aurora
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:41 am
Hi there John,
Hi, my name is Chelsea and I’m a cruise addict.
haha… well, I got to know Trevor Block on my last cruise (on the Fantasy last week) and I wanted to shoot him an email to thank him for such a great time! Do you have his email address?
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:39 am
Hi John
As I was reading through your blog I noticed that there are donkey rides to the top of Rhodes. Wow! I feel like I missed so many things by having to take the “Easy ” tours. Please make suggestions that more of the tours have a closer look at the various sights by way of donkeys. I wanted so desperately to “get up close and personal” to the Parthnon – it had been my top priority, but unfortunately with the tremendous heat and bad knees, I had to settle for a postcard at the bottom of the hill to be able to see what it looked like. What about bycicles or scooters – heck even rickshaws – some way so us older folk don’t feel like we missed half of our vacation.
Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia! I have been home 3 days and miss ya’ll terribly
Miss you badly,
Diane Merrill
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