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
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.
Hello John,
I have heard from others that the ship was sold to “Greeks” to be chartered to Transocean but your PA is the first person to name the Greeks in question.
Unfortunately I have no idea who they are (or for that matter their predecessor First Lines) but it is another lead, anyway.
And of course this always comes to me as unconfirmed rumor.
The mention of Phoenix Reisen is interesting as I know they are looking for another ship as well. A Dutch company, Club Cruise, owns the Albatros (formerly one of the Royal Viking ships) and charters her to Phoenix Reisen and a few months ago there was an extremely strong rumor that they had bought the MP to charter her to Phoenix. However, a friend of mine has confirmed with Club Cruise that they have not purchased the vessel.
I will see if I can get any of my German friends to ask Transocean about this. It sounds interesting.
Please give my thanks to your PA/PI for finding out a few more details about this rumor. I am inclined to think it is true…
Doug
I’ll bet you’ll get a flood of responses with your query as to our fantasy cruise!
For me, it would be an around-the-world cruise. Mind you, I probably could afford neither the cost nor the time to take it, but it would be my fantasy cruise!
I guess that a fantasy cruise that could actually be within the realm of reality would be a cruise in the south Pacific….Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, Australia & New Zealand.
One thing Larry & I have realized is that we love our “fun days at sea,” so my fantasy cruise would have a number of those, as well. One of the things we enjoyed about our Carnival Freedom cruise was the spacing of the fun days at sea, effectively giving us a chance to catch our breath between such tour-intensive ports.
As I’ve previously said, Larry & I are permanent fixtures in the Carnival family, so if we are ever to take our fantasy cruise, Carnival will probably need to be the line to offer it.
Terri
dear El Eggo De Diablo and mrs. El Eggo De Diablo, having been sitting here all week long watching the leaves grow, and filming same for your pleasure, i now read that carnival will dock in Phoenix Reisen? so what time will the ship arrive in phoenix and does arizona know about this? and do they sell majong in phoenix? seriously john it sounds like more fun than a barrel of monkeys! bwahahahaha…..
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John, I forgot to thank you for the hopeful words you said about my name for the spa on the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR, BODACIOUS winning. Maybe we can have a massage together, NOTEVER. I wouldn’t want to get Alan mad.
I hope you get CNN on the ship so you can see AJ on Larry King’s show Thursday. I will be watching to see if she answers my question would she be interested on being Godmother of the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR.
ALAN, now that we heard John’s version of the Wild Duck B & B story I just can’t wait for your side of the story. You can tell your side on my blog anytime just click on my name above and I will post your comment.
“BIG” ED
AND THAT’S THE REAL STORY
I’ve seen him.
John,
Since you don’t want to answer my questions about the Posh and Chic dining rooms on the ship, could you tell me about the Gondola rides in Venice? Is there a weight limit of 250 lb? What happens to the people over that weight?
Thanks….
John, Pat’s fantasy cruise would be a CARNIVAL round trip out of San Diego, Ca. to Hawaii. Since we don’t fly that’s the only way we can get to Hawaii. CARNIVAL now only has repositioning cruises that start in one port and end in a different port after going around Hawaii. WHERE DID MY CAR GO? WHERE AM I? Foresure I can’t afford to stay in Hawaii for 5 months waiting for the ship to make the return trip back home. There are ships that do this but not CARNIVAL. To me the best part of this cruise would be the 8 days at sea, 4 on each end.
“BIG” ED
ALOHA
Hello John,
My dream spots for vacation are Aruba & Turks & Caicos. Since I will be going on the Imagination in December, Turks & Caicos is taken care of. (A couple of my co-workers have taken vacations there and tell me it is really beautiful – can’t wait). And I’ve been to Aruba, but not by cruise ship – it is the cleanest, friendliest, modern island in the Carib. By the way, why did the Destiny stop going there?
On dealing with Guest Relations Dept., I too had a problem with them when I returned from my cruise on the Valor. Due to certain incompetence on the part of the transfers from dock to the Ft. Lauderdale airport and the slow customs debarkation, I missed my flight home. and there were no more flights to NYC after 2:00 p.m. (on American, if you can believe that). So the Carnival rep. got me a flight out of Miami and told me I would be reimbursed for my cab ride back there. Well, after sending the receipt for $80 and the rep’s card to Guest Relations, all I received were a couple of letters apologizing and saying they would give me shipboard credit on my next cruise (within a year) and a gift. This took place over 5 months and since I hadn’t booked anything yet and didn’t think I was going to, and haven’t been on a cruise since then, this was a total waste. But that is the only time I have had a problem with Carnival.
