Good Evening everyone and welcome to another blog from the good ship Carnival Freedom.
I have just started today’s blog at 6 pm. What a beautiful day it’s been. Nobody deserved sunshine more than our guests after damp and miserable weather in both Venice and Dubrovnik. Here is a photo that Heidi has just taken of the beautiful Med at 6 pm.
I was lucky that only ONE guest blamed Carnival for the weather. Here then, is there comment which I have copied directly from our incident report and of course to protect the writer, I have removed the name.
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 6:49 PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER; FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR
Subject: Letter From Guest
Good evening
Please find following comments from ………….. in cabin ….:
The following letter was sent to the Cruise Director and Captain:
I would like to speak to the Cruise Director or the Captain regarding the weather in Venice and Dubrovnik
I could not do my tour in Venice and the weather was too cold in Dubrovnik to do anything. My clothes were soaked waiting for a waterbus in Venice. I think it would be a nice gesture if you cleaned my clothes for free and offered your passengers some compensation for the rain.
Would it be possible to call the guest John?
Thank you ,
Elisa
2nd Purser
So, as requested I called the guest. She was adamant that she should receive compensation. I explained the obvious that we were not responsible etc., and she told me that a certain “other cruise line” would do this without thinking. So, I asked her how much she would think we should give her that would adequately compensate her for the weather……………………guess how much……………………………$150………………………..yep, that’s $150. I bit my lip and offered to launder her coat for her for free and she hung up the phone still not happy and informing me that she will be contacting head office. I also sent her a Pina Colada to her dinner table tonight………….with a little umbrella on the side……………..I wonder if she will see the funny side of that…………….probably as much chance as I have of driving an Aston Martin DB9.
I met with 25 Bloggers today. We had a little meeting in one of the lounges and we all introduced ourselves to each other. I can’t remember all their names but it was great to meet them and put faces behind the screen names. One couple will be mentioned later in the cruise as they have been part of “Stars of the Week” and deserve special recognition. It is important that everyone who cruises with me lets me know that they are onboard ASAP so I can make personal contact with them.
What else, oh yes, here is the front cover of this weeks Life and Style weekly which two bloggers brought on the ship for me. As you can see from the cover, Angelina has finally opened her heart to Brad about why she will never marry him.
So, the paparazzi are now picking up on this and it won’t belong before Angelina is standing next to me on the podium and christening the Carnival Splendor and embracing me with those luscious ruby lips as I trace my hand slowly down the curve of her back, pausing only to gently remove her…………….AND A STAPLER JUST HIT ME AFTER A PERFECT THROW FROM HEIDI………and I am back from the world of dreams. I think I should write romance novels!
Heidi’s the Q&A
KENA AND DAVID – Kena, you asked if tours are canceled, so you get your money back. The answer is yes. The money is automatically returned to your Sail & Sign card the same day. It looks like on your cruise in a few days we will have a few more families including 175 children. We have a group of 90 Russians and apart from that it will be a normal fun Carnival cruise with all ages represented. Thank you so much for the sugar free candy please leave it at the pursers’ information desk and with a little note and I will return the favor and call you as well. Have a safe flight and see you in a few days.
JANFR WA – Well, you sound excited and so you should be with your cruise just a few days away. I have confirmed your supper club request and I know you will enjoy the delightful setting and amazing food. Have a good trip over and I look forward to seeing you soon.
ANGELINA – I don’t know who this is but your are cruel to play with a man’s emotions. You are tugging on my heartstrings. I wish it were you Angelina but I have a feeling it’s not the most stunning and sexy actress in the world but probably a slightly over weight Phil Collins look-a-like called Alan Adkins who has had one pint too many in the Cliff Pub!
NANCINURSE – We are indeed like a family Nancinurse. Let me answer your questions. The spa does indeed have a big makeover party during the cruise and this is a very popular event for the ladies (and some men) on board. I see that you are traveling with as you put it “a bunch of women” so I guess the romantic spots of Rome may not interest you. I do however think you should see the Trivi Fountain and Spanish Steps — two very special areas and bustling with nightlife, bars and restaurants. Head also for the Via Veneto which has piano bars and live music into the night. How kind of you to ask about Heidi. She does indeed love vanilla, especially bath stuff in that flavor. I can never see what all the fuss is about, give me a piece of soap and I am happy. Heidi’s latest thing is to have me showered using a purple sponge thing using her smelly shower gel. I get into the shower smelling like a man should and then after my shower using her stuff I smell like a girl holding a bunch of roses in a dress.
