Good Morning

I am very sorry I did not post a blog yesterday but I had a very busy sea day hosting the Morning Show, Travel Talk, Q & A, Marriage Show, a Bloggers Party and two shows. By the time I got to my cabin it was 11 pm and I was tired so we are here in Messina this morning and I thought I would sit down and do a little bit of blogging.

I will return to the bloggers party later by the way.

Yesterday’s Morning Show produced the usual amount of letters and dedications including one from a guest who was shot buying a sandwich in a deli in New York but recovered to come and cruise. There was also a son who dedicated his love for his Mum who had been the victim of a con man who pretended to be a multi-millionaire but in fact stole everything she had.

Quite a diverse group of letters but another shining example that we you get to meet such interesting people on a cruise and for some reason folks seem to be happy to share their highs and lows with the rest of their cruise ship friends. Would that happen in a hotel or resort vacation? …………………..Nope!

The weather has been amazing for the guests this week, by the far the best we have had this season so far………………now I have said that it will probably snow in Barcelona.

Messina never ceases to amaze me in the fact that even with thousands of cruise ship guests begging to spend money, at 1 pm everything closes. Shops, most restaurants, etc. close their doors until 3 pm for a “siesta” or whatever the Italian equivalent word is. Still, it’s understandable as they have been open since 9 am…………………………..they must be exhausted !

I am going to start the Q & A if you don’t mind because there is so many to answer, so, here I go. Actually, hold on, I need the bathroom first so back in a few minutes.

OK, I am back and the seat is in the correct position before you ask. Here then, the Q & A.

