HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL DADS – WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU?

Wow, What A Day………………..I am very tired as I start this blog at 8 pm. The ship was in Cannes, South Of France today and I awoke at 7 m ready to start the tendering operation. Yesterday evening, Captain Marino had discussed with me that due to high winds that were expected the afternoon we would be there that he may have to maneuver the vessel away from the usual anchoring spot to the other side of Cannes behind a small island called San Michel.

I decided therefore that it would be best to alert guests to this fact because they would return to the tender station ashore from their tours and exploration and see the ship GONE. This would be due to the fact the ship would be the other side of the island in front of Cannes and I imagined the panic in peoples mind when they see nothing but ocean and their cruise ship nowhere to be seen.

So, I had prepared the guests for this and I awoke this morning hoping that it would not be the case. We started tendering guests ashore in calm seas and, by 11 a.m., 2,800 guests were ashore leaving only 400 onboard. The winds were calm and the sun was shining as I made a general clearance announcement and then headed back to the cabin.

Then, at 12:10 pm the phone rang and the Captain said shortly he would have to move the ship as it was unsafe to take guests ashore and to have guests return to the vessel. Why, well we have two platforms or pontoons that are used for guests to board the tenders from and these were now virtually underwater, the swells were getting bigger and the wind was reaching 50 knots.

Heidi and I got ready quickly and grabbed Stephanie one of the entertainment staff and we caught the last tender going ashore before the Captain took up the anchor.

Previous to this, I had made an announcement that we would be moving the ship and therefore the tender service would stop for approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

The ride across to the pier was very rough as the tender danced to Mother Nature’s anger, so I knew we had made the right choice. Once at the pier we positioned ourselves around the entrance to the tender service pier and talked to guests suggesting that they take a walk into Cannes and return in an hour. Most did, some did choose to stay and wait.

The wait lasted one hour and 30 minutes and during this time Heidi, Stephanie and I spoke to guests and I remained in contact with the ship by my cell phone as the radio was out of distance (thanks to Roger in advance for paying my cell phone bill):

By 2:20 pm we were ready to start the tender service again, it had been a wait of 1hour and 45 minutes. I had called the ships agent Roberto (thanks for your help today, MERCI) and asked for an extra tender. By the time we started we had about 400 guests waiting to return and as they boarded I stood by the gangway and thanked them all for their patience. It is amazing 390 people said how they understood, a few said “What about lunch?” and, of course, there was one guest – there always is – who looked at me and said that this was “organized chaos and Carnival should be ashamed.” I tried to explain but after just a few words he said I was “full of sh#@” and got on the tender. I admit now, to the thousands of readers that I was close to losing my temper but I did control it and said nothing.

Anyway, I had called the ship and asked F&B to keep all the lunch options open until 5 pm which I am sure helped the guests – as to how many felt hungry after the roller coaster ride back to the ship. I am not sure.

Heidi and I stayed on the pier until 3 pm. I felt a bit “wobbly” as I had not eaten all day and my sugar level was probably low so that was a good excuse to go and have lunch/tea ashore.

The ship has just left and we were only 40 minutes late in sailing and, considering the tender ride was double the length of time it normally is, that’s not too shabby.

Here are two photos, one of the ship a long way away from the shoreline and one we took on the bridge of the tender boat.

OK, it is show time so I will continue later.

OK, I am back and I have an hour and 30 minutes before the next show so while Heidi prepares the schedules for next cruise I will get on with some Q & A.

Oh, by the way, someone had a great time in Cannes today. Here is why with a message from Nate, our onboard golf pro.

John,

If you wouldn’t mind mentioning in one of your talks or on one of your shows before the end of this cruise, that Leland Stoddard III (age 17) of Beaufort South Carolina had a hole in one today on hole #8 at the Royal Mougins Golf Club. The hole was 160 meters long and he used a 5-wood.

And maybe could put it your blog as well. Here is a picture of him and his father.

Congratulations mate. I nearly hit a hole in one once but the clown’s arm came down from behind the windmill and blocked the ball.

Let me start by answering a few things from yesterday courtesy of my PA 007 who has provided us with the following information.

HERE IS TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION……………………….On what Carnival Ship would you find a lounge called TERRACES IN THE GROVE?

First of all, to the worried blogger who was concerned that the HOLIDAY was going to leave Alabama at the end of the year, I have this message.

There are no plans to remove the Holiday from Mobile. All programs are out thru 08 and Holiday is there.

So, great news for Alabama and I hope that PA 007 does not get into trouble for releasing this information. PA is after all only a filing clerk but has great connections in all of Carnival’s departments thanks to being part of Carnival Cruise Lines bowling team……………..PA tells me that there is always lots of gossip round the bowling lanes.

Also: I mentioned that P & O has Carnival’s ex-Jubilee ship sailing out of Australia and we were wondering about her name. PA 007 tells me it is PACIFIC STAR.

Finally, the godmother issue. The question was has anyone been godmother twice. The answer is yes, Madeleine Arison, the beautiful wife of Carnival Corporation & plc’s Chairman and CEO Micky Arison. Now, you are going to ask what ships? PA 007 will have to figure that one out as that information was not provided. Maybe, during the next bowling match PA can find out.

BREAKING NEWS JUST IN……………AS 007 IS FANTASTIC AT MULTI-TASKING. I RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION WHILE PA WAS BOWLING THIS EVENING IN A CARNIVAL vs COSTA BOWLING TOURNAMENT.

Tropicale, Carnival Triumph as well as Holland America Line’s Ryndam Costa Cruises’ Costa Tropicale ARE THE SHIPS NAMED BY MRS ARISON………………by the way, I am wearing am wearing a pair of hired bowling shoes……ouch!

Let’s start the Q & A from the BLOG WITH NO NAME addition……………….I have decided to tell you which blogs I am answering questions from as I am falling behind. This is due to the average comments reaching 60 per blog and I do not want people to think I have forgotten them.

Here we go.

VIKKI AND MATT – And this is the perfect place to start. Yes, I do remember when I only had five comments and questions to answer. Oh well, at least it shows that people are still reading the blog thingy. Thank you for saying you love the blog and that is the perfect way to give me energy to answer the next 14 pages of comments. Thanks Vikki.
BILL, MICHIGAN – Go ahead and link the photos Bill. We all look forward to seeing them mate.
I&MsMOM – At the time of writing PA 007 has not been able to glean any further information on the South America cruise in 2009. That information is locked in a vault well away from PA’s corner cubicle and only the top people at Carnival know what, where and when. However, I have the utmost faith using his skill and expertise PA 007 will be providing us with more information within the next few weeks. Stand by, PA always comes through. I am glad you are excited though as you are correct, it is going to be a great adventure.
BARBARA LYLE… – Now the MAGIC reference makes sense. Let me know when your Cruise Critic party is and if I am not on stage I will, of course, be there. You asked about the Rijksmuseum (it is one word in Dutch and notice the J) and if it is open. Heidi has checked and it will be open. Here is the link thingy that takes you to the information page.http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/index.jsp
While you are there you must go to Anne Frank’s House and also another Dutch tourist attraction called The Banana……..never mind. Have fun, Amsterdam is amazing and we will see you here in September.
RowdyCamperetteDebbie – I now acknowledge that you have indeed changed the name of Ma Jong to MaJohn, it is just that even writing the word gives me goose bumps and gas! I spoke to your friend live on the Morning Show and she was shocked and surprised to know that she had a big birthday and now the entire ship knew as well. We had a lot of fun and you sent her a gift as well. I loved the words “I am living a cruise through this blog” because that is one of my major objectives to make you all feel at home here. Thanks again from me MaJohn.
BIG ED – Spoke to all the bloggers onboard this week and your name as usual came up. To have you NOT on the Bloggers Cruise would be like Carnival without the Fun, Eggs without Bacon and Angelina without me…….Come on mate, I even promised to wash your underwear. I have spoken to my PA 007 about you becoming the assistant PA 0000001 and once PA is promoted then the job is yours along with a small corner cubicle. What do you think? As I was saying to Carol, it is a very small world. I DO NOT THINK I AM BEING CRUEL to Alan and when you meet him on the BLOGGERS CRUISE I am sure he will spill the beans on many things I got up to as a lad.
Here is today’s photo of Alan at 14 in his school uniform.

Thanks mate for the heads up with regards to Anita. We will be taking special care of her while she in on board.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I cannot believe that you not only got the trivia question write but you WERE THERE. So was I and in 1988 I was a social host for the first time with Gary Hunter as cruise director. It really is a small world and indeed a fantastic one that nearly 20 years later we can reminisce about this awful movie………………and it was, awful. I am so happy you got the question correct but I would have rather you had won the island. I thought it was a charter but I guess I was wrong. I do remember Cyndi performing her hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and I also remember her bodyguard was a wrestler who for some unknown reason had a elastic band round his long moustache. Do you remember his name? I wish I could send you a prize but I hope instead that you consider my thanks for writing and my friendship good enough until we meet again when I will bestow chocolate covered strawberries upon you. Thanks Carol…………………..we go way back eh.
DWA76 – George and Ante were indeed maitre d’s and, as far as I know, both are still with us……………let me check and get back to you. I will indeed provide you of a photo of Alan’s A Team van, as I am sure I have one somewhere at home. Sorry the trivia question was so tough and how crazy that Carol was on the cruise it was shown. Maybe you will get today’s trivia question. Thanks for your comments and hop to hear from you very soon.
LINDA HERNACKI – I hope things work out for you and you are reunited with your brother. There is nothing more important in this world then family. Heidi is back on board now, all is well, except for I can’t find any clean socks as she has moved them somewhere. My best to you and Mike the Bulb.
KATHY KROLL – What a wonderful cruise history you have. Starting in 1969 till the present day. How funny that you mentioned Nick Navarro who, you are correct, did indeed choreograph our shows on the Ecstasy, Sensation and Imagination. Glad to hear that he is still going strong, please pass on my best regards to him, if you ever see him. As regards to you, I am sure you and Paul are still going very strong and hopefully strong enough to cruise soon.
Best Regards to you both.
LisaMarie & Sean – Welcome back home and I love hearing from people who have recently cruised on the Carnival Freedom. I am glad you took the rain in Venice and the angry seas we encountered in good spirits and I hope you had your sea legs. Comparing me to Julie from the Love Boat was interesting. I must admit, I have never have seen an episode, however, maybe it is time for a remake. Set on a ship where there is more than one bartender and from what I understand they show the cruise director doing a bit more than making sure people fall in love. You asked for a refund because of the rain and instead of money I am giving you a free Ma John set. I hope to see you soon, send my best to Sean and if I had known you were a dietician I would have asked you for some herbal tea.
HIJEAN – Although I am working very hard to include transfers from Ciampino, I do not think we will have them up and running for your cruise at the end of June. So, unfortunately I suggest you book yourself private transportation ahead of time as on the spot taxis are very expensive – approx. 150 Euros. Don’t worry about having wrinkled clothes, every one is wrinkled after flying for nine hours your hair will be a mess, everybody looks awful, so what’s the first thing we do…………………………………..WE TAKE YOUR PHOTO. This is one photo everybody buys very quickly, so that no one else can see how bad you look. It’s our most popular photo ) See you in 12 days time. Have a safe flight.
JO MYERLY – Jo, I will of course keep you informed and if my PA 007 hears anything I am sure he will let me know. It will I am sure be a wonderful experience which I hope we share together.
JANET GUARDINO – What wonderful ideas for movies on the Carnival Splendor. I shall have to give the Carnival Splendor’s activities some serious thought soon I guess. I will keep you posted on the T-shirts and I promise we will have big sizes. I am glad that we have been able to include Russia as it is one of your dream ports and who knows, soon your other dream ports of Australia and Tahiti may be on the Carnival list of places to go. Thank you for your kind comments to me, it really made me smile. Please keep reading the blog thingy.
TORNWORDO – Welcome to the world of Blog. I am happy that you have discovered a new group of friends and hopefully you will find the information fun and informative ready for your cruise in June 2008. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
LINDA THE MOUSE – I am not surprised that shopping came first and I do not think you will be seeing the Titanic movie very soon on Carnival ships, however, I agree you haven’t really lived until you have seen a cruise ship sink on a big screen while on a cruise ship. Thanks as always for your kind comments, hope to hear from you soon.
SHEREE – Not long now and you will be here and I am sure the weather will be just perfect. Cell phone charges on board apply specific to your provider. While it is great to have constant service, I do have to admit that it is not cheap. So, I would advise that Courtney checks her messages as little as possible. Congratulations to her on her interview and I am glad you are enjoying the blog so much. I look forward to meeting you very soon.
SHARONR – You should right now have read my answer to your posting. I am working approximately three days behind in answering questions. I hope you understand sometimes it’s difficult every question on the day they are posted. Keep reading the blog and I am so happy that you have discovered it.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – I hope you are wrong too mate. It is getting harder to keep up with all the comments and questions, especially now we are averaging 60 per blog. I also have to say, that you are correct that I do not have much of a social life, however, I have an obligation to 350,000+ people who have thumbed on this blog thingy. The most important thing is, I will try very hard to continue to find a median in which I can provide a fun time for the guests on board and still provide my new friends on this blog as much fun and information as I can. Thanks for your concern mate.
Maybe if there was a chance of an Aston Martin at the end of the year it might help me get through this. )
CINDY GESKEY – Cindy, I think you have made the right choice in not taking a tour upon arrival in Rome and instead waiting till the following day. There will be a Carnival representative in the hotel so you can wake up in the morning and see if you feel like taking a tour. You may also want to just walk around on your own. Again, depending on the yet lag. I hope your passports arrive and if you have any other questions before your cruise starts, I am at your service.
LFTTNSFCF – Congratulations on being chosen as editor of Flatulence Magazine which will offer fashion advice for travelers. I suggest your first article be about your wife, as she obviously needs as much space for her suitcases as possible. May I suggest you charter the Holiday, just for your wife’s luggage? I am not sure about your choice of Alan as European fashion related traveler or E-FART, as Alan’s idea of dressing up is to put up his Tinky Winky costume. Big Ed is the natural choice for your staff and he, I am sure, will provide wonderful articles about the correct dress code for being stuck in a booth in the dining room. Please send my regards to Mrs. Lfttnsfcf and I look forward to the launch of the magazine and suggest the front cover of the magazine of Alan (Tinky Winky) and Big Ed on the bridge of the Carnival Freedom. Thank you also for your continuing help to get AJ to be Godmother. I know we have 13 months yet, but I am feeling a little despondent today; don’t know why, I just hope somehow we can get through to her. Thanks again mate.
JAKE BROWN – Really happy that you discovered the blog and it sounds like you had a fantastic time on the Carnival Miracle. I will pass on your congratulations to Brent and I am sure that everyone else who will be going to St. Thomas will be grateful of your tour recommendations. Heidi is a great fan of the horse riding in Puerto Rico. I am happy to hear that the free champagne at the art auction worked and you bought a painting. I once bought a painting after a few glasses of champagne and it’s proudly hanging on my wall at home. Unfortunately it has a lady revealing her breasts, which Heidi does not care for. The painting therefore is now hanging proudly in my shed. Let me know if you need help deciding on your next cruise and if you love the ports then maybe a European cruise is for you. You are one of many thousands of guests who have discovered our supper clubs to be one of the highlights of the cruise. It really does provide a different kind of evening on board. I am always here for you, I am glad you are enjoying the blog.
JOAN CHRISTIAN – First of all, thank you for your comments and let me start by answering your question about Pisa. I am not sure why somebody would say Pisa is not worth your time as you are seeing one of the 7 Wonders of the World and how often can you say you saw that? Pisa is not just about the tower, has there is a beautiful cathedral, wonderful shopping all set in a charming Italian village. It does get very busy, but that only goes to show how popular that destination is. So, personally I think a trip to Florence and Pisa is a fantastic combination. I think you are very wise to have a rest day in Katakolon especially considering the wide ranges of your family’s ages. Please let me know if you consider any more tours and need advise for them and I will be happy to help you. I look forward to meeting your entire family soon.
CATMAMA044 – You are correct in saying that I cannot talk further about the cruise to South America on the Carnival Splendor. I do not want to get my PA 007 in trouble. PA is an office junior and is providing this information to me as a favor. The PA’s boss is a beautiful lady, but definitely would not be happy with him spending so much time talking to me. However, more news I am sure will be forthcoming. Which ship are you sailing through the Panama Canal on? Thanks for writing; I always look forward to hearing from you.
KENT SMOLL – Welcome home from your Carnival Freedom cruise and I am glad you had such a wonderful time. You are indeed correct that the Private and Exclusive View Of The Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and seeing the places most people never get to see inside this incomparable country is breathtaking. I know Luigi very well and he himself is a walking history of the Vatican and the perfect man to take you around. I know how you felt when you were in the Sistine Chapel, all alone with the thousands of regular guests having left……….words cannot describe how I felt and I am sure you feel the same. So, I hope we sail together very soon and thank you so much for sharing your valuable vacation time onboard the Carnival Freedom.
SUSAN B – It is funny that you should ask about dictating the blog every day. There is something strange happening to me though, I feel like I want to wear women’s und……..sorry, not that…..I mean that I seem to be a better writer when I type as I think, I don’t even know if that makes sense, but the words seem to flow better if I am writing them myself. I have tried dictating with Heidi typing but it seems to take longer and when I look back at the content I do not think it is as good as when I type it myself. Saying that, I am now reading what I have just written and typed myself and it is dreadful and makes no sense so I guess I am just going slowly mad……..oh well. Thanks for the promotion saying I should be paid more but honestly I am happy to do this for the love of the job, the laughter it provides, the information that makes guests enjoy their cruise that bit more, the chance to meet new people, the joy of knowing I have helped my fellow human beings and most of all because……..one day an Aston martin Dealer may read this and give me a great deal on my dream car. Thanks again for all your kind words and offers and I hope we meet in person one day soon.
DOUG NEWMAN AT SEA – It is interesting that the identity of my PA is causing a bit of a commotion and even more interesting that some have already taken it for granted that PA IS A SHE. I am not saying she is and I am not saying he is not. What I can tell you is that I have to protect their identity as PA 007 is not exactly at the top of the tree so the last thing I want is to get them fired……………….although PA is Heidi tells me very good looking/pretty and could easily be on the front cover of Vogue/GQ/Solider of Fortune/Playboy/Playgirl. You are right, of course, that I should be M not Moneypenny although naked I do look like a Q. If you need any more information on the Marco Polo sale, etc., please let me know and I will activate 007.
Thanks mate.
JAMES SPEELMAN – I think your ideas on the Web Cam are great. It would be nice to have a title stating where the vessel is. I will speak to Roger about this. You asked about the difference between GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and where we are. The answer is ONE HOUR. So, if it is 6 am in London it is 7 am in Rome and Cannes while in Istanbul and Athens it will be 8 am. There are no clock changes on our Grand Med cruises while on the Greece/Turkey cruises we change our watches twice. Hope this helps and please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks for reading the blog thingy.
LUV CRUISIN – Welcome first time blog reader and welcome first time Carnival cruiser who will be having her first vacation experience on a Fun Ship, the Carnival Freedom in December. What a generous gift you are giving your daughter Nikki, this will be a graduation gift she will never forget. You asked about what activities and public events there are onboard. There are so many but here are a few you can look forward to.
Pool Games
Deck parties
Big Screen Movies and concerts under the stars
Trivia
Newly Wed Game
Cooking Demos
The hairy Chest Contest
The Ladies hairy Chest – oops – that’s been canceled
Bingo
Karaoke
Dance Classes
And the list goes on
As you are new to Carnival, please feel free to use this blog thingy if you have any specific questions. Remember there is a few days delay in me answering them but I always will. Welcome Aboard.
ROBERT J COLONNA – Thank you kind Sir for your comments. I have no say that your comments do prove that for many the Carnival way of dining makes sense although I am sure that there are many loyal fans who would disagree. You know, there are enough lines these days created by the sheer number of people on a ship and the one place you should not have to line up at is dinner. That’s my opinion anyway. NCL is a great cruise line and Freestyle seems to work for them but if this blog is anything to go by I think the old tradition of knowing your tablemates and your wait staff knowing you seems to be the most popular. Let the debate continue. Enjoy your cruise on the Carnival Liberty mate and I hope also that you try Harry’s supper club — it is brilliant. Hope to hear from you very soon.
MRS MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF – I know what you are saying about your luggage and the collection and dragging and carrying, etc., however, your problems are solved because your wonderful husband has just chartered the Holiday for your luggage. Seriously, I know how difficult it is to travel. Heidi and I have our entire lives in suitcases as we travel on the ships…it never gets easier and I am sure it is the one part of taking a vacation that we all dread. Maybe we should sell cruises with clothes already included. You buy a cabin and then tell us what clothes you want hanging in the cabin……………..what do you think?
SHEILA – My advice is that unless you are unsure what tours you want then please wait until you are onboard, come to the travel talks and then decide. I will also host a Q & A after each talk should you have any questions. The sunshine will be waiting for you and if I provide that can you provide some Scottish cheddar cheese? Och Eye the Noo and see you soon.
SUSAN B – I am unhappy to read that on a seven-day cruise that you do not go to the dining room because you do not want to “dress up.” While the food in our Lido deck restaurants is delicious you really are missing two great meals and that is a shame. Would you consider semi formal/elegant casual – this just means no T-shirts or jeans, maybe a blouse and pants, etc.? What do you think? You would not be refused entrance and you would enjoy two sumptuous meals? I have now made sure that fleetwide a large variety of non-alcoholic drinks will be served at the formal parties. Let me know your thoughts please. Many thanks and I appreciate your time.
JAMES EMM – The article you are reading about P & O being taken over by Royal Caribbean is an old one indeed. Carnival Corporation & plc now includes P & O Cruises under its umbrella of companies and they have been and continue to be a brilliant cruise line and we are proud to have them in the family along with Cunard, Costa, Princess, Aida, Seabourn, Ocean Village and Holland America. Thank you for your kind words about Heidi and I look forward to hearing more from you soon.
JOHN FROM MOUNT HOLLY – John, call any travel agent or 1-800-CARNIVAL and you will be provided with the best rates for the Bloggers Cruise. Please let me know if you have any concerns……………we missed you here this cruise.

