Hello again from Katakolon Greece where the weather is again very, very hot. Many guests decided to stay onboard today, sleep in or just lay in the sun and relax although 1,000 people are touring the site of Olympia the home of the Olympic Games.Last night we had the brilliant Pete Fisher perform the show. He is a virtuoso violinist and although you may think that this may already be not your thing, I have to tell you that if you ever see this man’s name on a show marquee, go and see him. He plays the most beautiful music with such passion and skill that you are transfixed from the first to the last note.He received three standing ovations during each show and his version of “Danny Boy” left many in tears….sensational.

The other highlight last night was the movie on our Seaside Theatre on Lido Deck….Casino Royale which again brought in the crowds for both 7:45pm and 10:45pm showings of the movie. Every seat and spot was taken and I hope the lady who was upset at the National Lampoon movie I had shown was not there to see it although I had made sure the P.G. 13 rating was well promoted. Tonight’s movie by the way is Armageddon, which looks and sounds amazing on the giant screen.

Talking of popular things we now have Scrapbooks available on board with I guess scrap to put in them.

Now, I am not sure if this is a phenomenon everywhere but it sure as heck is here as they are selling by the dozens. I have been asked if we will have Scrapbook classes onboard. Now, I may be a little thick but do you really need classes….don’t you just cut things up with scissors, stick glue on the back and stick it in the book?…………it’s not rocket science or am I missing something?Anyway, if I am, let me know as I don’t want this to be MAHJONG 2.

Lets talk about the Bloggers Cruise. I had a long, long, long conference call last night about this special cruise on January 19th and we arranged for a lot of special things to happen. The complimentary gifts will be AMAZING and the events will be so much fun. I will be posting a blog all about this next week (Tuesday or Wednesday) so look out for this special addition. If you have been thinking about booking, I suggest you do it soon, its going to be a sell out and I really hope you are all there to enjoy it. Anyway, I will reveal all next week…stay tuned.

Here are today’s photos and of course they are from the village of Katakolon where we are today….enjoy

Just a quick follow up about the young boys I found on Lido Deck trying throw the younger brother in the pool even though he was in tears. I met with the parents who much to my amazement seemed unconcerned and even less so about the 14 year olds language used toward Heidi and Stephanie. Anyway, the parents were told they must keep their children in line but if I could sum up their reaction, it would be with word ” bothered ” ….I am not a parent (as far as I know) and therefore I cannot comment on how to bring up kids but I can say that I was really angry as Heidi’s husband that they seemed to not care less that my wife had been subjected to a barrage of abuse from someone so young….trust me, if he had been a few years older I may not have been so nice….Oh well, its not for me to judge I guess.

Here is my favorite kids joke.

WHY WAS TIGERS HEAD IN THE TOILET?HE WAS LOOKING FOR POOH

Now, on to the Supper Club. I am gladly taking bookings for the entire fleet. I think it is sensible to let me book if you can so you get the time and day you want before you get onboard. Anyway, the brilliant Roberto is designing me an online booking form so that all you will have to do is fill it in and then I will book for you and remember that’s not just for this ship but for every ship that has a Supper Club.

I hope you are enjoying (if that’s the right word) the IN THEIR OWN WORDS SECTION. I get so many letters and I will continue to share a few with you if that’s OK. Here are today’s selection.

Roll Up, Roll Up for today’s Q and A.