Can I start with a follow up for Bob Means – Bob, guest relations will be contacting you within the next 48 hours to assist you in resolving your issue. I thank you for your patience and please can you let me know via the blog that this situation has been closed. Many thanks and best regards.
MARK AND SHELLY – Glad you like the movies. Oceans 13 is still in theatres so I cannot show it on the big screen. The Beatles were, as you said huge the world over. I did have a chat with the guest who made the comment and it turns out he just does not like the Beatles and his thought was that we should not dedicate a show to music that he (and according to the guest) many others do not like. I hope he will enjoy the rest of the entertainment and I will be checking in with him at the end of the cruise. See you in a week’s time and have a safe journey.
RISA – CONGRATULATIONS……………..You have won………………..nothing. However, you can spend the day knowing that out of thousands of daily readers of this blog you are the first to post the correct answer to the trivia question. The answer is as you mentioned, THE A TEAM! They did shoot Judgment Day in 1985 aboard the Tropicale. I wonder if anybody at Carnival has any photos of George Peppard and Mr T., etc on the ship, I will find out. More importantly, thank you so much for your kind words about the blog especially as you handle corporate travel and I know how demanding that can be. I hope the blog keeps you smiling in the future and once again, well done on getting the answer.
HERE IS ANOTHER TRIVIA QUESTION FOR YOU AND THE BLOGGERS.
What movie received its world premiere aboard a Carnival Cruise Lines ship in 1988 during a Coca Cola / MTV charter?
RowdyCamperetteDebbie – Thank you for your T-shirt suggestions. We are having some brilliant ones made for the Bloggers Cruse. However, I could get some made and we could sell them direct from the blog. I know that’s a bit like blowing my own trumpet but it may be a fun thing to do. What do you think bloggers and yes Big Ed for you and me they will be XXXL. I will be talking about Carol at the afternoon show Debbie so I am sure she will be shocked. Hope to hear from you soon and thank you for your kind words.
PAUL NICHOLS – if you book the Bloggers Cruise, I will put you in the same cabin as Alan Adkins as you are both very much alike.
THERESA TAYLOR – Growing Pains did film a small section of the show on board but the answer was the A (A being the reference to Canada) Team. I am sorry that trying to figure this out made you dizzy, so sit down and have a glass of ice water or herbal tea. Let’s see if you can figure the new trivia question out. Thanks for reading the blog and hope to see you soon.
SUSAN AND RALPH – Glad you liked Mount Holly, John was brilliant and he became quite a star and that is what makes my job so fulfilling. I hope nobody does hold a pair of scissors to your credit card and thank you so much for your kind words. I hope your campaign to cruise on the Carnival Splendor works and if you need me to help campaign for you, let me know. All the best to you both.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I am sure your words about cruising alone have been very welcome to the many who do not have a companion to cruise with. I agree, sitting in a restaurant alone is not a comfortable experience but as you said our dining reservations staff do their best to make sure that we seat singles together and this is the best way to meet new and some times everlasting friends. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts about this. The battle to have AJ be the godmother of the CS continues and with everyone’s help this man’s dreams will come true. It certainly does seem as you mentioned. That the word is indeed getting out there. I was on the Ecstasy in 1992 and that feels……………..a long, long, long time ago.
Thank you for your support of this blog thingy and I wish you all the best.
JO MYERLY – Great minds think alike. Roger Blum is as we speak working on getting some brilliant wildlife footage from the BBC for the big screen. The Planet Earth series was amazing and David Attenborough is the master. Hope you and the family are well and hope to hear from you soon.
JO – If you remind me a few days before you cruise I will make a supper club booking for you as requested so it is confirmed before you sail. Nice and Eze is a great tour and the only other place I may suggest is Monte Carlo for which we have a guided and a On Your Own tour. Let me know and remember that you can always change once you are onboard.
Look forward to hearing from you and seeing you very soon.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Paul, I passed your thoughts on contacting AJ through Kathy Ireland to our public relations department and they are putting everyone’s suggestions together and Tim, Vance and Aly and their junior trainee assistant Jennifer are formulating a master plan about which I am feeling confident.
Your suggestion about a having a godfather of a ship is an interesting one indeed, however, I think as sailors are very superstitious about having a godmother and the bottle breaking, etc. means that we are going to have mothers for some time to come. How are you feeling mate? Hope all is well and thanks again for being a great supporter of the blog.
KATHY KROLL – So you are a valley girl! Sounds like a great place to live. I have never lived near anyone famous except we had a flasher who lived over the road! I know how you feel about the Beatles memorabilia. My dad had a huge collection of old toy cars and buses from the 1950s and 1960s which we gave to charity. They are now worth loads of money to collectors. I hope you are enjoying your retirement and in 393 days the fun will start. See you then.
JULIE FROM NEW JERSEY – What Exit?…………………………..Sorry your original questions did not make it into the blog so I am happy to answer them now for you.
1) Are you doing anything special for the Pleiades meteor shower on Aug 11 or 12………..This is the first I have heard about this and I shall do some research. If it is possible to see it from where we will be I will indeed make sure we advertise it and get everyone outside to view what I am sure is an amazing site. Astronomy is not my strong point and when it was taught at school Alan and I were to busy laughing at the word Uranus! Anyway, let me see what we need to do and I will get back to you.
2) Can you give me information on how to get from the airport to the boat by public transportation?……….First of all, we must all remember to call the boat a ship as a boat is what we get into if the ship sinks – not that it ever will. The only public transportation from Rome airport to the ship is by taxi which will cost you around 120 Euros. Please fix the cost with the driver before you leave if you take this option. You can also take a train from Rome airport to the Port Of Civitavecchia. This takes about 40 minutes and costs around 15 euros each. The only problem with this is that there is a 15-minute walk along the promenade from the station to the gates of the port. Once at the port a complimentary bus will bring you to the boat……….sorry…………….SHIP. May I also point out that after a long flight and with kids in tow, the taxi may be the best option. You can also book a shuttle service through Carnival should you desire. It is more expensive than the train but we will handle all your luggage and you literally walk of the plane and once you have your luggage, hand it to us and we will take care of you from there. Have a think about what you want and if you need further advice, let me know.
3) My husband and my 13-year-old son want get inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa, however, my 5 year old is not allowed inside. Could I book the Florence & Pisa with tower entrance for my husband and son – and just the Florence & Pisa shore excursion for my daughter and me- but still have the whole family travel in the same bus………………….Simple this one, answer is unfortunately “no.” The two tours operate at different times and therefore you will not be able to meet up. I am going to give you my honest opinion and it may not be shared by others but I do not see the point of climbing the tower. The best views to see it leaning are from the bottom and basically you are climbing over 300 stairs for an OK view at the top. My advice is to take the family together on the Florence and Pisa tour, it is BRILLIANT.
4) I purchased the best available upgrade when I booked my cruise. Do you think it’s more likely to get an upgrade if I register online in advance or wait until I get to Rome? ………………………..I would suggest registering on line because upgrades onboard are few and far between as we usually sail at maximum capacity.
