The Most Important Blog I Will Ever Write…….Please Read This and Pass On If You Feel You can
May 25, 2007 -
John Heald
I have been saddened the last two weeks as have many people by the news about a little four-year-old girl named Madeleine.
Madeleine was abducted while on holiday in Portugal. She is somewhere in the world . Somewhere, somebody has her. It could be the town, village, city or street where you live. The web site below has been set up by Madeleine’s brave but distraught parents. There is a reward of more than $2.5 million for any news leading to her whereabouts.
This web site has been read by 75 million people from all over the world. Someone, somewhere knows where she is. Here is the address to the website: http://bringmadeleinehome.com/
This blog has 275,000 hits and has thousands of readers a day from all over the world. I thought, therefore, that I should pass this on to you all. Please visit the site .Who knows? One of us may have seen her……………………………….we can but pray.
THANK YOU
JOHN
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John:
We, in North Carolina U.S.A. are saying a silent prayer for that little angel.
our prayers go out to madeleine and her family that she is found and brought home safe…..
lynn and franco from las vegas
It is horribly saddening that these events occur anywhere in the world.
My heart and prayers go out to Madeline and her family.
John:
I’ve been reading your blog thingy from day one, every day (except when we were with you on the 4/19 Freedom sailing.) You have made me laugh out loud, and you have brought tears to my eyes. But what you have done today is truly remarkable and a testament to your compassion and concern for others.
As I looked at the pictures of that beautiful child, I can only join my prayers with yours that someone, somewhere, soon, will look into the eyes of a little girl and realize she is Madeleine.
John, I’ve logged on, as you told me. What a fab website.
Disappointed though that I havent been mentioned after today’s conversation with you. I love you and Alan. When are we going to meet? I want to be in your blog V soon XX
Jesus Christ.
We are cruising 12 july (notlong off hooray)
Quick ? Fly from uk and airline have v limited luggage allowance so we need to pack less. Do we have hairdryers in rooms?
No we get robes in rooms?
What are laundry facilities been Holland America and they would service laundery for v reasonable cost of about £10 per bag
Sorry to ask really boring questions.But in case looking forward and very excited
Hope you’re now safely back with Heidi & your Mum enjoyed her birthday. Everyone in the UK is sending on an email about Madeleine to their friends & relatives. Hopefully she’ll be found soon safe & well. Re Carnival brochures – they are very hard to get in most of the travel agents in the UK – they usually disappear round the back of the shop & say “we haven’t got any in at the moment but should be in soon!” We’ve been on a P&O cruise – nice ports but could do without the – “they’re letting ordinary people on now!”- comments! (and the food & service wasn’t that good) We’ll stick to Carnival thank you – you’ve got the fun!
John,
This is Bob & Sandy Colonna from Va Beach, VA. We cruised with you on our very first cruise, as our first cruise director, on the Sensation in 1997, then on the Destiny in 1998. Its so good to learn that you are still with Carnival.
We have cruised on Carnival about four other times, we are about to cruise on the Liberty on June 23, 2007 & wished you were our cruise director. We have also cruised on Holland America, Royal Carribean and recently on Norwegian, and we must say you are the best of the best cruise directors bar none we have ever had or will have. You were just great, and we never have had a cruise director quite like you, and to be honest, don’t think we ever will. “They” just don’t make them like you any more: your funny, you motivate the guests, you keep their spirits high, and you are genuine…one of a kind.
Maybe in the future we can cruise once again with you. The folks on the Carnival Freedom are very fortunate to have you as their cruise director.
