Thursday, July 12th, 2007...5:43 pm
A French Kiss
You know, there are times when I think I should have followed my dream and become an International Playboy……… Why?………… Because it’s 5:15am and here I am up at at the crack of dawn for debarkation and feel a bit tired so excuse my typos.
So, good morning from Civvi (yep, too tired to type it in full) and very soon we will be starting the debarkation process. I am sitting here in my bathrobe, which, even though I have lost weight, still doesn’t cover everything? Still, as Heidi says, it’s no big thing.
Why then, you ask, at this ridiculous hour am I sitting at my computer blogging? The answer, I think its just automatic now and has become a sort of a ritual, you know? Wake up, pee, shower, shave, pee, clean tooth, pee, dress and blog.
Heidi has just left to get the guests ready for debarkation and here I sit with
my hearty breakfast of a cup of tea and two pieces of cheese.
Anyway, what’s the news? Well, it’s was a sad day yesterday as an
elderly guest passed away in their sleep during the night and I spoke to the
wife just a few minutes ago to offer my condolences. Never an easy thing
to do but particularly difficult this morning as I had met the person concerned
during my marriage show. They had been married for 56 years. I will be
thinking of the family today and hope you will, as well.
I hear that Mr. Cahill our new president and C.E.O — actually lets drop the word new now shall we as he has been in the job four days now. Let’s start again — our President and C.E.O. Mr. Cahill has been working hard to set out his agenda that will result in a bright and prosperous future for us as a company and for you as our guests. Did you know that many successful cruise line executives came from financial backgrounds including Kirk Lanterman, longtime chairman of Holland America Line, Peter Ratcliffe Chairman of P&O Princess and even Bob Dickinson who came out of the finance staff at the Ford Motor Co and me, I came from a financial background as I love playing Monopoly.
Oh, one quick thing before I continue. I have now added a statement in my travel talks that says that all guests remain in the same seats for the entire tour and contacted every tour company to let them know that this will be the case. Hopefully this will mean we won’t have ladies hitting each other with their Gucci bags again, although it would have been great to watch!
Did you get chance to see the FunShip Island web page, it is now on the front page of carnival.com? I should know as it knocked me off the front the page and I am relegated back to the Freedom page. The site looks wonderful. You can actually ride the slide, sing a long in the Piano Bar and so much more. It’s brilliant and I am sure will be very popular. I am not upset at all that because of this innovation I am off the front page. Nope, not at all………………….. Actually, I am really upset and cried myself to sleep last night, nobody cares, nobody wants me, I am yesterday’s news. Let’s have a look at a few photos.
1. Sunset Over Cannes
2. Florence
3. More Florence
4. Nice
And, the answers to the Anagrams are:
Largely Rich – GERRY CAHILL
Pianist Iron – INSPIRATION
Ocean Quiver It – Queen Victoria
And today’s
DARK GRUNT
SCANDAL MAY SIN
NAIL TOE
Here is today’s ” IN THEIR OWN WORDS ” section which shows just how opinions can be so different about the same subject.
Again, sorry for my lapse in answering all the questions but normal service has
now been resumed and in between calling guests off the ship during the
debarkation process I will start with today’s Q & A.
Let me start with a follow up to the question about our ships sailing out of
Baltimore. Here is the answer as written by my good friend Terry Thornton who
as I mentioned in his interview is responsible for the deployment of the
Carnival fleet.
We have a strong interest in offering Baltimore as a homeport. The main obstacle we have is that in order to operate an attractive itinerary, it requires a ship that can operate with relatively high cruising speeds. In the Carnival fleet, the only option we would have right now is one of the Spirit-class ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend or Carnival Miracle). All four of these ships are currently deployed in the West Coast, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and New York (seasonally) and it would not make sense for us to interrupt one of these highly successful operations.
We will continue to look for opportunities to include Baltimore in our “Fun
Ship” cruising mix. We know they would be a big hit, particularly for guests
within easy driving distance of Baltimore.JENN – Thanks for the comments saying you enjoyed the blog yesterday and also I am sure Mr. Cahill appreciates the kind words for a smooth transition.
By now, you should have read Mr. Cahill’s interview, which I hope you enjoyed. I will be hopefully have a follow up interview with him in a few weeks. I see that you found the funshipisland.com website and you used the word
“amazing” to describe it and indeed it is, many congratulations to all involved in designing this. The original concept was to have me coming down the slide wearing a thong but for some unknown reason Mr. Cahill said no to that idea. Most importantly Troy the young man who was so unwell is close to making a full recovery and hopefully will be home soon and I will be calling the family soon for a follow up. Thanks Jenn and I hope enjoy today’s blog.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Did you find the link thingy ok Bill?
POPCORNGAL – Now that’s a new name I have typed before. I see that you live in what you describe as a “rural area” and are having trouble down sticking the photos because you have something called dial-up service. Now, I am not sure what that means but Roberto our master computer person has done something that will now allow you to view the photos so let us know if indeed you can. By the way, how rural is rural, are you on a farm and if so where? Heidi and I send our best to you and please let me know if Roberto’s magic has worked.
MAR. – Wow, you spent your entire posting thanking people, how kind. Yes,
going down the slide on the funshipisland site thingy is great and as to Mr.
Cahill I assure you we are in good hands and indeed we have a lot of thank yous to say to Mr. Dickinson and we will do so very soon. Now, as for PA 007 he is indeed “somebody” but whom? Well, maybe I will tell you one day but not today. Please keep reading the blog thingy and again thank you for all your kind words.
LOOKINGFORWARDTOTHENEARLEY-SMOKEFREECARNIVALFREEDOM – I decided to give you your full title today. I am not sure if Mr. Dickinson or Mr. Cahill actually needs to ” pardon ” PA 007 as you suggested. While I am sure that they are wondering and investigating who PA 007 is I am sure they have also realized that as 4,000 people per day are reading the blog that it is an extra way of getting the Carnival message out there. This, coupled with the fact that PA 007 is a very smart person and is covering their real identity, brilliantly means I think that for now all is OK. My French is really bad and Heidi had to translate for me as I only remember the “naughty words” such as Le derriere de Alan Adkins scherder de fromage??? I will leave you all to translate that one. Hope you are well and thanks to Mrs. MTSFP who has been posting some wonderful comments recently.
JTODDINMAN – I have now added the word Trifecta to my daily repertoire
and I wish I could bring you a Trifecta of good news every day but life on a
cruise ship is exactly that life and everything that comes with it.
More praise for funshipisland and indeed I will be conducting an interview with Roberto and his team shortly. It is always a pleasure to read your postings and long may they continue.
BIG ED – Yesterday when I ran out of time and could not answer every comment. I felt particularly bad about ignoring you. Therefore, I will make sure that I pay special homage to you today. The water taxi is a sort of “lomo” in Venice, it costs 60 euros to get from the ship to Harry’s Bar, still, it was worth it just to take that photo and Heidi made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Thank you for your poem about Bob Dickinson, which I am sure he appreciated very much. In return, I will respond with this poem for you.
THERE WAS A MAN CALLED BIG ED
WHO ON THIS SITE IT IS OFTEN SAID
THAT HE LIKES HIS FOOD
BUT NOT SAT IN A BOOTH
SO ON THE BLOGGERS CRUISE HE WILL HAVE BREAKFAST IN BED.
HIS WIFE WILL NOT FLY
WAY UP THERE IN THE SKY
SHE IS A SCARED BONNIE LASS
NOT BECAUSE THE PLANE MAY CRASH
BUT BECAUSE AIRPLANE FOOD
GIVES BIG ED – BAD GAS.
There, I feel better now.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Reading your comments is like putting on a favorite piece of clothing, you feel comfortable and secure. Yes, big kudos to Mr. Dickinson who has indeed led the way for so many years and a big welcome to Mr. Cahill who will continue the work that Bob has done so brilliantly. The funshipisland site thing is a tremendous innovation and is a great way to show would be Carnival cruisers who want to see what it is all about. Paul, I have not forgotten the question about the strobe lighting and Roger Blum is going to get back to me ASAP on this. Until then let’s remember the best news as you say and that is that Troy is doing so much better. Thank you for your compliment that my Tony Soprano photo did look very Italian, I certainly felt it. Have a great day Paul and Heidi and I send you our best.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Yep, funshipisland is (like me) cool! Well done to your PVP Ian on keeping you updated on what is happening and those 145 days will fly by I am sure. So, until then you will have to keep reading the blog
thingy and visiting fun ship island. I answer to fridge at the moment Carol but
I hope in the weeks to come that I will be a mini bar. I was so excited and
quite proud to have Mr. Cahill do a blog interview and you are correct he is a
great guy. You asked about my exact vacation dates. I do not know yet. My plan is to go all the way to the end of November but if I get too tired then I will stop when I feel the time is right as I have a very busy year in 2009. The
boxers have become a matter of every day life but I still have a few pairs of
briefs hidden that when she is not looking I sneak on. Hope all is well and
remember we are both at your service. Thanks Carol.
ANITA DUNHAM – POTTER – Welcome home to you and the girls. Heidi and I enjoyed your company so much and your two beautiful girls are such gems, you must be very proud. The caricature you gave me of myself and Angelina is amazingly popular and everyone wants copies. I have passed your thanks on to all concerned but I also want to thank you for spending what I know is your valuable time with us on the Carnival Freedom. I guess some of our conversations were quite relevant! So, please let us know when your next article is out and Heidi sends her best to the girls and hopes they enjoyed their afternoon in the arcade. Thanks again for the hilarious picture and for allowing me to shed so may pounds for it. See you on the Bloggers Cruise.
JO MYERLY – Congratulations, TWO voyages around South America, I can only hope I am there with you. What port are you most looking forward to?
Anyway, I had better start learning about the ports of call as I am sure I will
start getting questions sooner than later. I am very happy for you that your
dream trip has come true.
