Good Afternoon from Dubrovnik, Croatia.The good news, the tender operation was wonderful today even if I do say so myself. It is now 5:30pm and we only have 200 people left ashore and there has been no lines that lasted more than 10 minutes for a tender and the same for the shuttle buses.

I made lots of changes from last time and unlike Venice where I am still not happy with the service we provide, I am sure that today there will be nothing but happy faces and smiles of joy as happy memories of Dubrovnik and its majesty remain with our guests for a long time to come.

Time to follow up with regard to the incident I told you in yesterday’s blog, you know, the lady who screamed at me about my cigar even though I was off the ship, in St. Marks Square, and she was 40 feet away from me or more…………………and…………………..who I was rude to.

Anyway, I didn’t sleep well as I was so mad at myself for being rude back to her and after she said crew had no right to be in St.Marks and I had ruined her cruise, I said ” Am I Bothered “…………………..IDIOT !

So, last night Heidi and Charlie who were with me were on the lookout for this lady but they did not need to be because the Purser’s called me to say there was a guest trying to contact me, a Mrs. Charlene Stern of cabin 8297 who wanted to speak to the Captain and I together.

Sure enough, I called and yes, it was the lady. I asked if we could meet and she said that she would. Expecting the worst I met her in the lobby with her husband in attendance and sat down. Before I had a chance to say anything she said that she deserved a public apology and again said that she felt crew should not be allowed to be in the same areas as guests and that this would never have happened on another cruise line………..NOTE: I know of course that this is not true so I won’t even waste your time or mine writing the name of the cruise line here on the blog.

I explained that crew had every right to be ashore and I apologized for saying “I was not bothered ” but also defended myself saying that she had no right to shout across a café at me like that and indeed the management had felt the same way because they had asked her to refrain from doing so.

I asked Mrs. Stern what I could do to make her happy and she gave me a list of things that might make her smile again such as a free tour in Barcelona or a discount off her cruise. I explained that this was not going to happen but I did again apologize and also sent a fruit basket and some wine to her cabin and offered her dinner in the Supper Club which seemed to appease her. She also asked for a “PUBLIC APOLOGY ” from me not for being rude, which seemed not to even upset her as she never mentioned it, but for smoking my cigar.

I told Mrs. Stern about this blog and gave her the address plus I will print her a copy of today’s blog where she will note how sorry I am, not for smoking my cigar in an area where it was allowed, but for being rude to her……………..Mrs. Stern, I apologize for my rudeness and I hope you will enjoy the rest of the cruise.

Today, I had no chance to go ashore as I was busy with the tenders but at 1:00pm I went to have lunch with Heidi on Lido where we met a wonderful family from a place called Cave Spring in Georgia, population 975.

They were so overwhelmed by the cruise, the food, the service and the ports, well let’s just say that this family were having the time of their lives. They had just gotten back from the Best of Dubrovnik Tour and they showed me the souvenirs they had bought including a wooden cross for his mother who is 94 years old and still plays the church organ…………..OOPS………………..sorry………….forget to mention their names……………….the Casey family…mum, dad and three kids.

I was intrigued about what life was like in a town that had only 975 residents and amongst the things that Mr. O’ Brien told me was that he owned a supermarket, he was also the town’s fire chief and sat on the council as well. Now there is a man who needs a vacation.

I asked why he had decided to take this cruise and he told me that his family had sailed on the Holiday from Mobile last year and had enjoyed it so much that they wanted to come and cruise again. He also said that he wanted his three kids to experience life outside of Cave Spring and so here they are in Europe and having the time of their lives……………a great story and one I loved hearing.

I did a bit of Goggling (spelt correctly) and eventually found a photo of the main street of Cave Spring………..here it is……………and I want to go there.

Here are today’s other photos taken as we sailed from Venice by Heidi.

And now, today’s letters for the “IN THEIR OWN WORDS SECTION”

Just to comment on the one about buying fake goods. It is indeed illegal to purchase and sell them across Italy however I have to say that in Naples and Pisa I have never seen anyone being stopped for selling or buying. However, in Venice, we have had multiple incidents where people have been fined for purchasing fake handbags etc which is why I always warn against it.

Hooray, hooray its time for the Q and A.

So here I go while the sun still lingers – typing away with two bloody fingers.

MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF – Is it only 93 days to the crossing…………I better get my skates on then and get things organized. The tours for Rome will all be available onboard and as for the exclusive view of the Vatican you are correct that it is a ‘must see.’ I will tell you what, let me talk to the shore excursion department and I will list all the tours that will be available to book on board so that it is nice and clear for you mate. Stand by for that as it does get confusing because each day is different at the Vatican because of the non-regular opening hours. We will have a golf tour in Spain (Malaga) as well for you to look forward to.
I am sure your computer will work and we can blog to each other even though we will be only a few decks apart………….a little sad………..but it has to be done. Most of all, I am looking forward to shaking your hand, in of course, a NON-smoking bar. I am, by the way, looking forward to hearing your honest opinion of my incident with Mrs. Stern.
Wishing you and Mrs. MTSFP all the best.
LISA AND ELAINE – Glad you like the t-shirts so much and I am sure you will look the height of fashion wearing one. Is nobody worried that people are going to come up to you and say “Who the heck is John and what’s so good about his thingy?”
I am looking forward to seeing you on the Bloggers cruise and I am doing my best to get Big Ed to come as well but he is proving a tough nut to crack. As for meeting PA 007, well you will meet PA oo7 but you won’t know you have Thanks for the kind words about Heidi and we return those words to you and your family.
THE BEARS – BARB AND CAROL – Thank you so much for thinking about us both, you are true friends. I am looking forward to seeing you on January 19th for the Bloggers cruise. I am getting Roberto to sail and also asking Chris and Roger to come as well…………it’s going to be a wonderful week.
LINDA HERNACKI – It is hard keeping my sugar level between 5 and 7 which is where I like it to be but the no carb diet is certainly helping me lose weight despite the unpleasant side effects that Heidi and many others have to endure. I look forward to seeing you and Mike the Bulb in your t-shirts, I wonder if I will get a free one?
BJ BEAR – Your mum and stepdad are great people and I am happy to meet a third bear. Congratulations on the news that you are expecting a little cub and also on your thinking to do a Carnival Liberty cruise. Unfortunately, the baby will be charged as a third adult in the cabin unless Carnival is planning some child specials for that month. May I suggest that you call a Carnival Personal Vacation Planner for the latest deals etc. Then, if you can, would you let me know what he/she says so I can follow up some more for you. Do you know if it’s a man bear or a girly bear? By the way, do you all hibernate for the winter? Look forward to hearing from you soon. Many congratulations.
KAREN TESSIER – Sorry to hear about your broken ankle but I am sure that will not stop you from enjoying your European vacation next month.
If it is still painful have a chat with Heidi or I on board and we will help you chose the tours that would be suitable for you. Cabin 7205 is a forward cabin with an ocean view which backs on to the outside terrace on deck 7. This means you can walk out of your cabin, take 5 steps and have the largest balcony on the ship.
I have passed on your congratulations to Heidi and she is really happy that you enjoyed her blog and pictures. I congratulate you on the sterling work you do as a hospice nurse and I am sure you and your 6 friends will have a wonderful time on the Carnival Conquest. See you very soon.
LYNN AND MIKE SAGARA – Hello guys, you asked about the Bloggers cruise which you have booked and how we will know who has booked this as part of the Bloggers group. The majority of the ship will be full of Bloggers and nearer the time there will be a registration form posted here on the blog and mailed to every guest who is sailing to register for the big bag of free stuff, which will include a special edition t-shirt.
I am glad you like the t-shirts on the website, thank you for buying one.
Yes, the Grand Hotel is a beautiful and interesting place. In Holland you have the possibility to marry in church or in a town hall (registry office), most town halls in the small villages are very nice and special. The Grand, of course, has a special meaning as the Dutch Queen, Queen Beatrix got married there. Thank you for showing interest in our special day.
JOHN FRIEDMANN – John, I know deep down that your test results following your biopsy will give cause for nothing but celebration. Positive thought multiplied thousand of times by all of us here is now heading your way and I know I will see you on August 29th for a wonderful cruise vacation which you will take in good health.
You also asked about the webcam on Lido deck. It must have been in a bad position as, unless we are in port, the Lido deck is always full of people enjoying the sun, live music, games and movies. It should be repositioned now so all should be well. Once again, we are thinking of you.
CINDY56 – The t-shirts are for everyone not just the people booked on the Bloggers cruise. I am not sure if I will be back on the Freedom in March but hopefully we will meet some day soon. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed the interview with Heidi and I am indeed a very lucky man. All the best to you and your mum and your mum’s best friend.
