Hello everyone and thank goodness the sun is shining in Venice today as we entered the port. All the guests were outside watching us sail in and as many people onboard who were taking photos there were just as many in St. Marks Square taking photos of this gorgeous lady sailing to her berth.
We were privileged to have the Chief Venice Pilot onboard today, Capt. Mingari. He was telling me that all day yesterday it had rained very hard in Venice and that today the sun was shining because Carnival was here.
We have just docked and I am about to start disembarking the guests so I will be back soon.
OK, I am back……sorry I was gone for such a long time. Everyone is ashore either on tours or on their way to the Vappereto Station called Piazza La Roma. I thought you would like to read the information I place in the Carnival Capers regarding how to use the public transportation system.
Walking distance between Marittima Cruise Terminal and downtown (St. Mark’s area) is about one hour.
From Marittima to Piazzale Roma (the closest place where regular water buses are available), will take 35 minutes. If you do not want to walk, shuttle buses are available for five euros per person, round trip. (NO COINS ACCEPTED)
Shuttle buses run every 15 minutes. From 10 pm – Midnight they run every 30 minutes.
Last departure from Piazzale Roma to Marittima Cruise Terminal at Midnight.
VAPARETTO (WATER BUS). Panoramic Line (via Grand Canal) # 1, 82, N,
Six euros one way. Water taxi from Marittima Cruise Terminal to downtown
(St. Mark’s area) between Euro 70.00 and Euro 80.00 per water taxi, depending on the number of passengers. Please note, water taxis are not readily available at Marittima, they must be called on +39 041 5222 303
Please note: the “Vaporetto” runs every 20 minutes during the day.
Between midnight and 5:00am, the “N” vaporetto” runs every hour on the hour.
REMINDER: YOU MUST PURCHASE A TICKET FOR THE VAPORETTO
BEFORE BOARDING.
The last bit about buying a ticket before boarding is very important because if you board without a ticket, and an inspector calls, you will receive a hefty fine.
So, Heidi and I will be hopefully going out tonight but we shall have to see how the day goes. Right now she is on the pier organizing tours and shuttle buses.
We also have 200 technicians joining the vessel today to work onboard while we are in Venice. These technicians are from the Fincantiari Shipyard where the Carnival Freedom was born are here to carry out checks and repairs to the vessel. These little last minute touches are part of our warranty. Yep, just like a car or a washing machine, the ship has a warranty with the shipyard. It’s a one year 10,000 miles warranty and includes a free oil change and new windshield wipers.
I went to bed last night thinking of Rick in his wheelchair, his face beaming as he enjoyed the live music. I had spent the previous 30 minutes pi%^ed
Off with life because of the lady who accused me of being prejudiced towards Chinese people because I would not reserve seats for her group. This morning I awoke feeling guilty. Rick had every right to be mad at the world. He wasn’t — and therefore neither should I.
I sent him some jazz CD’s and a CD player for their cabin this morning…………and I had Chinese for lunch!
Let’s do some Q&A.
SONGBIRD – Firstly, it is interesting that so many people who work within the industry itself have started to read this blog thingy as here with you Songbird as you used to work for Celebrity. I see from your comments that you used to hear negative comments about Carnival Cruise Lines but after sailing on the Ecstasy you discovered the truth. I have expressed this before in a previous blog thingy that everyone is entitled to an opinion but at least base that opinion on fact or personal experience. I am glad therefore that you have joined the blogging community and I hopefully will get to meet you one day soon.
MARK MUNRO – Thank you for your kind comments about your cruise and I am very happy that you and your wife had a wonderful time. I understand your point that the younger people felt a little isolated. The average age on your cruise was 61 and in fact there were only 179 guests under age 30. You are correct when you say that the dance club was very quiet and it certainly does liven up when the staff arrive. I will add, as you suggested, some early evening 90′s music in the dance club and I will study the karaoke schedule to see if we can keep that open longer. Therefore, when you cruise next year I think you may see a difference however that difference is assured in the Caribbean when our nightclubs are buzzing until 3 am or later. Please let me know any specific extras you would suggest and I hope I see you and Mrs. Munro very soon.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – How is Podunk? Hasn’t the world become a smaller place thanks to blog thingies like this one? Here I am in Venice and there you are in Podunk. Your statement that your family cruised on the Carnival Liberty and they were aged from 11 – 69 is proof that Carnival and cruising itself is suitable for any age and Sarah needs to understand this. I will be working to make this happen. Thanks for your comments as always and my best to Prince Charles.
NEW TEXAN FRAN – Hello Fran, let me answer your questions.
The Club O2 states that it is for 15-17. How strict is that age policy? Will my 14 1/2 yr old be able to go in with my 17 yr old?
We do have to be strict on this policy but I am sure as your son/daughter is nearly 15 so I think we may be able to accommodate them. However, most of the kids who attend Club O2 may be a little old for your 14-year-old and therefore they may be happier in the 12 – 14 program run by Camp Carnival. Have a look at the activities run by both programs when you get here and see what you think is best for your 14-year-old. Personally, I think he/she will enjoy the Camp carnival program more.