5) One of your suggestions to a blogger was to take a shore excursion in Rhodes and do Katakalon on their own. I called the Greece tourist office and they actually suggested doing the opposite- could you elaborate? ……………….Rhodes is beautiful and the old town is accessible certainly by walking in on your own. However, The Best Of Rhodes tour covers the entire island including the idyllic village of Lindos which is a must see. As for Katakolon, outside of Olympia there is little to do, so I suggest you take a walk into town which is about 15 minutes walk around the water to the village. Olympia is a very historic place but I do not think your kids will enjoy it to much so that is why maybe you should use Katakolon as a day of rest before Livorno and Florence.
So, there you go, lots to think about and remember that our award winning children’s program Camp Carnival will take care of Valerie and her new friends should you feel that these excursions are too much for them. Please also remind me once onboard about your son’s birthday and I remain at your service until you cruise should have further questions. All the best to you and the family.
ITSKNOTSEW – Let me start by telling you that any suggestions you have regarding your letter should be addressed to our guest relations department in Miami who will then forward to the appropriate people. Please could you copy me as well at:
MV CARNIVAL FREEDOM
JOHN HEALD – CRUISE DIRECTOR
CEMAR CIVITAVECCHIA
LUNGOPORTO GRAMSCI N.19
00053 CIVITAVECCHIA (ROMA) – ITALIA
I am glad you enjoyed the entertainment so much and I am sorry for the “bumpy day” which, as I remember, I wrote in the blog thingy of that day was the roughest I can remember in Europe these past three seasons. I whave passed on your thanks and gratitude to your table servers who were thrilled to see their name in print so thanks for making their day. The comment card winner of the free cruise draw was guest Stephen Oliver from Bristol, Tenn. I want to thank you for your kind words and the fact that you appreciated what I did onboard means the world to me. I hope to see you and your family soon and please keep reading the blog.
DIVETRASH – Congratulations Laura. You are the SECOND person to post the correct answer in The A Team. However, I have never heard of the Scarerow and Mrs. King (sounds like me and Heidi) and I guess you must be correct when you tell me they filmed on the Mardi Gras. I wonder if Roger Blum remembers this as he was on the Mardi Gras back then? I am glad you are enjoying the blog thingy with your pre work cup of coffee and I am glad to be part of your day……..call me JOHNBUCKS OR DUNKIN HEALD OR BAGEL OF THE DEVIL. Whatever you call me, just please keep reading the blog and smiling. Well done again.
DWA76 – The Growing Pains episode was not the answer I am looking for however as you and other blogger friends seem to have enjoyed it I need to see it for myself. I am going to ask public relations if indeed they have footage of this. Hope we can create some new memories for you mate very soon.
RICHARD D – No need to thank me mate, I am here to answer your questions. The nearest Carnival-recommended hotel to you will be the Visconti Palace and you can buy tickets for transportation from their to the ship through your agent or directly from Carnival. However, I would also point out that you may have a free shuttle service from the hotel you are staying at to Rome Airport. If this is the case, it may be worth buying transportation from there instead. Have a think and let me know if I can help further. You asked about your room steward from the 80s and 90s called David Jones. He was promoted to housekeeping manager and spent many successful years with us before leaving a few years ago. I am sorry that I do not know what he is doing or where he is now but I can agree with you that he was a great guy and I am happy to hear you became friends even though you were only 10 years of age. Anyway, hope to hear from you soon. Cheers mate.
JTODDINMAN – Your cruise on the Carnival Spirit to the Mexican Riviera sounds fascinating. I have never been to these destinations before and they are relatively new to Carnival. However, I will find out from cruise directors who have been before and see what they recommend to do in each port of call. You are correct about the Bon Voyage department. They do have a wonderful range of gifts and surprises for guests to order and for friends and family not sailing to send as a special treat. Here is the link.
http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/AddToCart.aspx?cat=Special+Occasions&pid=80B
As for alcohol or in the spirits of spirits as you so eloquently put it, let me ask why this is not included. It may be, as you suggested due to age restrictions and our resulting alcohol policy. Please allow me to get back to you on this. I also hope as you suggested that I do not burn myself out. I enjoy the blogging thing and as long as I can still do my job as a cruise director I shall keep going as long as I can. Thanks as always and let me return with your alcohol question.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – I think the smell of the paint you are watching dry in Poodunk is getting to you. However, in a perfect world I would arrange everything you asked for and more including no rain but just loads of sun every day, even at night! I would also have the sea calm every day and freshly cooked mah jong for dinner every night. Still, if I could do this and you knew what was coming every day then life would be boring as Paris Hilton’s social life right now.
Keeping watching the leaves and if you see a dramatic turn of color please let me know. Until then I send my best to you and PC. I think you need a cruise.
JENN AND MEYER – AND THAT’S THE THIRD PERSON WITH THE CORRECT ANSWER. Yep, it was indeed the Colonel, B.A., Face and Murdock and the girl who nobody remembers the name of. The A Team was a show for the boys wasn’t it? Guns, fast cars, heroes and villains and even though bullets would fly, cars would perform triple summersaults before bursting into great balls of fire, nobody ever got hurt. Would you like to hear something a bit sad? MY BEST MATE ALAN ADKINS HAD A VAN AND YEP…..HE PAINTED THE A TEAM STRIPE DOWN THE SIDE. COOL, EH? Well, it would have been if the van had not been a small Ford and instead of carrying four tough mercenaries, it was used to carry his mum’s shopping. Still he was young………………..22 actually.
See if you Wikpedia can help you out with the trivia question above. I have read about AJ’s work with UNHCR and our team at HQ are covering every angle including contacting them to see if we can persuade her to become the godmother of the Carnival Splendor. Thanks for reading and hope you continue to do so.
TERRI910 – Ask and it shall be given. I ordered Roman Holiday and Under The Tuscan Sun for the big screen. They should be here by the end of the month. We do indeed have concert videos of Placido Domingo and also Pavarotti and they do create an amazing ambience especially sailing into Venice. Thanks Terri and today you can say you helped choose the movies for the Carnival Splendor.
BILL, MICHIGAN – Do you have any photographic evidence ?
JENNA BOMB – Ok, why JENNABOMB? THE FOURTH CORRECT ANSWER – WELL DONE. Yep, the answer s the A Team and as you say a cruel world indeed when you can look up TV programs from two decades ago and you can’t find AJ’s e mail address ! DID YOU KNOW MY MATE ALAN ADKINS USED TO PRETEND HE WAS THE A TEAM AND FORCE ME TO PLAY ALONG. HE BOUGHT TWO TOY WALKIE TALKIES AND HE WOULD MAKE ME STAND BY THE BUS STOP WHERE WE WOULD HAVE SPOTTED TWO GOOD-LOOKING GIRLS, DROP ME OFF ROUND THE CORNER, I WOULD GO AND STAND BY THE BUS STOP AND HE WOULD CALL ME ON THE WALKIE TALKIE AND THEN COME SCREECHING UP TO THE BUS STOP. I WOULD HAVE TO JUMP INTO THE VAN AND WE WOULD DRIVE OFF AT HIGH SPEED (WELL, AS HIGH A SPEED AS A FORD VAN CAN GO). WE WOULD THEN GO AROUND THE BLOCK AND THEN DRIVE BACK UP TO THE BUS STOP AND SEE IF THE GIRLS WANTED A RIDE …………………………….ALAN AND I SPENT MANY LONELY EVENINGS IN THAT VAN…….FOR SOME REASON THE GIRLS NEVER GOT IN!
Anyway, hope you keep reading and tune in for more trivia fun and information and stories about why Alan and I never had girlfriends.
GLORIA – Thank you for noticing from the videos of 2005 that I have lost weight. It is a struggle but I actually started a carb-free diet again yesterday. I have forwarded your comments about the show to the cast and they will be thrilled. I am so glad you had such a great time last voyage and I am so sorry about that rough sea day we had. Were you OK? I never though about having photos of me ………I doubt anybody would want them but maybe I could try. I will let you know how it goes. My best to you and the family and thank you for spending your valuable vacation time on the Carnival Freedom.
ANITA DUNHAM POTTER – Very interesting that you should mention having Titanic and The Poseidon Adventure onboard the ship’s big screen as you did from this photo on the Crown Princess.