HEIDI-BETH & KEVIN – Hello you three and thank you for your kind words about Heidi’s interview. I also see you like the t-shirts and I hope to see all three of you wearing one soon. All the best.
DOUGNEWMANATSEA – The Seabourn Cruise is a bit of a pipe dream although I can see a bloggers/friends reunited cruise happening sometime in the future and yes of course you are invited. I can understand your desire to cruise the Queen Elizabeth II before she is retired and we all look forward to reading your review. Wishing you a happy day. Cheers mate.
I&MSMON – I am glad you liked PA 007′s carrot cake recipe. If anybody else wants a recipe then please let me know and I will make sure that PA 007 supplies it for you. The t-shirts are great, aren’t they and Roberto and his team deserve a standing ovation and a free t-shirt.
Heidi says she is happy to hear that you enjoyed her interview and your kind comments towards us both are so lovely. Our kind regards to you and your family and please keep reading the blog-thingy.
NANETTEALI – Your comment in Spanish was fantastic and I think only Big Ed and I understood. I really wish I had taken the time to learn Spanish and Italian and one day I will. I see from your last comment that you found my black lacy g-string. I had wondered where that was? I need it back so I can put it in Big Ed’s cabin when he is on the Bloggers cruise. I look forward to seeing a photo of you and the kids in your blog t-shirts and a grande besmmier para usted.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – The problem with offering free internet time on the Bloggers cruise is, there are over 1,000 of you registered so far (we think).
So, that unfortunately will not be plausible. However, I am sure everyone will be happy with a goody bag that we will give each blogger plus we will be doing live blogs while we are all on board together. I am so looking forward to meeting you and I am learning to bow for when I meet your Prince.
KEVIN – I can just imagine now you and your Aston Martin doing tours of Miami for our bloggers. If I am not mistaken the Aston Martin Vanquish has a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds and the only thing that is faster would be me after eating a packet of sugar free Jelly Beans. I totally agree about single cruisers and the charges they face. This seems to be an industry wide standard and please allow me to investigate what can be done.
One day soon we will sit and talk about the Vanquish S and you can tell me how it feels to drive such a beast. All the best mate.
IVANA – By the time you read this you should have received your pay check enabling you to buy the bloggers t-shirts. I am a little embarrassed though that you are spending your hard earnt money on a t-shirt that has Heidi’s and my name on it. Please don’t be sad that you are not on the Bloggers cruise there will be another one and this time I think we will do it on a shorter 5 day cruise to allow more people to come. Enjoy Harry Potter’s last adventure and thank you for saying that the blog is the best thingy ever. My kindest regards.
CARL HARMON – I am so lucky to have Heidi however, there are times when she does not feel lucky to have me and those times are sponsored by Russell Stover Sugar Free Jelly Beans. Thank you for your kindness.
FRANK C – Thank you for your kind words about the blog and I was happy to make your Supper Club reservations for you.
So I see you have a Porsche in the driveway, what model? I cannot believe you have sent me a case of New Orleans diet root beer. I am very much looking forward to this and it will be a special treat which I will enjoy. One day I hope we get to enjoy one together and talk about our passion for cars. Heidi and I send our best to you and Jennifer.
JO MYERLY – I am so excited to hear that you have booked the Bloggers cruise. I have no words to express my gratitude that I will now get a chance to meet you. I admit I did used to watch a late night shopping channel in the UK, called Auction World, but I am getting help for it. Congratulations and many thanks to you and Dave.
JIMNI – I wish my Dad had taught me that song when I was younger. However, I shall pass it down to generations of Healds to come.
BRYAN – I do the same when I write Bryan, I tend to answer my own questions as I go. However, I have never done an interview for the blog as such so maybe PA 007 can set some questions for me soon. Glad you had a chuckle at the last blog and hope there are many more chuckles to come.
TAMMY AND MIKE FROM NY – This is an easy one to answer. Yes, you can go ashore first, have a few hours in Cannes and eat lunch and all the afternoon tours including the Nice and Eze tour meet on the pier so you do not have to come back to the vessel. Hope this helps and you picked an excellent tour by the way………you must try the muscles in Cannes by the way………..not a muscle in a can……………muscles from Cannes. See you soon.
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – Roberto, the request is to have the photos “captioned” I am not sure what she means – do you? I am sure if we can, we will……….let me get back to you as I want to make you happy.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – AHHHHHHHHH , Bill wants the recipe for the warm melting chocolate cake. Let me put PA 007 on a mission……..stand by.