2. How safe will they be on their own on the ship? If they stay together will they be OK? Any areas they should avoid?
The answer to this question is simple. The ship is the safest vacation environment there is. There are no areas to avoid and if you are content to leave them to their own devices then you should be content to be content.if you know what I mean.
3. Are there curfews for underage minors?
NO……………JUST FOR ME FROM MY WIFE
4. Are they allowed to get on/off the ship on their own?
Yep, however once ashore that may be a different story. I do suggest that you stay together ashore and take a safe and fun family tour. If you need suggestions on which tours to take, please let me know. I hope these answers have been useful to you and if there is anything I can do further please let me know.
CARLOS – I love the name Carlos, that’s what you call a Spanish-speaking man who has had his automobile stolen. Sorry, couldn’t resist that one. I think Sarah the British travel agent has no clue about today’s cruise industry and her mental image of shuffleboard and blankets are antiquated and so far from reality as shown by your good selves as you are both very young (33 and 41) and you will be cruising in August. I am sure I can help my fellow countrymen see that cruising is the way to go regardless of age.
As to your question about downloading photos onto CD’s onboard we can indeed provide that service from our Photo Gallery. I look forward to seeing you in August and please keep reading the blog.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I think I may just forward this blog to the agency where the young Sarah works. It would certainly be an eye opener for her to see what cruising is really all about. I have never seen a UK commercial similar to the ones used in Canada and the United States. We have a very small team in the UK and they are brilliant ladies and gents and I will now dedicate any spare time I have when I am back home to help them spread the Carnival word. Hope today’s blog finds you well Carol and I will see you very soon.
JO MYERLY – How right you are. One of the things I love about America is that there is no antiquated class system as there are in some other places in the world including the UK. On Carnival you may find a man who has saved up for a year to take a cruise whose job is driving a truck from one end of the country to another. On the same cruise on the same ship is a man who owns the largest trucking company in America and is a millionaire. They are both dressed the same, look the same. Carnival Cruise Lines prides itself on providing a relaxed and fun atmosphere, which is applicable to all ages and all walks of life. Many thanks also for your kind words, I am sorry I was away for so long but I am back now.
DAVID FROM BARBADOS – First of all, it’s not fair. People who live in paradise should not be able to take a cruise to even more paradise, you are indeed a lucky man. What amazing comments from your two mega cool grand daughters who both state that CRUISING IS THE BEST HOLIDAY. I think we should employ them to be Carnival spokespeople (is that one word or two)? You are indeed correct. Perceptions are indeed funny things and all I can do is let this blog thingy be a vessel to promote the joy and fun of taking a cruise………………especially to Barbados. I always wanted to stay at Sandy Lane. I read a column in my newspaper written by the incomparable and eternally grumpy movie director Michael Winner who after complaining about every hotel and restaurant the world over always says how wonderful Sandy Lane is.
Hope to see you on your next cruise, come and see me on the bloggers cruise in January. Cheers until then.
FRANCO AND LYNN, MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE, VICKI AND MATT TILL, I & Ms MOM, CARL HARMON, SUSAN B, DEBRAH , HEHN, WENDY, FANGCLAW – Thank you for prayers for young Maddy who at the time of writing has not been found. The world can be a wicked place and each day I turn on the news and hope that she has been found. Until she has, please join me and the millions of other people in having continued positive thoughts for her safe return. I thank you all for your support and allowing me to use this blog for such an important purpose.
KAREN MC – Is that like MC Hammer…………..Heidi is always saying the words to one of his songs when she gets mad at me “YOU CAN’T TOUCH THIS)! Anyway, yes you have hairdryers and yes you have bathrobes in your cabins. We also have laundry facilities and we charge $4,15 for a BIG bag of laundry. I will also wash underwear and socks for a small fee (food).
Now, relax and before you know it you will be here and having the time of your life. See you soon.
PAULETTE’S MUM – Thank Mum for your comments. I see you to have experienced the difficulty of getting a Carnival brochure from a UK travel agent. I will see what we can do about this. I know many Brits are loyal to P&O Cruises and that’s understandable as they are a wonderful line with stunning ships and excellent service but I would like to see my fellow countrymen given a choice. Poor Sarah the agent, I am starting to feel guilty and I truly hope I have not gotten her into trouble.
One thing, I did not understand your comment that says “nice ports but could do without the – “they’re letting ordinary people on now!” from your P & O cruise. Can you elaborate on this? Send my best to your girls and thanks for reading the blog.
BOB AND SANDY – Welcome back from your Carnival Glory cruise. It sounds like you and Mike the Handyman had a great time. I was sorry to hear about the ship getting into Nassau later than scheduled but sometimes as in this case Mother Nature takes control. Please tell Mike not to worry about the light bulbs. There are lots for him to change here including the one in my bathroom.
I am happy to hear that you enjoyed Wee Jimmy and how wonderful that you were there to enjoy his promotion. I am very proud of the young man and I think he will grow into the best cruise director in the fleet very soon. Now, as for the Funnel Hat it looks like Mike needs some compensation for his funnel hat design and I will provide that with champagne, strawberries and fun when I see you very soon.