By the way, those pictures of you and Heidi are great.
Time to leave for the day, have a good night John,
Carol
Hola Mah John… I so love that as a name for you. Or maybe Mad John, as in the slightly nutters meaning of the word mad. … Two sentences and I digress.
I’ve loved your stories and Mrs She-who-shall-not-be-named, why a trying experience. I would have said something like “Are you crazy?”, or “Wakarimasen.” (Which is Japanese for I don’t understand… which wouldn’t have been any help since she isn’t. But slightly hilarious if you responded in Japanese to everything she said.), or maybe “No soup for you!” … There’s a reason why they keep me in Accounting… far, far away from the customers.
Thinking of accounting, are there shipboard accountants? I did a looksee on the Carnival site for accountants, and all of the available positions were land based.
I don’t know how many days (too many) until the I sail get to the Splendor, but dag-nab-it, I need a vacation now! (Work’s been horrific since that last promotion.) When things get really crazy, I just think, “It’s okay, I can handle this, I’m going on a cruise.” And just about then, I do something and end up crashing one of the main servers.
Thinking of the inaugural sailing of the Splendor, for those of us going along, will we be able to attend the Whacking-of-the-ship-with-a-bottle-of-champagne ceremony? Does that take place the night before the sailing? I’m thinking of flying in a day before July 13th and pondering the options on where to stay, be it in London, Dover, or maybe Canterbury.
As for the formal night question, while I’ve yet to cruise, the idea of dressing up sounds like a bit of fun. I’m contemplating getting a new cocktail dress, and I’m not ashamed to wear it more than once if there is more than one formal night. I can see how some people may not care for it, but I certainly won’t begrudge the folks wearing resort casual, and I’m sure they won’t begrudge me a pretty dress.
For the fantasy cruise question, I’d love to sail the Far East: China, Japan, Korea and such like. I haven’t researched to see who is currently sailing there. A close second for me would be the beautiful lands of Australia and New Zealand. And thirdly, a sail around the globe. Can’t afford the money or the time, but I’ll keep on dreaming.
Thanks Mad John! As long as you keep writing, I’ll keep reading.
♥Kay – Impatiently waiting until July 13, 2008.
Careful John – El Eggo De Diablo – you might get Kellogg’s after you for that one . . .
So what’s the trivia answer concerning the Tropicale?? The A-team??
Also, have you any info about the fate of the Holiday and what ship might replace her here in Mobile? There are a lot of rumors flying about on the fate of the Holiday and my hometown getting another ship here.
John,
Emily and I did have a great time on the Carnival Pride and actually that was our eleventh Carnival cruise so we have enjoyed platinum status the last two cruises. I forgot to mention that the Captain of the ship, I think his name is Captain Volpe, is a very funny man. Every time he was in front of a crowd, he cracked everybody up. Very funny!!!
We have already done an Alaska cruise — it was our fourth cruise overall — and we have now done a total of 17, eleven on Carnival. Since there are two more ships due in the next two years after the Carnival Splendor, have the itineraries been discussed yet? Could either of them be doing South America or Australia? Any information you could get about this would be appreciated.
Also, thanks for any help you can get us on the unused transfer.
You are doing a wonderful job. please keep up the good work.
Bob and Emily
Hi John and Heidi (bijna terug aan boord, maar geniet van de dagen met je familie),
Our dream cruise would be a world cruise, 3-4 months on board. It would be the opportunity for me (Thais) to visit the “other side” of the world, and sail the Pacific.
Another beautiful route that used to exist was the 1-month cruise from Santos, along the Brazilian coast, into the Amazon River, and all the way to Manaus, and back to Santos.