Ok, time to stop and I will continue tomorrow.

I thought I would show you that next week once again, we have quite the international ship with 1347 guests who are not from America. Here is the breakdown.

Argentina
Austria 4
Aruba 20
Armenia 1
Australia 56
Belize 2
Belgium 11
Brazil 4
Canada QUEBEC 37
Canada 304
Czech Republic 1
Cayman Island 15
Croatia 3
Colombia 5
Chile 8
Cuba
Costa Rica 2
Ecuador 1
Dominican Rep.
El Salvador
France 134
Gibraltar 4
Germany 33
Guatemala 5
Honduras
Iran 9
India 2
Ireland 4
Israel 3
Italy 67
Korea 17
Luxembourg 4
Jamaica 1
Japan 6
Mexico 16
Monaco 2
Martinique 9
Macau 1
Malta 33
Nicaragua
Netherlands 47
New Zealand 21
New Caledonia 1
Nigeria 2
Peru
Puerto Rico
Panama
Philippines 2
Poland 5
Portugal 11
Russia 33
Switzerland 2
Spain 109
South Africa 2
Trinidad 14
Ukraine 2
United Kingdom 262
Uruguay
Vietnam 1
Venezuela 5
TOT INTL. 1347

You will notice that we have 134 French people sailing so I have to be on my best behavior and avoid any French jokes. I decided to learn more about the French as I think I have been educated to make fun of them all the time without truly understanding their culture. I must learn to see that they are wonderful people who love the British. To achieve this re-education I decided to use the new version of the French equivalent of Googel called Le Googel You just type in the subject you’re interested in, and Le Googel refuses to look it up for you.

OK, maybe I need more time, forgive and forget John (talking to myself again).

Maybe I have ATCOCS SYNDROME. It could be possible that I need a vacation on a Carnival Ship instead of working here all the time. Talking to yourself is indeed one of the symptoms and I must be careful.

I do not want to end up like Norman Oates who had not cruised on a Carnival ship for a long time and decided to go to Las Vegas instead of a cruise and was arrested because the ATCOCS took over and he thought he was on a Carnival cruise and everything was included in the price. He refused to pay for the shows, the food and the activities and when he woke up in the morning and opened his hotel bedroom window he really did think he was in Venice on the Carnival Freedom and did not realize he was in a manufactured model of the real thing. He was led away buy security and he was he was heard to say “I know George Clooney, you’re next. Oceans 15″

Please everyone, keep an eye yourselves and see if you are developing early symptoms……….if you are, please call a travel professional.

One footnote before I go off (to do the show, that was not a reference to the jelly beans again).

I spoke to the lady tonight (letter posted in In Their own Words) who wanted us to pay for her transportation from the ship to St Marks Square and back again because the t-shirt she bought had a stain on it. I asked her why it was our responsibility and this was her exact, word for word answer: “You should have told the passengers that buying t-shirts from the shop I went to was not a good idea because there merchandise was not trustworthy.”

I replied “Which shop did you buy it from?”

She said “I can’t remember.”

I sent her a Carnival t-shirt today, not because hers was ruined but because of the wonderful laugh she gave me.

TICKET TO ST.MARKS SQUARE: 12 EUROS

PURCHASE OF T SHIRT WITH STAINS ON IT: 8 EUROS

EXPECTING THE CRUISE DIRECTOR TO BE A BLOODY MIND READER: PRICELESS

Good Morning from still hot and sunny Venice.Remember how happy I was about the shuttle bus situation in Venice and the huge pat on the back I gave myself? Well ….forget about it. Today, due to the fact that there are two ships on turnaround (this means they are debarking and embarking guests here) I was told we would have only two buses….Oh joy. The Emerald Princess, The Aurora (P & O) and the Royal Caribbean something of the seas are here and all the buses are being used by us all. Hopefully the guests will be ok with the 15 minute walk from Piazza Roma to the vessel otherwise there may be a bit of a wait.