That is all the time I have for Q & A…………………….more tomorrow I promise.

MEN, I NEED YOUR HELP.
Heidi has read in one of her women’s magazines that boxer shorts are much healthier for men than briefs and has now told me that I have to change what I have enjoyed for all these years and move to boxers. I argued but she says she is unanimous and that’s that…………..have any of you heard this nonsense? Again, I know this has nothing to do with cruising but please help me, I nee your support — in fact that’s why I hate boxers, no support!

I await your advice.

I want to thank all of you who have been trying so hard to get AJ to be the GM of the CS.
I was disappointed that our question was not answered on Larry King as many of you have noted in this blog. I am getting a bit despondent but after hearing your words of encouragement and the various online petitions you have all started I must keep going and with myself, Carnival and all of you trying we shall succeed. I shall think positive.

We have just left Livorno today and the weather was nice and dry although a little humid. The guests are always full of mixed emotions knowing tomorrow it’s the long flight home and back to everyday life.

It has been a great cruise and I want to say goodbye to all the bloggers I met. I am sorry that we did not get time to spend more time together but the time we did spend was excellent and proof positive that I must keep doing this blog as much as possible

I want to end today’s blog not with the usual amusing story built with the overriding memory of this cruise.

It involves Jason who I found crying by the coffee bar on the second night of the cruise.

I know that this should have been 12 days of joy and fun for Jason and his fiancée but instead it was instead 12 days of thinking what should have been.

Jason has promised to read this blog upon his return home and I know that we all send our thoughts and prayers to Jason and the family of his beloved fiancé who lost her life while just simply going to Virginia Tech…………………………as Jason said as I called him to say goodbye…………. “She would have loved this cruise “.

Enjoy life now.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Here I am!

Back on board with my husband and friends. Oh yeah, and back to work….. that’s hard after having your mum waking you up in the morning and you walk down the stairs and smell fresh coffee and see the table full of my favorite things, instead of waking up to the sound of John in the bathroom and finding my least favorite things on the bathroom floor.

You might wonder, what are my favorite things for breakfast?
Well, they are Dutch, so they might not sound too appealing but let me try and excite you.

Brown and white slices of fresh bread, covered in real butter, and then you put on everything you fancy — from sliced cold meats (the butchers and supermarkets in Holland have every kind of meat you can think of and they slice it nice and thin), then put it on our slice of bread — not too thick though, not NY deli style. :) Different kind of cheeses (all sliced, no chunks or cubes.) We use a “kaasschaaf” – a special cheese slicer — for that — a tool John thought was fantastic the first time he saw it.  Doesn’t take much to excite a man who hardly knows his way to the kitchen, let alone what tools are hidden there.

Then we have sweet specialities like chocolate sprinkles (you put them over ice cream), and then sprinkles made of pure colored sugar, simply translated “stamped mice” – Gestampte muisjes — and then of course the regular chocolate spreads like Nutella and peanut butter or jam – all on their own, no mixing of the above.

A cup of fresh coffee, or tea (for the Brits in the family….), a boiled egg (soft and we peel the top and eat it ALL , none of this cutting of the top and leave half the egg on your plate), all this complimented by some juice (any kind you like).

ANYBODY FANCY A DUTCH BREAKFAST???

So, I will miss that, but I am sure I need to get back to cereal and skimmed milk for a while anyway…. we don’t really do cereal in Holland for breakfast, so that’s my excuse for not eating that once I leave the ship for a while.

Of course we had to catch up on all the missed birthdays (cakes) and going around to my Aunties and Uncles for dinners has definitely not toned my stomach in a positive way. I spent time with my brother and his family, saw my friend and her little boy, went shopping with my mum and stopped for coffee and lunches. It’s been great!

I have attached a photo of a one of the wonderful dishes I had last week, one my Auntie Til prepared. It’s my grandmother’s recipe and just delicious!

They are white asparagus, covered with hard-boiled egg and bits of smoked ham. Then you drench the whole dish in butter sauce….mmmmm

We had them with a lovely steak and new potatoes. We had dinner outside with a nice bottle of rose wine together with my Auntie Panasonic, Uncle Sony, one of my cousins Mark and his new wife Giovanna (they were married May 12) – left to right: Auntie, Uncle, Mum, Gio and Heidi – Mark taking the picture

The “Panasonic” and “Sony” references come from John, he started calling them that as soon has he met them both. My Uncle and Aunt own a store where you can buy everything from plasma televisions, espresso machines to fridges – therefore the name.

Well, my first “blog – thingy” is all about food and I fancy dinner as I am writing this. It will be a salad though!

All the “quality time” I had with my mum did us both the world of good and gets us through the next couple of months where we won’t get to see each other.

I drove off at 4:45 am this morning on my way to the airport after saying goodbye, which is always hard, but even harder when you are in the car on your own and one of those soppy love songs is the first things you hear when you turn the radio on. My mum and I now say, “See you in the morning.” No long goodbyes, as that just makes it harder.
It’s only a 30-minute drive to airport, but it feels like forever without John there cheering me up.  Once I turned onto the motorway it’s only five minutes away…I dropped of my rental (certainly not an Aston Martin) …crossed the road and checked in. The flight was a bit bumpy but quick and it’s time to go back to work now.

I would like to thank all bloggers for all the candy you have brought to the ship! I really appreciate it.

Apart from that, John is in the doghouse as he wrote that I am nine years younger, which is actually eight and we got married in 2004, which is actually 2003….what’s in a number, eh?

I am really proud of John doing this blog thingy every night. Sometimes he sits up until two or three in the morning. Hopefully we will have some time off together toward the end of the year and maybe I will rent him an Aston Martin for the day as that is all he ever talks about, apart from, of course, Angelina.

I am going to catch up on the e-mails and get to work.

Unlike John, I do not have a PA…..

Good Afternoon Everyone.

The blog has surpassed 350,000 slaps as of yesterday, thanks so much.

I have a 30-minute window between activities and shows on this beautiful day at sea. I still find it so strange to host a debarkation talk four days before the end of the cruise as I did this morning. In fact, my only criticism of this itinerary is that I wish there was one sea day at the end of the cruise for the guests to rest before they leave.

This morning, after the debarkation talk I held my usual Q & A session. The questions are asked by guests over the microphone so that everyone can hear. This way people do not have to stand in a line and usually people’s questions are the same. This morning, the questions were the usual mixture of How Do I and Where Is This? However, there was one gem that I wanted to share with you asked by a guest from somewhere called Northport, Alabama. Here it is, word for word.

When we are in Cannes I want to see the Eiffel Tower, do you have a tour that goes there or can I take a taxi?

I started to giggle, I thought she was joking but I could see that indeed she was not and I though that the rest of the 150 people in the audience would be laughing as well. The scary thing, less than half were while the remainder just sat there thinking………………mmmmmmmmmmmm, good question. I realized then that this lady honestly had no idea that it was probably eight hours away at least and on the other side of the country.

So, composing myself I explained this and indicated that this would not be possible…………..oh boy was she mad. Stating that someone at Carnival HQ had said we would be doing tours to the Eiffel Tower and that she had always wanted to see it. I apologized and said that she had received incorrect information. I asked her to wait until the end of the Q & A and we would chat more.

So, I met with the lady in question and she remained adamant. I asked if she had the name of someone she had spoken to but she did not and then I offered her other tour suggestions but she did not want to hear it. Anyway, she left, mad at me and mad at whoever gave her the information. I just finished a letter of apology to her and included this map to show how far away Paris is to Cannes.

Let’s hope she understands. I do not think anyone at Carnival told her that she could indeed visit the Eiffel Tower but I do know that I was wrong to laugh at her for asking. I should realize that not everyone knows where everything is and how to get there etc., that was cruel of me……………..I am an idiot.

As requested here is a comment from the lovely Carol Lyman who is the manager of our Bon Voyage department. Carol used to be chief purser onboard the ships and is a great friend of the Mrs. and me; here is a message from Carol.

We have items available for sale on our website at Carnival.com under “gifts.” Items can be purchased thru the website up to the week prior to sailing. To place orders online, they need the booking # and stateroom # of the party sailing. If they do not have this information they can call my cheerful Call Center staff Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM EST at 1-800-522-7648 or (3055992600). We offer a variety of gifts from Champagne, wine, fruit baskets, canapé trays, stateroom decorations, wedding & romance gifts, Gifts for kids, apparel, tote and sports bags and specialty items such as Quinces bracelets/decorations, photo and bar coupons, The Party Cooler, Squeeze Breeze bottles, and much, much more.

We do have liquor available thru the Call Center for cabin set-ups when asked. So, make your family or friends cruise that more special and treat them to one of our special items. It will make their day. Thank you all for your interest
Carol.

Right, what else………………ah yes. We were talking yesterday about fantasy cruises and I want to thank everyone for sending theirs in. My seven-day fantasy cruise would be.

SATURDAY – LEAVE FROM SOUTHEND ON SEA – MY HOME TOWN -
SUNDAY – AMSTERDAM
MONDAY – SEA DAY
TUESDAY – ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA
WEDNESDAY – CANNES – SOUTH OF FRANCE AND A CHANCE TO SEE THE EIFFEL TOWER……………..STOP IT JOHN
THURSDAY – OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
FRIDAY – DAY AT SEA

Sound good to you?

Congratulations to Princess Cruises on the naming ceremony of the Royal Princess today in beautiful Portofino, Italy. I do not have any photos but maybe I can ask 007 if he can source me a photo. For those of you just tuning in, 007 is the artist formally known as PA. 007 works out of an office in Miami and has amazing resources to other filing clerks who work with our sister companies and sometimes while getting a coffee from the vending machine they pass on information to each other which I then share with you. Let’s see what 007 can do. Will we be shaken or stirred?

I now will start with a record 61 questions and comments to answer which I will start at 3:15 pm and will probably not finish until after the shows et at 1 am so if my writing style changes to one word answers later on you will understand why.

So, grab a drink, sit down, relax and enjoy today’s Q & A.

DOUG NEWMAN AT SEA – I have passed on your thanks to 007 for finding out what is going on with the Marco Polo. The artist formally known as PA did well and I am going to send him a reward of a Solid Gold Plastic Trophy to put on his cubicle desk. If you find any other information out or need help from our end we stand by at your service. Have fun on the Carnival Victory.
BREAKING NEWS – AS CONFIRMED A FEW DAYS AGO BY MY PA – 007 – FROM HIS CORNER CUBICLE IN MIAMI HERE IS CONFIRMATION OF HIS INVESTIGATION
Germany’s Transocean Tours Touristik will operate Marco Polo on long-term charter. The Bremen-based company will take delivery of the vessel in March 2008.
I never doubt the amazing powers of 007
TERRI910 - You chose some great ports for your fantasy cruise. Who knows, one day it might be a reality that a Carnival ship is sailing around the South Pacific. I agree with you that sea days are so important. Only the, do you get the real cruising experience. That is one of the reasons why I really want to do a QM2 crossing next year. It’s great to read that you and Larry are loyal Carnival cruisers and I thank you so much for your support. Let us see if your fantasy will come true. Maybe mine will as well………………not my cruise………I mean AJ.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – OK, it is obvious that you and Prince Charles need a cruise immediately. Call Carnival and book a cruise out of Tampa, you can drive there and once onboard we have activities that are a little more exciting than the ones you are experiencing in Podunk.
BIG ED – I have this visual now of you and I on the Bloggers cruise, laying on a BIG massage towel and Alan, wearing only a loin cloth massaging us. I think this thought is your fault and proof positive that this is one cruise director who desperately needs a vacation.
We do get CNN so I will be watching AJ on Larry King. I have heard nothing from the show about me calling in so I guess they have not read my request. Still, we have people working other angles so the quest continues. Big Ed, Alan will be on the bloggers cruise but there is no other version of the Wild Duck story, he is now a regular at the Queen’s Head Pub. Are you coming on the Bloggers Cruise, has Mrs. Big Ed given in?
NUMBER12 – It is not that I don’t want to answer your questions about the dining room, I just haven’t seen any. Maybe I missed them or they are lost in the world of blog somewhere. Therefore, please re send them and I will answer ASAP for you. I do try and answer every question but sometimes I bypass the odd one by mistake. You asked about the gondola weight in Venice. Please, I want you all to know that we can take most people on the tour even though we do have 250 pounds as a limit. I had a blogger this cruise who with his wife had a combined weight of 500 pounds but we managed to take them by cutting the number in the gondola. Therefore, please book this once onboard, it is a great experience. Please re-send your dining room questions which I look forward to reading and answering.
BIG ED – Well, as you can see from yesterday’s blog that you and Mrs. Big Ed have a new SuperLiner to sail on when Carnival Splendor comes to Los Angeles. We did that just for you and reserved you the best booth in the dining room. As for the bloggers being godparents – let me get a few Thursday’s behind me and then we will see. However, we are considering BIG ED as a name for the baby – if it’s a girl.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I think that the Turks and Caicos Islands are going to be just as you expected and more when you cruise on the Imagination. I agree with you also about Aruba when you say how clean and beautiful the island is. Heidi loves it there and, of course, it is part of Holland so she feels very much at home. The Carnival Destiny did use to go there but with the new itinerary it was too far south to make it part of a seven-day cruise. If Aruba was a few hundred miles closer than I am sure it would be a major cruise ship destination and as popular as any. Sorry to hear about your concerns with guest relations, I have forwarded them your comments and I will await their kind reply which I will forward to you. I am happy to hear that you like the photos of Heidi and I, and we will post new ones soon. Have a great day and hope you keep reading the blog thingy.
KAYENTAJANE – MA JOHN………………good grief, is that what bloggers are calling me…………..still it is better than SOD (sperm of the devil). The lady who cannot be named was indeed trying but I am still proud of myself that I kept my cool and remained professional throughout and did not allow the devil inside to take over completely. Still, hopefully she is, as we speak booking her Holland America cruise and is already complaining that she has been on hold for over 30 seconds. You asked about accountants onboard and yes we do indeed have a team of six onboard. They are responsible for……ummmmmmm…..accounting and adding numbers up and….things. Honestly, I have no idea what they do but they work very hard. When you sail, why not chat with one of them so they can give you a more detailed description than the one I just gave you…….that won’t be hard. You then asked about the naming ceremony for the Carnival Splendor and if guests who are on the inaugural can see it? This depends on when the actual ceremony is. On the Carnival Leg End the ceremony was the morning of the inaugural cruise and yes paying guests as well as VIPs could see the event which was held on the pier. The entire ship was lined with guests looking down onto the pier and watched as Dame Judi hosted the celebrations. I do not know what is planned yet for Carnival Splendor but if you are on the inaugural cruise, there is a good chance you will see the godmother (hopefully AJ) smash the bottle and bless the newest ship in the world.
As for formal night, yes, there will be one so go and buy that special dress.
I trust you are enjoying the blog and I hope you continue to do so. See you next year.
CHAZER – hello Chazer. You asked about the Holiday as there have been according to your postings a lot of rumors about the Holiday leaving mobile Alabama. I honestly do not know anything about this but that does not mean anything as I know very little about everything, if that makes sense. Let me ask 007 and see what, if anything, he can find out. This may take him a few weeks but I promise you I will let you know as soon as I hear anything. I can tell you that everyone at Carnival loves sailing out of Mobile and from what I hear, the guests who sail on the Holiday have a fantastic time. Isn’t it strange that I have mentioned Alabama twice already in this blog thingy. Keep reading Chazer and let me see what 007 can find out. My best to you and the family.
BOB MEANS – Hopefully you have read the posting I slapped on about the Carnival Splendor’s 2009 itinerary so that should have answered your questions and therefore that will have hopefully answered the ” what cruise to take next ” question. Please also let me know what that Guest Relations says. Thanks for the kind words and hearing that so many people are reading the blog gives me the inspiration to keep going…….that and lots of tea. Talking of tea, time for a tea pee. OK, I have tea peed and hope that all is well with you Bob. Please write soon.
TICAFABI – Heidi is in Holland. Heidi will ein brief scrifer fur jou straks. Groetjes und kunuffles.
LINDA HERNACKI – Thanks you for all your kind words. Here, as requested is a little bit more information on Heidi. We have been married since 2004 and we have been together for a total of 11 years. Heidi is nine years younger than me and I am 42. That is a polite way of me not telling you her age. She has worked for Carnival since 1996 and she is one of the most unsung heroes in the company. I am a better man and a better cruise director because of her and she is always there, in the background making sure everything is running smoothly while I take all the limelight. She needs to rest after all her hard work and as the ship is close to home this seems the right time for her to stop. We met in a restaurant in Holland and for me it was love at first sight. For her, it took a bit longer. You are correct she deserves a special vacation and hopefully I can afford to fly her first class somewhere special after we get off the Carnival Freedom. I am thinking of Tennerife, she loves Spain. So, I am going to try and make this as you said a special vacation and she deserves first class all the way……………anyone know how to get an upgrade? Thanks for sharing you dream destinations; I may join you on that cruise. Best wishes to you and Mike the Spark.
CANNUCK CRUISER – Oh yeah, and my wife. Should that not have been at the beginning of your fantasy cruise. Come and share the doghouse with me. Great itinerary though mate. 93 Days to go to the Carnival Liberty cruise for you so I hope this blog thingy will keep you going for a bit.

OK, I am going to the shows now and I will return to this blog tomorrow morning upon arrival in Barcelona.
It is 4 am and we have just arrived in Barcelona. Last night we had a medical situation which required the ship to go full speed and into Barcelona upon the request of the doctor. So, here we are and the guest just left the vessel in an ambulance and they leave with our thoughts for a quick and speedy recovery. I am going back to bed as I am up again at 7:30 am for tour departures.

Good morning again, it is a bright and sunny day here in Barcelona. I have no news on the guest who left for hospital but will try and find out later today. So, with 80 degree temperatures I am sure the guests are starting to realize how lucky they are to have had this weather this cruise, it has been amazing so far……touch wood.

On we go with the Q & A.

JO MYERLY – I assure you Jo that alcohol-free drinks should have been and now always will be available at the captain’s parties. I checked at our party this cruise and indeed each server had a selection of fruit punch and regular/diet soda as well. The lines are usually to meet the captain; however on most ships we open all the lounges so that guests have a choice. I am glad to hear that you still go to the dining room because it would be a real shame to miss out dinner that night…………..lobster…….mmmmmmmmmmmm. Your fantasy cruise looks amazing and what an interesting choice in Uruguay. Thank you also for your recommendation regarding Grand Turk. It certainly is the place that is getting rave reviews and I hope I get to visit one day myself. Hope all is well and again, I have been assured by our head office that alcohol free drinks will be available as always at every formal party. Thank you for your thoughts and, yes, Heidi will be with me on the first voyage of the Carnival Splendor. I hope I hear from you soon.
BIG ED – Bugger, missed seeing AJ on Larry King as I was on stage. I am sorry they didn’t take my question or yours but hope springs eternal and maybe we will get to talk to her through her agent or her assigned charity. Thanks for your support mate and the blog page you have started may just be the thing that gets her excited about doing this. The alternative is to have you impersonate AJ and be the godmother, we just need to find the right outfit and get you some botox for your lips.
ROBERT – My goodness, 40 Carnival cruises and over 30 with me. That is remarkable and it makes me feel so very honored and why I consider you and Suzann good friends. I think Kathie Lee is the only lady to be godmother of two of our ships but I may be wrong, I will check it out. I also agree with you that Dubrovnik is a magical place. See you for cruise number 41 very soon.
WENDY – Thank you .
SPYROS – Please do not worry about having to change from the Carnival Freedom to the Carnival Liberty. The ships are identical and the Carnival Liberty is only two years old and is one of my favorite ships. The run is the same as the one the Carnival Freedom will do in 2008 so basically it really is not a change at all, just different decor inside the vessel. You must eat at the supper club called Harry’s and if you need any advice on tours etc. please let me know. You mentioned that you are in the military, may I ask what branch?
The cruise director on your Carnival Liberty cruise will be decided in a few weeks and as soon as I know I will inform you. Whoever it is I assure you that they will make sure you have a wonderful time. Hope to hear from you soon.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – never got to see AJ on Larry King and Heidi is due back in an hour so it will be Thursday straight away. How are the leaves?
CLAIR – You sound very excited about your forthcoming Carnival Liberty cruise. You asked about suggestions in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now, I know you said that you are not very adventurous but I want to tell you about a special tour at night. It is called the Bioluminescence Tour. This is a kayak tour at night in a beautiful lagoon in the middle of the rain forest. The kayaks are built for two people, the water is very calm and you do not have to be overly fit to do this. The stunning feature about this tour is when the sun goes down and darkness falls, hundreds of thousands of tiny bioluminescent sea creatures light up the lagoon and it is something amazing to see. This tour always sells out so I do suggest you book this as soon as you get onboard. If this is not “your thing,” then take the City and Shopping tour, which will give you an overview of the town and leaves plenty of time for shopping. So, have a think and let me know if you need any further help.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – It is the thought that counts, Captain, so thank you for the Pork Chop. Please do call Carnival and ask directly about transfers. I am not sure why you cannot buy these online but I know we do offer transportation from the airport to the Carnival Spirit. If you have any problems with this let me know and I will investigate for you. I much prefer talking to a live person than these automated machines, I mean it is everywhere. Heidi and I were walking along the beach in Sorrento last cruise when I saw a big seashell. I picked it up to listen to the sea and was greeted with” If you want to hear the sea in Spanish, push 1.” I think the South Pacific is going to be the most popular choice for a fantasy cruise, it certainly so far. Maybe one day your fantasy will become reality. Please do not worry about the negative letters. They are few and far between and for every negative letter, I get 50 positive ones. The reason I share these negative ones with my blog friends is that I do not want this to be a blog where I only talk about the great and the good. I make mistakes, the company can do better and when these situations arise I feel it necessary to share them with you…………especially the funny ones……..like the lady who wants to go to the Eiffel Tower. Anyway, hope all is well with you and hope to hear from you soon.
JILLIAN – Ahhhhhhhhhh, the British Isles cruise on the Carnival Legend. What a great cruise that was. Scotland, Ireland, and then across to France and Holland…………brilliant. I have no idea if this cruise will ever be repeated but if it was I bet it would be a best seller. Let me see if I can add some influence to making this happen as I for one thought it was amazing. Thanks for reading the blog and I hope you always will.
ROBERTO – You are very much part of this mate and without you there would be no blog. Thank you on behalf of us all for making the site look so great and for reacting so quickly to bloggers suggestions. Cheers.
MATT AND VIKKI TILL – What a great advert for the British Navy. It is indeed a tradition that all submariners have a keg of beer handy. It sounds much nicer than your “Bug Juice!” Yours is another vote for a cruise to Australasia which is now running neck and neck with the South Pacific, we could probably do both on a 12-day cruise. Carnival’s sister company P & O has our ship, the Jubilee, now and she does sail that region and is very successful. I can’t remember what the ship is called now, so let me pick up the HOTLINE and call 007 for help.
Please send my best to Vikki and I can picture Todd and her doing needlepoint classes on board.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Enjoy the book. I have ordered a copy of Bob’s new masterpiece for the library. Thank you for the plug for it and I am sure it will be a bestseller. I hope you buy my book when it comes out, at least I will sell one copy. Thanks for your support of the blog, I appreciate it so very much. So, I have just read your fantastic blog about Zydeco music and the 10th annual cruise on the Carnival Conquest. I had no idea about what to expect with this style of music but I will now be checking out the web sites you mentioned and listening to the music which I am sure will be the case for many other bloggers as well. You are correct when you say the Carnival Splendor will not fit through the Panama canal……………..as 007 mentioned

Now, to The Big Easy. It will be back, of that I have no doubt. Nobody was more disappointed not to be putting the Carnival Triumph back to New Orleans than Carnival but, as you hinted to, the time is not yet right. One day soon, it will be though and as tourists flock back to this amazing city the one of the reasons will be for its heritage of incomparable music including Jazz and of course Zydeco. I am reminded about how great New Orleans was and will be again every 12 days through our BIG EASY show. This is seen by 3,000 people every 12 days and in a small way, I feel that we here on the Carnival Freedom are reminding people of this fact. Thanks again and look forward to your next posting.