ESSEXMAN – Yep, there is no doubt that getting a brochure (as you discovered) is not easy in the UK and I know I have to help improve this situation and I will…………promise. How’s the weather back home today for bank holiday Monday? Hope to hear from you soon.
BARB’S SISTER – You are right, right. Right, lets talk about the right way and the right time to catch your flight home. Right, you need to wake up at 5 am, go up to Deck 9 and use the service line on the right side of the ship and have a right good breakfast. Then, right at 6 am you will disembark the ship turning right inside the terminal (not left but right) and we will get you right on the right bust to get you right to the airport getting there right on time. Anything else you need, you will write – right?
CROWN GOLFER – I wish I was down your local pub right now as I could do with a Ploughman’s Lunch ………………Cheese, bread, pickle and an apple. I am so happy to hear that you and the family will be here with us and Heidi and I will look forward to spending some time with you. Do you need any advice on excursions, etc.? If not, please keep reading the blog thingy anyway and I will see you all very soon. Have a pint for me.
BOB MEANS………….Hope you have a great cruise and send my best to the Captain and crew of the Carnival Pride.
KATHY KROLL – I am deflated. I cannot understand how you did not get the book and champagne I sent you. Please can you e-mail me your mailing address ASAP so I can mail it to you. I am glad you loved the ship and the ports of call. I have addressed your concerns with my staff (Sean has since left by the way) and you are correct that disembarking 2,000 people at one time is not an easy process but I think overall we do a good job. You are correct also with regard to Ephesus. There were more people there than ever before with two big ships in Izmir and another two in Kusadasi another Turkish port. It does get very warm there and I always advise guests drink as much water as they can but, as you said, the rewards of the lines and heat are these amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
It was great that Heidi and I got to spend some time with the Mello Yellow Group. The unfortunate thing is that as much as we would both love to spend more time with each and every blogger we meet onboard, the job still has to get done. That’s why, I am looking forward so much to the Bloggers Cruise in January. I will see you on the Carnival Splendor and I hope you send me your address…………I wonder who got your book?
SUSAN – I can see a pattern forming here as you appear also to be finding it difficult to get a Carnival brochure in the UK. I did once do an interview for Sky Travel Shop and I would be happy to help the British Team in anyway I can. Thank you also for your heartfelt words about Madeleine, I know everyone is thinking of her and her family. Have a cup of tea for me and hope to see you soon.
ROBERT.J. COLONNA – hello Bob and Sandy and thanks for brightening my day with your gracious comments. It’s been a long time since we have sailed together, 1998 seems so far away. I know you will have a fun time on the Carnival Liberty and Todd the Cruise Director will really impress you. I am glad you have discovered the blog thingy and even if we don’t get to cruise with each other we can at least stay in touch over the electronic fence. Hope to see you soon and most importantly thanks again for the kind words.
CINDY – Thanks you for writing and I am glad to hear that you and the family are getting ready for a fantastic Carnival Freedom cruise. Now, you asked about tours and I can see you have already bought two brilliant ones for Venice and Dubrovnik. Based on your families’ demographics I would like to give you these suggestions fro tours in the other ports.
NAPLES – POMPEII
This is a must see for you and the girls. You can combine this with a trip to Sorrento or the Amalfi coast if you wish but Pompeii is something you will never forget.
MESSINA…………..TAROMINA ON YOUR OWN
This is a one-hour guided tour followed by six hours of free time in the most beautiful Sicilian town. Great shopping, a stunning Greek Theatre to explore and lost of beautiful walks.
BARCELONA…………….BARCELONA BY BIKE
A fun and fresh way to explore Barcelona.
CANNES………………MONACO AND MONTE CARLO ON YOUR OWN TOUR
The same structure as Taromina On Your Own. I think it would be a real shame to come all this way and not see this amazing one of a kind country, the second smallest country in the world.
LIVORNO……………..PISA
You and the girls have to see The Leaning Tower Of Pisa and you can add Florence to this if you want as well.
Have a think about these suggestions and don’t rush into buying them. Remember, once onboard come to the travel talks and you can listen to what I have to say and then if you have any questions you can see me after the talk.
MICHELLE – How great to get a blog comment thing from someone from my home town and someone who will be having a glass of wine opposite where I live, that’s a small world for you. I remember trying to wake your son up that morning and I hope we can have as much fun this time when we meet each other in August and yes I will be here for you. Give my best to Southend and have a crumpet for me.
That’s the end of today’s Q & A
And, now it’s raining in Venice….AGAIN. I just had to cancel the evening gondola tours and I now have 400 very disappointed people. I am going to host some extra activities and add some more live music but hopefully people will still go and explore St. Marks at night, its only light rain so I think some people will still explore, I hope so.
NOW, LOOK WHAT I GOT TODAY
Thank you Kathy. I will treasure this letter, it’s my first personal letter from a famous person …unless you include………this one.
Dear John
I have heard that you want me to be the Godmother of the Carnival Splendor.
I accept on the condition that you be my personal escort and guide.
I will make sure Brad has a movie to shoot or something, so we are “not disturbed “
Love and kisses
Angelina
Today is Memorial Day and I would like to pay tribute to all the men and women who have and continue to protect our freedom through service to their countries. To bring this closer to read this:
Lisa & Paul
May 26th, 2007 at 8:19 pmHi John & Heidi,
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. We were on the 12-day cruise from April 7 to 19 – 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!