I spoke to the Operator and Agent this morning at 8:00am when Heidi reported a large line of 150 people waiting for a bus and then was told the news. The line did go down quickly but at one point there was a 30 minute wait and that, in my
mind, is not acceptable. I find these sorts of things so frustrating, I just want things to be perfect and I know they can be but once again I have hit this roadblock. Anyway, I will have extra staff at the Vaparetto Station and hopefully, as I said, most people will walk back. It is the height of the season and you can tell just how busy Europe is now and how popular. I remember the first season on the Carnival Liberty and I can remember in most ports we hardly saw another ship but, I can tell you this year it is obvious that Europe is the place to be.

It’s hot, and I really find it strange that still we get people who seem surprised about that. I guess Europe to some still has that image of fog and rain but the Mediterranean is as humid as anywhere at the height of summer. I have recently put this fact sheet together for guests. This is based on counteracting the comments we get now and then and I have seen these reduced since Heidi and I devised this sheet two cruises ago. It is now placed inside the Carnival Capers on the first day and has some very useful information.

Here is a copy for your approval.

M/V CARNIVAL FREEDOM
GOING ASHORE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
* PLEASE READ CAREFULLY *

Cruising the Mediterranean conjures up visions of exciting experiences ashore. The history, culture, great shopping and delicious food – combined with the charm of the inhabitants make Europe an incredibly diverse destination.

The reality of countries that we will visit is very exciting.

The following, however, are a few things to keep in mind during your visit:

As we are in the peak of the tourist season in the Mediterranean, please be aware that you will indeed encounter considerable crowds and long lines at the tour venues ( especially in Capri and the Amalfi Coast (Naples), Athens, Venice, Istanbul and Rome, Vatican ). Extensive traffic may be found en route to the attractions and delays may happen. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

* Ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the venues.

* While the transportation used for shore excursions (motor coaches and vans) does have air-conditioning, the standard for Europe is not the same as that for North America or onboard the ship. Therefore, you may find that the air-conditioning feels less cool than that onboard or of that to which you are accustomed at home – especially if the temperatures in port are high and the sun is shining.

* The ship’s organized tours are guided: all tours included English speaking guides. If you don’t understand your Tour Guide (they may have a marked accent) during a ship’s organized tour, please ask them to repeat. They really want you to have a good time and they are eager to show you their country.

* Taxis: always agree on the fare before getting in the taxi. For long distance trips, please allow plenty of time to return to the ship by the back on board time. You will find the back on board time on the front page of the Carnival Caper.

* The weather can change during the course of the day and the sun can be very strong. We suggest that you always bring ashore with you a hat, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and that you wear light, casual clothing and comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes.

Please always carry extra water with you ashore.

Here are today’s photos

1. THE COUNTRY HOME TOUR IN DUBROVNIK

2. THE COUNTRY HOME – 280 YEARS OLD

3. DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

In today’s In Their Own Words Section, you will find one of those letters that makes you go ……. “are you kidding me ” ……. Here it is:

So, she bought a t shirt, it’s stained, it’s my fault and we have to pay for her
to exchange it…….. You have to smile.

Here are some more:

Better get on with the Q and A as I am WAY behind.

PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – And it is nice to start with you sir. The Bloggers T Shirts are for everyone and will be available for purchase via the website www.carnivalfuntees.com . Roberto is also putting a direct link on the blog page soon and this will make them easy to buy. There will be a special edition shirt for the Bloggers Cruise but these are for anyone who wants to buy them., I wonder how many will be bought? I hope you didn’t scare Amy Lynn with your laughing, which story had you amused so much? I hope all is well with you and the family and thank you for buying a shirt, at least I know someone is.
BIG ED – que ? OK, I translated what Nanetteali said in Spanish and it reads. >>>>>>>>I think Big Ed should book the Bloggers Cruise and not sail on the one after that. He needs his draws washing, he won’t get a booth and John will buy him a huge porterhouse steak while Mrs. Big Ed gets a massage. If he does not go John will
eat Five bags of jelly beans and visit his cabin.
KEN – Glad you finally got your question through the long journey in Cyber Space, it must be exhausted. Let me answer your question about disembarking the ship on the 17th. You can disembark at anytime you like and if you have to be at the airport as you said by 6:00am then I suggest you leave the ship at 4:45am. Do you have private transportation? If not, then you will need to let me know during the cruise and we will arrange a taxi for you which will cost about 100 euros. You also asked for a restaurant for the night before in Rome. Well,
not knowing what you love to eat, the best advice I can give you is to head for Via Veneto. This is the major thoroughfare in Rome and has the best selection of restaurants and cafes and is a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by, especially the ladies -.sshhhhhhhh, don’t tell Heidi. Anyway, let me know if you need anything else and I will see you onboard.
BRYAN – the jelly beans I think were supposed to be eaten a few at a time however I ignored that and the results were Vesuvius like! I wish you had BEAN here to experience it for yourself
PATRICK A RANALLI – I SEE THAT YOU OWN A Parasailing Club and I must admit it something that you would have to pay me lots of money to do although I would guess you would need a pretty powerful boat to get someone like me in the air. Anyway, my wife loves that sort of thing as do many people I know but I cannot
imagine what people would find to complain about that high up in the air! Your reservation as I mentioned is confirmed and I sincerely look forward to meeting you in a few weeks. Have fun in the sun in Florida and maybe one day and after eating a few jelly beans I can get up in the air. Cheers.
NANETTEALI – Send more Jelly Beans. Pour Favor mucho gaso beano grasyarse.
HEIDI – BETH AND KEVIN – Thanks to all three of you for the PASTA diet which made me smile. My no carbs diet is going ok but boy it was hard last night with all the pasta and pasties that adorn every restaurant – still I was a good lad and I hope to keep it going. I just miss my jelly beans. Heidi and I send our best to all four of you and hope to see you soon.
INEZ – Glad to hear the blogs make you laugh and thanks also for the reminder that 99.99% of Southerners have a wonderful sense of humour and are pleasant and lovely people. I guess there must be a lot of changes between New Jersey and North Carolina but I am sure you now have the best of both worlds. Please keep reading the blog and my best to you and the family.
THE CHADS – In Ocho Rios you can experience all of the wish list you mentioned. There is a special place called DOLPHIN COVE where you can swim and encounter the beautiful creature that is the Dolphin. It is simply gorgeous there and you can also combine this with a trip to Dunn’s River Falls which is a MUST SEE. You also mentioned a desire to go horseback riding which is again available along the beaches of Jamaica from a place called Chuka Cove. Part of the tour involves bareback (the horse, not you) in the ocean and is quite
incomparable. There then are two choices for Jamaica and although sometimes it can get a bad rap I promise you that if you go to the right places with the right people you will see why I and thousands of visitors think it is such a vibrant and fun place to visit on your cruise. Let me know your thoughts and my best to all the Chads.
JO MYERLY – Jo, I checked with Gareth the Casino Manager and he has no problem with you putting $20,000 down on one roll of the crap table dice and if it brings you luck, yes, by all means take off your bra, we appreciate the support:)
TAMMIE – See, you could be a Cruise Director as you said what I wanted to say….but bit my tongue instead. How about that letter today where the guest wanted me to exchange a shirt she bought???…what a job I have …..how lucky I am to meet such individual people….said with just a small touch of sarcasm. Hope all is well Tammie and thanks for reading the blog thingy.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Hell Carol, how are you today? I had no idea you were a Treki so thanks for the Klingon. Good Luck. I met a lady in the welcome aboard show this week who I swear was a Ferengi!
I READ THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE POSTING YOU SLAPPED ON AND HAVE FORWARDED IT TO SOME FRIENDS, I WISH I COULD SEND IT TO MY MATE FROM NORTH CAROLINA!
