Some of you have asked what it is like to work on the ship, so I thought I’d highlight one of the things I do in every port of call.My main part of the job on this ship (and last year on the Carnival Liberty) is the Shore Excursions in the morning.
On average, 2,000 guests leave the ship in the morning to go on one of our exiting Shore Excursions. It’s the best way to visit all the great places we go to.
Of course, when so many guests need to leave within as little as one hour, I am sure you understand that it takes quite a bit of organization and planning. I work closely with the Shore Excursion Manager and his team and of course our team of Social Hosts and Dancers, who all work very hard to make it as easy as possible for the guests to disembark the ship and get to their designated tour bus on time.
After the guests receive the tour tickets in their cabin, they come to one of the lounges on the ship where they meet with their groups. Naples morning is normally the busiest of them all as our guests are still finding their way around the ship. The most important thing on these mornings is for the guests to come to the lounge with their whole group of friends or family members together. We give the guests stickers and every sticker number is also the number of the tour bus, so when half the group comes in 10 minutes before the rest of the group, the guests might end up with different numbers, which then means that they would end up on a different bus. Now, I am sure while you read the above, you think….that sounds like a problem…and you are so right….IT IS!!!
But as many times as we tell the guests before they even enter the lounge…….there are still groups of friends or family members that come in at a totally different time and then it’s up to me to try and find groups of three or four guests who are willing to exchange their stickers. Most of the time we are able to do this though, although it can cause complications for me and the guests. I joke about it when I make my announcements, “the best things to do when you don’t want to spend the day with your husband, you just come in to the lounge 20 minutes after him and you won’t see him until dinner time,” but in most cases the ladies DO want to spend the day with their husbands though….strange.
Sometimes the “silly questions” really do get asked, but that keeps the job interesting. Like a lady asked me two days ago: “Heidi I need an elevator to deck 0.” “OK”, I said, “you may use any of these six elevators here in the lobby, just don’t use the glass ones, as they only go down as far as deck 1.” I then walked back in to the lounge and I felt somebody pulling the sleeve of my polo shirt. It was the same lady, now upset with me: “Heidi, I said that I needed an elevator!!” It took me a minute before I realized that this lady wanted me to press the button for her and ride the elevator with her…..so I did…. 
So, the guests wait in the lounge, as soon as their group is complete, and the bus and guide are ready on the pier, one of the staff members guides the guest to the pier. It sounds really simple, but believe me, with 2,000 guests each morning, it’s always a challenge, but one we are more than capable of meeting and it is a great feeling to see 2,000 guests disembark the ship in an organized way and knowing that they are about to see some amazing sites.
That is just one of my many jobs, however, one of my biggest responsibilities is looking after John and following up on the things that he forgets to do. He has an incredible memory about things that happened 20 years ago, but things I said to him yesterday, well…..his mind becomes like Swiss cheese (full of holes).
Let me catch up on some comments:
SOUTHERNDREAMS – Thank you for the comments on my 2nd blog. John is so busy writing that sometimes I feel guilty, when I take over sometimes and he is just dictating, I hardly have time to squeeze some things in there like I did in the beginning, because he is keeping an eye on me now. So, no more photos of him in compromising places (like our bed). Our cabin is comfortable, but by no means big. We have a separate bed room and a bathroom with a bath tub, which is very nice to unwind once in a while.
Then we have a part where the desk is and a sofa, and that’s about it. No balcony, although the Cruise Director cabin on the Spirit-class ships do. But then again, I rather have the extra space in the cabin as most of the time it is too hot to sit on the balcony anyway. When we brought out the Carnival Legend, and sailed in to Amsterdam and all the other wonderful places that we will be visiting again on the Carnival Splendor, the balcony was a plus. Of course, sailing in to your own country is fantastic and sailing through Holland to the port of Amsterdam was an unforgettable experience for me. Cows were staring at me when we sailed toward Amsterdam as the water was so narrow there. I wondered what those cows were thinking when they saw this monster of a cruise ship sailing past them…..
