Good Morning to You all from a land called Blog.

It is another beautiful day today here in Civitavecchia. Many guests are ashore exploring Rome and some are just ‘ chilling ‘ onboard. I have added many activities this afternoon as quite a few guests do remain onboard plus the band will be playing 60′s, 70′s and party music on Lido Deck in the sunshine.

Just a footnote on the tragic events in Virginia. Yesterday, upon sailing from Livorno I held a moments silence onboard as we all paused for thought in the memory of those who have been and always will be effected by what happened. The entire ship fell silent as we honored their memories.

Now, on a lighter note ( or heavier depending on how many you eat ) here are some photos as requested of the melting Chocolate cake which is available every day from our restaurants fleet wide.

Are you ready? The let the drooling begin!

And now, we proudly present the Q and A

LATERIZER – Not long now and June 6th will be here. In answer to your question about the Internet café, here are some facts. We have 8 terminals and I must admit, that’s not enough. However, there is very rarely a long wait and most of the time you can get straight on. The secret is to check your e mails at the quieter times of the day which are late evening or early morning. The busy times are 10;00am – Noon and 5:00pm – 9:00pm. As far as the lap top is concerned, I do not think you should lug ( is that a word?) the thing all the way over here but remember if you do decide to bring it the entire ship is something called WiFi which means you can read my blog from the comfort of your own bathroom. Regardless, you will be able to check on the welfare of Mum which is of course very important. Looking forward to meeting you in June.
MOTHER NEEDING A VACATION SOON – Thank you for taking the time to read this blog thingy everyday. You will love the Carnival Liberty and the Caribbean ports it visits are spectacular. The Cruise Director will probably be Todd Whittmer. He is a great guy and will make sure he gives you a fantastic cruise vacation. You are correct that all of our Camp Carnival programs have the BUILD A BEAR activity. There is a cost of $19 but this includes a cute Teddy Bear and a T Shirt etc, your kids will love it ! So hang in there Mum and you will get the vacation you need soon.
JO – Thanks for your question on the Soda Card and if it is good for CAFFEINE FREE SODA. As of now I understand that it is not, however I am addressing this fact with Our Food and beverage director and will see if I can influence a policy change. Watch this space and I will do my best to assist you.
WILL – Hello to you in Manchester, U.K. Will. Are you a red or a blue ( soccer ) ? Anyway, I totally agree that on the ships Carnival Miracle and Carnival Liberty while in the Caribbean that the shows should be at 10:45pm for the late sitting guests. My concern here is that after long back to back port days with 8 plus hours of long touring that the 10:45pm shows are not being well attended. I did try some 7:00pm shows 9 before dinner ) and I have to say attendance increased by 50%.I myself agree with you that I prefer the shows after dinner but on here it seems here we are in the minority. I am trying to find a happy medium where half the cruise the shows after dinner and when needed before. What do you think? Hope to hear from you soon.
JULIE TAYLOR – The fact that I have become part of your kids reading curriculum is somewhat scary. I guess I had better start using spell check and checking my grammar is correct. Can you please start grading me to make sure I am setting a good example for your kids. I thank you for taking the time to read the blog everyday. I notice you state that the Carnival Web Site needs to change more often. Can you let me know what you would like to see and I will try and implement some of your suggestions?
I congratulate you all on your graduation and the achievement of a master’s degree for yourself and a Doctorate for your husband. We will be happy to help you celebrate. I suggest you let me know when you onboard and I will make sure that the entire ship knows of your achievements.
You are to kind in stating that you feel like part of the Freedom family already and intern I am looking forward to meeting yours.
MARGARIDA – Interesting that you mentioned that Princess plays Bocelli as you enter Venice. We started this two years ago ( copy cats ) and this year we will play something on the big screen as we enter Venice that will really reduce you to tears as Andrea Bocelli did on your Princess cruise…….we will be playing…………………………………..BRITNEY SPEARS !
Kidding of course, you will be able to listen and enjoy, PAVAROTTI, THE LAST TENOR as we sail into the most Romantic City In the World………CLEVELAND, OHIO.
KATHY KROLL – It was very nice of you to post so many photos and the great video clips on your web page. Sorry to hear about your HD video camera. Not quite sure what that is as I am a bit behind when it comes to technology as I am still using my 8 Track Stereo. As you are concerned about the Toilet’s in Europe I have commissioned a special report which will be written by Heidi who I have made Chief Register About Pee and Poo ( C.R.A.P.P. ) and she will issue her report very soon.
NOTE: This could have been my last blog because if I had not moved to the left with the agility of the African Cheetah I would not have dodged the large industrial size stapler which Heidi for some unexplained reason threw at me. Thanks again K & P and see you soon.
JODI – First of all this blog is completely open. As I mentioned in the last blog although I do not have the time to look into individual comments about a cruise ( we have a great guest relations department for that ) I do encourage anyone who feels that they have an idea that may benefit the many then that is what I am here for. I will give my opinions and you please all give me yours. You are correct of course. If you sail a lot it would make sense if we changed the gifts for Platinum Members. Having 5 bags does not make sense (unless you are going to open a bag shop). So, your suggestions have been forwarded on to the correct people and I hope that I will have answers for you soon. Until then, I appreciate you reading and commenting so please do not stop. By the way, as you are A PLATINUM MEMBER as per company policy I have been typing this blog thingy on one knee and with my head bowed.
LINDA AND HANDY MIKE – I notice from your list that you have cruised with me three times already, that is worthy of something free so I am going to ask Kathy ( above ) to send you one of her three thousand Carnival bags she has. Thank you for the special statement about your FEB 2004 cruise I seem to be inundated with requests on the engagement story so I will indeed pass this on in a moment once I am done with Q & A. As for my favorite ships – well along with Imagination I think I have to say Carnival Triumph. I was there for three years and I grew to know her every nook and cranny and I always loved the stage there and have had some of my best shows and experiences performing on it.E.G. One time on the Triumph I was performing the bedtime story with an older guest. He got so into his part that as he shouted his lines his false teeth fell out. He bent down to pick them up and as he did so he dropped them again. He was having difficulty bending over and looked at me with Cocker Spaniel eyes. So, yep, I picked them up gave them to him and he put them straight back into his mouth.
I appreciate your kind words so much about the blog thingy and tell Mike to put his tools down and take you for dinner.
JAMIE AND KEVIN – Congratulations on booking a suite. The Cat 12 suites are gorgeous and as stunning as Angelina Jolie’s neck. ( Glare from Heidi ).
Being in a suite will entitle you to some ” surprises ” which I am not going to spoil for you. Also, please drop me a line when you are onboard and I will call you for a chat……that’s not a privilege I hear you cry……well, it will be for me so please let me know your cabin number. Have a great time and bring a good book for some luxury “you ” time on your balcony.
JOYCE – Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about the dreadful happenings at Virginia Tech. As a teacher it must be extra difficult for you to reassure your pupils that their school is a safe and happy place of learning. The tours you have booked are some of our very best and lets chat with our Shore Excursion team to make sure that they are suitable for all your party – if not we can change them over. The ship’s photographers will be taking photos of many of our behind the scenes areas, is there anything particular you would like to see?
I know you said you are off to grade papers so give everyone an A from me. What grade do you teach?
BIG ED – Or Big “M” as you are now known. Thaks for taking care of Sergei and more importantly thank you for your kind words in thinking of our guests who may have had relatives at Virginia Tech.
It is always great to hear from you and please keep writing mate.
PAUL – It was my pleasure to write some details about the Caribbean ports you will visit. I am hear for you all and although in Europe I have many fond memories of my time in the Caribbean so please let me know if you need further assistance. As for your comments about the students, you are indeed correct and I share your thoughts and prayers.
SHIRLEY – First of all please tell your husband that he has no chance with Angelina Jolie. She will one day read my blog and realize that looks, the body of a god, perfect jaw and teeth, and being richer than Solomon are not everything and when she does, I am first in line !
As for Venice, there is no curfew. You can stay out as long as you like as the gangway will always be open for you. Sitting in St Mark’s Square listening to the chamber orchestras, eating a gelato is one of life’s must do experiences and I encourage all of you to do this when you visit Venice.
NOTE: St. Mark’s while beautiful and memorizing is expensive………….be prepared to spend 5 euros just to sit at the table plus an average of 10 euros for an ice cream…………but……………….you really cannot put a price on how it feels just to be there. See you soon. As you stated you want to ” make a baby “, this might be the perfect night to do this……………………let me know if you need any help…………………….with Venice…………………….not the baby making stuff…………..but I am here to help with that if you need me to……………………………ok, actually I have just been informed by Heidi that I am not.
SEWINGNUTS – The individual cans of soda are $1.50 so I guess you have to weigh up how much soda you are going to drink before trying to decide if or not to buy a Fountain Fun card. The free beverage list includes water, ice tea, water, lemonade, orange juice, water, fruit punch and water.

BREAKING NEWS……………………………………As requested by blooger Jo, I have just heard from the Beverage Department that effective immediately all ships will include caffeine free Diet Coke and caffeine Free Sprite with purchase of the soda card. The power of this blog is incredible:)
As for the galley tour. I will try and get this done, however until then, if anyone wants to see the Galley – yes this code word on a letter and drop it to me at the information Desk on day 2 of the cruise – the code is – ANGELINA JOLIE SHOULD BE THE GODMOTHER OF THE CARNIVAL SPLENDOR. This will get you access.
Until then, thanks for reading and your comments, now go and sew.

BREAKING NEWS: With regard to Linda’s question about the gifts for Platinum Members – here is some news as sent by a very beautiful and very important Senior Vice President. This person is stunning, clever and is just below Angelina Jolie on my dream list………
Always a pleasure to hear from you.  As far as the gifts, we are changing the tote bag to a different gift for exactly the reason stated below.
So, how about that for service. Your request has been accepted and I have been challenged with finding a replacement for the Tote bag…………I am thinking Ferrari, Cartier, Diamonds……………..no……………….I know……………………….a photo of me in my Gladiator costume……no seriously, you deserve it.

JOHN CANTELE – Thank you for your kind words about enjoying the blog. I apologize if you think I took a ” cheap shot ” at your constitution which was never my intention. I was simply expressing my lack of understanding of it. Again, my apologies and this blog is certainly not the place for political comment. Thanks again and please keep reading. How about you sail one day, lets sit and talk over a beverage and you can explain your thoughts to me. I would really like that.
JANET – I know how difficult it will be to be enjoying this beautiful cruise experience and at the same time knowing your son is off to Kuwait. I am sure he will be in your thoughts but I am positive he will be wanting you to relax and enjoy this deserved vacation.
You do not need Katherine’s last name – her I.D. number is included in the address and she will receive the mail and thank you for taking the time to do so. Do you know, in all my years at sea I have never sailed to Alaska. It is somewhere I have always wanted to go and from what guests and crew have told me it is simply stunning. I am sorry I made you cry ( twice ) but this blog has given me the chance to express myself as never before. The U.S. Navy Ship docked next to us was a special moment.
Thanks for reading and take care.
TERI910 – I have shown ( yet again ) that when it comes to spelling and the American Constitution I am indeed inept. as shown with the word ” bare ” instead of “bare “.
It was an awful day and I spent some time sitting with a family who were so distressed because both their sons attend the school. However, after some time they both were contacted and found to be O.K. There are however many parents who will have had their lives torn apart and we must continue to think of them as we continue our own everyday lives. Thanks for writing back Teri910.
JIM AND PEG – Thank you so very much for your special comments. I am looking forward to doing as you said and sitting down and discussing the pros and cons of gun laws in the United States. As I was just writing to John Cantele about, the Constitution is a subject well worth discussing and it will I am sure give me a chance to understand it more. As for Peg, the punishment for leaving the toilet seat up is very harsh and I am formally announcing that I am running for President of the Free To Pee Club and need members to raise the ranks.
Can’t wait to meet you.
JAN IN WA – It seems the majority are voting for early shows but I think that I have been able to find a happy mix. Thank you for your kind words and I am sure we all share your thoughts that one day there will be peace in the world.
JIM CARROLL…………………..As far as I know the Platinum card is exclusive to carnival Ships…….however……………..I am checking and will get back to you mate.
LEAHANE – The four days cruise on the Freedom will be non stop fun, food and entertainment. Thank you so much for reading this blog thingy from the beginning and I am glad that you are enjoying it so much. See you Soon.
Bob Means – Your comments are well noted. There are no excuses for this and I will be conducting a full investigation. I sincerely apologize and will follow up with you. Please never apologize, this blog is here for help, assistance and opinions. Thanks again.
FAVE – Sorry about not replying to the ping pong tournament question. I must have missed it. Ok., normally we do not do this but I will be happy to organize one for you when you sail in August 9 remind me when you are onboard ). I have tried it in Europe before but it was not well attended. I secretly think you are a World Champion Table Tennis Player and are desperate to add one of our solid gold trophies to your collection. So, lets see if you become Freedom Champion. I will have one of the entertainment Staff ANNETTE – ( GET IT AN NET – PING PONG NET – NEVER MIND ) sort this out for you.
MARY – Thank you so much for saying I am your favorite CD and you are right to mention Goose – he is going to be a very important part of Carnival’s future. I must admit it is hard work writing this blog. I am spending most of any free time I have doing it but I do enjoy it and will keep going as long as I can. So the thanks must go to all of you on Planet Blog for reading my random thoughts each and every day.
JEAN – There are guest laundries on each and every deck so do as I do when I go on vacation. take one pair of underwear and a $10 bill and don’t change either of them. Thanks and best wishes to you and your family.
ADAM – I am very happy to know that all your friends at Virginia University are all OK and as mentioned above we continue to remember those who were lost.
Thank you for your kind words about this blog. They are rejuvenating and uplifting…..hope to see you soon.
DEBRA HEHN – It will be our job to make sure your friends who are cruise virgins have the most incredible of experiences. How old are you kids. let me know and maybe I can help with some must do events for them. All the best until we see you in August.
MARK AND SHELLY – Your comments about the second day in Rome are being agreed with by many others. Rome is an incomparable city but your views also make a lot of sense. I have Forwarded them on and we shall see what happens. I see you are a avid Carnival Cruiser and I will do my best to make sure this one is the best EVER.
ANITA DUNHAM – POTTER – Your article left me speechless. As I read it I kept thinking that it must be about someone else, not me surely. I am truly honored by what you have written and I have printed the article and it will be framed and placed on my office wall next to the photo of my wife ( and just below the one of Angelina Jolie ).
I am very much looking forward to meeting you and your family and will do my best to make sure you all have the time of your lives. Thanks again and my best to Harry ( Potter ).
HYACINTH1 – Your offer to bring gifts for the crew is so very kind and really not necessary. However, if you insist than may I suggest the new Aston Martin DB9.If not, anything that is local to where you are from, maybe a pin or badge or maybe a local food etc. The most important gift you can give our crew however will be just thanking them for their hard work with a big smile. You are a special person and I am looking forward to meeting you soon.
STEPHAN COCHSUKOV – I recognize that name. Were you not recently involved in that Secret Agent Affair?
NATE’S MUM – I heard your son was coming and you have nothing to worry about. The ship’s crew will welcome him into their family and I will keep a personal eye on him. I will make sure he cleans his teeth and wears clean underwear at all times. Family rates are great and I will explain it all to him so you can cruise………..cheers Mum and don’t worry.