BRYAN – Thank you for your kind comments and I understand that the Q and A can take a lot of time to read….try typing it. I always try to give a hint of what the question that the person asked was but sometimes I forget so I understand also that makes reading it a little confusing. How nice of you to think about sending a card to us. Heidi loves receiving cards (it’s a Dutch thing and we must own shares in Hallmark by now) so she will love to receive one from you. I am glad you liked the interview with Captain Rassello and the engagement ring story. Thanks for all your support of the blog thingy and I wish you a great day.
DOUGNEWMANATSEA – Istanbul is such a great port and the city really is “alive.” Right now they are holding national elections and there is a big battle (verbal only) between the two parties. One wanting to continue with a secular government and the other wanting to follow a more traditional form of governing based with more focus being based on the Islamic way of life. The guests simply rave about Istanbul and I encourage everyone to visit this enchanting city. Yes, congratulations to Costa Cruises on the launch of the new Costa Pacifica. I wish their crew safe and happy voyages. The Q and A is popular I can see from the postings so it will be continued. Thanks Doug and hope you are well.
BARB FROM MN – I hope you get to see this before you leave for the ship. Please tell your daughters not to worry as I am sure there will be more young men wanting to meet them next cruise. I guess I owe you a ream of Paper as you had to print 72 pages to read the latest blog….sorry. Anyway, have a safe journey and please leave me a not sometime at the information desk so we can chat. See you soon.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Bill, you have got to stop talking about food. Every time I write your name all I can picture is a big rack of ribs turning slowly on the Rotisserie. The Q and A sessions will continue in the format to which we are all accustomed, as it appears to be very popular as is. It is also amazing to see that people from the U.S.A. are Googling (is that a word?) my local Fish and Chip shop….extraordinary. I hope they appreciate all the attention although they deserve it, their food is FANTASTIC and I wish they delivered to the Med….then again, no chips for me thanks for the link on the alcohol confiscation subject. I asked my colleagues and none of them had ever heard about this so that link will prove very useful.Right, no more food…unless it’s a Pep Boy Sandwich from New Orleans…mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
KATE – What did the Head Waiter say when he thought you were all wearing bathrobes?
DAWN – no problem on either count so just to confirm, please tell me the date, number of people and time and I will confirm your Supper Club booking. Hope all is well and you are ready for a great cruise.
NANCINURSE – Very Funny Joke. I wonder why you can’t get through to Harry’s I just tried and unfortunately I got through which means I have to take Heidi there, I wish my friends would come back and pay again. Anyway are you using this number….39 041 528 5777? Try again, you should get through, mention my name and try the Risotto…bring money…lots of it.
PAULETTE’S MUM – Welcome back from your trip to China. How was it? How are the girls? You have a lot of blogs to get caught up on so I will leave you in peace but not before I say thanks for reading the blog again and please send our best to everyone.
RUTH JAMISON – Ruth, knowing this blog thingy of mine is keeping you smiling, sometimes laughing and reminding you of your recent cruise means a lot to me and keeps my two gnarled fingers waltzing across the keyboard. I am glad you liked the photos and therefore they are a feature I will keep going. My best to you and your husband.
VIKKI AND MAT TILL – OK, just wondered because I had not heard from him for a while. If you let him out of the closet please have him say hello.
1ABLRN – Good questions. You asked about the garbage strike in Naples. This has only affected the residential areas and the tourist areas are cleaned every day and when we were there a few days ago there wer4e no obvious signs of rubbish waiting to be collected. I know that they are though having problems with this in the housing areas of Naples but you will not know it if you tour the regular areas. Now, I have asked the Maitre D Ken to check this and we will confirm your dinner seating in a few days once that voyage’s information is received. Good luck with your travel plans and I hope you arrive safely and with all your luggage.
EMF – Great ideas. There are certainly I am sure going to be times in the future when I won’t be able to answer all the questions as the blog thingy is growing everyday. I know the questions are important to many people and I will continue as best I can. Thank you for your ideas and I hope you are enjoying the recent blog….my flow has stopped but I put that down to eating no carbs.
DWA76 – We all miss the bridge tours and I hope that one day the doors will be flung wide open again and we can all see the wonders of modern day technology that assist our Captains and Navigators pilot our ships.You asked about THE WORLD cruise ship and how it is doing. I did once see it anchored of Stromboli back in May but I have no idea how business is going or if it is always sold out or who owns it….SO….IT’S TIME TO UNLEASH OUR UNTAMED SPY….SOME SAY HE SLEEPS WITH A WATER PISTOL UNDER HIS PILLOW….SOME SAY THE ONLY THING HE IS SACRED OF IS BEING PALE….ALL WE KNOW IS…HE’S CALLED PA 007.His report will follow and your boss can see if indeed he did the right thing by not purchasing a cabin. Hope you are doing well mate….stand by.
PEABODY – OH, well that’s very interesting that you don’t read the comments but of course I understand. My I ask what parts of the blog you enjoy the most. Many thanks for reading the blog from the start and I truly hope you continue to do so.
IRA????? – Thanks Ira. It is strange that two people in a row say they don’t read the comments…interesting …oh know, I am second-guessing myself again. No, I must keep going for now. I am happy that you love the life on board stories and there are many more of them to come I promise.
LISA – I think down the line I may add a separate link just for questions as we get more and more everyday. I want to keep answering them because I know so many people are depending on the answers. The banter will continue, in fact here is some more now with BIG ED.
BIG ED – were your ears burning yesterday mate. We were talking about you during the conference I posted all the things I promised plus there will be more…cabins are selling quickly…what else can I do.If you cruise you will be… in Anagram form.A Strap UserTom and Jane Rachford…What great news that you have booked the Bloggers Cruise. Later next week I will be letting you know some of the things you can expect so watch out for that. You asked about a waiter called JUDE STWEART who is now on the Carnival Destiny. If you send a letter to this address it will get to him.JUDE STWEARTTEAM WAITER – CARNIVAL DESTINYCARNIVAL CRUISE LINES3665 N.W.87TH AVENUEMIAMI FLORIDA33166I am sure he will appreciate it very much. So, please keep reading the blog and If you need anything else please let me know.
DAVE AND BARB – I will be my pleasure to make the Supper Club booking for you both but can you confirm the cruise you are sailing on to save me looking back at all the postings. Please just include the following on the next posting you make.
DATE
TABLE FOR?
TIME
CABIN
NAME
Many thanks and I promise that your meal at the Supper Club will be unforgettable. I send my best to you and everyone at Cruise Critic.

I AM GOING TO STOP THERE AS I NEED TO GET THIS POSTED.Roberto is going on the Carnival Fascination for a three-day break and I want him to post this before he sets sail. There will be no blogs on Saturday or Sunday but on Monday there will be three posted from the weekend. Have a great cruise mate.

Time for Today’s Interview. Let me introduce Kirk to you. Kirk and I delivered the Sensation together, he as Hotel manager and me as Cruise Director. Kirk has since left and is now a hugely successful Business Development Director…what is that I hear you ask…let’s find out.

1. Kirk, you have had a very varied and successful career both on land and at sea. Please can you tell us about your life so far within the cruise industry.I began working with Carnival back in 1987 as a junior purser aboard the M/S Tropicale. My intentions were to work for three months and then go back to school. I immediately fell in love with working aboard ships and decided to forgo school a bit longer. Time went by and I was promoted through the ranks, became chief purser and ultimately hotel manager. While aboard the TSS Mardi Gras I met and fell in love with my wife, Rhonda, who was one of our onboard entertainers. We spent quite a few years working onboard the same ships together, but ultimately it was time to start a family. I knew it was time to get a job on land, but I knew I wanted to stay within the cruise industry. Carnival was fantastic. I had met many district sales managers during my time on board and I loved their energy and the passion they had for the business. It was a passion, I felt, that matched mine. I remember calling Maurice Zarmati on a high seas phone call expressing my interest. I later interviewed with Vicki Tomasino and knew I had found the job I was looking for.