BOB MEANS – many thanks for helping Jo and Spyros with your thoughts and observations, I am sure they both appreciate it very much. As far as Heidi is concerned she will be leaving at the end of this year, however she will be joining me on the BLOGGERS CRUISE and for the first cruise on the Carnival Splendor. Then, what about me you ask. Well, as others will tell you I have been threatening to leave for the last few years, some wish I had It has been Europe that has rejuvenated me and being here means I find it a little easier being away from home as I am never too far away. The last FOUR ships in the Carnival fleet were:
CARNIVAL FREEDOM
CARNIVAL LIBERTY
CARNIVAL VALOR
CARNIVAL MIRACLE
The truth is I have no idea how long I will stay with Carnival. Maybe one morning I will wake up and say “that’s enough” but I do not see that happening just yet, but you never know. As for incentives, you suggested Carnival lease me an Aston Martin……..which would make no difference at all……..unless it was a black one, the V12 Vanquish or The DB9 Volante……..then I would stay until I get the call up yonder. I am easily bought! Thanks Bob, your words of encouragement are really wonderful to read, thanks mate.
STORMIN NORMAN – The Grand Turk Tourist Board should hire you to do their PR as that was a wonderful review and I am sure all the bloggers are really excited to read about this destination which is topping the Must Visit Caribbean List. For those of you who have never cruised with Norman you have really missed meeting a caring and fun guy who represents the best of Aussie. Hope all is well mate and thanks again for your words of recommendation.
SHARONR – Hello Sharon . Welcome on behalf of the 6 thousand daily readers of this blog who all together have hitted it (is that a correct web term?) 351,000 times. I will now answer your questions and concerns as best I can
1. You asked if taking a safer shore excursion was safer than a long one in case you missed the ship………………..ANSWER – NO. Each of our shipboard sold excursions have a guide who is in touch with the ship the entire time and we will never leave unless all the tours have returned. Therefore, please book your tours by deciding what you want to see and not the length of the tour as the ship will never sail without you.
2. The kids will love Dubrovnik’s old town as will you. I suggest the BEST OF DUBROVNIK TOUR which has little walking in it and therefore the entire family including dad and Grandma will be able to join you.
3. Eze is beautiful, but I think you should also consider Monte Carlo during our stay in Cannes. Again, this would be a tour the entire family can do together.
May, I suggest overall that you book your tours onboard. Come along to my travel talks which are held before each port of call and then if you have any questions I and the team will be able to answer them for you thus making sure you get what is right for you and the family.
Until then, please read the blog every day and if you start from the ones back in March then you will find others that have asked similar questions and also their thoughts on the tours. I remain at your service and thanks for joining the world of blog.
WENDY – See you on Monday and have a very safe journey. Please leave me a message at the Information Desk once onboard. Can I have a diet root beer please?
JERRY CALVERT – Your description of Grand Turk should have bloggers picking up the phone and wanting to book a cruise that goes there. Imagination, Carnival Triumph or as you mentioned our sister ship The Prisendam that belongs to Holland America. I have not been to the private island of Half Moon Cay but others have also said how beautiful the beaches are. Which ship are you sailing on in October? Let me know if you need any questions answered. Thanks again for the great advert for Grand Turk.
VIKKI – You are right, you never know what you might find when you read these blogs. Probably though, one day, nothing will happen and I can have a rest:) How long until your cruise and no, you were wrong about Heidi……………not yet anyway.
HOTLANTA – The missing luggage you are “paranoid ” about goes missing from the airlines meaning you arrive at Rome but your luggage is on vacation somewhere else. Seriously, don’t be as you say you are paranoid, relax and enjoy every moment from the moment you lock the door of your house to the moment you return. I am sure all your luggage will get here and if it does not I have some spare underwear for you. Keep smiling and be excited, this is going to be the best vacation ever.
ESSEXMAN – Alan loves to cruise, as well. Can you help me? Someone asked me what the top three tourist attractions are in our home county. What do you think mate?

AND HERE SHE IS. HEIDI HAS JUST RETURNED AND BOY, HAVE I MISSED HER. FIRST COMMENT “THE DESK IS UNTIDY.” ANYWAY, IT’S THURSFRIDAY SO I WILL BE BACK IN ONE HOUR…………………………………..OK, 5 minutes

OK, I am back, and I know what you are thinking but mind your own business

CATITLYN 20 ON CRUISE CRITIC – Thanks Tammie for such nice words. I do try to help individual guests as much as possible, especially those like the young man whose fiancée was tragically killed. I guess I do this not just as a cruise director but as a ME if you understand what I mean. My parents brought me up to always try and help others as they have always done. Just a follow up with Jason, he has had a good time and today in Barcelona I arranged for the family to go to Montserrat and they lit candles and bought rosary beads, etc. They said that they had a wonderful time, shed some more tears but feel fulfilled that they went there. They are going to be reading the blog so I am sure you all join me when I say we will continue to think of Jason and the family. Hope your family is all well Tammie and please keep reading the blog.
ROCHELLE – I have never sailed the area of the Chilean fjords or the Cape before but I think my mate Roger Blum has…….Roger have you sailed this area? I think that you have joined the majority Rochelle when you say that you also like at least on formal night on a shorter cruise and maybe two on a longer cruise. This, I think is OK for everyone. I have never heard of a ship having lots of clothes to borrow if guests miss their luggage. I must admit that we do not have that facility here. May I ask what ship this was because I wonder how they organize that with styles, sizes etc. Please can you send on any details.
Glad you liked the story about Alan and there will be more in a future blog I promise.
LINDA – The truthful answer is, I have no idea but I will find out if Mike as a Vietnam Vet is entitled to military discount. I think it is for active personnel only but I will check and get back to you ASAP. Thanks also for your help with AJ and hopefully things will work out.
ESSEXMAN – The key is the size of one of those used to open a suitcase:(
ERIC R THAYER – Great to hear from you as yes indeed it was me on the Imagination all those years ago and I thank you so much for your words of praise. You asked about the shows and that sometimes you return to a ship and the main production (dancing) shows are the same. We do change the shows as often as possible but to do this is a huge operation. All the scenery ahs to be taken off and new sets put onboard and this can only be done when a ship is out of service or as we call it Dry Dock. This is actually happening on three different ships this year, ROGER, WHAT SHIPS ARE WE CHANGING THE SHOWS ON?
I wish you could see the new show here called BIG EASY, it is amazing. I also hope we get to renew our friendship very soon. Until then, let’s keep chatting through the blog.
DORTHE CALIMBAS – Heidi is back and it is wonderful and she says hello to everyone. Thanks to you as well for having the time to plea for AJ to be godmother, I hope all our efforts will pay off. Your exotic cruise sounds amazing and as you mentioned the homes of two of my favorite foods in Thailand and Japan, I may just join you. Thanks for your contribution to the blog, I appreciate it very much.
CARL AND BARB THE BEARS – You may see more bears on your fantasy cruise but I do not think you will get Heidi to go down the Amazon, snakes and spiders are not her favorite things in the world. I however would do that cruise in a heartbeat. I have read a lot about Manaus and the trip certainly would be memorable. Wishing you and Barb all the best mate AND THANKS FOR LEAVING A MESSAGE ON Larry King’s website.
IVERNON – I know you are all pulling for me to get AJ to be the godmother and I hope it happens for all of us. I am not giving up just yet and we still have some things going on behind the scenes to get this working. Thank to you and others like you it may just happen.
BIG ED – Thank you for stepping in when I go to radio silence and am calling this time BLOG SILENCE ( B.S.) AND THEREFORE I AM MAKING YOU HEAD OF B.S. Congratulations
LINDA – How did this rumor start? Heidi is NOT pregnant although things may have changed in the last five minutes! Thanks for asking though and if anything changes I will alert you all…………………………bit nervous actually!
LEASA – Your comment has I am sure touched many who will have read it. I have passed the comments that you made to many different people and have discovered that Anca is still with carnival and is currently on the Carnival Valor. Being sight-impaired yourself I am sure you will know how important it is that we as crew understand what needs to happen in order for yourself and others who are also blind to enjoy the cruise to the maximum. Therefore, Carnival is proud that we have developed a special training program for all crew in how to best assist guests who are sight- and hearing-impaired and those with physical limitations. This program is carried out by our special staff who are on every ship and with the assistance of my friend J.C. Trueba who developed the program at our Miami H.Q. and the proof that it is working is shown by your comments. Enjoy your back-to-back cruise on the Carnival Liberty and I send you my warmest regards.

BREAKING NEWS………………………..I DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT I HAVE JUST READ……………………STAND BY FOR A LIVE BLOGGING CLASSIC

JC – is that not strange. I just mentioned a J.C. and here is another one. You asked about sugar free drinks on board. The juice does contain sugar but of course we also have diet sodas but they unfortunately need to be paid for. May I suggest a soda card which allows you unlimited diet drinks throughout the cruise? We have all the sweeteners including Splenda and Sweet and Low, and Equal and every night in the dining room we have a sugar-free dessert and sugar-free vanilla ice cream. As a diabetic myself I am here to help you as and when needed. See you soon and let me know if I can help further.
LYNN AND MIKE SAGARA – I am so excited that you decided to book the BLOGGERS CRUISE……………YIPEEEEEE. I promise you that you will not regret it. How interesting your comments were about the second formal night and folks being more relaxed and therefore buying more photos. I just checked with the photo manager and indeed he says that in some cases this is true, how interesting. What do other bloggers think? Which photos are must buy ones for you. Once again, I want to thank you for booking the cruise and I remain at your service and your friend.
ESSEXMAN – No bother mate. I am currently working on getting transportation from the “other ” Rome airport to the vessel and hope to have a positive answer in a few days or before. The Rome tour you are on will drop you off at PIAZZA CAVOUR which is five blocks from the Vatican. Heard you have had some rain back home, I am having a longing for a fry up from the Arches! Anyway, I will get back to you regarding the airport transfer and TTFN.
JO – Don’t be shy, sing it from the top of a mountain. YOU ARE GOING ON A CARNIVAL CRUISE.
IVANA – I hope the Cavs do well. I haven’t bothered watching what is happening in the NBA since my team, the Miami Heat, lost. Still, they were just being nice in giving someone else a chance to win. They will be back next year. I went to a game once with Heidi at the arena in Miami, it was fantastic. We sat all the way at the back but even from up there the atmosphere was amazing and it was great to see opposing fans sitting next to each other as that would never happen in the UK at a football (soccer match). I just read your posting again and now I realize that instead of watching your favorite team, you watched AJ on Larry King………now that is dedication to the blog and I have no words that can say how grateful I am.
LINDA – Now this feels very weird, me writing to you on this blog thingy and you on the ship. With regard to the vaporettos, yes there was long lines but in answer to your question Princess did not have private service into St. Marks. These were tour boats that guests paid money for to go into St Marks as we did on our St Marks Experience Tour as well. It is illegal for us to run free boats all day into St.Marks as this obviously takes away revenue from the local public transportation services and henceforth we cannot do it. I was however, very surprised at just how busy the vaporettos were but when you consider the four giant ships holding 9,000 guests between them then I guess I should not have been surprised. Tell you what, why don’t I just call you and then I can show you my bruise from last night! Hope you are having a great time and I am so happy you are here for 24 days. As for the Carnival Splendor’s repositioning cruise, I do not have details on that just yet but 007 is working on it from his small corner cubicle in Miami, I hope he does not get into trouble for passing this information on. Best to George and I will call you soon.

That’s enough Q & A for today.
As we were talking about Grand Turk and how popular it is, here are a few photos for you and this I am sure will have you picking up the phone to book the Imagination or the Carnival Triumph.

1 Some photos of the port – The Holland America Ship – Prisendam is at the pier.

2.Here we see photos of the Safari Tour

3. The Brilliant Aqua Boat Tour

4. Horse lovers – You will want to go NOW when you see these.

Oh, by the way, I made a mistake. For some reason I thought my anniversary of 20 years was this month but I just found out it is indeed AUGUST 8. Oh, well, nearly there. I also just found out that for 20 YEARS THE COMPANY BUYS YOU AN ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH OR DB9, YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR. Isn’t that great?

So many people have booked the Bloggers Cruise and I am so excited about the fact that at least half the vessel will be people we will already know as friends thanks to this wonderful world of internet and blog stuff.

Still no news on the guest we disembarked early this morning and we continue to think about them.

OK, I am rambling so time to stop. Here then, is proof positive that there are Travelers and Tourists in this world and no guesses which category this lady falls under. Let us then return to the lady who wanted to see the Eiffel Tower as mentioned at the beginning of this blog. I do not need to say anything further except show you this e-mail.

From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2007 6:42 PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR; FREEDOM SHORE EXCURSION MANAGER
Subject: Cabin %%$& – Mrs. %^&**&^%$@! – Cannes Excursion to Eiffel Tower

John
Mrs &^&((^**(()%$# came to the desk wanting to speak to you but you were on the bridge for sailing. The guest said she had talked to you about seeing the Eiffel Tower in Cannes. She says that you said she cannot and was very upset and wanted to talk to the Captain. I also explained that Paris was too far but she said she had seen it advertised on the T.V.
Then, she said the people she sits at the dinner table with had booked the tour already. I asked for their cabin number and it showed that they had booked THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA. The lady said, oh yes, that’s the one, the tower that leans in Paris.
I have now explained to the lady and she has booked the Pisa Trolley Tour. Sorry this e-mail is reaching you now but I have only just stopped laughing. She wants to talk to you still, so please call her when you can.
Thanks
Francesca

AND ON THAT NOTE – I SAY GOODNIGHT

Your friends

John and Heidi

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

Good Evening.

Sorry for the delay in posting over the weekend, I guess you are all used to it by now but where as I have no life and no weekends, the support personal in our head office do and they need to spend time away from their desks. Henceforth, again, sorry for the delay but I will make sure I post a lot these next few days.
We have just left Venice. The mask parade is in full swing and I am about to run (OK, walk fast) to see how it is going. The weather was beautiful today in Venice again and it was also very busy with four megaliners in port. There was the Emerald Princess, The Costa Serena, an MSC ship and the Carnival Freedom.
This meant that the Vaporetto’s were very busy with so many guests wanting to come and go into Venice at the same time but the beautiful hot weather made up for any lines I am sure. Here are two photos of St. Marks at night. One is from last voyage when it rained, the other was taken last night with the crowds airbrushed out to show the serine beauty of the this most famous square.

OK, I am going to the mask party. I will be right back.
OK, I am back. The party was a huge success again with lots of folks wearing their masks, dancing and watching us sail from Venice. It is a quite a contrast to last cruise seeing all the kids on deck using the giant slide and having some fun in the sun.
I was on the bridge for a few minutes as well and it was interesting to see all the folks on the other cruise ships I mentioned above taking photos as the Captain reversed us into the turning bay. When I see other ships in port I often think of their cruise directors and what they might be doing and it is a shame that we never meet up.
Had a chat with a lady today who was unhappy with our library selection. She felt that the books had little choice for children aged 14 – 16. She is traveling with two children of that age and she wanted books for them. She is completely wrong that we have little choice because we have no choice as we have no books for that age group. I have no idea what kids that age read but I will find out and make sure we add some to our inventory.
That’s a perfect example of something that I would not have thought about unless told, so I am very thankful to this guest fro bringing it to my attention.
It is now 6:25 pm. I have received a few negative comments about the waiting time for the Vaporetto’s in Venice. I just spoke to one gentleman on the phone who said he waited 40 minutes for one and that Carnival needs to control them better. I tried to explain that we have zero control over the transportation in Venice and that it was extra busy today because of the weekend and also because there were 9,000 cruise ship guests all wanting to get into Venice.
I love Venice and so do the guests, but it causes me more problems than any other port. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s because the damn thing is built on water. Can you imagine living there and having to every day things like shopping, emptying the garbage and going to see friends, all by boat?
It got me thinking, and I mean this with no disrespect to this guest but if I was staying in New York and had to wait 40 minutes for the subway, I would not go back to the front desk at the Marriott and say that you need to get hold of the metro system………………….just a thought.
The above then are two examples of the different comments we get. One, absolutely correct and we must comply, the other, well……..let’s just say that there is nothing that can be done.
On a happier note, I have been calling bloggers all evening and chatting with them. Everyone is having a great time and I am hearing a lot of positive comments that the blog information on tours and ports really helped them before they cruised. The blisters are worth it then.
One lady I spoke to was the Tami Starr. We chatted about which tours her kids would and would not like and after some discussion, we decided that it would best to have her kids enjoy the fun and excitement that is provided by Camp Carnival. I am glad we spoke because I think taking her kids on the Classical Sightseeing tour in Dubrovnik tomorrow would have been so boring for the kids which in turn would have spoiled it for Mum and Dad. Terri made me laugh when she said her youngest got excited about Venice……………..not the Doge’s Palace or St Mark’s Square but because she saw a pigeon and a dog:)
Can I also mention Mr. and Mrs. Sergeant who are regular blog contributors and readers? They are having a wonderful time but today is particularly hard for them because their son Randy is being deployed with his Black Hawk Squadron. We all wish Randy a safe time and thank him for his service.
I chose some different movies for the big screen and these will arrive in Rome. It is hard to choose these movies as you want to make sure they are ones that everyone will want to see, this is especially hard with the newer movies. However, I choose three CLASSIC movies for the big screen. Tell me what you think.
1. GLADIATOR – this should look amazing on the big screen. I know it is a bit bloodthirsty but seeing as most people will be visiting the Coliseum anyway I think they should go there having seen how it really was.
2. TOP GUN……….The classic blockbuster and still brilliant even today.
3. CASINO ROYALE………..The NEW Bond version that ends with spectacular scenes in Venice.
Now, the biggest surprise is that there is no Angelina Jolie (AJ) movies on the list. They are onboard but available for my private viewing only. My friend Tim has now seen AJ in Original sin.12 times.
Do any of you have any other classic movies or recent releases that you would like to see?
Fancy some Q & A? Me too.