Wow, I just did this all at once – it’s Showtime now so back at Midnight to finish.

Here I am. The weather has been fantastic for the entire cruise with only Istanbul slightly overcast but dry. The guests are all happy but again mixed emotion is in the air as the packing starts. The perfect definition of mixed emotion is watching your mother in law drive off a cliff in your brand new Rolls Royce:)

I decide today to host extra activities all day while docked in Civi ( I am too tired to type the whole thing but guess if I had have I wouldn’t have had to type all this ). We had Trivia’s, games and events from 1;00pm because last cruise over 1000 people were onboard as of 1:00pm. So, today , guess what, as of 1:00pm only 206 people onboard and none of them came to the games and events….they were, I am guessing, resting in their Staterooms. This proves that trying to calculate what and when to schedule events is one of the hardest parts of the job. Demographics change every cruise and sometimes you guess wrong as I did today.

So, I am sad…………………………..why I hear all 133,000 of you cry………………….Well, Heidi has left to a few days home with her Mum and I am sitting here all alone.

We met in Amsterdam in 1995, at a restaurant where she was eating with a group of her college friends celebrating their graduation. I was in Amsterdam with my best mate Alan Adkins. I had spent the day touring the Ann Frank House and Van Gogh Museum while Alan had spent the day enjoying Amsterdam’s other.um.cultural attributes. Anyway, Alan for some strange reason had the munchies and needed refueling so we WENT TO DINNER.
We found a beautiful restaurant which served a fusion of Asian and Indian which Alan loves to eat and sat down. While Alan was studding the beautiful dishes I was studding this beautiful and gorgeous blonde on the table opposite and the………..Heidi walked in:) Joking.
I could not take my eyes of her and eventually I did what all romantic gentlemen do I sent Alan over to talk to them and invite them to our table. Alan had refused at first but when I told him that I would pay for dinner he was off like a shot…….cheap git that he is. So, the girls joined us as I stared into Heidi’s deep blue eyes Alan stared into her friends one red and one green eye.
We were leaving Amsterdam the next day and I had found a reason not to. The rest is pretty simple. I made flying visits to Holland and eventually chaperoned by her father Heidi came to cruise on the Fascination. Eventually, she agreed not to pursue her life on land and came to work onboard the Carnival Destiny in Camp Carnival. Heidi then went on to work with our International Guest Program and then became Assistant Cruise Director  a position she has held for three years. It is easy for me to get all the praise but without her, I would not be where I am today. She never takes the ovations or asks for the limelight but I assure you that any small success I have is because of her support and attention to detail which as my peers will tell you is not my greatest strength.
So tonight, I am all alone in the cabin thinking of my wife and how lucky I was to meet her – it really was Destiny and how thankful I am to Alan whose love of Asian delicacies brought Heidi into my life.

Tomorrow, it’s debarkation and the start of another cruise. Our President Bob Dickinson is sailing with a group of 1400 repeat guests and we have some special events lined up for them I will make sure I include you in them all through this blog thingy.

For now though it’s goodnight as I go off to bed………………with just a photo of the most beautiful woman in the world at my bedside and tonight I will also put one of Heidi next to Angelina’s.

Your Friends

John and Heidi

Good Evening Bloggers:

I would like to start by re-posting the benefits of being a Platinum Guest (as requested by a few of you) – just 10 cruises will get you a shiny new Platinum Sail & Sign card which when you show our staff will allow you the following value-added benefits.

• VIP Check-in at the pier
    Personalized stationery and envelopes
    Canapés delivered to the stateroom (5 day voyages and longer)
• Petit fours delivered to the stateroom
    A special gift “Carnival Concierge Tote Bag” delivered to stateroom
• Complimentary entrance fee to Blackjack or Slot Tournament
• Complimentary wash and fold service
• Guaranteed dining time
• Guaranteed Supper Club Reservations (on Spirit- and Conquest-class vessels)
• Exclusive Behind the scenes tour of the Galley
• Priority Spa Carnival reservations
• Priority tender boarding
• Priority debarkation
• Dinner with Angelina JolieAnd now, as is tradition, here comes the daily Q & A:

LINDA HERNACKI…………………………….I understand your fear of flying as I do not particularly enjoy it either. I am not sure as to where the bloogers cruise will depart from but I promise I will let you all know ASAP. As to the McDonald’s Charity question, I did indeed last year do some charity work with Heidi for the Ronald Mcdonald House for children while in the U.K. We have never done anything more rewarding and I hope to do some more soon. Keep reading this blog and I will let you know any news as and when I have it. My best regards to you until then.

MATT……………………………..Ocho Rios is great and I know you will have a great time if indeed it is one of our ports of call. Thanks for reading the blog thingy and hope to see you soon in 220 days and a few hours.  TYFFNI……………………………Welcome to my blog thingy and thanks for reading it. I am sure you had a great time on Princess, they are a brilliant company with beautiful ships and we are proud they are part of the Carnival family. We have such a wide variety of great itineraries departing from U.S ports that it was hard to pick what would be best for you. Since you have been to the more frequently visited Eastern and Western Caribbean ports, here’s a selection of cruises that offer some new and different destinations.

1. Carnival Legend from Tampa (7 days) visiting Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya
2. Carnival Liberty from Miami (7 days) visiting Half Moon Cay (an exclusive private island), St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk (available spring through fall 2008 only). Grand Turk is our new port in the Turks and Caicos islands which has been a huge hit with our guests.
3. Carnival Valor from Miami (7 days) visiting Grand Cayman, Roatan (an unspoiled island paradise off Honduras), Belize and Costa Maya
4. Carnival Liberty from Ft. Lauderdale (8 days) visiting Costa Maya, Limon and Colon (available January to May 2008 only). From Colon, you can take an excursion to the spectacular Panama Canal or enjoy a unique train excursion across beautiful Panama.
5. Carnival Miracle from Ft. Lauderdale (8 days) visiting St Maarten, St. Lucia and St. Kitts
6. Carnival Miracle from Ft. Lauderdale (8 days) to Colon, Limon and Belize.

In addition, we offer cruises on a seasonal basis from New York to the Caribbean and Canada/New England…spectacular Alaska cruises…as well as our exciting Mediterranean cruises. Plus, we will offer new year-round four- and five-day cruises from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas beginning June 2, 2007.

I hope that one of these option will appeal to you. It would be our great pleasure to welcome you aboard any one of the Carnival ships in 2008. 

MYREEN…………………………Your shoulders need to be covered so T-shirts are fine but tank tops cannot be worn. Your knees must be covered so long shorts (Capris ) are OK. If you want a shawl will be provided for all guests before entering the Blue Mosque. Let me know if I can be of any other help to you. One thing is for certain, you will never forget your trip to Istanbul. 

KENTUCKY CRUISERS…………………………..Your dining time is scheduled according to how long ago you booked. Usually we try and put people with the same demographics together, meaning that we will not put three honeymoon couples and two single people together, etc. If you are not happy with your assignment, you could go and see the maitre ‘d and change it. This is done on the first day (embarkation) and the location will be posted in Carnival Capers, the daily shipboard newsletter. Regardless of your seat assignment, I assure you that you will have a fantastic time in the dining room. Heidi is rubbing my feet as requested and occasional feeding me chilled grapes………sorry about that, started day dreaming there. 

KATHY KROLL…………………………………….I saw a photo of Robin Leach online today. This is the first time I have been told I sound like this man (usually I get that I sound like the English one from the Monkees – Davey Jones). Glad you loved Dubrovnik. Croatia is a country deserving of a huge tourist boom and that seems to be happening. The country has been through hell and it is so wonderful that their stunning and historic towns and their strikingly beautiful coastline have become must see places in Europe. Our first Grand Med cruise starts on May 1 and I must say I am looking forward to it. 

ESSEXMAN……………….Thaks for the positive feedback, mate. When I first started as a cruise director I really learned quickly that the British and American sense of humors can be so different. It’s Interesting that few British comedians have made it big in the U.S.A and the same for American Comics in the UK. Maybe with the exception of Monty Python and, of course, Benny Hill none have really managed to cross the pond succesfully. Anyway, my best to Essex and see you soon.

BIG ED…………………………I feel that I need to give you a raise and pay you double what I was paying you before as my personal secretary. Thanks for posting the photos and there are more for you all to see today, many thanks mate and see you in the booth.

MARY AND RANDY……………….This is (as you say) such a strange business and sometimes it is hard not to take things personally. I have learned over the years to develop very broad shoulders as critics are everywhere. It is strange that whereas 1,000 guests will say “The show was great, the best I have ever seen,” invariably one will say “The entertainment is dreadful” and guess which one you go to bed thinking about……….yep, the negative one. It seems the needs of the one outweighs the needs of the many. Thanks again for the encouragement, I appreciate it so very much. By the way, I usual find that dreaming of Angelina Jolie really helps me stop thinking about bad comments.

ANGIE…………………………….Most of the bathrooms are as you said “holes in the ground,” however, at all the major sites there are pay toilets that are much more modern and always very clean. The men have it easy but us ladies may find some of the local bathrooms “very interesting.” See me on board and I will let you know where the best ones are – your toilet expert Heidi.

SHARON………………………….In answer to your question about Mother’s Day I am happy to inform you that indeed we acknowledge Mum’s among the guests and also we do the same for the crew. You will have a great time in may and I hope you leave me a letter at the front desk so I can say “Hi” back. See you soon.

JOYCE…………………………….Your friend will be able to rent a wheelchair on board. Please make sure you speak to me or one of our shore excursion staff to see what tours are the best for him to go. See you very soon.

SOUTHERNDREAMS…………..Welcome back and I am happy you had great seas on the Miracle. Captain Volpi is indeed a terrific captain. My Mum cooked something called Tripe yesterday, it’s one of my Dad’s favorites, thanks for asking. What was your favorite port you called at on the Miracle and did you see any of the shows? Welcome Home.

LANCE AND ILDA………………I apologize if I offended your dog “Duke ” with my awful puns, please give him a treat and tell him it was from me. The blog thing cruise will be next year and I will be working on this over the coming weeks.

VALERIE…………………………It was a pleasure and an honor to have you on the inaugural cruise of the Carnival Freedom. Your comments on how much you enjoyed the tours have been passed on to the operators and the shore excursion team. As for Ken, he is the most wonderful of men and I cannot tell you how popular he is each and every cruise. Heidi and I send our best to you and I truly hope that one day we get to do this again (maybe on the Splendor). Heidi and I send our best to you and your husband for a very happy 45th wedding anniversary and see you in blog land.

JAMES EMM…………………Many thanks for the compliment which are worth their weight (or mine) in gold. Glad you like the blog and please keep reading.

WENDY………………………Heidi is used to me doing silly things on stage and usually finds in her heart to forgive me but the toilet seat, that is another story ! Hope you enjoyed your time on the Liberty and I truly hope we see each other soon. Heidi will be back after seven days during which I will be miserable and the toilet seat will be in the up position.

MEANJEAN………………After those comments nobody can ever accuse you of being mean. I apologize that you have ruined two keyboards that are now splattered with a skinny latte froth…..oops. I guess T.V. is important to some people wherever they are and I am sorry I was not able to help provide him with the entertainment he wanted. Give my best to your computer less friend and I hope we share some laughter together soon.

ANDREAS GOEDDE……………The menu in the supper club does cause you to use words such as you have posted. It is an amazing menu and only $30 per person. Remember also that is available on all our Spirit- and Conquest-class ships. The glass steps leading up to the Spirit class supper club’s are interesting and can cause some people to have a sharp intake of breath but the reward is at the top. You will be happy to hear that the steps are not like this on here. Thanks also for the kind words and start that diet because the supper club is waiting for you. See you soon.

PAUL………………………..Ocho Rios has had some bad press over the years but many of the guests I have sailed with do come back and say that they had the best time in this beautiful and charismatic port of call. I suggest you take a tour to Dunn’s River Falls and the rain forest. I also recommend the Cool Runnings party boat as this is a tour you will never forget. The shopping is brilliant and the art of bartering is alive and well there. Go there with no preconceptions and let me know what you think. No Problem Mon.

SANDRA CLARK…………..Thank you for the kind words. I am really happy to hear how much you enjoyed the Glory and I know you will love the Liberty, say hello to Todd the cruise director. Please keep reading the blog thingy.

SHEREE……………………I know that good table mates can make a great cruise even better. Please write to me on this blog a few days before you sail and I will talk to our maitre d and make sure you have a great group at your table. I look forward to meeting your daughter and please congratulate your daughter on her graduation. Please accept my deepest sympathies at your loss and my thanks for sharing your condolences with Joanne over the loss of her husband. Tonight, you will be in my thoughts and, on a happier note, I cannot wait to meet you very soon.

RICH AND JEN……………..I have taken the liberty of taking the toilet seat out of your cabin in preparation of your cruise. See you soon and my best to you both.

BILL AND SUE………………I did the T.V. bit for Sky T.V last year, I have not seen it myself as I hate watching myself on T.V. Saying that, I have been asked to star in a new movie with Angelina Jolie. See you soon mate.

STEPH AND TRENT………………You asked for tips for honeymooners. I guess you meant for your cruise. Well, I will be hosting a honeymooner show on the second sea day. It is always very funny because of the people I have on stage sharing their secrets with the rest of the guests. I also suggest: 

TAKE A WALK ON DECK EVERY NIGHT

TAKE OUR NIGHT TIME GONDOLA TOUR IN VENICE

STAND ON THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS ( VENICE) AND PROMISE TO LOVE EACH OTHER FOREVER

TRENT – THROW ALL YOUR PHOTOS OF ANGELINA JOLIE AWAY BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY

MOST IMPORTANTLY – TREASURE THIS SPECIAL TIME TOGETHER AND STAY OUT OF BED AND GET SOME REST

PAULETTES MUM………………….I am sorry I never had a chance to work with Yvette, I heard so many wonderful things about her. As for Paulette, she is a very special lady. Heidi and I enjoyed working with her on the Carnival Liberty. She is a beautiful dancer blessed with so much elegance and grace – wow, you must be so proud of them both. I know how hard it is for Mum’s whose sons and daughters are away from home but you should know that she is representing the Ward family with great dignity. I wish you all well and thanks for reading this blog thingy.

