Good MorningThe Mediterranean Sea is like a duck pond this morning and it should be a beautiful entrance into Venice. It is now 8:53 am and I was very lazy this morning and had an extra 45 minutes in bed. In 30 minutes I will be leaving for the Morning Show. I started this show on the Carnival Legend and it has changed so much since then. I used to have different department heads as guests each morning but it seemed to be turning into more of a QVC Shopping network then a morning entertainment show. That’s when the dedication show took over and now, as I have mentioned, I receive 50 letters a day, sometimes much more. Like the blog, I try and answer every letter on air and the show usually last 45 minutes to an hour. I also host live phone ins (that cannot be a word) and we have a lot of fun with that as well. Yesterday’s show however did produce a bit of problem when for the first ever time, someone used bad language live on air.
I had received a letter from guest Patrick Kennedy who was writing to wish his wife Ester a happy birthday. I obviously do not have time to call every cabin I get a letter from but I did this time because the letter stated that Ester had a crush on my accent (you know the annoying English one): so I gave the cabin a call.
I dialed 7212 as the letter said ……..four rings……………thinking I was not going to get an answer ………when……………………”Yes” came the grouchy-sounding answer….. “Oh Good Morning,” I said, “Is that Patrick?”…………..”Who?”…………”.Patrick,” I said……”No,” was the direct answer……
Now, I should have realized then but like an idiot I said……………..”That’s not Patrick, married to Ester”……………. “No it is not — You have the wrong Fu&%*&%$ number”………..CLICK.
So, a good start, only 9:50 am and I had already been told to ……….go away. Of course, I apologized to everyone and made sure it was edited out of the show which is repeated after being shown live. I decided live on air though to find out what had happened and called the Chief Purser to find out what there cabin number was………….he had written 7244, his cabin number is……..7221………..he had written the wrong cabin and the cabin he had written, that I woke up at 9:50 am was actually occupied by a Mr. Fernley or…………..Mr. Grumpy as he is now known.
Here are today’s photos.
I wanted to post the interview for today here. It’s a brief one but has some very interesting points. Here is Marcin who is our housekeeping manager and has delivered a lot of the new vessels with me. He is from Poland and has a wonderful and calm way about him. We have not edited his answers at all as I think the way he writes expresses his personality perfectly.
1. Can you tell us about your career with Carnival Cruise Lines so far, where you are from and about your family? I start to work on the ships in 1997 as a hotel steward then I want to all position in housekeeping department and I joined the company in 2001 on Carnival Spirit as an asst h/k mgr II. Then I was part of the opening team on Conquest where I get my promotion to senior asst. h/k mgr. In 2003 I was promoted to Housekeeping Mgr and send to Queen Mary 2 as a part of opening team. Then I was working on Victory, Glory, Liberty, start-up team on Freedom and I’m schedule to open Carnival Splendor. As you know I’m from Poland, my wife Izabela is working with me on the ship as Asst Bar Mgr I meet her on Carnival Victory 2004. We have two years old daughter name Nicola.. And we are working on second one ha ha …..
2. What are the main duties of a Housekeeping Manager for Carnival Cruise Lines? Housekeeping Mgr is responsible for the overall supervision and operation of the housekeeping department. Supervision of housekeeping operation, including all guest staterooms, all guest areas including the open decks, all crew areas, laundries and I train and develop housekeeping personnel every day.
3. How many Housekeeping Staff do we have on board and from how many different countries? Total of 224 crewmembers from 42 different countries.
4. On a typical Carnival Freedom European cruise, how many bags and suitcases do you move from A to B during embarkation and debarkation?
And how long does this take?
Luggage operation on embarkation day starts at 1 pm and finish around 6:30 pm with 75 working crew. Disembarkation luggage starts at 10 pm and normally finishes at 1:30 am then we are back at 4 am to disembark all luggage, which normally takes two hours. We are handling around 10,000 bags in each operation so during one day my crew has to embark and disembark 20,000 bags.
5. On average, how many cabins is a Stateroom Steward responsible for? Please can you also tell us how long it takes to make up one cabin?
Average stateroom steward is responsible for 25 rooms. They spend 20 minutes in each room but all of them have asst stateroom stewards which are helping them with cleaning of the restrooms and balcony.
6. Everybody loves the Carnival towel animals. How are the Stateroom Stewards trained in making these, what is your favorite and which one is the most difficult to make?
We have a book as you know but most of them are learning for another steward. The most difficult is to make a rabbit face — the rest is piece of cake for them.
7. Many guests leave things behind in their cabins. What are some of the more unusual items that have been left? Most of the guests are forgetting to take all of they stuff just last embarkation. One cabin forgot to take all souvenirs from each and every port. I have found false teeth on two times, I do not understand how you can leave without your teeth.
8. Do guests ever try and steal the towels? And if so, how many do you think we lose a cruise? Yes they do! Not only towels but luggage mats, ice buckets, duvet, pillows……Few times life jackets so they can use for they private boat. We are loosing items for $2,000 a cruise.
Thank you Marcin and I am sure there will be some comments about the last question !
Do you remember the story from yesterday about the lady who interrupted my show because she had lost her friend Nada? Well here is a follow up from that and another letter for today’s IN THEIR OWN WORDS.