2. You are now a B.D.M. For those readers who do not know what this job entails, please can you describe what your job is all about? B.D.M. stands for Business Development Director. That’s what I do? Develop business. My primary responsibility is to work with our travel agent partners in my local area of Northern California and Northern Nevada to develop their Carnival business. We do this through education, marketing plans and working with their group business. We also work with businesses and associations that are looking to create a great experience for their employees or attendees. It’s my goal to have a real relationship with the travel agents and businesses and to help them understand why Carnival will provide a great vacation for their clients and employees.

3. Can you describe a typical day in the life of a BDM? It begins at 3 am every morning … just kidding. There is no such thing as a typical day in the life of a BDM, which is one reason I love this job so much, but I’ll do my best to give you a look. A real benefit of my position is that my office is home based. I typically start out like a lot of folks these days, in my PJs answering email and finalizing a game plan for the day. I’m an early riser, so I love the fact that I’m on the West Coast and can communicate with our headquarters starting at 5:30 am Pacific Time handling any issues and booking groups. Then I spend the next hour or so replying to email. I take a little break early morning jump on my bike and do quick spin around the local lake. It clears my head, and gets the blood really pumping for the day. Back in my office I will clear my desk of any follow up needed and then will hit the road in my mobile office and connect with a number of my clients. We might discuss what is new with Carnival, set up training for their employees so they are up to speed about the most current promotions and product changes and also work on any marketing efforts we can jointly create. Sales calls with travel agents is vital to this job, as travel agents are a huge part of our distribution system. Relationships and visibility are key to this business. I like to get home before I hit traffic, and also so I have a couple good hours to spend with my kids Kylie and Reece before dinner and bedtime.My favorite days come when I’m able to escort my travel agents and group leaders aboard our ships for what we call in the travel industry FAM Trips. This is where our clients become more intimately familiar (FAM) with our product. I will host approximately 6 to 8 of these a year and it’s when I get to puff out the chest a little bit and show with a lot of pride why I love the company I work for.

4. How useful are your years at sea to the job you do now and are there times when you miss working onboard. I’ll tell you what I miss the most. My white officers uniform. One, I didn’tt have to give much thought as to what I was going to wear each day, but more importantly I don’t think I would have ever been that appealing to Rhonda if I hadn’t been wearing that when we first met . . As far as missing working on board … I do at times. I especially miss the very close friendships that are built on board —- that is the hardest of all things, really quite impossible, to replicate on land. My years at sea allowed me to jump into this position with quite a bit more knowledge and credibility. I think the single greatest advantage was the relationships that I had already built with onboard and also shore side employees. There were many people, and still to this day, that will help me out of a jam or really take the time to help me understand a situation because of a relationship we had when I worked aboard our ships

5. If a travel agent were to say to you ” I know nothing about Carnival, what kind of cruise line is it and what demographic of passengers should I be selling it to ” what would your answer be. This is easy! We’re for anyone that likes to have FUN! I say if you can leave your stiff shirts at home, loosen up a bit, you can have a great time onboard a Carnival “Fun Ship” cruise. We are a cruise line for all ages and all demographics. We deliver a high quality product at a fantastic price, so as long as you are looking for the type of vacation that is fun, friendly and relaxing we’ve got a ship for you!

6.You have recently collected an award, what can you tell us about that. I recently won the TravelAge West (a Travel Industry Magazine) WAVE award for “Favorite Cruise Line Representative.” This award especially means a lot to me as it was a write-in ballot and my customers wrote and voted me in as their favorite. That is a very great honor indeed.

7. Traveling so much must be pretty tiring. What’s the most frustrating thing about air travel for you? You might think I’m crazy, but I actually love air travel. I love to read and the flights I take enable to really power through a good novel. It’s like anything else in life? You can’t sweat the things out of your control. If a flight is delayed, I get more time to read one of my favorite authors like John Sanford, Michael Connelly or Robert B. Parker. I’ve also learned pretty quickly how to make it through security easily — carry very little with you. I almost always check my bags these days.

8. You are from California so I know you have an I Pod because it’s the law. What’s on yours. I’m a bit schizo here. I have a little bit of everything on my iPod. I also like to put my iPod on shuffle so that I get the wide range of songs. Some of these songs include Dire Straits, Moody Blues, Creed, Newsboys, Third Day, Cock Robin, Gnarls Barkley, Oasis … and even a little Johnny Cash.

9. Your lovely wife was also famous onboard not just because of her beauty but because she won “The Price Is Right.” What did she win and do you still have any of the prizes. Thank God for that! We got off the ships with very little personal belongings. That helped a great deal. She won a GMC Pick-Up, a Reclining Sofa, Washer and Dryer, an all expense paid trip to DC, a great big American Flag & some cash. Oh yeah, and a lot of Little Tike Toys, which came in very handy since we left the ships with a bun in the oven! We still proudly hang the American Flag and the washer and dryer still work well… unfortunately they do not press my boxers and T’s like the Chinese laundry on board the ship…oh, I miss that too!

10. Do you have any funny stories to share with us about your experiences with Travel Agents. That would be cruel, I shouldn’t go there …but I will. During a fam trip early in my BDM career, one of my favorite agents who is extremely professional got a little too caught up in the fun …she doesn’t remember most of the evening, but it ended with me and a few other agents having to wheel her up to her hotel room in a luggage cart. It just shows you that even the very best can get a little too caught up in the pulse of the evening!

Kirk, thanks mate. The people of California and Nevada are very lucky to have you as are we here at Carnival. The only problem…I hardly ever see you.Thanks again on behalf of us all.