ESSEXMAN – Hello Mr. Essex. Is it still raining there? I think the best thing to do is take a walk down the pier……maybe not. My sister-in-law Suzanne and I walked down the pier one time in the middle of the winter. It was cold, actually, it was so cold, that John dropped us of with the car at the top of the pier and picked us up later. We walked and when we got half way, we had to cover our ears on one side as we felt like they were about to freeze and fall off. Luckily at the end of the pier we were able to find some shelter in one of the cafes and had a Cadbury hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream on top. These days you have to take a flask with you as after the big fire there isn’t much left on the pier. For all other bloggers, the Southend Pier is the longest wooden pier in the world.
(Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. Extending 2,158 m (a mile and a third) into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Since 1986, a diesel-hydraulic railway has been running the length of the famous pier, replacing the original electric service which opened in 1890. A fire in October 2005 seriously damaged the far end of the pier.)
To get back to your question: Statutory breaks are something we don’t get on board. As and when we have time we take some time for ourselves.
(having some lunch ashore, watching a movie or sunbathing (for me)
I hope the sun is shining in Southend today!!
MARIJ – Jullie zijn nu vast al onderweg, dus nog eventjes en we mogen jullie aan boord begroeten, dus dit lees je denk ik pas als jullie weer thuis zijn.
De koffie staat klaar!!!
CAPT CHUCK - Our cabin is comfortable, but by no means large. A few months a year in the cabin makes you appreciate the space more when you get home.
But, when at home I have to hoover myself and make my own bed, because we too are spoiled by our cabin steward, Nyoman.
He is a lovely man from Indonesia and looks after us very well.
I have to say that each cruise is unique, even though some activities are the same. Something as simple as a trivia quiz is different every time. You ask the same questions, but sometimes a guest has such a funny answer or explanation for their answer that the whole crowd is “in stitches” ….
LINDA HERNACKI – If you sailed on the Carnival Imagination in 1998, I probably worked as an International Rep@Sea, after 2000 I have been working with John as his assistant. You are right about the Valentine’s cruise, my dad passed away on the 15th of February. We left the ship in Belize. And you are right as well when you say that I have a wonderful man in John. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to share my life with. (picture of our wedding day is on the way)
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Sir, I hope your wife didn’t have too many things for you to do….
My job title is Assistant Cruise Director. I take care of the Carnival Capers (your daily program), a lot of paperwork, schedules and of course the more important things as : making sure John’s tie matches his shirt, making sure that he wears two socks of the same color and all those important things…..I enjoy living on the ship with John and working together. Of course there are times when you think, I wish we had a Friday afternoon and a Monday morning, but on the ship all days are “working” days and the word “weekend” doesn’t exist, but like I said before about the space in the cabin, that too makes you appreciate being at home and the first thing I do when getting home is taking off my watch. What a wonderful thing not to have a care in the world what time it is….
BARB DONNEGAN - Well, time to cruise is almost here for you. I bet you are excited now!
We don’t teach Italian classes on board, but we have great books in the library, you can copy some words/phrases from them if you would like to. Most Italian people speak English, so you don’t have to worry about that when getting around in the places we go to. Don’t worry about the food on a stick…..we worked with somebody from Minnesota and he told us about the fairs where all the food is served on a stick, which made us giggle. Just bring yourselves and make sure you come and say HI~!
HEIDI-BETH – I see that you are counting down till your cruise on the Carnival Glory.
Your Cruise Director will be Ralph Valente AKA Wee Jimmy. He worked with us on the Carnival Triumph and on the Carnival Glory. He is a charmer and I am sure he will have you laughing all week. Send him our love when you get on board. He loves teddy bears!!!
JANFRWA – Janet, next time when you are in Cannes, you should definitely try the crepes. Mmmmm. Covered in banana and chocolate and of course lots of whipped cream. A real treat, and you can have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner!!! I love frites as well, as long as there is a lot of mayonnaise involved. None of that English vinegar ……not my “cup of tea” at all.