Hope you do not mind me showing everyone (I know you posted it anyway) the photo because that is as close as anyone is going to see these movies on this ship. I tried last year to have this movie on the Carnival Liberty but was told by a somewhat angry captain that he was not happy and that it was in no way, shape or form to be played on the ship. In a way, I can understand why and the last thing I want to do is make the captain nervous and therefore these blockbuster movies are not being broadcast here. However, I think you and the family will enjoy the selection we have which includes some teen movies, the most popular at present being your namesake and something called Eragon. Hope you get to read this before you leave for Rome and if you do, have a safe flight.
HOST STAR FROM CRUISE CRITIC – hello Star and hello to all my Cruise Critic friends. Firstly, can I tell you how excited I am that you have booked the April transatlantic cruise? I know you have never cruised Carnival before and I am sure that you will not be disappointed. I know KUKI very well and I think having all of you together is going to be a lot of fun. I will make sure we have plenty of great entertainment, activities and of course Mahjong. I send my best to you and all at Cruise Critic and Cruise Mates and I if you see any interesting postings about this blog thingy would you kindly let me know? Many thanks for all that you do and see you in April.
DORTHE CALIMBAS – What an amazing journey that must have been from your home in Denmark on the MS Batory. I love Denmark by the way. I went there when I was a kid with my Mum with my Brass Band and again later on the Carnival Leg End. Tivoli Gardens is amazing and the whole city is so charming, I cannot wait to go again on the Carnival Splendor.
Thank you for your kind words about the Beatles Show. Life is interesting, is it not? One mans wine is another mans poison. I encourage the audience to stand and sing LET IT BE and HEY JUDE. Many of the guests (as you did) find it emotional and standing there watching 1,500 people per show sing their hearts out is also a very emotional time for the cast as well. Let us send our congratulations out to the show’s director, Kerry Stables for putting it all together and creating yet another showstopper. Is that a word? Thank you for the best wishes and Heidi and I return the same to you and your family. Hope to see you again soon.
JOHN FROM AR KANSAS – I am smiling from ear to ear. This is why.
As a matter of fact, your blog is the reason I booked our upcoming trip on the Carnival Freedom in January!
As I sit here and occasionally wonder if it’s worth it – until I see comments like this and that doubt is gone in a flash. Thanks Mate and I will look forward to making your wife’s birthday cruise something very special.
IVANA – I agree and indeed expect new photos on the blog thingy heading every month. My thanks to Roberto for this and so much more.
KATHY KROLL – The Sting………….you know I have not seen that movie in so long. If it earns your husband money then I will get it on board. Do you have a photo of him from the movie Kathy? I have ordered as well (great minds think alike). The Italian Job which is a great movie as you said. Hope to hear from you soon.
SEWING NUTT – We do indeed have all the classic games. Monopoly, Scattorgories, Clue etc, etc. I used to love one called Crossfire and Operation…..do you remeber those? I am working on the books for the teens. Maybe you should come onboard and teach the kids sewing I hope you are well and as always, thank you for your support of this blog thingy.
JULIE TAYLOR – These books have been ordered. It was that simple. Many thanks for your kind suggestions and when you see these books onboard you will know that they are there because of you. Thanks again for your input, I am very greatful to Ben – hope you are doing your homework Ben, Julie, who is probably doing Ben’s homework and the three grown ups — Katie, Jackie and Jeffrey. For some reason, I find myself singing the Brady Bunch theme. My best to you all.
BIG ED – The blogs are getting long mate. I am answering 67 comments on this one and because there are more comments I am getting concerned that I will not be able to post as frequently. Mrs Big Ed. In an effort to get you on the BLOGGERS CRUISE I remind you that I will personally do all of your laundry and my mate Alan will tuck Big Ed in at night and sing him a lullaby. And here you go — final bribe. As you have worked so hard to support this blog and this is a one time offer for you and you alone………………I WILL PAY FOR YOU TO HAVE DINNER AT THE SUPPER CLUB ! I await your reply Mrs Big Ed.
JEAN – This is very interesting. I have passed the information regarding the Hotel Visconte to the right people. I am sure you have some great photos of the cruise last week and I am so happy to have spent some time with you and I hope we get to repeat the fun again soon. My best to you and all the other mice.
DOUGNEWMANATSEA – Welcome home from you continuing voyages mate. It was very interesting reading your posting about what the Romans of today thought of Gladiator. I am sure there are a few hystorical inaccuracies, after all, that’s Hollywood, they love to rewrite history. Also, it is very strange that you should mention ROME the T.V. Series on HBO. My mate Danny Salmon who was just cruising on here with me and his wife and Heidi’s best friend Nadia are godparents to Kevin McKidd who plays Lucius Voreneus, one of the major parts and someone who really steals the show. Anyway, I spoke to Kevin on the phone a few weeks ago and he is hoping to cruise in the winter. He was telling me about the amazing set they built in the Roman countryside; I would love to have seen that. Now, onto my PA who you are hailing as a miracle worker and who you think should work for British Intelligence. My PA’s identity must remain a secret due because I do not want his boss to find out that instead of filing and answering the phone and making coffee, time is being spent finding out information and industry secrets for me. I know my PA’s boss and SHE is very strict and definitely wears the trousers in that Carnival department. However, as you are as grateful to the PA as am I, we should start to refer to them as 007………………………..DOES THAT MAKE ME MISS MONEYPENNY? I too wish i could be with you for lunch on the Carnival Victory and your first venture onboard a CCL ship. We obviously have a lot in common with our love of Cleese and Python and of course this marvelous industry we share. The choice of godmothers is very interesting as each line seems to have their own thoughts on the sort of person who should have this honor bestowed upon them. You mentioned Dame Judi whom, I think has become universally popular in the past few years and I have to say was one of the nicest people I have ever met. So, please keep us up-to-date with your adventures and thanks to you, my PA now has a ame…………………….007……………License to File. All the best mate and see you for some Joe’s Stone Crab one day.
KURT BENNER – I will take your wife up on that HUG for showing Top Gun on the big screen. I agree that reading books may not be all teens priority when cruising so thank goodness for Club O2. See you in July and can’t wait for the hug…………………she can call me Maverick if she wants
TAMMIE – Glad you love the blog. One of the romantic movies we are showing at the moment is Annapolis and the most popular is French Kiss……..Heidi LOVES that movie. Thanks for reading the blog.
NANCINURSE – Can you remind me via the blog one week before sailing and of course I will make sure the best table in the supper club is yours while leaving Venice. Thank as always and please remind me………………I am getting old.
LINDA HERNACKI – What a sad story. It is so sad when families lose touch with each other and if anyone reading this blog knows a STEVE MORONI please let us know. Have you thought about asking for help from the Salvation Army. This wonderful organization helps families reunite all over the world. It seems like you and Mike would love him back in your lives so why not get in touch. I hope I am not interfering and if I am, I apologize but here is the web site should you need it.
http://www1.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw.nsf/vw-search/88256D3D006526AD88256BD0007B5615?opendocument
We all wish you the best in finding your brother.
LYLEBA – You booked the Carnival Magic already?
LUV2CRUISE – It is me who should be thanking you. John was amazing and I am sure his superstar status is making him a little bit of a Diva. Does he want limos and first class tickets? I am also very happy that you enjoyed the Exclusive View Of The Vatican. I have seen many amazing sights in my time and on my top-five list is indeed this exclusive look at the most visited tourist site in the world. It is expensive but with Luigi as your guide it is one of those things that will remain in your mind forever. Heidi will be back in two days and I cannot wait to see her. Send my best to John and I wish you much happiness and joy forever.
KEVIN – Thanks for the address mate. Letters are being sent as we speak. I hope it is successful and, if it is, it will be down to people like you and the rest of their bloggers for all their support. Once AJ is secured we start the “Buy John an Aston Martin Vanquish Campaign.”
Can you remind me the week before you sail on the Carnival Glory please? Your cruise director is Wee Jimmy and here he is doing what he does best.

MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Thanks as always for your comments. Let me answer them now mate.
1. You mentioned that in Casino Royale, Daniel Craig appears nude when he is being tortured. I checked this section of the film (I was going to say I checked this BIT out, but that sounded wrong) and you really can’t see too much…………poor man. It has a PG.13 rating which is what I will put in the Carnival Capers.
By the way, Casino Royale is one of the saddest movies I have ever seen. I cried like a baby…………………….when he crashes a brand new Aston Martin Rapide. Tears are welling up just thinking about it now.
2.Teen books have been ordered. It seems bloggers are united in what teen books we should order with Mr. Potter being at the top of the list closely followed by Paris Hilton’s Prison Diary.
3. The dressing for dinner debate rages on. The winners so far are:
ONE FORMAL NIGHT EVERY CRUISE; ELEGANT CASUAL THE REST OF THE EVENINGS
You seem to agree with me also that it should not lessen the enjoyment of your food if someone else is not dressed as formally as you. However, I agree that we should do our best to make sure guidelines are adhered to as much as possible.
So, I leave you know with tears in my eyes over the loss of a beautiful Aston Martin and I hope I will hear more from you soon.

OK, I have to take a pause now because we are passing Stromboli and I need to go and do the commentary. Back soon.

OK, I am back. Stromboli was smoking well tonight but still no signs of lava.

Please allow me to continue with the Q & A

LFTTNSFCF – I have been wondering who to make this blog’s fashion consultant and due to that comprehensive posting I am choosing you. We will be issuing our first cruise fashion Magazine based on Vogue, Cosmo, GQ, etc. and will cover cruise ship fashions and the latest trends in the industry. It will be called FASHION ONBOARD AND TRENDS MAGAZINE or F.A.R.T. You will be its editor. Let me know if you accept the job and maybe you can fine a job for Big Ed and Alan Adkins on your staff. I await your acceptance so we can start contract negotiations.
CANUCK CRUISER – I am sure you will have a brilliant time on the Carnival Liberty and I also know that your cruise director will be the wonderful Todd Wittmer. Please remind me a week before you sail and I will be happy to book the supper club for you. I can do this on any ship for bloggers so it is not a problem. I suggest you go midweek. So, I will hear from you before you sail and I will take care of your needs. Keeping reading the blog until then and thank you for your kind words.
BIG ED – I thank you for speaking up for the blue collar worker and you are correct that on some ships on formal night there are some folks who eat up there because they do not own a suit. However, at least we have that option and on formal night I do not think there is a maitre d in the fleet who would stop you coming into the dining room in a pair of nice slacks and a shirt (no jeans). I also agree that we need to introduce bigger sizes in the gift shop and this is something that we must do better in for both ladies and men and I will do my best to make this happen. Free speech is wonderful and this blog has given us all the chance to express our views.
Cunard does offer a class system, as you say Big Ed, and it is one of those things that make the line unique and is a rich part of cruising history.
As we discuss all of this we must remember that if it were not for TED ARISON and his foresight and vision, cruising may still be for the privileged few and not as it is today a vacation suitable for everyone……………..so let us say thanks to Ted, his son Micky and all the executives at Carnival Corporation & plc for continuing to make sure that among its brands that there is a ship to suit all tastes.
Now, onto Alan and you becoming friends. I think you and he would get on very well and as you are starting a page on your web site just about Alan Adkins, here is his latest photo. This photo will finally reveal what job Alan has been doing these past years.

MARIJ VAN DINTER - Heidi is indeed Dutch and is from Vinkerveen. We have been just discussing dress code and for your husband I think a suit will be nice for the formal night with a tie. Everyone on the ship will have a suit in Europe but as BIG ED says in the Caribbean it is different. Heidi is looking forward to meeting you and says YES PLEASE to the Haring and the magazine VIVA; we will have a gift for you as well. For me, I love everything Dutch, especially Sesijabrokyers……I have no idea how to spell that but hopefully you will understand.
See you soon and tot zins. Doeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
GMANOFMD – Your suggestion is a great idea and Roberto and I just discussed this. Therefore, hopefully, you will soon see a Web page with all the cruise directors listed there. Thanks again and I will let you know when it comes to life.
HANK FROM DENVER – Did you see Alan Adkins as well. He was probably waiting outside in his A Team van.
MRS.MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE – I think that as your husband is now Editor of F.A.R.T. Magazine that you should consider being a ladies fashion editor.
I agree with you and as I have said all along. There should be at one night a cruise when we all get the chance to dress in our best. The world is getting more casual and I think for those who do not dress in their best very often, it is a chance to do so. Thanks Mrs. MTSFP and I think you and your husband must have some great conversations.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Yes mate, see you on the Carnival Splendor and thank you also for your comments. You know Bill, this dining room debate is very interesting and I hope all the bloggers continue expressing their views. At the end of the day, we have something for everyone with the dining room, Lido alternative dining and, of course, on some ships the incomparable supper club. What a choice. Thanks again mate for your brilliant contributions.
THE SHORT TALKER – Thanks for the kind words. It is always nice to hear from people who have worked for Carnival at some point especially as you have a friend on this ship. Is it Kevin? Hope to hear from you soon and best of luck in your future endeavors.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Please let your friend know that even though she may not be cruising with us at the moment that I am happy to help her in any way I can. Heidi agrees with you I am sure that we need more “chick flicks “so I will see what we can do. Hopefully by now you have read this blog and seen the answer to the Trivia question is The A Team. I always look forward to hearing from you so please stay in touch and keep reading the blog thingy.
KAREN TESSIER – Most of the Rome tours that we have advertised on line are available as pre cruise tours. I suggest that you also consider how tired you may be after a transatlantic flight. I do think though that if you can you should see Rome and have a read of these tours and see what you like the look of. After that, let me know what questions you have before you decide. Here is the one I suggest for you.
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionDetails.aspx?portcode=CIV&excursionname=Rome+at+its+Best&excursioncode=804051
ESSEXMAN – I missing Essex today. I am going to hook you up with my mate Alan so he can take you for a ride in his A Team Van……….yep……he still has it.

OK, that’s it for today’s Q & A, my fingers are tired and I have the talent show in a few minutes…………………but first.

We spoke about the beautiful Turks and Caicos and Grand Turk. It is rapidly becoming The Must Visit Destination in the Caribbean. Here are two press releases about Carnival ships being deployed there.

Fun Ship Imagination to Operate Exciting New Three-Port, Five-Day Itinerary

Carnival To Extend Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise Program from Miami

These itineraries are brilliant and because of this the Carnival Triumph and the Imagination are two very hot properties right now.

More news in a moment.

Yesterday, I met with 50 bloggers for one hour and 30 minutes. We had some champagne and I hosted a Q & A and we all put faces to names etc. Time does not allow me to mention you all by name but I want you to know that your comments about the blog, Heidi and I were so wonderful.

A special message to the lady (I won’t mention names) who cried tears of joy at her son’s return to health and the friendship she had felt through the blog. Thank you for sharing your emotions with us and one of the many joys of writing this blog thingy is that if in someway we can help our fellow cruisers, even if we don’t know you, well, it is certainly something so worthwhile.

Here, is the latest news on the Carnival Splendor. After its European 2008 season, this is what is happening.