DWA76 – I am not sure if I am as you say “a force to be reckoned with”
because Mr. Cahill gave one of his first interviews to me. However, I am very
grateful and David I must admit a little overwhelmed at the attention this blog
thingy is getting. Thank you mate for your kind words about Troy. He is hopefully going to be home soon and I look forward to chatting with him soon. That’s one story that I am so glad had a happy ending. So, please continue to enjoy all the stories and interviews and again thanks mate for all your support. TARA PHILLIPS – Hello Tara! How nice to hear from you. And I see you are married as well, so I suppose we are getting old now Hey! We will be here for the summer and then on the Bloggers cruise in January and then on the Carnival Splendor sailing from Dover next summer. Maybe you and your hubby can come and see us there and we can talk about the “good old days.” Until then, all the best! Heidi
HOTCOPFAN – So you liked the PA007 interview did you, that’s good because I was a little nervous about it because their insight into what is happening around the industry is so important. Let’s get on with the more important wedding questions. You asked about having your make up professionally done by the Spa Staff before you get married onboard. This service is definitely offered and if you should decide to do this the Carnival wedding coordinator can arrange this or if you prefer I can also help — not with the make up. I don’t wear any — except on Thursdays. Anyway, let me know. You also asked what make of cosmetics the use in the Spa and I have investigated this and it’s a product called AMWAY. Hope this is OK. OK, Heidi says that this is cruel and I have to tell you that the actual products are by something called ELEMIS AND ESSIE. That is all foreign to me but Heidi says they are great products. So, let me know if I can help further. Enjoy planning the big day and if your husband needs any advice on what brands of beer we have onboard, I will be here to help.
LISA HERMAN – One of the best things about writing these daily blogs is
being able to welcome new people, so welcome to you and your DH. I guess that stands for Darling Husband? It is strange that there you were watching “The Firm” and then reading about Grand Cayman on the blog. You will love the Fantasy. I used to be a cruise director on the ship when it was just the Fantasy, now it has been re-branded (if that’s a word) and is now called the Carnival Fantasy. Your cruise director is a young lady called Tory and I also know the shows on there will be brilliant so please do not miss them. Do you need any advice about the ports of call? If so, please know that I will help you via the blog. I hope one day your dream of sailing in Europe comes true and I hope that I am part of your dreams in a thong. OK, without the thong but I mean I hope that I am onboard when your dream comes true. Welcome aboard Lisa and please enjoy the blog.
DONNA – Yep, that’s me except my wild streak consists these days of
wearing a secret pair of briefs I have hidden that Heidi knows nothing about.
Although, they always show the “wild streak” — is that too much information? As for wanting a “sultry ” woman, I don’t care if she is covered in salt or pepper; just give her to me now. Thanks Donna for allowing me to express my true feelings and please write more soon.
LEASA – I can scratch your itch, or do you itch a scratch, I don’t know but
I do know that if you are considering a Carnival Splendor cruise then I can
help you. Give your PVP Paul a call and then let me know what he suggests and allow me to add the icing on your cruise vacation cake. OK I am now hungry after the cake reference so I am reaching for a piece of sugar-free chocolate. It tastes great but has something in it called Subitol and, well, the wild streak may return. Just ask my Dad. The news on Troy made my day and I will make sure I pass on everyone’s best wishes to him and his family. Let me know when you have booked the Carnival Splendor and all the best from Heidi and I.
KIM – It was strange that as I stood on the pier all afternoon to make sure everyone was OK with the delay in tendering that many people walked passed
me as I was wearing just shorts and a T shirt – not pretty – but practical. The
seas were really rough last cruise when you sailed and they were just the same a few days ago as well. Still, I have to admit that we were much better prepared than last time..sorry about that) Thank you for saying it was nice to see me welcoming everyone back and in situations like this the best place for a cruise director is amongst the people. Did you enjoy Cannes? What was your favorite port? Please let me know. Thanks for reading the blog and I look forward to you slapping on a posting again soon.
KATHIE – You are suffering from a common addiction and Dr. John is here to help. You have what we professionals call A.T.C.O.C.S. syndrome (Addicted To Cruising On Carnival Ships), which is common among hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, although not in France.
Anyway, you have two chances to cure yourself.
1. There is an old wives tale that says you must take five cold showers a day, lock your self in a small room and listen to the theme from The Love Boat 300
times while a small Frenchman beats you around the head with an onion shouting “you hate fun, you hate great food, you hate the best shows at sea, you hate seeing amazing ports and you hate the paying so little for so much.”
2. You can call a travel agent or your Carnival PVP and book another cruise — your choice. Let me know as Pierre and his onion are standing by.
Failure to do either of the above has resulted in shocking side effects for other suffers of A.T.C.O.C.S. syndrome.
There is the famous story of a Mrs. Armstrong who had not booked a Carnival
cruise for over a year and found her self aboard a RCI ship. She had not taken her Carnival medication and ran around the ship screaming “I love Carnival” and eventually had to be disembarked after spray painting “Micky Arison Rules The Waves” on the climbing wall while dressed in a Fun Ship Freddy costume….get help…..now.
BONNIE AND PRINCE CHARLIE – PA 007 has a get out of jail free card so hopefully he won’t need to use it. Thanks for the thanks for Bob Dickinson and
we will chat more about him later. Surely all the leaves have fallen now so you
can come and cruise? Hope you are both well and not too exhausted after
watching more leaves fall. Heidi and I send our best.
KERSPLOTT – 49 DAYS …FANTASTIC …I am very proud to show all the
bloggers that you have booked the trip of a lifetime on the Carnival Splendor. I hope to be there with you for some of the way and I am sure we will become great friends. Butch may be on the Carnival Victory but I will let you know nearer the time of your sailing. Again, congratulations and I hope we meet then.
PAPANH – Glad you liked the PA 007 interview, it was so much fun to do. You can tell that the person answering the questions is a person full of charm and passion for their job. I thought the answers were excellent. We must though protect their identity as I am sure PA 007 will have future bits of Breaking News to share with us. You are correct in your assumption that Mr. Cahill will indeed carry on the fine traditions that have become commonplace at Carnival and he will add his own special flavor to an already highly successful recipe. What’s with all my food references today? Thanks for your comments and most of all many thanks for thinking of Troy. Hope to see you soon.
PA DUTCHMAN – Mr. Ken Byrne our all singing Maitre D is in the Posh Dining Room. Can I help with anything?
JOHN FRIEDMANN – Thank you firstly for reading the blog and taking the time to do so makes me feel very appreciated. Thanks. You asked about your trip on the Carnival Freedom and possibly going to see the magnificence that is Ephesus. I am sorry to hear about your recent heart problems so let me try and help you out. Here is the good news. The tour will start at the top of a hill, the buses will drive you all the way to the top and then you walk down a gradual slope. There is no excessive uphill walking. The only two points I would stress is that the ground is uneven and more importantly the temperature will no doubt be very hot and drinking lots of water and wearing a sun hat are a must. However, I am sure your Doctor will advise you but I can tell you many people of all ages and with various physical challenges have made ” the walk of life ” as it is known and have stood where St. Paul did as he preached to the Corinthians outside the Grand Library. Hope this is of some help. All the best mate.
JOHN STEERS – Thank you John for the great story and after 20 years in law enforcement I am sure working at embarkation in Port Canaveral must be a breeze. Thank you also for your kind words and also for all the work you now do there assisting in the debarkation and embarkation process. I hope your stock is doing well and don’t sell, I think there are great times just around the
corner.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Sorry, Captain, I wrote your name and then my mind wandered and I ended up writing about me being ” a fridge ” which by the way my entire department is now calling me. Thanks, Heidi. How are things Captain, I have been thinking about you? VIKKI AND MATT… Thanks for your understanding. I really wanted to get the next blog out but would never have done so if I had answered all 67 comments. All is back to normal now though. Hope you are both well.
JO MYERLY – You asked for a joke. So this one is for you.
A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself
slowly, painfully, up onto a stool. After catching his breath he ordered a
banana split. The waitress asked kindly, “Crushed nuts?”
“No,” he replied, “arthritis.”
BRYAN – Thanks for the many compliments about yesterday’s blog. I often worry if the people are finding that they are becoming stale so I hope you will all let me know if they are. I am not sure if anyone has used the words “premiership, UP and Aston Villa,” for a long time, maybe this season. Thanks again mate and let’s hope Martin O’Neil can work some magic for you. Come and sail so we can talk football.
ESSEXMAN – Thank you for the absolutely spot on description of the British
delicacy that is “Mushy Peas” loved the Elton reference. I think this
should be a new feature on the blog now and then “Cooking British Dishes with
Essex Man,” so your next project is indeed to chat about TOAD IN THE
HOLE. Stay tuned for details on this dish that will have you wanting to cook it
tonight. Thanks Chef.
KAREN R – Thank you Karen, especially for the kind words about Heidi, yes
she is a beautiful lady and I am so lucky — and so is sheGlad you are enjoying the blog everyday and I have managed to catch up with all the comments now. Thank you again for all your nice words and I hope you keep reading.
JAMES EMM – It was posted yesterday so please let me know when you get it.
LINDA HERNACKI – Linda, I promise you this. If I can (health-wise) keep
going to the end of November I will. I have been going since February 1 and
have only had two days off but I know how important it is also for you and Mike to have me as your cruise director for Thanksgiving and I promise if I can, I will be there. I will definitely be home in December as I am back in January for the Bloggers cruise. Let’s see what happens. I am happy to hear that Joshua is doing well, you must be very proud as I am sure is Mike. Now, on the Carnival Glory I was lucky enough to have Heidi as an assistant cruise director and also Wee Jimmy who Heidi was training, which paid off as he is now a brilliant full time cruise director. The carb diet is going well, it’s hard as I love bread and pasta but I have had none of those for some time. . let’s see how it goes but so far it seems to be working despite the side effects
TON AND ANGELIQUE VISSER – I totally agree, why do we sit people from the same nationality together at dinner. I guess it is because of what may be a language barrier but please always remember you can ask to change tables. I will however pass your great comments on food preparation up the line to the chef, maitre d and also the man whose interview will appear below in a few moments. I love Dutch food and I agree that “wok” is brilliant and something we could add as well as fondue and Stein Grille as well ….so, thank you for your wonderful words and know that your suggestions will be acted on
immediately. Doooooooooooooooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
IVERNON – Thank you both so much… for those of you who have no idea
about the Dolly Parton dress, well, that’s one for a blog of another day. I am
glad you got see the photos after your grandson had used your lap top as a
play thing and I hope the pictures brought back many happy memories for you. Thanks to you for the kind words I am very humbled by them. Hope to see you soon and maybe soon I will post a Dolly Parton photo for everyone to see.