We use the mayonnaise in many different combinations in Holland and my favorite is: a large plate of “friet”, then mayonnaise on top, peanut (sateh) sauce on top of that and then finish it off with lots of onions……You’ve got to try it!!!
LOVETOTEACH – I promised to write one blog a cruise and I will keep my promise. I bet you are super busy, I can only imagine. A job and looking after the children. But, now your cruise is almost here, so make sure you come and say hi!!
ROBERT – Thank you for your sweet words. Who would have thought I would be here on the Carnival Freedom, writing blogs???? 11 years after bringing out the Carnival Destiny. But we are still enjoying ourselves and you and Suzann are still cruising, that’s the main thing.
KATHY KROLL – Wow, a suite with a Jacuzzi….I like your thoughts Kathy……
And about the book, there definitely will be a book, after we retire though, I don’t know where we would find the time now, John is already typing around 6,000 words a day on top of all the “regular” work…
Hi to Paul from both of us.
BIG ED – Thank you for your BRIEF comment, any other tips? (hee hee :) )
I will make sure that I will stay involved in the blog-thingy, don’t worry.
Hi to Mrs. Ed for me please.
SHARONR – Looking forward to meeting you too!! When are you sailing with us??
JUANNEVERLY-PRISCO – Jann and Sal, are you coming to see us on the Carnival Freedom or the Carnival Splendor??
As promised I will close with a photo of John and I on our wedding day.
If you look carefully at John he looks more nervous than he ever is on stage. To the left of me is John’s Dad, next to him is my Dad and next to him is my brother. The second one is of my dad walking me down the isle and giving me away to John…
It was a wonderful day and one I will never forget………….neither will John, especially when he saw the bill!
Until next time I wish you all the best.
Heidi
Filed under: Heidi's Post
First the wedding picturs are wonderful, thank you for sharing. And yes Kevin and I and the 2 boys are looking forward to the trip 59 days
and youe husband did add a pic of WeeJimmy eating to one of our posts, my boys look forward to meeting him, and eating too. I love the info that he likes teddybears that is soo amusing as I think I have more teddys than my boys did when they were toddlers 
and that is the nickname I have for my husband if you saw our wedding picture you would understand a little more of that one.
As this is not our first cruise we are well prepared for this one but this is our first not on a Fantacy Class ship so I realy can’t wait, have my camra ready with lots of SD cards too.
I am alway glad to see you add you part to the blog and that you are keeping John in line. Love all the pictures that are added to the blogs.
wish you and John all the best
the other Heidi
Hi John. Day Watch is very busy. You know, you have not commented on my campaign to be a ship’s Godfather.
SHERIFF ROSCO P. COLTRANE FOR SHIP’S GODFATHER!!!!
Guess another cruise is ending. Which means another one is beginning! Fair winds and following seas my friend!!
Still waiting on your brother’s pub info!
Rosco P. Coltrane
Sheriff
Heidi, Didn’t John’s Mum ever tell him to sit up straight? I realy liked the pictures today. The one of the two of you in Venice was great but the wedding picture is beautiful. I just can’t wait to meet you, oh ya John too. Tell John to read my comments real close, then think (you can help him).
“BIG” ED
Ed Alert Nut
Hi John and Heidi,
Hope everything is going well with you and the cruises. We are in Paris now and have another week until we go home. I see that the Carnival Splendor’s South American itinerary is posted on the Carnival website. It sounds interesting but maybe the whole 49 days is a bit long (and expensive). For now, we’re looking forward to seeing you on the Splendor’s inaugural. Like Janet we would really like to be at the naming ceremony if at all possible. I hope it’s open to passengers because that would make it extra special.
I just read your last blog and still have lots of blogs to catch up on and that may not happen until we get home. Hope you have a peaceful cruise without any problems.
Linda & George
Hi Heidi Heald!
I loved your tour of Southend on Sea Pier. I just wish I knew where Southend is.