On Sunday, March 29, 2009, Carnival Splendor will takeover for the Carnival Pride and start 7 Day Mexican Riviera cruises from L.A. (Long Beach)

So, congratulations to California who will be receiving a brand new ship. Now, as I was reading this I thought to myself…mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, the ship is to big to go through the Panama Canal, so I wonder how it is getting to Los Angeles. I asked 007 (the artist formerly known as PA) and here is his top secret reply for which I am bound to get into trouble. He won’t of course, it will be me that takes the heat……..oh, well…………….here then is what 007 had to say.

John,Shhhhhh. Yes they will be soon announcing cruises around South America just keep it to yourself and 347,000 of your closest friends.
007

So, please as 007 asked, keep this under your hats and let me worry about M. I have nothing to worry about as M was Godmother of the Carnival Leg End and we are very close.

OK, please allow me to stop there because I have to get ready for the show.

Heidi will be home the day after tomorrow, which although the calendar says is a Friday, it is actually a Thursday.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Good Morning from a beautiful and sunny Dubrovnik, Croatia.

I can’t help thinking what a transformation has occurred here.

Tourists disembarking the ships ready to explore this fairy tale town that less than 20 years ago was being pounded by artillery and tanks from the hills above. Thousands lost their lives and thousands more lost their homes.
UNESCO found that, of the 824 buildings in the Old Town, 563 had been hit by projectiles in 1991 and 1992. In 1993, the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Dubrovnik , in conjunction with UNESCO, estimated the total cost for restoring public and private buildings; religious buildings; streets, squares, and fountains; and ramparts, gates, and bridges at 9,657,578 US dollars. By the end of 1999, over 7 million US dollars had been spent on restoration.

It is however the people that make this place so brilliant. They are, for obvious reasons, so happy to see the big ships arrive into their port and also they are proud to show all of us their stunning coastline and old town and the Croatian Tourist Board’s slogan “The Mediterranean As It Used To Be ” becomes reality.

Ok, the guests are ashore. 1800 on tour and the rest using the somewhat slow shuttle service and local taxis. We had five buses today running the 5 mile round trip between the ship and town. There were some lines and the staff were encouraging guests to take taxis. Europe is so different from Caribbean cruising in the sense that towns, attractions and archeological sites are not as accessible as on small Caribbean islands and more transportation is needed and the distances to be traveled are much further.
Traveling in Europe does require some patience, however, the rewards are at the end of the wait and the drive. I will however be working on improving the shuttle services with the tourism board of Croatia later today.

I also received a few negative letters from guests concerning the vaporetto system in Venice. It seems, this cruise that they were extra busy and the wait time was much longer than usual. Again, I truly wish I could control this but obviously I cannot. Venice is a town that depends 100% on water bus and water taxi service and when 9000 cruise ship guests visit on top of hotel guests and the locals, all of whom use the service, there is going to be lines and slower service. Guests on tour have transportation to and from the ship included but probably each and every guest will at some time be using the public transportation service and therefore I repeat my kind request that visitors come onboard prepared to be patient. Venice is the third most popular tourist attraction in Europe after the Vatican and London and is visited by thousands and thousands of tourists each day, especially this time of the year……………………please bring a big bag of patience with you……………….it’s worth it, I promise.

I was talking to a Mr. Nick Izod this morning on the pier (another blogger) and he was telling me about his last cruise that went to The Turks and Caicos and its capital, Grand Turk. Nick was raving about this port and how unspoiled it was, the beaches, the water, in fact, the whole package. It seems to be the “hot property ” of the Caribbean at the moment and if you are looking for a new addition to your cruise destinations, this seems to be it. Carnival Corporation has two ships visiting there now, The Carnival Triumph and the ship Nick Izod sailed on, the Crown Princess.
I have not been, have if any of you have, let me know what you thought.

While we are talking about destinations, what is your fantasy cruise? If you could sail anywhere on a Carnival ship that we do not go to yet, where would you like that destination to be.

I had better crack on with some Q and A.