SERGEI………………………………I have a feeling that Quentin, aka Tarquin has morphed into Segei. I now call upon Big Ed to arrange to have Sergei removed from the land of blog and returned to a web site far, far away.

BIG ED……………………………….Please see above, this message will self destruct in three minutes.

BELLA………………………….I am sure we can help you with your dining requests. The maitre’ d will be either Ken or Dino. Both are wonderful people and the good news is that our chef is from India so I am sure they will be able to assist you with your dietary needs. I will do my best with the movie. See you very soon and thanks for reading the blog (I love Indian food, by the way ).

CHAZON………………………Please can you do me a big favor and when you sail on the Holiday next week give a big hello to Steve Cassel. He is a true character. Cinco De Mayo is a great time and Cozumel’s Carnival is one not to miss. Try a restaurant called Pancho’s backyard, I think they have the best Guacamole in town. Have a brilliant time and let me know when you return how the cruise went. Cheers.

M & M……………………….Are you a green one? In Australia, M & M’s are called W W’s (upside down…..in Australia – Never mind). I am not sure of my schedule yet for next year but Heidi and I will certainly do our best to be with you and if we do host a bloggers cruise then I hope you can join us. Your first cruise will bring you many happy memories and I am sure it will not be your last with us at Carnival.

MAXWELL1100……………….Thanks for the compliment on the use of the Carnival ships in the last blog. I appreciate your kind words and please keep reading.

SOUTHERNDREAMS………….I imagine you saying lobster bisque with a southern accent, ” lobsrterrrrrrr bissqqqueee ” They did bring it as you described. It was a wonderful evening and sailing on a ship with a supper club and not eating there is like going to Egypt and not seeing the Pyramids. Hope you are well Bonnie and my best to Prince Charlie.

PAUL F PIETRANGELO…………As requested I will give you some brief highlights of the ports you are going to visit when you sail on the Freedom in February. 

COZUMEL 
One of the most powerful hurricanes on record, hit the island in 2005 with devastating effect. The usually lush rainforest was sheared off. The tops of trees disappeared and there no leaves were left on the highest five feet of almost every tree. A significant amount of vegetation was ruined when salt water washed over the island. The sewers of San Miguel were also heavily damaged.

Reconstruction was swift and concerted. Even before the hurricane cleared the area, the supplies needed to restore the island were already being gathered on mainland Mexico and Carnival Cruise Lines were ready to send a ship with supplies as well. Now, the island is nearly back to being fully restored and ready to give you a fantastic time.
  
Carnival has a HUGE excursion program including:

• SNORKELING
• SCUBA DIVING
• OFF ROAD JEEPING
• DRIVING BEACH BUGGYS AROUND THE ISLAND AND ON THE BEACH (one of my favorites).
   

Tours are also offered to the main land of Mexico including a spectacular trip to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum.

You should also eat at one of the local restaurants and try some authentic Mexican food. The shopping is also brilliant and overall it will be a place that will make it your AMIGO for life.
Watch out for the Margaritas at all the island’s restaurants and bars. They are potent and just one will make your face go numb, drink two and you will try and swim back to the ship  

GRAND CAYMAN 
A very different place to Cozumel. Grand Cayman is part of the British Commonwealth and, therefore, many British people live and work there. The cars drive on the CORRECT side of the road so be careful when crossing the road. It is a very rich and prosperous island with many banks holding offshore accounts there. Have you ever seen the movie based on the John Grisham book “The Firm?” This depicts Grand Cayman as mentioned but Cayman is much more than banks and money. My recommendations are.

SWIM WITH THE STINGRAYS AT STINGRAY CITY… Stingray’s were in the news of course last year with the tragic death of one of my personal heroes, naturalist Steve Irwin. This was a rare occurrence as I have been sending thousands of guests to this amazing place during my time as a cruise director. The location where you swim with them is dramatic. One mile out by boat you suddenly stop on a sandbank and there you are in the middle of the deep blue Caribbean Sea with the water lapping at waist level. Before you see anything you will probably hear something, the shrieks of surprise as these majestic creatures swim and play with you. So take one of our tours to a place that will leave you with a permanent smile on your face. Then, have a walk around the Capital Georgetown and try a piece of Tortuga Rum Cake, mmmmmmmm.

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA 
As you have seen from my previous blog I love Ocho Rios. Please go there with an open mind and your visit will be a memorable one I promise. Climb Dunn’s River Falls and go downtown and soak up the Jamaican atmosphere and if you have time try the local Jerk Chicken.

Have a wonderful cruise.

LOVETOTEACH……………………Of course you can order a cake for your son. Just go to the Formalities Shop on Promenade Deck or speak to your maitre d.The waiters will sing a special version of Happy Birthday to him as well. Also, leave me a note about him and I will announce his birthday on one of my morning shows. See you in July.

ESSEXMAN………………………Two packets will be great and the questions I think were for someone else but you can answer them if you wish. Looks like West Ham are going down

CATMAMA…………………….In answer to your “will I be onboard in January” question, I am still not sure. I will sort my schedule out for next year ASAP and let you know. As for which night to eat at the supper club on a seven day cruise, that is a tough one. Personally, I like the second formal night which is day five of the cruise. Being dressed formally will enhance your evening even more. Whatever night you choose I know it will be the best meal you have had at sea…..ever. Hope to see you in January.

TOM………………………………Honestly, we have the same “DEMOGRAPHICS ” this cruise as when you were onboard but I have learnt by my mistakes and have organized them accordingly this time so Istanbul went very smoothly. Thanks for your kind words about Joanne which I know will really move her. As you mentioned doing laundry, I thought I would post a few photos of our Laundry Lads. These young men are some of the hardest working people onboard any ship and never get the limelight….until now.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I PROUDLY PRESENT, THE CARNIVAL FREEDOM LAUNDRY TEAM.

BIG ED………………………..You must be studying every photo in detail if you can see that I did indeed bring my phone and pager to dinner. Unfortunately I am on call 24 hours a day and where I go, the phone goes…I even have a phone in my bathroom !

You are more than welcome to walk Heidi around the open decks if Mrs. Big Ed looks like Angelina Jolie………………fair swap? 

JAMIE IN TEXAS……………….I cannot believe you made my blog your HOMEPAGE> I will send you a link for my homepage and see if you want to swap. www.angelinajolielovesjohn.not and see what you think. I am glad you found the blog though and I am honored that you are reading it so often. Each ship including the Ecstasy has a cigar bar for you to enjoy a fine glass of scotch and a cigar. Have fun onboard, take a photo for me of your cigar experience and send it to www.cigaraficionado.com. They love to publish photos of people enjoying cigars and it will be a great advert for the Ecstasy as well. Have a great cruise.

BELLA…………………Interesting that you mentioned you prefer shows before dinner because of long tours. This definitely applies here in Europe so at the moment I am leaning towards implementing this. Thanks for the help, it really is useful.

BOB AND EMILY…………..Thank you so very much for your comments. Constructive criticism is worth its weight in gold and you certainly bring up some great points. I (as well as many others) was so surprised that many guests did not get off the vessel in Rome. Last season on the Carnival Liberty so many guests were disappointed that they could not see Rome as their flights left to early. Therefore, this year we decided to give the guests a day in Rome to explore and I was flabbergasted to discover that so many did not even go ashore. Obviously, generating revenue for shore excursions is important as you stated but nothing is more important than guest satisfaction. I have therefore, forwarded your comments along with this reply to various senior management and I will let you know their thoughts and any changes that may be made as soon as I can. I always want to point out that you are indeed correct, John Courtney was a fantastic entertainer and I have also forwarded this to his web site so he can see for himself how much he was enjoyed.

You also made mention of Stephanie. Please can you let me know a few more details about what happened.

I do not want to this blog to become an extension of our guest relations department who are so good at what they do but if anyone has a comment that pertains specifically to me or my staff please let me know. I will share my honest and open opinions with you all and hope you will do the same.

Thank you also for your compliments about me, I am humbled by them. There is a very good chance that I will be on the Splendor and as soon as I know which ports we will visit I promise to let you know.

J0 AND DAVE………………looks to me like you have made the right choice for your supper club experience and I know you will be thrilled with the food and the service. I was never a C.D. on the Tropicale infact I never even once walked up the gangway. I have however been on the Carnival Triumph many times and had some of my favorite Caribbean experiences on that ship. Heidi has never been on the Wind Spirit but she has been next to me when I have hand Spirited Wind !

Doug………………………..I have never met Alastair Greene but his reputation as an excellent cruise director is well known. I just looked up Paul Zerdin on the web site and he looks very entertaining, good vents are hard to find. I think crossing the Atlantic on any Cunard ship must be a thrill and I would love the chance to do this one day. I will e mail you at the link you sent me once I finish this blog thingy. All the best mate.

At this point I was going to share some things with you from our day at sea but I have just heard the terrible news about 33 young people who have had their young lives tragically brought to an end at Virginia Tech this evening. Suddenly, what I was about to write does not seem important and I will therefore stop this blog now. I would not dare use this blog to make political statements but I do want to say this as someone not from the United States. I understand that the constitution gives the right to bare arms…………….but at what price?

This is an argument that I see both sides being correct, maybe if the students had guns themselves they could have returned fire and protected themselves.

We may all have different opinions on this but I am sure that every blogger agrees that;

There are too many new Angels in heaven tonight.

Your Friends

John and Heidi

Hello from blog land, hope you are all well.

Considering the HUGE number of comments I have to answer I better get started but first, two photos.

1. Here is your daughter Mrs. Gaboury in Istanbul. Ayr is doing a wonderful job in her position as Backstage Manager and you should be very proud.

2. Here is a photo of our couples massage room at the Spa. It is designed for his and hers massages that are done at the same time by me – kidding – by two professional therapists, it is (I am told) heaven on earth.

So to the Q and A:

NANETTEALI – We have a shuttle buses that run from the ship to Piazza Roma every 15 minutes for which you pay the driver $5 for a round trip. Vaporettos run every 15 minutes until midnight when they run from St. Mark’s Square on the hour every hour so I am sure you and the girls will have a great time. We also have a huge array of tours to suit everyone so you are spoilt for choice. Let me know if I can help any further.
DOUG NEWMAN – Welcome back from the grand QM2. I know that our sister company does sometimes get a label of being just for older and affluent people only but this is far from the truth. Was Ray Rouse the Cruise Director? I have heard fantastic things about him and I understand him to be the BEST in the business. Thanks for the praise on the 100,000 mark, I am still astonished. Glad also that you loved the Entertainment on QM2 but come over here sometime and give me a chance to prove me correct that I still think we have the best. I cannot see your e mail address so can you send me a link to the article. I saw the other you wrote and it is excellent so I really am looking forward to the next one. Our best regards to you and let me know what shows you liked best on the QM2 as I am really interested.
Isn’t it great that we live in a world where everyone has the right to an opinion and long may it be so. I love Jamaica and you don’t, that is what makes life so interesting. What a thrill it will be to sail on the tandem crossing of the QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE QE2, wish I could be there, I wonder if it is the first time that two Cunard Ships have completed a crossing together, I wonder if my PA knows. As for the bloggers cruise, once I have an idea of how many are interested I will start looking at dates etc.All the best mate.
SHIRLEY – YOU ARE COUNTED
MEANJEAN – Why do you call yourself that as I am sure you are not mean – how about HIJEAN…………anyway, your 9:45am flight will be fine. We have many guests who fly this early and have everything in place to assist you. See you in June and thanks for the kind words about the blog.
FANGCLAW – I will be your guide, host and anything else you want me to be (Heidi says I can’t write that). Lets see what we can do. Take care.
TERRI – First of all before we consider a blogging cruise we must address your eyesight. Calling me attractive means that you are overdue a visit to the optician. Anyway, if the first goes well then indeed we can make this a twice a year blog thingy cruise thing. Keep the comments coming and many thanks.
BELLA – I will make you a deal. If I have Oceans 13 on my movie inventory I will play it on the big screen. When does it come out?
ESSEXMAN – I have a Cohiba Siglo V1 with your name on it. Tarquin is a non issue and we will send him on the next nude cruise.
JACKIE – You are counted. Details to follow soon
BIG ED – I have officially changed your position from head of Security to Private Secretary. For this I will require you to wear a tweed suit and skirt. Please let me know if you accept the job. January 26th is a possibility so lets see what I can arrange. The dinner date is confirmed and I will reserve a nice booth for us.
LOS MARGARIDA – I suggest your C/C group meets at 3:30pm by the bar on Lido Deck, or if you want to do it inside may I suggest the 70′s Dance Club. If you let me know in time I can place it in the first day’s Carnival Capers. I also love Puerto Rico although I have not been for many years. I always remember how great the restaurants are there and the rain forest tours were sublime. Hope to see you soon.
KAY – You are counted.
JLFORESTER – I am not sure about the Splendor just yet but there is a good chance I will be there. As soon as I know I will let you know as well. Carnival has many new and exciting cruises this year and even more next year. I will post some of them very soon. Thanks for reading and for your response.
BIG ED – I did mention that there was a chance I will be on the Freedom in January but I will not know for certain until later in the year. Please tell your wife we thank her for her support!
GREG G – You are counted. No problem mon.
YUCCAMAN – You are counted also – I will advise you all as and when I have further information. Until then, all the best.
OKTEACH – You too are counted and I hope to see you soon.
ANN – You and your sister are counted as well. I AM VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO SEING YOU IN JUST SEVEN DAYS AND DO NOT WORRY, THERE ARE NO HURRICANES IN Europe (well, not very often). Have a safe journey to Rome and see you onboard.
JO – You are both counted. The second formal night is on the 3rd and last sea day. Here is the dinner menu for that evening. As for the Supper Club, we have a “jackets required” for gentlemen dress code except on the last night of the cruise. I forgot about St. John, you are correct it is quaint with great shopping ( don’t tell Heidi ).
SHARON – Seriously, do not worry about the doughnuts just have a safe flight and we will be standing by here to give you a fantastic vacation. My best to all the Yellow Mellows and don’t worry about the doughnuts (I like custard and apple ones ):)
NANCY – You know you have made it when you are told that you have replaced the list of people who have passed away as your preferred reading choice in the morning. It will be great to see you in a few days. Please do not worry about changing cabins as we do all the work for you. All you have to do is pack your cases and leave what you want on hangers. When you return from the tour we will have changed cabins for you and moved your 5 cases and your husbands small bag! Have a safe flight and see you soon.
PAUL PIETRANGELO – It would be an honor to sail with you too sir. Which ship are you going on? Please let me know and maybe I can give you some Caribbean pointers. I hope you and your group have a fantastic time.
CRUISINGCANUCKS – First, the bad news, you are in the dog house with me. There is no satellite coverage of ice hockey in Europe. For some reason the game is not very popular in Italy and Spain however we do have CNN so you will see the highlights of the action plus of course the fights. I still do not understand why they are allowed to fight whereas in every other sport they are told to stop – you Canadians are crazy Anyway, tea may not be a good idea. What once was my favorite drink has now become a drink that makes my bottom clench up in self defense! I HAVE COUNTED YOU IN. You are correct of course as I will now have to come up with a loyal bloggers question. See you in may and let me know if you have any questions. One of the bands will play a song for you as you arrive, it is that well know Canadian Jazz song ” TAKE THE TRAIN A ” SEE YOU SOON.
CHAZON – I HAVE COUNTED YOU IN – AND I WOULD LOVE IT TOO
MISSINGTHE SMOKEFREEPARADISE………………..Hello Essex Man – no any good Essex Girl jokes. Are you a cigar smoker? That maybe a stupid question as your name is missing the smoke free Paradise. Are you cruising soon? Where in Essex are you from? Write soon.
BIG ED – 26 26 26 26 26 26——————————-MAYBE ! I HAVE COUNTED YOU IN MATE.
STORMIN NORMAN – I miss Ed Rocks. Does any other blogger remember Ed Rocks the Piano Entertainer? Hope all is well mate and indeed it would be an awesome cruise if we all got together.
WWWW – YOU ARE COUNTED IN SIR. I will answer the umbrella question if you answer why WWWW?
KAREN STEWART – MADAM, YOU ARE ALSO COUNTED IN AND MANY THANKS
JEFF TAYLOR – Thanks for the kind words and I hope you had a great time on the Liberty. I will start to work on this bloggers cruise thing ASAP and until then please keep reading and your words have made me feel like a VIP.
LINDA – Hi, this is Heidi here. I just wanted to say thank you so very much for acknowledging that my husband has a disturbing fetish for Angelina Jolie. He really thinks that if she met him that she would dump Mr. Pitt for him. I can imagine her coming off the movie set and picking up his dirty clothes from the bathroom floor. We were on the Imagination in 1998 and remember the trip to Montego bay very but I think we went there because the pier was damaged when a cruise ship hit it. John and I have not been back since but we would love to again one day. I am excited to see Grand Turk as everyone is talking about how beautiful it is. John is demanding the computer back so I am going to go but I wanted to say thank you to you and all the others for putting up with him. Goodnight – Heidi
BLESS 1045 – It was very interested in reading your comments about Ocho Rios and as you can see from this blog that some love it and some don’t. I would love to take you around Ocho Rios myself and show why I think it is so beautiful. Maybe, if it is more popular, we will do the Eastern cruise instead. Lets see. Regardless, if we do this I promise it will be fun wherever we go. Thanks mate and I have COUNTED YOU IN.
DEBRA HEHN – As I have you Debra, COUNTED YOU IN. Are you sailing on here in August?
MONICA AND AL – I will be happy to help you with your table request. Please drop me a line a few weeks before you sail and I will have a chat with Ken our maitre’D and we will look after you. Cheers and see you soon.
TERRRY AND DANIELLE – I HAVE COUNTED YOU IN. Thanks for reading the blog thingy as much as you have and hope you had a great time in march. I am sorry I did not get to see you……but next time I will buy the wine !
AUSSIE JAZZ – Waltzing matilda played in a jazz style….I want to hear that. I also think it should be an annual event. More information will follow. Cheers and AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE
DANIEL NYE – I will be happy to make a Supper Club reservation for you mate. Can you kindly add a comment in reminding me a few days before you sail and either date will be fine so let me know which one you prefer. I ate at the Supper Club last night and my review is below. See you in May.
MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE – I did have the Imagination to pursue my FANTASY and ask Heidi to marry me. It was a CELEBRATION and my life with her has been full of ELATION as though it is an everlasting HOLIDAY. When she said yes, it caused quite a SENSATION amongst my family who never thought I would find the INSPIRATION to ask her to be my bride but they looked on in FASCINATION as we became man and wife. It has not always been PARADISE but we both believe it was our DESTINY to be together. I knew how much I loved her when at her request I sold my TRIUMPH motorcycle which was a VICTORY for her as she hated it. When I walk down the street with her I take great PRIDE in everyone knowing that she is mine and it is her SPIRIT that helps me get through the day to day challenges that I face. Heidi is beautiful especially her LEG END and the fact that me, SPERM OF THE DEVIL was able to find such a beauty was indeed a mighty CONQUEST, some would say it’s a MIRACLE that she is mine. But, I bathe in the GLORY of knowing that she is mine and that I did not settle for my other girlfriends VAL OR Jane or my X STACY . So thank you Heidi for spending your life with me and I hope to meet you all so I can buy you a glass of FREE DOM perignon champagne as we make a toast to my wife Heidi.
TONI RICCO – You are correct to praise the band Music Unlimited as they are a big part of our entertainment program onboard. They do perform their Beetles show on here and it is one of the highlights for many guests. Have a great time on the Valor and I do hope to sail with you very soon.
DAVID – I shall look forward to welcoming you and your group of 70 in July. The Freedom does have a SODA CARD which is $48 for 12 days of unlimited Sodas for kids and $66 for adults. Just a thought, as you stated you are dental group should you be drinking sodas? Thanks for the nice words and I truly look forward to seeing you all very soon.
BIG ED – The only exciting thing that would happen if you had a web cam in my cabin would be the witnessing of a slow build up of undergarments on the bedroom floor. I have asked the tech guys to change the web cam so it refreshing every minute – let me know when this happens. Hopefully see you on the 26th mate.
BARBARA – I HAVE COUNTED YOU IN. I am very happy to hear that you and your husband will be sailing in May. I will be happy to have a little fun at your sisters expense. Please leave a note at the Information desk with a little bit of gossip about them and I will be happy to put them on the big screen during the morning show. Now to the Gondolas and here are the three tours I recommend.

1. EVENING GONDOLA…………………..A guaranteed 40 minutes with one other couple on a night time sail through the candle lit canals. Every third Gondola has a vocalist who will sing Italian Opera and Britney Spears classics
2. EVENING GONDOLA AND CHAMPAGNE DINNER…………………….As above but with the addition of dinner Italian style at a 5-star restaurant.
3. ST.GEORGES, MURANO AND GONDOLA………………This is a daytime tour that visits my favorite two outer islands as you explore the amazing Cathedral of St.George and the glass factory of Murano finishing with a daytime Gondola ride.

The choice is yours.
Let me know if you need further help and see you and your husband very soon FOR YOUR Gondola ride to mark that special anniversary.
MARY – What is my blog doing on a Princess Cruise Critic Board? Don’t worry about your senior moment as we all have them and I have a very forgettable face. I was on the Triumph back in 1999 for its first season and it remains today one of my favorite ships in the ever growing fleet. I am so happy you enjoyed Goose. I have yet to meet him but he sounds like a great Cruise Director. I am so happy you like the blog and I will keep writing as long as there people reading it. Until we meet again I wish you happy reading Mary. The Imagination is a great ship so yes, you do have difficult choices ahead so let me know if I can help.
TERRI – 75 cents a minute is from the time you log on. Drop me a line when you board so I can call and say hi. Have a safe flight.
JEAN – I checked with the dining room and Baris and Lilla are still on the Liberty. Never mind though as I am sure your new servers will make you feel very wanted and welcome in the dining room. My best to all the Ducks – keep them in a row please:)
FREEDY BEACH – .What a memory you have and yes I do remember that on the Holiday…not one of the best things I have ever said on stage but back then the words “politically correct” were unheard of. I am glad that you wrote about your experiences and indeed it does still surprise me that some people do expect food, TV and language to be the same all over the world. See you in October and I hope we can share a glass of something together. I will make sure you get the wine you desire. Take care.
DAYLE WITH A WHY? – Thank you so very much for your kind and generous words. I do have help from Heidi and even though I spend time I really do not have doing this I know that so many people are enjoying it that it makes it all worth wile. I feel sorry for your husband as I know what he is going through. It seems that certain people feel that they can indeed say anything and I always get ” You have put on weight ” or “You look tired ” etc. having, anyway it is a small price to pay and usually I can have a laugh about it. Thanks for your offer of British Sweets but unfortunately I can not eat any sugar so that particular avenue of pleasure has been closed off. I look forward to sharing some fun and laughter with you in October. All The best until the.
TERI910 – After a few hiccups and very cold outside temperatures the hot tubs are running at the U.S.P.H. recommended temperature of 99 degrees. Actually most of the time the Jacuzzi’s are not working, people just think they are but it’s the guests who provide the bubbles!
SHAWN & JEN – I certainly will be with you in August and it will be a great time I am sure. With regard to the Hotel stay on the final night, this is allowed but do you really want to spend the money when you can sleep on the ship? Just a though, let me know if you need any further advice. See you soon.
DOUG – Your question of what is the worst offense I have ever caused a passenger led me to some moments of hard thinking. There is a very fine line between having fun and making fun and it takes time to be able to learn how to walk that line. In the early days of being a C.D. I said things without thinking ( as mentioned above ) but over the years I have had to change my delivery and force myself to hold back. I can only think of two examples where I cringed for days afterwards and as requested I will share them with you.

1. This is an easy one. I was hosting a welcome aboard show on the Destiny. I called for 8 volunteers to play the spoon game ( passing a spoon on the end of a string up and down clothing etc ).Anyway, 8 people quickly walked on to stage and to my horror I saw that one of them, a young man in his thirties had no arms – no arms, how was he going to put the spoon down his clothing. Before I do the game I interview each and every participant on their name , if they are married etc. When I came to this gentlemen ( I remember his name well, so a big hello to Wilfred Heaton if he is reading this ) I did the interview and then explained what the game was. He looked so sad and very uncomfortable when he realized he could not play and I was feeling the same, especially with 1500 people in the audience. I asked if he was married and he said “NO” and then I had an idea. I asked if there were any single ladies who would ” help” and this lady ( I do not remember her name ) ran at full sprint on to the stage. The rest is history as they say as Wilfred stood there with a huge smile on his face as this lady undid his shirt buttons and thrust the spoon in and out of his shirt to the joyous rapture of the audience who all applauded for her and Wilfred Heaton and gave them the Praise they deserved.
I stayed in touch for some time with Wilfred but over the years we have lost touch but I still remember how uneasy and embarrassed we both felt and how a mysterious lady had saved the day.
Just FYI – ever since that day I have never asked for volunteers. I always pick them myself !
2. This next one is one of those times where you want the ground to open up and swallow you as quick as possible. For this one we must go back to 1994 and the Sensation. I was on the bridge as we sailed away from Miami on our way to our 7 day cruise. When we left Miami, the ship would have to go to the top of the basin and turn around before heading out to sea. This meant passing some of the other cruise ships in the Port of Miami. On the bridge with me was our Hotel Director Roger Blum and a few VIP’s.
As we sailed away I did my usual speech over the P.A. system about the Sensation being the newest ship in the world and how proud we were etc etc. We then sailed pass a very old ship ( that I will not name ) belonging to another line. The ship was showing her age and I said ” and here we are sailing past the old ?? And wow, what a party atmosphere there is over there, look, one balloon. I then carried on with, people are jumping overboard to escape that ship to try and join us on this incredible Fun Ship experience.
Out of the corner of my eye I can see Roger waving his arms around as though he was doing a slightly erratic version of the Y.M.C.A dance, I just carried on talking about how good we were and how the other ship couldn’t hold a candle to us etc.
As I finished a very ashen looking Roger came over to me and said ” You see that man over there” I looked to the over side of the bridge to a distinguished grey haired gentlemen who looked like someone had just taken the jam out of his doughnut and that anger was directed at me. “Yes ” I said, and then Roger said those words I will never forget. ” That’s the President of the Cruise Line you have been talking about the last few minutes “.
And that was that, another person who will not be sending me a Christmas card.Roger is now a 30 year veteran at Carnival and now is the Vice President of Cruise programming, and one of my best friends and he never lets me forget that day………………..when I write the book I will you what ship and line it was.

And on with Q and A I go.

RICHARD – Although I have never sailed out of Mobile I do know from my colleague Steve Cassel who is the Cruise Director on the Holiday that in all his years he has never enjoyed himself so much as he does now sailing out of you’re your beautiful state. He is full of praise for the people and facilities and I hope one day to experience this for myself. GO ‘BAMA GO.
KATHIE – Happy Birthday and soon the Freedom dream will be reality. See you soon.
BIG ED – I will post a photo of the booth in the dining room you and I will be seated in.
LINDA – Heidi is going home for 5 days to take of some things at home. Carnival are very good to us by allowing us to work different lengths of time and one of the advantages of being in Europe is that we are closer to home. I promise that in a future blog I will tell you more about the day Heidi said “Yes “.Best to Mike and his tool box and see you soon.
RPS – I do not know for sure when we do this cruise but I know I cannot do it unless you are there mate.
MARY AND RANDY – Thank you for your support. Your words are so uplifting. More details will come soon on the bloggers cruise and I know that your December cruise will be one to remember.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN Katakolon with bright hot sunshine and once again it was time to unpack the T Shirts and shorts. A special hello to Mr. and Mrs. Sharon and Melvin Saunders who I had coffee with today. They are celebrating their anniversary and are avid readers of the blog thingy.
We now collect passports at the beginning of these cruises to save guests having to through immigration. We need to do this because we go from an European Union country to a non European Country – Turkey. Once we leave the last Greek port which is Katakolon today, the passports are returned to you.

I am really happy the weather has improved so much. From next cruise I have decided to put the live band out on deck again and re-introduce pool games and our Carnival brand of fun.

I NEED YOUR HELP

I am currently trying something for the timings of the late sitting shows.
At the beginning of the cruise and for the first four shows the performance time is 10:45pm. This means you see the show AFTER DINNER.