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – I think you should consider the following tours for yourself and your nearly seven-year-old daughter.
VENICE EVENING GONDOLA TOUR
ROME HIGHLIGHTS OF ROME AND VATICAN
NAPLES AMALFI DRIVE AND POSITANO
ATHENS BEST OF ATHENS
EPHESUS EPHESUS AND VIRGIN MARY
I have tried to pick tours that will not be too long and will offer a lot of
variety with a mixture of historical sites as well as some free time to spend
doing what the boss (your daughter) wants. Have a look at them and tell me
what you think and let me know if I can be of further assistance.
KEVIN – The story of the Vanquish and the police officer was brilliant. That would (with respect) only happen in America as in the U.K. they would
have given you a ticket before you got the chance to say “Evening Officer.” Use the cruise control but every now and then flip it down to second and listen to
the V12 roar and think of me mate, your postings in all reality will probably
be the only time I will ever get to experience an Aston for myself. Keep writing and all the best from us both.
SANDY – I told Ron and he sends his best, he is here and doing a great
job. . . come and see for your self:)
DEBRA HEHN – Snorkeling in Europe is not a big pastime however as there are no organized snorkeling tours in Europe I can put a few fish in the pool for
you. Let me know if there are any other tours you are interested in and we do have some great beaches but unfortunately no reefs. Hope to hear from you soon.
LEROY P. BEDWETTER – Well shoot spit, ya’ll. Please feel free to bring those big old jugs of moonshine on the ship if you can get them past Sherriff
Roscoe P. Coltrane that is. I am glad you pre warned us that the bedwetters are sailing and you can depend us to provide . . ..well …….depends.
The Carnival Triumph has things that you will never have seen before like…
carpet. Therefore if y’all need help in adjusting to life on the ship, please let me know, ya’ll.
BIG ED – Mr. Cahill does CARNIVAL have any plans to put a cruise ship in
the Great Lakes? There are so many good ports around Michigan. With an abundant amount of nearby possible shore excursions.
Hello, Gerry Cahill here of course, putting one of our ships in the Great Lakes of Michigan is a top priority of mine and you can expect at least eight of our fleet to be deployed there as soon as you book the Bloggers Cruise. All The Best
Gerry
Carnival Cruise Lines takes no responsibility in the words written above, they
are written by someone not attached to Gerry Cahill or Carnival cruise Lines.
Credit Checks are applicable and 5% interest a year applies on all models
except the Accord, terms and conditions apply.
That’s it for today’s Q & A.
Now, here is another behind the scenes interview with a gentleman who is
another success story with regard to a previous shipboard manager who has
become a very successful Vice president in our Miami Head Office. Here then,
Mr. Cyrus Marfatia.
1. Cyrus, could you tell us something about your career in the industry from
the beginning to your current position until now? I graduated from hotel school in 1975 and did my apprentice as chef with Intercontinental Taj in Bombay. Managed a few kitchens there and then joined Dubai Sheraton for two years. Joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 1984 as chef. Brought out the Holiday, Jubilee, Celebration, and Fantasy as chef. I was promoted to senior chef, corp. executive chef, F&B director and then vice president
2. Can you tell us something about what your current job entails and what you are responsible for? To coordinate the various aspects of Carnival’s F&B operations and provide our guests with a high quality dining experience.
3. I remember the days when our lido choices were limited to burgers and hot dogs. Today, we have come a long way forward and please therefore can you tell us about the choices Carnival ships offer and what plans there are for the future dining delights for our guests. That’s right – our culinary choices have changed dramatically over the years and now include a variety of cuisines, from
Chocolate buffets to Asian stir fries to NY-style delis etc. as well as a traditional Tandoori corner (which will also be on the Splendor). For the upcoming dry-docks of the Imagination and Inspiration, we are going to test a rotisserie and also have one planned for on Lido upper level on Splendor.
4. I know that all of the 430,000 readers of this blog thingy will applaud you
and your colleagues for the fantastic food now served in the dining rooms
across the fleet. It used to be said many years ago that our food was not as good as other lines but now, we can proudly hold our heads high and say “come and try today’s Carnival. Over the years, what have been the major changes you have made that have resulted in the wonderful choices and the resulting praise from guests. Thank you. You too are an excellent ambassador who makes us look good. With food such a huge part of the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, we’ve really made an effort into enhancing both the quality and variety of our culinary choices. In the Lido restaurants, we’re offering more items on the buffets and have added such features as a Tandoori oven, Mongolian stir fry and Fish n Chips stations, which complement popular choices like the 24-hour pizza
and ice cream, Asian stations and our always busy poolside grill.
On the formal side, we’ve added supper clubs, of course, and most recently expanded the Spa Carnival items to include more gourmet-style entrees and appetizers. We’re always examining our menus and updating wherever necessary to keep pace with guest’s changing tastes.
4. The warm chocolate cake, which can be ordered every night, is a firm favorite with everyone and was voted the best dessert at sea by many bloggers. Do you have any idea how many are ordered across the fleet each week or month — and please take a bow from the readers who I know think this is just amazing. You’re right, it is extremely popular which is why we have placed
it on the menus each night. It’s estimated that on a seven-day cruise, we make
upwards of 4,000 of the decadent dessert.
5. Can you choose your favorite items from appetizer through to desert using choices from our Dining Room Menus. On this current menu — lobster bisque,
Teriyaki short ribs and the above chocolate dessert.
6. Finally, if you could cook a meal for any famous person alive or not, who
would it be and what would you cook for them. Tough one, as I have never been
overwhelmed by any famous person. But when I was young, I always fantasized about having a meal with Michael Jordan. If I were to choose one, it would be Angelina Jolie (tomorrow it could be someone else). I would most likely serve them something Indian Fusion.
Many thanks to Cyrus and if there is one man who needs applauding for the great food, it is Cyrus. Thank you!
OK, next week you can look forward to interviews with.
ONE OF OUR SENIOR HOTEL DIRECTORS
SOME CARNIVAL FREEDOM CREW
MORE MIAMI BASED SENIOR MANAGEMENT
AND A FAREWELL INTERVIEW WITH MR BOB DICKINSON.
Not bad I hope to cover all the senior Carnival people by the end of the month, who knows, maybe one day I may get to interview the Big Boss, Mr. Arison. Any other requests, let me know.
So, embarkation is over, I just finished my travel talk and already I see we have a very international group again. We have 1,200 guests from many different countries outside of Canada, The U.S.A and the U.K.
I want to apologize for my rather obvious nastiness towards the French. This is done with the playful humor that has long since been evident between French and British people.
TIME FOR A TRUE STORY (YEP, I SWEAR ON MY LOVE FOR HEIDI — IT IS TRUE)
I remember when Alan Adkins and I were in Spain on holiday we were at a hotel that was occupied by us and 1,000 French people. Anyway, every time we would get in an elevator we would come down from our room, which was 733 (there were only 733 rooms in the hotel and guess who got that one) and would be joined by various French people. We would say hello and we would be lucky if we got a smile back let alone a hello or bonjour. Then, it became obvious that they spoke no English so being… well … me, I would get in the elevator, smile, nod and say things in such a pleasant voice like “you have the biggest ar#$ I have ever seen” or… you stink of old cheese,” but in a way that they thought I was wishing them a good day. Anyway, Alan thought this was hilarious and that night as we came down for dinner a man got in the elevator, he was in his 60’s. Alan said, “Bonjour,” and got back nothing….. so to emulate me, Alan looked at the man and said, “For Gods sake, take a bath, you smell like rotten eggs.” The man punched Alan in the face…. he was from Australia.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
75 Comments
July 12th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Its good to know that Carnival does have interest in using Baltimore as a homeport. My family lives very near to there and that would be much more convienient than flying to Florida for a Carnival Cruise. We have seen RCCL ships there but We’re Carnival people so no Baltimore cruise for us!
July 12th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
John,
Thanks for once again making me laugh out loud (of course while spitting out diet coke on my keyboard which is not productive to more work) when reading your poem to Big Ed. In my business I often don’t get to laugh enough which is why on some days I feel like a rabbitt trying to get another piece of food by hitting the refresh button in order to see if a new blog has been updated.
The interviews are fabulous. You mentioned we will get a chance to hear from a Senior Hotel Director soon. Would by chance it be Shahnaz? We had the opportunity to sail on “her” ship in January of this year and enjoyed her company immensely (along with Captain Marchetti and others). We are continued to be amazed at the length and duration Carnival employees have been with the company and their rise through the ranks.
One of the biggest questions on many cruise boards and I know you’ve answered this before on this blog has been what kind of gift or special item can you bring for crewmembers that are special. As one of your questions or as a general poll to some of the staff on your ship could you possibly do a top ten list of “oddest gifts received by a crew member?”
As always, I’ll be hitting my “feeder” button waiting for the next installment!
July 12th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Howdy John,
I’m actually a Crystal Palace fan, but I spend my time watching Premiership games since they’re the only games televised stateside. And yes, a football talk would be nice in person; I can’t talk to anyone about the sport except online!
Mr . Marfatia’s done well for his life. Complements to him for food onboard, especially the warm chocolate cake you two talked about… Ahh. Lookin forward to the upcoming interviews, all these big names from Carnival.
Only got one anagram: NAIL TOE = Elation
Cheers!
July 12th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Hello John!
It is good to see normal service resumed though of course you do have to catch up on the Q&A of the past few days… I do not envy you for that
!
Now, a few comments on today’s blog. First the “In Their Own Words”. I hope Mr. Cohen is not reading this (and if he is I hope he does not know where I live
!) but he sounds like a bit of a grump! I will admit that he has an interesting point about enrichment lectures, I am not sure why one would go on a cruise to hear about investment (perhaps if you suggest he buy some Carnival stock he will be happy?) but it would be nice to have on someone lecturing about the ports (presumably this is what he means by “historical culture” though I would posit that modern culture can be quite interesting too) in the destinations like Europe and Alaska and certainly I would suggest that you look into a lecture program on the upcoming South America cruises which will have a number of sea days as well a destination about which there is undoubtedly a lot of interesting stuff to be said.