Groetjes en tot volgende week,
Thais&Fabian
Hi John:
Sad to hear that Heidi is leaving CCL next year, but for the right reasons, so you two can become parents, how nice. How old is Heidi, if I am not being too personal? I hope you two can take a nice vacation together on the Cunard before then, any chance of that? I know you said you wouldn’t be able to take a long vacation this year, but maybe after the bloggers cruise in Jan. 2008. Any word on a 2nd bloggers cruise in Jan. 2009 on the Splendor? That was a funny story about you and Alan. I and Mike both voted for AJ as the next Godmother of the Splendor. I will be watching Larry King Live on Thursday night, will you be able to get CNN for the show? Who will actually call the show to ask if she would be the Godmother? I noticed from Big Ed that he would be calling, how about you? Mike and I visited Grand Turks on the Elation in Nov. 2006 and it is beautiful just like you stated. So, you have decided to make Europe your choice of CD itineraries so you can be closer to home, I hope you will do Caribbean cruises at times too, as Mike and I sure would miss you in the coming years as we cruise the caribbean, and as I said I do NOT fly so no chance we would ever do a Europeon cruise. You have so many loyal CCL cruisers who love to cruise with you as their CD in the U.S. Isn’t it wonderful knowing how much people love and admire you? HA! HA! Seriously though, how long has Heidi worked for CCL? Is that how you two met? I think I remember you mentioning you saw her at a restaurant when you were with Alan and HAD to meet her, so I guess she didn’t work for CCL till after you two started dating right? I would love to hear how long you two dated before marrying, and hopefully you can post a picture from your wedding day, I know others would love to see it too. Well, Heidi will be home in just a few short days, so clean your cabin mate, and make sure the seat is down. Fill your cabin with roses, and champagne and enjoy your THURSDAY night together whenever she gets back! Linda & Mike (the handy-dandy man)
Let’s see………..DREAM cruise.
Leave Miami or Fort Lauderdale…….Turks and Caicos……..St. Thomas………..Aruba……..through the canal……….up the coast of Mexico……..turn left and head to Hawaii……………Ah………..that will do it. Should take about a two to three week period. Perfect. Oh yeah……..with my wife!
Keep the funny stories coming mate.
All the best,
Brad and Donna Hodgson
94 days and counting until the Liberty!!!
Yes John we dress up and go to the dining room for formal night. We just don’t go to the Captains party. Normally that is really crowded and like I said they don’t have non alcoholic drinks available. It would be nice if they had club soda or soft drinks. Usually the lines are very long and it takes a long time to get in the room where the party is being held.
Jo
BLOGGERS,
Last chance to get your questions into the Larry King Show from him to ask AJ. She will be on the show Thursday at 9pm EST.
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/
So go to this link and let her know John wants her as the Godmother of the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR.
“BIG” ED
Hi again John, Turks and Caicos is wonderful. There is a natural reef and the snorkeling is some of the best in the world.
My dream cruise would be South America. I would like to stay overnight or at least all day in Uruguay for selfish reasons. We loved the country and have friends there and I’d like to spend some time with them. We love being at sea so I’d like to spend about two weeks.
Jo
John is Kathy Lee the only godmother to be named to two Carnival Ships. John you are right on ship the Sensation. But you miss the year by 1 …october 1994 and suzann was on stage with you it was our 3rd cruise believe it or not. After the welcome aboard show you came over and talked with us up at the deck party. Who ever would believe 13 years later 30 plus cruises with you and over 50 cruises overall 40 with carnival. John is right Venice is my favorite place, we also loved Delightful Dubrovnik in 2005 great two ports of call
Big Ed,
Want you to know I went to the web-site you left on you message and left a message on CNN Larry King Live also. If all you bloggers send a message to AJ perhaps she will be impressed and be godmother for John on CS.
Hi John,
Just FYI…I just wanted to let you know there has been a change of plans in that we will be on the Liberty for the Nov 24 2007 cruise, not the Freedom as I had hoped. What happened is I told my personal vacation planner I wanted the Freedom for the Nov cruise…western Carib, not realizing the Freedom doesn’t do that until 2008! Of course, we will not wait that long, and since the Liberty does the same on that same week we went with that ship…Anway, tell me about the Liberty, I see it’s the same size as the Freedom, just older? How’s the Cruise director? Anything like Big Tex? Also, I tried to upgrade to the suite but Carnival does not allow military discounts for suites on the Liberty…why? Have fun in Croatia.
oh dear, i just heard that aj will be on larry king on thursday evening! sigh… what will you do? it’s thursday!
oh! i forgot, your four minutes could be worked into a commercial time. just sayin’….
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John – It will be my husband and I cruising May 2008 on the Liberty. It is an early birthday present for me (I turn 40 in July of next year). We like to do beach excursions as well as sightseeing excursions. Nothing too adventurous for us, as I tend to be too afraid of anything that would qualify as adventurous. Thank you again for any suggestions you can provide to us for the port of San Juan!