I have just had a great idea, let’s do some Q & A
TON AND ANGELIQUE – Hello to you both in Holland. I see that you are trying to understand what this scrapbook thing is all about. Heidi has told me that there really is no Dutch word so let me try and explain that it is collecting photos and memories and placing them into a book. Now, that is probably a very simple explanation and I am sure others can explain better than me but as far as I understand, that is basically what it is all about. Maybe someone else can help? You asked when I will be back on the Carnival Freedom and the answer is January 5. I will be there until the end of the Bloggers Cruise and after that, I have no idea yet. Heidi and I send our best to you und viel liefs und kunuffles.Oh, Heidi just said its like a Veredeld foto album ????????????………..mit photo und allus.
MATTIE – Hello and thank you for posting your very first comment on the blog thingy. You asked about Circle C which will be the new name for our 12 – 14 year old program. This is part of Camp Carnival and it has recently been revamped to allow for the new type of fun that 12 – 14 year olds want to do these days. There are many exciting activities which include games. discos, computer games, etc. etc. and parents can leave their children with the knowledge that they will be safe, in the charge of experienced staff and most importantly they will be having fun and meeting new friends. Is there something specific you would like to know that I did not mention? If so, please post your second comment and I will be here to help.
Here is the answer – I just got from the Photo Department.
The concept of ordering photos from your TV has been tried in the past and it was not successful however we are looking at ways to improve the photo finding experience
FRANK C – Your Supper Club reservation has been made………………try the lobster.
I will make sure there are scrapbooks here for you and maybe we can indeed trade for some diet root beer or an Aston Martin. Sorry I didn’t see your last post but I am really glad you are enjoying the blog so much. Cheers mate.
SHEILA – Thank you for really kind words it was my pleasure to try and make Lucy feel special – which she is. I am sure it must be hard to make your own bed after the amazing service of your stateroom steward. I hope you had a great Holiday and please have a cup of tea for me and send my best to Lucy.
JO MYERLY – I am sorry you don’t like Ocho Rios, I really wish you would give it another try though…………did you ever climb the Falls or go to the rain forest? If you book the Bloggers Cruise I will personally give you and your husband a massage……………I am really good.
WILL – Welcome back to sunny Manchester. I can’t believe how badly parts of England have been flooded, I feel so bad for the people who have had their homes ruined by something as simple as rain! On a much brighter note I am sure you have many memories of your cruise and thank you for your kind comments on the shows and the staff. Please send my best to your family and next time I am in Manchester I will pop over and see you.
DAVE MYERLY – Thanks mate for the wonderful posting on your knowledge of the Navy ships you have been involved in over the years. It seems you must have many stories to tell and you must be so proud of what you have achieved. You asked if I can interview someone who is in charge of the upgrade projects and find out what they do, I can indeed and I will ask ROGER BLUM to put me in the right direction of someone who can help. Thanks for the great idea Dave and all the best mate.
VICKI – I am hoping to be on the Carnival Splendor for at least some of the South American Cruises so I am sure I have a good chance of seeing you there. I am glad you are taking the precautions of cruising as much as possible as you must be aware that ATCOCS SYNDROME can creep up on you at anytime. Take the case of Mr. George Hicks who had not cruised with Carnival for some time and then went on another cruise line which shall remain nameless. He was taken off the vessel because he decided to repaint the bow of the ship by adding letters Not Carnival Line. As he was escorted of the ship he even asked if he would win a solid gold plastic trophy for his artwork. So, I am glad you will not be like George Hicks and watch out all of you for those early warning signs of Atcocks which can include using the word “fun ” in every sentence and asking your wife or husband to make a rabbit out of a towel and your underwear. All the best Vicki and enjoy your cruises.
DWA76 – It’s not every day that my bottom has been accused of nearly getting someone fired so thank you for the compliment. Seriously, and not to keep going on a bout it but those beans are nasty and vicious things. PLEASE SEND ME MORE. I dream of having an Aston Martin for 30 days but the chances are about as real of finding me modeling Calvin Klein underwear on the front cover of Vogue magazine. Oh, well, a boy can dream and thanks mate for being such a great supporter of my H A A M (Hire An Aston Martin) campaign but something tells me it will be my usual compact car from Hertz. Lets keep campaigning and if I do get one for the month of December I will give you a solid gold plastic trophy and a signed pair of briefs for being my campaign manager. Cheers.
SHARON R – I am sorry that your original comment was lost in blog land. That seems to be happening so much these days as pieces of mail keep getting sent to the wrong place. Here is a perfect example. I keep getting offers on my e-mail to buy Viagra. Now, everyone knows that I don’t need that and it is strange because my Dad keeps getting the same offer as well so it must be another Heald family who needs…….help. Anyway, I delete them after I have sent them to my mate Alan Adkins who needs all the help he can get. Your supper club reservation is confirmed…………………….try the Sushi Platter starter.
Let’s answer your other questions.
1. You asked about your mother-in-law and what she may be able to do giving her walking difficulties in Livorno. That’s an easy one. PISA BY TROLLEY. She really should see the tower and the Trolley allows you to see all of Pisa including the tower, cathedral and the village itself with little walking as you are aboard a trolley. She will love this.
2.You asked about buying tickets through one cabin which yes, you may do. Just buy them through one cabin and hand the tickets to whoever is going on the tour. As long as the family come into the lounge together to get your bus stickers you will always be on the same bus together. The tickets do not have any names on them so it does not matter who has them. Remember, if you are unsure as what tour to buy then wait until you are here with us and listen to my talks and then decide.