LISA – I AM SURE THAT MANY OF THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO READ THIS BLOG DAILY WILL WANT TO PASS ON THEIR SUPPORT TO YOU AND YOUR BRAVE HUSBAND AND SON WHOM I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW MUCH YOU MISS.
THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO YOU
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
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.
Welcome back John…you were definitely missed, but I hope that you enjoyed your short visit with your family.
Please let me know if you see the Disney Magic in the Med. this summer…she arrived in Barcelona on the 24th amid a “magical celebration” complete with fireworks.
I ran into a fellow cast member on Saturday night and she informed me that she is booked on the Splendor…I have passed along the link to your blog….she also sailed with you on the Carnival Liberty in 2005.
Linda
Hi John
Great to here all is well, did not get to have my glass of wine the weather in Thorpe Bay has been awful!! Told the rest of my cruise party that I had sent you a Blog (first time for me) they really think I am a just too sad. One of our cruise party actually lives a few doors away from you, so be warned. Looking forward to sailing with you in Aug from your friends in Thope Bay Mx
Hi, John.
You asked for follow-up on unanswered questions. I had asked about a shore excursion originally listed for the transatlantic crossing which has since “disappeared” from the options. It was “Granada of the Moors” from Malaga which included a tour of El Alhambra. I realize the cruise is five months off, but any chance this will be offered?
Also, Sarah’s comment about cruises being for old people made me chuckle. I was on a cruise some years ago on Carnival’s Western Caribbean itinerary (not sure which ship, possibly Imagination). While sitting on a bench out of the sun waiting for my daughter to come out of a shop I struck up a conversation with a gentleman sitting next to me.
“Are you on the Carnival ship?” I asked.
“Oh, no!” he replied. “That’s just for young people!”
“And for those of us who are young at heart. You really should try it sometime,” said I as I walked away.
He and I were of similar years in age (60+) but his attitude was that of travel agent Sarah’s impression of cruisers. I feel sorry for them both.
And – - I mentioned to my daughter Jennifer, who will be cruising with me and our friend Karen on the transatlantic, that you are open to suggestions for activities during the 7-day crossing. I was content knowing there would be food, casino, food, spa, reading on deck, crocheting, and — food. Jen, knowing how good you are at involving guests, had ideas for some more interactive events – -
A game show “Are You Smarter than a Cruise Director?” similar to the TV show “…Smarter than a 5th Grader.”
A scavenger hunt over a couple of days with teams advancing through stages (like a road rally).
An interactive, partly staged, mostly improv, “event”, similar to “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” during which the “audience” actually participates as guests during the ceremony and reception.
We’ll see you in 5 months! Keep the blog thingy going.
Sue
Hi John!
Thanks for your reply! I don’t have your regular e-mail address. Click on my name here at the top left and go to my web site you can e-mail me there. I don’t want to put my home address on line although I’m sure that it’s floating around out there somewhere in web land!
Still have a good case of jet lag! We flew both ways on Lufthansa and went Business Class for the very first time………what a pleasure ! Leg room and a seat that almost becomes a bed, very nice! The service was great and had an uneventful flight! It’s good to be King ! Just kidding!!!!!(That would be first class!)
Kathy and Paul
John,
Maybe you can help a lot of us understand why on many of our past cruises, the television feeds came out of Colorado? Not that we don’t mind, it’s just something I’ve heard several different rumors so I thought we would ask an expert.
Also, any idea on when we might see some changes to the Platinum guidelines or other perks. I’m not there yet, but am anxiously awaiting any changes!
Thanks again for keeping our cruising addiction alive and well!!!!
Oh dear, however can you forget Jess! I was on the Liberty last October (12 days from Rome Departed on the 10th). During one of the shows you pulled a nice fellow from Texas on the stage and his wife said he wasn’t romantic. This led to Jess having to sing the Mexican hat dance & profess his love to his wife whenever (and wherever) you said “Texas” on the PA. At the end of the cruise you asked us all to write “jess was great” on our comment cards.
(You were also molested on stage during the bedtime story on this cruise)
Cheers from Jersey,
Mrs KL
Hi John and welcome back! I am following up to an unanswered comment I posted just before you went home. Kim and I are sailing next week June 6th and if you could I would like for you to make a Supper Club reservation for us on June 10th (cabin # 6271) around 6:30 or so? I also submitted a question about the Konvale biking tour in Dubrovnik. I booked this tour and was wondering what feedback you have gotten from guests that have done this tour?
See you in a week!
Scott and Kim
John, doesn’t it make you feel bodacious to hear things like Mrs. KL just said. That you can pull off a skit time after time and have guest thinking they just saw something unique to their cruise. That’s is what got me blogging in here. When I read all the people that couldn’t remember when Willey Banger was on their cruise. Till I realized that Willey was on them all and that I had been had. I told my whole family about this Willey Banger guy that was on OUR cruise. I’m sure by now you have had some poor soul from every State in the Union professing his love for an entire cruise. And the cruisers going home with the memories seeing it happen. I just realized something. Cruisers reading this thingy that have never cruised with you before will be ready for Willey and his list of friends.