John,
You said “Can You Save Me A Pork Chop.” Sure I cooked up many more than we could eat in a few days. It might be a little green by the time I make it onto a ship with you (which I plan on doing at some point). Perhaps cooking up a new batch sometime closer to a sail date might be better
With regards to destinations that Carnival doesn’t currently sail. I would love to cruise in the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti etc. Your faithful on this bloggy thing seem pretty well informed so I don’t think you’ll get any requests for Nebraska.
I think I’ll be calling the reservation desk in a day or two. I want to get airport transfers from the airport to the ship for the Alaska trip, but on the web site I see a number of debarkation transfers, but not embarkation. I imagine I can get one by talking to a “live person”.
Finally, I’m sorry to hear that you got another negative letter about something you can’t control. I think you have the right attitude about it though. When you can control it and the comments are constructive (like the comment about the books in the library) you act on it. When you can’t control it, you do your best to explain that to the guest and them move on. I have a mental picture of an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. The angel tells you to say “I’m sorry to hear that the local transporation system caused you some delays….” The devil says to say something like “Yeah I’ll get right on that… when I’m the king of the world.” In your position, I guess the angel has to win out nearly all the time.
Dear John,
My sister, Mayla, and I were fortunate enough to sail on the Legend from England to France, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, New Foundland and New York. It was an awesome cruise. We have been waiting for Carnival to repeate this cruise. Anything you could do would be greatly appreciated.
Yours in BLOG world,
Jillian
Hi John and all the bloggers!
Thanks for the mention on your blog. It’s awesome for us to be a part of this and are glad to help in whichever way we can!!
If any of you bloggers out there want to learn more about the Interactive Team at Carnival, visit our Facebook group page:
http://umiami.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2475446502
We look forward to the next blog John!
John, I am a man who refuses to grow up (o’kay, I’m like most men), but in my case, I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Thus, serving aboard a submarine is just one of the many things I’ve done. One of my many favorite stories occured while I was in training in Groton, Ct. On this particular occasion I toured a Brittish submarine, and at that moment, felt I needed to change countries. You see, your mates were having a slight problem. They were having trouble trying to figure out how to reconfigure their taps for american beer. They cruised w/beer on board! Boy was I jealous. They had empty pony kegs lashed around their boat, while we drank a kool-aide concoction refered to as “bug juice.” There’s no justice.
Vikki sends her hi’s. She’s been too busy at work to respond (you see, she’s grown up). However, she is excited that Todd and her have something in common. – Vikki also enjoys needlepoint, and, I might add, is very good at it.
Finally, I agree w/terri910, and can’t wait until Carnival adds Australia and New Zealand. Adios and goodnight.
Mat of Mat and Vikki
I sent in my email to Larry King!
Also received Uncle Bob’s new book in the mail today! Woohoo!
Why the heck not plug it again!
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070604/clm047.html?.v=85
John,
I added an e-mail to Larry King Live for the show on Thursday with Angelina Jolie. I hope she says “Yes!!!”
For Jo Myerly–on every ship I have been on, you could always get fruit punch at the Captain’s party as well as the past guest party. If you would like club soda or some other non-alcoholic drink, all you have to do is ask the waiter to bring you what ever you would like and he/she will gladly bring it to you.
For Spyros–the Carnival Liberty came out in 2005, I think August, and the Carnival Freedom just came out in March of 2007. They are the two newest ships in the Carnival inventory.
If Heidi is going to leave some time next year to go home and hopefully start a family, does that mean that you will be leaving not too long after that? If so, what will you be doing? I hope you won’t be leaving Carnival and I’m sure there are thousands of other people who have sailed with you who are hoping the same thing. You are simply the best and I can’t believe that Carnival would let you go without plying you with all sorts of incentives to stay—maybe even an Aston Martin!!!!!!!!
Bob and Emily
BOB MEANS,
Didn’t you forget the CARNIVAL Miracle I think it came out inbetween in 2006.
BIG ED
Re: Zydeco music
Great segue! Check is in the mail!
Perhaps the best introduction to zydeco music and dancing can be had by going on the 10th Annual Zydeco Cruise Nov 11-18 on Carnival Conquest out of Galveston. I have even met zydeco cruisers from the UK! I am not affiliated with the cruise – just enjoy going on it every year – hence my screen name.
http://www.zydecocruise.com/
The cruise was going to be on Triumph this year, but I guess the advance bookings were weak and Carnival decided not to move the Triumph to New Orleans. I do hope Carnival starts 7 day cruises again out of New Orleans in the not too distant future. The French Quarter, many restaurants, Mardi Gras and numerous festivals, and just about everything the tourists and convention attendees love are fine. I just wish more tourists and conventions returned.