Anyway, she loves vanilla. Oh, hold on, here is another thing. Heidi loves to be romantic and “have a bath together.” Oh, joy, that’s so much fun. She immerses herself in the hot water, while the plug and I become very good friends as it morphs with bottom. I send you my best regards and also to your Mum although her idea of crucifying people who save seats is a little drastic
INEZ AND DEAN – One of my favorite things about cruising is when I hear that families use our ships to reunite with members they have not seen for a long time. I am therefore proud and humbled that your sister has now decided to book the Carnival Splendor based on your recommendation which, in turn, was based on the promotion for the ship on this blog thingy. WOW, is right. It seems that you deserve your vacation more than most as a two-time cancer survivor and your salvation has I am sure been your positive and fun outlook on life itself. I will be proud to welcome you onboard. I know you are also coming on the bloggers cruise and don’t worry about your gifts, I will make sure you and all the bloggers get their packages. Stay well, stay positive and I Heidi and I will be thinking about you. See you soon.
LYNN AND MIKE SAGARA – Welcome back from your Carnival Liberty cruise. I am happy to hear my tour recommendations were of some use and it sounds like you had a brilliant time. There are (as you say) many types of cruise directors with varying styles. Some are funny, some are informative and some are just, well, as you say, a little over the top. There is no manual on how to be a good cruise director and many people have different perspectives on what a cruise director should be. The best I have ever seen was Gary Hunter who was just ……himself. He taught me to be just that and if I could be as half as good as he was and is then I will feel good. How was James, what was your opinion of him, I would appreciate the feedback as he is still quite new in the job? Thank you also for mentioning Maddy the little girl who is still missing after being abducted in Portugal. Her parents met with the Pope yesterday and they are desperately trying to keep the image of her in people’s minds. Let’s continue to think and pray for her safe return. So, welcome back and I look forward so very much to seeing you in January and please keep reading the blog thingy until then.
LINDA HERNACKI – The DVD I sent James was from the shipyard and in Italian. I am in the process of seeing if we can edit one to include English subtitles and as soon as we do I will let you know so Mike can build his own ship one day. I always look forward to your comments and I am so looking forward to getting our light bulbs changed by Mike the Bulb. See you soon.
PAULETTE’S MUM – It is interesting that the class system is still alive and well in the UK and some people I know try and exploit and highlight this when on certain ships. I am glad you had a good time. Which P&O ship were you on? They do have a new ship I think due soon but I have no idea as to its size and name but I am sure my faithful PA does so I will kindly ask him/her for an answer. I cannot reveal their identity as he/she needs to remain a man/woman of mystery. I will e-mail Paulette on the Carnival Spirit and I send my best to you back in the homeland.
VICKI AND MATT TILL – YOU ARE WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME. I am happy to hear you have found a great agency in Burlington, North Carolina and it appears to be no surprise that they won an award from us. No need to thank me as the main purpose of this blog thingy is to be here for you the readers and as you said in your new lyrics for the song “John will always do his best.” Thank you for making me smile and I happy you got your next Carnival cruise booked.
BIG ED – I think the Angelina comment that has been pressed onto this blog thingy is indeed from my mate Alan Adkins. Therefore, I need you to use your powers to find out if indeed he did and if that is the case then he must be punished BIG ED style. I will now make you my official ALAN’S SYSTEM SEARCHER A.S.S. This message will self destruct in five seconds.
BOB – Thank for the compliment Bob. I see from your posting that you love the anytime dining on Princess and I can understand why. For many people this is the way to go, eating when you like. I have not experienced this method for myself so I cannot comment but I can tell you that there are no plans for Carnival to do the same. Many of guests return to us because of the dining experience of sitting with new friends who after a few days become great friends and many become friends for life. Also, having the same waiter each meal means that they get to know what you like and do not like and therefore the friendship you strike up with the dining room team also is for many a highlight. So, let us start a debate. What do our thousands of bloggers feel? Let me know your opinions. This is not to see who is wrong or right because once again it comes down to personal choice. It is also not about which cruise line is better because of the dining options they offer as I am here to support all the Carnival brands. So…………….let’s hear your thoughts AND I SEE BIG ED HAS ALREADY BEGUN………………..Thanks Bob for bringing up this forum and I hope your want to cruise Carnival will become reality soon. Please let me know if you would like help choosing the right cruise for you.
MJS – hello and welcome to the blog thingy. It is super to hear that you are enjoying the stories and it sounds like you and your friends are planning a wonderful vacation. It is a shame that some people still love to say negative things about Carnival, a subject I touched on a few blogs ago. Having read a bit about you I think that you would love a Carnival cruise in the Med or Baltic with us. The demographics you supplied me make it a certainty. Unfortunately, I do not know exactly what ships will be doing what yet in 2009. I know you want to book early however if you can wait a few more weeks, I am sure we will be able to pass something on to you before too long. I have a feeling that due to the success of the Baltic on the Carnival Leg End and now the bookings for the Carnival Splendor that this run may be repeated. Russia, Finland, Denmark, Holland and more make this an incomparable itinerary. I am sure your Holland America cruise was amazing. I hear such great things about our sister line. Tell me something about where you went and what you like to do onboard and once again welcome to the blog.