3.I think the best for Mum before you get onboard is just do things on your own. The tours are very long and maybe after flying she may be tired. You can always take a hop on hop off style bus or maybe just take a cab to the Vatican or walk depending how close your hotel is. I think, giving her difficulties that you mentioned this may be the best way to go.
I know Heidi answered these for you already yesterday but I just wanted to make sure you saw them. All the best and I will see you soon………can I have some jellybeans.
ANNA REED – It’s my friend from Canada A. I do indeed remember our telephone conversation at the morning show and it was a lot of fun so thank you very much A.
You asked for the recipe for the Carrot Cake from the Café and I have asked the Chef who said he had to get permission from the office which I understand. I then had to ask the office and it’s a classified recipe etc etc……..so you know what………..I knew there was only one person who could discover the secret ingredient without going through weeks of red tape………………..some say he was related to the God Of Sun………Georgeus Hamiltonus……..some say he eats nothing but Spinach and that he sleeps upside down hanging from a wooden beam……………….all we know is…………………its PA 007 and his faithful friend Tim.
Here is what he discovered.
John, here is the Chef’s recipe which we use for Carrot Cake onboard. This is a secret recipe and is not meant for publication. Going back to my cubicle now.
Serves: 8225 Gram Butter (8 oz)
225 Gram Light soft brown sugar (8 oz)
4 Eggs, separated
1/2 Orange, zest only
4 Teaspoon Lemon juice
175 Gram Self-raising flour (6 oz)
1 Teaspoon Baking powder
50 Gram Ground almonds (2 oz)
125 Gram Walnut pieces, chopped (4 1/2 oz)
350 Gram Young carrots, peeled and grated (12 oz)
225 Gram Creamed cheese (8 oz) & 2 table spoons of HoneyMethod
Pre-heat oven to 180 °C / 350 °F / Gas 4. Grease and line a deep 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin.Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, then stir in the orange zest and 3 teaspoons of the lemon juice. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then stir in 100g (3 1/2 oz) of the walnuts.
Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the cake mixture with the carrots. Pour into the prepared tin and hollow the centre slightly. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours. Cover top with foil after 1 hour if it starts to brown. Leave to cool slightly, then turn out onto a wire rack and remove the lining paper. Leave to cool.
To make the topping, beat together the cheese, honey and remaining lemon juice and spread over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the topping with the remaining walnuts.
This blog has just given its first cooking lesson………….good grief……………and it’s all thanks to PA 007. Let us know Anna how this turns out and send me a piece A.
PAMELA LITWACK – I am glad to hear you both are safe and well after your traumatic flight on Alitalia. I must admit, they have never been my favorite airline and this is not an opinion sponsored or agreed to by anyone else at Carnival but they have some of the rudest most arrogant staff I have ever met. It seems you experienced the same with no working entertainment system, broken seats and I know asking for water gets the same reaction as if you had asked for a bag of lobsters. Anyway, please except my apologies as you did book your flight through Carnival but obviously we have no authority over them but I will make sure our Air and Sea department hear of your troubles. On a better note, thank you for your kind comments about the cruise and calling me the BIG DADDY of Cruise Directors made me feel wonderful….old…….but fantastic. I hope we get to sail with each other again very soon and I send my best to you and the family.
SHERRIF ROSCOE P COLTRANE – Whatch ya goin do, watchya going to do when they come for you, bad boys, bad boys. How are you mate, you may never be the ship’s Godfather but you can be mine!
BIG ED – Sorry about that. Yes, I guess I seem to be responsible for some computer screens being ruined from people laughing various liquids over them and also the ruining of underwear. I do not think I can shoulder that much burden. If you come on the Bloggers Cruise I will provide free Depends for the entire cruise and even wear a pair on formal night.
MOERM 4 – Lets start with the scrapbooks which you asked if they would be available fleet wide ………..answer YES. In fact they should already be so and Chris Prideaux is working on implementing classes on most of our five-, seven-, eight- and 12-day cruises.
Now, as for the question about accessing photos on your TV which was mentioned on the Carnival Currents magazine, I have asked someone for further information on this which I should have very soon. Please allow me 24 hours and I will be back to you shortly with an answer, seems like a GREAT idea to me. I will write more soon and wish you all the best until then.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – I laughed at your comment about the Griswald family in comparison to the guest who was upset at me because the Vatican was closed……..thank you for the smiles Captain. For you, I will make sure that Alaska is open and ready to give you what I am sure must be such a needed vacation. How is dad coping with all this therapy? Please would you send my best regards to him and let him know he is in my thoughts? Thanks Captain and I look forward to your next posting.
NANETTEALI – Right, after that posting I need Spanish lessons. I am getting it translated so stand by. Heidi and I miss you and your family. I willo writo soono esta nacho en el grande HUGO para Usted.i PUT A PHOTO ON TODAY’S BLOG OF THE jellybeans which I hope more bloggers will send me as you cant get them here. They taste great and provide hours of fun in the bath.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF………………You are all individuals……………YES , WE ARE ALL INDIVIDUALS
She turned me into a newt……………….I got better
Release Woger
the guest isn’t singing Oh what a beautiful morning when I bring them their breakfast, I think Oh yes, there another one who snuffed it in the middle of the night -this is a hotel not the Burma Railway.
OK,enough Python and Cleese quotes for today.
I will check into the Marx Brothers movie you requested and if we can get permission to show it, of course I will mate. Hope all is well with you and your other half and no more Python/Cleese jokes I promise……………………………………ok, maybe one more.
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE.