“BIG” ED
John,
I’ve just returned to Seattle last evening from the May 13th cruise after spending an additional night in Rome and then two nights in Copenhagen. Thank you and Heidi so much for your amazing product. I had an incredible time and regret not being able to catch up with you as much. I really appreciate the signed book that you sent and it has already joined my existing collection of prized inaugural books.
The trip was fantastic and I will be in touch once I get my shipboard photologue published on my site.
To all other May 13th cruisers : If you did not get my contact information on board during the cruise, please contact me via my web site so that we can exchange information.
Steve
Juanito!!
Suitcases are done!!! The DVD that Im going to bring you is already on my hand bag.John, Im going to leave you a note at the information desk but I want to give you the DVD in hand (or Heidi’s
) So I will search for you two when I get there. Im leaving for Rome on Sunday before that I have Viviana’s graduation and prom.Its going to be a busy week with many emotions and maybe I wont get much sleep but Im going to be the lady with the biggest smile on the Freedom on June 6.
A big huggo for you two.
Nanette
John, I see in the picture of your bodacious breakfast with Alan that Chef has already taken the door off so you will be able to leave after eating. I could see Chef was trying to tell us something with his hand on that door laying against the wall.
“BIG” ED
(RERUNS)
May 21st, 2007 at 11:47 am
John, that bodacious porterhouse steak looks great. Even the perfect amount of sides on the plate. I’m really a just the meat type of guy. I have never had a bad steak on a CARNIVAL cruise. They come as requested done just right. Pat calls me a cannibal and I only go medium-rare. She has all her meat killed twice.
Heidi, not having to leave the ship between cruises on a BTB sounds good, our cabin # will be 8268 on the January 26th cruise. Still working on the BODACIOUS BLOGGERS CRUISE. John’s offer to do all our laundry is a start. Did I miss something Pat has said to you, is that why John is calling that statue in the picture SMALLUS EDUS? There is no E.D. in “BIG” ED. A statue like SMALLUS EDUS is better then a MAXIMUS FLOPUS.
“BIG” ED
May 21st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
John, Pat just said we will share your cabin on the bloggers cruise to make it easier for you to do our laundry. Oh tell Heidi I don’t leave the seat up. “SMALLUS EDUS” is a sitter not a pointer so I will not be sharing the doggie cabin with you.
Your bunk “MATES”
ED & PAT KONEFE
“BIG” ED
May 21st, 2007 at 1:45 pm
John, I just posted the new pictures to your ALBUM. I noticed you don’t have the Captain(a nice solo one). We got to have all your bosses. IDEA could you give my e-mail address to your photo staff so they can send shots of your BLOGGERS right to me for posting in the BLOGGERS ALBUM. You know like group pictures they take with you. Have them send a picture of the photo staff too.
“BIG” ED
PS. to see JOHN’S ALBUM or the BLOGGERS ALBUM just click on underlined name at top of my comment
John Ill like to see the sunrise In san Marco square.At what time is the sun rising ??
Hi Guy,
Mrs. here.
Carnival Brochures aren’t just missing in action in the UK.
They were endangered species in the greater Phillie area, too.
In fact, I had a game. Now Extinct. (I don’t play anymore, but brochures are probably still missing) Perhaps my game can be Returned!!! Hint hint hint I would go into the travel agencies in the malls and department stores and ask if there were any specials on Carnival’s Smoke Free Paradise.
None of them had ever heard of her. and they were out of brochures. There is a rumor that other cruise lines and all the resorts give the travel agents bigger kickbacks for steering their customers their way.
So the thing that irritates me is that for all her faults, I love her still, but Somebody took away her Smoke Free status because nobody was cruising on her ( guess we are nobody) when the real issue was that she only got one day promotion as a press release for her inaugaural cruise to nowhere.
Bring Back My Carnival Smoke Free Cruisin’!
Now, the Carnival Liberty had designated smoking areas, but you try telling the smoke it isn’t allowed in the hallway once it gets turned loose. I’m thinking of bringing scuba tanks so I can go into the casino. There are air systems for hospitals to keep isolation room contagions out of the general air that would fit the casino and cigar bar on a cruise ship. And some people don’t understand port and starboard on the decks. We quit trying to take moonlight strolls on deck. We would just acknowledge that if we were on the Paradise, we would go out for our 2 am moonlight stroll.
There were so many other considerate fellow cruisers, that was still above a land lubber vacation. I would certainly have to dodge smoke at my favorite beach.
About the people who snub Carnival: perhaps selfish people say Carnival isn’t the best so they can keep it to themselves. Or they think if they admit they Cruise Carnival it means they can’t afford a world cruise on the QEII without realizing a QEII world cruise is Different than a Fun Ship and each should be embraced.
Could you give up your cigars on board for a Carnival Smoke Free Fun Ship World Cruise Ship with Angelina Jolie? That would be the best.
What we should do is continue to spread the word, keep on cruisin’, keep ya’ll in business, because
You Make More Cruise Ships!