I must admit I am bit lost on the arts and crafts thing though, I cannot recall if they have had this on HAL when I have been aboard but I must say that if for many people the highlight of the cruise was making a sun visor and a wallet around your neck, it must have been a very dull crowd indeed!
“Everything free” on HAL well, that is very interesting, if so I must be very gullible as I have paid for things like drinks on there and here it was all supposed to be free
? No, I am afraid he is quite mistaken in that respect and in fact he cannot have been on HAL too recently as while he is correct that at one point their alternative restaurants were free, they have been charging for them for about four or five years now and the current charge for dinner is, you guessed it, $30!
So all in all I have to say that Mr. Cohen may have a valid suggestion (if not complaint) about enrichment lectures but otherwise I am afraid he is seeing his (apparently not-so-recent) HAL cruise through rose-tinted lenses… If I were you I would gently point out that while you are sorry he is disappointed, perhaps Carnival is not the line for him and indeed that is the very reason that Carnival Corporation offers different brands (like HAL) for different tastes!
Now to the Q&A, it is interesting that Mr. Ed has asked about Great Lakes cruises. Although I have in fact only been to one Great Lake (Lake Erie) and thus not really seen the area in question, I have always found the concept of a Great Lakes cruise interesting. Unfortunately I am afraid that all the Carnival ships are far too wide to fit through the St. Lawrence Seaway as the maximum beam to enter the Seaway is 78 ft. The narrowest Carnival ships are the Holiday and Celebration, which are 92 ft wide and thus cannot enter the Great Lakes.
Now, within the Carnival group you do have the three Seabourn ships which are a mere 62 feet wide and thus could enter the St. Lawrence and operate Great Lakes cruises but unfortunately I do not think it is likely that Seabourn would want to dedicate one of their ships to such an operation. It would be an interesting experiment, though!
Big Ed may be interested to know that Cunard had a pair of smallish ships, Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess, built in 1975 and 1976, that were what we call “Seawaymax” vessels. This is the St. Lawrence equivalent of “Panamax”, i.e., it is the widest that can fit through. This is a little known fact about these ships. Despite this I am pretty sure that neither of these ships has ever been through the Seaway. Today the Countess is the Ruby with Louis Cruise Lines while the Princess is the Rhapsody with MSC Crociere. Now these ships have never been owned by Carnival, having been sold off by Cunard several years before it was acquired by Carnival but anyway it was an interesting aside.
If Big Ed or anyone else on this blog is genuinely interested in taking a Great Lakes cruise he may wish to do so aboard the MS Columbus which is operated by the German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd. The Great Lakes cruises are bilingual cruises and you can book them here in the US. The ship is operating several of these cruises in September and October and the important thing is that the Columbus will NOT be returning in 2008. So now is certainly the time to go for those who want to experience the Great Lakes on a (small) “real” cruise ship, the other choices all being extremely tiny coastal/inland type vessels.
Finally thanks for the interview with Cyrus. Having had lunch recently I can say that he and his whole department do an excellent job providing a dining experience that is quite unexpected for a company in Carnival’s market segment.
I am looking forward to your farewell interview with Bob next week, please wish him a happy retirement even though I’m sure he doesn’t know who I am!
Best,
Doug
July 12th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
well john it’s only 96 more days until we board the freedom for our b2b med and ta cruises, then two more booked as well, so as the leaves fall i start to think of you two and the fun we shall have. i loved today’s interview as you know prince charlie orders the chocolate melting cake every night. i told him see if the ship has a crowbar onboard to get him out of the cabin door or if i should pack one. see you then!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
July 12th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
A very good morning Mr. Heald. You must take some time a rest throughout the day or you will burnout. We, the bloggers would not want to have anything happen to you. You are a real person and I especially enjoy the fact that I have the enjoyment of talking to you even it is only my computor. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to sit down and speak to you face to face. That will be great. First of all, the photos were tremendous especially the on at Cannes. I think it was very rude of Mr Cohen. If he wants to stay with Holland America, that’s his choice want the wordng he put forth, was mean at least to me it was. There are many different ways to express yourself of things you aren’t pleased but try to be pleasent. He wasn’t. I’m so very sorry about the old gentleman that passed away while on board. My condolences to his wife. Your last comment was great about your friend being punched in the face. Well, I have to leave to prepare to go to Toronto for a wedding. Tomorrow will be my 33rd anniversary. I’m so happy that this fantastic woman was willing to stay with this crazy man. I won’t get a chance to read your blog until I return on Monday. Please rest a little. Life is so important and you are very important for many people. Ciao my friend until then.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
July 12th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Heidi & John,
Even though I’ve never had the chance to meet either of you, I do feel like I know you both rather well. Thank you for this great blog. John on other notes I am pleased to announce that a certain line that will be remaining unnamed at this time has asked for a in person interview in the Miami area for the job of Sous chef on a wonderful “new ship” that is coming into service in 2008. So the new problem is do i park the Aston or do I sell it, or find a friend to take care of her till I return to her V12? more to come on this inserting development soon.
Kevin
July 12th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Hey John: Thanks for explaining about the Carnival Glory, so Heidi was training wee Jimmy, that makes sense now. I can’t wait to meet her, and God willing, with you on this diet, your health should be getting better and better each day, and I will then get the pleasure of meeting Heidi and seeing you again in November! I will pray everyday for that to happen. Joshua is doing just great, Mike and I visited our 2 grandchildren tonight Joshua and his big brother Jacob who is 5 years old. They live a short distance from us, so it is great seeing them grow up. I have to make a comment about that letter David Cohen of cabin 6329 wrote to you yesterday. That man is insane, I hope I am never on a cruise with him. He is ready for a nursing home. If I wanted to cruise just to do Arts and Crafts I would go into a nursing home! HA! HA! If he likes Holland America (which is a CCL ship, right?) he should stick to it, and leave us Young’ns to enjoy the shows, piano bar, disco etc. – making a sunvisor and a wallet does NOT sound like very much FUN to me, and that is what Carnival is, the FUN SHIP! Right? I may be close to the BIG 60 but I am not dead yet! I want a FUN cruise, and that is what CCL provides, so to Mr. David Cohen – all I can say is stay home! HA! HA! Any word yet about AJ? Has she responded to CCL’s offer of her being the Godmother of the Splendor? By the way that pix of you on the water taxi is very nice! You are very photogenic! And your wedding pix are great too, although you looked a bit scared! Where were you married, in England? The reason I ask is I notice you sit during the ceremony unlike the U.S. where the couple stands during the ceremony. Goodnight and God Bless, Linda & Mike (Mr. bulb man)!
July 12th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Big Ed,
In seeing i believe I’m the only fan of this blog with a Aston V12 I think i should drive the car down to miami for the bloggers cruise send off and let John and Heidi take it for a ride around miami. Make for some nice photo’s. Now if we can get AJ there also then that would be totally awsome
Kevin
July 12th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Hi, John! Excellent blog, as usual. I am starving now, after reading your interview! I don’t usually ask questions, but have a few right now…
1) How are you losing your weight? I need to lose some and was just wondering what you are doing. I know there’s not a one size fits all approach, but I love getting ideas (and, therefore, motivation).
2) What’s the process for writing your blog? It’s gotten so long and structured over time. Do you print out the comments? Have a folder of upcoming ideas? I just don’t know how you pump them out like you do! I can barely keep track of my comments to you; what you do is unmatched.
3) Can I ask a non-cruise-related favor? I figure you have some sort of magic, or at least really good karma (considering how many people you make happy, Mr. Cohen excluded), and was wondering if I could get some well wishes for a new job. I interview next week, and the new job will get me away from a boss who makes Mrs. Knee High look like a saint. So, if you could just send some positive thoughts my way, I’d feel a lot better about my chances.
Thanks again, John, for your dedication to us readers.
July 12th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
John -
As I write this note, it is Thursday night on the East Coast of the U.S., so you and the beautiful bride are most likely warmly enveloped by the blankets of your bed.
I am concerned about the limits of your French vocabulary – certainly, you should know the most important French phrase there is, especially in Thursday nights.
Repeat after me -
Voulez-vous couche avec moi ce soir?
Make sure you only ask Heidi, though
Jon
July 12th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Hi John and Heidi.
I have been reading the blog off and on for quite a while now and find the information very helpful in planning for my cruise with you on 7/24. Can’t wait to get there. My daughter will be getting married on board (hopefully the 1st day at sea). This is my question. My husband and I want to treat the group traveling with us (16 total) to the Sun King on the day of the ceremony. Can you tell me if I will have a problem getting reservations for an early seating for this size group? As I am sure you know, the date of the actual ceremony can be flexible, so I am not sure how soon I will be able to book it. Also, please join us for cake and such at the ceremony, we would love to introduce you to our beautiful daughter and her wonderful guy! (Of course, we are a little biased!!!) See you soon….oh my goodness, I better start packing!!!
Lori
July 13th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Thank you for your suggestions on tours. I do think though we will consider Pompeii at a stop at Naples instead of the Amalfi coast. I know it may be a bit boring for a child, but I am absolutely enthralled with the idea of visiting Pompeii.
We also have mates in Athens and we may spend time with them instead of an organized tour. The other boss was very excited about our planning for late 2009 even with two other cruises and a visit to Mt. Rushmore planned over the next 18 months.
July 13th, 2007 at 12:39 am
I’m mad! I can not believe your blog is gone from the home page of Carnival! That is how I found you and decided to book another cruise with Carnival. Ok, I checked it out …it’s cute with the ride down the slide and all… but people need a link to your blog! Now with that said, I came up with a great idea for you! Carnival should pay you by the word that you write on this blog! Hedi too! I enjoy her blogs too!!! I have decided to give you a break and I don’t write everyday, but I am a faithful reader everyday. I’m glad the 10 year old boy is going to be ok. Anyway, the reason I asked my last question about tendering is I am not getting much help if any over the phone at Carnival, and I use a scooter to get around if I have to do a lot of walking. I heard that this is not allowed on the tenders. I also have a hovearound which also isn’t allowed. But hey, I get one of the handicap rooms on the 8th floor. Anyway, can I bring an electric wheelchair on the tender? Some say yes, some say no. It’s starting to drive my husband nuts because I hurt myself on our last Carinval cruise to put me in this situation. Everybody told me to sue Carnival for it, but I wouldn’t. If you want to know the whole story and how many surgeries I have had and the security report that was written about it…I still have all the information. All I want to do is be able to get off with some kind of chair because I love to shop at Grand Cayman! My mom and I want to shop when my husband and dad go snorkling. By the way, did I happen to metion you deserve more pay for doing this blog?