I join you in remembering those people who lost their lives in the Alaska plane crash you mentioned as I am sure do all the bloggers….we shall remember them today.
You know, when I listed the ships I had worked on I totally forgot about those I worked on in the Bar Department. It seems so long ago. Anyway, yes, I worked on the Holiday (my first ever ship), the Jubilee and the Celebration all as Bar Waiter, Wine Steward (I was awful) and Assistant Bar Manager….those were the days. The letters I receive are priceless and this blog allows me to share the good, the bad and the …. Well …. let’s be nice and say … different with all of you. The sugar free beans are all finished much to Heidi’s joy but hopefully others will take pity on my needs and replenish my personal jet pack and send me some.To finish, more Star Trek. You have been and always shall be my friend ….all the best Carol.
MILLIE S – Millie, the answer to your question on if you can make it to the ship and then do the Rome By Night tour — YES. However, I would not be a good CD if I did not mention that you will have landed that day, already done a tour that morning and then have to go through check-in etc. You will be tired. Please, just bear that in mind. I am not trying to talk you out of what is a great tour but two tours in 24 hours after you have just flown Trans Atlantic may be too much and remember we have a 25% cancellation policy. Have a think
about it and remember you can see how you feel when you arrive to the ship and book then if you want to. Just a thought. I will be here if you need further advice and suggestions.
RUTH JAMISON – Thank you for the plug of the Rome By Night Tour I was just mentioning to Millie. You are right, it is a wonderful experience but now and then we have cruises where it just does not sell. The experience you had describes it perfectly though and I am sure that others reading your commentary
will be encouraged to book it. What did you have for dinner? Thanks again Ruth and my best to you and the family.
DWA 76 – Thanks mate, I am glad you enjoyed the blog thingy today and the joke. I never tell ” joke jokes ” on stage but as you enjoyed the last one, here is one more of my favorites although Heidi does not understand why.
A husband and wife went to counseling after 15 years of marriage. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a passionate, painful tirade listing every problem they had ever had in the 15 years they had been married. She went on and on and on – neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable, an entire laundry list of unmet needs she had endured over the course of their marriage.
Finally, after allowing this to go on for a sufficient length of time, the therapist got up, walked around the desk and, after asking the wife to stand, he embraced and kissed her passionately. The woman shut up and quietly sat down as though in a daze.
The therapist turned to the husband and said, “This is what your wife needs at least three times a week. Can you do this?”
The husband thought for a moment and replied, “Well, I can drop her off here on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Fridays, I golf.”
Anyway, the lady who missed the ship in Capri rejoined yesterday in Naples and had a happy reunion (I hope) with her family. She said she was waiting for her son and that he forgot he was supposed to meet her…Families!
Hope all is well mate and hope you enjoyed today’s joke.
RAY McTEAGUE – I remember the rescue you spoke about very well Ray. It was on the Carnival Destiny. The Canadian Coast Guard ship could not get alongside because of the swells so yes, we called in a helicopter and the rescue was made and the guest received the medical attention he needed. I salute all the fine
men and women of the Coast Guard service from all over the world who continue to protect those in peril on the sea.
I am happy to hear you enjoyed seeing the card on the blog. Receiving cards is something that means so much to Heidi and anytime we get one it adds such a personal touch to the blog. We received a lot last cruise and hope this lovely trend continues. Thanks again mate and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.
FENG SHUI TURTLE – A new inventory of scrap books will be coming in Barcelona and we will have lots for the following cruise so we will make sure you get one. Please though, if you feel that you are a kind and giving person, please bestow a large bag of sugar free jelly beans upon me. Eating them allows me to meet more people by propelling myself quickly around the ship using my personal jet pack….although…for some strange reason the people I do meet do not want to be around me for too long.
Thank you for the slapping on the reason you have your screen name. Heidi loves turtles and I am sure you and her will become great friends. See you next cruise and you will also meet my ugly best mate Alan Adkins.
DON AND LAURA – Konnicichiwa to you both as well. Bloggers, here we have two people reading this humble blog thingy in Japan while serving their country in the United States Air Force…..how about one or two of you dropping them a line on this blog to say hello. I am so sorry I will not see you in December but I am sure one day we will meet and I will proudly get to shake your hand.