I just counted 22 Carnival Funships, with say, 2500 passengers each cruise, and some of them doing 2 cruises a week and Carnival Freedom doing 1 every two weeks, that’s like 10 Thousand Passengers for every 4 ships, or like more than 50 Thousand Happy Cruisers every week and more than 10 Thousand satisfied cruisers, so that would be what, 2 and a half Million cruisers a year? Just Carnival? Spread the word.
Carnival Cruising is an Art Form. Hail to the Artists who create such beauty. and Fun.
By the way, you now have heard Chinese for Sperm of the Devil.
Thanks for the response, John.
Yes, it’s a shame living here in Paradise, but some poor sod has to do it!
You’d be surprised how very ho-hum it gets,though
after fifty-five years of living on Barbados, with the TRAFFIC!(on a small island?!)..but I shouldn’t complain.
Even islanders need to ‘get off the rock’ every so often, and that Destiny cruise was just too short.
I started planning the next one, almost as soon as I got back to our Bridgetown Port!
……………………
Sandy Lane, huh? You’d like it!
Drive right up to the porte cochere in your Aston Martin and start enjoying your few days ashore!
As a younger lad, I used to work in their Watersports concession at the hotel, meeting millionaires like you, usually carrying them diving.
Around 1977,Benny and Freda from ABBA spent a few days with us at Sandy Lane, wanting to scuba-dive, so I put them through the crash-course in the pool, and took them out on the reefs,later.
Had the distinct pleasure of holding Freda’s hand for about half-an-hour (fright!) but again…some poor sod’s got to do the rough work, isn’t it a shame?
Next post I’ll tell you a bit about my several travels to Mustique…another hot sweaty little island.
Oh well – it’s a tough life.
Hi John and Heidi,
I have been following your blog since the beginning and have submitted a couple of replies. We will be on the 7/24 cruise. I was excited to see Cindy’s reply to your blog because her family of 4 will be on the same cruise. She has 2 daughters traveling with her that are close to my daughters ages (my girls are 15 and 20). It would be fun to meet that family.
Also, I have heard a lot of different ideas about tipping the staff. What does your staff consider a good tip and do we tip in cash, per day or all at once at the end on credit? This is our first cruise and I’m not sure what is expected and how to budget this. Thanks for your help, this blog has answered lots of questions already.
Barb from Minnesota
Gosh! Reading the comments about a smoke-free paradise of a cruise, I write to say we had just that on our Carnival Destiny cruise of Apr.30th.-May 4th.
It wasn’t your usual cruise – it was a special one-off affair, a leftover ‘empty leg’ after Cricket World Cup which climaxed here in Barbados,
and Destiny had four or five days on her hands before getting back onto a regular schedule.
And so a 4-day cruise was sold locally to 1,550 Barbadians, and to 400 Trinidadians(nearby island) – and off we went!
Barbados is the closest thing anyone could want to a non-smoking nation! A local Doctor has promoted an anti-cancer, anti-smoking campaign here on the island for the last 25 yrs. or so,
and it has born fruit!
Our Destiny cruise was 99% smoke-free and I say that because I noticed one table near the Casino that lit up a few ciggies, just one night: no big thing.
Other than that it was a wonderfully smoke-free cruise, and thank you Dr.Gale for that!
Poking my head in the Disco one morning, one could smell the residual smoke but hey! it’s a disco.
Our cabin, and any other cabin we visited, smelt clean and fresh.. no leftovers there!
We were lucky I know, and hope for such luck again some day soon.
Hope I didn’t bore you, but there’s a definite Plus to a smoke-free cruise!
Welcome back Mr. Heald. I hope that you enjoyed the time with your parents? I probably know that they enjoyed the time with you. I have a question for you. Since I had my stroke and that was many years ago, I can no longer drink alcoholic beverages. I don’t really miss the hard liquor, but I still miss a cold beer. I have been lucky to have a beer but it is the one that is non – alcoholic. My question is , does the Carnival ships especially the Freedom since I will be on that ship in February, will it have any non – alcoholic beer if I request it while I’m on the ship? Same goes with wine. Is there any type of non – alcoholic wine onboard?
I agree with you about your blog, it has turned into something more powerful than just finding things out about cruising but thank God it is there about any questions about cruising. So, thank you again Mr. Heald and Carnival Cruise Lines for backing you up. It just proves that they are the best. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John -
The problem with this new screen name is that it is a devil to type
Still, I took your suggestion – now, I will be LFTTNSCF, whereas the Mrs can still comment (appropriately) under the old MTSFP name.
Welcome back.
Jon
hi john and heidi! we just booked another cruise today, this is the family christmas cruise we do. it is the miracle 12/17. there are 14 of us this year, in six cabins. so the total now is three booked on the freedom and one on the miracle! yay retirement! oh, and the ages on the christmas cruise will be 12-70 in case sarah wants to know, and we are ALL excited about it!
Podunk is fine, but prince charlie fell yesterday and is all boo boo’d up. went to the dr. today and got fixed up, but the poor guy is sore as all get out. he needs a cruise!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hey John
Welcome back we all missed you hope you had a great mini vacation. Just wanted to know if you got my address I posted it on a blog but I know for pricacy reasons that comment was never posted which i appreciate anyway just wanted to make sure you got it cause you said you were going to send a dvd of the making of the ship. Thank you in advance love reading the blog thingy talk to you later.