Let me start by replying to DOUG NEWMAN regarding the sale of the Marco Polo ship by NCL. He was asking who it had been sold to. Here is the reply from my PA and Cruise Line Private Investigator however this information has yet to be confirmed, so for now it’s just between me and 334,000 people so…………sssshhhhhhhhhhh.
The ship has been purchased by Global Maritime at a price of $30m with a bareboat charter back to Spring 08 at a charter rate of $10k per day
I know little about GM except that they are a successor company to First Line and are owned by a large Greek ship operator
The vessel is to be chartered to Transocean for five-and-a-half years.
They were also working on a charter to Phoenix Reissen.
ANN - After reading your sign posting thing, I am more certain than ever that we will be successful in getting AJ to be the Godmother of the CS ( using abbreviations to save my fingers ) ( hold on, I had to type more letters to explain that I was using abbreviations than if I had actually typed Carnival Splendor…you idiot John ). Anyway, I have no problem in meeting her through Brad but I am sure he is the jealous type and will not want me to get close to AJ in case she tries to make Original Sinn 2 with me.
I have been reading a lot about her charity work and she obviously is wearing her heart on her sleeve and I have the utmost respect and admiration for what she is trying to achieve. Together, I think AJ and Carnival can help her quest.
399 days and counting, isn’t it time for another party? Hope to hear from you soon.
TERI910 – Thank you for the Spanish lesson and I have indeed added the Spanish word for brake to my list along with other important ones like Sperm of the Devil which in Spanish is El Eggo De Diablo.
I hope for you and many others that Carnival continues its foray into Europe and specifically for you, the Baltic. For me personally, I do not think I could ever go back to the Caribbean on a long term basis. It’s not that I do not miss it but I do not want to be that far away from my family for long periods of time. In Europe, I am never far from home and that is of great comfort to me. Next year, Heidi will stay at home and will not be working on the ship anymore. She deserves a “normal ” life and being in Europe will allow me to see her whenever I want especially as we cruise out of the UK and to Amsterdam.
Somebody has to look after my Aston Martin, clean it every day and make sure it is looked after. As long as she is careful when she parks her Fiat Uno next to it, I won’t mind.
So, if I get any 2009 news I will of course let you know. Always good to hear from you and take care.
ROB FROM HULK HOGEN AND MEGAN 2 – I am still recovering from my ride so please tell Megan thank you for her concern. It was very interesting reading your comments about Europe. This is the third season I have been here and now I see so many ships from virtually every line docking alongside us. The dollar is very weak as you said ( I should know as I am paid in dollars and 1 dollar = bugger all pounds ) but it is so great to see so many people from the U.S and Canada booking long haul trips to come out here despite the dollar.
We are also seeing a lot of people from Australasia and, along with Europeans themselves, it seems that the article is correct that: the time to book is now.” For the first time, next year, Carnival will have 2 ships in Europe, the Carnival Freedom and the Carnival Splendor, along with the corporation’s other lines Princess, Costa, Aida, P&O, Seabourn ,Costa and Holland America.
Thanks for the article mate and I wish you and Megan 2 all the best.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – Watching leaves grow on trees, sounds fun. Can you video it for me please or have Prince Charles do it for you. Hope things get a little less exciting, you must be exhausted.
BILL ( ZYDECOCRUISER) – I just saw the photo of BP and AJ’s house, it looks beautiful. The only thing missing is a photo of you outside with a placard saying “Call John.” I meant to ask you by the way, Zydeco Music. It is something I have never really listed to. If I, or other bloggers were to start, whom would you recommend?
Hope all is well and look forward to seeing your next posting and a photo of you camped out outside the mansion.
SPYROS – I think your comments on dining room dress code are what most people would think is acceptable. On formal night and no shorts and T-shirts etc on the other nights but a relaxed and casual dress code acceptable. This may not be what Carnival executives agree with but it certainly seems to be what the majority of the guests want. Having dinner at the same table with the same waiter every night also seems to be more popular than the other style of dining based on the feedback I have received both on this blog and from the many guests I talk to each and every week. I am sure the folks at HQ are reading everybody’s thoughts and comments and as this blog gets more and more readers I am sure they appreciate reading first hand what everyone is thinking. Thanks again and please keep reading.
VJROMANO1 – Thank you for your posting voicing concerns with your booking. I understand from it that your 79-year-old mother has become less mobile since the booking and may now need wheelchair assistance and a special needs cabin. I would like you to forward me your booking number and names of your party so that I can see if there is anyway in which we can help you. Please get this to me ASAP. ( Roberto – please look out for this ).
As for the tours, that is the last thing you need to worry about now. When you get onboard, let’s chat about what Mum can and can’t do so I can give you up to date advice about what’s best for her. Look forward to receiving your information. All the best and send my best to Mum.
ROBERT – You are correct, the beautiful Kathie Lee Gifford was the godmother. I have no idea when you first cruised with me. I am guessing the Sensation in 1993? Let me know mate.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – The first and most important thing I want to say about your comments is “Can You Save Me A Pork Chop.” I love pork chops, I really do and so does my Dad. He could eat pork chops every day if he could and I guess I grew up with that as part of my staple diet ( or non-diet as the case may be ).
I understand your comments also about folks who miss the ship. While it is an uncommon event in the Caribbean it is something that happens a lot in Europe with transatlantic flights etc. I see from your story that the service provided by the cruise line that you did not want to mention was less than satisfactory when this happened to your parents and that is a real shame. Carnival has in the distant pass had some concerns with this but now we have a professional network of staff and agencies who are there to assist when these unfortunate incidents occur. Still, that other line’s loss is our gain as I see from your comments that you are now truly a dedicated CCL cruiser and we will strive to make sure we continue to improve in all guest service areas.
Thanks again Captain and I like my Chops well done.
JOHN – I don’t want to make the same mistakes as BP mate, what do you suggest ?
MATT AND VIKKI TILL – I am so sorry but how was I to expect a 4-year-old cruised on the QE2. How lucky you were, when I was 4 we went camping in Bogner Regis and my dad got chased by a dog and it rained so much that we had to move into a friend’s Caravan. I apologize because I thought that you were in your 4o’s or something when you cruise back then. Now I feel silly.
I also guess by your reference to a Periscope that you were on submarines, can you tell us more? I have so much admiration for submariners, you (they) are indeed a special breed.
I am sorry that I will not be with you for your New Year’s Eve cruise. Todd (the CD) will provide you with a lot of fun and while it is not necessary to bring him gifts I can tell you he loves needle point and knitting so anything “pattern”-wise will be the perfect gift.
Your comments on dress code are interesting and well taken. I think we all agree that there should on cruises of every length be at least one formal night and that a certain eticat, eticate, eti……………smart/casual dress code should apply. This will allow for a happy medium and is certainly the policy we try our best to ask guests to comply with on board.
The only exception to this is here in Europe. With so many people missing luggage we do allow them to be casual on formal night so they to can enjoy the evening.
I am sure you will enjoy your cruise on the Carnival Freedom as much if not more than the one you took on the Imagination. Thaks again and my best to Vikki.
TAZMAN – I am glad you slapped your comments on again mate as I really had not seen them before because I would have remembered a story about a 6 year old helping the waiters with their work on the Queen Mary.
Although I do not have the final figures as to how many children and teens will be sailing on your July 12th cruise, I do expect there to be quite a few, probably around 300 all told. This cruise we have already seen an increase in the number of families and by the height of the summer I am sure it will be more. This means your family and your friends’ boys will have a great time. May I suggest they go straight to Club O2 which is designed for teens age 15 – 17 and you will probably see them only for dinner and family excursions.
I look forward to meeting you too and the wide-angle lens is ready and waiting. If you need any further information before you sail I will be here. See you soon.
JO MYERLY – You are welcome Jo. Answering questions has become this blog’s first order of business and I am happy to help wherever I can. I was sorry though to hear that you have given up on going to Formal Night parties because you say you cannot get a seat and that no non-alcoholic drinks are served. If this is true (and I am sure from your experience it is) then we must improve immediately and I will forward your comments onto some at HQ in food and beverage to make sure the entire fleet sees where improvements need to be done, especially with the drink situation.
I do hope that we never completely do away with formal nights, I think we should have one if for no other reason then that it allows many people the chance to really “dress up,” especially when most restaurants and clubs and even work environments are more relaxed toward dress. I am interested though, even though you do not go to the formal party, do you still go to the dining room that night? I hope so, it would be a real shame if you did not. I will make sure here that no- alcoholic drinks are always available and I shall await your next posting with great interest. My best regards to you and the family.
PAM – Congratulations on joining me and many others on the bloggers cruise. I am glad Heidi is not here, even the mention of the four legged things would send her running for the hills. You asked about Heidi’s favorite colour. Well, she likes blue, but sometimes she prefers me to wear the red ones with the flap at the back and occasionally, especially on Thursdays, she likes me to wear black ones with the go faster stripes down the side.
As for candy, she loves starburst and M and M’s but considering you are from Australia that would be W Ws.
I am really excited you are sailing in January and I will do my best to make sure it’s the best time ever and no spiders. Please keep reading the blog thingy.
BOB MEANS – I want to start with the credit you are waiting for with regard to the transfers you did not use because of missing the ship. I am upset that you have heard nothing since APRIL and that is not good enough. I am sure there is a simple explanation because our Guest Relations Department is the BEST in the business. I am pausing now to forward your comments to the director of the department.
Ok, I just forwarded this to her and I will let you know ASAP what is happening as we must sort this out and my apologies for the delay.
Sounds like you had a great cruise on the Carnival Pride and now you have done ten, which means you have Platinum status so congratulations. I am pleased you ran into Jeff and Becca. They are both wonderful people and Becca did a great job in the shipyard looking after the cast while Heidi and I were setting up the ports etc.
Although I have no news or dates regarding future cruises to Australia and South America, I am sure that these are locations that are being considered even if not for a few years. The world is Carnival’s oyster after all. Have you considered sailing Alaska? You may have already done this but if not I think it is worth considering. Anyway, I am keeping both ears to the ground and I will update you as soon as anything comes my way.
Thank you also for the AJ link. I am going to send a request, I have a feeling we are getting somewhere with this. My best to you and Emily and I will work hard to get your concern sorted.
MARK – I hope this comment reaches you before you fly to Rome so I can wish you and Shelly a safe flight. Please leave me a note when you get here at the Information Desk. See you soon.
THE JOHNSTON4 – I see the kids love seeing the photos of where they are going and the ship so here is a special one just for them. Thanks for the kind words and I am, as you say, very dedicated to making this blog thingy the best because I know it can help so many cruisers.
Here you go kids.