It may take a while, but make no mistake, New Orleans will be back!
Now where was I?
Geno Delafose is one of the bands that I like. His father (John – small world – eh?) was also excellent.
http://www.ritmoartists.com/Geno/delafose.htm
I think zydeco music is best served live but many CDs, some them live, are available, including from Geno (not sure about the live part with him.)
Zydeco music can be heard live in many parts of the world including Europe.
Unfortunately, Gary Hayman doesn’t publish Zyde-Zine any more – he retired after 14 years and is now working on some other interests but still has a web presence. The archives don’t seem to be available currently, but there is still much information available:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cajunzydeco/zydemagic/
I get exhausted just reading his life experiences:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cajunzydeco/zydemagic/resume.htm
{Larry King – if you are reading and looking for someone to interview – or Donny}
I’m afraid I’ve done a poor job of answering your question but am going to ask some others to see if I can get a consensus. I suspect if I ask 500 zydes, I’ll get 500 different answers, however.
Thanks for asking and I will get back to you on this question.
Regards,
Bill
Hi John, Is Heidi going to be on the Splendor when you first start sailing? We look forward to seeing her on the Freedom.
Thanks for the suggestions about fruit juice at the Captains party but no thanks. Yes sometimes they will get a soda for you but they are always busy and it doesn’t work out. They should have both types of drinks on their tray. Don’t kids go to the party?
Jo
John (and Heidi),
Keep up the awesome blog! Even for a veteran cruiser like myself (about to venture on my 54th cruise – 34th on Carnival on possibly the Triumph in September and my 47th on Carnival Corp. respectively), I find the blog fascinating to read and it has so much information on the various ships, itineraries and ports etc.
Talking about ports – I was lucky enough to cruise on the ‘Inaugural Crown Princess’ cruise in June 06 and was one of the first to visit Grand Turk (Turk and Caicos).
It’s a British Crown Colony comprising of 40 islands and cays with crystal clear turquoise waters and smooth powder white beaches and only 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide!
The Cruise Center (a short walk from where the ship berths) has direct beach front access with a first-class facility nestled among nearly 14 acres of landscaped grounds.
It’s also home to a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville where a live band entertains for the whole family. There’s also one of the largest ‘free form’ swimming pools in the Caribbean with a swim up bar!! Finally there’s a duty free shopping mall to spend your dollars!!
It’s a “MUST” see and do new port of call for Carnival – and hopefully more ships will join in on this fantastic new location in the Caribbean.
More later……
Best regards (as usual)!
Storm’n Norman
Melbourne,
Australia
John,
Just found your blog (my first blog experience) and enjoyed the story about the night in the pub. I happened across it while looking up excursions for my family for our much anticipated cruise on the Freedom 8/17. It will be my 3rd cruise (my 2nd on Carnival) and my first trip to Europe. The kids and I are counting the days (they are 13 and 15)- Dad and Grandma are more nonchalant as they have been to Europe before.
Your comments about the transportation make me think that taking one of the longer excursions could add some stress to the day if the lines are long. Is it safer to pick a shorter excursion so you have plenty of time to get back?
Also, the kids are thinking that tours of Medievel towns (like Dubrovnik and Eze) sound interesting, but you implied that may not be the case everywhere. We are already going to have to split up as Grandma can’t walk very far and the kids can’t stand the thought of the “leisurely” tours she prefers. Any advice ?
BTW-thanks for doing this. I’ve already learned alot just from reading the last day or so of posts!
Sounds like the same person I saw in Georgetown one year. The kids wanted to see Stingray City with their uncle, my wife wanted to see the volcanic activity on the island but I went on a private tour arranged by my cab driver.
He took me to this place which I can only descirbe as Heaven, as opposed to Hell, which is where the wife was – unlucky.
Anyway, this guy you all describe was definitely there in the corner. I didn’t speak to him because he had his hands full at the time
Here are a few movie suggestions, all set in Italy. Can’t wait to be on board this coming Monday!!
Italy movie list:
Rome
Only You- Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr.