Can we take a tour bus there from Cannes?
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Hi Heidi
,
Thanks for the new blog, it’s always fun to hear your side of things (AKA the truth
). May I make a tiny suggestion though? Could you start each blog with “Heidi here” or something like that? Your joke about wives wanting to get away from their husbands became even funnier after I realized who actually said it!
Shame on you for repeating that mean joke about John being built like a refrigerator – although that does bring up a question: If John falls asleep with his mouth open, does the little light keep you awake? ;-o
The wedding pictures are lovely – you were a beautiful bride! Oh, to be fair I should do the same for John, too. John, you were a beautiful bride also!
Great picture of the Southend Pier – now I want to go there. Here in the San Francisco Bay area we have lots of piers, but nothing even close to that size. The Santa Cruz wharf is the longest on the west coast, but even it is only half a mile long.
Did you also take the pictures on John’s blog? The colors are fantastic!
Heidi, since you do the Capers, when it gets to be a few weeks before the Bloggers cruise could you post a couple of them for us to look at? I’m sure there are activities that I’m not even aware of, but might like to fit them into my schedule.
Hello Heidi & John: Thank you so much for posting your wedding photo’s Heidi, you were a beautiful bride (as well as still being a beautiful lady), John is a very LUCKY guy to have you! I am sure he knows that though. Your wedding gown was gorgeous, I am sure John looked nervous having to wear a “monkey suit” (tuxedo). HA! HA! I hope you will write a blog a week if you can, that would be great! I have been asking John and have not gotten a straight answer about whether you guys will be on the Freedom the week of 11/17-24th. I sure would love to meet you Heidi! I never knew you were John’s Assistant on the Glory, we were on it on the inaugural, and 2 other times and John was the CD on 2 of those cruises, but Wee Jimmy was his assistant? Did he have 2 assistants, you and Wee Jimmy? Any news yet about AJ being Godmother of the Splendor? I know Carnival made contact, have they come to any agreement yet? Well, as I told John a few days ago I am a grandma again, to Joshua Daniel, born Friday 7-6-07 – 9lbs 4 oz., 21.5 inches, lots of dark curly hair. I know how much you want to be a momma and I wish you luck with that! Goodnight and God Bless, Linda & Mike (the handyman)!
Your wedding pictures are very pretty. I like your blogs just as much as John’s. Keep up the great work.
Ethel
Thank you Heidi for your wonderful blog! I especially appreciated the little look into your living quarters, and the description of your job on board the ship. I will never cease to be amazed at the sheer number of people you “move around” every single day. The picture of your wedding was great, and John looks absolutely stunned. You are a lovely couple, I wish you the best.
Heidi, it’s lovely to read your writings as well as John’s. I imagine it is getting really difficult to keep up with replying to individual comments – no need to reply to mine, I won’t be offended. Thank you to both of you for keeping the blog going on top of your workload – it is much appreciated and always brings a smile to my face every day.
Just wondering if you are allowed to photocopy a typical Freedom Caper and put it your blog. My wife and I are getting ourselves in cruise shape (I have no idea what that means) and want to pace ourselves so we can enjoy everything on the ship especially in the evenings. Can you do this or would you violate any maritime law? Just curious.
WOW Heidi–what a lovely dress and you were a beautiful bride! Wishing you many years of health and happiness.
It is really great to hear from you on the blog. But you both must be exhausted from the pace you have to keep!
We will be on the July 24th sailing. Will you do a singles meet and greet for the 40-60 year olds? Will there be some single men between those ages or is it just all of us fun women? See you soon!