KATHIE – I would hate to be the reason your son does not get a college education ……….but…………what the heck……….spend his college fund………come cruising………….and I will hire your son as my assistant. That sounds fair does it not? You really want to be careful as you to are showing signs of ATCOCS SYNDROME and that may be dangerous so seek the advice of a travel professional or a Carnival PVP, and always read the label. If not, well you could end up like poor old Norman Bearcroft who had not been on a Carnival cruise for seven months. He was at another vacation resort that will remain nameless and had to be removed from the park after threatening the mouse with big ears that Fun Ship Freddy was going to kick his butt and then on one of the attractions he was arrested for sneaking into a restricted area and swapped the music so instead of thousands of kids coming off the attraction singing it’s a Small World they were all singing Carnival’s Got The Fun. So, yes call your PVP and use your sea miles card and get help……………..now.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – The reason we wanted to drive on the wrong side of the road was so we could be different to the French. The French have launched their own version of Google called Quaero. You just type in the subject you’re interested in, and Quaero refuses to look it up for you. When are you going home? One day we will get to hear each other’s accent for real, I can’t wait.
OK that’s enough for today. I have nearly caught up but will start with more questions tomorrow.
The last few cruises I have been angry at myself at the shuttle bus service here in Venice and I have chopped and changed and fiddled with ideas on how to improve it and finally…………today, I think I have found the right system. I won’t bore you with the details but there was never more than a 10-minute wait and never more than 50 people waiting in line. One of the small details which will help is I finally got permission to have big Carnival signs placed at the Vaporetto Station Piazzale Roma, this took a vote in parliament but really will help. Also, as people had a hard time finding the buses coming back I have dressed the shuttle bus staff in Carnival attire including green hats with the words “Carnival Crew” on them so this I know will help. I have changed the timings as well and this I am sure will elevate any other complaints. It took some time but I am confident the system is better than anyone’s now…………….I will let you know.
So, we are in Venice tonight and the Emerald Princess is here with us again which means a lot of people in Venice tonight. Heidi and I are going out for dinner and are in two different minds where to go. Heidi wants to go to Harry’s Bar again but myself and Mr. Visa are not happy with that idea at all. I was thinking of a small Pizzeria called Piovano’s. It has wonderful seafood and the bacalar (that is probably spelt wrong) which is dried codfish is fantastic. It’s cheap but the problem is Piovano’s is well………..rude. It’s like an Italian version of Fawlty Towers with the two waiters who are so flippant and obtuse its hilarious…….in fact they are so rude, if you close your eyes you could be in Paris. Anyway, the argument is continuing and I am sure I will come out as the loser……………again.
Just a quick chat about the BLOGGERS CRUISE.
After our conference call I would like to tell you some of the things that will be happening on the January 19 cruise.
1. THE FREE STUFF
This will include a T-shirt, A Special Calendar (I will come back to that), a camera and other bloggers gifts which for now will remain a surprise.
2. THE EVENTS
While I will be hosting the Welcome Aboard Show, Talent Show and Morning Shows, there will be another Cruise Director onboard who will be taking charge of the day-to-day aspects of running the ship and hosting the other events and shows. This will allow me to be with you all as much as possible and we will have:
Q & A SESSIONS
TEA TIME WITH JOHN EVERY SEA DAY
PRIVATE COCKTAIL RECEPTION – YEP – FREE DRINKS
A LIVE BLOG
GUEST BLOG SPEAKERS
A PRIVATE SHOW FEATURING MYSELF AND A SPECIAL GUEST STAR
And much, much more.
Now, to the calendar. This will feature photos from the blog for each month as well as some exclusive ones as well……………….maybe……………….just maybe………….even a photo of PA 007. I thought it may be nice to add highlights from this year’s blogs so far so around October time I will be asking for you to vote on your top 10 blog stories………………yes, I know there are 12 months but two will be written by surprise guests.
I have to hold a few things in reserve but if you can and if time allows, please come onboard and I promise you a week that you will never forget and one where I know we will all become best friends forever.
Europe is the place to be. I say this as I look out of my window and see three other ships here with us and sometimes I have to remember how lucky Heidi and I are to be here…………………sorry, I got all soppy there………pull yourself together and talk about jelly beans or something. I know, I will finish with more letter from today’s morning show…………some people meet in strange places as you are about to see.
It’s a mad, mad world
Off for dinner and yep……….you guessed it…….Harry’s Bar it is. I am having the 60 Euro chicken curry and shortness of breath for desert.
Goodnight
Your Broke Friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John:
Once again, and as always, a wonderfully entertaining installment in your blog thingy.
Just when I think you couldn’t possibly improve on it…you do! Now, you have even provided us with a secret recipe! (Thanks 007!)
Chuckled at the t-shirts. Brilliant designs, IMHO.
Once again, thank you so much for keeping this going and providing all of us faithful readers with so much to enjoy.
Heidi – thanks to you as well. I always love hearing about events from your perspective. I particularly liked the then and now photos of the place you and John were wed. How lucky to have such a momentous ceremony in such a grand location. I really love the photos you contribute as well.
So, once again, thanks to the both of you for taking the not inconsiderable time to continue with this blog. I, for one (and I know I’m not alone) truly appreciate it.