I am going to stop there as I have two shows to host tonight and I need to meet with a group of guests from Malta who have asked to have photos with me and the Captain but before I go, there are one or two things we need to discuss.

First of all, there will be no guest interview today as I have not had time to get them together but there will be some special ones very soon I promise.

Last night Heidi and I went out for dinner. I have started to realize that we need to spend more time together especially since the blog came into being and most of my free time is spent exercising my two fingers on the keyboard. So, last night we went for dinner to Harry’s and I shall say no more about that for now. However, afterwards we were strolling through St. Marks Square where we met two other crew members, Charlie the Musical Director and his wife Wendy who is the Youth Director. We sat with them at one on the outside cafes where a classical quartet was playing beautiful music. Just a side note before I continue. There is a cover charge of 5 euros per person to sit down and listen to the music and that’s before you order anything and then, please be aware that it is very expensive as you will see. Heidi ordered a Bacardi and Diet Coke, Wendy had a glass of red wine (house), Charlie had a beer and I a glass of mineral water – cost – 49 euros.
Anyway, we had invited them to sit with us so I paid which was fine…that’s just a sub note to the story.

Then within a space of twenty minutes I was witness to both sides of the tourist abroad.

I have many bad habits, and I know smoking the odd cigar is one of them. I don’t drink and although I am overweight I don’t eat to excess (much), but when the mood takes me I find a cigar relaxes me completely. Anyway, it was 12;15am by the time I had sat down and there were few people sitting. I am very careful never to smoke if other people are around but tonight the scene looked set for me and my Trinidad Rubosto that a beautiful Cuban Sinjourita had rolled on her tanned thigh. We were going to be best friends. There was only a dozen other couples sitting outside and the nearest was 20
feet away. Now at this point I am sure I am going to upset my great friends who miss the Carnival Paradise but I am sure they will understand that this was outside, in a designated smoking bar and there was nobody any where near me and any smoke that I did exhale would dissipate in the night air.

So, there I sat, cigar in hand, the quartet playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto number 21, my beautiful wife at my side….apart from the 340 euros I had just spent for a plate of Risotto, all was well…then….a shout from across the other side of the Café..not the person 20 feet away but the furthest table which must have been 40 feet away from us…….CRUISE
DIRECTOR – CRUISE DIRECTOR…….I knew the bellow was for me but I ignored it just for a second…..and then looked over…….CRUISE DIRECTOR……came the voice which was now louder than a piano, a cello, a violin and a double
bass……..do you mind putting that disgusting thing out…….I could feel the heat rising from Heidi and Charlie as well and could sense the other people around the Café were now looking at me and at the large fog horn voice that was emanating from such a small lady…….normally, I would have put it out…….I never want to offend people especially from the ship. What were the chances of me offending someone who had to, of course, be on the ship and who recognized me.

Anyway, I took one last big puff of my cigar and blew the smoke which the wind took in the opposite direction of where the lady was sitting and was about to put the cigar out which by the way cost more than I can afford and as my hand
moved towards the ash tray……..the manager came over and told the lady to be quiet and not shout as she was disturbing the music…..now, I think that was what he said because the lady and the two other people got up and started walking away.

As they walked past me the lady came towards me and said these exact words: “Crew members should not be allowed in the same place as passengers and you have ruined my night.” I stood to apologize but, the look on her face changed
my mind and I am sorry to say I just said . . .”Am I bothered?” and sat down.

Now, you cannot imagine how difficult it was for me to admit to all of you and all the top people at Carnival that I said that but sometimes you know what .,,, you have to be a human being and this time I am sorry to say I WAS RUDE….I feel bad now, no actually, I feel awful now and I have Heidi and Wendy and Charlie scoruing the ship looking for her so I can apologize.

It was not the fact that I had been asked to put my cigar out, or had been shouted at 40 feet from across the most famous square in the world or that she interrupted the music for all of us or that I was trying to be a big man in front of my wife. It was simply that she thought that we as crewmembers on our time off had no right to be in that most special of places and should have been locked in our rooms hanging upside down like a troglodyte….that’s what made me mad…I regret it deeply now, but at the time….to see the astonished look on her face…it felt good.

So, it was a feeling of mixed emotion as we walked back to the Vaporetto and Heidi knew that I was mad at myself. Then as we walked, another couple was walking towards us and as they did so a big smile came across the man and the
lady’s faces ….John….a hand extended as I shook theirs…..it’s great to see you we think you are the best Cruise Director we have ever seen….I have never been so happy to hear a compliment ……..”Have you had a nice evening?” I asked …….Yes they said….we chatted about Venice for a minute or so and, as I said goodnight, I invited them to my show the following evening “OH, well we would love to John,” they said, “but we’re on the Emerald Princess!”

So, as I write this blog, I do so feeling so angry at myself for lowering myself to the lady’s level of impoliteness and I hope I get to say sorry in person.

I wasn’t at the time….but now…..I am Bothered.

Goodnight

Your friends
John and Heidi