July 13th, 2007 at 1:14 am
Thanks John for such a speedy reply and please tell Roberto he’s a true genius! Now the pictures and notes from passengers load just as fast as the text does. Hurray! Dial-up internet service is where you dial a number to get connected via the phone line, rather than being connected by a cable connection or a wireless connection. It’s the oldy moldy way of connecting and by far the slowest. Again, please thank Roberto for working his magic!
Although I’m a faithful reader of your blog thingy, I’ve never had the pleasure of cruising with you. Hubby has on several occasions, but that was before he was my hubby.
Yes, we live in a very rural area, though we actually live in a small village of maybe 150 people at most. We are just southwest of Columbus, the capital of Ohio. Farms are everywhere! It’s really quite a pretty area as we are situated on the edge of one of Ohio’s beautiful state parks and lake. Would love to have gone on the blogger’s cruise, but we were already booked on the Miracle, leaving the day before. Perhaps we’ll pass the Freedom coming in as we’re heading out! Thanks again John for your prompt response! My best to you and Heidi~
July 13th, 2007 at 6:02 am
Hello Heidi and John,
Well, Pam and I have decided to change our plans as for the Bloggers Cruise. We are now going to be on the first leg of the Splendor’s journey around South America. We thought it best so Pam would not lose her job by taking a second cruise less than 6 weeks apart. So, we hope to see you on the Splendor. Also, Pam has lost your mailing address in Italy. If you wouldnt mind posting it just one more time, that would be great.
Thanks for the Blog Thingy!!!!!!!
Tim Ruth
Brooksville, Fl.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:44 am
I wanted to comment on your guest’s comments about the specialty resturant on Holland America being free. It isn’t. It used to be about 3-4 years ago, but as of when I worked for HAL about 3 years ago, it had changed. The resturants used to be an Italian style, and was free. Then they changed it to a Steak Resturant, specializing in Norwthwest (Washington Stage) cuisine. And that is when they started charging $20.00. The cruise line I currently work for, also charges $20.00 for both our specialty resturants. So your guest obviously hasn’t cruised with HAL for a while, and shouldn’t campair your Carnival resturant to HAL, as she isn’t up to speed on things. I bet if they sailed on HAL these days they would have a big surprize comming to them.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:44 am
Good morning to my favorite, way-cool C.D.,
I cannot believe that first letter you shared with us. Is that real, or someone just having some fun? I’d like to meet him in a dark alley someplace. He definitely has to be in the minority.
I saw something last night that may be of interest to all those who are concerned about pickpockets, etc. I was cruising (love that word) the TV channels when I stopped at QVC (that’s one of our home shopping channels) and they were showing sandals that had hidden compartments in the soles to put your valuables. They weren’t flimsy little flip-flops, but had a substantial sole and strap and each shoe had a compartment big enough to put credit cards, cash, keys & even a small wallet. If anyone is interested, they can check out QVC’s website at QVC.com for the Archport Sandals, Style #A72966. They come in both mens and womens sizes and under $40.00. (And no, I do not get a commission or any other compensation from QVC). Sounds like a real good idea.
My turn to go to a morning meeting, so I’ll check on your blog thingy later.
Arriverderci,
Carol
July 13th, 2007 at 7:48 am
Regarding the negative comments you received from the gentleman comparing the Freedom to HAL:
The only negative reviews on Freedom that I’ve read are by people who compare it to RCL or HAL. Why, when someone is so totally sold on a particular cruise line, do they try a cruise on another line? You can’t possibly expect the same kind of ride in a Chevy as you get in a Jaguar………not that either are necessarily bad but they’ll just be very different. You would think that people would understand that cruise lines offer different type cruises. Myself, I’m sold on Carnival, but would keep an open mind if I decided to try another line. I previously booked a HAL cruise because of the itinenary but cancelled when the Freedom came out with the Greece/Turkey cruises. The entire time I was booked on HAL, I worried that it might be a more formal atmosphere than I would be comfortable with & not for a minute did I think it would be like a Carnival cruise. I guess I just don’t understand people.
July 13th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Kevin, Dude,
Loved the car chase.
Do you do gymkana?
Now, (if you don’t smoke) I volunteer as shotgun navigator to take (what is her name-we have Zeke, Gunter and Buddy, no she’s in our group at this time) to Miami. I could be Relief Driver, I know stick shift, but not paddles. I’ll bring a bag of change for the tolls.
Mr. is also, I am sure, volunteering, and he would promise to pack light. I can’t.
I am also wondering if an Aston Martin isn’t much bigger than the forklifts they use to load my shrimp, if it couldn’t be brought on board as large luggage? Get her a passport and visa so she can have shore excursions!
PS- there is a big ol’ garage for employees of cruise ships, and you can make new friends taking your shipmates to the Walmart on Sundays. Or at least get a climate controlled storage unit.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Hi John, Thanks for the answer where Ken is. I will call my PVP and see if my Platinum status works that we can be in the Posh, the Blog cruise and the following week on the Miracle will be number 20 and 21 with CCL.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:21 am
On one hand, my heart breaks for the poor widow of the guest who passed. On the other, to die on a cruise, after fifty six years of marriage, when I’m old and happy… Well, if I could choose a way to pass, that just might be it.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Good luck with the low carbs–I’ve been off the wagon so to speak and need to get back on track before our Sept cruise.
Last night John and I got to see the premiere of Hairspray. IT was great and apparently Carnival is promoting the movie for the month of July. (it’s on the news section of CCL homepage) My ex pvp moved to the Orlando area and has gone into business for herself…………..so at the premier it was all travel agents and guests and the Carnival rep was there too–even the popcorn was free lol. Very cute movie.
Love the pics as always.
Have a great day and hi to Heidi !
July 13th, 2007 at 11:55 am
It is great to see all these people standing up against Mr. Cohen and defending the company. Though I do agree that it would be nice to have some “port” lectures, i don’t go on a Carnival cruise seeking out investment advice.
My condolences to the lady whose husband passed away after 56 years of marriage. My heart goes out to her.
You’ve got almost 500,000 people hanging on your words every single day. If that isn’t a force to reckon with, I don’t know.
Its similar to all the attention that your friends Posh and Becks are receiving here in the USA now.
Talk to you Monday (its Mid-Friday here now in dark/dreary Dallas, TX).
David
July 13th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Hey John, Gee, if I were to find making a visor and wallet the high points of my cruise, I’d not be planning my 3rd cruise with CCL, I’d be wheeling myself into the common room at the senior’s center or a daycare!! I LOVE the wonderful variety of entertainment found on each and every Carnival ship. It’s nice and quiet at home and I get lots of reading done here, but I cruise for the wonderful meals, entertainment each evening and daytime activities either onboard or ashore, not to mention the pina coladas!!. I think David Cohen really doesn’t want to be on vacation–he wants to be home reading a book! HOpefully, if he cruises again he will book a HAL cruise and realize how mistaken he is!! Glad you have to deal with him, not me!! Gloria
July 13th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Hello again to you and Heidi,
First thing hats off to Mr. Cyrus Marfatia, as the food is alway the best part of the cruise, and with the way Kevin and the boys (mostly the boys) eat that is a BIG deal. My favorite is the the sushi bar and choclolate cake, being at the top too. My sons love all the bisques, strawberry being their favorite, the youngest had 3 bowls in one meal. we are all looking forward to the fish n chips after what you told Kevin in a reply.
and don’t worry to much you will be us blogger favorite page, even being the home page of some too, we will not forget you.
Heidi-Beth
July 13th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Imagine my horror when I couldn’t find the blog yesterday!! As I have said before, I am addicted, and when I had to dive deeper and deeper into the Carnival site to find it….almost hyperventilated. But I found it! As for the letter about arts and crafts….hmmmm, let’s see….I make a wallet on a string or…I go to a show and get to enjoy your incredible and awesome sense of humor….no brainer there! Give me laughter…any day! Sorry to hear about the passenger that passed away, and I hope it doesn’t sound disrespectful, but if I could choose how to leave this life, let it be doing something that I enjoy, and that’s being at sea, on a cruise ship, enjoying the wonder of it all.
July 13th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
John:
Another great blog! I really appreciate that you slap on the good, the bad and the ugly. I was so sorry to hear about the gentleman passing in his sleep. My condolences to his wife. Isn’t it the way that most of the people would prefer to “leave” the Earth, peacefully in their sleep? I would.
And then I saw that letter from David Cohen (I think that was his name). OMG, some people are just ridiculous!
I also wanted to update you that we have already “recruited” five friends and family for our wedding cruise. Everybody is getting pretty excited. Originaly, we thought that it is going to be just the two of us…. and now we have more and more people being interested.
Good night to you and Heidi!
July 13th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Mrs.missingthesmokefreeparadice,
I’m glad you enjoyed that story, and thankfully that is the last run in I had with a police officer in a “official” capacity. I’m sure that i we had to find a way we could get the car onto the ship, but i wouldn’t want to try to let any one working for carnival try. Not to mention i think my insurance company might have a problem with that. Stick shift and paddle shift have the same principals, except paddles don’t require you to look down or away from the road as much because the shifter is right behind the stearing wheel. I might consider letting someone else drive but they would have to promise to keep her under 150 mph. I have two pictures of the car on my blog click my name and go see them. Enjoy
Kevin
July 13th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Dougnewmanatsea,
Thanks for putting all my research in print. I had found all that info and had it ready for my follow-up comment. Yes all the CARNIVAL ships are to big. In the time it would take to build a max fitting ship for the Great Lakes CARNIVAL could do all the logistics to make these cruises as wounderful as the Med cruises. Yes there is and has been cruise ships on the Great Lakes but none that were advertised the way CARNIVAL would. With all the beautiful ports on the Great Lakes this could be the next “BIG” cruise find.