Sorry John! After all this talk about international guests,accents, you using bad words in spanish
) in your blog and languages I couldnt resist writting my comment in spanish!! Lol I am not going to do it again promise 
Anyway I dont know why people are so afraid of languages is so much fun being able to understand many people I wish i knew italian its a beautiful language, it sounds soo good to the ear and its soooo romantic and I want to talk to my italian friends in their language ( if I talk spanish slowly which I dont they understand some because the language have many words that are the same) ! I also like your english accent so keep it JA! Please tell me who help you in the traslation. Im sad because Im not going to the bloggers cruise 
Its going to be soo much fun!! I love the t shirts! Your question to Marcin about things left behind in the cabins reminded me that we found something left behind when we got to our cabin on the Freedom It was the joke for the whole cruise. Do you Know what we found? A g-string! Yes a black lace sexy gstring on the closet.We took a picture( to have proof and for laughs) of the thong before we throw it away on the bathroom wastebasket. We didnt know what to do with it because we didnt want the cabin steward to find it and think it was mine, so we put it inside of one of the bags for sanitary napkins, LOL AHHH!! one of the many unforgettable things that happened on an incredible journey.WE had a blast!
lik c#@%(its not that bad
You make me laugh!
In perfect spanish :
Un abrazo John y Heidi!!!!!!
dear john,
i have a wonderful idea for the bloggers cruise! how about a little free internet time so we can update our own blogs with the wonderful time we are having on our carnival cruise?? i think i may be on to something, matey…..
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John, yes i would love to write a guest blog for you, yes i will give rides in the Aston to each blogger who is at the port early enough. Yes i will let you and Heidi take a spin maybe for lunch somewhere in the Miami area. ( I suggest drive thru, nohting better than the look on some high school kids face when they see what your driving), Yes I will let the captain drive the car, but only if i can steer the ship, ok i don’t have to drive but a private tour would be nice, you, big ed, Heidi, Mrs big ed, myself and a few sugar free jelly beans. Only one problem with this entire plan is timing, my schedule sucks in January, but I’m going to try to make all of this happen.. Glad to hear you will have another CD running the ship so we can all have fun together. Heidi, you seem to have great taste in food Harry’s sounds great to me.
On a more serious note when will carnival stop abusing solo cruisers as far as charges, I myself have plenty of friends to go on vacation with, but sometimes prefer to go it alone and just do what i want when i want. But the pricing makes that hard sometimes, unless you want to sleep next to the propeller or bow thrusters. I don’t mind paying a reasonable rate as a solo, but 200% is a bit nuts some times. PA 007 I think this is a task for you. Also John please let me know what food i can bring you and Heidi from my establishment.I have whole wheat pasta so no worries there
Kevin
Hi there John:
)
I must say I love the t-shirts and will be purchasing one as soon as I get my next paycheck (Tuesday).
I am also very sad that I cannot make it to the Blogger’s cruise. It sounds like a lot of fun and I really want to meet y’all….
I hope you and Heidi had a great time at Harry’s – you should enjoy it – even if it is a bit expensive, you only live once (unlike 007, which I love, too).
Well, I started Deathly Hallows (last Harry Potter) book, so it will entertain me before I hear from you again on Monday via the best blog thingy ever.
Good Night!
JOHN, AFTER TAKING Heidi to Harry’s Bar tonight for dinner, It will be like Thursday nights. More jelly beans are coming. Have been enjoying your blogs, Have fun and be yourself Carl & Barb the BEARS
John,
Thanks so much for the SC reservations & Scrapbook it is a very special time for us…I commend you & Heidi for your very committed work on this BLOG…It is a work of art…I wish I could trade for an Aston Martin, but I am sorry to say I have a Porsche in the driveway…I have sent to you (and hopefully they will get there before me) a case of New Orleans finest…Barq’s Diet Root Beer…Enjoy…I have been told it has bite…Like some of the misbehaved kids & mums you are dealing with…Maybe not….But anyway it is good…Oh, and on that subject could you please make sure they are gone by the time we get there…My wife and I have a saying…We love kids, we just can’t eat a whole one…
Be safe & God Bless,
Frank & Jennifer Connors
Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 7:12 pm
A Freedom Cruise
done with calligraphy
oh no, that’s another scrapbook thing
How many times do I get to vote?
OK John you have convinced us. We have never done the rainforest tour so we will sign up for the bloggers cruise. I will call my PVP Joe Manners Monday morning and book the cruise.
Dave and I look forward to the massage you are going to give us.
I saw you mentioned QVC. Are you a closet watcher? HeeHee!
Jo and Dave
John,
I was looking for songs to sing with my grandsons when I came across this one. I think we should dedicate it to your last pair of briefs.
God Bless My Underwear
to the tune of
(God Bless America)
God bless my underwear, my only pair
Stand beside them, and guide them
Through the rips, through the holes, through the tears
From the washer, to the dryer, to the clothesline in the air
God bless my underwear, my only pair
Howdy John,
With regards to the “All Colours…” entry, the blogger t-shirts look great. The words “Blog Thingy” gave me a chuckle.
So, I can’t remember if this has been done already or not, but down the line someone should interview you. Granted, we hear a lot about your day from the entries already, but, you know, maybe you can tell us how you manage to balance out your work, this blog (writing two entries in one day of a great length, must be time consuming), and time for Heidi and just resting up.
But then again, now that I think about it, the “interview” IS the Q&A section. Pretty neat, huh? I have this weird tendancy to actually come up with words that I need/the answer to a question I need, but I’m too lazy to edit out my question although I answered it myself. Either way, you know a little more about my thought process. Although I made this comment mindlessly longer.