Tonight. It is the Talent Show and a show where anything can happen and indeed has over the many years I have been hosting them.Back in 1997 I was on the Carnival Destiny and hosting the show. One of the performers was a man I will never forget, his name….Howard. He was in his eighties and from New York. He became famous around the fleet for doing what I am about to tell you. He played the Piano…harmless you may think but you would be wrong.When we do the sign ups for the show we instruct the performers they can sing one song, or play an instrument for no more than five minutes. So, we told this to Howard who just nodded. We asked him if he wanted to rehearse but he said no. It’s now 10:30pm and showtime. Howard was the 2nd of 6 acts and I introduced him saying what he had told us he was going to do ” American Music”…now, I took this to mean a bit of patriotic music.Anyway, I helped him on to the bandstand and the Musical Director got him comfortable. Then he started. His first piece was a good old hand clapping number which contained more wrong notes that right ones — but what the heck… he was in his eighties… he was cute… the audience applauded. He finished the song and I walked out saying thank you and asking for applause but was interrupted by more music from the Piano…He was oblivious….his head was down and he kept playing. OK, I thought, one more won’t hurt so I walked of stage to giggles from the audience. He had now been playing for eight minutes and I was getting worried… he finished the song and this time I ran on stage but again before I could get a word out he started playing ” Amazing Grace”….head down, playing the piano with as many fingers as I type with. Now, the audience is laughing hysterically but although it was funny my concern was at this rate the show would last forever. This time as what I think was Amazing Grace filled the room I stood by the piano and whispered ” this is the last one” …which he ignored… because now he segued into what can only be described as some sort of classical music with elements of Chopsticks. Now, the audience is laughing out loud, some are even BOOING and I knew I had to take action as he had now been treating us to his interpretation of music for 17 minutes and enough was enough. I looked to the band for help but most were laughing too hard to offer any assistance. Therefore, I had no choice but to cut the power to the electric piano by turning it off…I leaned across and I did…Howard kept playing, the only sound was the gentle thumping of the keys. I asked for a big round of applause for Howard and then I said that let’s save the rest for the end of the show. I gently eased his hands away, helped him of the bandstand, gave him his prizes, the audience gave him a standing ovation and he sat down in his seat. At the end of the show I was hoping that he would have forgotten that I had said he could play some more…nope…as I tried to say goodnight he calmly walked onto the stage, waved the band’s piano player away and forced himself on to the stool…. and started playing….”You are my Sunshine.”TWENT MINUTES LATER – HE FINISHED – about 100 people out of 1,600 had stayed….out of sympathy I guess and once again we applauded for him and he sat down oblivious to what had just happened.

The next morning at 11 am it was the Debarkation Talk. A staff member introduced me, the curtain came up…and there he was, Howard….playing Sweet Caroline… the audience roared… a star was born.He later did the same on many of our other ships he sailed on….haven’t seem or heard from him in years… but many of us will never forget him.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Kalimera………….and for those who do not speak flatulent Greek like me, that means Hello and a big Kalimera from Athens where the temperature is as hot as Angelina Jolie.Just before I get into anything else on today’s blog I want to address a subject that has to do with the heat. Now, again, before I start this I want to remind you all that this blog is unedited and one of its purposes is to prompt discussion.

Anyway, I received a letter today from a guest about our tour cancellation policy. Let me first go over this policy with you. If a guest purchases a tour and then decides to cancel, a 25% cancellation charge is due. Why do we do this? Well, we have to order buses and pre-pay for guides at least 24 hours before the ship arrives in the port. Therefore, we are still responsible as a company to pay for those guides and the transport. Remember, we are sending at least 2,000 guests each port on tour and this cancellation policy is a normal industry wide policy.

This gentlemen who wrote me the letter and there have been others as well feel that this policy is unfair and that if a guest is too tired to go on a tour then a full refund should be given. I understand where he is coming from and I do think that if obvious medical reasons come into play meaning a guest really is feeling unwell then yes, we should be able to give a refund. However, how do you judge who really is unwell and who is taking advantage of the system? It is a tough one. However, I think our policy is fair and canceling a tour because its too hot is not justification for a full refund……..it is one I am sure some of you have opinions on and I as always welcome them…….One thing, is it a surprise to anyone still that it’s hot in Europe in July?……..I don’t mean to sound flippant but surely people know this before they book or am I wrong?

Today (Thursday)………….yep, its Thursday so it’s spinach for lunch..anyway, I have a conference call at 9 pm my time to discuss the final arrangements for the bloggers cruise and of course I will be letting you all know what will be happening as soon as possible.’

The Web Cam is working again. According to Roberto they got a new server and the old was fired and is now working as a server at Denny’s.

HERE ARE TODAY’S PHOTOS ALL TAKEN TODAY BY ENTERTAINMENT STAFF MEMBER JAMIE AT THE ACROPOLIS IN ATHENS…..ENJOY.

I got involved today in a bit of a family dispute. Normally, I don’t interfere when I see things like this, but today I had no choice. Heidi, myself and Stephanie the other assistant cruise director onboard were walking to Lido Deck after we had finished tours for some breakfast. There were three children – maybe 14 years of age or so – all pushing and shoving this, how do I say…larger (in size) kid of the same age and trying to throw him in the pool fully clothed. Now that sounds like a bit of fun….well the kid did not seem to think so because he was in tears, I mean crying his eyes out and pleading with them to stop. Anyway, before I could say anything Heidi had turned into Wonder Woman and was now breaking up the three boys and trying to get them to stop…………and you should have heard the language. I mean, the language coming from one of the kids that was directed to Heidi was incredible. Anyway, Stephanie called security and I now stood between the crying child and the other gang of three. I also told the one who was swearing that if I heard him do so again that he would be sent off the ship and would go home. He obviously recognized me as he went very quiet. Security arrived, took the kids names and cabins and the sad thing was, they were all family. The one who was crying was the brother of the one with the bad mouth and the other two were cousins. It turned out that the parents were away on a tour of Athens and had left the kids on their own. A report was made and later tonight I will be calling the parents with the chief security and chief purser. It got me thinking. To have even been able to go on a cruise at their age would have been incredible but to have free run of the ship while Mum and dad were ashore, unbelievable. If my Dad had heard me swear like that then rest assured there would have been a great impression of his slipper on my behind………….99% of children who sail on our ships are the best behaved you will ever find and our Club O2 and Camp Carnival provide them with entertainment and fun all day and night……..but occasionally you get kids like these who really just don’t know how lucky they are.