Then, as the guests get tired with constant long days of touring I have changed the Showtime to 7:00pm – meaning you see the shows BEFORE DINNER.

If you were to eat on the late sitting dinners ( 8:00pm & 8:30pm ) what would you prefer for your Showtime. Please let me know.

Last night I ate in the Supper Club. I never usually have time for this but lat night I decided that the only way for me to get myself out of the doghouse after taping over DEGENERATE HOUSEWIVES was to take the Mrs. out for dinner. The Sun King Supper Club is simply wonderful. As we entered I walked past many couples and groups of friends and as I talked to them they all told me what they had ordered and how spectacular the food and service had been.
Heidi and I eventually sat down and then it was time to order……………

HEIDI HAD.
Chef’s Surprise Starter
A selection of Sushi Rolls
Spinach Salad
Surf and Turf – the best lobster and the best filet mignon.
Wasabi Mash Potato and a selection of vegetables
Hazelnut and double cream cheesecake
Petit Fours
Coffee

I HAD
Don’t speak with your mouth full.
Get your elbows off the table
Are you going to eat that.

In between I had.

Chef’s surprise starter
Caribbean Crab Cake
Lobster Bisque Soup
Porterhouse Steak
Selection of International Cheeses
Coffee

And the cost – $30 per person………………………..the I love you John and I forgive you for taping over my program………………….PRICELESS.

Here are some photos of our dinner.

Thanks for all your responses about the bloggers cruise and I truly hope I can get this going.

Time for bed.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Good Morning Blogeraddicts!

Here are some photos for your enjoyment of Rome and Dubrovnik for your enjoyment

Oh what a beautiful day. Have you been looking at the web cams today – flat seas, blue skies and the perfect cruising weather. The Lido Deck looked like a Lido Deck should today with everyone sunbathing and really enjoy the beautiful ” Caribbean Style ” weather. We played a Harry Potter matinee movie today and it was well received

But if the weather continues I will have to add the live music on deck and have Music Unlimited play there.

As requested by many, here is the dining room wine list. Let me know if you have any questions.

Just before starting with the Q & A, I wanted to talk about me – yes me. I think I need to start adding some of the ” not so good ” comments I get now and then. When I started this blog thingy I wanted to make sure that it was not scripted but off the cuff and that would include the good and the bad times I have as a Cruise Director.

So, here is a bad taken from the log of comments taken from yesterday ” April 12th “.I have taken the name away as I do not have the permission of the guest to blog him!

6305 – Do not like T.V.
The following carnival cares card was given to pursers desk:
” *Less than satisfied*. . Better free TV programs and movies. Where is NBC and CBS – expect to see American Programs. Would not have cruised if I had known.
Less” John Show” – tired of having him around the clock on T.V. – his British accent gets on my nerves, he sounds like a poor man’s Robin Leach.

I did speak to the guest and advised him that there was not direct satellite coverage in Europe for the stations he wanted and apologized for sounding like Robin Leach – I have no idea how he sounds as I have never heard of him. Still, it is better than being called Sperm Of the Devil. I offered my apologies and also asked if he wanted to borrow some of my DVD’s which he declined.

So, as you see, in this business it really is hard to please all the people all of the time, but the day I stop trying will be the day I start selling herbal tea for a living.

OK, here is today’s Q & A.

RICHARD – The doors are aluminum ( or aluminum as the Americans would say ) and you can tape a sign to the door if you wish – depending on the sign of course. Do not worri abourt yor spalling, mime iz baad ars wall.
TERRI910 – Great follow up and you are so correct about John and Diane, they are great musicians and great people. Most of the acts that are here now will also be here for the crossing. We have 7 days at sea together,. I am going to teach basket weaving and how to make herbal tea.
WWWWWWW – Sounds like you need me to send some Med sunshine to the big apple. As requested, here are some of my favorite not to be missed things to eat while in Europe AND ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

1.A CANOLI FILLED WITH RICOTTA CHEESE OR CHOCOLATE CREAM FROM TAROMINA
2. PIZZA FROM NAPLES
3. A LAMB KEPAP FROM ISTANBUL
4. FRESH FISH FROM THE RESTARUNTS IN VENICE
5. CHABAT CHE CHE – NOT THE CORRECT SPELLING I AM SURE – A SPICY SAUSAGE FROM CROATIA.

OK, typing all of this has made me hungry so I am going for dinner.
Back from dinner, not that anyone cares but I had two fried eggs on toast and a Cesar’s salad.

On we go with the Q & A.

KEN C IN PHOENIX – Thanks for acknowledging Todd. He is a great C.D. and a good mate. The earliest we start debarkation is 6:00am. This means you can book a flight from 9:00am or after and have plenty of time to make it. Please let me know if I can help further.
KENA – I am sure as an Oncology nurse you must have many stress filled days so I promise you that when you cruise I will do my best to de stress you through fun and laughter. As you are an Oncology Nurse I wonder if you can have a look at my feet:) HERE IS A SAMPLE OF THE Sea day Carnival Capers for the Grand med Cruise which I am still planning so you are the first to see it.
RENEE – First of all I assure you that your kids will have plenty of new friends to play with. We do not have as many kids as our sister ships in the Caribbean but we do have at least 100 plus of your families age. As for allowing your youngest into the next age group that is a tough one. We are very strict about this however you can ask the Youth Director once onboard who judges each situation on its own merit so hopefully all will be well. Regardless I promise the kids will have a great time.
Our shows in the evening are considered family shows although some of the dancers do wear ” showgirl ” style costumes but they will see much worse on Libido Deck. See you very soon and thanks for reading the blog thingy.
STORMIN NORMAN – How are you mate. How is the family and how are you. I am so sorry we have been out of touch but I will rectify that ASAP. The boomerang joke worked well but would have been funnier if you were there to throw it back to me. I miss seeing you in the audience mate. Write soon and enjoy your 33rd cruise. you are one of a kind.
GEORGE AND LINDA – I apologize that you have been given the wrong information when you called. The dining room is open every night. Here is the first day’s menu and I to look forward to June 8th and a chance to wish you happy anniversary.
BELLA – Thank you for your request to play Ocean’s Thirteen on the big screen. Because this movie is rated P.G.17 I will have to play it as a T.V. movie. We do have many other great movies which I know you will enjoy. See you soon and let me know if there any others you may wish to see. Write to me the cruise before you sail and let me know what day and time you want and I will gladly book a massage for you.

Yesterday I wrote a little about the Caribbean and suggested I organize a BLOGGERS CRUISE. I hope it happens. Anyway, I want to add that I realize ( as one comment suggested ) that some people to do have the time to take a 12 day European cruise, so  Smooth sailing ( I love these chat names ) here is a recommendation to you from me of my favorite short cruise.

It is on the Imagination which has always been one of my favorite ships out of the nine I have delivered from new. Heidi and I got engaged on the ship ( that’s a story for another time ) and the ship has always had a special something about it. The Imagination is part of the Fantasy class of ships and as of August 2007 it will be sailing on this excellent 5 day cruise.

Imagination (five-day from Miami) – Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Nassau. Begins Aug. 13, 2007. Give this a try and then you will be ready for a seven, eight or 12 day cruise.

So, what about today. Well this morning I started at 9:30am with my morning show. One of the letters I received was from a soldier, from Canada, serving in Afghanistan who has been reading this blog thingy during her downtime . Her name is Katherine. Katherine is a very brave young lady and we spoke on the show about her job and how much she misses her dog called BooBoo. I miss my dog who is called Kodak so called because he snaps at everybody. My dog also has no legs, every morning I get up and take him for a drag. Do you know where you find a dog with no legs? Right where you left it. I feed my dog on EXLAX, why? Because it is a Shitsu.

Sorry about that, I lost my mind in blog dog heaven there.

Back to Katherine. I asked Katherine what she missed the most apart from BooBoo and she said that she missed getting mail. It appears she gets very little so here is a kind request from me to my blog champions. If you find it in your hearts how about we all write a letter to her, while we have been blooging from the comforts of home she has been blogging from one of the most dangerous parts of the world ( and I don’t mean my bathroom ). I mentioned I would be doing this and it made her day.

So, here is her address.
T7202853 PTE ARSENAULT, C.F.
TASK FORCE AFGANISTAN ROTO 3
NSE (LDSH) SUPP TECH
P.O.BOX 5058 STN.FORCES
BELLEVILLE,ONTARIO CANADA
K8N 5W6

Just a line to say hi would I am sure make her day, thanks in advance:)
Heidi has to go home in Livorno this cruise and I will be on my own for seven days. I get very sad when she is not with me but at least I can put anything on the bathroom floor I want to. With your kind permission I will leave this blog now and come back later and write more………..BRB.

Ok, it is now just before midnight and the ship is really quiet. It is usually at this point, mid way through the cruise that people start to get tired and with the Acropolis waiting to be conquered as many guests are already tucked up in their Carnival Comfort bed ( remind me to write about that on another blogging day ).

I just finished my walk around the deck with Heidi. Once again many people seem to be walking as well before bed and most are holding hands. I have seen many ‘sights” whilst walking the decks over the years including ‘ the obvious ” as the night air causes passion to take over. I have seen people praying, I have seen people lying flat on their backs star gazing and yes, honestly, yes, I have even seen someone with a fishing pole trying to fish from the top deck – he was immediately asked to stop of course.

Tonight, however we did not see anything unusual although I was asked a wonderful question as Heidi and I took our stroll……..a guest asked…………do you know which way New Jersey is ? Sometimes the comedian in me takes over and I say something which I think is funny when it would be better to pause and think, I did not this time and my instant reply was ” what exit “. I expected a chuckle or even a laugh as most people form Jersey seem to know their exit but I was met by a wall of silence and a look that said, I do not find you funny at all.

I quickly went into ” But seriously, let me call the bridge. So I did, and thanks to Luigi on the bridge I was able to tell the guest where the U.S was. He left happy but probably thinking what an idiot I was…hopefully he excepted my apology and left happy……………….but I doubt it!

My problem is I shall be thinking all night that I may have upset this guest……..it is something that I always do and is part of being in the hospitality business but it still bothers me and I am angry at myself tonight for trying to be a smart %$#@.

So on this blog I have told you of two people who I have not adhered myself to. I wanted to share this with you as criticism is as much a part of the job as praise. It is only 2 people but for me, that’s two people too many and I shall be annoyed at myself all night.

Actually. make that 3 people I have annoyed…..the toilet seat is in the up position…….oh well.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

LORI – As requested here are some photos of the Dynasty Room where your daughter is to be married. I am sure it will be a beautiful day (save me some cake ). 
  