LOOKINGFORWARDTOTHENEARLEYSMOKEFREECARNIVALFREEDOM – I am ashamed because the girls were nine at the time and did their lines in one take. I was 31 and it took me 6 takes
NANETTEALI – Please bring the sun with you as Venice as been very unpredictable and selfish when it comes to sun. See you soon.
VICKI AND MATT TILL – CUTE. You think my baby photo is cute……….I think you need a new computer monitor. Heidi just called me “CHUBBY CHEEKS.”
NATE’S MUM – Your wish is my command. I will indeed focus on your son (and his girlfriend) in a blog coming soon.
JO MYERLY – I have never heard of the “Rock” method of predicting weather before however it seems like you had faith in the system. I hope the rain stays away otherwise I will have to perform one of my naked rain dances on the Lido Deck……..photos to follow.
MATT AND VICKI TILL – That would have made her Jenny Till! Poor girl.
CAPT CHUCK – That is one funny story. Is there shopping at Stingray City? Classic. That’s proof that every village has one………..if you know what I mean. Keep reading the blog and please share any more stories if you can.
GHOST LADY – Thank you to you and everyone else who continues to think of little Maddy. There is talk that she may still be in Europe and maybe Spain. As we are in Barcelona in a few days I am asking permission from the tour company to place posters of her in the bus windows………you never know, it may jog a memory.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – I wonder how many entries we have had for the Spa Naming Contest. I think mine are still the best. I once won a contest for a slogan for a sewage trucking company back home. The company was called EDWARDS SEWAGE COMPANY – MY SLOGAN – WE ARE NUMBER ONE IN THE NUMBER TWO BUSINESS. Always great to hear from you so please keep reading and writing.
KICIASKI – Welcome to Rome Linda and George and the rest of the Cruise Critic group. Please let me know if you are having a meet and greet onboard so I can come along. Please have a wonderful time in Rome and watch out for those pick pockets.
Thank you also for your support for Carnival and protecting the small but annoying misconception that Carnival is something only for young. Well, you know the story. It’s as you and thousands of others prove each and every week. Cruising is for everyone all the time. See you onboard and get ready for the time of your life.
HOTLANTA – At last, a shopping question. I can’t believe it has taken this long to be asked. Now, as far as duty-free is concerned it is a little different. If you are from a non-EU (European Union) country then before you leave Rome airport you can visit the TAX RETURN DESK and claim back your tax which in Europe is included in the purchase price. Now, as far as Customs and Immigration are concerned, when you disembark the ship there are no lines or paper work to stand in or complete. The only time you will go through Customs and Immigration is upon returning to your homeland. As far as jewelry is concerned, what cruise are you going on, Grand Med or Greece/Turkey? Let me know and I will point you toward some good shopping with Heidi’s help of course. Hope this was helpful and if you require more help please let me know. All the best until then.
HIJEAN – You are correct that people who have a bad experience are very quick to pass their experiences on while people who come back from a cruise in a haze of fun, food and relaxation may take a few more days before passing on the good news. It just gets under my skin when others are influenced 100 percent by someone else before trying it for themselves. I paid special tribute to our NYC group of fire and policemen and women today and they received a big standing ovation. Go and have your hair done and can’t wait to meet you.
LINDA – Wish I could have been there for your graduation party, it sounds like you will need a relaxing vacation after organizing that. Venice has to have a sunny day soon, I mean, two rainy ones in a row, that’s not normal. Let’s hope its third Venice lucky. Regardless, you will love this romantic and enchanting city in both the sunshine and with liquid sunshine as my Jamaican friends say. See you very soon.
THE TRAVELING SEEDS FROM ALABAMA – Great news that you have been enjoying the blog from the beginning. I have many special memories of the Carnival Triumph and it is still one of our most popular ships out of Miami. Congratulations on booking the Carnival Freedom for September. You asked about hotels in Rome. I think if you are staying just one night and don’t want to worry about seeing too much then I suggest the Hilton at the airport. If however, you do want to use the time to see as much as you can then I suggest the Visconti Palace which is the heart of Rome. These and transportation to the hotel and then to the ship can be arranged through Carnival if you so desire. I am glad you find the information useful and see you real soon………….that sounded very American, I am one step away from wearing mouse ears.
DOUG – I am going to call you.
CAT MAMA – I have not heard anything about the lady serving in Iraq with the Canadian forces. Has anyone? Please let us know she is ok. I am sure the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen video is not available these days……………I hope!
THAIS & FABIAN – Great news, thank you for booking and see you in a few weeks.