Here are today’s letters from in their own words. After reading the one about the Turkish Bath we have made drastic changes to the tour and chosen a new location. I will add that a Turkish Bath experience is a unique one which many people enjoy but I urge people to think carefully before taking one.

Q & A Time.

JO MYERLY – Yep, the web cam is up and one of the things I am going to discuss today at my conference call is ways we can enhance the cameras including faster updates and more close up shots. Please don’t think of yourself as having a boring life watching the web cams as I think it is a great way for all of us to see what’s happening…….trust me………….if AJ had a web cam I would be watching 24 hours a day. Maybe, I could put one in my bathroom……what do you think Jo?
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Thanks Paul. I was a bit concerned about writing my thoughts. I really was upset with myself about not checking the demographics of the guests however I really didn’t say anything bad and I never use bad language on stage. However, the people from the Jehovah’s Witness group really didn’t like what I said and other aspects of the cruise and they are guests and even though I may not agree with their personal beliefs I was mad at myself for providing them with a fulfilling vacation……….I am my own worse critic Heidi always says. It’s true because rather than remember the words of praise from the many I tend to remember the one or two people who did not like what I had to offer. Anyway, thank you as always for your supportive words and I wish you a great weekend.
DAVE MYERLY – Hello Dave. I did find out that Carnival will at this time not accept any luggage that is not checked in directly by the guests. Now, if you want to send your bags by DHL or FED EX and pick them up from their European Office that is something that may be worth doing but for security reasons carnival will not accept any bags without the owner present. Can you send the cartoon you said reminded you of Heidi and I as it did not show on the blog thingy? Hope you and Jo are well and we will see you very soon.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Just thought you should now that I now have 12 zydeco songs on that Heidi has stuck into my Eye Pod…………I am a fan.
BIG ED – OK, I guess I will have to go back and look at the clues wearing my Sherlock Holmes hat then but as I do let me remind you of the ones I can remember.
If you book the blogger cruise on January 19 – you get:
FREE LAUNDRY – HEIDI WILL WASH YOUR UNDERWEAR THE LAUNDRY WILL DO THE REST
DINNER ON ME IN THE SUPPER CLUB
A TABLE – NOT A BOOTH AT DINNER
AN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL BATHROBE
AN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL BLOGGERS T SHIRT
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – LOADS OF FUN WITH ME ONBOARD AND IN JAMAICA
Did I miss any?
RIKKI BOYCE – Glad to hear you are enjoying the blogs so much and it will be great to see you on the trans-Atlantic cruise. We do have that extra day on Monday when we are in Rome overnight and then the most of the next day. As you have already been in Rome and most of the museums etc are closed on Monday, I wondered if you have ever been to the Catacombs under the city. This is a truly unique place and we do have a tour that goes there. Rather than me ramble on about it here is a link think which I think you may find useful. Talk to your Cruise Critic friends and let me know what you think. Here is the link thing.
http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/storia.html
TAMMIE – I has just done as you requested and I am on the phone with Gaynor as I write this. Hope all is well back in Miami.
DOUGNEWMANATSEA – I was sad to hear that the standard of CHIP on the Cunard ships could do with improvement and I will send my Mum over to show them how to make good old English chips. The Frying Pan has been my Dad’s favorite Fish and Chip shop for many years and he still enjoys Cod and Chips and Mushy Peas once a week. You know they do say that great minds think alike and indeed we have proven that to be true. Yesterday, I completed an interview with Pam Conover from Seabourn as I thought it would be fascinating to see what this special cruise line is all about. Her interview will be posted sometime next week. I am very proud that I will have interviewed four cruise line presidents and I hope by the end of the year to have added those from AIDA, Princess, Holland America and Costa. Sailing down the river Thames must have been a great feeling and although I doubt I will ever have that privilege I do hope to sail out of Southampton on the Queen Elizabeth 2 in December on the Christmas cruise. Hope to share a plate of Fish and Chips with you sometime mate and thanks so much for your continued insights.
CATHY FORMICA – Welcome home and how wonderful to hear from you. It is great to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time and if you are considering booking again I hope you may consider the Carnival Splendor’s Baltic Cruise or returning on the Carnival Freedom next year and sail on the Greece and Turkey cruise. Please keep reading the blog and I hope you enjoy it. You asked how many Nautical Miles you sailed in total so here they are:
GRAND MED CRUISE………………. 3019.8
GREECE/TURKEY CRUISE …………3084
MARLENE – Hello Marlene. I am not sure who told you that Canadians needed a transit visa for Turkey while on the ship as that is not true. If you were flying into Turkey then yes you would but as you are on the ship we take care of all of that for you. The only thing you need is the Landing Card which we hand you as you exit and no fee is charged. The only other thing you must bring from Canada is a Tim Horton’s Mug as you will not be able to get off the ship unless you replace the one that I broke last week
Anyway, all is set for your cruise adventure and there is indeed a hair dryer in every cabin so the ladies will be happy………all six of you. Have a safe trip here and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you before you get here so keep reading the blog.
MOERM4 – Welcome to the blog and I hope that you consider booking the Carnival Splendor’s European cruise, which I promise will be just as good, if not better than the Carnival Liberty Grand Med cruise you took in 2005. As always on this blog I want to congratulate you on being a teacher. As a son of a teacher, I know how underappreciated they are so Thank You for your dedication. I admit it is not easy to host a full time blog and carry out my regular duties as a cruise director, however, I am managing at the moment thanks to the help of Heidi and Roberto. It seems that you like reading the Q & A, so I will continue doing them as long as I can. I have contacted a colleague of mine on the Carnival Pride who will be sending me her recommendations for the best tours in all the Mexican Riviera ports. I will slap those answers on as soon as I get them. All the best to you and your family.
KEVIN AND HEIDI-BETH – Glad you enjoyed the photos of the Frying Pan. I put those on the blog for two reasons. 1. I want everyone to see what a real plate of English fish & chips look like. 2. I wanted the Frying Pan to see that 460,000 people have now seen the shop and hopefully I will get the odd free piece of cod. I am sure one of the bloggers ESSEXMAN will have his own view on the best fish & chips shop in Essex, but to me, the Frying Pan beats them all. I see that you are sailing on the Carnival Glory very soon and you are correct, that Captain Rassello is indeed lots of fun and a brilliant Captain whom Heidi and I miss working with very much. Please give him my best regards and Heidi and I are here if you need anything.
LINDA HERNACKI – What a fantastic story on how Bulb Man proposed to you, although he actually never did. How devastating it must have been for you to lose your first husband so young and with your children in their teens. Heidi and I both were thinking of you last night. However, thanks to the personal add in that newspaper you met the man who has been by your side for so many years now. Hopefully, I won’t take after Mike’s dad who was married 6 times, he obviously had a big heart and a big wallet. I am just glad that you and Mike are together and you get 1 million gold stars for that.