“BIG” ED
July 13th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
I am back from my meeting and I have to tell you that we had very informative cultural exchanges and broke off into various Arts & Crafts Project groups. Mine was to try and figure out your anagrams. So far I only have 2 – Elation & Grand Turk (for my cruise on the Imagination). The last one will probably be clear as soon as I send this reply. All I could come up with was Incas d Mayans????
So did you meet this Mr. Cohen and clue him in on what “Fun Ship” means? (and tell him to go back to Holland America – maybe he’ll meet Mrs. Knee High?).
I guess I have to do some work now, since most of the day was spent exchanging cultural ideas with my co-workers.
Have a great weekend,
Regards, Carol
July 13th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
John, I’m sure you heard the saying “KEEP YOUR DAY JOB”. Well since your job is already 24 hours don’t try to add poetry to it you have no room for more work.
Your Dolly Parton picture is already in your album. One of the bloggers sent it to me.
Our prayers go out to the wife and family of the man that passed away onboard.
“BIG” ED
“UNCLE” GERRY, I’m looking forward to seeing CARNIVAL’s 8 ships on the Great Lakes.
Kevin, can I have a ride too if I do the Bloggers Cruise?
July 13th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
First, to tow of my fellow blog readers:
- JENN, I want to add my good wishes for your new job. Get away from that Mrs. Knee-high clone ASAP!
-DOUGNEWMANATSEA, thanks for the info on GL cruising. Very interesting!
Now John, about the man who passed away, I am sure his widow is devastated, and it probably makes life much harder for the ship’s crew when someone dies on board, and I send my condolences. However, if I could choose how my life ends, that is exactly how I would want it to happen, on the last night of a wonderful Carnival cruise directed by the incomparable John Heald! I bet you made his final days very happy!
July 13th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Wow, John, I must be addicted…Just returned from vacation in St. Croix where I kept up with every blog thingy post. Loved the true story today. I had to laugh out loud! I too vote for Shahnaz for an interview….and I’d love to hear from the ships doc (I have no interest as it would interfere with my Rum for breakfast while cruising) and I’d love to hear from a casino host. Had the pleasure of spending too much time with Denver on the Inspiration this past March!!!
Thanks again for what you do!
July 13th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Hi John,
Told you I’d get the last anagram after I sent the other reply – Cayman Islands.
I found some photos of the Male Nightgown Contest from a cruise years ago. I’m not sure which ship or what year, but I think it was the Ecstasy in May 1992. Were you on the ship then? I ask because the C.D. is in the photos. I don’t really think it’s you, but I’m not sure. I’m not very good at scanning & attaching photos (except work stuff), but I can send them to you if you were on the ship then or want to see them. The contestants were “exceptional”. I can understand how out of control this can become depending on the contestant’s liquid consumption, but it sure was funny. I know on the Destiny (in 1997), it was held late in the evening, after the show and didn’t allow minors. But the previous years, the show was late afternoon, after the costume parade. These pictures look like it was in the afternoon, because the C.D. is wearing a short sleeve shirt & no jacket.
OK, now I’m getting back to work, have a great weekend,
Carol
July 13th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Hi John, I hope you are there for the South American cruises as well. How could you miss the chance to go around the Horn? It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You asked what ports I am looking forward to. The second cruise is my favorite. We have been to Buenos Aires and Montevideo before. We have friends in Uruguay and I hope we get to see them. We have been thru the Panama Canal and I have always wanted to go around Cape Horn.
I am looking forward to the first South America cruise as well. Flying to Fort Lauderdale and going on a luxury cruise ship to Buenos Aires sure beats flying from New Jersey to Buenos Aires. The flights from here are overnight flights in both directions. At least I can avoid the one down. I look forward to Rio as well as the days at sea.
Like I said these are my dream cruises.
I do have a question. Is the big screen theater under cover in cooler weather and rain? I know there is a cover over the pool. Is the cover over the big screen as well?
Thanks agian,
Jo
July 13th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
John,
Thank you for the blog. You and your two fingers do a fine job with it. It is great to get familiar with the ship and staff before a cruise. What a wonderful service. I do have a question.
If someone were to plan a celebration on board, say for an anniversary or a birthday, how would someone go about it? In the past, have there been any memorable celebrations you have been aware of?
Thanks so much!
July 13th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Dear John,
I know you passed my question on about the Carnival Comfort Pillows to the department that handles those purchases but I haven’t heard back from anyone. I just wanted to know which ones I should purchase so I can sleep as well as I did on the Freedom (I still have to install a balcony and an ocean but hey, first the pillows). I probably know the answer but I just want to be sure I order the correct ones since they are not returnable.
We’ve been back from our cruise for a month and cannot wait for the opportunity to cruise with Carnival again. It really is addictive. (Ralph says please stop selling tanzanite cause I don’t need anymore. Yeah, right.)
Take care. Best to you and Heidi.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
John…
I am really enjoying your blog from the Freedom, and look forward to welcoming 2008 while at sea on her. A New Years cruise should be a very exciting time.
Will you be back on the Freedom after your vacation, or will someone else be there?
Thanks for the great interview with Mr. Cahill. Did you have a hint of what was coming when you found out he was going to be on the Freedom? I hope you had a special party for him that night.
thanks for the keeping up the blog…we will all be interested in hearing…”what happens next.”
JaBee
July 13th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
Kudos, to Mr. Cyrus Marfatia and the wonderful job he is doing. Especially the warm Chocolate Melting cake!!! I think I had that for desert almost everynight on the last 2 cruises. But, I do have a weakness for the Creme Brulie and I can’t pass up a souffle either. I night I just had both. Needless to say, I think I need to start getting in shape before our December and January cruises, or I may need to borrow that crowbar one of the other bloggers is considering bringing along.
I just have to comment as well on the letter from Mr. Cohen, Carl and I go on cruises to relax and have fun. If we wanted to do arts and crafts we would go to camp or the old folks home! An informative lecture on the ports might be interesting, but lets keep things light. I don’t want to feel like I am working on vacation!
My heart goes out to the lady who lost her husband. How sad for her. But, at least they got to enjoy his last days together doing something they could enjoy. And he went peacefully in his sleep, without suffering for a long time. I hope when it is my time I can go the same way…. happy and with my mate next to me.
Once we found cruising, we fell in love with it, and Carnival is our vice. I told Carl, lets sell the house and keep cruising. We could just live on a cruise ship…. I guess the 3 B to B cruises on the Splendor will give us a chance to see if we can handle cruising full time. I’m up for the challenge!!!
Take care you two! Looking forward to reading tomorrows blog!
Your Bear Friend,
Barb
July 13th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
John -
I have been meaning to ask this question – I have noticed the fireplace behind you in every scene from your morning show.
Isn’t the idea of a fireplace on a cruise ship a little peculiar?
More importantly, has there ever been a fire in this fireplace?
Signed,
Troublemaker
July 13th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Hi John,
Yes, I got http://www.funshipisland.com/ working. Pretty cool site. Also posted a link to it on a cruise board or two.
I guess we discovered the answer as to whether there will be a Fish and Chips on Splendor from your interview with Cyrus:
“we are going to test a rotisserie and also have one planned for on Lido upper level on Splendor.”
Which is what the deck plan also indicates.
Looks like it might be serving broiled chicken and steak. Not sure where I’ll be able to get fried oysters, but I can live without. Might live longer without fried food, or it just may seem longer.
Any chance that Rotisserie could charbroil oysters like Drago’s in New Orleans? They are to die for!
The recipe is really quite simple, also.
http://www.louisianaseafood.com/recipes-oy-char.html
July 13th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Howdy Heidi and John!
I love the blog! I finally caught up on all the old ones, took me a couple weeks since I’ve been busy with the summer semester and packing to move.
I have 2 questions, one silly and one serious:
1). My sister, daughter, and I are embarking on the Carnival Liberty July 29th. My sister went thru chemo and radiation treatments last year which damaged the nerves in her leg. She has her good days and her bad days. On her bad days she can barely stand up and walk to the restroom. I’m a bit concerned about her standing in line during check-in. If it is a good day then no problem but if she is having a bad day then she may not be able to tolerate it. She doesn’t want to arrange for a wheelchair ahead of time just in case she is having a good day. Do you know if it is possible to acquire a wheelchair at check-in on that day or should we arrange for one ahead of time just in case?
2). Now for the silly question: Is there popcorn available during the movies? Everytime I cruise I make a comment on the comment card that popcorn would be a great addition for the Lido deck restuarant but no one listens. Since Carnival now has those big screens I was just wondering. My sister can’t watch a movie without her popcorn, lol. And my little girl loves popcorn and I much rather have her snack on that than candy.
Keep up the great work and get some rest!
Oh, by the way, I was watching the movie “The Incredibles” earlier and I couldn’t help but notice how much Mr Incredible looks like you! Maybe you can get your staff to call you that instead of Fridge.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Oh my goodness what a miserable person Mr. David Cohen is. I have sailed on a cruise with you as the cruise director and it was the absolute best cruise I have ever been on and I have gone on eight cruises Carnival, Queen Mary 2, Princess and Norweigen. Now if the man wans to be bored out of his mind then he should go on Norweigen or stay with Holland America. You made me laugh and you entertained me and I believe that it would a great loss for Carnival and their passangers if you ever quit. I am planning another cruise in 2008 and I am going to go on the cruise that you will be there because I know that you will be the highlight of the cruise. If Mr. Cohen wants to do arts and crafts tell him to go a kids camp or stay home a spend his days in a library. It is sad that there are people on this earth that they live to make everyone miserable like they are. Sorry that I have gone on like this, but I just thought that it was so very rude of him to say the mean things that he said to you. Don’t change a thing because I think you are the bomb. Have a really good day!