COOLIOMOM – You are right, wet, dry, hot or cool you will have the best time ever. I will do everything I can for you especially as you are bringing me an Aston Martin.
CARL AND BARB THE BEAR – Kids, we have a lot during school holidays but thanks to the award winning Camp Carnival and our new Club O2 for 15 – 17 year olds, you would never know. How great for Mum and Dad or Mum and Mum or Dad and Dad (I am learning) to leave the kids in these safe and happy environments knowing they are having so much fun and thus leaving parents to do what they want. The Fascination is the perfect example as you said in your comments for families who have never tried cruising before. Pass the word, cruising is the best experience a family will ever have together. Let me know if any first timers out there need some advice, we are all here to help. Thanks to you and huggy bear as always.
I KNOW THERE ARE MORE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER AND I WILL DO SO ON THE NEXT BLOG BUT ITS THURSDAY AND NEARLY BEDTIME – YIPPEE.
I had another run in with my Chinese lady friend today. She accosted me on Promenade Deck while I was getting a coffee with Heidi. I had my back to her, so to get my attention she poked me in the ribs. I turned, looked down and there she was, 4 feet 5 inches and mad at the world. I greeted her with a genuine smile and asked her how she was to which she shouted – “You are a very bad person.” I asked her what I had done wrong and she then berated me because the ship did not have a game called Ma Jung (or something like that). I told her I did not know what that was but if she wrote it down, I would see if I could buy it ashore for her and her friends to play. She did, and I will try and get it in Messina tomorrow. Before she left, she again told me that I was very rude in not letting her save seats and she reminded me that, according to her, I hate all Chinese. All the time she is doing this a small crowd had gathered to watch (some to laugh) as they enjoyed the sight of this tiny ball of fire poking her boney finger into my stomach and chest. I am glad the crowd was there, they were the only thing stopping me reaching over the coffee bar counter and giving her the good news with the whipped cream spray can.
What the heck is Ma Jung anyway? Is it something we should have on board? I mean, we have many different games, card games, board games but, of course, the one my new best friend wants is the Wong we don’t have (sorry for the obvious pun).
OK, it’s Thursday, and again it’s our special night. So, Barry White is singing softly, the lights are dimmed and I have turned into the love machine that Thursday’s bring. I can picture you all laughing now and I don’t blame you. In my “heavier” days Heidi once described our Thursday session as “having a large old fashioned wardrobe fall on you with the key still in the lock.”
On that note……………………..time for four minutes of fun.
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.
Hi John,
I wrote earlier today but then you had another entry that I just had to comment on. I have a mental picture of that little poking at you and just getting furious. It would make a great scene in a sit-com. Almost a Steinfeld moment. Steinfeld would know about Mah Jong. His mother or for sure his Nanna played. It is some kind of a tile game. I think like dominoes only there are pictures on the tiles.
Cort had a question. She is still in Madison finishing up her student teaching. She read somewhere that on embarkations days the spa needs passengers to demo treatments during their tours. My daughter is all about saving money (she is very much like her father in that sense). How does one go about contacting the spa to be part of the demo? Thanks again. Still 30 days to go. Sheree
As Autin Powers would say, “yeah, baby”. . . . . if the Freedom’s rockin, don’t come knockin. you’re something else.
Hey John, I have been reading this blog since
Jan.2007 when I booked our cruise for Aug.5-17,2007. We are first time cruisers (does that sound bad??) it is our 20th anniversary, and I for one have never been to Europe. You and Heidi sound adorable, I can’t wait to meet you both. I am going to check the webcam now, another daily ritual, and look forward to meeting you both.
Hello,
The correct spelling (I believe) for the game is mahjong. I’ve played it quite a bit on computers (it’s one of those games that after you play, you say… I’ll play just one more…. 17 games later you say it again and mean it a little bit more this time).
I’ve never played it in the original form as a physical real-world game. I would guess it would be easier to quit because the shuffling and setup between games might be cumbersome. Essentually in mahjong you set up a structure (usually some kind of pyramid) of domino like tiles. Then you can remove tiles that match each other and are “eligible” for removal (not blocked by other tiles). The object is to remove all the tiles. I think if you win one game in twenty you’d be doing very well.
It wouldn’t hurt to add one to your collection especially if it keeps 4’5″ majong junkies from poking you.
John – pretty funny about the Mah Jongg! It is a game played with tiles; there are suits & jokers, etc. Similar to Gin Rummy in some ways. There are a couple of different ways to play (with memorized “hands” that you try to collect, or off a card listing different “hands” every year.) My family plays it regularly, but the set is pretty big – we usually don’t travel with it! If you have a set by the time Lillian & I join you on the 6th, we could have a fun session teaching those who are interested! (And I promise we won’t poke you or yell at you!)