LOVE TO TEACH – Hello teacher. Katakolon is a charming Greek fishing village with quaint restaurants and taverns and two streets of shops and bars.The seafood comes straight off the boats and onto your plate and many of the taverns have local music and dancing. However, thanks to those wonderful people at health and safety, the tradition of plate smashing has been banned across Greece. However, the main reason we go to Katakolon is to get you to Olympia, the birth place of the Olympics
Note: Did you know at that the first Olympic Games the contestants were all naked. I guess they did not have the women’s shot put in those days !
JO AND DAVE – Most of the ports we call at are reachable on your own however there may be areas we do not recommend you go on your own. Chat with me when you are onboard and I will make sure you get the best advice for what you want to do. Looking forward to seeing you.
TERI910 – The Mehi Bar serves complimentary Sushi from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm most days and when we are not serving Sushi we serve Greek Mezza instead. In case we run out, I will get some sushi for you tomorrow and keep it until you sail in February………………..:)
MAXWELL100 – The question of buying your tours online or waiting to you get onboard is a tough one but if you know what you want buy now online. If you change your mind once you are here we can exchange 90% of the tours for you so you should be OK. Most do not sell out so you also have the option of waiting to hear my information talks before buying. Regardless, our tours are simply fantastic and we have something for everyone in every port. When are you sailing?
KURT – I understand exactly what you mean about visiting Ground Zero. I cannot imagine the emotions you must be feeling just typing the message. My thoughts are with you at the loss of your colleagues and I look forward to sharing happier times with you in July.
JOHN AND MICHELE – As each day goes buy it never ceases to amaze me that so many people are reading this blog thingy so thanks for the uplifting stats. I have a great team in the office, including Frank, Roberto, Vance and my unnamed and secret PA who without I would never get these blogs posted. Please keep reading and see you in August.
STEVE GARROD & GREGG G – The tea is not on the menu I assure you. I do not think even our suction toilet system could handle 3,000 guests who have drunk this stuff. I will stick to my grapefruit diet – 30 GRAPEFRUITS FOR BREAKFAST – 20 FOR LUNCH AND 30 FOR DINNER. You lose lots of weight but every time you go to the toilet you squirt yourself in the eye !
SARAH – Please leave me a note when you get onboard at the Purser’s Information Desk and I will make sure I make your honeymoon a special one, although hopefully your husband can help a little as well. The pizza in Naples is amazing but I must also tell you that the 24-hour pizzeria onboard is also and it will be interesting to find out which you think is best. I guess as you are on your honeymoon that I will not see you for days but hopefully you will stay out of bed and get some rest Have a wonderful wedding day.
BIG ED – We will have to make sure we ballast the ship properly. Lets have our photo taken together and if you could learn to speak with a British accent I can have a day off.
ROBOCOP – Thanks for the kind words and I also hope we get to see each other very soon mate.
LORI – January will be a great time to cruise = in fact I am going to chat about this with you all (y’all) in a moment. Please keep reading the blog thingy.
THERESA – Please make sure you leave me a note with your cabin number so we can chat in May. I promise you I will do my best to keep you laughing and many thanks for reading my incoherent mutterings everyday.
SARA JANE – Rome is a great city in which to “live it up” at night as you stated. You have chosen a brilliant tour as Rome at its Best is the PERFECT name for a day you will never forget. As for staying after the tour has finished, well of course you may but unfortunately the only night tour we have is a special dinner in a restaurant. It would be very difficult to get you to the place where it goes and at the right time to meet up with it. Therefore, you will need to take a cab back which will cost 100 euros, which if you have another couple with you to split the cost with it is not so bad. Remember also that the Rome at its Best is an all-day tour and considering you have to debark the ship the following morning, you may decide to get some rest. If you decide to stay in Rome at night have a chat with me as I know where the McDonald’s is! See you soon.
BILL AND SUE – Of course I can book the Supper Club for you (can you say doggie bag). Kindly remind me the week before you cruise and what night you want to go (I suggest the second formal night). See you in August.
SHARON – tell the banker I have excepted the deal and for Tim Horton’s Caramel Coffee I will meet all your group. Seriously, I would have done it without the coffee and we promise to make sure all your group are together. Heidi takes care of this during tour distribution and we will look after you. So coffee is not necessary but doughnuts are!
DANIEL AND MARINA – I just read the link that allows you to catch up on the TV show Separate Housewives and I am going to check it out later today. If it works, I will ask the captain if you can drive the ship! I will do everything I can to make your first cruise a special one.
LINDA – Great to hear from you again. I will promise to write soon about Heidi and I and how we met. She is the Assistant Cruise Director and responsible for everything I do. Her presence onboard allows me to do what I believe is cruise director’s primary responsibility (in my opinion, at least) and that is entertain the guests. The times I am on stage are my favorite. Heidi is also the first person you will see every morning as you debark on your tours and, providing I have not taped over her favorite program, left my underwear on the floor, or forgotten to put the toilet seat down, her smile will brighten your day. The movies on the big screen are a mixture of classics, recently released movies and concerts and you will enjoy each and every one of them. A huge selection of movies in the theatre are available on your in-cabin TV or, just like hotels, on a pay per view. Glad you got the menus and my best to you both.
WWWWW – Your e-mail has brought me much joy this morning. Your in-depth diagnostic of my bowel movements leading you to surmise that it was indeed the tea to blame has left me smiling and comfortable in the knowledge that I can safely eat a Greek gyro without multiple visits to Poo Bay. I wrote the nice guest that gave me the tea a letter kindly saying I would not be needing her month’s supply for $89, however, if she could supply a large cork I would gladly pay a handsome reward.
Sounds like the views you see in NY are ones to cherish and thank you for the lovely things you said in your comment about the blog thingy. Looking forward to removing the electronic fence and seeing you in August.
SHIRLEY – I have already alerted Security to the fact that there will be noise complaints from the people in the next cabin as you “try and make your first baby.” I will try and help you with your shopping list of items you mentioned so let me know if you need any advice. Heidi and I also are trying for a baby and we also get noise complaints from the cabin next door. The people that live there say it’s the nosiest three minutes they have ever heard. See you in August.
DAVE AND DIANA – It will not belong before December is here so hang in there. The mini golf course is very popular and soon will be a fleetwide addition. As for new items to amaze our guests, well there are a few things in the pipeline and as soon as they are official you will be the first to know. Thank you for your military service. Did you know that every cruise on every ship all retired and serving military personnel are recognized onboard during one of the shows? See you soon mate.
MINNIE – Glad you found the web cam site helpful, 40 days is nothing and before you know it you will be here. See you then.
PETE AND KATHY – Thanks for enjoying the blog thingy. I look forward to seeing all the Mellow Yellows. Do you have T- Shirts?
KAY – The cruise is nearly here and before you know it your dream of sailing the Greek islands and Turkey will be here, I am so glad you like the blog and thanks for your so very kind words. See you soon.
LINDA AND MIKE – Thank you for the offer of dinner however I think Mike may be too busy in the engine room to eat. See you on Turkey Day.
JIM AND PEG – Do not worry about the gondola. We do have a weight limit but we have taken many people who are extra medium on one (myself included). Chat with me onboard and I will help you out (not out of the gondola). Looking forward to seeing the T-shirt and I will swap you some diet tea for one. The piano bar entertainer is great. His name is Ron and you will have many great nights there. See you in June.
BIG ED – Large Edward is correct. The Chocolate Melting Cake is indeed as addictive as Angelina Jolie’s ummmmmmmm..oh hello Heidi …smile. Once you have eaten one you will ignore all the other poor forgotten deserts who will be destined to live their life alone, never to be devoured by Big Ed and myself. So today, spare a thought for the poor and lonely desserts of the world who do not have any chocolate in them. To make a donation LOG ONTO WWW.BIGEDWONTEATME.COM.
TERRI – For those who like to foxtrot, waltz, etc., we have our orchestra who will play big band dance sets. Also the band called Music Unlimited will also play the music you love to dance to. I hope you enjoy it all.
ESSEXMAN – Unfortunately we do not sell Cuban cigars onboard as it is illegal for an American company to purchase Cuban products. See you soon Bill.
SARAH – Most of the entertainment is chosen between myself and our head office in Miami. Let me know who you would like to see and I will let you know if it is possible. All of our entertainment is the best at sea. Thanks for writing.
MERRILYN AND RICHARD – Please leave me a note at the Purser’s Information Desk when you arrive with your cabin number, etc. See you very soon.
STEVE – here is a post of the wine list. We are very, very proud of our wine list and I hope you discover some new favorites there.
TRERRI910 – We do provide maps of the ports plus more detailed ones are available as you disembark from the local tourist information centers. Please send my best to everyone on Cruise Critic.
CHRIS – That is a great idea about the video, I was actually talking to the support team about this last week and we are checking to see if it is possible. Watch this space.
KATHY AND PAUL – The Liberty is in the Caribbean this year – more on that later. The Freedom will continue in Europe for this whole season until November and then return to Florida. Next year the Freedom will return to Europe for more of the same. Cheers.
JIM – Heidi and I would be honored to attend your Cruise Critic group meeting. Just drop me an invitation to remind me when you are onboard. See you in May.
JO AND DAVE – The only port we use tenders in is Cannes in the south of France. The tea did work wonders of that there is no doubt but unless I can host the shows from my bathroom I do not think I should keep drinking it. See you soon.
RICHARD – I think the piano bar entertainer you are referring to was John Melnick. He was OUTSTANDING. The last I heard of him he had bought a bar in St.Croix U.S.V.I. I will be wearing my ugly British cruise director mask to your party!
JACK – I have to say the boomerang gag went over well if groans are a measure of success We have two great piano players here. Ron P is in our Scott’s Piano bar and the other Prezemyslav plays beautiful music in the lobby and other areas of the vessel. Thanks for writing in mate.
ANDY – Thanks for the memory of that cruise. I will try and repeat the performance so you can get a video this time. When people say nice things like you did in your posted comments, it makes this job so much more special knowing that I have helped somebody enjoy their cruise even more. See you very soon and thanks again.
BARB – I say let’s embarrass the daughters as much as we can. Send me a note when you are onboard with some juicy gossip about the girls and lets chat about it on the giant screen on lido deck. Heidi and I look forward to meeting you soon
SHEILA – Don’t worry about the Haggis but salad cream will do. Och AyeRight, now that marathon session over Q and A is over I can start my blog thingy for real .By the way, do you all read the answers or just skip to this bit?So, Istanbul was a different town compared to our call last cruise as the sun shone and temperatures reached the high 60s. The men were in shirt sleeves and T-shirts and the ladies Capri’s (remember you must have something below your knees when exploring Istanbul). Heidi and went to the Blue Mosque again and also spent some time in the Grand Bazaar. It was while we were in the Bazaar that I met Mr. and Mrs. Tony & Lorraine Barclay who said they were having a great time. We chatted for a while and then Tony asked me a question that I have been thinking about ever since. it was not an earth shattering question, it was just that I was not sure of the answer. The questions were “DO YOU MISS THE CARIBBEAN” and WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PORTS?”I have continued to think about this so I am typing my answer as I am thinking about it so this may seem a bit – random.(No change there then I hear you cry).

I love Europe, it is exciting, historic and also it is closer to home which is very important to Heidi and I. However, saying that I think I do miss the pure tranquility that the Caribbean has to offer. My first ship was the Holiday and I remember when Cozumel consisted of five shops, a couple of restaurants and Corona Beer was 50 cents a bottle. It’s amazing how much the island has change. However, Cozumel has been and always will be in my top three…so here is John’s favorite Caribbean Ports in reverse order as requested by Mr. and Mrs. Barclay from Nova Scotia, Canada.

5. St Thomas U.S.V.I. – Great shopping, beautiful beaches and a Wendy’s.
4. Grand Cayman – A touch of England in the Caribbean. Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City and so much more make this a place you will never forget.
3. Aruba – This is Heidi’s addition to the list. We both love how clean it is, again the beaches are just the best and Heidi gets to speak Dutch and buy Dutch food such as Stropwafles and Roasted Yak.:)
2. Cozumel – As mentioned, although it has changed over the years, it has everything you could possibly want to do day and night
AND JOHN’S NUMBER ONE FAVORITE CARIBBEAN DESTINATION IS…………….DRUM ROLL PLEASE
1. OCHO RIOS JAMAICA.

Jamaica has always had a special place in my heart and Ocho Rios has been the place there that continues to excite me. The people, the language, the food, the beaches, the rain forest all add up to a stunning and beautiful place. Tourism is so important to them that the majority of people still welcome you like it is the first time a tourist has stepped foot on their soil. Words like Yeah Mon and Irie Mon are repeated by thousands of cruise ship guests every week after their Ocho Rios exeprience. There will always be a place in my heart for the land of “No Problem Mon” Jamaica!

Talking of the Caribbean, Heidi and I were excited that the Carnival Freedom will cover some of my favorite ports when it returns to Miami in November. Also included will be a visit to Grand Turk. I have never been there but from what I understand it is everything a Caribbean Island should be. How about we all cruise this together in January – shall we do a bloggers cruise? Let me know and also, what are your favorite Caribbean Ports. Here is the Carnival Freedom’s new Caribbean itinerary as of November.

Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and St. Thomas – EASTERN
Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios – WESTERN ( LETS DO A BLOGGERS CRUISE ON THIS ONE – I WILL HOST A PARTY WITH FREE DRINKS AND FREE CHOCOLATE CAKE AND FREE DIET TEA )

I think this is the longest blog I have done. We have a day at sea tomorrow and a chance for everyone to recuperate. Just a quick note to finish. I want to remind all of you that tomorrow is Friday the 13th……………………..who knows what could happen. Superstitions are very much part of a sailor’s life and nobody is more superstitious than my fine Italian officer friends. Did you know that they do not allow umbrellas onboard – any guesses as to why? Time to get off the computer and go to bed as it is 1 am. By the way, I wasn’t going to mention it again but this tea has made me like that rabbit that advertises batteries – because – I keep going, and going and going!GoodnightYour Friends

John and Heidi

PS – I AM SERIOUS ABOUT A BLOGGERS CRUISE – ARE YOU ? IF SO, JUST WRITE – COUNT ME IN AND I WILL SEE IF I CAN ORGANIZE SOME GOOD DEALS, ONBOARD CREDITS. ETC., AND WHEN WE CAN DO IT. JUST WRITE “COUNT ME IN”

Good Evening Bloggers

The count is up to 112,000 which means I guess I have to keep writing.

Here, as usual, are some of your questions and comments answered.

TERI910 – No Teri, I am sorry to shatter yours and the rest of the Mellow Yellow group but the crew were fully clothed during the Nude Cruise which by the way was run by the BARE NECESSITIES GROUP who are a fun group of people. Maybe we should have a Nude Bloggers cruise. On second thought, I don’t want anyone to have to see my blog!
SHEILA – See You Jimmy (another term commonly used by Scottish people). In answer to your debarkation question, I am sorry to say but you will all have to be off the vessel by 9 am as required by the authorities and for transportation purposes. We do, however, have many tours that will allow you to explore Rome with transportation back to the airport. Let me know if you need any more help and big “hello” to your daughter.
KAREN AND STEPHEN – You will be happy to hear that there is a blow dryer in every cabin. It is in the same drawer as the Bible! See you in nine days and have a safe journey here.
SCOTT AND KIM – There is no online booking facility yet for the supper club so I advise you call or visit the supper club as soon as you are onboard or remind me via this blog that you want to book. I am going tomorrow night so I will take photos and post a review. Tough job, but I need refilling after that tea I drank!
CINDY – We do show some Harry Potter films on the Seaside Theatre Big Screen. See you in July.
ANN – The days are going fast and you will soon be here. I will keep you posted as to the weather for next cruise and I hope we make 200,000 hits as that may be my stopping point.
CSPICE – Congratulations on your new job. You will love being a part of the Carnival family and whoever you work with I am sure they will make your first time onboard a special one. Write to me as soon as you get on the ship and if you ever need advice just let Heidi or I know.
ESSEX MAN – Are you available for other jobs as I need to take care of another cruise director who has stolen my show and blogs? I will pay you in cockles! (English delicacy). Can I have some salad cream?
KEVIN MATE – I knew this blog would bring many rewards and here is one, my old mate Kev. I am going to call you now – hope you answer. It is great to hear from you and I will make sure I see you soon.

The tea kept doing its job and I kept my sneakers on in bed so I could get to the toilet quicker! Anyway, I shall be very civil to the guest when I see her but the tea and I are never going to be friends.

I want to start today with some random photos which I thought you might enjoy

Also, as requested here are two examples of menus from the Carnival Freedom dining rooms. These are called the Chic and Posh and dining there will be one of the best parts of your cruise. Bon Appetit.

Sample Captain’s Dinner Menu
Sample Dinner Menu

Izmir was our call of the day and the guests went off exploring Ephesus. There is little to do in Izmir itself outside of a few restaurants and souvenir shops so the majority of the guests will explore Ephesus. I know I have said this before but short of Angelina Jolie standing on the Pier in Izmir holding a sign saying “I Want You,” this place is a “must see.”

I have spent much of the day at the computer as I have started to plan for the first Grand Med cruise which departs on May 4th.It will be interesting for me to decide which itenary I prefer and I will let you know my thoughts at a later date.

While I was working at the computer I was using my birthday present that Heidi bought me. I am way behind on the “gimmick” front and until now have shunned away from the iPod craze. However, because my wife bought me one I decided I should use it.
Knowing that I would never get around to doing so Heidi had already downloaded 200 songs for me. So here I am at the computer revising schedules for Venice and Dubrovnik listening to some Brass Band Music (some of my favorite as my Dad and I grew up playing in brass bands together) out of a thing the size of a tea bag (note the tea reference again).

This got me thinking about the music on the ship. Yes we have a great karaoke lounge and a fantastic dance club (disco) but thank goodness we have the best when it comes to music and that’s music that is LIVE! Let me take you on a musical tour of the ship so when you cruise you will already know what to expect and what to make sure you do not miss.