Hello Mrs. Heald ( Heidi )Thank you for answering my question. You also work very hard at your job. You seem to a very intricate and important individual as part of Mr. Heald’s cruise directors group. Your wedding photos were immaculate and you look very beautiful. Mr. Heald looks very handsome but a little nervous. Thank you for giving us a personal part of your life. My wife and I want to wish you and Mr. Heald many years of health and happiness. One question I ask of you. Do you and Mr. Heald have any real private time for yourselves while on the ship? It has to be difficult to really get together and be with another if the both of you have to on duty seven days continually. Well it is time for me to hit the sack. ( a slang term of going to bed and to only sleep, my wife works tomorrow. Oh well ) Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hello John & Heidi! I am Esmee, a past Carnival Cruiser, and a BIG FAN! I went on the Sensation back in 1994 and it was my pleasure to have you John as my Cruise Director. Since then I can honestly say I have yet to find a great Cruise Director such as yourself. I’ve been now on 7 Carnival Cruises since then, and actually ended up becoming a Travel Agent, because of my great experiences on Carnival (especially my cruise on the Sensation!). You may not remember me (even though Heidi says in some of your blogs that you have a great memory!) but there was a talent show that week, and I was the one who “brought down the house” so to speak with my rendition of Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All”. I still to this day have the video from the cruise, where you just kept commenting saying “oh my… my my my… we should give her a job here dont you think”? And not just that, but the FUNNIEST bedtime story version I ever did hear. You were such a Riot, you really just made my night that night. I am soooo happy to see you are a married man now, and that you have such a lively and cool wife. I am so bummed, because I have booked a group of 50 people on the Freedom for October 16, 2007 and just this week cancelled my cabin because I am trying cut costs… had I known that you were gonna be my cruise director, FUGGET-ABOUT-IT!!! Oh well!!! I’ve been seeing your face here and there on videos, and on the carnival website. You are DA MAN! John, keep doing what you do. And please oh please, make sure you give a special shout out at your 1st show to the WEEBEE FRIENDS GROUP (that’s my group name), and show them some love for me… What’s gonna be the next ship for you guys — Splendour? Take care you two!!!! Safe and happy travels to you both…… Esmee K.
Dear Heidi–I just love getting the woman’s point of view. What a gorgeous bride and thanks for sharing on the living arrangements. I did wonder if you had housekeeping service! I’m sure you need it with the 2 of you keeping so busy! Gloria
thanks for the updates heidi. and the wedding photos are lovely! i will have a new respect for the crew when i am sitting in the lounge waiting for my number to be called! since i am so used to sitting here in podunk watching leaves grow, do you think you might have some for me to watch while i wait for my number? ha ha
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
(southerndreams)
Heidi:
Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us; you are so kind to share your husband with us all the time but the other part is really special….
From one bride (who still looks at her wedding pictures 17 years later to another one)
Thank you
Vikki
Hello Heidi,
It was wonderful to read your blog thingy for the woman’s perspective (aka, sane, sensible, etc.). But John (and you) must be really exhausted with everything you have to do on-board, and then do the blog also. Kudos to you both.
Your wedding photos are gorgeous – but why does John look like he is in shock?
I know both of you were on the Destiny when she launched, but were you still there in October 1997? I’m still not sure if John was my CD then or I remember him from the Ecstasy (which was in May 1992).
Well, since it’s Thursday, you must be busy,
Regards to both of you,
Carol
There are several armies that could use your organizational skills. There are large families that could use them. Come on over and take charge here at my house! LOL!
Hello Heidi and John!
We love the wedding pictures, Thank you for sharing! John looks so nervous. Can’t imagine why, when he is so at ease in front of how many people on stage??? We wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter. It’s obvious you must have the right chemistry to live and work so closely and still be so happy. We found that in 2003 and it just keeps getting better for us. Maybe we can have dinner together on the Splendor? Our treat.
Your “Bear” friends,
Carl & Barb
Heidi,
Thanks for the wedding photos! They were stunning & come to think of it, John looked stunned, but you & your dress were beautiful.
In addition to the Baltic ignaural cruise, I was able to book the 2nd leg of the Splendor South America cruise & even got my preferred cabin. Look forward to seeing you & John then. Keep the blogs coming. They are great!
Hi Heidi
Are you sure it was in the winter you walked down the pier………. it sounds like July to me!