Ingrid & Lillian the Graduate Girl
Hello John and Heidi,
We have a technical question for Heidi today : )
Since we booked our cruise last minute (only 18 days before it actually begins!), only today I was able to go online to pre-book our tours. We were looking forward to the “Grand Istanbul” tour, but it’s not on the list. Could it already be booked out? We really wanted to go on it since it’s the only tour that other than all the other Istanbul highlights goes to the Chora Museum, where there are beautiful Byzantine mosaics. What should we do? Bedankt en groetjes van ons,
Thais&Fabian
Ah..tourists!
Your story re. the pathetic lady who is all wet,
sorry got all wet, reminds me of a rich American millionairess lady at Sandy Lane Hotel one winter, when the North swells come rolling down the West Coast of Barbados,
changing the normally-idyllic sea conditions into raging fury – overnight!
Madam awoke the next day to find ‘her’ sea conditions completely changed and not at all to Madam’s liking!
Madam is alleged to have quickly summoned the Hotel Manager, and demanded that he DO something about the sea conditions, since it was dangerous and impossible for her to swim.
Now really!
I believe her exact words were..“Can’t you DO something?” (I wasn’t there, thankfully).
It takes all types in the tourism business,doesn’t it,
so don’t feel bad.
————–
Mah Jongg (yes, with two g’s)
It’s an Oriental game popular among the Chinese.
Calls for much concentration.
Mah Jongg is a pile of small inscribed ’tiles’, heaped (in a special order?) .. tiles rather like Dominoes.
The pictorial inscriptions on the Mah Jongg tiles match each other in pairs, and are removed pair by pair.
That’s the difficult challenge, since some are covered and ‘held’ by others
and mustn’t be removed until they become eligible. It gets to you!
I play this game on the computer sometimes, and The Wife is completely addicted,so be warned..
-thus your diminutive lady’s insistent manner.
This is a table game, not quite a board game, but you might want to buy two or three nice sets of Mah Jongg for your cruisers to play.
Since a table is required, somewhere like the library might be a suitable place,
unless there are small side-tables out on deck?
Try it,John, you’ll like it.
You might like it too much,that’s the thing.
You’re not having a good week with your people, are you?
John,
In answer to your question about FreeStyle Vs. CarnivalStyle it’s a no brainer in my opinion, since Carnival gives you both. Considering the supper club where you can get a different dinner time, to the lido buffett, to the deli sandwiches, etc. That would all be a form of freestyle, or you can go the traditional route with a fantastic service team and enjoy fantastic cuisine that in many cases you would never get a chance to sample stateside.
Regarding your chinese friend and the lady wanting a refund for rain, it reminds me of an old quote from a t.v. series called Cheers.
Norm, (who you have a lot of the same qualities, the good ones at least) says “It’s a dog eat dog world and I’m wearing milk bone underwear”
Sometimes it’s just not your day!
You are cracking me up with the Thursday night thing.
We are on the Grand Med cruise so am looking for shopping hints there. In addition to jewelry we also like to purchase art from the locals. If we purchase the art would the ship be willing to ship back to the states for us or could we do that at the airport prior to leaving? I presume when you say we can get our tax back at the Rome airport before returning to the US we will need to just present our receipts. True?
Can’t wait – we’ll be there on the 30th. By the way, Sugar Free Chocolate or other candies. Is Heidi an original Starburst fan or does she prefer the tropical flavor?
John
That is really a problem saveing seats
I know it distracted from our fun on the ship
maybe an anouncement in Chinese may help
I know the last nite I was so mad that I went and sat down right in the middle of the entire roe that three people were trying to save I was called rude also Ha Ha
Les
Hi John and Heidi,
Our Cruise Critic group is having a meet and greet at 5 PM at the Endless pool on embarkation day June 6. We also would like to have a group picture taken the first formal night June 8 at 7:45 PM in the lobby.
The weather in Rome hasn’t been too bad so far. It rained off and on for a while this afternoon with the sun coming and going. It was warm enough but started to cool down when the rain started in the afternoon. It looks like rain for Saturday and Sunday but I hope they’re wrong.
See you in a few days.
Linda (kicia) and George
OK A little of the puertorrican sunshine (the heat I leave here) is in the suitcase
No, really last time we were on the Med not a day of rain,clear skys all the way, perfect pictures.It was beautiful!! I hope its going to be the same.Also on that cruise(Grand Princess) we had personal choice and we love it. For us its perfect, when we like we dine in the dinning room and when we didnt feel like it a full buffet.No time worries. Now John I think this is the last comment before I see you on Wednesday.Im going to miss the blog and I will read everything when I come back.
Bloggers:
Im going to write about our 12 days with John and Heidi when I come back
Would like some ideas of where to shop for nice jewelry during our cruise beginning July 24th on the Freedom. Also, what about good shops for wine and will they ship back to the states or do we usually have to do that at the airport?