LIGHT BLUE – a Classical music trio featuring sets in the lobby and four times per cruise they will play in the dining room for tea time. This is mid-afternoon and the music is accompanied by tea and cakes (not the kind of tea that will require a visit to the bathroom afterwards – I promise that will be the last time I mention it ).
THE GAVIN AHEARN JAZZ TRIO – Three brilliant jazz musicians playing the best jazz and classic standards. Their nightly sets are held in our stunning cigar bar, the Habana Bar. The huge leather seats will allow you relax and listen to the cool jazz sounds as you sip on a fine cognac and enjoy a great cigar.
JOHN MURRAY – John is a versatile guitar player who plays along our promenade deck. He has music for all tastes and you will enjoy his fun and welcoming personality, as well as his great music.
JUST DU-ET – John and Diane are two great people and play in one of the non-smoking lounges called Swingtime. This is a great place to dance and they feature Music from yesterday and today. They will also host a 50s and 60s sock hop. Great music, great people.
THE WAVE DUO – Ian and Zoe have become favorites here on the Carnival Freedom. They play every night in our main lobby and this includes a nightly late set from 11:30 pm to 1 am. They have a huge repertoire and you will often see many people dancing and just as many standing around the atrium looking down at everyone dancing. The lobby is the place to be.
MUSIC AND MAGIC – These two young people from the Philippines play exclusively in our supper club. What better way then to finish the best meal at sea off then with a romantic dance with the one you love.
MUSIC UNLIMITED – A four piece party band who play in the International Lounge and on Lido Deck weather permitting. They also are part of one of our big shows (a surprise) and are so great at getting the party started. They play everything from country to rock and roll to Latin and more. Do not miss them.
And last but not least.
CHARLIE ROUNDS AND THE FREEDOM ORCHESTRA – These nine gentlemen and one lady make up the best Big Band you will hear at sea. That is a big statement that is all I have been hearing both from our guests and each and every guest entertainer who performs on board. Charlie Rounds is a brilliant musical director and a great friend. He was the first person I requested (after Heidi) when I put the Freedom team together. The orchestra plays at all of our shows and whether they are playing Big Band music for our Jump, Jive and Wail Show, Dixieland for our New Orleans spectacular “The Big Easy” or accompanying an entertainer, they prove time and time again that live music is king !

I would like to thank Charlie and the Orchestra and all of our shipboard musicians for sharing the results of years of practice and training with our guests. Make sure you visit every lounge location on all of our Carnival “Fun Ships” and if you’re like me, you will appreciate music that’s real and not coming out of a small metal box.

If you know anybody who is a professional musician and wants to travel the world and play the best in live music, check out our entertainment website www.carnivalentertainment.com

Talking of live music it is showtime again. I am going to try out a new joke tonight and I will see if it gets a laugh. A friend of mine recently brought me a boomerang from Australia. I am going to go out on stage and pull it out of my jacket and say “Funny, I thought I threw this away.”  You see, a boomerang always comes back…………..oh never mind.

Just like the boomerang I will come back tomorrow for another blog thingy and I hope you will join us.

Until then.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Good Morning Blogsters.Let’s start with the usual Q and A results.

LINDA AND KEN – Wow, 24 days, that is going to be some vacation. Here are some photos of the Freedom in Venice to whet your appetite a bit. Thanks for the kind words about the blog and I promise to keep going as long as I can.
 
SEWING NUT (great blog name) – Are you sewing right now? Can you knit me a thong? I am sorry but the private tour of the Vatican is not running. We can only do this tour when the Pope is not in residence. His Holiness does read this blog, however, so I ask him kindly to allow reconsider. If not, there are many other great tours that take in the Vatican. I look forward to sharing your anniversary with you. The Internet Café charges 75 cents a minute……do they have Internet in Canada By the way, I love Tim Hortons – hint, hint.
LYNNA & MIKE – Thak you firstly for your loyalty to Carnival Cruse Lines. Ah yes, my old mate Sweaty Pete. His real name is Peter Gibbs and he was and still is a great friend. I started him on cigars as I have many other cruise directors and what a great tradition you have of the men sharing some quality time with a good cigar. Peter is now in Africa working for a charity organization and we all miss him here. He was a great character. Please give my best to the cruise director on the Liberty, TODD, who is brilliant and will make your cruise one to remember. Hope to see you soon and thanks for reading the blog thingy.
JANA’S MUM – I am not surprised you miss her, Jana (one of our musicians) is a special girl and I am looking after her for you. Thank you for your kind words about John’s passing. Take care and please keep reading.
MARY AND RANDY – Glad you liked the cat story although the cat was not the only bad tempered animal in that releationship! Thank you for your sincere words for Joanne. She is finally flying home to Baltimore today and now has to arrange the funeral, etc. Please continue to pray for her.
JO – There are four dinner seatings in the regular dining rooms at:
5:45 pm
6:15 pm
8 pm
8:30 pm
The Supper Club is open every night except the first night and I think any night is special there. Try the porterhouse – mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
HYACINTH 1 – Hello mate. A bag of cheese and onion will be wonderful. Heidi is partial to Ready Brek!! See you soon and I will have a chin wag.
MR PETE – Sorry the link does not work, can someone else tell me if they can open it. I will post again on the next blog for you.
TOM PINKSTON – You had every right to be mad Tom. We had 2,500 people on tour and the lines were ridiculous. Most of it was our fault although we did have a group of guests (you know who I mean) that would not listen and where one went, 400 followed. I take full responsibilty for the lines and although, it will not help you, I promise that we will do better and have learned by our mistakes. Thank you for your patience and I am sorry we let you down.  See you next time and best to your family.
MINNIE AND MICKY DUCK – Here is a link to the web cams, hope it works for you and see you very soon. www.mediacons.it/infocarnival
BOB – A man after my own heart. I can only guest that the Deck 3 bathrooms were designed by a very small man or by a lady who does not understand that we bigger men do not fit. One size does not fit all. Seriously, I have brought this up with the powers that be and hopefully we will be changing it soon. Happy peeing until then:)
As for the canolis, they are a typical Sicilian delight and the best ones are in my opinion in Taromina. Love the idea about throwing the towels in the pool.
KAREN – Thanks for discovering the blog thingy.I have had the Web site for a few weeks, that’s all. I am glad your husband remembers me and I still love performing the bedtime story. The book……well that’s going to be written one day but I think it will be best to write that when I am retired and living in a land far, far away. I hope we are lucky enough to sail with each other again soon.
BIG ED – The idea is that we sit in a boot, get stuck, and have to stay there for all four of the dinner sittings:) Love your site and yes, let’s get together onboard and walk down the corridor side by side! Thanks for the congrats on 100,000 mate.
PATRICK – I am still in the dog house after taping over the Disgusting Housewives thing so I tried the romantic touch again tonight by not leaving my underwear on the floor and putting them in the basket myself……and…………….nothing. Looks like I may have to go to plan B and move to buying her chocolate! The Nude Cruise was organized and chartered by a company – the name escapes me at the moment but I will check and let you know.
LINDA AND THE HANDYMAN – Bring you tool box mate, we need help with making the toilet booths bigger (see above). I will indeed take photos of the restaurant and post a menu or two for you.I will save the story of Heidi and I meeting for another blog although that’s if we are still together now I have recorded over her Deranged Housewives thing. See you for Thanksgiving.
ESSEXMAN – Ah yes, a nude Klingon should do the trick. Save a seat and be attacked by a nude Klingon who if you do not listen will kick you in the Vulcans – ouch. I shall miss old Tarquin who now swims with the Fish and Chips.
KATHY AND PAUL – It was where the nudists carried their Sail and Sign Card that worried me! See you soon.
JIM AND PEG – let me get back to you. You are correct — I should post the benefits of being a Platinum guest of Carnival. I hope to meet you in person one day.

Someone upstairs decided, right, enough of the cold weather let’s turn up the heat. The result was a beautiful day in Rhodes with our highest temperatures yet. Everyone was in shorts and T-shirts and it all meant that it was a fantastic day for all the guests. The old town must have been doing a roaring trade in the bars, restaraunts and shops and I am sure as always the Carnival brand was enhancing the local economy.After tour distribution Heidi and I went for an afternoon walk. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, the blue water of the Meditteranean was sparkling like Angelina Jolie’s smile and Heidi had not mentioned that Dangerous Howives tape for nearly 10 minutes. It was, a Perfect Day when suddenly I heard “JOHN, JOHN, I NEED TO TALK TO YOU “. Now, this is one of the prices you pay for being a cruise director. Even off the ship you must always be available and hospitable to the guests as your social and working life are one in the same.

So, as this lady screamed my name from the other side of the road I thought this will just be another guests who wants to say hello or has a question………WRONG

I crossed the road and met this lady who greated me with these words. “Oh John, I can help you, I really can.” I must have looked bemused and a lttle unsure where she was going with this as I asked how she could help me – which was a big mistake. “I can sell you a wonderful brand of teas that can help you lose weight.”

I was a little taken aback by this and then she continued without pausing, “It looks like you can do with losing.” She then studied me looking up and down as though I was a Michelangelo sculpture. And after a pause of what felt like hours she continued “Mmmmmm, about 35 pounds ). Then the sales pitch started before I could even get a word in and I stood there nodding and holding my stomach in as much as I could. She talked about how she had helped many people and the global company she worked for was the leader in the field.

I could feel Heidi’s body heat rising next to me and thought any minute she may just explode but being the wonderful person she is, she remained silent. Eventually the lady said the funniest words of the day “Well, nice talking to you.” I had not said a word for over five minutes!She said she would leave some samples for me at the front desk with her cabin number and we could discuss a plan that was right for me. With that, she walked away.

I stood there and Heidi and I just looked at each other. At first I was angry that people have the nerve to stop you and discuss private and personal things as though they have known you for years. Then as Heidi walked on to town we both began to laugh about how the lady herself needed help from the “fashion police” (I hope she does not read this blog!)

We had a wonderful lunch of a typical Greek gyro (spicy lamb) on Pita bread. I took a few photos with some great guests including a group from Sri Lanka who were very kind and I know have been reading this blog thingy.

When I got back to the vessel I found that indeed “Mrs. Weight Loss” had indeed left seven different packages of teas at the desk, her cabin number and a brochure explaing that for only $59 I could lose 20 pounds in 30 days.

Now, being a Brit, I love tea so I though what the heck and tried the Green Mint and later the Apple and Rose. Both were OK although a they smelled a bit strange. Anyway, time to get ready for the show and I will be back later (I have no idea why I always write that as though I am writing in real time – I am weird ).

The show was great tonight and my encouragement to have guests walk the decks at night seems to have worked as Heidi and I saw many doing it tonight. As the weather was so nice the evening remained mild and a lot of guests weere watching the late night movie on Carnival’s Seaside Theatre big screen as we were showing “Master and Commander” which looks fantastic on the huge screen.

As it has been a strange day I am going to leave you with a personal note. Heidi and I had to cut our walk on deck short as I got a very sudden call of nature. I had to run (OK, walk very fast ) to the cabin.

Heidi said it was the gyro I had for lunch. Personally, I think it was the bloody tea……………………no wonder you lose weight!

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Good Morning My fellow bloggists. The current count is 105,000 and counting.

Time for answers to your questions.

TERRI910 – I am glad you liked the photo from Ephesus which indeed was taken while taking a ship tour. All the tours that go to Ephesus. Will pass by the sculpture of the Empress Reebok – sorry Empress Nike and although all the tours are great you have picked the best one – EPHESUS AND VIRGIN MARY. This includes a stop at the Virgin Mary House which was consecrated by Pope John Paul a few months before he was promoted to glory. So rest easy knowing you will not miss a thing by taking this tour. I look forward to welcoming all the Mellow Yellows.
BIG ED – I need to start an investigation into who the mysterious Tarquin is. I looked at your photo and you are a man that I know will take care of business. Seriously though, thank you for the wonderful letter you wrote to Mr. Dickinson and I will do my very best to try and be with you on your cruise so we can sit in a booth together.
VIVIANA – I may be ugly, I may not have Richard’s gorgeous looks but I promise I will do my best to make you laugh and smile and buy you gifts if you promise to like me better than Richard…..I am crying now.boo hoo……………….give me a chance
JO AND DAVE – Capri is beautiful and you can see why so many artists and writers have found inspiration on the island. It is accessible on our tours by private jet boat and then a cable train or “Funicular” which will take you to the top. Once there, the views are spectacular and you never know which famous star you may bump into. I suggest the Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii tour. There is little walking in Capri although Pompeii does have a bit of a walk involved. Hope I was of some use…….hopefully more than Richard on the other cruise line:)
BILL AND SUE – Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh a Rossi’s Knickerbocker Glory (a very famous UK ice cream.) Can’t wait to see you and should it not be DOWN THE HAMMERS (soccer)
LINDA AND MIKE – Thanks so much for the kind words about Heidi, it was a dreadful time but my beautiful and brave wife has been a rock for her entire family and I am very proud of her. The supper club menu I posted is for the Sun King named after King Louis of France and is a must during your cruise. I look forward to meeting you both soon.
LINDA – Glad you like the photos. Here is one just for you of the ship on the big screen at night

SUE GROHOL – I will check on the Granada of the Moors option and get back to you ASAP. I can imagine the huge smile on your face as you write about your cruise experiences and imagine that smile getting even bigger when you write about having your family all around you. There is nothing more important than family and I am so happy that sailing with us has given you and yours such wonderful memories. New ones will be created when you come onboard.
ESSEX MAN – Heidi refuses to be called an Essex girl and as for my twang I think its gone but hopefully when you get her mate I will be with a diamond geezer like you and it will come back again. Looking forward to talking about home.
KENA AND DAVID – Messina is a nice place but the best place to visit while we are there is without doubt TAROMINA. This is a wonderful Sicilian village
With winding streets, no cars, over looking the ocean, loads of great shopping and restaurants and most importantly it is the home of the CANOLI. I suggest you take the Taormina on your own tour. This leaves you most of the day to explore on your own after the 1 hour drive and tour with the guise. It is our most popular tour while in Messina and I love the place. I will send some photos of Taormina ASAP. See you soon.
CAROL – I was indeed on the Destiny in 1996. Back then it was the largest ship in the world and those Male Nightgown contests gave me nightmares. I think you will love the Inspiration and if you do sail please let me know in advance. Hope the weather clears up in the Big Apple and thank you so much for your encouraging words about the blog thingy.
AL AND MONICA – Heidi and I will still be here in November and the Western run of the Freedom is exciting and fun. Let me know if you need any information about the ports or the ship. See you in November.
NICOLE AND STEVE – I was so touched when I read your comments regarding a donation to a charity in the memory of John Harris. I will talk to Joanne later today and see what she wants to do. Thank you for your kindness.

First, the good news. The weather was perfect today. All of a sudden Spring has arrived and brought with it sunshine, temperatures that reached 70 degrees which in turn brought out the bikinis and speedos, some looking good on people some that there should be a law against wearing as gravity begins to take over and I include myself in that statement.