Nice pics. again.. thanks
I think the wedding photo of John confirms his link to Tony Soprano…….. he looks as if he has just received a message from the ‘boys’ that a payment is due! – you by the way look radiant.
Regards
Bill
Heidi, Mrs. BIG Ed just reminded me that you never did say where the closest launderette is to our cabin, 8268. They are not shown on the deck plans. So say what cabin number is across from it so I can show her on the deck plan.
“BIG” ED
Ed Gallant At Clever
I just wanted to say that Larry & I are still keeping up with the blog thingy, and enjoy it very much….but we have nothing interesting to add! *L*
Heidi, we have always been impressed by the efficiency of port-tour disembarkation. Kudos to all of Carnival’s staff responsible for this.
I find that after thinking for a moment, I do have a question! Our next Carnival cruise is going to be a weekender out of Long Beach to Ensenada. Larry & I visit Baja California regularly, and may not even bother disembarking in Ensenada. I don’t know that we have ever stayed on the ship when it has been in a port. What can we expect if we stay onboard the ship? Will there be water in the pool? You would think that after 7 cruises we’d know this…but to be honest we’ve never paid that much attention to activities in the Capers on port days (because we knew we wouldn’t be onboard! *L*).
Terri
You were a beautiful bride Heidi ! Is John tied down to the chair ! Just kidding, he looks mighty dapper in his wedding gear as well!
Many more years to the both of you! Paul (Lee) and I will have 35 yrs this coming Dec. Not bad for “show folk” !!
Thanks for posting your pics !
Kathy and Paul
hey john,,,,
we are looking forward to the BLOGGERS cruise,,,,,it will be our 36th on the fun ships,,also we think you are the best CD in the whole fleet,,,,hope we can meet you on the blog cruise,,,,keep doing what your doing,,cause you do it sooooooo GOOD,,,
regards
tom & jane
from the MT. HOLLY TRIP
Dear John, My wife and I have been reading your blog with great interest. We are taking the Oct. 4.2007 cruise on the Freedom. We have only cruised once before, but enjoyed it very much. We did a tour of Italy two years ago. We are very eager to revisit Venice as our previous visit was too short. Does the ship have dominoes sets? We are cruising with another couple as well as the 3000 others on the ship. We like to play and will bring our set if you don’t have one. Thank you for looking into this. We look forward to Oct.
Paul Zatz
Hey there John!
My name is Chris Gomez and I was on Carnival Freedom about 2 days ago. I feel depressed now because I miss all my friends and my two waiters Dennis and Ruelito. Most of all I miss watching the morning show! Do you show that somewhere on the site? and also. You made an announcement once saying we can watch the cameras on board. Where abouts on the site do i find that?
Thank you very much for a fun holiday
Dear John,
I want to thank you so much for making the dinner reservations for me on August 11th. Your response really touched me. It is not often someone offers to take care of me. I do love cruising for this one reason. My son Taylor is so excited to celebrate his birthday while sailing with you and Carniaval. I appreciate you offering to make the day special and I will contact you once we are on board. Should I send you a note through the purser? I hope that I will have the oppurtunity to thank you and your wife in person. I realize that I am one of thousands who would like to do the same, and this maybe impossible. Please know that you have made several of our previous cruises so much fun and filled with memories of laughter and excitement. We almost don’t want to go on cruises where you are not the cruise director. Thank you again for your help for my Aug 5th cruise. I know we will love this vacation for the location and the ship because of you and your staff. We are counting the days!
Julie Mark
Hi John,
I forgot to ask you about the shore excursion of “Florence on your on”. I called the shore excursion desk to see if they could tell me when the bus usually leaves Florence to return to the ship. They were unable to help me saying I had to wait until I met the tour director. I wanted to make reservations at Uffizi and am not sure how much time we need and then allow time for shopping and get back to the bus. If you have any knowledge of when the bus usually leaves Florence I would be so appreciative. As usual, thank you, thank you, thank, you!
Julie Mark