ESSEXMAN – sorry, I must have put the wrong photo of my mate Alan Adkins, here is the correct one.

Thanks Bill. I have been to the Chelmsford ground myself and remember the days of watching Graham Gooch and company. Thank you also for your nice words about the blog. I do as many as I can but it is not possible to do one every day just from the sheer amount of questions I answer. See you soon mate.
CLAIR – It is appropriate that I finish today’s Q and A with your comment that BECAUSE OF THIS BLOG YOU HAVE BEEN INSPIRED TO RETURN TO CARNIVAL AFTER CRUISING WITH OTHER LINES………………….I WISH YOU COULD SEE THE SMILE ON MY FACE.

So, you are off on a cruise on the Carnival Liberty and you asked about tours. I am going to lead you in the right direction and because of your comment I intend to make sure you have the best time ever. Can you tell me a little something about you and the folks you are sailing with and what you like to do, active tours, sightseeing, beach etc. Once I get this information I will start working on the best package for you. Hope to hear from you soon and thanks for making a tired man happy.

That is the end of today’s Q and A. I will answer all the comments from yesterday’s blog as soon as I can.

Just spoke to Heidi. She is having some quality time at home and that is good to hear. She gives so much to the job when she is onboard and as I mentioned above, it’s time for her to become a home maker and hopefully a Mum as well. Anyway, she will be here in 4 days so not long now.

I have been having fun at my friend Alan’s expense. He will be joining us on the Bloggers Cruise and I am sure he will be anxious to share stories with you about our teenage years. Just in case he does and for some weird reason you want to hear them, I thought I would share one of many with you now.

Alan and I were staying at a bed and breakfast in the heart of England having visited a theme park called Alton Towers. It was a typical English B and B with our room looking like something straight out of a Laura Ashley catalogue. We had a great day on the rides etc and were sitting down to dinner provided by the landlady a Mrs. Bridges……..strange that I remember her name!
Anyway, we were 19 and both had been brought up to be polite and we had certainly been that way since staying at The Wild Duck Bed and Breakfast. Mrs. Bridges took a bit of a shine to us and we were enjoying our stay. So, that night during dinner Alan asked Mrs. Bridges where the “local nightlife was on a Saturday night .” She looked at us and said she would write down the name of the pub and directions. As we drove it seemed strange that she would send us to a place quite far away but we trusted her and looked forward to spending the evening talking and …well….getting to know the locals. We arrived at the pub, a non-descript place called The Queen’s Head. We heard loud music coming from inside, the car park was full and we were quite excited and in we walked……………………………and………………we knew we were in the wrong place.
Have you ever seen one of those old cowboy movies where the villain walks in and everyone stops what they are doing and looks at him……………That is how we felt as 50 pairs of eyes, male eyes……all male eyes turned and looked at us. Some were dancing together cheek to cheek, and I mean the lower cheek to cheek. Alan and I stopped in the door way. It did not take Sherlock Holmes to deduce that Mrs. Bridges had thought that, as we were sharing the same room, and because we were so polite, that we were….well…………more than friends and therefore needful of a night out with others of our persuasion.
Now, the cool thing to do would to have smiled, turned around and run away, but something told me that this may offend Dorothy and her 49 friends so I walked to the bar and ordered two drinks. A person…………….who……..I kid you not was wearing leather shorts and a t-shirt that, I remember to this day, said “I can’t even think straight .” So, the drinks came and then as the men started to smile at us I shouted to the barman that I had left my wallet in the car and I would be back in a minute. Alan just stared as he saw me disappear into the car park leaving him to pay for the drinks.
I waited for Alan and eventually he followed calling me all the names under the sun. As we drove away, I told Alan to stop and I pointed to the large sign that we had not seen as we drove in. We had read the name but not looked at the picture. It was called the Queens Head but this head although wearing a crown and holding a mite, had red lip stick and a huge mustache.
The sad thing about this was we were so nice and polite that the following morning at breakfast when Mrs. Bridges asked if we “Had a nice time last night” we both nodded and at the same time said “Yes, thank you.”

That was twenty years ago and today we would have thought nothing of it and when we look back we laugh at how naive we were.
Funny though, Alan goes back to the Duck Inn every year and there is now a photo of him behind the bar at the Queens Head.

What does that story have to do with cruising…………….nothing at all but I just wanted to share the odd story of my life before cruising and the great friendship I have shared with Alan, whom, you will all meet on the Bloggers Cruise. He now saves lives as a Coast Guard officer and I am very proud of him as are all his friends at the Queens Head Pub.

Showtime once again and a day at sea tomorrow.

Goodnight

Your Friends

John and Heidi