JOHN FROM MOUNT HOLLY – I think I speak for all 3,000 guests when I say a huge thank you for being so much fun. Your antics really made the cruise that extra bit special. Can you please send me your e-mail address? I won’t post it but one of the guys from the office will send it through to me. My best to your wife and thanks again for everything. See you on the bloggers cruise and yaba daba doo.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – It does seem that this blog has become time-consuming but as long as it does not interfere with my job as cruise director I will continue to enjoy the work. Thank you for telling your friends about the blog and the cruise experience and that is one of main wishes for the blog, to advertise the joys of cruising by showing the readers exactly what happens day to day onboard. See you in January mate.
PAUL.F PIETRANGELO – Good evening to you Paul and thank you for the great idea on getting AJ’s contact details by asking Kathy Ireland. I think this may be a very good suggestion and I have forwarded it on to the folks in Miami. Hope you are well and as always a big thank you for your continuing support of this blog.
ANITA DUNHAM – POTTER – Consider the teenage boys as free as Paris Hilton. Thank you for your suggestion Anita and indeed I have been reading a lot about Angelina’s charity work so of course you are correct that we must support this work if we are going to persuade her to be the Godmother. I have sent your thoughts onto public relations for their consideration.
So, soon you and your family will be here and I look forward to meeting them all (after locking away the teenage boys) and showing you this beautiful and exciting ship.
Have a safe journey and see you soon.
LOOKINGFORWARDTOTHE-NEARLEYSMOKEFREECARNIVALFREEDOM – I can only imagine that it must be wonderful to be trapped in an elevator with you and Mrs. LFTTNSFCF because the conversation would be marvelous. Both of you write with such feeling and passion, I can only wish I could do the same.
All the crewmembers you mentioned are perfect examples of Carnival’s goal to try to exceed all expectations onboard our ships. These expectations can only be exceeded because of the crew and shore side personnel that you mentioned and thousands more like them. So, thank you on behalf of all the crew and people ashore who are dedicated to make your cruise exceptional and I salute people like you who take the time to meet and chat with them. This enhances your cruise and makes the crew feel so special. It’s a recipe for continuing success.
Thank you also for starting the online petition for AJ to become the godmother of the Carnival Splendor. All of these suggestions I hope, will alert her to seeing that she is a wanted woman……………..and not just by me.
All the best and please write soon.
SHEREE – Heidi is having fun at home and I do miss her very much. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder and it also makes the laundry pile up and the cabin get untidy.
I am happy to hear that the Courtney is home and I am sure you must be very excited to sail. I think there will be a nice mixture of young and old during your cruise including some younger children and older teens and fellow graduates as well. All in all, a perfect mix. I have not received the mah jong sets just yet and if I had time I really would learn. However, any free time I have finds me blogging and occasionally watching AJ movies and staring longingly at my toy Aston Martin. I agree about the photo. Let me ask Roberto……………………ROBERTO – CAN WE CHANGE THE PHOTO ON THE WEB BLOG THINGY TO THE ONE OF ME DOING THE MORNING SHOW……………..THE ONE WE USE NOW MAKES ME LOOK FAT!
There, that’s done. Thank you Sheree and it won’t be long before I am saying Welcome On Board.
JONVHALL – Thank you for your kind comments. I am glad you had such a wonderful cruise and also happy that you enjoyed my shows. The best news is that you started your own blog and I hope it is very successful for you. I am sure other bloggers from this site will smash onto yours to see what you have written. Please stop by my blog as often as you can and I thank you for taking the time to write. Cheers.
MR PETE – So, we have broken you down. The torture and pain of reading this blog every day has forced you into submission and you have booked a cruise on the Carnival Victory to beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. Great ports, especially Halifax where you must visit Peggy’s Cove. If you need any help deciding what to do I am here as always. Congratulations, good choice and now I am off to torture someone else into realizing cruising is the only way to go.
WAYNE MOONY – Sorry to disappoint you Wayne but I have no idea what Paul and Steve are talking about. It seems to me that both have very similar writing patterns and therefore I am forced to believe that they may be friends of my mate Alan Adkins and probably part of Alan’s gang that hang out at the Cliff Pub. I shall ask Big Ed to go into the pub in disguise and see if he can penetrate Alan’s inner circle and discover if he is indeed behind these scandalous accusations.
RICHARD D – Fawlty Towers provided some of the most fabulous put downs I have ever heard. My favorite and something I often say in my head — “A satisfied Guest, we should have him stuffed “.
August will be here before you know it. I see that you mentioned the shuttle bus from the airport to the ship. Do you require information on this? If so, please let me know. Please keep reading the blog and I am sure you will see something that may help your cruise before you get here. See you very soon.
DOUGNEWMANATSEA – Thank you for another Basil reference which we will return to in a moment. As far as who has bought out Orient Lines, I too have no clue but maybe I can ask my PA who has just returned from a paper clip and filing conference and may be able to help resolve this question.
It was a brave I know to publish a picture of the lady whose name cannot be mentioned and it was probably a little impulsive but it was not me it was the devil inside.
I have ordered some mah jong sets so hopefully this will not happen again and I have also sent the photo to my friends at Holland America and if they have any sense they also will………run away.
Thank you for the full quote on my favorite scene from Fawlty Towers. If ever I feel down and need inspiration I can always turn to the master that is Mr. Cleese.
So, what ship are you sailing on next? When is it my turn? Hope to hear from you soon.
JULIE CARTER – Hello Julie and it was great to hear what a brilliant time you had on the Carnival Miracle and especially your concern about your waiter Nicola from Croatia. I will try and discover if indeed he was promoted but it would be easier if you had his second name, if you do, could you let me know? As soon as I have any information, I will pass it on to you. All the best until then.
JENNIFER – Jennifer, the only mistake here is the one made by our staff member who seems not to understand that it is OK for you to cruise as a single lady. I am so sorry that she offended you and please know that it is quite normal, very safe and most of all it will be a great way to meet new friends. Now, I intend to look into this matter personally. I do not want to get anyone into trouble but I do need to find out what was behind the ladies attempt to virtually insist that someone sail with you as this is what made you consider canceling your cruise. I have a feeling that the sales person was trying to encourage another sale but this should not be at the expense of making you feel scared into thinking that you should cruise alone.
Please post the following information on the site. It will not be made public and I will reply to you personally. FRANK / ROBERTO – FYI.
1.FULL NAME
2.SAILING DATE
3.E MAIL ADRESS
The bottom line is that many single men and women sail as singles. Many meet new friends, some meet new friends for life and all have a fantastic time regardless. I will be back to you soon and please be comfortable and secure in the knowledge that you will have the best time on this cruise. I promise!
DEBBIE CARPENTER – Thank you for the kind words and it makes me so happy to know that you think I enhance your cruise experience………..I am blushing. I look forward to seeing you and your family on the Carnival Freedom and next year on the Carnival Splendor. If there is anything I can do while you are onboard, please let me know. See you all soon and thanks again.
KATHY KROLL – LA – is that Los Angeles or Lower Alabama? Hello Kathy and yes, it was a beautiful two days in Venice. The Vaporettos were extra busy and there were some lines for them but apart from that it was a perfect day in Venice. I did send something to Joan from you so I am sure it will be a nice surprise to know that her friend is thinking about her. We will be sailing on our Greece/Turkey cruise next voyage and I agree with you that Istanbul is by far the most enchanting port on that itinerary with Ephesus a close second. Please send my best to Paul and hope you are both well.
RowdyCamperetteDebbie – I have now seen all the tents pitched on Lido and even caught someone fishing in the swimming pool so I take it that is your camping group. I met the tent leader – PEG! Anyway, after that awful pun I have sent each of them a signed photo of the ship with your warmest regards and I will also make sure that Carol gets a special 60th birthday mention on my next morning show.
Thank you for mentioning the new Carnival T-shirt site where, as you mentioned you can design your own shirts before you cruise. Here is the link thingy.
www.carnivalfuntees.com,
Here are some T-shirt ideas for your next cruise
I HAVE SEEN JOHN’S BLOG THINGY
I HAVE SLAPPED SOMETHING ON JOHN’S BLOG THINGY
JOHN’S BLOG THINGY IS NOT BIG ENOUGH (from Heidi)
HERBAL TEA – A REAL RUN FOR YOUR MONEY
I LOVE MAH JONG
IT’S RAINING – I WANT A REFUND – NOW!
ASTON MARTIN – BUY JOHN ONE TODAY
VOTE FOR ANGELINA – GODMOTHER OF THE CARNIVAL SPLENDOR
I CRUISED WITH THE SPERM OF THE DEVIL
If you have any other suggestions, please let me know bloggers. Thanks Debbie and hope to hear from you soon.
SUSAN B – It does sound like begging doesn’t it and I know she wouldn’t like to see me beg. I hope that AJ truly sees the wonderful exposure it would provide for her chosen charity and together Carnival and AJ can make something magical happen.
Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise. Thank you for saying that I should get more pay for hosting the Bloggers Cruise.
Sorry, for some strange reason my mouse thing started copying and going mad and bolding things and stuff, how strange. Seriously, it is truly an honor to have a cruise named after you. I think I am probably the first crewmember that this has ever been bestowed upon and that is truly special for Heidi and I.
Please write again soon.

Now, just before I forget, I am going to post a note that the purser’s office sent me while I have been writing this blog.
See below CRS, FYI.
Thanks
Regards
Marion
Pursers office
[6/10/2007 9:14:57 PM MAUD]
NEW ISSUE: CD, VENICE AND SHOWS
Mr. ***** came to the Purser asking if he could make a complaint about the cruise director. The guest said that during his travel talk John had said that you could not get to Venice except by boat. When Mr. ******* got off the ship he said he was angry to find cars everywhere and wanted to know why the cruise director had lied. I explained that we were not docked in Venice itself but another area but Mr. $%^& insisted on speaking to the cruise director. The guest also was unhappy with the show last night because it was all Beatles Music and said maybe the Beatles were popular in England but they were not popular in the United States. Purser tasked to CD who will call the guest and revert for CRS.

I have obviously hidden the name and cabin number and tomorrow I will call the guest and have a chat with him. I hope you do not mind me showing you these sorts of things and they are certainly not normal and not exclusive to this ship or myself. I think there are probably similar comments on every ship belonging to every line.
Of course, I will explain that I meant the center of Venice is accessible only by boat but maybe he is correct, maybe I should be clearer in what I say. I shall also tell him that both Ticket to Ride performances this cruise received full standing ovations and the entire audience from all over the world including the United States were all singing Let it Be and Hey Jude. However, maybe the show was not for him so I shall promote the Big Easy and Jump Jive and Wail shows as well as the beautiful singer we have coming who will be performing International music.
You zee (as one of our Captain’s says a lot), it’s all about perception and I have to make sure that I am clear and precise in everything I say and do. I may have been doing this 20 years this month but I certainly am still learning each and every day.
Oh, I also wanted to mention this trivia question. Do you remember I mentioned about the Mary Kate and Ashley movie I was in? Well, here is a quick question to ponder. What famous 1980′s TV show had a full episode shot on the Carnival ship, The Tropicale?
Let’s see who posts the correct answer first. WANT A CLUE? – IT SOUNDS CANADIAN! OK, time to head backstage for the show.

Hope you all had a great weekend. Only 4 more days and Heidi will be back. She gets back on a Friday, but trust me……it will be THURSDAY !
Goodnight
Your friends John and Heidi

ITS SUNNY? AND WE ARE IN VENICE? IT’S A MIRACLE

Good Afternoon everyone and I say that with a big smile on my face because its sunny and the weather forecast says that will be the case for the rest of the day although there may be a thunder shower later in the evening. Let’s hope not.

Can I just start by issuing an apology? As this blog gets more and more popular, it is taking me more and more time to answer all the questions and comments that are posted. Today’s blog has 20 pages of them. I will answer them all, I promise but please bear with me.

Thank you all for your support and assistance in obtaining the stunning Miss Jolie as godmother for the Carnival Splendor. Word is spreading around the various web sites and contact is being made, so now, it’s wait and see. Angelina is on Larry King Live on Thursday and I have sent e-mail to his show asking if I (on behalf of Carnival) can have permission to ask the beautiful Angelina if she would grace her with her sublime presence next July. This is one of just many ways that we are trying so thanks to all of you for helping out.

Have you seen the movie she made called “Original Sin?” The story line is amazing. A friend of mine Tim has seen it nine times!

So, what can I report? This morning at around 3 am we had a propulsion problem, which meant we had to slow down for about an hour. This put us at the pilot station today at 11:30 am, approximately 30 minutes behind schedule however, thanks to a clear passage into Venice we are alongside and the gangways out just a few minutes after 1 pm.

I am now heading to the gangway to check on the tours, back soon.

It is HOT out there. I went onto the pier and it really feels very warm indeed. We have 2,020 guests out of 3,200 ashore already. We are docked across from the Emerald Princess and also there were many beautiful private yachts in Venice today. The Venice pilot told me Sophia Loren was onboard one of them but I
couldn’t see her. I just saw an Italian sunbathing in Speedos on the yacht. It was proof that money can’t buy everything!

The gondoliers will be happy tonight as we have 500 people booked on our evening Gondola tour. I enjoy selling that experience. It really is something you have to do and booking it through us means you get a guaranteed 40 minutes in the gondola and are not subject to the various “scams” that some of them will try on unsuspecting tourists.

This blog has been going some 90 days now and I am not sure if I have ever mentioned this before, so if I am repeating myself please forgive me. I just wanted to mention about the guys who you will find selling fake goods on the streets of Venice. You can find: GUCI BAGS, CHANNAL SUNGLASSES, and ROLAX WATCHES – and much more.

Actually, I am told that some or good copies but remember, it is illegal for you to buy them and if caught, you will be fined a hefty sum of money. Also, and this is a personal opinion only, I once saw a program on BBC television about the kids who make these fake goods and I can never forget the awful conditions that kids as young as 12 have to work in. That has always stopped me from buying anything, but that’s just my opinion.

What else? Oh, let me follow up quickly about the young man I saw crying by the coffee shop. I spent some time with him (Jason) and his family last night. Jason is doing OK and we spoke about some of the tours that they should do and Jason spoke a little about the loss of his beautiful partner. It was an emotional time for everyone. This morning, I gave Jason and his family a free tour in Dubrovnik. It is a jeep tour and lots of fun as you drive a jeep through the Croatian countryside. Hopefully, this will rejuvenate them a little.

This cruise (again) we have 80 missing pieces of luggage and I made an announcement that I wanted everyone to feel comfortable and wear whatever they have during last night’s formal functions. During the captain’s party I was met by a Mrs. Joy Webb who was wearing a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. She wanted to tell me that if she had not heard that announcement then she would have stayed inside her cabin the entire evening. She and her husband had traveled from Rhode Island to Rome via Paris and they had received none of their four bags. Hopefully, their bags will arrive in Venice today. I encourage all cruise directors who may have accidentally discovered this blog thingy to make such an announcement if your company rules and regulations allow. I think that for the many years I have not been doing this there must have been many guests who just stayed in their cabins afraid to come out if not dressed appropriately.

It’s becoming obvious that the name of our dance club, “The 70′s” is going to be a continuing cause of complaints for the ships life. Each and every cruise I have received comments that guests do not understand when they go in there that they hear the music of today and not “70′s Music.” I explain that the name refers to the décor and design and not the content of music. We do have theme nights in there including a 70′s night but the rest of the time the D.J. plays a mixture of music. Our D.J. gets this comment more than I do and I am sure will continue to do so. Most guests are understanding, although there are some who are not.

This week, for the first time, Carlos, our DJ is playing much more up-to-date music as we have younger guests onboard who like me love the sounds of Hop Hip and Drum and Space. My favorite artists are M & M and 25 cents, Christina Agguleria and my favorite Snoopy The Dog. I know have 22 pages of Q & A to get through. So, I have my Diet Coke, some sugar-free candy and the relaxing sounds of M.C. Hammer on the stereo and I am therefore ready to begin.