All the best,
Bob & Sandy Colonna
Hi John: We had a fabulous cruise on the Glory, and said HI to “Wee Jimmy” for you. I will be posting a few pictures on Big Ed’s site, if you get a chance check them out. Mike bought a FUNNEL hat on board, and everyone loved it, in fact the mexicans all wanted to buy it, but Mike was very surprised about the Funnel hat, since he designed that hat in early Feb. 2006 while we were on the Legend, and he put in a comment card with a drawing of this hat and asked Carnival to consider it, and when we got home he had gotten a letter stating they would do just that, well imagine our surprise when we found they are now selling this hat! Without any compensation to Mike for his idea! Wee Jimmy has put on a few pounds, but looks great. He says you are like a “DAD” to him! He says he owes you a lot! His MUM was onboard as Wee Jimmy was officially named Cruise Director (he was promoted on 5/10/07) and it was announced on the ship and his mum was there, we saw her walking in the halls too, she has 2 canes/crutches. We had a wonderful time, only thing is our ship was 1 1/2 hrs late into Bahama’s and my son waited for us at 10:30am as we were due in at 10am, we didn’t dock till 11:30am, so we went shopping at the straw market, and on the way back we looked for him and as we got on a shuttle back to the ship we saw him, and we were able to hop off the shuttle (the driver was nice enough to allow us to do this) and we walked with my son and his wife to their ships tour meeting place and talked for a little bit, unfortunately a lot of the Glory cruisers didn’t have much time to enjoy Nassau as we arrived at 11:30 am and had to be back on board by 3:30pm. The Seas were rough Thursday night and that caused the delay in arrival, which of cause cannot be helped. By the way they are still giving out the BAGS to Platinum guests, when will they start giving something different? We had a great cabin steward, his name is Catalin, very nice man, and excellent in his job. We will definitely bring Heidi Starburst as requested. We enjoyed the shows, food etc. on the Glory. We cheated on our diabetic diets, but you can’t help it with all the good food, so this coming week is back to reality! HA! HA! We took the Sights and Sounds tour in Belize, which was great! We shopped in Cozumel and enjoyed the pool/shopping in Costa Maya. A wonderful relaxing vacation. Now we are looking forward to November and our Freedom cruise, and can’t wait to see you two. Mike kept noticing all the light bulbs that needed changing on the Glory, and I told him he would get his chance on being the light bulb changer on the Freedom, right John? Glad you went home for your mum’s birthday, happy you are back! Write soon! Linda & Mike (Mr. Handyman)
We are saying a prayer for the safe return of Madeleine.
John, I have to agree with Paulett’s Mum, I found it impossible to get a Carnival brochure in all of the travel agents visited in the UK before booking my cruise . Today I noticed in the Daily Mail that out of 25 advertisements in their Travel section (listing no less then 87 cruise deals) only one is for Carnival ( Carnival Destiny with Virgin). I think your UK operation needs to ask why this is. I booked my cruise with Vacations to go .com and they provided excellent service.
Thanks very much for that website, John. Tragic, indeed.
We’re anxiously awaiting our second cruise with you this fall! Our international flight home from Rome departs at 9:05. I told her you’ve said flights from 9:00 a.m. onwards are o.k. for reaching the airport. My sister is worried that, even with Carnival transport, we won’t make it in time. The rest of us aren’t concerned. We’re right, right?
hi again John!
Thanks for your reply to my first comment.
You will be delighted to hear that we will be spending our 25th anniversary onboard the FREEDOM, sailing 5th August!!
We are all very excited as it will be our maiden cruise and it has been great having your blog to
get a feel for Carnival, cruising, excursions…………
You sound like a great guy to have aboard and we all look forward very much to meeting Heidi and yourself. We have booked adjoining cabins to make it perfect for both ourselves and the kids.
By the way The Crown is my local pub in Bacup, East Lancashire, where great beer and grub comes as standard-better than my golf anyhow.
see you soon John,
Dec, Karen, Katherine and Alex.
Hi John & Heidi,
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. We were on the 12 day cruise from April 7th to 19th – my husband was on leave from Iraq and I met up with him in Rome. We so enjoyed our time with you all. My husband wrote to you and also told you about our son Matt who is in Iraq as well and you were so generous to send us champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Yum! Alas, hubby and son are both back in Iraq and I’m here in NY keeping the home fires burning.
Reading this blog brings such special memories for me – I didn’t realize the same Heidi in the mornings getting us out on the tours is your lovely wife! You’re a great couple. We also loved Gary and Sean – great guys and a lot of fun!
Thanks so much and we look forward to sailing with you again!
John,
We are leaving tomorrow (Sunday) for the Carnival Pride. I’ll bring you up to date on them and catch up to date on you when we get back.