LOOKINGFORWARD-TOTHENEARLYSMOKE-FREECARNIVALFREEDOM – It seems everyone is reading the Q & A. The only reason I asked, I guess, was just to make sure that my two poor fingers were serving some purpose. I read a comment on Cruise Critic that put this doubt in my mind, so I wanted to use people like your good self as a sounding board. Anyway, I will not be making any changes. The interview with Captain Rassello was a great insight on to what happens on the bridge, however, I totally agree with you, nothing can compare to the old days where guests were able to visit the heartbeat of the ship for themselves. I live in hope that those days will return. You will be happy to know that I read an article on Cruise Critic, again, which was forwarded to me by my friend Robert Schneider, where the commentator describes the wonderful lack of smoke along the Promenade Deck and most public areas. Indeed, there is probably only one place where you may find the smoke bothering you and that is as you enter the Internet Café through the Habana Bar. Which is one of our three smoking lounges. It is always great to hear from you and your wife and thank you for putting up with me and my smoking lamb.
AS YOU WISH – It is always great to hear from someone who has been reading the blog every day since March and I thank you for your kind comments. Yours is the first posting I have read where someone has mentioned that they do not read the Q & A every day which I totally understand. It does take a lot of time to type but it also takes an equal amount of time to read. Anyway, I will progress as before and I want you to know that if you should ever need a question answered I will be here. Please continue to enjoy the blog.
FENGSHUI TURTLE – What a fantastic name. Heidi and I are arguing at the moment. Is Fengshui a rare Pacific Turtle OR as Heidi thinks, is it the latest designer handbag. Anyway, don’t worry about losing your luggage, there is very little you can do, just hope that yours arrives safely. You should be more concerned that you had a dream about a talking cat which I interpret as someone who needs a vacation, nine of them and ……….will leave it there before I get myself in trouble. By the way, what is a Lane Bryant? Have a safe journey and please let me know what the heck your name is all about.
ROCHELLE – I hope you had some great times with your sister and thank you for your answers to the questions although I am surprised that you answered YES to number 4 as supposed to NO but then again, some said YES to number 4 and 5 while others said YES to numbers 2 and 3 and not to number 4. Hopefully, this has taught you and me that we should stay in touch more often. ) Thank you for letting me know that you read all the Q & A’s and that you enjoy Heidi’s photos and glad to hear this. My best regards and please let me know if you would like me to make a supper club reservation for you, before you board the Carnival Spirit.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Wow, a Lewis Carroll fan. My mum is a huge Lewis Carroll fan and love her poetry especially “Betty’s Cow.” These are great verses you sent me and if he did leave, all his jewelry on the beach, I hope, I find it some day. We once had a man on the ship who lost his family jewels but that was because he flushed the toilet while he sat on it. Thanks again for the poem and my best regards to you and your other half.
KEVIN AND BARBARA EHRINGER – Heidi says you have a good German last name. Welcome home from your June 30 Grand Med cruise and saying that the crew were spectacular is music to my ears. It was great to meet you and I am glad you enjoyed the gifts and I truly hope we will meet again on the Seven Seas sometime soon.
LEASA – The engagement ring story was terrific. I am glad you are going to share it with your co-workers. You have an amazing sense of humor and you have a special place in my list of friends as you are our only sight-impaired blogger who has a computer read out the blog. Cruise Director John is better looking than Brad Pitt and your husband Jeff just told you he was drinking a soda but he is really drinking a beer. I really hope that one day I can give you a big hug as people with a sense of humor like you deserve all of life’s riches. Have a great day and my best to Jeff.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Paul and as always it is wonderful to hear from you. I was sure that you read the questions and answers and I see that I was correct. I just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing and the article I was sent from Cruise Critic had me worried. Anyway, I will keep writing the Q & A’s and bloggers will have the choice to read them or not. Captain Rassello is a wonderful man Paul and being an Italian yourself you would be proud of him. I hope you are feeling well and I shall never be able to eat a piece of cheesecake again without thinking of Brett and Andrea………..then again I will never eat a piece of cheesecake again unless it is sugar free. All the best mate.
SHERIFF ROSCO P. COLTRANE – Ahhhhhhh, there you are and please be careful with all those guns and drugs out there that you mentioned. As you are cruising along do you ever sing the “theme from Cops”……….have you ever been on “Cops?” Anyway, we are all thinking of you and your fellow officers whom we all thank for keeping us safe. Please write soon.
BIG ED – You will be happy to know that I have started a BIG DEMAND OF BIG SIZES project for the gift shops, Formalities and of course the Bathrobes. I PROMISE you I will be successful in this and will not let you down which means I will get you A RABBIT THEFT SHOT AND A TEA BUG OXIDE.
KAREN R – Looks like a trip to Harry’s…………….I wonder if Harry will give me a free meal if I say I was here with George Hamilton last time?
LORI – Please make sure you contact me as soon as you get onboard and yes I intend to have a lot of fun with the Griswald family and their European vacation. Enjoy the flight and let’s chat about the arrangements once you are here. If you need to plan things earlier though I will be here for you as always.
KERSPLOTT – Therefore nothing will change. Thank you for your kind words and for the weather update for South America. I hope I will be there with you.
JO MYERLY – Sorry about your luggage, I had no idea but then I have no idea what “space bags” are either so please tell me on your next posting. Best to Dave, do you keep him in a space bag?
KATE – Sounds to me as though the Carnival Pride may be the ship for you. That ship goes to the Mexican Riviera and with the demographics you sent me for your group, I think it will be perfect. Why not have a look at the Carnival Pride page of the website and then get back to me with any questions you may have. I will keep on blogging as you requested.
IVANA – I realize that I do repeat some of the answer that people ask a lot but hey, that’s what I am here for. The story of Andrea swallowing her Diamond was indeed very entertain and probably quite painful, I am sure she had ring sting after that
Roberto is, as we speak, looking at the JUMP TO COMMENTS BUTTON to see what needs to be done so it does……………..jump. It is indeed Thursday and I will send a full report to you all tomorrow.
THE LONG TALL TEXAN – I am now singing the theme from Dallas. How does a man from Texas know about a tiny place called Looe in Cornwall? I have been their with my Mum, Dad and sister Suzanne and it was appropriately named as my dad is always getting caught short so he liked Looe a lot. I understand why you would love Alaska so much especially if you don’t like heat. It would be nice as you suggested if we could have the ship near France for the big Tour Cycle race. Heidi loves watching the race on TV as coming from Holland she loves bikes although I think she just likes looking at men hunched over a handlebar wearing tight spandex.
Hope all is well in Texas and from now on you will be referred to as J.R……….de de de de de der dd der der………..theme from Dallas. I loved Dallas but hated that other one called Dysentry.
CLAIR – Congratulations on booking the Carnival Glory where I promise you will see just why today’s Carnival is so different to when you last cruised 20 years ago. Please have a look at the tours, ports etc and let me know if you have any questions as I know the ship and the ports of call very well indeed. WELCOME HOME.
LUV2CRUISE – I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU JUST SPENT THE ENTIRE DAY READING ALL 107 BLOGS! You must be exhausted but I am thankful to hear that it brought you lost of joy and laughter as well as and most importantly putting you in the mood of booking a cruise. Henceforth I see you have booked the Carnival Miracle which is a beautiful ship, congratulations. It is great to hear that you think Carnival has a blend of relaxation, fun and service as it is these things that we strive to achieve. Thank you again for reading all the blogs and as your cruise gets nearer please let me know what I can do to help.
NANETTEALI – And a big hug back to you and your beautiful kids. How lucky you are to have such a happy, beautiful and cruise loving family which I now feel a part of as well. Asta manyarna.