OKTEACH – I see that your fellow Cruise Critic members have chosen you to be their spokesperson. Is this because you are a teacher? You asked if I could set up a meeting time for you and your group to meet on the transatlantic crossing. I am happy to do so. Please let me know how many of you and what day of the cruise you want to meet. May I suggest you have two meetings — one at the beginning and one at the end? I will be happy to come along as well as you requested. On another note, I had a bit of a distressing conversation with a guest yesterday evening that is also sailing with a Cruise Critic group this week.
This guest said that some on Cruise Critic were upset with me because I am “trying to take readers away and convert them to my blog “. Apparently, there have been quite a few postings about this. Therefore, may I just say that I assure you and all the readers of the brilliant Cruise Critic site that I am not trying to
do anything. I am just being, well…me. I have not and never will criticize Cruise Critic and indeed I am proud to say I have many, many friends who are avid readers. Indeed, if I had time, I would be one of them. I therefore want you to know that I have nothing but admiration and respect for Cruise Critic and I am sure there is enough room in cyberspace for all of us. Anyway, send me your numbers and I will be happy to help you out. See you in October.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Thank you first of all for the sound bites and you certainly should be proud of your use of the ship names. Can I also say congratulations on making it through the ranks to Captain? I am sure the men and women under your command had a lot of respect for you and I can see from your postings as to why. Thank you also for your support of the Carnival Splendor’s godmother appeal. I look forward to your next posting and glad you are happy with the Alaska information. I think Shawn will still be there, as she does not start her Italian tour for a few weeks yet. As for the godmothers of other ships you mentioned I can remember the following.
CARNIVAL DESTINY – LIN ARISON – THE WIFE OUR FOUNDER, MR TED ARISON
CARNIVAL TRIUMPH – MADELEINE ARISON – THE WIFE OF CARNIVAL CORPORATION’S CHAIRMAN AND CEO MICKY ARISON
IMAGINATION – JODI DICKINSON, WIFE OF CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES PRESIDENT AND CEO BOB DICKINSON
CARNIVAL LEGEND – DAME JUDI DENCH
CARNIVAL MIRACLE – JESSICA LYNCH, FORMER PRISONER OF WAR
INSPIRATION – MARY ANNE SHULA, WIFE OF LEGENDARY AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACH DON SHUA
CELEBRATION – ?????
I can’t remember some of them so I kindly ask the help of my PA who is currently busy at a ” Safety in the Office ” convention in Boring, Oregon.
MARK AND SHELLY – It sounds like you are expecting a busy time in keeping all your family and friends happy, but worry not. A cruise ship has magic aboard. This magic allows everyone to do his or her own thing during the days at sea. The younger kids will be new friends at camp carnival, the adults will be “chilling ” knowing that the rest of the family is being taken care of, having fun and most importantly doing it all in the safest of environments. Then, when dinnertime comes around, the family gets together and tells stories of what their day has been like. In the ports of call there are wonders to behold for everyone. So, relax and get ready to have a stress free vacation. See you all soon and leave me a note when you arrive at the Information Desk.
ZYDECOCRUISER – The hunt for Angelina goes on and I am feeling confident now that she will be mine. I mean….ours. Sorry, got a bit selfish then. If you do see her Bill please tell her if she agrees, not only we will be making a donation to a charity of her choice but she gets a Solid Gold Plastic Trophy and me. Write soon mate.
ESSEXMAN – Ah, only a man from Essex could come up with humor like that. I love Fawlty Towers – it is true genius. The lady whose name I will never mention again is now hopefully booking her cruise on the Westerdam with Holland America and is deciding what kind of free Rolex she wants. Maybe I should have told her to buy as much fake stuff as she wanted in Venice. How’s things in my home county?
RowdyCampertteDebbie – What? Please explain your screen name. Anyway, welcome to the blog club and thank you so much for reminding me to look down incase the lady whose name I will never mention is still there. I am managing OK without Heidi. There is underwear on the floor, the toilet seat is down but
I miss her very much. I guess that’s why, on such beautiful day here in Venice, I am sitting in my cabin, blogging. You mentioned the Camping Singles Group, do you have a name and cabin number so I can say a hello to them from you. I am glad you have been enjoying the blog and maybe if Angelina says NO, then, as you mentioned her name, we should ask Jennifer Aniston! I appreciate yours and other bloggers words about the young man Jason and his tragic loss. I cannot write any more information because I do not feel comfortable doing so but I can tell you that your words will be passed onto the family so I thank you. No sign of the tents on lido deck yet although I did catch someone peeing off the side of the ship – was that one of your camping friends? I got the names so lets see what we can do with them. Please keep reading the blog thingy and hope to hear from you soon.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Thank you so much for your support and faith in me. I hope that we manage to get Angelina. We have all spent a lot of time in trying to make it happen and if she says no I will cry. Now, I see from your later posting that you have e mailed Access Hollywood which I am guessing is a TV show or radio show so many thanks. Can you be my agent? I send you best wishes and hope that you continue to enjoy this blog.
KATHY KROLL – BRILLIANT That’s the answer, I get Angelina to adopt me. Of all else fails then I will go with your idea. Brilliant.
CCOURINGTON – Great web site and thanks so much for asking her to contact me. If she does, you will get a finders fee, which is a photo of Big Ed, Alan Adkins and me as Chippendales. I know how excited you must be right now. See you in 129 days and if you need anything at all please let me know.
MARIJ VAN DINTER – You are so nice what kind of licorice (drop) my wife likes. She loves all kinds but prefers sweet. Me, I can’t eat it, if I do, I need to keep my Nikes on in bed so I can get to the toilet as quick as
possible. I will see you soon and don’t forget to leave me a note when you arrive. Doooooooooeeeeee.
TAZMAN – I am so sorry mate but I cannot find any posting for you with that date. Can you re send your question ASAP and I will reply immediately direct to you. Thanks, and again sorry that you are lost in space somewhere.
KELLI O’LEARY – I am happy to hear that the Irish O’Leary clan agreed that my idea of having pre-cruise parties was a good one. I wish you much success in organizing them. I wish I could be with you. I am working on an addition to the site that allows the postings of photos to be stuck on or whatever it’s called and hopefully this will be up and running soon. So, there are now 14 of you confirmed on the carnival Splendor. You have no idea who honored I am that you decided to book this cruise and it will be pleasure to make sure you all have a fantastic time. Top of the morning to ya.
IVANA – Thank you for your time in researching Angelina’s contact information. I feel like I have an army of supporters and together we could invade a very small town. I will let you and all the bloggers know any progress on reaching the elusive Angelina and until then thanks so much for everything and I will indeed be writing to CAA. Hope to see you soon.
LETI – Well, you waited 28 years to take your first cruise and now it appears that you, like millions of others have realized that it’s the best vacation in the world. I am sorry to hear that the flight home was so uncomfortable so let me know if you need any advice on cruises a bit closer to home on Carnival or any other of our family members. I will pass on your best wishes and those of the Golden Girls to the staff who make your cruise so special. They will be thrilled to hear from you. I send my best to you all and hope that you write soon.
GC – It is an honor to meet you Gary. How wonderful that you have decided to cruise exclusively with CCL and I know I will have a new friend when I meet you on the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor. Fawlty Towers was and always will be in my opinion, the funniest TV show ever. Sometimes, while I am listening to guests “comments” in my mind, I am Basil Fawlty and while I am in real life being the compassionate cruise director I should be, the little devil Inside is making me act out one of the so many hilarious scenes. This especially happens when, as I stand on the bridge during lifeboat drill, I see guests who despite
announcements have yet to attend. Basil then kicks in and I find myself saying out loud “I don’t know why we bother, we should let you all burn.” Anyway, for those who have never seen this, please, go and rent it now….and buy a box of tissues because you will be crying with laughter. Thanks again Gary and I am so happy that you have discovered this blog thingy. Please stay in touch.
ROB ROWLAND – Another great link to AJ (as she will now be called) and we have added this to our contact list, many thanks for that. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise so much last June and if this blog is keeping you going until the next one then that is another reason to keep blogging. The search for AJ continues. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.
ZSOLT JURAK – The best news is that your Mum is doing well. It seems a long time ago since your Mum and you had to leave in Barcelona after she was taken ill. I am happy to hear your reports that she is doing well and as always, Heidi and I send our best to her. I am disappointed that your DVD has not arrived yet but you say your post is slow. If it does not arrive by the end of this next week I will send another copy to you as I really want Mum to have this. Thank you for your kind words and please keep reading.
CATMAMA – I love my Aston Martins. I have one big one and a miniature one as well which I took to bed with me – well, Heidi and AJ are not here so it’s the Aston Martin then. I continue to dream of owning one for real but I guess that in reality I probably have more chance of owning AJ. I can confirm that if all goes to plan I will indeed be on the Carnival Freedom on the January 12 Caribbean cruise so I will see you then.
SUSAN AND RALPH – First of all, welcome back home and I am glad you managed to mail the alimony money to the ex from all those exotic locations. I think you may have won that battle. Thank you for saying that you won’t sail unless I am the cruise director. That is very flattering and I am humbled by that. There are though many other brilliant cruise directors at Carnival and many onboard our sister lines as well. They do say that variety is the spice of life. However, if it is me you want then you shall have me. As for your comments let me say this. This web site is not all about praise and adulation. If you think you have some comments that will benefit future cruisers then you may of course post them here. Although I don’t have the resources of our Guest Relations Department I am always ready to help. If you do not want to post them on this site then may I suggest you contact our Guest Relations Department directly. They are based in Miami and reachable also through the Carnival Main Web Page thing. Regardless, I am happy to hear you had such a great time and it was wonderful to meet you both and I hope to do so again very soon.
TERI910 – I love anything Cleese does and while my mate Tim keeps watching ” Original Sin ” every day and my mate Alan Adkins favorite movie is “Brokeback Mountain.” For me, it has to be anything with Cleese. This includes as you mentioned A Fish Called Wanda and my favorite Python movie, The Holy Grail. Now, as for your question about taking a Baltic Cruise in 2009, let me say this. Although nothing has been announced yet, I can tell you that the pattern suggests that the Carnival Splendor or maybe the Carnival Freedom will indeed be sailing the Baltic. The Carnival Splendor’s itinerary has proven to be so popular that I am sure it must be something that Carnival is considering. Obviously, as soon as I know I will pass the information on to you and the rest of the bloggers. Please enjoy your shorter cruises from Long Beach until then and send my best to Larry. See you soon.
ROCHELLE – So far this cruise I have not met anyone who can match up to the pocket battleship that was here last voyage. I think the Eastern Caribbean cruise you are looking at on the Carnival Freedom is going to be an excellent choice. The ports of San Juan, St. Martin and St. Thomas are the best that the eastern side has to offer and the prices look excellent. If you need help deciding then let me know and I will try and point you in the right direction. So, slap a comment on to this blog thingy of mine and let’s see if we can you booked for November. Hope to hear from you soon.
MELISSA LAMOREAUX – I think it is brilliant that your six-year-old is deciding when and where you take your next cruise. When I was six I got to decide what fish and chip shop we went to. Anyway, please do not be concerned about your forthcoming cruise. You have cruised Celebrity, Disney, and of course Carnival THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR CRUISE LINE -sorry, I had to write that after typing Disney and Celebrity, dam, I have to do it again now CARNIVAL – THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR CRUISE LINE. There, that’s better. Regarding your cruise on the Crown Princess on the 17th I know very little about Princess and even less about their children’s program. However, I do know that Princess has an amazing pedigree and they continue to be many cruisers first choice. I also know that they, like Carnival realize how important the children’s program is, I have said this many times on the blog that a happy kid means a happy Mum and Dad. You have proven this by having taken so many cruises already with your six-year-old. You asked that if you have a comment or complaint while you are onboard who to go to. I would speak to whoever is in charge of the specific program. If, you are not happy with this then I suggest you ask at the Front Desk for the Guest Relations Officer and they will assist you. However, the best judge if everything is OK will be your six year old. See if she is happy, kids are smart and as she has taken so many cruises already and knows what’s fun, then she will tell you I am sure if something is not.
Have fun and please report back and let us all know how things went. I have a feeling your 6 year old will say ” I want to go again.” Have a great cruise.
SPYROS – Congratulations on booking the Carnival Freedom. What a wonderful experience you will have and after your four-day Celebration cruise you now will have double the time onboard. The Carnival Freedom is going to feel huge compared to the Celebration. I do remember with fondness my time as an assistant bar manager on the Cele – as she is known amongst the crew. You are right to be excited about seeing the Panama Canal. I suggest you take the Sailing The Canal tour, which is the only one that actually takes you through
the locks, it is awesome. I will pass your regards to Big Tex whom I e-mail often. Thanks for continuing to read the blog and soon you will be here.
LINDA HERNACKI I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY – In the age of cable television and hundreds of channels to choose from, you and Mike the Wrench sat and watched the Mary Kate and Ashley movie with me in it, not once, but twice! I hope you had plenty of sponsorship from Budweiser. Yep, I was skinny, yep, I had brown hair, yep, I was a stud. By now you should have seen my reply about adjoining cabins, which was posted on yesterdays blog. Thursday has come and gone and it is now Saturday and the ship is in Venice. I got through Thursday OK but to be honest I miss Heidi very much and can’t wait to see her again. My best to you and the bulb man and hope you write soon. Sorry, just seen your comment that you DID get the cabin information? Good, let me know if I can help further.
AHOYS – Well, I am not sure if you already on the Carnival Spirit or, you are going next Wednesday. So, just to be safe, have a great cruise — and welcome home. I hope you had a great cruise. Regardless, I know you will have or will have the most amazing time sailing the last frontier that is Alaska. I hope you get to speak to Shawn the cruise director and I look forward to hearing all about the cruise. Thank you also for your kind words about the blog and I do hope you keep reading it. I hope to take a vacation but I do not think that it will be possible this year, as I do not want to let anyone down. I will keep going as long as I can and most importantly as long as I am able to be the cruise director I love being. That is one who is out with the guests and most importantly making them laugh on stage. Bon voyage.
MEREDITH – It really is a wonderful and amazing thing this blog. Not because I write it but because of comments like yours and because without it I would not have known what happened to you and your family. I really was concerned about you all which is why I asked the Chief Purser Leslie to go and see if she could help and by your comments she did more than that. I can only imagine how scary it must have been for you and please pass my best wishes to your sister and I have already sent your comments onto Leslie and her boss in the office in Miami.
I am happy to hear that this special cruise to celebrate Lindsay’s graduation was enjoyed up until the debarkation morning and sorry about bout that rough sea day. As I said to you all then, it was the roughest day in the Med I had seen in three seasons. Thanks you again then for your comments. Please keep reading this blog even though your cruise is over and 300,000 visitors are joining me in wishing your sister continued good health. Write soon.
THE JOHNSTON 4 – Morning all 4 of you – I guess there are 4 of you – right? You asked about debarkation in Civitavecchia. I can tell you that we start at 6 am and by 9:30 am the whole ship is ashore. Therefore you can plan your train schedule accordingly and I would suggest if you book a train from Civi at 10 am you will make it with time to spare. Please let me know if I can help further and I look forward to meeting all 4 of you, if there is indeed 4. Then, if not why would you call yourself the Johnston 4? Of course there are 4 of them you idiot – sorry, talking to my self now, and typing it as well. Do you think it’s time for a break?
INEZ AND DEAN – So far this voyage we have had sun and calm seas — touch wood. Seasickness is a horrible feeling and I am sorry you got sick on your first cruise. However, I see that has not stopped you because you are now on your 7th. I miss Heidi very much and it is now 8:12 pm. Most everyone is ashore and I have been blogging now for nearly two hours straight. If she was here she would be telling me to take a break and go for a romantic walk. Maybe I will go outside for some air but for now I will keep on blogging. Thank you again for
your kind and sincere words.
KAREN R – It is always a pleasure to welcome new people to this blog thingy. We all welcome you and I ma here to answer any questions you may have. Welcome aboard.
ROB FROM HULK HOGAN – Hello mate and I am happy to hear you enjoyed your European vacation. I did not see the NY Times article about cruising in Europe. Can you give me an idea of what it said? Please send my best to your girlfriend I hope we see you on your Honeymoon cruise very soon!
AUSSIE CHIC – I certainly, like you, learned a lot about other cultures and the lady who cannot be named was definitely part of that learning experience. We have over 100 people from Aussie land this week and a lot from New Zealand as well. I hope one day I get to take Heidi to your beautiful land. If only you could get rid of the spiders first. Hope to see you soon and thanks as always for reading the blog.
JTODDINMAN – Always good to hear from you and let’s get straight to your comments and questions.
1. We have recently adapted a channel on our in cabin television systems that displays the course, speed and wind speed (from the sea not my cabin). There is also a forward view camera and I agree it would be fantastic if this information could be shared with people at home. Roberto (CCL) – can this be done?
2. You asked if people can buy into getting the Platinum benefits as some airlines allow with miles etc. I don’t know – let me ask someone. I would get you an answer today but it is Saturday so please allow me a few days to get back to you. I am interested as to what other bloggers think about this idea. Please let us know.
3.Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the comment cards and your question as to why it is promoted so hard for you to complete them. I know this is true across the industry and I can only tell you about Carnival’s thought process about this. Where as 10 people out of 100 will tell us onboard what they like and what they do not, 90 people will be more reserved and will not. The comment card therefore is the main tool we have in getting guest feedback. Each card is read by the department heads on board and any suggestions or comments you made are dealt with. Comment cards are also a great way for us to see which crewmember or department has done well and those who may need extra guidance. This, I think also is specific to cruise lines. Hotels do place comment cards in the rooms but how many of us have completed them on a regular basis. Please do not forget that the comment or review card should also be used to praise people. Most promotions happen internally here at Carnival and one of the ways we can track who deserves that promotion is by reading the cards, therefore I encourage all of you when completing them to write down the name of someone who has really shone and tell us why.
4. What ports will you be visiting on your cruise in January? Please let me know and I will be happy to pass on any suggestions I think will enhance your cruise. Thanks as always for your comments. Hope to hear from you soon.
JAMIESON FAMILY – Your wish is my command. Birthday greetings and champagne will be sent.
JO MYERLY – Please do not apologize for asking questions, it is part of my job here on the blog thingy. The Highlights and Florence Shopping tour will indeed have the free shopping time at the Ponte Vecchio bridge area so you can shop to your hearts content. Hope this helps Jo. If not, slap a question on the blog and I will answer as soon as I can
LEE MOORE – Wow, the Jamesons are popular. Are they stars in South Africa? Anyway, I have passed on your message this evening so I am sure they will feel like Super Stars. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.
KEVIN AND BARBARA EHRINGER – Bugger, sorry messed up there and had you married for 4 years and not 40th – well that’s even more special so I will work even harder to make sure it is a special one for you. See you soon. Sorry.
DWA76 – Thanks mate for forwarding the news wire about the blog. It is truly amazing to me that it is as popular as it is. I do not understand why. I know that may sound like I am fishing for people to send me reasons why etc but I am really not. It is unbelievable and I am proud of course and will keep
blogging as long as I can. I am happy to see that you enjoy the blog and the fact that you are a stockbroker means you have a very stressful work day so if I can help relieve the stress through these mutterings here on the blog then I am glad to help do so. I also hop that you get to bring your loved one on a Med cruise very soon and I will be here to help with any questions you may have.
JOHN & SUSAN IN FRISCO – Sorry, I have confused you and many others I am sure. I meant to say that we do have transportation to FCO to and from the vessel but we do not have any to Rome’s smaller airport Ciampino. This airport offers mostly internal flights to Europe on the low cost airlines. My apologies for the confusion. You asked also if I will be the CD for the May 22, 2008 Carnival Freedom cruise and the answer is – I don’t know yet. I hope so but I have to see what will happen because of the new ship est. certainly will be bringing the Carnival Freedom back to Europe; it is just a question how long I stay. Thanks for writing in and I am glad to hear you love the blog. And yes, I did turn and shake my head!
ESSEXMAN – Alan is where he always is on the weekends, The Cliff Pub, pop in and see him, tell him to buy you a beer! Here is a recent photo of him.

Hope things are well back home. Write soon
TOMMY AND AUXILIA TSANG – Thank you for that wonderful statement. If you really do want to sail with me again may I suggest the Carnival Freedom Bloggers Cruise on January 19? We will be sailing to Cozumel, Mexico, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It will be my honor and pleasure to host you on this special cruise where you will meet all the other bloggers onboard and there will be gifts galore and so much more. The weather will be perfect and it will be a wonderful winter getaway. So, if you are interested let me know and I will point in the right direction. Great to hear from you again and I hope to do so many times.
MJS – The book is coming together. I think it’s a great idea and I have a lot of great additions for it as well. Good to know that the information on the Spirit class of ships was so useful and I agree, a photo of all the ships in the Carnival family would be brilliant. What a great screensaver. My PA is working on this as we speak. Hope all is well with you and hope to see you soon Meg.
BRONCO – CH – And greetings to you in Germany as well. I am glad you found your way around Venice OK and thank you for sharing the Vaporetto information with everyone. I especially love Brass Band music and if we can get one in Warnemunde that would be great. I am glad you had such a wonderful time and please pass on my best to your family. Until the next time, PROST UND AUFWIEDERSEHEN.
CHEZER – Glad you like the new name, its very Essex, right Essex man? Thank you for your kind words, I will be sure to pass them onto Jason. I will keep blooging as you requested as long as you and my other blog friends keep reading. Hope to hear from you soon.
JANFRWA – Janet – are you onboard now? If so, wow, that’s wonderful. reading the blog while enjoying the cruise. Fantastic. To answer your question, and I am serious, you are not the first person to think the butter holder is a bell but you will be the first person who has it mentioned on my next morning show. It is advisable to put the seat down before flushing in case….well…the suction is reversed, it has happened. I need to know your last mane so if you read this please leave me a quick note at the information desk. It’s a beautiful night and I hope you are ashore in Venice enjoying the night air and this romantic city. If you need anything at all please make sure you contact me via the Information desk. Have Fun!
SOUTHERNDREAMS – Just spoke to Heidi. They are indeed having fun together and I am happy to hear that. Thanks for asking and I hope all is well with you and your family.
JOHN – Yep, if AJ says no then JA it will be. Who would you prefer mate?
CARL AND BARB THE BEAR – Thanks for checking out ebay for Carnival merchandise. I wonder how much I could get for a photo of me and AJ. Anyway, here is another joke for your granddaughter as she did not get the last one.KNOCK KNOCK WHO’S THERE. BOO. BOO WHO? DON’T CRY
Heidi is having a great time but she would not be happy if she saw the bathroom floor right now! Thanks again for your kind words and comments and if your friends need help deciding if to cruise on the Carnival Splendor, please let me know.
NEW ORLEANS – Please knock, knock, knock on heavens door and ask her AJ if she would be so kind as to come and be our godmother. Does she live in New Orleans then?
TOM RACHFORD – I am so happy you had such a great cruise last week and indeed Mount Holly (John) was a star. He is a regular reader of this blog and I hope he and his wife will post comments very soon. I am feeling all warm and fuzzy after your comments about me, thanks mate. I send my best to you and your family and hope to see you all again very soon.
DAN – I see that you are getting ready for your cruise of the 18th so let me try and answer your questions.
1. You are going to be fine in your Midwestern clothing every night except the two formal nights when a business suit will be fine for you and whatever your lovely wife prefers. The rest of the time its casual except we do not allow shorts in the dining room at dinner.
2. I am glad you have taken the travel iron out of your suitcase following my shipboard safety tip blog thingy. I realize ladies have to have other appliances to do their hair and stuff as well though.
3. I think that as it is near to your sailing time that you should wait until you come onboard before choosing what tours to take. Come along to my travel talks and I will be also hosting a Q & A live afterwards so I can help you there as well. Just relax now and we will make sure you get the tours you want.
4.There are tours operated by Carnival at the Visconti palace although I
suggest you take a trip out on your own that first day. Taking the structured tour directly after a transatlantic flight may not be the best thing and therefore doing it at your own pace may be the way to go. Just a thought.
There, that was easy wasn’t it? Have a safe flight and please leave me a note when you get onboard at the Information desk. See you soon.
MATT AND VIKI TILL – You had me worried there with your joke but I guess you are correct, my mind did move the answer in another direction. It is funny getting so many Dear John letters. As a teen I never got any because thanks to my ugly mate Alan I never had any girlfriends. So, the New Year cruise will be manned by a young, handsome and brilliant cruise director called Todd Wittmer. He throws a great New Year’s Eve party and you are in for a fantastic time. Great story about your crossing on the QE2. I cannot wait to go on the QM2 next year, hopefully we will have a smoother crossing than you did. How many cruises have you both done and is there anything you miss from the old days of cruising? Hope to hear from you soon
MRS MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE-WHOISMARRIEDTOMRMISSINGTHESMOKE-FREEPARADISE-BUTLOOKINGFORWARDTOTHENEARLY-SMOKEFREECARNIVALFREEDOM – You have now taken over the longest screen blog name thingy title. To answer your question, the folks who missed the ship were on a flight that never took off because of a mechanical problem, it happens of course. Now, more importantly, what a beautifully written, heartfelt comment you have posted. I have no words except – thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts and I am proud that you chose to do so on this blog. Thank you!
KAREN TESSIER – Thank you for booking the Greek/Turkey cruise and I am sure you must be excited. I think because, you are traveling alone, that you should wait until you are here before booking tours. You will meet new friends (I will help) and then you can see what they are doing so you can enjoy these amazing places together. Please write me a note with your name and cabin number and leave it at the Information Desk when you arrive and I will hook you up with other singles. We will also make sure you eat with other singles so you are bound to have fun at the dining table. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you before your arrive. All the best until then and I look forward to meeting you.
ALEXANDRA - If you are really interested in becoming a cruise director, you need to start off as an entertainment staff member first. If you go to www.carnivalentertainment.com you can find out all about the job and how to apply. There, you can also find the address to contact Ralph on the Carnival Glory. I wish you much success in following your dream of being a cruise director; it’s a wonderful job.
JO MYERLY – As mentioned the 64 people were all on the same flight that was canceled because of mechanical difficulties. They all arrived together at the ship in Naples and amazingly everyone had their luggage. They were met at the airport by our staff and then once onboard we do our very best to make sure we welcome them home. It must be an awful feeling knowing the ship has sailed without you. I am sure they have put this to the back of their minds now as they enjoy the cruise. Let’s hope this does not happen again, however, I don’t think we are that lucky. Cheers Jo.

It is now, 11:06pm – finished the Q& A, time for a bathroom break, back in
25 minutes!

Ok, I am back.

I want to answer a question now from H.R. HAYES who asks: John, why are the cruise lines so lax in enforcing their own dress codes when it comes to the dining room? Thanks for any info. This is a question that has been analyzed by many greater and more experienced minds than mine. What I can give you is my opinion and I want to point out that I am speaking here as an individual and others at Carnival and our sister companies may not agree.

Carnival does have rules for dining at night, which include no shorts or tank top shirts allowed. I think this rule is properly enforced as much as possible although I agree with Mr. Hayes that sometimes it is not. It must be very difficult as a maitre d’ to tell someone “Sorry, but you are not dressed well enough, please leave the dining room.”

I also think that times are changing. Personally, I think one formal night on a seven-day cruise is enough and the second should be replaced by an elegant/casual night. Many companies now adopt a dress down policy where suits are not needed on an every day basis and therefore I think two formal nights is one too much. Cruise lines like Carnival, Princess etc carry such a diverse demographic that most people are happy to wear something special on one night of their cruise but on the rest, they prefer to be casual. My strongest feeling is this. If I am dressed in a suit, and the person at the table opposite is dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, I am not going to enjoy my food and service any less. Providing they are in the realms of the requirements (no shorts etc) I think we have to offer a right to choose. I know many people will disagree with me on this and I encourage an open dialogue on this subject so please send in your comments. Mr. Hayes, what are your observations, please, all of you be candid.

On a lighter note, here is a photo of me and a guest called Mr. Stout who was so nervous he insisted on holding my hand the entire time he was next to me on stage.

It is now 11:25 pm and time to rap this blog up with a little story from the past. I have been chatting with Nanetteali who is a regular blog reader and is cruising this week. She brought me a DVD from the Ecstasy from 1992….good
grief. Anyway, she is from San Juan and it reminded me of the fun times I had in that excellent port of call. Back on the Ecstasy I was a young cruise director and my friend and now Vice President Roger Blum was the Hotel Director at the time. We had arrived in San Juan and decided to take a trip to the Rain Forest (I forget the name) and with our girlfriends of the time, (I can’t remember my girlfriends name but Roger’s was called Cindy, a nurse) He is now reading this and using rather bad language I imagine? Anyway we were being driven there by a driver arranged by the tour company whose name was Ramon. Ramon was a wonderful man, however, he was 80 something years old, as blind as a bat and the world’s slowest driver. The trip was supposed to take one hour but with Speedy Gonzalez at the wheel it was well over two hours before we arrived.