One of the biggest complaints we get on our ships (and I know it is the same on other lines) is that people save deck chairs from early in the morning by getting up, putting a towel down and then going back to bed for an hour. I have tried everything to stop this but I have failed. From announcements to written requests in the Carnival Capers you just cannot control everyone. How about security I hear you cry. Maybe a few years ago they would have had time for this but not these days where other important jobs take precedence. Anyway, one day I will solve the problem and if anyone has any suggestions I am open to anything.

I just returned from my Morning Show and I had over 30 letters today. These were mostly dedications of anniversaries, birthdays etc plus some very romantic thoughts of the day. I also received a letter from a Jahnine Spalding in praise of the two men in her life, Colonel Jim Spalding who is serving with the U.S. Air Force and her 15 year old son Adam.

One thing that struck me about this particular letter was that he praise was not just for her husband but also the fact that Jim has as he put it “rolled with the punches” of being a son of a serving officer. He has been to 4 different schools in 4 years in California, Illinois, Germany and now Belgium as the Colonel now works with N.A.T.O. It cannot of been easy for Adam as he constantly moves all over the world and it was great to hear that the son supports the father and never complains but just gets on with life. WELL DONE ADAM.

I would like to mention a great friend of mine and I am sure some of you know him as well. His name is Al Ernst who is 441st funniest Comedian in the World !
Seriously, he is one of our top entertainers and one of the nicest men you will ever meet. He is currently touring the United States and soon the rest of the world in search of new comedic talent to work on our ships. This is done via a contest called Carnival’s Comedy Challenge.
These are held at comedy clubs all over the country and basically involve professional and amateur acts performing for a few minutes live on stage in front of a live audience and professional judges. The judges give their opinion but it is the audience that decide who wins. The actual winner wins a contract to perform aboard one of our Fun Ships. It is a fantastic concept and please go along and see and help judge who will be the next top Carnival entertainer. Here is the link to the web site to see when the challenge will be in your area www.carnivalcomedychallenge.com .

It is formal night tonight. I now make an announcement every formal night to make sure that people have lost their luggage still know they can come to the parties as sometimes they think they will not be welcome. This of course is never the case and they are always welcome………..although last cruise someone did come in a bathrobe !

This reminds me of some of the wonderful groups we have had over the years. My favorite two are:

The Star Trek Convention
This was on the Sensation some years ago. We had 1000 “TREKIES” onboard and some of the stars of the various Star Trek shows. They had a week of interactive talks and events with their favorite stars and they were great fun. However, Formal night took on a new meaning as this seemed to be a cue for all 1000 to dress in their Star Trek costumes. The Captain and I stood welcoming Star Trek Officers, Vulcan’s, Klingons, the blue ones with smoke coming out of their mouths and various other members of the galaxy. For me, it was great to see but for the Captain who truly had never seen a Star Trek episode before he looked totally bemused and somewhat unsure and a little scared, especially with the Klingons.

The Nude Cruise
This was done on one of our smaller ships where a large group of Naturists chartered the entire ship. Now, these people are Naked everywhere around the ship, and I mean everywhere. Naked at the Pursers Office, Naked In the casino, Naked everywhere. They are a great bunch of people but you cannot imagine what it looks like
Having 2000 naked people all over the ship.
Still, on formal night they all made an effort. They all wore bow ties – nothing else – just bow ties.

These were great fun though and it is such a great thing to have one ship chartered by one company.

I am heading off to the shows now but not before I order some roses from our Formalities shop. These are for Heidi. No, it’s not her birthday or our anniversary, the roses are because I taped some soccer over her Desperate Housewives tape and I am well and truly in the Dog House. I know when she really is mad at me because she calls me……….yep………Sperm Of the Devil.

If I live through the night I will return for another blog.

Goodnight.

Your Friends,

John and Heidi

I want to thank the folks who have posted condolence messages for Joanne. I am sure they will help her as they have helped Heidi and I. Thank you.

Congratulations! We have gone past 100,000 hits which means I will celebrate by posting a photo of me wearing spandex; seriously, you all deserve it

Q & A .

BONNIE AND CHARLIE – When you get on the Legend, please say a personal hello to the CD whose name is Chris Roberts or Bubba to his friends.
He is a great guy. Also, look out for dancers Lucy and Deliah, who are old friends of mine. You will love the suite. I gave Heidi a small poiece of chocolate I found at the back of the cupboard. To answer your question it is pronounced.CIVI TA VEC HIA……………..have a great cruise and send me a review when you get back. Ask Chris the CD to print a daily blog for you and put it in your cabin, I will let him know in advance.
KATHY AND PAUL – 30 cents for a toilet in Florence, now that is a bargin. You are right of course there were toilets in Florence but all the seats have been stolen. Police have nothing to go on! Best to you and Mum and hope to see you soon.
RICHARD – I will make sure Heidi and I see you and all my Cruise Critic friends on that sea day, please drop me a line to remind me when you arrive via the Purser’s Office. The Med cruise will be so fantastic and I will do my best to keep the blog going as long as I can think of things to write about and with great comments like yours I am sure I can continue. See you in may and my best to all the C/C readers.
TARQUIN – Thanks for the comment that one blog per year will be enough. Are you a friend of Quentin’s by any chance as you both have similar writing techniques? I think you may be BIG ED in disguise.
DAISY – When you get onboard you are asked to complete a boarding card which asks you if you have cruised before with CCL and when etc. Later in the cruise you will receive an invitation to our past guest party.Please give my regards to the rest of the Duck family and I will see you very soon.
NANETTEALI – Thanks for the offer of help with my Spanish or Muchos Grasyarse as the Spanish would say. I look forward to a romantic stroll with your husband and a photo with your daughter. What is the name of my competion Cruise Director?I will keep going with blog.See you soon. Buenos Morningo.
BIG ED – let’s whack Tarquin, lets have him sleeping with the fishes. You are hereby promoted to Head Of Special Operations! I am hoping to encourage other Cruise Director’s to write a blog and the guest bloggist is a great idea. Let me know when Tarquin has been made an offer he can’t refuse! I MAY HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS FOR YOUR January cruise…………stand by.
SMANI – I feel guilty that you have my blog as your homepage so out of respect for you I have deleted my www.angelinajolie.com homepage (Heidi is now happy) and instead made the blog thingy my homepage as well. The exclusive and private view of the Vatican, it is the most sensational, jaw dropping tour I have ever done and quite frankly you have to do it. I have included the tour description and a photo. It will leave you breathless. See you soon.
BILL AND SUE – Can I be cheeky and ask for a copy of the Essex Chronicle and a bag of Walkers’ Cheese and Onion crisps. I will keep the blog going as long as I can and I am sure we will still be in communication before you sail.If you are moving in with Big Ed I suggest I make you my Head of U.K. Operations. Give my regards to Essex and have a brew for me. See you soon. Heidi is an Essex girl now!
MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE – The injury report has been completed and the accused pistachio shell is now in the brig. Yes, we have a brig and I think its safe to say all cruise ships do although apart from Peter the Pistachio, I cannot remember anyone being in there in all these years. Still, maybe Big Ed can put Tarquin in there. Thanks for the kind worda about the blog thingy and Heidi sends you her best.
VINCENT FROM HOLLAND – Heidi wants me to write this bit in Dutch. Queer Morge. Het is noo 7:00am und Heidi sitter bi mi und cofee drinker. Noo ich will plaser don. Ich dromer op Frinkendel speciale mit patakyers orlock..lecher. Tot Zins und liefs und kunuffles – John und Heidi.
JOHN AND MICHELE – The figures I have are that we are getting between 3000 and 5000 hits per day with the total at 93,000. I will get the latest. Figures from the incredible support team of Robert Castro and Frank Rivera from our head office who put this whole thing together…a big round of applause for them please. I will see you in August for what will be a fantastic cruise.
MATT – The fact that you know to the exact second how long it will be before you cruise deserves more than a handshake so expect something with bubbles in it when we meet in 237 days.
CARLOS – While formal wear is needed to enter the dining room on the two formal nights it is not for the shows. Hope to meet you soon.
TERI – The good news is that the weather is getting warmer every day and while you should bring a light jacket I do not think you will need a heavy coat. The blog is a great idea and I hope we get to share ideas. See you next cruise…..it will be fantastic.
SOUTHERN DREAMS – Have a great time on the Leg End and give my best to everyone there. See you in October.
DAVE AND DIANA – I am glad you were rewarded with Sun following that journey you had to get to the Conquest. I hope you are ready for a Monte Cristo with me and I will say “Long Ashes To You.”
BIG ED – I HAVE PLACED YOUR “DON’T STOP THE BLOG SIGN ” next to the “PUT THE SEAT DOWN SIGN.”
LINDA – It looks like we will be spending Turkey day together. The day we left on an emergency from the Glory was a very sad day as Heidi’s Father passed away suddenly. Heidi is onboard with me now and we both look forward to welcoming you.
TERI – Larry and I love Leg Ends ! May 13th is just around the corner and we can make some new Leg Ends together. See you soon.
MARK – I had no idea about the airline information you included in your blog. It is very useful to know. I know how disheartening it can be to loose your luggage.
PATRICK – At 16 I wonder if you are our youngest blogger? I got your letter on debarkation morning but I am sorry I could not reply because I some urgent things to take care of. Anyway, as far as being a Cruise Director I think that is a great idea. I suggest you stay in touch with me and when you are 18 and old enough to work on a cruise ship I will be glad to help. As far as qualifications are concerned you need to try and get some theatre or public speaking experience. Apart from that a love of people, travel and French fries are the only other requirements. I wish you much success. Maybe you will be my cruise Director when I take a cruise. I will get back to you on the jazz CD.
JERRY FRIEDMAN – I once dated a girl called Rebecca Friedman. My mate Alan Adkins and I were double dating two girls. I remember Rebecca because she was very small only 5ft, we only dated for a week. Alan’s lady was called Sandra Scott, she was not very small and remind me bloggers to please tell you the amazing story of how they met, it is worthy of a Hollywood movie so please remind me.
Now, as for Formal Nights. There are three sea days and the formal nights are on Sea day 1 and Sea day 3. Sea day 1 is the main formal (Captain’s) night and formal attire is required in the dining rooms. We serve Lobster as one of the choices and I also recommend the Prime Rib ! Don’t forget to book the Supper Club, it is simply the best. I look forward to seeing you and your family soon mate. (Hope you are not related to Rebecca)
JO AND DAVE – The Carnival Freedom is also totally “WiFi” friendly. I see many people using their Lap Tops all over the ship – it even works in the bathrooms.
GREG – A Limo in Naples would cost $1150 for a full day of touring or $633 dollars for a half day. These prices are per vehicle (Not Per Person) and also come with a guide. If you would like me to pre book a car for you before you cruise in June, please let me know.
BIG ED………………….Please post a photo of yourself so everyone can see my Head of Security.

Here is the Supper Club Menu. I cannot recommend this enough. It’s only $30 PP and I urge everyone to give it a try. If you want me to make bookings for you I will be happy to help. The Porterhouse, Prime Rib and the Surf and Turf are my personal favorites – and the Wasabi mash Potato – mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

I needed to cheer myself and Heidi up so as were in Naples today and it is Easter Sunday, we decided to have a traditional Easter Dinner ashore. I had pepperoni on mine while Heidi had a vegetarian one.
We were walking back to the ship when we saw two small kittens curled up in a shop door way. Heidi being the female of our species cooed sounds like “ahhhhhhh” and ” their so cute ” etc. while I was just thinking how long it would be before we got back to the ship as I needed to sit and read for a while……………that’s as polite as I could put it.
I have never liked cats, never have, never will. Now, before the cat lovers of the world unite and send me hate blog thingys, let me explain. Cats hate me, they really hate me. I have never met a cat that likes me. I must let of a scent that provokes cats into scratching and biting me which brings me to my ex-girlfriends Cat a huge ginger monster called Rambo. It was aptly named because anytime it saw me it thought it was at war and the thing would attack me. It became just like the hilarious Pink Panther Movies starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Closseau. He would walk into his house and his servant KATO would attack him using the element of surprise.

Rambo adopted the same strategy and would go into stealth mode, invisible until the moment of attack. It was after one such attack that I planned my revenge. I purchased 24 bags of the exploding candy called “Pop Rocks”. Now, don’t get ahead of me, I did not feed it to the cat, that would have been cruel. Instead I emptied all 24 bags into Rambo’s litter tray and the next time he peed you guess what happened. Rambo was subjected to explosions all around and he ran off with his tail between his legs. It gave me minutes of joy and laughter which turned to agony as sensing his litter tray was no longer a safe place to empty his bowls he found other places, usually in my shoes !

The guests are all onboard and its time to say goodbye to Naples. The Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri tour as usual was sold out and 500 guests came off the jet boat with spring sun tans and huge smiles.

I have received 5 letters from guests saying that they read my blog everyday, the latest from the Tucker family. I have sent them all gifts and hopefully I will get to meet them.

I apologize that this blog has been random and with out much structure but my mind has been else where.

I am off to the Welcome Aboard Show now and I promise that I will be more “myself” on tomorrow’s blog thingy.

Tonight, the show must go on, however my mind will be with Joanne and her incomparable husband John and I am sure I will have some great characters on stage tonight however in my heart the show will be dedicated to him.

Goodnight

Your Friends

John and Heidi

P.S.

Here are some pictures that were taken recently. Enjoy!!

It is now 9:00pm. I had intended to write something about the first day of the cruise but I cannot. My heart is heavy and full of sadness.
I am sorry to burden this with you but I am sure that you understand that this blog is all about life onboard and everything it brings.

For the last 12 days, I have shared the stage with a wonderful couple from Baltimore, Mr. and Mrs. John and Joanne Harris.

John was proclaiming his love to his wife every day on stage during a continuing skit. His wife sang in the talent show and during the debarkation talk, he was presented with a bag of gifts from the Captain and myself. Every guest spoke to him, had photos with him; he was a star.

This morning he passed away, suddenly, at the age of 42.

I just spoke to Joanne on the phone for over an hour. She told me that this cruise had been the best time of his life and how much he enjoyed being in the limelight.

We cried together.

I asked for her permission to write this in my blog, which she really wanted that I do.

If you were on this cruise, I would like you to post your condolences on this blog.

Heidi and I send our continuing thoughts and prayers to Joanne and I ask my fellow bloggers to do the same.

He brought joy and laughter to 3000 people and we will never forget him.