Rome Adventure- Suzanne Pleshette/Troy Donahue
Roman Holiday- Audrey Hepburn
Seven Hills of Rome- Mario Lanza
Three Coins in the Fountain
Venice
Bread and Tulips
BLAME IT ON THE BELLBOY
Summertime- Katherine Hepburn
The Thief Lord- based on a children’s novel
John, you asked for comments on Grand Turk. We were there last Dec on the Prinsendam on a 10 day S. Carrib. It was a delightful Port. It has the huge pool and the Jimmy Buffett’s for the younger set. The beach is immediately adjacent for those of us 40+(significantly). The DJ @ Buffett’s is quite good although it gets a little raunchy. Lots of fun for the young folks ,tho.
This Port and Half Moon Cay are the top beach stops in the Carrib. (although St Marten and St Barths have a certain advantage in brevity of attire)!!! I enjoy your blog –A group of us will be coming Oct 13 2008–we’re waiting to book due to the large deposit requirement so far in advance.
Jerry Calvert
John-John ( Or shall we soon be saying Papa John):
I swear!!! Turn you back on the blog for one week and whewwwwwww! Chinese women going crazy, petitions for AJ to be Godmother and Heidi with child …. I can only imagine what will happen when we are away for a week on the cruise, when we get back home I might be reading “Big Ed’s Adventures in Cruising Blog” …. he he he
Glad all is well~
Vikki
ALAN ADKINS
We are still waiting for your version of the Wild Duck B and B story. I got a place all set up for it on my blog site. Just click on my name above to tell a your version. I can see bloggers are checking it to see if you posted it yet.
“BIG” ED
Wow…
Largest ‘Fun Ship’ Ever Constructed, 3,006-Passenger Carnival Splendor, to Operate Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Cruises Beginning in March 2009
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070613/clw028.html?.v=101
Wonder what the repo cruise will be like? Surely it won’t be able to fit through the Panama Canal.
VIKKI
Remember this comment of mine posted here in April after one of Heidi’s trips? Was I right we will SEE. It would be nice all the bloggers as Godparents
“BIG” ED
April 25th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
John, It’s 9 months to the day I would like to see as the bloggers cruise on the CARNIVAL FREEDOM. So good luck to you and Heidi on her return to you. It would be great as your “chef reporter and and photographer” C.R.A.P. on the day I stand-in for you to report to the Bloggers that they are now all Godparents to the newest blogger. I’m cleaning all my camera lenses to be ready to film and photo that “BIG” day. Heidi smile WIDE.
“BIG” Ed
C.R.A.P. at ekonefe.wordpress.com or just click on underlined “BIG” ED above.
Countdown: 18 days
I’m getting a bit paranoid about the missing luggage you keep speaking of. Is this luggage that is lost between the home base and the ship or is it luggage that is missing from the port to the ship? I can’t imagine going so long without my “stuff”. We will have a few days in Rome pre-cruise so if this happens with our flight we should have time to receive before joining the cruise. Can’t wait to get there.
Hi John
Nice to see the picture of Quentin Crisp who as you know was very much into cruising.
Regards
Bill
John,
I’m just catching up with your blog from a few days past, but am writing the comment on this latest blog so you will see it.
I was deeply touched by your story about the young man you found crying while getting your coffee who lost his fiance recently. I have always thought of CDs as people who see us cruisers as a blur of people every week, and reading your blog has helped me to see that you do take interest in indvidual travelers.
I enjoy reading your stories and getting a glimpse into the other side of the cruising world.
Thank you very much!
My fantasy cruise would to Asia or the South Pacific. It would be nice to see those places from the comfort of a ship.
John,
This is for Big Ed.
The information I have on the Carnival Miracle indicates it came out in 2004 as did the Carnival Valor. The Carnival Liberty came out in 2005 and the Carnival Freedom in 2007. Those are the four newest ships in the Carnival inventory.
Bob and Emily
Howdy John,
Dream trip – South America, Buenos Aires to Valparaiso – I am dreaming of sailing Cape Horn, Straits of Magellan and the Chilean Fjords. I spent several hours one night talking to a very nice gentleman who worked in the theatre on a Silverseas ship, due to the size of the ship, he was the only crew that worked the theatre – anyway, after listening to him describe his first cruise around the cape and the beautiful ports of call, the amazing fjords, it is my dream come true trip…..have you been? I would love to hear thoughts and comments from you and anyone else who has been.