The Rain Forest is high up in the mountains, and I will always remember people complaining when they returned from the tour that ” it had rained” – ! So, Roger myself, Cindy the blonde, gorgeous nurse who Roger was seeing at the time and
some girl whose name I can’t remember (honestly, Heidi) had a nice time and by the time we left it was dark. There we are driving in the pitch black with Stevie Wonder behind the wheel. It was a recipe for disaster and, it indeed before long it nearly was. All of a sudden Ramón took a right turn off the main road and we started veering off the side of the forest heading down a dirt track. Roger grabbed the wheel and yanked us to the left and at the same time shouting to Ramón to break? BRAKE-O, BRAKE-O – Roger shouted in his best Spanish. Luckily, Ramón did BRAKE-O and we were saved from a ride with what would have been a very unpleasant ending. There was silence, for a moment and then Ramón said in a very matter-of-fact voice and his beautiful broken English.–.”Sorry mister, I fall asleep.” So, its dark, he was virtually blind and he was asleep.

How I am here writing this blog I will never know.

On that note, its time for me to sleep as well

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Good morning – and I mean Good Morning because I am sitting at the computer at 4:46 am. I just can’t sleep. I don’t know why, it was just one of those nights. Heidi not being here is the major factor I am sure but we have all had those
nights where sleep evades us and tonight is my turn.

So, as there was nothing on TV except me doing my travel talk (guaranteed to put most people to sleep) I have decided to come and sit at the computer and start a blog thingy. I have Heidi’s bathrobe on, well, half on and I have just made my self a cup of tea. What shall I talk about? I don’t want to start the Q & A yet so I think I will waffle for a few minutes. This cruise we have 3,300 guests of which 1,600 are repeat cruisers with Carnival. We have large groups from Russia (178), Hong Kong (155) and Australia (90).

I guess as Heidi is away, I can talk about Angelina some more. I am very excited that last night (after I posted my blog thingy) I received an e-mail from all of the Carnival Executives expressing their 100% support on my request on having Angelina Jolie as the godmother of the Carnival Splendor. All I have to do is get her to do it. Therefore, I am sitting here, scratching my head at 4:59 am trying to figure out how I do this.

Carnival has give me permission to organize the event, how then do I get one of the world’s leading actresses to know that I and the Society Of Bloggers (S.O.B’s ) of which you are all members want her to do this. If I can get her to see she is wanted by many of the thousands of readers to do this then maybe she will accept.

Let us not forget that this is a huge privilege and past godmothers have included Dame Judi Dench, Katie Couric and many others. We could hold a charity dinner for her on board with the rich and famous paying money to her charity to
dine with her (and me). So, all we have to do is let her know that she is a lady in demand.

Carnival is onboard and all we need now is to get her onboard.

But How?

Any ideas?

How about letters to People Magazine, now that might be a great article for them. An article about the blog and our wish to get Angelina – mmmmmmmmm. I wonder what our public relations department thinks about that? Hey guys, can I call them, tell them about the blog and my wish, what do you think? I am off to bed to think about Angelina? That didn’t come out right! Sorry, Heidi.

See you in a few hours.
Buon Giorno from a humid but cloudy Napoli.

I just finished tour departures with 2,010 people on tour today. That is the most we have sent this season so far. There was a long line at one point and on the first morning, even though it is explained, people still get confused on what to do. Then, by the second port things smooth out as people get used to where they need to be.

If it is O.K. with you I will get on with today’s Q & A as I have 17 pages of comments to reply to? My poor fingers.

Let’s start with the answer to the question that Captain Chuck asked a yesterday about Alaska. Here is the answer as posted by my good friend Shawn Bussey who has been the cruise director of the Carnival Spirit for some years. She will be leaving on vacation though soon to continue her tour through Italy. Here coming up Chuck? Up Chuck..:)..:) is the beautiful Shawn’s answer.
OK? Whittier is the size of, well ..tiny. We are docked at the lovely new pier next to a brand new building built just for our purposes. It’s actually very convenient. The only issues we have out
here are on a rainy day is that the rain falls sideways (famous in Alaska) and so debark is sometimes a wet one. They are covered walkways for the most part. The rest just makes the experience very “Alaskan.” This morning, however, is just beautiful – foggy, misty, waterfalls all-around.
Avis is the only rental company in the area and is located, conveniently, in the nearby tackle and mini mart shop. (the owner of the shop is also the Avis rep – a VERY small town). Everything in Whittier is within walking distance. :O) Independent guests in Whittier usually disembark between 9 – 10am. Their luggage will be right outside the ship in the terminal building. One of
the guests can easily make the five-minute walk to the Avis/Mini Mart/Tackle Shop building to pick up the car, while the other sits with the luggage in the terminal building. Once they are packed up in the car … it’s a drive in a one-way tunnel through the mountain to get out of town and on your way.
First stop would be the wildlife center just outside of Whittier, and on the way to Anchorage. Here they can see bears up close as they are rehabilitated after wounds in the wild. There are tons of other cool animals to see there as well. The Portage Glacier is also before this and a great photo stop.
There is a great burger/pizza place between the Wildlife Center and Anchorage for lunch. I don’t the name right now, but if they’re coming to cruise this summer they can ask me when they arrive – or anyone along the way! (It’s an “everyone knows everyone” kind of area). :O)
We bring our guests to the Alyeska Mountain Resort to ride the ski lift and see beautiful view from the top. About a 1/4 mile to Anchorage.
The drive is a beautiful one! Anchorage city itself is not that large, but there are a few interesting sights. The Native Heritage Center is a cool attraction; there is also a unique zoo. The downtown is pretty small and will only take an hour or so to see it all.
I hope that helps a bit.
:O) Shawn
Thanks Shawn, sounds fantastic.
SPLENDOR GROUP – I see from your comments that you were on the Carnival Liberty with me last year, I truly hope you had a fantastic time and again this year on the Carnival Miracle. I will be on the Carnival Freedom in January from the 12th to the end of the month including the Bloggers Cruise on the 19th. I do not know my schedule yet for December 2008 but hopefully I will get to see you and your group on at least one of your forthcoming cruises. Please keep
reading the blog thingy until then and if you need any more information I will be here for you.
JO MYERLY – You asked about the tour, which gives you the most shopping time in Florence. We just started a new one called Highlights of Florence and Shopping. This includes a guided tour of all the top sights in Florence including the Duomo Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and then the entire afternoon for free time shopping. There are loads of shops to choose from and
plenty of seats for husband s to sit together, hold hands and pray they will have some money left when you return. I should now, my wife wanted a dress from Florence by someone called Roberto Cavalli that was the same price as a small island off the coast of the Bahamas so its Marks and Spencers for her from now on (a British store similar to JC Penney in the States). I don’t think you will have time to do all three of the sights you mentioned and still have lots of free shopping time however if you do the Florence On Your Own tour you will be able to see the Statue of David at the Acadamia Museum and then have shopping time. Hope this helps Jo and see you soon.
HENRY DENNIS – Let me apologize for not answering your question the first time you sent across to me. I think it must have gotten lost somewhere between Italy and Spain! Thank you also for all your support to Carnival as a travel agent for AAAAAAAAAA (I gave you a few more A’s, you can never have enough) Vacations in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, you mentioned a client that had a huge balcony on the stern of the ship on the Carnival Leg End and how much he loved it. I know those cabins and they are amazing and a bit of a secret as many do not realize just how much space
those corner balconies give you. Therefore, you asked about the same cabin on the Carnival Freedom for the transatlantic (is that one word or two, I never know) but after checking I am
sorry to say that the answer is no. The balconies on the 9A cabins are indeed, as reservations told you, 80 square feet – I measured it myself! I cannot begin to tell you the looks myself and one of the entertainment staff got yesterday before the guests boarded from the stateroom steward as we measured the balcony. The cabins are wonderful though and they have the best views as you watch the ship’s wake, the sunrise, sunset and the changing horizons. The
Carnival Legend is part of the Spirit class while this one is part of the Carnival Conquest class and therefore they are quite different. Please ask your client if there is anything else I can do, I am quite handy with a hammer and I can also move the furniture around if needed. I send my
best to you and your colleagues and I remain at your disposal.
LINDA AND MIKE THE BULB CHANGER – Thank you once again for your kind posting and especially your words of congratulations about the blog and your wish for these to be put into a book. I have asked the office in Miami for direction on this but so far we have not gotten it off the ground, hopefully we will soon. I plan to stay here for your cruise which will probably be my last before a break as I am going flat out like an Aston Martin Vanquish (186 mph) and I hope I will still be fully functioning by then. As for Heidi being worried about me being faithful while she was away, she knows she has nothing to worry about. Although, I did have a lady banging on my door all nigh long and finally I had to let her out. With regard to your other question about adjoining cabins, I am happy to report that on all Conquest class ships this option is available. They are booked as family rooms. My best friend Alan Adkins has a tough time because he is a sex object. He asks all the girls for sex and they object Wow. Just read the postings you made for Angelina and the address. I have passed this on to our friends in Miami to continue the follow up. You are quiet the detective Miss Marple. OK, send my best to Mike and the bulbs are ready for him to change.
DAVID FROM BARBADOS MON – I have decided never to speak the ladies name again and hopefully my marketing ploy worked and she will be gracing the beautiful ships of Holland America next time. I also never want to see a mah jong game ever again, if I do I think I may break all the environmental rules and regulations and send it overboard for the fish to play. Hope things in paradise are well and one day I may come and have a game of beach cricket with you mon.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – You know what? It is 5:40 pm here, I have been up since 6:30am, I just finished a meeting with a group of 64 guests who missed the ship in Rome and joined today in Naples, Heidi is not here, I stubbed my toe on the fridge, the only Aston Martin I have is a toy one (grateful as I am), my fingers ache from typing, I couldn’t sleep last night, I can’t find
Angelina’s name in the phone book and I have a hemorrhoid. Then, I read your posting that you have decided, even though you had no intention of taking a cruise next year, to book the Bloggers Cruise. Now, most of my troubles seem so far away although I have to find someone to apply the hemorrhoid cream. Where’s my PA? Seriously though, what can I say, another person who has planned their hard-earned vacation time to be with me. All I can do for now is promise you that I will do my very best to make sure you have the most brilliant vacation ever.
Thanks mate.
MJS – Good to know that the information on the Spirit class proved useful and as I see from your posting it seems that I picked the correct ship for you. There are no plans at the moment that I am aware of to send a Spirit- class ship to Europe but the exciting runs to the western and eastern Caribbean that they all sail to are definitely something you should consider. Also, have
you consider Alaska? Have a good read through the website and if you have any questions please let me know. I do not know any of the cruise directors on Holland America but I am sure they will probably handle the lady whose name cannot be mentioned better than I did. I really let her get to me and I am a little ashamed. Please keep reading the blog thingy and hope to hear from you soon.
DON IN KENTUCKY – You are correct. Seeing Heidi leave a few days ago was very hard. We are both really bad at saying goodbye and as always there are a few tears. It was also hard because I really could do with 12 days off but this blog thingy has opened so many doors and one of them is that many people have booked a cruise just to visit with me and I cannot let them down. How wonderful that after paying for so many vacations for your daughter, she is paying her
way on the Holiday this week for graduation, she and her friends will have the most wonderful time I am sure. Thank you again for your kind words of support and I am typing this blog while starring at a photo of my stunningly attractive lady. And next to Angelina’s is one of Heidi. That’s me in the house of hounds then.
BIG ED – Alan has been busy the last few days saving lives around the Essex coast. He has the weekend off though and no doubt will be in the corner of the Cliff Pub (located on Wrongen Avenue) drinking his pint of Benders Best Bitter. Alan will be joining us on the bloggers cruise and I will make sure he takes us to the supper club one night and he will be paying. Here is a photo taken yesterday of Alan Adkins, can we do a
wanted poster as you suggested please?

Now, the name of the Spa. I think you have probably won the contest already with your idea of BOADACIOUS SPA. I know what the word means and I think it is a brilliant name for the Spa on the Carnival Splendor. We need to build an elevator that goes directly there and instead of using the treadmills for walking on, we can put all 20 of the machines together and use it as a conveyor
belt to transport food like they do at those Sushi places. See, together we have a winning brand. How can they possibly not make us the winners? Now, I just read your posting about wanting to be like the kid from the Subway commercial. Let’s discuss this when you sail over a porterhouse steak with all the trimmings. I tried to open the link for the Esquire articles but I got blocked however, my PA tells me it was a great article and that she looks like “quiet a handful.” Well, I am the man to tame her and I intend to boldly go where no cruise director has gone before and get her to be the Carnival Splendor’s Godmother. Big Ed, you can be a Klingon. Please tell Mrs Big Ed not to be sad. I have my Aston Martin DB9 but I don’t have the Vanquish yet – hint, hint .
I have asked permission to write a letter to Angelina, and my colleague Vance is working on this as we speak and it should be ready soon. I will then post it on the blog and my PA will work on forwarding it onto others. I am confident we can get this done.
DEBBIE WAGNER – Do you have the names of your friends who are here at the moment as part of the “Camping Singles Group.” I hope they found somewhere to pitch their tent, maybe Lido deck? I am also glad to hear that you have just discovered this blog thingy through the CruiseMates web site and it will not be long before you are here yourself for your Thanksgiving cruise. Let me know your friends name and I will pass a message on to them for you. Keep reading the blog and see you soon.
LOUISE AND MICHEL – On July the 1, your vacation begins and you asked about renting a tuxedo onboard. We do offer a full range for both men and ladies. The price is $85 for an elegant tuxedo and you can reserve one onboard at the Formalities shop on Deck 5. As for excursions for you and your family, may I suggest the following based on your family’s demographics. Then, have a read about these tours online at www.carnival.com/freedom and then smash your mouse over the thingy that says shore excursions. Here are the ones I think you and your family will enjoy and I have not gone for the long tours as you have the 12 year old with you.
NAPLES — POMPEI AND AMALFI COAST
RHODES — BEST OF RHODES
IZMIR — EPHASUS AND HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
ISTANBUL — BLUE MOSQUE, SOPHIA AND GRAND BAZZAR
KATAKOLON — JUST EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN – NO TOUR
ATHENS — ACROPOLIS AND ATHENS
LIVORNO — PISA AND FLORENCE
The only long tour there is Florence and Pisa, the rest are around four to five hours. They include must not miss sites such as Ephasus and the mosques of Istanbul and most leave time for the family to spend together ashore after the tours. If you have any questions please let me know. My best to you and the family and see you soon.
BETSY – Welcome home from what sounds like the perfect vacation aboard the Carnival Glory. I am not surprised you fell in love with very small wee Jimmy. Did you know that before he was a cruise director he used to be a model on top of wedding cakes. He is a charmer is he not and certainly if you feel that you want to express your feelings for him go right ahead. Your kind words about cruise directors are indeed well received and well taken. I am so lucky to have found something that I never even new I could do but thanks to Carnival I am here today doing what I love. The best thing you said in your posting was “once you cruise, you want to again and again.” That is great news to everyone in the cruise industry and I am sure that when you will book your next cruise you will feel the same again. Thank you again for all your wonderful words.
PAULETTE’S MUM – Always great to hear from you and its nice to hear that P&O Cruises took care of you despite the problems you had with the delayed disembarking of guests. Have a great time in China and if you meet the lady whose name cannot be mentioned please send her best regards and remind her Holland America is the most amazing cruise line in the world. Have a safe trip.
ROBERT KERR – Unfortunately our Thursday date cannot be moved, it is a ritual and even in the Today At A Glance section of The Carnival Capers. I agree with you that as your flight lands at 11:10 am that you should indeed come straight to the ship, settle into your new home, relax and enjoy. The next day, remember you will be in Naples and have a long day touring. I tried the Grits but I have to say they are not for me. It was strange because I walked into our restaurant and said to Ken the maitre d’, “Do you serve Grits?” ” Sure ” he said, ” We serve anyone – sit down.” See you very soon.
BARB AND HER TEDDY BEAR CUDDLY CARL – The joke was very funny; I will send you one of the same sort in a moment. I cannot believe you bought a copy of the Olsen movie I was in on ebay. I am so embarrassed. Talking of ebay, is there any Carnival memorabilia on sale? I just do not have time to look. Thank you for sending me a big hug, I need it with Heidi away. Here is a joke for you. WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOOGERS AND BROCOLI? KIDS WON’T EAT BROCOLI. See you soon.
HOTLANTA – The Dance Club is called the 70′s Dance Club because of the interior design. However, we do have dedicated theme nights, which include a 70′s happy hour and also one from the 80′s as well. I think Mr Hotlanta will be very happy. Don’t forget we have a Talent Show and our Carnival Legends Show, maybe your husband can audition for Elton John! See you in 23 days and let me know if you think of any other questions.
DOUG NEWMAN – Welcome back mate and thank you for the review. I see you had some rough weather as well and I can imagine that on a smaller ship it must be even more exhilarating seeing the waves break over the bow. Your reviews are so well-written and I am truly honored to have a distinguished writer and cruise historian read this humble blog thingy. I had no idea that NCL had sold the Marco Polo. I know the company is making lots of changes at the moment and I guess this is another. The information you also provided on mah jong is very valuable as well. I had no idea that it was played so frequently in the United States as well as China. I have ordered five sets for the ship and I have suggested that we order them fleetwide as well. I look forward to your article and I am sure I speak for all the people reading this blog that we appreciate your insight into this wonderful industry and hope you provide us with many more. Thanks mate.
DARA – Dara, let me say a big hello to the TRAVEL AND TOURISM CLASS AT YTI CAREER INSTITUTE IN YORK, PA. Welcome to the best industry in the world and I hope you are enjoying your time discovering all the wonderful opportunities that being part of this industry offers. If you have any questions on the cruise world please send me a wish list and I will answer them for you as best I can. Until the, have fun and hope to hear from you all soon. Thank you Dara for reading the blog and passing it onto the rest of the class.
ZYDECOCRUISER – Hello Mate. You and Big Ed have both spotted that the Carnival Splendor’s Baltic cruises are indeed all sold out. I think the blog helped a little in making this happen so I am very proud. Don’t forget that the Carnival Freedom has a full season of European cruising next year to both the Grand Med and Greece and Turkey. I have yet to read Bob’s new book but hopefully I will get a copy soon. Would you read mine if I did one? Thanks mate and please keep the comments coming.
LES/LOREE – Thanks, mate, I needed that. I really was beginning to get self conscious about my comments about the lady who cannot be named so I am glad to hear that you did not interpret this as so. The curse is lifted. Cheers for that.
GREG – Hope you are enjoying the French Open and we will have the highlights of Wimbledon on the Sky News channel which is played 24 hours a day on the ships TVs. You also asked about tipping ashore in Europe. You will find that gratuities are usually added to most restaurant bills in Italy, France, Spain etc. This is usually 10 percent although it is 15 percent Rome I believe. As for taxis, just twp euros on top of the fare are standard and bellman etc about the same. Remember therefore, to have some Euro coins in your pocket at all times. Enjoy the tennis and see you in a few weeks.
DEBY – Did you see the blog from yesterday? In there was what the lady who cannot be mentioned did to Ken. It is hilarious. Please keep reading the blog thingy and all the best.
DENISE AND GARO – OK, first of all, eject the Aerosmith CD and put in some soothing jazz, maybe some Coltrane or Bud Powell. Then, pour yourself some fine wine, I recommend Mad Dog 20/20 and then close your eyes and repeat. I will relax, I will relax – 100 times. While you are doing that let me tell you that you are doing the write thing by taking the Vatican Tour with the transfer to the Hilton Hotel and that you can always book, no, I need to be definite you I think, You WILL book the Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri Tour when you get onboard after you will attend my welcome aboard talk at 4:30pm. You will then kiss Garo and tell him you love him and then you will have a wonderful cruise. Who needs Doctor Phil?
CAROL – I am sad with Heidi. Does this show in my writing? Thank you for offering to lobby the TV shows for Angelina to be our Godmother. I can only hope that somehow she will get to know. Carnival fully supports me on this and I have if all else fails I will ask my PA to stand outside the studios with a large banner reading “Angelina, please be the Splendor’s godmother.” Carol, thank you for all your support to this blog and all the best from Heidi and I.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – How slow is it in Podunk. How do you spend your day? Do you eat grits/ Do you drink moonshine/ for some reason I have an episode of the Dukes of Hazzard in my mind. Hope you are enjoying yourselves. Write soon.
JTODDINMAN – That is a great idea. We do this for travel agents during familiarization trips. The only problem is the one you pointed out, that if the ship is sold out we cannot show any cabins to other guests. Therefore, I am asking Roberto and Frank who are the brains behind the website and this blog to see if we can add links to the cabins on this site for the various class of
ships. I will also pass this suggestion on to sales and marketing that if indeed we have open cabins that we can show them to other guests. Please keep the idea coming that is what this blog thingy is for. Hope to hear from you soon and I will get back to you about the cabin shots.
LYLEBA – Congratulations on your son’s marriage this past weekend. I am sure it was a very special day and please pass all of our best wishes to your son and daughter in law. Where did they honeymoon? I am also looking forward to meeting your Cruise Critic group in September and I am sure we will have a lot of fun together. Now, as far as transportation to Rome’s other airport FCO at this time we do not offer any transport to there, but, we should and I am
working on it. Please give me a few days and I will let you know what we can arrange as we have many UK and European guests fly out of there. Leave it with me and I will return soon with an answer. Thanks and best regards.
ESSEXMAN – my mate Alan Adkins is an ion!
TOMMY AND AUXILLA TANG – I am so sorry that you did not get a DVD of the Welcome Show and I will make sure that you do. Please post your mailing address. It will not be made public but I will be able to send it to you. Thank you for al the fun you gave the guests and most of all please do not feel it necessary to apologize on behalf of Chinese people for the behavior of the lady who cannot be mentioned. I have been doing this for 20 years (next week and I know never to judge a nation, religion group on the actions of one person. She was just…interesting ..and of course no reflection on the heritage that I know you are so proud of and one of which I have great affection for. I look forward to hearing from you soon and again thanks for saying how much fun you had on your cruise and I hope we get to do it again someday soon.
DORTHE CALIMBAS – Thank you for sharing your Kleenex story and it goes to show that some people are just more vocal than others. I am glad you are one of the many who pay attention in Life Boat Drill. The majority of folks do these days as I think world events have made it a clear and present necessarily to do so. Thank you for your support of Angelina to be godmother, please go forth and shout it from the streets and please keep reading the blog thingy.
MRS HOT STUFF – So, thank to you we have Brad’s publicist’s name. I will research this and see if we can make contact. Maybe Brad can be a complimentary godfather. Hearing that you “laugh so hard ” at the blog each time you read it makes me very happy, so thank you and I will try and keep the laughs coming.
MARIA – Thank you for offering to search high and low for Angelina’s contact information. I wonder if she will see the spike in her name being searched on the world wide webbing thing? I appreciate your help and if there is anything I can do in return, please let me know.
KATHY KROLL – Thanks for wishing Heidi a great vacation at home with Mum, she deserves as she works so very hard. Thank you for adding the site of all your photos, they are fantastic. Also, I will indeed pass on a message to Joan who is in cabin 8455 and wish her a happy vacation from you. Not long now to your Carnival Splendor cruise, only 400 days, that’s nothing. See you soon Kathy.
CHAZON – I spoke with the lady who is putting all the tours together for the Baltic last week. Her name is Tracey and she is working very hard to put an exciting and unique program together. As soon as everything is finalized, I promise to make sure that I inform, all of you via this blog as I know so many of you are sailing. Watch this space. Thanks Chazer — your new name:)
KEVIN AND BARBARA EHRINGER – It sounds like you are very excited and what a fabulous way to spend your fourth wedding anniversary here on the Carnival Freedom. It will be an anniversary to remember. See you soon.
JAMES EMM – Thank you for the link to www.angelinajolie.com. I am noticing that is an unofficial web site but I will try and post a comment there and if any others want to, well, I would appreciate it. maybe she does read it. I can’t promise you a free cruise if you help lobby for her to be the godmother, but I will promise you some very special behind the scenes footage of what happens. Thanks mate and please keep reading.
ROY AND TERRY – How FANTASTIC. Mum at the age of 81, is coming on the Bloggers Cruise. I am so grateful that you booked this and she, I am sure, will have the most fantastic time. Thank you for the story, which did the trick and brought a smile to my face. I hope you both are well and please tell Mum I send her my best regards and want a dance with her when she is onboard.
MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF – There, that’s better. Thank you mate for your support in getting Angelina to be the Godmother. Carnival executives are all supporting this and are working furiously behind the scenes to try and get the word out. However, we must continue to lobby from this blog and together we can make this happen. Hope you like your new name. Write soon please.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Thank you for your support about the lifeboat drill. Also, your story about other guests and crew helping you due to your walking difficulties leads me to repeat myself. This would never happen in a hotel, most of the time you are lucky just to get a hello out of another hotel guest. I will take your advice mate and add more information about safety on other blogs. Thank you for your support on Angelina. The force is with us!
THE JOHNSTON 4 – What a great story. I look forward to meeting all four of you soon. It must be hard as a Dad having such a beautiful daughter and always having the boys following her around. I shall arrange for them all to be locked up in their cabins when you cruise. The trip will be fun, peaceful and exciting all at the same time, promise. See you soon and thank you for your support of this blog.
SHERRI – I will be reading your message out on my Morning Show tomorrow and I shall make sure Steve gets the weather update. Hope the weather stays fine where you are and for the first time this season, I am hoping Venice stays dry. Thank you for your support of Carnival Cruise Lines and I will make sure the group has a brilliant time.
NANCINURSE – No stats on the age of guests on your cruise yet Nanci but should have them by July 1st. Shops in Florence and the area will ship wine home from Italy and also there is a post office at Rome airport so you can always mail from there. Keep in touch and it will not be long until you are here.