Can we volunteer beforehand for the spa makeovers? How do we do that?
Hi John, If you decide to do the nude rain dance thing please have someone video it or at least take photos. I know Heidi won’t take photos. She wouldn’t embarass herself.
I think Carnivals mealtime is perfect. We try to check out the menu in the afternoon. If we don’t see something that appeals to us we go to the Lido for dinner. We have made wonderful friends on past cruises that we still keep in touch with. We you start out each meal with total strangers you don’t get a chance to make new friends. Also you only have to do the “where are you from, what do you do and my name is” once.
Jo
Hi John and Heidi,
Time to insert my 2 cents worth again.
The lady demanding payment for her wet clothes sounds as if she is the same or a very close relative to lady on our transatlantic crossing last year who yelled from back row during your debarkation talk that she wanted Carnival to reimburse her because she had gotten sick……you are to be commended for how quickly you can come up with an appropriate answer I inturn would have gotten in soooooo much trouble with my answer.
The set dining times and table assignments are something I look forward to on my cruises. Traveling as a single female it is one of the best ways to safely meet other passengers and some of those have become long term friends in fact I have traveled to Sheboygan, Wisconsin to visit 3 table mates from my first Hawaii cruise on the Spirit. The wait staff never fail to amaze me with their ability to remember your name after first meal……..heck it takes me months to remember names.
Speaking of children on cruises there were 2 little boys, Roman and Christian, on the transatlantic crossing last year that you introduced to each other and even treated them to a roll of quarters in the video arcade……….they were adorable.
Let’s see now the old Carnival calendar says 408 days until our next meeting on the Carnival Splendor. Yes I knew Michael and Jeni were going to become normal land dwellers maybe we could stop at there home for a spot of tea on our way to your house before setting sail from Dover on July 13.
Ciao!
Kersplott
Hi John,
You are eloquence personified with words and should you ever wish to try your hand at romance writing, I have connections in that publishing field. Mah Jong is similar to dominos – the tiles have symbols and pictures. I am a patient person but patience only goes so far sometimes… so glad you can keep your cool with those who push you to the limit. Sometimes you wonder if they even have a sense of humor. Anyhow, it’s been 31 days since I disembarked from the Carnival Freedom. As relaxing and wonderful as my cruise was, life back on land is very hectic and it seems as though that vacation was an eternity ago. Have a great weekend!!
P.S. Quick blog question – if I wanted to send you a picture, how do I do this through the “Leave a Reply” box or is there another method? Thanks!
John & Heidi,
I forgot to add another gathering of our cruise critic group at 10 PM in the Piano bar on June 14.
Hope to see you at our meetings.
Linda (kicia)
John-John:
LOL to Heidi calling you “chubby cheeks”, my question was she looking at your face or some other area????
Looking forward to seeing you both.
Vikki
Hi John & Heidi,
I had to write about Mah Jongg. My mother played this game 2-3 times a week when I was a kid. She had a beautiful set – ivory tiles that made quite a racket when all 4 ladies would move them around on the table to “shuffle” them. From what I understand, the men play the game in China.
Speaking of your little Chinese adversary, I remember a line or two in “Capers” about not saving seats. Do you still do that – maybe it should be written in several languages. Or surprise her by learning how to say it in Chinese (I’m sure someone in the crew could teach you what to say).
Anyway, enjoy the weekend,
Carol
John,
I can definitely relate to the guest issue with the weather…working here at Walt Disney World we hear everything too especially when it comes to guest compensation.
Please give us an update on whether you were able to purchase a Mah Jongg game!!
As far as freestyle cruising goes…I sailed on NCL’s Norwegian Sun to Alaska which had freestyle dining…while I enjoyed being able to dine when I wanted to, I definitely missed having the same team of servers and tablemates each evening. They had several alternative restaurants for a charge (French, Italian, Japanese…etc)…on Disney Cruise Line they have rotational dining between 3 restaurants whereby the serving team and your tablemates travel with you to each venue which is very enjoyable. They also feature a supper club for an additional charge.
Thank goodness it is Friday, but for you it should be Thursday all over again…you are just too funny.
Linda
Hi John. Been reading your blog for weeks. We will be on the Freedom June 6. This is also the 63rd anniversary of the Allied landings at Normandy. My in-laws (who both have passed away were British and he was in the Royal Air Force in WWII). I served in the U. S. Air Force. We are bringing U. S. and Union Jack flags (in honor of my father-in law) to hang from our balconies, cabins 6280 and 6282. This is my 7th Carnival cruise and my wife’s 5th. We were married on the Spirit on Oct 31, 2005 in San Diego. I am being promoted at work (I am a police officer) and my promotion date is June 11. So, we will have a party! My wife will be 40 on June 3, so…… Sorry the lady complained about the weather. Look forward to meeting you and Heidi on June 6!!!!