Personally, I love to dress for dinner, and it is one of the highlights of my cruise. I may not always pack my true formal cocktail dress, but I do pack dressy clothes for dinner each night. If others don’t want to dress for dinner, that’s fine with me, I realize it’s a personal choice for all. I do like having at least one formal night per cruise, on longer cruises (the last one I took was 14 nights), 2 formals are nice, however 3 in 14 nights was one too many.
I was on a transatlantic last year and one lady I met pre-sailing did not get her luggage for the trip. The ship we were on had a room for her to ‘shop’ in (borrow for the cruise). According to her, they had a few racks of clothing, including formals in various sizes so she would not feel out of place. She looked fantastic throughout the entire cruise and flew home hoping her luggage would finally meet her at home. Is this something that only this ship did? Is it a normal thing to have a room of clothing for people who don’t have their luggage?
Love the story about you and Alan in your early years!!! Keep the stories coming.
2 more days until Friday…….Welcome home Heidi!!!
Rochelle
JOHN: Just curious does Carnival give Military discounts in addition to Senior discounts when booking a cruise? Mike is a Vet having served in Vietnam, but we have only been given a discount for seniors (age 55 and over) not for Military, on our next cruise in November with you on the Freedom. Also, wanted to let you know I also emailed Larry King’s Live show email address to ask Angelina Jolie (AJ) to consider SERIOUSLY being the Godmother of the Carnival Splendor! Hope enough emails are received that she will do it! I know how much you want it to happen! We will be watching! Linda & Mike (handyman)
BOB MEANS,
Sorry your right. I was looking at my list of cruises when I got that idea. Usually take ships in arder as they came out. Forgot Miracle was out of order. Forgive me.
“BIG” ED
Hi John and Heidi
After several days I am STILL haunted by Heidi’s comments that thursday nights are ”like being flattened by a large wardrobe with the key still in the lock”…………… I suppose the only comfort is that if it is a large wardrobe it should come with a big key!
Best wishes
Hi John,
I believe you were the Cruise Director on my first cruise. That would have been the Imagination back in January, 1996. Of the seven Carnival cruises I’ve been on since then, no other Cruise Director has come close to your professionalism. It seems though that the shows have always been the same ever since 1996. Have they just happened to follow me by coincedence on the subsequent cruises I went on or has Carnival used the same evening shows all of these years?
I have added my plea to Larry King’s web site asking Angelina to please agree to be the Carnival Splendor’s godmother. I’ve set the show to tape. As far as a fantasy cruise goes, it would leave out of San Diego for Hawaii, then Tahiti, on to Southeast Asian ports, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand…I think a month would be enough. Would love a lot of sea days. Getting closer to “Heidi Day”…enjoy your reunion!
Dorthe,
I like the re- union wish. I hear he’s dead after one union. No re-runs unless to the toilet after some tea lady tea. ROFLMAO
“BIG” ED
Hi John, Left a message for Larry King to ask AJ about being the Godmother for \CS. Our Fantasy Cruise woule be Leaving San Jaun going to the Amazon River up to Manaus back down going to the tip of South America around the Cape up the Pacific Coast stopping 4-5 ports keep going up to Mexico ending at San Diego. Carl & Barb The Bears
Hi John,
Thanks to “Big Ed” for posting the link to “Larry King Live” CNN.
I sent an e-mail on your behalf requesting that Angelina Jolie consider becoming the Carnival Splendor’s Godmother. Maybe if she receives enough requests from us “Bloggers” in Blogger-land, she might seriously consider this great honor.
John we are all pulling for you to make this happen and hopefully it will!
Keep Blogging!
Inez and Dean
Carl Harmon,
I see your fantasy cruise coming in some form. Right around Febuary 1, 2009 when the CARNIVAL FREEDOM will be repositioned to California.
KARNAK HAS SPOKEN
BLOGGERS
Since John has left us to chat between ourselves I thought it would be a good time for you to find that picture of you and send it to me for the JOHN’S BLOGGERS ALBUM on my site so we can put a face to the name. Send it to ekonefe@wideopenwest.com and I will add it to the album. To view the album just click on my name at top of comment to go to my blog.