James
JOHN
Welcome back from your vacation.
Do you get your money back if the evening gondola ride in Venice is cancelled because of rain?
Do you know yet about the demographics(age,location,etc) of people on the June 6th cruise?
I have some sugar free candy for you. Will you get it if I take it to the pursers desk?
Kena
2 days and we fly to Rome!! 8 days and we’ll be on the Carnival Freedom!!
Seems ages ago we were inquiring about the Supper Club. We would appreciate it if you could make reservations for our group of 6 on Tues June 12th at 730pm. Our cabins are 8450, 8452 & 8454.
We are so excited!! We booked this a year ago, seems like we have been planning forever, and now suddenly it is here!!
See you soon ! Janet & Phil and friends
Dearest John,
After months maybe years of you waiting for me to answer your call I want to say. I would be thrilled to be carnival splendor’s godmother, but only if you can be the godfather to her. Please contact me soon.
All my love and affection
-AJ
It’s good to see that you are back safe and sound! Several questions not really related to each other–sort of like family right?
We have heard about Heidi and would like to know some of her favorite things. I think I read that “Heidi likes vanilla” but didn’t know vanilla what?? Ice cream? The color? Tea?
What fun “singles” places should we visit in Rome for mid 40′s-50′s?
We have read a great deal about all the romance in Rome and Venice and, quite frankly, unless Roman is part of that, really won’t be feeling romantic with a bunch of other women no matter how much moonlight there is.
Has the Freedom spa ever done a makeover as part of their on-board advertising? On a recent trip, a cruiseliner spa did 6 makeovers during the week and kept everyone up-to-date each evening at dinner and via the TV as to the progress of their makovers. It was great on-board see it happen to someone just like you advertising.
And (in reference to your unfortunate experience regarding seat-saving) as my mother always said (in Polish so I think it’s what she was saying), remember that even those known to be perfect still be crucified.
Hi John,
Thank you for responding back to me so quickly, glad your back and had a great mini-vacation with your Mum and Dad.
John I have some really Great, Fantastic, Wonderful news, my Sister and her husband are booking on the Carnival Splendor for the same time we are going. OMG- I am ecstatic. See she lives in NJ and I live in NC so we don’t get to see each other very often. In past years we were always very close but life took us in different directions, now for the most part we get to see each other maybe once a year, .so this trip will give us some extra, extra special time.
Sometimes I get really sad when I don’t get to see the rest of my family as often as I would like too and when I do get to see them things change so much. I feel I am a very lucky/blessed person to be able to enjoy these times that I am able to travel and cruise. I hate to bring up a sad note but I am a two time Cancer Survivor, first in 2002 and the second time 2005. I’m also a partial right foot amputee due to Peripheral Arterial Disease.
But my salvation has been a positive attitude and to keep on living each day as if it’s your last!
And if you ask Dean he’ll tell you that’s exactly what I’m doing-keep planning trips on Carnival, of course!
John on another note how do I make sure we are listed as a part of the “Blogger thingy” on the “Bloggers Cruise” in Jan, 2008, my cabin # is 7326.
Say Hi to Heidi and give her my best.
Hope to see you both soon!
Thanks,
Inez & Dean
Hi,
We are back from our 8 day cruise on the Liberty and had a wonderful time. Our group wanted me to thank you for the suggestions on excursions in Costa Rica and Panama. They were very helpful. It was unbelievable standing at the Panama Canal. The Liberty is a beautiful ship and the staff was wonderful. We were able to have a short visit with the Cruise Director, James Smith at the coffee shop on the third sea day. John- he sounds just like you over the PA system. It brought back memories of cruising with you and Peter.
We were reading the blogs you wrote while we were gone and asked two questions. One what do we like in a Cruise Director? For us its someone who can educate us more about our ports of call, over and above what is in the excursion materials and where to find the nearest Diamond International Store? I am very interested in needlework and fabric and no one seems to be able to direct me to places in the ports of call where I can learn about what is done locally. One thing that both you and Peter taught us was some of the traditions associated with cruising. Lastly, we also value learning about the local culture, art, music and belief systems which leads me to your second question. Yes, we would appreciate having the local cultural attributes celebrated on the ship either in dance, music or other educational venues. The one thing cruising has done for our family is to give us the opportunity to expericence different cultures first hand. This is Mike and I went cave tubing in Belize last year. Let’s put it this way, I spent some of the time sitting on the bottom of the river as my bottom acted as an anchor in shallow water. Our prayers and thoughts our with Manny and her family. Thank you for sharing the story about Rick. Don’t forget to put him in your book. Again thank you for all of your help and we hope to see everyone in January. Lynn and Mike Sagara
Hello John!
I love reading your blog and have become a big fan. I am ready to accept your invite to be the god mother to the new ship, as long as you are there and keep me warm at night big boy!