Bob and Emily
Hi John,
Thank you for bringing Madeleine to our attention again. I pray for her safe return. I can not imagine what the parents are going through. We here in central Illinois are praying for her and her family.
Susan (aka ghost lady)
Back in one piece !
It’s 1:40 am in California. Just got back from our “very interesting” cruise onboard the Freedom.
Good meeting you John, never did receive the item you had mentioned you sent to the cabin, however, we want to thank the “Air and Sea ” dept for all the wonderful goodies they sent to our room! Upon arrival to our cabin we were met with Bon Voyage decorations, ” bathrobes” wrapped up
in Carnival paper ready for us to take home, “Bubbly” and a fruit basket with wine for Lee ( I don’t drink 22yrs! ) I had the box of freshly baked cookies, a coupon for 2 free photos….just overwhelming !!! Thanks guys!!!
It was nice meeting you Heidi, thought we would have talked more! I’ve been on 4 Carnival cruises now and over 22 excursions, so have a lot of folks in that showroom and we know the “Drill” !! I know it’s terribly difficult getting that large a group out and off the ship in a short period of time, but some of “your group” can get in the habit of speaking down to people and not even realize it. Sean needs a little “speaking to” and that shorter British chick called me “you little munkee” when, in jest, I said I snuck out of the room. What’s up with that , not appropriate.
The ports of call were great! We loved Istanbul!!!
We didn’t know what to expect, but it was fascinating ! Athens, Rhodes, Katakolon, Izmir what history ! Too many folks in Ephesus that day, over 5,000 we were told. If you have a cane or trouble walking, that’s not for you. We had a broken arm in one of the groups and people passing out in the heat. We missed the Repeaters Party because we took a nap after that long hot excursion and got up too late.
The Freedom is a beautiful ship, took lots of pics of her, but the Promenade Deck is not what we were expecting. We liked the Liberty’s design better. Too much pushing and shoving with this group of cruisers for some reason…..more than what’s usual. OUCH !!!!
Want to say hello to Carmen and Joe, hope they read this and send me their e-mail ! What a nice couple from Florida! Had a strange encounter with two women whom I belive were bloggers. They came up to me at the Acropolis and told me they were happy I had changed my shoes (Ha! Ha! ) and they were trying to find out if I had a wig on, but didn’t have the (you know what) to ask me out right! I guess that made them feel good or something, who knows!!! I heard them refer to us as Kathy and Paul. I call my husband Lee in person, not Paul. I only use that on this blog!
Well, all in all it was another great trip! Ran into lots of old Carnival friends we had sailed with on previous trips. 12 days flew by and the countdown for July 13, 2008 has begun for our trip on the Splendor. It will be here before you know it!!!!
Kathy and Paul (Lee Paul )
Hi John,
Susan from the West Midlands here again. Thank you so much for putting the details of missing Madelaine on your blog I really hope this can help with the search. This has been a major news story here in the UK for three weeks now and I really hope we get some good news soon.
On your previous blog you mentioned about Carnival brochures in travel agents in the UK and it is really difficult to get them. In fact I picked up my first Carnival brochure whilst in the US on a city break to Boston. I have salied with Carnival 14 times since 1992 and have found more info about itineries and new ships from the web site rather than using brochures. I tell my travel agent which ship I want to sail on rather than asking them for details. I think the UK office needs to improve their marketing as many Brits are missing out on fun cruises. May be John you need to do some more interview films for Sky Travel like the one you did when the Carnival Liberty was first launched.
My prayers go out to Madeline and her family. Someone must know where she is and will bring her home safely. Debbi
Madeline’s poor parents. John, I copied some of what you wrote along with the website and have mailed it off to my list of addressess. God willing she will be found safe.
The internet is a wonderful way to get in contact with millions of people. If it can find a lost child, what a beautiful thing. I will pray for Madeline and all the lost and stolen children.
Hello John
Your post about the little girl hiy hard with my wife and it sad to know she out there along our prays go out to her and her family. i not writen you in a while do to school and waiting for a closer sailing time. With 188 days to go I can now start bloging you more about what to look forward too.
i have read every one of your blogs and am looking forward to eeting you as we talked about. Keep the pen going or blog that is you friend.