–Bryan
John (or Heidi),
We are really interested in taking the Nice and Eze tour….and since it starts at 2pm we would like to have lunch in Cannes first. But since the ship tenders at this port I worry about going back and forth. Would it be possible to meet up with the tour on the dock. Or do we have to go back to the ship to get those sticker thingys? Can we get them earier that day? Thanks!
Hi John & Heidi,
As I mentioned before the “Care Package” is on the way…. yes…. Jelly Beans!!! I laughed so hard at todays Blog, that when I read you will be wearing Depends on Formal Night, I made Carl call and change our cruise plans. So, BIG ED take note: We changed our January 27th cruise to the Bloggers cruise on January 19th. I expect to see you wearing Depends!!! lol! How many bags of Jelly Beans will this cost me??? Will Big Ed be joining you?
So Mrs Big Ed…. get with the program… go on the Bloggers cruise!!!
See you then!
Barb, half of the Bear team
John,
Please please please try and have the photos captioned. I love to know what we are looking at. I know I get what I pay for, but it never hurts to try. Your blog mentioned the cursing on the air. I would love to see a blog entry of the Top ten biggest “Whoops” moments in your illustrious career.
As long as the cat is out of the bag, how about posting the recipe for the warm melting chocolate cake dessert?
Good evening Mr. Heald. Wow! It took me a great deal of time to finally get through the two blogs. And you know, it was worth it. It was great reading through the interview with Heidi who I thought was a picture of loveliness. When she said it was love at first sight, I remember after meeting my wife for the first time, I told my friend later that night that I was going to marry that woman. He thought I was crazy but guess what, We just had our 33 rd anniversary. I’m excited about the blog shirts. I know that I want to get at least one of them. The other interview with Marcin was interesting. When we entered our cabin on the first cruise on the Legend and after seeing the towel animals it just ended the day in a very satisfying manner. We bought the book and were hoping to try to learn some of them in time before my son’s wedding. Let us know how you made out at Harry’s Bar. It sounds like a very cool place. I read through your answer to John Steers and you mentioned to him that you may not be the cruise director in February on the Freedom. It does make me feel bad because I was hoping to meet you when my cruise begins on February 2nd. Oh well, thats life. Maybe someday I’ll be able to have the opportunity in meeting you and Heidi. Looking forward to the blog shirt. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John & haidi: After our cruise on March 26, 2006 on the Freedom and reading all your blogs. I can tell you, that I’m addicted to your blog. I can’t go a day without reading the blog…. you are fantastic.
We had a great cruise. I started to read your blog a week before our cruise. and I can tell you is an addiction.
Love,
May and Moe
Hi John,
Tell Hedi I love reading her blogs! Maybe she should start her own blog. It is nice reading her views on things like the tours, where to eat, (Harry’s) and how she puts up with you.
We (mom, dad, hubby, and I) can not yet agree to a day to make reservations at the Supper Club yet.
How many cruises do you have to take before you get a Platinum card? I think we are getting close.
We are thinking about booking another cruise and was wondering when you are going to be on The Carnival Splendor.
One more thing….have you ever eaten Jelly Belly jelly beans? If not, I MUST bring you some!
Love the Blog’s T-Shirts! And thanks for naming the Scrapbooking after me…(SB)…LOL.
Hi, presently sailing on the Freedom with you … but haven’t seen you strolling around … only on TV … maybe you’re only a virtual cruise director?
Also, while there is free access to the Carnival website from the cruise, we have to pay internet time to read your blog … maybe Carnival could make this a free site too?
With 7 more days to go … hope to bump into you in person.
David Rm 7333 Carnival Mobile X 32509
Well just so you know, it’s Saturday, which means nothing to you.
Hope you enjoyed Harry’s (again) and did you see any more famous faces ?
I just love your blog and the tshirts look great too !
Hello John,
I second the motion for the recipe for the melting chocolate dessert. I have a couple of questions
about the Circle C for the “tweenagers”. My youngest is 11 and a half and his older brother will be turning 14 on our cruise in August. Can they go together to some of the Circle C events? My younger son has cousins with whom he can attend the Camp Carnival events, but my older son has no one his age to attend any of the Circle C events.
Also, how well do two-way radios work on board?
Do families often use them to stay in contact with each other?
Thank you for your blog thingy. I enjoy it very much.
Hi John,
Not sure you got my last comments. You wanted to know the details about our situation with not getting confirmation for an excursion so here goes.
My husband two kids and I are planning to be on the Aug 17th cruise. A couple of months ago I faxed in a form to Carnival to book the Rome at a Glance excurusion that occurs before the cruise. We’re planning on taking this tour right from the airport and then get transported to the ship and meet up with the rest of our extended family cruising with us. After I faxed the form in I phoned Carnival to try and get a confirmation of the booking and the guy I spoke to told me that he couldn’t do that, but to just show up at some desk in the airport. Now this makes me a little uncomfortable as we don’t want to get stuck in the airport without any transportation to the ship. If possible could you please help. The booking is under Grace Melo and the excursion is on Aug 17th.
Thanks
Grace
Now that the requests for recipes is starting, how about the recipe for the Wild Mushroom Cream Soup? It’s the best on my husband’s list !!!
Loved the t-shirts for the blog cruise too – we just finished ordering 2, so we can’t wait to actually see them in person.
Dear Sir,
I would like to take you up on your offer to make Supper Club reservations. If possible could you make reservations for 4 on Oct 25th, 07′ in the Miracle’s Nick & Nora for around 8pm? I have a question regarding the per person charge. Is that a fee for the dinner or is it the gratuity? Their always seems to be confusion on this point. We certainly do no want to offend any of the wait staff.