PS: What ports are tender boat ports on the Med cruise?
Steve and Nikki
About the dining choices. We personally love the opportunity to make new friends and to share our daily experiences with them throughout our cruise. We like the assigned seating at a specified time.
This time we will be sharing a large table with my brothers and their spouses along with two of our best friends. Of course, having the waiter and server remember you and your likes and dislikes is a huge plus too. It adds a bit of “Southern Hospitality” we have here in Atlanta, GA.
Your Thursday comments and bathtub story, left an indelible picture in my mind. You are such an open book. I often get myself in trouble for being the same way! We are two peas in a pod, John.
As far as assigned seating in the dining room, Bob and I always looked forward to getting back to the same table each day and talking about our excursions with the other couples.
Goodies !!!!
John, we’ll be looking forward to receiving the book you’ve sent, thanks!
Yes, we really did enjoy our leg room and I can assure you Carnival didn’t pony up for that, we did! You could buy a small country for that fare, wow! We flew coach on the Liberty cruise last year. You had to pry us out of the aircraft not to mention the man’s elbow that had to be surgically removed from my rib cage !
Hey, Big Ed…..did you open the album with John’s Morning Show I sent you? I froze my behind off shooting that Big Screen from the pool area on a sea day from Istanbul to Athens. It was cold, rainy and windy. It’s on my Web Shots site and it’s been downloaded several times already so it’s out there!!
We have 408 days til my next cruise!!!!!
Kathy and Paul
A couple of quick additions to my earlier post:
My husband & I were on the Imagination last September for an anniversary cruise, and enjoyed meeting up with our table-mates each evening for dinner, as we all had very different ideas of what fun to have during the day. It led to quite interesting & enjoyable conversation. During breakfast we got to meet new people every day, and dinner was with “old friends.”
In addition, as to the Mah Jongg info that has been posted, many are describing a computer version that matches tiles, which although enjoyable, is not how the traditional game is played. I learned years ago at a beach vacation – it would be fun to play again, this time at sea!
Practically counting the minutes -
Ingrid & Lillian the Graduate Girl
Hello John:
My wife Susan and I will be cruising on the “Freedom” from June 6-18, 2007. We are coming with five other couples, and all of us are anxiously awaiting the trip.
We hope to meet you and any other fellow bloggers on the ship.
Sincerely,
Garry and Sue Mattox, Denver CO
John,
If you are the wardrobe, what does that make Heidi – the lion or the witch? Uh-oh, do you think I should look out for flying staplers?
As for dining preferences, I often cruise solo so I like “old-school” dining, late seating, big table. That’s one of the best ways to meet people – although hanging out at the late night pizza counter works well, too.
Hi John,
We just wanted to let you know we shipped off an Astin Martin to you on May 31st. Unfortunately, here in the midwest… small town, it’s not always easy to get what you want. We were able to obtain a DB7 and it’s in excellent conditon! We hope you like green. If not feel free to take it to an auto body shop and have it painted your favorite color.
We have also sent some goodies for you and Heidi to nibble on as well. We understand Heidi likes Starburst and Sugarfree Chocolates for you. In your package of goodies, We have included a little something for Zuzana in the photo gallery. We hope you will pass it along, it has her name on it.
Thanks for all you do!
Carl & Barb
Hi, John.
Count me among those who prefer dining at the same table each night. You get to know your tablemates and share experiences with them. And the serving staff are remarkable for remembering your preferences. When my granddaughter was 3 1/2 years old and we were on a family cruise she fell in love with our waiter, Mihaly from Hungary. When dinner was finished each night and the waitstaff did their little musical entertainment he would come by our table, scoop her up, and take her along to dance with him. Five years later when we talked about another family cruise she said: “Oh, good! I hope they have Camp Carnival – and maybe Mihaly will be there!” That’s the kind of memories that last.
And there are certainly other options – - Lido Deck
buffets, Deli, Supper Club, 24 hour pizza and salad, etc.
See ‘ya in 5 months.
Sue
Hi John,
Long time reader here, first time poster. Words cannot express how much I enjoy reading your blog thingy each day – it makes my work day go by much quicker (as I spend time catching up with you instead of working, but please, don’t tell my boss).
I wanted to share my dinning dilemma and how I’ve solved it. I cruise with my sister and she loves the free-style cruising when we were on a Princess ship, however I love the traditional dinning found on other ships. So, in the name of sisterly love, I let her give me my way and we sail go on a ship with traditional dinning and I always make her have dinner with me in the dinning room. Isn’t that the way sisters should treat each other?