I AM GOING TO STOP HERE WITH THE Q & A…………..I KNOW I HAVE MORE TO DO FROM THE LAST BLOG AND WILL DO ANSWER THOSE TOMORROW.

I would now like to present an interview with one of my best friends, Roger Blum. Roger and I have known each other for a long time and have had some great adventures together. As you will see, Roger has spent the majority of his life around the sea and all things cruising which is why he is one of the most respected people in the industry. He is most known for producing the shows across our fleet but as you will see from this interview his knowledge and experience go way beyond entertainment. Anyway, here’s Roger and his family….His beautiful wife Marie and his two great kids, Max and Ashley.

1. Roger, you began your passion for all things cruising at a young age, can you tell us about your life at sea. This may seem like a long story, but I really am shortening it. I grew up in Miami Beach, and liked to cruise with my parents. When I was 15, we took a cruise on a German ship, the Boheme, and I asked the Captain that since I’d be 16 in June, if I could work onboard during my summer vacation from High School. He said yes, so I got excited about working at sea. As summer approached, I tried to get in touch with the German Captain, but he was no longer with the line, so they basically told me to get lost. At this point, I was still 15, didn’t have a driver’s license, and was determined to get a job on board. I used to ride my bike to the port, and go ship to ship looking for a job. It was a different world back then. I could actually ride my bike on the pier, lean it against the crew gangway, and go on every ship. I think the ships’ department heads were getting tired of seeing me every week, so I was finally offered a job on either the Southward, which at the time was the newest ship in the world, and the Mardi Gras, which at the time was new to Miami and the biggest ship to ever sail from the Port of Miami, but an older ship. There was something about the Mardi Gras that I still can’t explain, so I joined Carnival in June 1972 as a Bar Waiter. (I lied about my experience). I must have done a good job, since they let me come onboard whenever I had time off from High School and College (go Gators!). In 1975 & 1976, whenever I could get off school, I was with Sitmar Cruises on the Fairsea and Fairwind as a Cadet Purser. In 1977, I sailed as Tour Manager on a Greek Ship the Ithaca in the Mediterranean, but then later in 1977, when I returned to Miami, I saw the Mardi Gras, and realized my heart was there. I then rejoined Carnival as a Cadet Purser while still in college. I transferred back and forth between the Mardi Gras and Carnivale, then joined the Festivale for the start up in 1978. In 1979, I was promoted to Chief Purser on the Festivale, and continued to move between the three Carnival ships. In 1983, I became Executive Chief Purser (the position is now called Hotel Director) on the Tropicale, and in 1985, brought the Holiday out from the shipyard in Denmark.