Deborah McConnell
John and Heidi,
I am not sure if you remember me or not, my husband and I are taking our very first cruise in Oct on the Sensation. We also are now booked for our next cruise. We are taking the Carnival Spirit on the 12 day from Vancouver to Hawaii with my husbands entire family. It is his parents 50th wedding anniversary. We all have been discussing the excursions to take, I was wondering if you or any of your other readers can suggest some for us?
Thanks so much for the “blog thingy” I have been enjoying this.
Shel
Hi John and Heidi.
I’ve been away from your blog for awhile. Mid-June to mid-July was a very busy time for me (50th high school reunion; a week at Cornell’s Adult University with my daughter who is a Cornell alumna) and two weeks to catch up with the blog thingy.
Only 92 days ’til the transatlantic, so I’m starting to think about our shore excursions for Rome. Thanks to your responses to Millie S and Mrs missingthesmokefree…., some of my questions are answered. Now – - Will the Angels and Demons tour be available Sun. Oct. 28? I’m hoping Carnival will have my daughter (starting out in Los Angeles), our friend (starting out in Phoenix), and me (starting out in Cleveland) on the same flight for the long leg of our trip into Rome. That way whichever tour we decide on for the 28th, we will be together.
You also get my vote for Monty Python movies, if not on the big screen, then at least on our cabin TV — for late nite viewing – - I don’t go on a cruise to watch TV all day!
The blog thingy t-shirts look great.
I realize this blog thingy takes a great deal of time, but please keep it going. Your sense of humor and patience in spite of the challenging situations you face are admirable. Now if you’d just learn to pick up your undies. . . .
Sue
Hi John
First let me tell you that we sailed with you on our first cruise back on 1998 on board the Imagination. That was the cruise that got us hooked on cruises & you helped make it so.
We are now booked on the Miracle for the 12/1/07 cruise, booking #3Q8F28. We read on your Blog Thingy that you can make reservations for the Supper Club for us. If so, our anniversary (25th) is on 12/2 & that is the night we would like to eat at Nick & Nora’s. If you have a choise of times, any time between 6:00 & 8:00 would be fine.
Thank You & Happy Sailing
Walt & Mary Johnson
John and Heidi
Thanks for taking the time to give us all the great advice! How did you know my husband is a sushi freak?
Counting the minutes till we get onboard. My kids are really looking forward to it also. I just have to make it through 2 rough weeks at work to earn the right to go now. I’ll definitely be ready to vacation by the time I get there.
How do we order T-shirts? Will you be selling them onboard?
I will bring you jelly beans only if you promise that our cabin is upwind from yours!
See you soon!
Sharon
Sorry-1 more question. (I should be running out of them soon!) Do men need a jacket for the Sun King? My son doesn’t own one so if he needs one we better go shopping!
Hi John,
Me again-on a roll here today. Just got off the phone with my mother-in-law who has (this is a first) decided she will swallow her pride and ask for a wheelchair to board the ship when we get to the pier. Is there a way to arrange this or do we just ask someone when we get there? We have a shuttle driving us from the Visconti, leaving at noon.
Dear John and Heidi
I have fallen in love with your blog. I leave for my first cruise in just under 99 days and reading about your life at sea makes it all seem much more real.
When I have travelled for land based trips I often take some of the local goodies for the service staff I run in to as small tokens of thanks in addition to tips. I understand that space is very tight for the crew so what if anything would be appreciated in general?
Also you have mentioned being willing to make reservations at the supper club people and I wonder if you wold answer a question as to whether they accomodate a solo cruiser.
Again thanks John for the time you take to make cruising come alive and thanks Heidi for giving up the time he takes with us.
REAL excited about the blogger cruise and hopefully will get the ROYAL okay from the mrs to book. Will there be any special shore excursions unique to this cruise?
Vote # 3 for the Chocolate Melting Cake recipe!!!
Hello, John,
I just wanted to introduce myself, as I will be escorting a group of 60 CAA members on the 19Sep07 Freedom sailing in Europe. I have enjoyed reading your blog, and learning how you do your job with humor and kindness. You also accept the differences in the people you meet. I hope you will still be on the ship when our group arrives, as I believe your presence will really add to our experience. Don’t worry about replying; I know you are an extremely busy man.
Looking forward to meeting you…
Cathy Jabusch,
Cruise Agent, CAA, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hi John and Heidi,
I just caught up on a week’s worth of blogs. My hubby reads everyday and tells me the highlights then I catch up on the weekend. I love to read both of your entries. And, I love the pictures and the “In Your Own Words”. As I’ve said before you have the uncanny ability when you write to make me laugh just as if I’m listening to you live. It’s not an easy task to communicate as effectively in writing as it is verbally. Great job to you both!
I have to tell you, my husband and I hadn’t even considered going on the Blogger’s cruise because we already have one scheduled for January 2008. As it turns out, that cruise does the Eastern Caribbean starting 7/25. I’ve always wanted to do a back to back cruise…Eastern one week and Western the 2nd week. We’d have to travel from Miami to Ft Lauderdale between cruises, but I’m starting to think it may be more than worthwhile to take part in this exciting event. If we decide to book, do we need to give the Carnival agent any special information about taking part in the blogger’s cruise?