I also wanted to share a little code that we have when returning from a cruise, as I’m sure many readers experience the same thing – it is the horrid disease of CWS. It usually hits when I am disembarking the ship, sometimes I can keep it from hitting me until I reach the steps of the front door at home. CWS is the dreaded Cruise Withdrawl Syndrome, which is closely followed by DMA, which usually hits on the first day back at work. Draggin My A$$ can usually be combated by several hours searching the internet and booking the next cruise.
While I am not currently booked on a Carnival ship, I am looking forward to sailing on one of your ships in the not so distant future and meeting you and your lovely wife Heidi.
Thank you for keeping me at sea when I am stuck here at work.
Rochelle
bwahahahahahah….. well i imagine your four minutes are up by now john! poor heidi! ha ha
hmmm, note to self: see if you can get john to give you a free cruise if it rains again. if i start big i may get more than an umbrella drink!
and john? tell that chinese lady to go stub a toe! she is getting on my last nerve.
guess i’d better get prince charlie for his four minutes of fame. it’s friday here though…
sigh…. bonnie and prince charlie
Just a follow up to my previous post.
My wife and I have cruised on numerous Cruise lines and thoroughly enjoyed fixed dinning and getting to know our table mates and wait staff. Then we c booked a spur of the moment cruise with Princess and were assigned anytime dinning. Well we loved Princess and enjoyed the cruise, but were adamant about getting a fixed dinning slot next time we booked Princess. Sure enough Princess accomadated our request and we got our assigned fixed dinning table next time around.
Well we got tired in port on several days and went to any time dinning as opposed to our assigned time and table. We met so many new and interesting people each night and so happy our scheduled dining time was flexible to our daily needs that we went from insisting on fixed dinning to loving anytime dinning.
So my recommendation is to try both a couple of times before advocating one or the other, as you may surprise yourself. Not so different from the people I have heard who tell me I should never sail Carnival or I must try Carnival. You never know until you try.
As I have never sailed carnival and my sister insists it is her favorite cruise line, I know I have to try a Carnival cruise one day. I just hope your management finds a way to have both fixed dining times and tables as well as any time dinning options as they do on Princess.
Never the less, Carnival certainly wins best employee blog
I am traveling with 11 other family members for a reunion on June 6. I may have missed this info on a past blog- but how do we make sure that we are all seated at the same table- we are all scheduled for the 3rd seating. Thanks- we are all soooo excited!!!
Hi John,
I’m Roscoe P Coltrane’s sister in law, and I am having the best time on your ship! We have been flying the Union Jack (in honor of my mum & dad who were born in London, mum suffered through the Blitz and dad fought with the RAF) and the Stars and Stripes from our balcony – thank you for permitting that. We lost our mum 10 years ago this August, and dad last September, so having this tribute to them is special to us. I want to tell you how excited I am to have joined my sisters and Steve in becoming a “cruiser”! Last July 17 I underwent gastric bypass surgery and have lost 150 lbs. So, in celebration of my new life I came on this cruise and in Dubrovnik I went on the bicycle trip! I had a wonderful time and was truly feeling like I was flying the whole time – what a gift to have a new lease on life like this. I look forward to doing this many more times! just saying hi and thanks, oh, and bravo on the weather!
Good evening John and Heidi from Iraq,
Just wanted to let you know that I had a GREAT time with you and all of the crew of Freedom! It was so nice to meet you and Heidi at the blogers meeting on the May 25, 2007 cruise. This is my second night back to wrok since I left the cruise. It is June 12, 2007. I met so many nice people and crew members and I am so glad I had you as my cruise director. If anyone is planning a cruise book it with John he comes up with some of the funniest stories lines. The couple from Mount Holly were my favorite and he was such a good sport!!! Well I must get back to work tonight I cannot wait for my next cruise of the Greek Islands next year with Carnival. Take care John and watch out for Angelia!!
James
P.S. I will keep blogging and hope to hear back from you soon.
Mr.Heald,
I see you have named your pa 007. I would have thought ( In my best basil Fawlty voice ) Manuel would have been more fitting. Of course this assumes your spanish is much worse than the pa`s english. Since it appears the pa is in the home office it would not be a reach to believe english would not be the language of birth.
When we sail on the Freedom from Miami on 11/17/06 will you still be aboard as CD for our sailing? I see you mentioned Joes Stone Crab one of my all time favorites excellant choice for dinning anytime. Always a must for the wife and I when in Miami.
We have cabin 7315 booked for the Freedom sailing. Every CCL ship even the same class of ship we find the cat.12 cabins to be slightly different. The wife has requested I ask are there hairdryers and will it be DVD or VHS player attached to the tv?
Glad to see your new bride will be setting up a land based home. Hope the family begins to grow rapidly. Continued success for you both.
Best Wishes,
Gary Collier