That’s the Q & A — Back after the show.

Ok, here I am. I started this blog at 4:46 am and finishing at 12:15 am. What a day.

The show went well and there were some great characters, especially a choirmaster from Texas! The crowd was a little quiet tonight and all of sudden there are kids on board. We have nearly 300 but it feels like more. I was thinking how lucky kids are these days to take a European vacation cruise.

I have been showered with gifts from bloggers — toy cars, a hat from Australia, sugar-free candy, train books, T – Shirts, bagels from N.Y, Tim Horton’s coffee from Canada and even a photo of me from 1994. I want to thank all the bloggers for your gifts, it really is not necessary but I am so thankful. I won’t mention you all by name as I don’t want to forget anyone but to all the bloggers sailing this cruise, thank you. We have a meeting planned for the second sea day.

By the way, one of the photos I got was of the Sensation and a Holland America ship (I can’t work out which one) sailing side by side. This was taken on the inaugural of the Sensation and I remember the sailing together of the then two brands well. It got me thinking, what a great photo it would be today with a ship from each of the family sailing side by side. I wonder if that could ever be done, a photo like that at sea would be terrific. A ship from:

CARNIVAL
PRINCESS
HOLLAND AMERICA
P & O
COSTA
CUNARD
AIDA
SEABOURN
P&O CRUISES AUSTRALIA
OCEAN VILLAGE

All sailing in a row in formation taken by helicopter? Probably could never happen. Could it?
Just one quick story from tonight. I was getting my pre-show coffee from the café when I noticed a young man about 20 years of age sitting in a chair crying. I watched a few guests walk by and some looked very concerned but kept walking. I asked the café server if she knew what was wrong but she said he had just been sitting there sobbing his heart out for the last few minutes. So, I went over and introduced myself and passed him a few napkins to dry his eyes. I asked him if I could help in anyway. He shook his head and said nothing. I was not certain what to do next so I called someone from medical. Then, a lady came over and sat next to him. She put her arm around him and he buried his head in her neck.

She introduced her self as his Mum; I won’t mention her name. She told me that this cruise had been planned for the last few years as a family, however, the son’s fiancé who was supposed to be here with them had recently passed away at just 19 years of age and seeing other couples smile and laugh together and really upset him.

Now, I do not feel comfortable telling you how, as I don’t have permission but, I can tell you that she passed away during an event that shocked the world a few months ago and something I wrote about in a blog. I did not know what to say. His Mum just hugged her son and I wrote my cabin telephone number down for her (something I never do) and told her to please call me if they needed anything. One of the nurses arrived and walked them back to their cabin. I will
call them tomorrow and ask the stupid question, is there anything I can do because I know there is not. All I can do is try and bring a touch of joy back into their lives even if for just a brief minute and call them every day to offer my support.

So, that was a tough way to go into the show and now it’s time for bed. Thank you to everyone for making this blog so popular. I owe you all so much. Here is a press release from today.

And now its bedtime but before I go and I am sure this is going to get me in trouble but here she is. Note the clenched fists, this was her usual posture and the poor lad who took the photo was paid danger money as she screamed at him. So, I proudly present OUR PHOTO FINISH the lady who cannot be named having her photo taken for reasons hopefully she will never know and soon to be found sailing on Holland America.

Goodnight

Your friends John and Heidi

So once again, I am on my own. Heidi left today and to mark her departure the weather here in Livorno turned dull and grey.

Good Evening everyone. Sorry to start with the blues but the cabin feels empty all of a sudden and, to make matters worse, I had to go and get my own coffee just now. Heidi should land in Holland about now and then she will be with her Mum for 10 days which they both need.

I have hung a photo of Angelina back on the wall and tonight after the Carnival Legends Show I will have a game of mah jong.

So, what else has happened?

Yesterday I met with two friends I have not seen for some time. It was wonderful to see them and that cheered me up after saying goodbye to Heidi just an hour before. One of the hardest things about working at sea is that as the company gets bigger each and every year the chances of meeting the people you have grown up with within the company get smaller and smaller. Still, it was wonderful to spend time with them even though I had to pay for the coffee.

As requested by a blog person yesterday I want to take this chance to chat with you all about the lifeboat drill and why we do it. Now, don’t touch that mouse and start scrolling down to the fun bits as this won’t take long.

Before I am a cruise director or before any of us do what we do onboard, we are sailors and the most important aspect of all our jobs is the safety of you the guest and all our crew. The lifeboat drill is held within requirements of international maritime law and everyone has to participate. It is amazing that many people each and every cruise on each and every ship try not to. They hide in cabins, bathrooms and on balconies and look astonished when they are discovered. Did you know that every cabin is checked by the stateroom stewards to make sure they attend? In a real emergency, it is the guests who do not know what to do that could cause problems and endanger the other guests.

There are three simple steps to saving your life in an emergency.

1. Before you sail and even before the drill itself, always read the safety information in your cabin. Now, I know that this is the last thing on most people’s mind when you get onboard but it should be – really, it should. It is so drilled into me now that whenever I stay in a hotel, I always look for the emergency escape route information. In some hotels I have stayed and an emergency arose I would just follow the cockroaches, they always know the way out. So, step one – know where you are going in an emergency.
2. Your lifejacket. This is the most important thing in your cabin and you should always know where it is. The staff on all cruise lines will show you how to wear it and you should always listen to this information very carefully.
3. This is the most important step. Remember, that the calm and orderly cooperation of all concerned will be essential to the success of an emergency operation like this. This is why it is so important that everyone attends the drill. Imagine what would happen if just a dozen or so run around not knowing what to do and where to go. It is also important to know that the safety training of all crew is on going each and every day. There are weekly drills, firefighting training, lifeboat and life raft maintenance, crowd and crisis management training as well as specific training for individual crew. There has never been a safer time to travel on a cruise ship.

Saying that, accidents still happen and the most common and most dangerous is fire. Now, some people come onboard and having seen that movie with Leonardo DeCrapio (spelled correctly) they think the ship can hit an iceberg or tip over. Nope, the most dangerous thing on board is fire. We have specially trained fire squads who are always on stand by should fire occur and they practice continuously. To help them with this it is so important that smokers only extinguish their cigarettes in the disposals provided for this purpose in the smoking areas. Please also, never throw a lit cigarette overboard or hot ash as this could blow back into the ship and start a fire.
Fire is the reason that we do not allow candles on board. So, for those romantics among you who wanted to festoon the cabin with candles – you can’t. Again with fire prevention in mind, we also do not allow heating elements in the cabins such as Irons – I have no idea what an iron is or what it is used for but they are forbidden in the cabins.

There is obviously much more involved to safety onboard than what I have written so please, please listen to who ever gives the instructions during the drill and always read the safety notice in your cabin and talk about it with your family. There is always a “it will never happen to me” attitude, which is normal but as safe as ships are these days — and as recent events have proven — it could happen. And if you know what to do, you will be able to save your life.

I remember when I first came onboard nearly 20 years ago, a captain said to me and all the new employees at our first safety meeting “Before you are waiters, before you are housekeeping or bar staff, before you are dancers and photographers, before you are anything YOU ARE SEAMEN”………….how true.
Let’s do some Q & A

ROCHELLE – thank you for asking about my November schedule for this year. I am still not certain as to where I will be for the entire month. I think it will depend on how long I can go without a break. I was supposed to have 12 days off as of yesterday but I canceled that. Let’s see what happens, is there a specific cruise in November you are already booked on, please let me know. Please keep reading the blog and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
LETI – Welcome home and I am so glad to hear that you had a great time on your May 13 cruise. The fact that you laughed the entire 12 days makes me feel very good indeed and I am glad I helped “put a bit of bounce” in your lives. You mentioned the waiters in the dining room and how much you enjoyed them. Do you remember their names? If so, please let me know and I will pass on your regards to them. I am sure they will remember you because you say “you were the loudest” table in the dining room. Have you thought about your next cruise? If you need help deciding, please let me know. Until the, please keep reading the blog and I hope you enjoy it.
MATT AND VIKKI TILL – Ahhhhhhh, James Bond references. I do think Mrs. Knee High was able to be a James Bond villain, I can just imagine her sitting in a big leather chair, stroking her cat and saying, “Mr. John, one day all mah jong games will be mine.” As for me being in the same ilk as James himself, I can understand the comparison. All I am missing is the Aston Martin and a beautiful Bond Girl — say someone like Angelina Jolie — and the transformation will be complete. Mrs. Knee High has left me shaken but not stirred and throughout I am proud that I never lost my composure and gave her the gold finger. I hope one day I get my Aston Martin Vanquish – I have changed from the DB9 to the new V12 Vanquish and I feel guilty about what I have just written about Mrs. Knee High so I will take her for a ride in it………..and…………….if she even starts to moan………..I am pressing the ejector seat button.
Thanks for the great comments guys – keep them coming.
DAVID FROM BARBADOS MON – This blog is amazing, not because of me but because it has morphed (I love that word) into so many other things including now a motion sickness home remedy blog. David, I am now declaring that you officially in charge of all home remedies on this blog so if anyone of my bloggists have home remedies concerns for anything from back pain to hemorrhoids (I need the latter), we now have David from Barbados who, using the island’s natural resources, can and will provide information on all known ailments. Thanks Mon.
KERSPLOTT – Glad to see there is another who has used the “don’t speak to me I am listening to music” method on a plane, even if the batteries had finished hours ago.
You asked why we empty the pools at night. Although we do not always do this we do it when we can. There is a rule that we have to empty the pools once we are a minimum of 12 miles outside a port and then we can refill straight afterwards. This allows us to have clean water in the pools which again we have to do according to various health regulations. It is strange but l have many guests like you who love the rough weather and there is certainly something exhilarating about seeing the sea spray flying everywhere although dodging the piles of sawdust can be tricky. Thank you so much for all your comments. I hope you keep enjoying the blog.
INGRID Z – What does the Z stand for? Jack, I will indeed do as requested. I am sure they will have a great time and I will pass on how much you miss them and than you have the remote control ready for 12 days of watching what you want.
IVANA – Good, I am glad my suggestions were of some help and again, should you require help on your honeymoon night then I will be happy to help in anyway I can and so will many other bloggers I am sure. Maybe David from Barbados has a home remedy that can help. um…enhance the night. See you both soon.
WENDY – I never thought of using Mrs. Knee high to get fit, great idea. I have often thought about making a fitness video and I may I could combine it with the blog. If I attach a treadmill to the desk I could walk and blog at the same time…..nope…………that’s multi-tasking and as the Carnival executives will tell you, that is not my strong point although I am working on my multi-tasking skills…………..I now pee in the shower…………….it’s a start. Thanks for your comment and I hope to see another from you very soon.
SEWINGNUT – Once you were lost but now you are found. Your question did indeed get lost in cyberspace but I found it by accident when I was surfing the web thingy and found your question on www.buyjohnanastonmartinvanquish.com. So, here is the answer to your “ships draft” question. The ships draft here on the Carnival Freedom is 27 feet. It does not sound a lot does it when you consider how tall the ship is. You wanted the answer in centimeters and therefore the answer is…………I have no clue, get a calculator I will tell you if you can knit something for me. I am going home in the winter and it will be cold, so can you knit me a woolen G String. I will pay you $50 – Canadian for this essential piece of equipment. Thanks in advance and get sewing.
LOOKINGFORWARDTOTHENEARLEYSMOKEFREE-CARNIVALFREEDOMANDTHEENTIRELY-SMOKEFREEPROMENADEEXCEPTTHECASINO - There, you now have the longest Blog name in the entire world. Thank you for saying you are proud of me and indeed I will never schedule movies as you have written. I have met many captains who would not be happy chappies if I did play the “T Movie” onboard. I will add another few letters onto your blogname the next time you write.
BIG ED – Do you like your new logo? Where have you been, were you stuck in a booth? I haven’t seen anything slapped on from you for a few days. Thanks for the comments about Angelina, I will be writing about her in a few moments. I tried the grits and I have to say they are an “acquired taste…………TWICE!” How is Mrs. Big Ed? Where is this place you go with no phones, Internet or television…can I come? Now, you are going to have to help me with the bodacious word that you have been using today as I have not got a Scooby Doo what it means. Let me know please.
CINDY BRUCE – Hello Cindy. The mug you are referring to is available from the gift shop, so, I will get one and send it to you. Now, if I send it to you for free, I will have to buy 310,000 mugs which, although I would love to, this would take away from my Aston Martin Vanquish fund. Let me investigate with the shop manager if we can do this through his head office, I am sure we can, so let me get back to you ASAP. Keep reading the blog and your mug will be with you soon.
SUE GROHOL – Your story is a little bit sad. There you were, all alone, standing on the deck, hanging on to the railings in gale force conditions just so your son and daughter could see you on the web cam. Only motherly love would go to that extreme. I see also that you lost your luggage on your cruise, my sympathies as I know how that feels. Thank you for the wish of warm weather and calm seas and I hope to share those with you someday soon.
SHARON AND CHRIS – I think Mrs. Knee High spoke better English than she let on. I have one tiny, last installment regarding her coming up in a moment. I will look forward to meeting Paul and Catherine and extending them a hand of friendship. Thank you so much for your kind words about Heidi and me. We are very humbled by them. See you soon I hope.
STIX123 – I wondered if anyone would pick up on my Run Away Monty Python reference and here you are. I wanted to use so many Python quotes on Mrs. Knee High. She was like the lady from Fawlty Towers who complains about the view from her hotel window located on the English Coast. As I remember it goes like this.
Lady Guest: “I am not satisfied with the view from my window.”
Basil Fawlty ( John Cleese): “Well, that is the view of the sea, madam.”
Lady Guest: “It’s not good enough.”
Basil Fawlty: “Well, may I ask what it is you expect to see out of a Torquay (England) hotel window. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Krakatoa, Hoards of Wilder Beast sweeping majestically across the plain.”
Lady Guest: “I expect to see the sea.”
Basil Fawlty: “You can see the sea, it’s between the land and the sky.”
Lady Guest: “It’s not close enough.”
Basil Fawlty: “Well, may I suggest that you move to a hotel nearer the sea or preferably in it!”
Oh, to be Basil Fawlty for just one day. Bloggers, if you have never seen these 12 episodes of comic genius, rent it today and think of me as Basil. Thanks to Stix123 for allowing me a Basil moment.
LYNN AND MIKE SAGARA – What wonderfully written comments and I can see you wrote them straight from the heart. Thanks, first of all, for your comments about James the cruise director, I am glad that you enjoyed him and will pass on your comments which I know he will appreciate. The story you told about the waiter was beautifully written and maybe I can explain why. Many of the crew have kids of their own and of course being away from them for six months at a time can be heart breaking. Therefore, the sight of another family all together must be so hard for them. It is important that we all remember that many ships crew throughout the industry are all working to provide better lives for their families back home. As you stated, a small word of hello, thanks or just engaging the crew in simple conversation means the world to them. I wish everyone were like you Lynn and Mike. Thanks again for your comments and I look forward to hearing from you again very soon.
JTODDINMAN – Great idea. I do try and give the guests as much information about the ports both on stage, through videos on the cabin television and also through this blog thingy. I wish we could put more in the Carnival brochure but that would make it into the size of a coffee table book. Therefore, your suggestion of linked Web sites to port Information and history is excellent and already being looked at by Roberto in the office. I think it’s a great idea. Got anymore? Your comments about the blog itself are most welcome. We now have 310,000 smashes on the web site since March and I hope to keep going for a bit longer. Take care and please write soon.
DAVID – Venice on your honeymoon — how fantastic. For our honeymoon, Heidi and I went on a cruise…well………actually we delivered the Carnival Liberty so I owe her a honeymoon. She wants a cruise on Princess in a suite and first-class tickets home to the UK. I have nearly worked it out except we have an inside deck 1 cabin with hammocks and as for first class, well, it s actually third class but it is the thought that counts, right? So, you asked what tour to do in Venice. I think you have to do the EVENING GONDOLA RIDE TOUR on day one and then walk around St. Marks at night afterwards and stand on the Bridge Of Sighs and think, what the hell have I done………….kidding……..and think how lucky you are that this lady said “yes” and agreed to spend the rest of her life with me. There is no better place to do this than Venice. On day two, I would suggest the Murano and Burano Tour. These outer islands are stunning and full of beauty and the tour does not involve much walking which considering you will be on your honeymoon and therefore EXHAUSTED is a good thing. Have a wonderful wedding day and see you in August.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Hello mate – Yep, it looks like all the Carnival Splendor Northern cruises are indeed sold out according to the web site. I am not surprised as many Bloggers booked it straight away and it has proven to be very popular. Your cabin is next to mine so we can swap……………..stories Bill, thanks for letting me know about Bob’s new book, I had no idea it was out. The first was so popular and if bloggers would like to send their travel agents a gift or discover some amazing insights into the cruising world then buy this book.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070604/clm047.html?.v=85
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Paul, how are you today? Let me start by answering your question about the weather. You asked if it has been usual to have as much rain as we have had so far this season. Based on the two previous seasons I did on the Carnival Liberty, the answer would be no. We certainly seem to have had more rain this season than before but I know this will change. Please do not let the weather put you off taking a Med cruise. As for February and me being on the Carnival Freedom, the months of February and March for me are still uncertain but I will certainly try and be on the cruise you and your lovely wife are sailing on. As soon as I know my schedule, I will let you know. I always appreciate your comments so much and look forward to the next one.
GERRY SCHWARTZ – What a brilliant story. There are indeed many people who cruise year round on ships especially on Holland America and Cunard. They do this for reasons you have mentioned in your brilliant posting. Cost, treatment, service, food, fun, shows and ports of call for a price that living ashore cannot match. I hope all the bloggers have read your story and let’s all think about living the rest of our lives together on a ship. I am not sure Gerry about the burial at sea bit, I don’t like the idea and I can’t swim either. Thanks again for this most unusual posting and I hope you have more stories to share.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – I could answer your question but I think I may step over that line again. Are you still in Pooragon?
JO MYERLY – OK, your wish is my command. Here in Ken the maitre‘d’s own words are what happened. Now, to set the scene I had announced on the morning show that anyone who grabbed Ken’s cheek and playfully told him he was cute would win a prize. Sure enough around 50 ladies (and 2 men) did this but here in Ken’s words is what Mrs. Knee High did.
As you made the announcement on TV, which I missed, so it was all to my surprise when the dining room opened and the first couple of ladies pinched me. I thought, that’s nice.
Then about 40 more did it, so I had an idea something was up – my cheeks were beginning to swell. One of these guests was our Chinese friend, and she insisted that she get a gift. I was not aware of what gift I should give her, but she was shouting at me. She said that “John said he would give me a gift.”
I had to call your assistant to provide the guest’s cabin number and told the hysterical lady that a gift would be delivered. The next day, at breakfast, the lady came to the dining room and literally ran at me, grabbing my lapels, and shaking me, telling me I was a liar, that she got no gift.
I had to tell her to keep her voice down. She continued to shake me, eventually she left frothing from the mouth, and shouted back at me that I was “bad man who hate Chinese people and one day I be in prison” — !
The funny thing was, I am six feet tall and to reach my lapels she had to keep jumping in the air! Never a dull moment, mate — Ken.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Your comments as always are well received Captain. May I ask what you are a captain of or is it an honorary title? OK, as far as the Alaska port info. is concerned I have forwarded that to a colleague and you can expect all the correct information ASAP as my knowledge of that area is limited….actually……I know nothing about it at all but I know a lady who knows everything. Regarding your question as to if I enjoy blogging or not. Well, I honestly don’t think I could do this if I did not enjoy writing. I hate, with a passion, computers but the reward is seeing all the comments and knowing that everyone is enjoying reading my musings. Thanks Captain and I will get right back to you with some Alaska information.
JO – let me start by wishing you a very happy anniversary for June 30 and I will be here to wish you it personally. You asked about what time you can leave your luggage on the ship on embarkation day. Well, debarkation usually finishes at 10 am and then we need a few hours to prepare the ship and the cabins for our new guests. This means that guests embarking do not get to go to their cabins until 1 pm. Now, after that you can go ashore and back to Rome but by the time you get there it will be virtually time to come back. You also need to consider the tiredness factor. As for your choice of Portovenere, this is one of our new tours and it, along with the other place you will visit which is called Lederche, will provide you with total old Italian charm. Did you know Portovenere is also the home of Italian pesto sauce — yum. See you in a few weeks and great ready for a memorable anniversary.
JILLIAN – Don’t worry about my vacation, it would have been great but Where Duty Calls I will be there. I am happy to hear you enjoyed so much your April cruise and I will be seeing you again soon I hope. Please keep reading the blog until then.
RONSANGEL – hello to you and Ron and welcome to the land of cruise blogging. Let me start with the answer to your question about taking your next cruise on a Carnival ship and my suggestion for a ship and itinerary. There is so much to choose from with sailings for three-, four-, five-, seven-, and eight-day cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and the Baja Mexican coast. Also, of course, we have 12-day European cruises, as well. Here are three questions I need you to answer and then I will narrow your choices down for you.
1. How long do you want to cruise for?
2. Are you beach type people or do you prefer active tours and destinations?
3. Where do you live?
Now, as for your question on working onboard, let me say that Carnival is excellent at trying to keep married couples together on the same ship. However, it takes a very dedicated couple to handle working and living together in what can be quite close conditions. If you need further employment information, please let me know and I will direct you accordingly. I look forward to hearing from you and my best to you both.