Any chance Todd will be the cruise director managing all the other entertainment that week? I can’t imagine a better combination than to enjoy both you and Todd on the same cruise. I’m afraid we’ll laugh so hard for those 7 days it will be difficult to function. Sounds like too much fun to miss!
All the best,
Lisa
Top of the morning to you John & Heidi;
Again I watch a beautiful sunrise from the webcam as you sail into Dubrovnik. What a glorious picture! I get to see these sites when most people are sleeping since my job as a police dispatcher affords me some quiet time occasionally on a midnight swing shift(like now). I have practically wished away my summer anxiously awaiting to be on board ship in October. I am particularly enjoying the photos you are posting with the blog. I can’t wait to vote for my favorite blog unfortunately I have two in my top spot already! I was in the Orlando,Florida area recently and came across a place you will want to visit some day. It was an eating establishment named none other than…….
Fawlty Towers Tavern. The graphics on the sign over the front of the building were the same as the TV program. Anyway, God Bless you both and ciao’ for now!
Hi John and Heidi,
Booking’s for the blogger’s cruise are going well..I am pleased to welcome Joe/Shannon,Bob/Bethany,Kent/Julie,
Forrest/Julie to our cruise in Jan !! Please give them a shout out!! as this will be their first JH & HH cruise !!!Looking forward to seeing Vicki again at the TRADESHOW in Vegas in Sept. and I’m busy buying up Root Beer and Jelly Beans for January =-) !! Heidi do you have any requests that our Group can fill your pantry with ??? I’m ordering my fanclub T tonight just for you !!
Mark,Mandy & Catie
from Alabama
Hi John,,
found this on the internet,,,,,,
An airplane was going to crash,3 on board,the SMARTEST man in the world,,John Heald,,and a five year old girl,,,,BUT the plane only had “2 ”
parachutes. the smartest man grabbed one and jumped out. John looked at the little girl and said,
you go sweety, I have had a good life.
The little girl smiled and said,
we can both go, he jumped out with my backpack.
see you guys in MIAMI.
tom & jane
John-
Thank you so much to you and Heidi both for taking time out of your busy schedules to write the blog thingy . I have been reading since the begining and it is a great source of information and entertaiment. I look forward to reading each new blog. I will be ordering a tee shirt when the become available.
I have sailed on 22 Carnival Cruises. Sadly, I have new had the pleasure of sailing with you as CD. I hoping to be able to sail on the Bloggers cruise. But the timing doesn’t work as I will be sailing the Liberty on 12-30. I was disappointed to see I will once again be missing Todd as CD on the Liberty. He vacation when I was on the Liberty in May. If I could choose a new CD for the Liberty it would have to be Mark Price. I have sailed with him both as a Social Host and CD. He is by far the the best that I have sailed with. He is a very talented and funny young man. The first time I saw his Robin Hood routine I thought they would have to take me to the infirmary because I could not breathe from laughing so hard.
It is still my hope that one day I will board a Carnival ship and you will be the CD.
Thanks for this wonderful blog! I just found it and think it’s great! We’ve been on a couple of cruises with you and have enjoyed your humor! The last time we were with you on the Liberty’s first trip in Italy. Can you tell me who the Maitre’d is on the Freedom? Miguel was our Maitre’d on the Liberty and we thought he was great too!
Hi John and Heidi,
I need to hijack this blog for a minute.
Hi Mona – jump on the Splendor inaugural roll call and I’ll talk to you there or e-mail me.
Sorry! Thanks for keeping up the blog. It still is very interesting to read and I can keep up with all the news. Hope you and Heidi had a great dinner at Harry’s in Venice. We never went in but saw it from the outside. I heard that the Bellinis were 15 Euros each and thought that was a bit much so I never got to have one. Maybe another trip when the dollar is better.
Hope you have a great week and everything runs smoothly on this cruise.
Linda (kicia) and George
That’s definitely one of the more unique places i have seen where somebody met his bride. Interesting.
Great interview with housekeeping manager. 20K pieces of luggage in one day? HOLY COW!
I appreciate your offer of the trophy and a highly sought-after pair of autographed briefs. I think i’d just like to ride shotgun for the first ride instead
.
Thanks for another great read.
David
After reading this I think I will have to take a cruise on the liberty. It sounds like a lot of fun.
Hi John and Heidi!
Just dropping you a note to let you know that my wife and I have booked the “Blogger’s Cruise” for Jan. 19. We were considering another Carnival cruise, but decided that we have not had you as cruise director for 10 years now. Ever since that fateful cruise when the Destiny lost power to one of its engines and you were in jeopardy of being thrown overboard. We had a great time on that cruise, it is one of our most memorable. Of course, having you on board made it that much more special. We are looking forward to the “Blogger’s Cruise” and are very excited about the aspect of once again, having you as our cruise director!! My wife is becoming more and more excited as I type this! Woo-Hoo!! Looking forward to seeing you and your beautiful wife. We will bring “Jelly Beans” for you!!! I figure that in the event the Freedom loses power to one of its engines, you can get us to the next port under your own “Jelly Bean Power!”
Lance and Ilda
Dear John,
Enjoying your blog, really enjoyed the November Clearout blog, hope you recovered your Cindy CD.
Please could you pass our e-mail address to Marczin Myzewski (Housekeeping Manager) who is an old friend of ours. We met on the Spirit in 2001/2002 where we both worked on board. We lost contact after we moved to another address. We still live in London. We would love to hear from him if he’s not too busy. Best wishes
Cecil & Mila