Fangclaw
ake Dave and Diana
hello there John this is Sharon from Durban South Africa. I have been reading your blog for the last 2 weeks as we are joining you on the med cruise on the 6/6/2007 for my 50th birthday which is on the 10/6/2007. I am so excited as this is my first time overseas and my one wish ever was to do a cruise in the med and now it is coming true. Please dont feel embrassed when this mad women with the funny accent comes up to you and greets you like an old friend from reading your blog it seems that I have got to know you very well (promise Im not a stalker, just a very excited passenger.) Well goodbye for now will see you soon.
Sharon and Kevin
Hi John & Heidi
I have recently started reading your blog and I have to admit…it’s great entertainment!!!! I just have a quick question for you guys…My husband and I are coming from Canada to join you on the Freedom for the June 6th sailing and we couldn’t be more excited! We were just wondering if you knew the age groups that are going to be sailing with us..We are 24 & 25. We are also going to be celebrating my husbands birthday while on the ship..maybe we can have a drink together..yeah I know..a diet coke for John…
We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Crystal and Jeremy
P.S. We have little Madelaine in our prayers
Hi John and Heidi thanks for a wonderful cruise. Just got back from May 13th cruise. Its raining hard in Essex today. Tan is waning fast. I would like to congratulate Carnival on a fantastic ship, wonderful destinations and a terrific crew. We felt very special. the treatment by every crew member we were in contact with was excellent. I had no complaints. My Dad Geoff in the wheelchair loved the cruise and has decided to get his knees fixed with a view to being more mobile and so he can do it again, bless him he is 79. it was great meeting you with the Mellow Yellows and it was great to actually meet the Mellow Yellows who I had been chatting to on Cruise Critic since booking. I dont know how you and your staff keep your sense of humour all the time, as with some of the strange requests I heard being asked on tours and whilst on the ship I think I would consider jumping. Still it takes all sorts. Thanks again for the great time, please pass this on and special thanks to Toni & Benito in the Posh dining room. they looked after us very well. I hope we have the opportunity to cruise with Carnival and yourselves again regards
Lesley (Hyacinth1)
My dear Mr. Heald. It is with saddest that I read your last blog. I pray and hope for little Madeline that she will eventually be found and sent back to her parents. This world is getting very sick that little children can’t even be allowed to be free just to walking around. My prayers will be always with her parents.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hey John, Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you mate. Been a very busy couple of weeks checking out new ships and writing cruise info and working on the website. The link is very simple. You can go to http://www.themarinerscabin.com and that links you to the homepage. You can explore the entire website there and even go to the forums and read them. If you wish to post simply register and one of us will quickly activate you so that you may post. We do this to keep out the autobots and those few undesirables that sometimes wander the Internet. It is a very friendly website and very much like a large International family that loves cruising and talking about it and everything else it seems. You have already talked to Jodi here on your blog as we have a link to it on the website. Sylvia and I will be doing our best to join Jodi on the Bloggers cruise with you and Heidi. You are right, it has been too long since we have seen each other. Our mutual friend Tracey should be seeing you very soon onboard and will be conveying our good wishes to both of you. Talk to you soon.
Jim
John
I will be on the June 6 sailing. I hope you were able to get the movie Ocean’s 13 (coming out June
in theaters to run on the big screen. Also, I am counting the days until I see you in the French maid’s outfit knocking on my cabin to deliver Chocolate Covered Strawberries. You Promised!! See you soon.
Hi John,
I just finished doing all the ironing and packing I can possibly do for our trip. We will be leaving on June 3rd and arriving in Rome on June 4th. I can’t wait to get there and on the ship. Anyway, how can I book excursions for June 4th & 5th? We will be in the Visconte Palace where Carnival set us up.
My husband and I are really excited as this is our first trip of I hope many to Europe. We know we are sailing on Splendor on the inagural cruise in July 2008. Is Carnival planning anything to Japan and China? We would like to possibly do that in 2009 or 2010.
I know I ask a lot of questions….See you and Heidi soon.
Debbie
Has this blog finally run it’s course? I thought the whole idea of a blog is that it’s meant to be regularly updated. This was last refreshed 5 days ago. If you’ve run out of stories I have a good one about a ventriloquist, a rubber glove and a Nun.