OK, I now have blisters on my fingers so thank goodness that is the end of today’s Q & A.

Now, let’s get talk about today.

This morning we disembarked 3,047 guests in Rome. As they head home I reflect on what was a great cruise and, barring the weather in Venice and the day the sea got mad, all went well. I therefore will miss 3,046 of the guests! Watch out Holland America, she is heading your way.

The weather today in Rome is sunny and I have already received letters from bloggers who joined the ship today. They come bearing gifts including sugar-free candy and this, an Aston Martin Vanquish as given to me by Gregg and Linda.

I thank them and everyone who brought me gifts and I hope they all enjoy the goodies I send to their cabins.

Can you also join me in saying CONGRATULATIONS ON 30 YEARS WITH CARNIVAL TO MY FRIEND AND VICE PRESIDENT ROGER BLUM.

Without you knowing, Roger has had an impact on each and every cruise you have all taken on Carnival. This may have been on the hotel side or in entertainment but his 30 years have been one of the reasons that Carnival is still The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line. Congratulations Roger……Oh, Roger wanted me to tell you he started working for Carnival when he was 12.
AND NOW I NEED YOUR HELP, PLEASE, I NEED YOUR HELP.

In approximately one year from today I will be joining the Carnival Splendor to prepare her for her inaugural season. Therefore it is time to get serious and help fulfill a dream and have ANGELINA JOLIE AS GODMOTHER.

I need you all to help me lobby for this. I have searched the internet for an official web site for her but to no avail. I therefore do not know how to continue. It’s not like I can get my PA to call some famous movie producers and say “Hey, can you get me Angelina’s number please” and they write back and say – yeah – here is her agent’s number, give him her a call. If only life were that simple.

Therefore, can I ask you to write to Carnival through this blog or directly and say that we want Angelina. Is there an official fan club? If so, can you write to them for me? I am going to be blogging just about each day for the rest of the year and this will rejuvenate me. In all seriousness, I think that she will make a great godmother. She undertakes amazing charity work and it has nothing do with the fact that I dream about her every night imagining that we are skipping through fields of tulips……OK , SORRY, SLIPPED AWAY THERE BUT I AM BACK.

So, Big Ed and the gang of regulars. I hereby bequeath you to go forth and findeth me the fair Princess Angelina and maketh her see that she should indeed be the godmother of The good ship Carnival Splendor……….Thanks in advance…………did I come across as desperate then?

Heidi is home and I miss her a lot. I have spent the hours leading to my travel talk e-mailing jokes to some friends and finishing this blog. Now it is time to go and talk about Naples. The first talk is the hardest. It is the first time people meet you and those first few minutes on stage will decide if people want to listen to what I say……first impressions and all that, anyway off to the talk and back soon.

Here I am. That was a very tired group of people but that is understandable but all went well and shortly it will be lifeboat drill time.

I hope you enjoyed this blog and thanks for helping me realize my dream and get Angelina to smash that bottle. If we are able to convince her to serve as godmother, drinks are on me.

Oh, one more thing, I walked out on stage just now for my talk and guess what, the entire front row………………………..CHINESE PEOPLE

I wonder if they would like a game of mah jong.

Bye for now.

Your friend,

John

I woke up this morning – oh, sorry, forgot to say Good Evening – Good Evening.

Right, I woke up this morning feeling guilty, I really did. Guilty on two counts.

1. I want to apologize if my blog of the last two days came across as being specifically uncaring to people of Chinese origin. Now, nobody has said anything and this just may be me thinking this but for peace of mind I wanted to say this. The only reason I mentioned her nationality was to try and portray the way she was speaking to me and the fact that her accent and her …..well……….size, made it a visual feast. I realize that this lady is one in a million (thank goodness) and does not represent an entire nation of people. There, I feel better now especially when I tell you what she did to Ken the maitre d’ last night. Actually, I won’t as I think it is time to move on.

Let me start by saying that there are few prettier places in Europe when the sun is shining that Cannes. We arrived at 7 am and there was a brief shower and sunshine at the same time, resulting in a rainbow which is pictured below. Also, here is a photo of Ken our maitre‘d who is having his cute cheeks pinched by a Mrs. Muriel Colebear whom I promised some champagne if she did.  She did.

We disembarked 2,500 people in one hour and 50 minutes by tender and the day became hot and sunny, just as the guests deserved after the rough weather of the previous sea day. Since we were talking about rough seas, I wanted to show you this photo of a photo. This is of the Carnival Triumph taken back in 2001, I think.

We were coming out of New York heading to Nova Scotia and the seas were still very rough after a tropical storm had passed the area the day before. This amazing photo was taken by a Canadian Coast Plane. I remember standing on the bridge with the wonderful Captain Salvatore Rassello and we watched in awe as the ship held firm and ploughed her way effortlessly through the swells. Here is the photo and sorry for the quality but the original is in Dad’s office (shrine to Carnival) back home.
 

Shall we do some Q & A?

JENN AND MEYER – Let me start that if, as you said, my blog makes you smile every day then I too am smiling because my late nights are definitely worth it. I am glad your entire family is now “cruise addicts” and it sounds like you had a great time on the Carnival Liberty. Regarding the people you are referring to who were with me on stage, I do remember very well but unfortunately I have not heard from them again. I just hope that as he returned to Iraq that he has remained safe as he certainly added to everyone’s cruise. There is something magical about our gangways. When guests walk up it some of them become instant celebrities, again, this would never happen in any other kind of vacation.  Thank you so much for wanting to cruise with Heidi and me. We will be on the Carnival Freedom in the spring but at this time I am not sure of the dates but as soon as I am I will, of course, let you know. I hope this happens so we can renew our friendship and the feelings you described in your comments can be rekindled and exceeded. Please keep reading the blog and my best to you and the family.
MELISSA – I Thank you as well for taking time each day to read the blog.  To answer your question, I do suggest that as the Carnival Freedom docks in Rome on the Sunday and the Vatican will be closed, that you consider taking the Vatican tour upon arrival as you are there a day early. If you are booking a pre-cruise tour, the most popular is The Highlights of Rome with Regular Vatican Museum. This is a complete tour of everything that is Rome plus the Vatican in full. If you would like to upgrade that then have a read about our Exclusive and Private View tour. This one is a behind the scenes visit and happens once the Vatican is closed to the general public. It is a once-in-a-life time experience. So, you have two choices and I hope this gives you something to think about and as always I am here should you need further help. Heidi and I will see you in August.
MARIJ VAN DINTER – Please do not apologize for your English which is much better than my Dutch. Your group will have a wonderful time onboard and if you leave me a note with some information about your nephew at the purser information desk, I will make sure the ship knows it is a special birthday for him. My wife, Heidi, is asking for some Dutch DROP (licorice). Isn’t she cheeky? Have a safe trip and see you soon. Dooooeeee, icc poopa noo.
SHEREE – It is never a bother mon sheree amour. The tower entrance for Pisa may be sold out which is why it may not be able to be booked online. However, we often manage to get extra tickets so please check at the shore excursion desk once you board. Remind me again, when are you sailing?
LINDA – Buenos Tachos Linda. Let’s talk about David. The Statue of David by Michelangelo is one of the most incredible works of genius I have ever seen. To think one man, with one hammer and one chisel crafted this jaw-dropping masterpiece in just 18 months is quite extraordinary. The statue is located in the Acadamia Museum in Florence. Now, if you want to see the statue you have two excursions to choose from.
1. THE BEST OF FLORENCE……………..This has immediate entrance to the museum and means you cut the line, stick your tongue out at the hundreds of others who are waiting in the heat and walk right in.  After a full VIP tour of the museum and all its glory, you then enjoy a fabulous Italian lunch and then some free time for shopping.
2. The other tour to take would be FLORENCE ON YOUR OWN. This will include a full one-hour tour of where everything is located with your guide and then you decide how you spend the day in Florence which could include a visit to the Academia Museum. The only problem with this is that you would be the one in line having to see someone on the BEST OF FLORENCE poke their tongue out at you. However, both are great excursions and now it is up to you to decide. The only problem is you will not have time to do Florence and Pisa with the museum as well. You can do the brilliant and top selling Florence and Pisa tour but the Florence portion would mean that you would only have time to see the statue and nothing else. I should also point out that there is a full replica of the Statue of David in the square (forget the name) located by the Ufizi Museum.
Hope that was some help. If you do not get a chance to see David then I will pose in a fig leaf on Lido Deck for you. Please keep reading the blog thingy.
DEBBIE MANG – By the time you will read this you will be here, or, you will be home after the cruise. So, you had a great time. The weather was beautiful but awful as well. Thank you for laughing at all my jokes and I am sorry you thought all my jokes were boring. Congratulations on winning huge money in the casino and I am sorry you won nothing. See you soon.
ESSEX MAN – Brilliant puns that only an Essex Man could come up with. Patience is indeed part of the recipe of a cruise director’s job and sometimes you need an extra helping. Unfortunately, we do not provide a shuttle service to Ciampino airport as I know you are flying Easy Jet or Ryan Air back home. You can take one of our tours (Rome at a Glance) or Best Of Rome, disembark the bus at the end of the tour in the center of Rome, and then make your way by taxi to the airport. I have to say this can be quite expensive with a price of approximately 120 euros for the taxi. As more people from the UK are taking the cruise, I think we must start investigating transportation and shuttle services from Ciampino, it makes sense. Let me know please if I can help further. Awright, son, you are a diamond Geezer – Essex talk.
JANET AND PHIL – Welcome to Rome. I hope the rain dissipates for you and I will se you tomorrow.
Bill – Your information on the shuttle and vaporetto service is spot on and the only addition to add is that the shuttles run every 15 minutes up until midnight and then they run on the hour every hour until 3 am. Thanks for all the help you give this blog thingy and hope to hear from you soon.
ALISON W – I read your comments around the time I heard that the first tropical storm of the season was around western Florida. I hope for all concerned that this year is as quiet as last year and that there are no major storms. Have a wonderful time on the Carnival Glory and enjoy Wee Jimmy the cruise director. I am so happy to hear you love the blog and I hope you will keep reading it for a long time to come.
LINDA – I am typing this reply to you in the kneeling position as you’re an esteemed travel agent. I just read this and even though tomorrow is the last day of the cruise I sent a signed photo to Ross and Ana and two trophies (one is for your office) from me and you tonight. I hope also that they were not in any discomfort from the rough sea day we had. Thank you for all your support toward Carnival and anytime you have clients onboard that need extra special attention please let me know.
TAMMY AND MIKE FROM N.Y. – First of all, and I mean this with much affection and respect even though we have never met……………………..CALM DOWN, IT’S A VACATION. You do not need to worry about any of the things you mentioned — shuttles, tendering, arrival, departure, etc.  That is what I am here for. So, sit down, make a cup of tea with milk, not lemon and not that iced tea stuff that would have my grandma turning in her grave. Then, as you sip on a tea, write me your three points that you would like clarified or what ports you are uncertain what to do in. Then, press send or whatever button sticks your comments on my screen and as if by magic a reply will appear very soon. The weather in September is beautiful, 60 – 70 degrees in the day and a light jacket needed in the evening. The perfect mix. Seriously, I know that graduating can be stressful and I can imagine that your husband Tom Cruise is finding his first year at “The Firm” quite intense. Therefore, as you are not cruising until September, relax and use me to sooth your troubled breast…………………..oops, I didn’t mean it like that, it’s just a saying….maybe I should delete it…….nah. So, I am your humble servant and will await your questions. See you both soon and sorry about the breast remark.
JO MYERLY – So, this blog puts you to sleep. I am the Nyquil of blogs. I am glad you laughed before I put you in a coma though. As for the rough seas, it does put you to sleep but in this case the rocking was nearly as bad as Thursday nights in my cabin……no sleep there then.
DP – WA – Thanks for your suggestion on doing an in-depth look at the crew quarters, etc. I will indeed add more information about the crew very soon, perhaps before the end of this week. Please don’t you (or anyone) be embarrassed about praising another cruise line outside of the Carnival family. I see you wrote only the first letter of NCL and I am sure you had a wonderful time. It was also great to hear you want to try Carnival, that’s brilliant. When, where and on what ship? If you need help deciding I will be glad to offer my assistance. Look out for more crew blog stuff very soon.
NATE’S MOM – Your comments on the crew being a United Nations are indeed relevant especially in the age that we live in. All crew on every ship live in very close conditions and,  although it may sound like a cliché, it really is exactly that — a group of United Nations of crew from every region and religion and of every creed and colour (spelled correctly) all working together. You may find this in hotels and land-based resorts but the main difference is that ship crew never go home at night; there is no break from it and your working and social life are always with the same people. Once again, cruising proves itself to be such a wonderful and unique experience. Thanks again and hope to hear from you very soon
DAN – First of all, happy anniversary today from me and the blog family. Your first cruise is just around the corner and what a first cruise! Twelve days sailing the Mediterranean and wow, the ports. So, as this is your first cruise, do you have any questions? If so, type away and I will answer them as best I can. You will not be cruise virgins for long….this is a great blog, I have got the word virgin and breast in but can’t find a way to include the word bum……oh well.
MJS – Right, the Spirit class. This includes the Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Leg End and Carnival Miracle. They were all built in Helsinki and have proven to be some of our most beautiful and most popular ships. They are smaller that the Destiny- and Conquest-class ships and were the first ever to have our supper club restaurants on board. The ships carry 2,124 guests so it is right at the size you are looking for and as you enjoy the western Caribbean so much I suggest you go to Carnival Legend page .  The ship is my favorite Spirit-class ship and is currently sailing out of Tampa. Have a look at the ports of call, the lounges and deck plans and I promise you that this cruise will be one you will cherish forever. If you have further questions please let me know.  All the best until then.
KATHY – Hello Kathy. How are you and welcome back home. Hope you had a good flight. It was a joy to meet you and all the Mellow Yellow’s and I hope that is something that happens again very soon. Now, you are correct that Carnival does not offer 10-day cruises within the Caribbean and maybe that is something we need to look at and of course I will pass your suggestions up the line. However, Princess does have 10-day cruises in the Caribbean as you say so hopefully you will have just a great a time on there as you appear to have had on your Carnival Freedom cruise. I am glad you enjoyed the champagne and please send my best to all the other Mellowers. Hope to see you soon and please keep reading the blog thingy.
KATHIE BENNET – This week I have become more international. I now know the inner workings of mah jong and now also, thanks to you, consider myself a world expert when it comes to grits. I am going to ask the chef if he can make me some tonight. I was going to have a Chateau Briand in a light Bordeaux reduced sauce with drizzled caramelized onions and soft and fluffy mashed potatoes with a hint of horseradish garnished by roasted parsnips and country-grown peas. But NO, I am going to have GRITS which I am sure will be just as good.
OOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhh baby.  Well, Papa can say it then so can I. Please tell him Heidi and have been thinking of him and wish him a continued and speedy recovery. I will send a full report on the grits tomorrow. Can I have ketchup with them?
JRSC 1030 – I see from your comments that you to have experienced rough seas during your adventure on the Carnival Valor in 2005. Rough seas are uncommon in the majority of the places where we sail our ships but sometimes Mother Nature gets angry. As I said, although the ships these days are so strong so people do occasionally get sea sick during these conditions and I always feel so sorry for them. Hopefully, in 50 days time when you cruise you will have calm seas and fair winds. See you then.
ANDREAS GOEDDE – Know I know you love to salsa, there will be salsa when you cruise, along with chips and guacamole and maybe those Jimmy Chunga things. Seriously, we will make sure on the Carnival Splendor that we have a salsa night for you. What a GREAT cabin you have booked for the London to Rome trip. Can I come and stand on your balcony with you? Send my best to Sharon and before long you will both be in London!
ANITA – DUNHAM – POTTER – It looks like there will be 150 teens aged between 15 and 18 so I am sure many of them will be boys. As a mum you feel that this is not good for your teenage daughter, I will arrange to have all the boys locked up at night. On the other hand, wouldn’t it be great that if Miss Potter met her first-ever true love on the Carnival Freedom and even better if his name was HARRY. See you in 12 days.
VIKKI AND MATT – Heidi and I send our deepest sympathies for your loss and how thoughtful of you to send congratulations to other bloggers. That makes you very special people.
LES/LOREE – I think Mrs. Knee High has put a curse on me. I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and she had turned me into an overweight, grey-haired ugly bloke!
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Saxon TV – good grief, you could be a cruise director! Great idea about the boat drill information. I will definitely do this next week. Would do so today but my fingers are beginning to numb. I promise to do this next week though mate.
ESSEX MAN – here is Bill’s applause………..I am really clapping………that makes me a little crazy I think.
ROBOCOP – I hope you make it as well mate and continued congratulations on your web site. Please send wee Jimmy my best and I hope I see you walk up that gangway soon.
ALAN & SALLY – Hope you had a nice time at Grandma’s house while she was away and let me know if you still can’t decide what cruise to come on. Maybe you can both come on the Bloggers Cruise. Have a think about it and let me know. Send my best to Grandma and thank her for allowing you to use her computer to blog on.

Ok, that’s today’s Q & A over, if I missed yours I promise I will catch up tomorrow.

Ok, so time to admit to something. Tomorrow, June 5, I was supposed to go on vacation for 12 days. This had been planned as far back as February and then, I started this blog. As the blog progressed it became clear that so many people were depending on me being on their cruise that if I had decided to take these 12 days off I would have let many people down. So, I am still here but Heidi is not. She leaves tomorrow and will not be back until Barcelona on June 15. Heidi needs the rest as much as me if not more and her mum needs to see her daughter. So, from tomorrow, I am alone again for 10 days. Just me, my toy Aston Martin DB9 and assorted photos of Angelina.

Now, I am not after a collective ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh and not looking for sympathy that my vacation now will not be until November – well, maybe just a bit of sympathy. The reason for telling you is that if my blogs sound a little different it is because the boss has gone home. I will miss her so very much.

OK, here is the last installment of Mrs. Knee High’s Carnival Freedom adventure and after this her name will never pass my lips again.

She has her mah jong set which cost me 29 euros in Cannes and instead of being brave enough to give it to her personally (it was probably the wrong color anyway), I left her a letter apologizing for what she had called “this dam ship” while her finger became best friends with my stomach and hoped that she would enjoy the rest of her cruise.

And that was that……………….well……………………….nearly………….because that little devil that occasional sits on my shoulder made me write a P.S. that said.

On Holland America, every cabin has a mah jong set, they allow seat saving for every show, it is a Dam ship and most importantly, if it rains, everyone gets a free Rolex.

1:43 am – time for bed

Goodnight

Your Friends

John and Heidi