Susie
July 13th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
P.S. I forgot to tell you I have your blog on my home page and I look so forward to reading your blogs every day so keep up the awesome job that you do. Heidi does really awesome job also, I enjoy reading hers also.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:42 am
Mr. Blog/Cruise Director:
How dissapointed I am with you and Carnival Cruise Lines. Where should I begin? (1) The hot water in my shower is way too cold, and the cold water too hot…I have not been able to get someone in to fix it properly! (B) My bathroom is also much too small. Maybe it’s fine for an average person, but I am above average and demand more! (c) I also demand alcohol during my hysterical lectures. Not providing rum concoctions really dampens my intellectual thinking. (4) I am also dissapointed in the arts and crafts portion of this blog/cruise. Here I thought I would be learning something valuable such as pick-pocketting wallets hung around necks, or card counting in the casino; and you teach us about men’s underwear. You should be ashamed of yourself!
Carnival should be ashamed…Charging us $30.00 apiece to dine in the private dining room is pure piracy. Especially when you consider for approximately $1000.00 per person more, HAL and RCC only charges us $20.00. Highway robbery!
Finally, your British humor may be comical in most parts of the world, but where I come from it’s plain borish. If I wanted to laugh I’d watch re-runs of “The Munsters.” Instead, I expect you to tell me what the best buy is in every port we go too. Heaven knows I am an idiot when it comes to finding a real bargain…
I don’t expect, I demand a response immediately, ahead of the 67 other e-mails sent to you this day, or I will go to your boss, Uncle Gerry! Understood!
Sincerely, IRate #1
July 14th, 2007 at 2:00 am
John,
Wow….I cannot believe the first letter you shared with your faithful bloggers! How did the talk with that guy go? The towel animals and pretty drinks with tiny umbrellas are arts and crafts enough for me!
You asked what my favorite port on the Grand Med cruise, and I must say that question is like asking you who would make the better godmother for the Splendor: AJ or Catherine Zeta Jones? I loved each port for different reasons! I was pleasantly surprised with Dubrovnik (everyone said that it was amazing, but you just don’t realize it until you’re there). We did the “Best of” tour, and ended the day with the complete walk around the old city walls (well, just Dad & I as Mom stayed back to shop). I didn’t see a lot of Cannes, as we did the Monaco / Monte Carlo tour. Both of which were absolutely beautiful! The tour that I picked out was the Florence / Pisa with Tower Entrance tour. Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa was probably one of the coolest things I’ve done (again, just dad & I climbed the tower, while mom stayed back to shop – are you starting to see a trend? And they wonder why I went….someone had to keep dad busy while mom spent the Euros). I took an art history class in college, so to see the Duomo and Baptistery doors in Florence (things we studied) was amazing! I only wish that we had a second day in Livorno, as I would have loved to tour Tuscany. Oh well….now I have a real reason to go back!
Oh, and I loved the photo of you in the water taxi (although I’m quite jealous, as we suffered through the vaporetto system – they should really put a maximum capacity sign on those things)! A cannoli and a glass of Lemoncello would have made it complete!
July 14th, 2007 at 11:17 am
John, this comment has nothing to do with your current assignment on the Freedom but when our travel agent told us she found you on the blog section of Carnival’s site, I had to take the opportunity to write.
My family and I were on the Glory 3 summers ago where you were the cruise director. We ALL thoroughly enjoyed you during that trip. We frequently watch the video we purchased and shared the Talent Show and Bed Time story with the group that is travelling with us next Sunday on the Destiny last weekend at out pre-cruise get together. They never laughed so hard with your inpromtu lines in that bedtime story with Lamar and Willy Banger, et al. (I went to the bathroom first as I knew what was coming in that skit.) We were so hoping that you would be the cruise director on the Destiny this year. How lucky those folks are on the Freedom! Thank you for making my first cruise one that is unforgettable!!!
Regards,
Sari Bolnick
Kirkwood, PA
July 14th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
John,
We will be traveling on the August 17th cruise (Lewis/Fivek Family). I enjoy reading your blog and look foward to an enjoyable cruise experience on the Carnival Freedom. I have one request from you: Can you please make sure the ship carries an ample supply of Dubonet for my father in law Bob Lewis who loves his Dubonet cocktails (Dubonet & Gin). Thank-you…and by the way we are from New Jersey , Exit 9 or 10 depending on traffic. -Tom
July 14th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Hi there John,
Wow, was I ever impressed to see that you had actually answered my last email. I was right in saying that you are totally awesome and are the one that makes the cruise the best!! : )
My mom, daughter and I will be joining you on 8/17 and I am so excited to share with them the ship and the sights that my husband and I enjoyed last year on the Liberty.
Although I was suffering some sort of moment of insanity when I booked and my mom and I are on Deck 8 and my daughter is on Deck 1 — sigh!
My husband Art and I are already booked on the Splendor, Oct, 08 for the Greece-/Turkey cruise but I think that the Amsterdam, Russia one would be so much cooler/better/more fun. My husband disagrees, what do you think?
All the best to you and Heidi, I read your blog every day. I am a confirmed Carnival-Cruise-Aholic I guess. Oh, and one other thing, we are staying at the Cicerrone Hotel in Rome the night before we sail, do you know if there will be a Carnival Rep there?
Thanks a bunch,
Debbie
July 14th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
I guess you are looking for a record number of postings, so we don’t get a new installment just yet.
It does occur to me that Mr. Cohen didn’t complain about mah jongg, or lack thereof.
For Culture, one only has to attend the Art Auction. It was better than my college level art appreciation course, because we just had books projected on the wall. Art at sea is full size in your face, or at least at arm’s reach, depending on your glasses, and excellent. Who would have thunk we would own our own Salvador Dali. print. It is also investment advice!!
As far as lectures, today is tomorrow’s history, and culture is what you do. There is always going to be somebody at your dining table able to regale the crowd with tales. We’ve learned how to catch crabs in the Chesapeake, respond to paramedic calls in Chicago, run a stable with horseback riding lessons, stake out a speed trap in Texas, Toast the table in 5 languages (boy, now, that one can get you drunk quick), and perform an autopsy over breakfast. The last one, of course, is special.
And, what, might I ask, is Napkin Folding and Towel Animals if not Arts and Crafts?
Then, of course, I believe there is also the display on shooters. B-52!
We do dance lessons, and we stay out of the way when Bingo is going to start.
We never have to hail a taxi (until we go shopping ashore). And we don’t need a designated driver.
Mr Cohen is unfounded.
I said so.
July 14th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
Although we have not “chimed in” for some time, it certainly does not mean we are not keeping up with the blogs. WOW, you two are going to have to hire assistants just to handle your jobs AND the blogs! It really does go to show you how many people you entertain and touch on a regular basis. Now, what has brought me back to my keyboard is the response to the cruiser in the “In their own words” section. Where do I start? The making of a visor and a wallet you can wear around your neck were the HIGHLIGHT of their Holland America cruise? The HIGHLIGHT? I can only imagine the daily activity listings for Holland America: Day 1… 9:00 AM, you are all invited to the main lounge to enjoy a rousing game of “Watching Paint Dry” 9:30 AM on the MORIBUND DECK: The Morning Book Exchange, tired of reading that boring book? Exchange it with a fellow cruiser for another boring book! 10:00 AM: Foods that give you gas and how to avoid them. 10:30 AM: Name that liver spot. Holland America should have an arts and crafts show the teaches you how to crochet a noose and how to use it in your cabin to put you out of your misery. We travel with Carnival because they are the “FUN SHIPS.” It’s why we go on vacation. TO HAVE FUN! To forget about the worries of the world for a short time. (Heavens knows we need THAT more than ever) We want a cruise director who makes us laugh. We want fun shows, great entertainment, and yes, silly and whacky humor. British humor not funny??!! What??!! I’m an American and I can attest to the fact that British humor RULES!! END OF STORY.
So, if you want to enjoy yourself and forget about the cares of the world for a time…book a cruise on the best ships at sea, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES.
If you want to s l o w l y get bored until you become comatose, apparently, you book a cruise on Holland America Cruise Lines, where making a VISOR is the highlight of your cruise…Ughhh! Seems like a “No Brainer” us! We’re booking our ninth Caribbean cruise with Carnival this month for next May. Keep up the excellent blog and we’ll keep reading it!
Your friends, Lance & Ilda
PS: The cuisine on Carnival ships is absolutley incredible. I’m in the food service industry, so I know of what I speak.
July 14th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
John
Was on ship last week when you had to get the family off, you said you would update us on the progress of the child that needed treatment. I never heard is he all right?
John
July 14th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
John,
I was on the last Freedom sailing (6/30-7/12) and thought that you did an extremely good job as Cruise Director. We had a few concerns, but all-in-all it was a good trip. I think on the days that I was not sleeping, your morning show was a good way to start the day. I tried calling in one morning and it rang, but I think there was a problem with the phone (I still remember the extension-4047). I hope that there will be a blog of this caliber that will help me to prepare for any future cruises I may take.
In your words “Cheers”,
Mike L
July 14th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
The pictures are beautiful! The webcam doesn’t seem to be working the last few days. Just a black screen on the front webcam.
July 15th, 2007 at 2:12 am
I am sailing with you on Aug. 29 along with 5 other women. We are part of a big group from B.C. (Canada). I was very disappointed to find out that the 70s club didn’t play 70s music. Oh Well.
See you soon.
July 15th, 2007 at 4:03 am
hi again john,
great blog as always
can you confirm what coins we need for the laundry on board freedom?
as brits we have no need for euros or dollars but i would guess that we need some?
see you on 5th aug
dec
July 15th, 2007 at 8:09 am
Hello again John,
Thanks for your reply to my “Meet & Greet”
request.Hope you dont mind but I do have another one.
When we were on our Carnival Carribean cruise,I was surprised that there was no “Hot English Mustard available in the dining room.Dont get me wrong,we enjoyed the food and service immensly,but I would have loved some REAL mustard with my beautiful steak.I mentioned this to the maitre d’ and he apologised very handsomely and said he would pass my comment up the line.
So John,as an Englishman yourself,please see if you can get the catering department to make some of that lovely hot yellow stuff available for the Freedom cruise of September 10th!
Really enjoying the blog and hope to meet you on the cruise.
Regards,
Dianella
July 15th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Hello John!
I’ve been a busy girl so still behind on “TBT” (The Blog Thingy) -I’m starting to get stressed that I’m missing things!