I had heard about this, but only this morning started reading the details. It angers me reading how selfish the parents were leaving their kids alone, but upsets me even more of what they must be going through right now.
I PRAY that their visits to Fatima and with the Pope have a divine interplay in the return of this poor girl. I pray she is alive, and that there is no fear in her right now.
Thank you for posting the link to little Madeleine’s website. I pray for her safe return every day. I have also been following in the news via the Nancy Grace show. Very tragic. Love this blog thingy – you are doing a wonderful service – and the hope you are providing to Madeleine’s family is fabulous! Truly above and beyond the call of duty.
Dear John & Heide,
Thanks for your kind words on response to my reply. My group sailing on 12th September cruise are in a high state of anticipation & are wondering if you can please let us know typically when: 1. the two formal nights would occur and 2. the nights of the “Big Easy” and “Beatles” shows? We want to book the Super Club on alternative night/s if possible. I know everything is subject to change, but would like to have a general idea if possible. Thanks for your consideration.Glad you made it back from visiting your parents. I am sure your Mum really enjoyed having you there to share her Birthday. Keep up the good work!
Cheers, Peter Ward
I cannot believe that parents would leave a small child and infants alone to go dine somewhere, how irresponsible. Check on them every 1/2 hour? Perhaps she was not abducted. I hope I’m wrong, but think about it.
John! Was just watching CNN and saw that Angelina will be on the Larry King show next Thursday the 14th. If you go to there website http://www.cnn.com you can e-mail her a question before the show. Bet Larry King and his staff would love to set-up a phone call for you to ask her the big question. Afterall, you’re a star in your own right now. Keep up the good work, read you everyday, thanks for the mention—-Ned
You have no idea how silly I’m feeling right now. I have been reading your blog from day one, and I have been dying to get in touch with you. Well obviously, I finally figured it out- well that’s providing you actually get my message, and reply to it.
Let me start by telling you that I love your blog. My husband and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on July 11 and we’ll be sailing with you on August 5th. We are only 59 days away and counting. Also, it is our son’s 13th birthday. You know how important that is. He’ll be a teenager July 30th, and then there is Valerie, who just turned 5, she’s also coming along, because the trip wouldn’t be any fun with out her. We all sailed on the Carnival Valor last year for spring break, and that was our best vacation ever. We loved it so much that we decided to do it again. We are looking forward to our August sailing. By the way, do you ever get any rest? Ok here are my questions:
1) Are you doing anything special for the Pleiades meteor shower on Aug 11th or 12th.
2) Can you give me information on how to get from the airport to the boat by public transportation? Don’t worry I already booked shore excursions in every port.
3) My husband and my 13th yrs old son want get inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa, however, my 5 yrs old is not allowed inside. Could I book the Florence & Pisa with tower entrance for my husband and son – and just the Florence & Pisa shore excursion for my daughter and me- but still have the whole family travel in the same bus.
4) I purchased the best available upgrade when I booked my cruise. Do you think it’s more likely to get an upgrade if I register online in advance or wait until I get to Rome?
I hope you are not too lonely with out Heidi, she’ll be back before you know it.
Julia Burke
Hi John, I am really looking forward to this cruise. We leave from Rome on June 18th. I am looking forward to meeting you! I will be travelling with a long time girlfriend of mine Shirley Hare and my brother Kim Comiskey and his fiance Sharon Cashen. My brother has done so much planning for this trip and spent many hours online setting up private tours for us and tons of information about each city we will visit etc. I would love to do something really nice for him while he is on ship.
Do you have any suggestions? I would love to hear them. Thanks John. Sincerely Terrie Comiskey
Hi Again John, Wrote to you about a week ago when I first became aware of your blog. My sister and I are sailing with you on the Freedom on August 5, 2007. This will be our second time sailing with you. The first trip was on the Triumph. We adored you then and were so happy to know we were going to be sailing with you again. We are interested in the tours on our last two days in Rome, especially on Friday leaving the ship. We are very interested in the vatican tour from the ship to the airport with transfer. We realize this can only be purchased on board, when do you do this? Why only on board? Hope my second message gets to you. Looking forward to a great cruise
Ellen