Kisses, your Angelina
Hi John, Just noticed from James Emm’s comments that there is a DVD -Making of the Ship-Freedom, how do I get one? Mike would love to see it. I know Carnival had stopped making the promotional Videos on the new ships, didn’t realize the DVD’s are now available, when I had called Carnival I was told they don’t do that anymore. I want to get one for Mike, how do I do that? Linda (the handyman’s wife)
I don’t know if my email went thru, so here goes again, I see James Emm wrote about the DVD of making of the ship – Freedom, I would like to get one for Mike, how do I go about that? Linda (the handymans wife). When I had inquired of Carnival on this they said they no longer made these videos.
John – I don’t know how you find time to do this blog but it brightens up my lunch half-hour. Our thoughts & best wishes go to Lisa & her family. The comment on P & O “they’re letting ordinary people on now” was by a fellow guest – part of the “antiquated class system” which even now clings on in the UK as you say. We were lucky with our table – 2 couples who despite being “better off” than we are were extremely nice & friendly people. Takes all sorts. Black pudding is not about to appear on the menu thank you! Paulette is currently freezing in Alaska but otherwise fine. Anyone on the Spirit please say “hi”. By the way it was p—-ing it down in UK on the Bank Holiday Monday (as usual!)
John:
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, AND THANK YOU!!!!
In yesterday’s blog you mentioned a travel agent in Burlington, NC ~ got me thinking to check in with mine and what a nightmare we found. Our travel agent forgot to process our deposit, book our cruise, pretty much forgot a lot of things. Needless to say after an afternoon of pure panic, I remembered your blog and called the other travel agent. I can see why they have won an award, they were great …. they got our room, booked our cruise and reassured us that this is not Carnival!!! Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your knowledge, had you not shared the info we would not have known what do to. I now picture you dancing with the spoons and forks singing at the top of your lungs “Be our guest, be our guest ~ let John do his best” … well, something along that line anyways. Thank you again!!!
P.S. Did anyone catch the special on Greta’s show last night, she did an hour special on Maddy the missing little angel!!!! It was terrific, lots of eyes out and watching.
John, I will check out this Angelina for you. I think this one must be a BODACIOUS (noteworthy) fake. But I will check her out very closely when Pat is not around. I’m sure this isn’t the BODACIOUS (outstanding) ANGELINA of your BODACIOUS (memorable) dreams. How BODACIOUS (gutsy) of this person to try and trick you.
Your BODACIOUS (extraordinary) AGENT
“BIG” ED
Nice Blog
I have wanted to try Carnival for a while now, but have become captivated by the anytime dinning on Princess. Are there any rumors about Carnival offering anytime dinning options in the future? I have heard HAL is going to introduce something similar, but I think I would prefer a Carnival ship. So any Comments?
Bob,
Do you like having the same waitstaff everyday? I like when I tell my waitperson at the first dinner that I will have coffee and my wife will have Ice tea with lemon with our dinner everyday that I wont have to say it again. In fact the lemon will already be on the table by my wife’s chair. When I tell my bar service person that I will have a VO Manhatten before dinner everyday it will come as soon as they see I’m seated. After the first day you don’t have to start allover again introducing yourself to those sharing your table. Or if you wanted and got a table for two you know you will have it everyday and not be told “no table for two available right now”. If everybody stays in port late and comes to dinner at the same time do you think everybody will get seated without a wait. Or will they just say “I’m not standing in line for a table” and go up to the Lido deck buffet line. So I say leave a good thing alone. IF IT’S NOT BROKE DON’T FIX IT.
“BIG” ED
Thanks a mill. Coincidentally we were on the phone to Sharon when she walked into her room and found the champers!!! She was delighted.
Hi John
We really could not thank you enough for sending sharon that. Yip she is famouse in our lifes . you really did make her 50th birthday amazing. She said she is having so so much fun aboard the ship.
Whish you happy sailing. Just remind her about the photo i want
Debbie and the Jamieson
hi John this is Theresa… and i had to write to tell you (speaking as a true southern woman) you aint had grits the right way honey chil’e…..
i love to cook….(if you saw me you’d see i love to eat too)…. and i experiment in the kitchen.
try grits my way….
make them ( or HAVE them made kinda thick) then add real butter, salt , pepper and crumbled fried bacon……and velveeta cheese…. make sure it is hot enough to melt the cheese and butter….and stir to mix it up… yea… sure, it is a heart attack in a bowl….but it sure beats plain old grits.
i have to apologize, i am a nurse and am advocating a ‘heart attack in a bowl’ food… but i had to set the record straight…if you pile enough stuff in em…grits are good!
and thankyou for the bloggy thing…. i get a joy from reading it. i wont ever EVER stop cruising with Carnival…… you dream of meeting AJ and i dream of meeting and singing with Barry Manilow. i am a nurse but also have a Masters in Music/Voice major…we will both see our dreams come true, promise!!!
Thanks for the input—honestly, I’d never spent two minutes worring about reviews (we have always had a marvelous–shall I say ‘fun’ time). ..just got spooked when a rash of kid’s pgm reviews all had the same thing to say. Our 6 yr old DD will have a blast–and next, she’s pulling for a Hawaii cruise (gotta stop turning on the Travel channel)—so how come the Spirit doesn’t travel there in the summer?
Pingback: Criminal Defense strategy