Anyway-you made me choke on my coffee this morning with the story of you and Alan in the elevator! Thanks for starting my day with laughter.
28 days till we arrive in London and 32 till we get to meet you and Heidi. I see there are several other bloggers joining us on the 8/17 cruise. Hello to the family from NJ- I grew up near exits 12/13 but now live in NY near the NJ border (with 17 yrs in California between).
One question- is it possible to sign up for the tour in Rome before the cruise if you have arranged your own transportation? Where do I look for that?
Good luck with the diet- as a lifelong dieter I have finally figured out it is not what diet your following but where your head is at that matters. I came home from a vacation last year totally depressed with my weight – the frumpy clothes I was forced to wear and the way I had to limp along behind the family along the Vegas strip because my foot hurt and feeling tired all the time, etc, etc…. I was also looking at some health issues and the possibility of having to start medication for cholesterol. I started a diet the first day back and lost 63 pounds in 5 1/2 months and have kept it off for 5 months so far. I feel so much better both physically and mentally that I can’t imagine letting myself gain it all back again. Watching the processed carbs definitely helps for me. My cholesterol is beautiful without medication (much to my doctor’s surprise!). I know it’s hard , especially on a cruise ship, but you want to be there to watch that baby you’re working on grow up, so hang in there! We are all rooting for you!
See you soon!
Sharon
July 15th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Hi John and Heidi
Thanks for the assignment John! ( cannot wait till we get round to faggots and pease pudding).
I did not realise how popoular this dish was in France! a recent survey showed that most frogs loved :TOAD IN THE HOLE! ( apparently almost as much as they love the English.)
The story so far:
An enterprising Yorkshire lass named Annie Scargill decided to give her beloved workaholic husband Arthur a change from his
usual ’snap’of ‘Boeuf en Brochette’, one day she thought up the idea of sticking Arthur’s sausage into a tray of hot yorkshire pudding. Arthur was not amused at first, but after cooling down, came to love it, the rest as they say is history!
Best wishes to you both
ps if anybody really wants the recipe I will stick it on Big Ed’s site ( okay Ed?)
July 15th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Wow John!
Just seen someone else who likes Dubonet! (thought it was just me and Julian Clary).
Get some in as Julian would say.
regards etc etc. etc.
Bill
July 15th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Mr. Gerry Cahill
If what you say is true about CARNIVAL cruises coming to the Great Lakes I will book the BLOGGER CRUISE. Since I live in Michigan I offer my service to you in any way to make this come about. John will verify I do work cheap. Just as us northerners head south in the winter southerners head north in the summer. I bet Michigan, Canada and all the other states on the Great Lakes would do anything to help a MAJOR cruise line start the “Cruise the Great Lakes” era. Looking forward to working with you to make “CRUISE THE GREAT LAKES” happen and joining you on the Bloggers Cruise.
Edward Konefe
aka; “BIG” ED
July 15th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
John – We just got off the cruise to Europe that departed 6/30/07 and we looked on your blog to see what it was all about. Really enjoyed it! I must comment on Cohen’s letter to you – he should go back on Holland America if he likes it so much. We thoroughly enjoyed the European cruise with you and we thought all of the entertainment was great. We enjoyed the morning shows and the ability to see the shows we missed on the TV the next day. Also, we enjoyed most of the tours – we also had an incident on the Tuscany trip with switching seats – someone was in our seat when we returned from one of the stops and it separated us from sitting near our children – we didn’t hit them with our bags however (although we thought about it) – we just took the seat back on the next stop. I am glad to hear you have made the change with the tours. The only tour we had a problem with was the Croatia tour as we somehow (and all of our friends on the tour also) missed the part about the 10E for the roundtrip and the lines at the bus stop in the town need to be controlled by a representative as there was no order or control – complete craziness trying to get on the bus – it seemed as though you were aware of that afterwards however so I am confident it will be fixed. We would definitely sail with John and his crew again.
Thanks for a great trip for our 3 daughters and us to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Also, Depak (spelling?) and Gregae in the Posh dining room were great and Ken is a great entertainer.
July 15th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Thursday, July 13th was the last day of our cruise. We had a group of eleven and we all had a wonderful time. There was something for everyone. John Heald is so adorable, I wished I could’ve taken him home with me! Looking forward to the Splendor in 2008.
Best regards,
Rose, LI, NY
July 15th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Hello John!
I loved reading about the two ladies arguing over a seat on the bus! Maybe this could grow into an excursion with Carnival! What fun that could be to watch!
Thank you for the help with make-up questions. Really enjoyed the amway joke! My fiance tried to act all cool, like he had heard of amway. Great fun!
Do you know which ship you will be directing in April?
Take care,
Della, the fan of cops
July 15th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Hello John,
Just returned home from the Carnival Freedom on Thurs July 12th. Wow, what a wonderful experience. I absolutely fell in love with Italy and I could have stayed in Dubrovnik, Croatia for at least another week. Half joking and half serious, I keep trying to talk my husband into moving there! I wanted to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed having you as a cruise director. Your morning show was always hilarious and I loved your bedtime stories – Who’s your daddy?!!!
As I was reading the Sunday paper this morning, what a suprise I got when I read the Travel section. The article was called “Cruise director keeps party going with popular blog”. It was all about you and your blog. It also talked about our tendering issues in Cannes. In my opinion, you and your staff handled the situation wonderfully. It was (or should have been) obvious that the guests’ safety was your first concern. If some of the guests complained, they needed to relax and realize how lucky they were to be in Cannes in the first place! If you would like to check out the article, go to http://www.dispatch.com – scroll down and click on travel. Hope to travel with you again,
Kaylor
July 15th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
John, My wife and I will be traveling with you on Oct. 4 and we were wondering about shore excursions in Croatia, France an Spain will the ship dock close enough for us to go off on our own and do you recomend this
July 15th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Hi John,
This is the 3rd time we have tried to have you answer few questions. Hope the 3rd time is the charm. We booked our 6th cruise with Carnival during Thanksgiving week knowing you would be the Cruise Director. As we see now in some of the blog answers that you may not be on the ship then. Please say it isn’t so!! We are bringing 6 new guests and have bragged on you extensively. You have been our CD on two previous cruises. On our last cruise, you gave us the name of one of your friends who runs a jewlery store in St. Thomas and she gave us a fabulous deal. The other question we have is regarding the supper club. How far in advance do you need to make reservations? Should that be done before we cruise or on the ship. Lastly, will there be additonal shore excursions added to the web site to book before we cruise. There are very few listed at this time. In the past there have been a great deal to choose from. We perfer to book before we get on board. Hope all is well and we are hoping to see you in November! Mike and Chris C.
July 15th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Juanito ! Im back!!
You know im not a complainer when it comes to traveling because it is always a blessing and more when you get to do it for free in less than a month after a 12 days Med cruise. I did enjoy the cruise with my nephews although it wasnt easy being alone without my perfect travelling companions (my family) Anyway I am going to try being objective . I hope you understand what I am trying to tell you in a few words and they way I felt.
First let me tell you that YES you are doing something right because there I was on a ship that has “everything” (we are talking about structure)missing the Carnival Freedom.I was on one of the shows thinking whats missing here ??? UMMMMM….. the heart ? emotion? someone cares? I dont know why it reminds me of an hollow structure.Impressive structure no heart….
Poor CD(his name is the same of the green creature on Monters Inc Mike Swo something), my standards now are soooooo high he was lost from the start. Sorry, John you have me spoiled. The big theater was always empty Why? No trouble getting seats here. I remember how we felt after all the shows on the Freedom.WOW! No emotions here Another thing the ,food , wow what a big difference! Mr Cyrus Great job!!! No comparison here.For so many people here this is the best but why I am thinking of the Carnival Freedom if I just left the other ship this morning? There is no attachment to this ship. I want to go back to the Carnival Freedom!! I dont need the sports facilities and other things. I need something more fulfilling.Again congratulations on being the best CD ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!! and for caring so much about your passengers.We also love you and care for you you know that.Hey you are losing weight it already shows in the photos!! Im glad because thats good for your health. Take care!! Heidi How are you amiga?? You two dont work so hard take some time for both. Will wait ok??
A big hug
Nanette
July 16th, 2007 at 5:24 am
John, Great elevator story!!! Thanks for the snorkeling (or lack of snorkeling) info. Can you recommend the best port / beach for a beach day?We are also joining a lot of today’s bloggers on the 8/17 cruise. Debbi
July 16th, 2007 at 8:29 am
JOHN,,,,,WERE ARE YOU????????
July 16th, 2007 at 8:29 am
ARE YOU STILL ALIVE??????????????????
July 16th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Hi John!
We were on the June 18th sailing of the Freedom and have already reserved cabins for our family on the maiden voyage of the Spendor. I am hoping you will be the cruise director on that ship. We really enjoyed watching your shows on the big screen or in our cabin. The morning show was especially entertaining. (Very fond memories of sitting by the pool eating my omelette and watching you on the big screen. )
I am very excited about the Spendor. I hope you will share information in your blog as details become available. My family is completely devoted to Carnival. They provide a quality program for the grandkids. They are entertained and actively involved in Camp Carnival. It also makes it possible for my husband and I to enjoy a quiet dinner with our beautiful daughter.
I really enjoy checking your blog daily and looking at pictures from the most recent cruise. Keep up the good work and we are really looking forward to sailing with you on the Spendor on July 13, 2008.
July 16th, 2007 at 10:13 am
I think they are having Internet/Satellite woes…
“We regret to inform you that the displayed data has not been updated due to problems with our satellite connection. “
July 16th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Hi John.
My friend reminded me that we cruised with you in 2004 in the Caribbean not 2005 as I previously commented. I still cannot figure out how to put a photo in here, but there are a couple on my blog. We can’t wait to cruise (August 5th) with you again.
Back in 2004, the Caribbean was having bad hurricanes (as always). We had decided upon a Western intinerary with only 3 days at sea . Belize was our deciding factor. Well, Huricanne Ivan had just past and another one around the corner, Carnival had decided to avoid the hurricane and do an Eastern itinerary with four days at sea. We had to miss another port due to weather and it was a little disappointing. Looking back, we had a FABULOUS time and what we remember most about Carnival was you! Hooray for John Heald!
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