“BIG” ED
I just read some comments as I do every night when there isn’t a NEW blog posted so far for that day, and I am confused, is Heidi “ALREADY” with child? OR are you two still trying? If she is already Pregnant, when is her due date? I hope she will still be on the Freedom when we see you in November! If she is PG, I will definitely shower you guys with baby gifts, and IF by chance you know the sex of the baby by then it will make it that much more easy to shop! Let us all know! OK? Linda (and Mike the fixer-upper)
Hi John,
I apologize in advance to you and my fellow posters because this may be a rather lengthy post. I have spent the last few days reading your blog thingy from start to present and I have to say it’s wonderful. You make me laugh so much with all your stories. You also strike me as a very kind and caring person. There are 2 people that you have written about that especially touched me. The gentleman you met that was enjoying the music in his wheelchair and the man that came to the shows and was blind. I am also blind and have been on 3 Carnival cruises. My husband and I will be on the Carnival Liberty for the 2nd and 3rd times in February. We are taking a back to back and I can’t wait. We spend a lot of time in the casino playing Black Jack. I want to tell you that all the Carnival staff we have ever been with have been the most awesome people in the world. I was wondering if Anca not spelled right is still on the Carnival Freedom in the casino. She was coming to the ship after our last cruise in February of this year. If she’s still there please tell her hello from Geoff and Leasa. She was so sweet to me when I played in the casino and was just 1 of the many fantastic people I met. I really want to thank you for this blog and I hope to cruise with you 1 day. I keep missing you each time I cruise. I want to add to all the others that have said, Carnival is the best place to cruise. I don’t think I’ll ever cruise with anyone else. 1 Last thing. I love Mr. Big Ed. I wish I could be there when y’all sit in that booth together.
Leasa
Hi John,
I’m really enjoying your blog — keep it up! I’ll be on the July 24 cruise this summer and the July 13 Splendor cruise next summer. The Freedom will be my first Carnival cruise.
I’ve read on some of the cruise boards that only juice is included and you need to pay for pop? Is that correct? My son is a diabetic and cannot drink juice all day. What kind of artificial sweeteners are available on the ship?
Again, I’m really enjoying your blog. Thank you for all the time you’re devoting to this.
Hi,
We thought we would add our comments regarding 2 formal nights. In the last 6 years cruising we have had different people come with us on our cruises. We have found that the second formal night without question is more memorable for folks. We think its because they are more relaxed and developed some type of a routine. The newness has worn off. Every year this is when group pictures are taken and it is the one picture everyone wants.
By the way our travel agent booked us on the bloggers cruise in January today. It’s been along time since we cruised with you John and we are looking forward to this cruise and meeting fellow bloggers. Thank you for all the work you have done to make it possible. Lynn and Mike
Hi John
Sorry to add to your welter burden of Q&A but can you tell me that if I manage to get to the ‘other airport’ will I be able to get a transfer via Carnival to the ship? plus can you tell me where the tour from the ship to Rome city centre will end up.
yours always
Quentin
Hi John, Tomorrow, tomorrow it is almost tomorrow. It is only a day away. Sorry I couldn’t resist.
)
Jo
John:
).
(.
I just wanted to let you know that I will be watching AJ tonight. Our beloved Cavs will be playing in NBA finals on another channel, but I’ll be watching CNN (at ten I will go back to NBA
I hope your plan is to call in and I will be waiting (poor you, it is going to be like 2 or 3 am in Europe
Anyway, I am wishing you good luck and good night!
Big Ed:
When is your next cruise scheduled???
Vikki
Hi John,
Took a quick scan of the last few blogs since I can’t use too many minutes on the ship.
Hope you’re feeling OK after last night’s show. I can’t believe “Mary” tackled you on the stage. We laughed so hard we cried.
We too waited almost an hour and a half to get on the vaporetto in Venice so we didn’t get back in time to go to dinner in the dining room but the Lido was OK too. Next to the vaporetto stop was another stop with a person from Princess holding a sign. Is this a service that Princess has a special vaporetto just for their guests? We should have stopped and asked her but we didn’t. You can buy tickets at the Roma stop for 15 euros that are for 24 hours. We did. At the stop closer to the ship they only sold the 12 euro tickets for a round trip. We walked from the ship to the Roma station in 20 minutes. I know that Carnival does not control the vaporetto times.
George and I like to dress for dinner and would really miss the formal nights. In fact we dress up every night just not formal. We also like having set dining times with the same waiters that way you get to “bond” with them and get to know them as people not just servers.
Since it was brought up earlier in the blog that the Splendor was going to the west coast, do you know when we can start booking the repositioning cruise from Miami to LA?
Looking forward to seeing you later and thanks again for all the goodies you’ve given us. How many cannolis did you eat?
Linda and George