2. Know you find yourself in the Miami Office and one of the most respected and knowledgeable people in the business. What areas have you been responsible for during your shore side Career. I’ve really had the chance to be involved in most areas of vessel operations. I set up our original Hotel Manager position, have done itinerary planning, new port selection and set up, relations with government and port authorities, contracts for port development, shore excursions, new ship start-ups, the Purser and Housekeeping departments, entertainment and activities, including setting up our own fully in-house production show organization, planning and design of new vessels, as well as pretty much everything else, except food & beverage and technical operations.

3. Simple question, what is it about the sea and cruising that you love so much. I love ships and I love the sea. You just can’t beat the feeling of being in the middle of the ocean. I love taking a walk on deck every night before I go to sleep, and look at the sky from the darkest spot I can find on deck. I love the fact that you’re always moving. Even when you’re asleep, you’re still going somewhere. I love the adventure of being someplace different every day, with an entirely new group of guests each cruise. I love the crew, since all crewmembers, no matter what their reason for leaving home, all share the same sense of adventure. I could really go on and on about this!

4. We see from your answers to question number 1 that you have worked on some of our “older ” ships that are no longer with us. Today’s vessels are bristling with modern day technology. Is there anything you miss however from the older ships? As you could probably tell, the Mardi Gras holds a special place in my heart, but as much as I love the “older” ships, they really don’t compare to what we have now. Today’s cabins and public facilities are far superior to anything that we ever dreamed about in the past. If ships today were the same as in the past, cruising wouldn’t be one of the most popular vacation choices.

5. Over the years you have been responsible for many of the ships departments from Hotel to Entertainment. What has been the most rewarding program you have helped place on our ships. This is probably your toughest question. There are so many programs that I have helped initiate over the years, that it’s hard to narrow down, but I’ll go back to something that you and I have done together many times over the years. That’s the start-up of a new ship. There are thousands (millions?) of things that must happen when bringing a ship into service. Watching and being part of it all coming together is extremely exciting. I can’t think of much that beats the feeling on the first day that guests walk on board, and find that even though they are the newest ship in the world, everything is running as if the ship had been in service for years.

6. One of the many responsibilities you have is Entertainment. Later, I will be interviewing Kerry Stables our Director of Production Entertainment but for now, why do you think Carnival offers the best all round shows, music and activities. I think we really try to give our guests what they want. Our entertainment team closely monitors guests likes and dislikes onboard, but beyond that (try not to feel too sorry for us), we all get out to see what’s happening in other entertainment venues in the US, and around the world. For our big production shows, we make sure we have the best scenery, costumes, music, lights, choreography and naturally performers in the business, but we don’t lose sight of the most important part of any show, the audience. I don’t have an entertainment background, but I’ve been an audience member my entire life, so when we have meetings to design our shows, I represent the audience. We also make sure we have tremendous variety in what we offer, besides for the production shows, we have great individual acts, as well as a tremendous variety of musicians. The bands we have range from our large orchestras, to our upbeat dance bands, to our talented jazz trios, to our classical string trios, to our sing along piano bars, etc., etc… As you know, we have great variety. I should also mention the craze of reality TV. People love to watch other people do things. Well we’ve been doing it for years, and call it audience participation. We don’t overdo it onboard, but anyone who has sailed with you knows how you can get people out of the audience, and get them to let out sides of their personality that they never knew they had. I have never heard louder laughter from an audience in my life as I do when you get guests up on stage!

7. What one personal achievement have you been proud of more than any other during your career in the cruise industry? I realize that the success of Carnival Cruise Lines is not a personal achievement for any one person, but I do feel that I’ve played a part in that success. I was proud of Carnival when we had one ship, and continue to be proud of Carnival now that we part of an 80+ ship family. I know it appears that I’ve been around a long time, but I did start young. This hopefully means that I have a long time left in my career to continue to contribute and grow with Carnival.

8. Tell us how you met your wife Marie. I was Hotel Manager and Marie was a dancer on the Holiday in 1992. We weren’t seeing each other, but we got to be best friends. Late in 1992, we were both on vacation in England, so we got together, borrowed your car (no, it wasn’t an Aston Martin or a Bentley, but it was a pretty fast sports car), and our relationship grew from there. Some of our Senior Management may remember the Fascination inaugurals in 1994 when Marie was a dancer. One of the numbers in the show was the Marilyn Monroe song, Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend. She would always look for me in the audience to sing it to me (hint, hint), and I would always hide. Anyway, she convinced me she was right, and we were married in 1995. We now have a seven-year-old son Max, and a five-year-old daughter Ashley, and we live in Miami Beach.

9. When you were a bar waiter can you remember the price of any specific drinks? I can remember the drink prices in 1972 better than I can remember today’s prices. Domestic beer was 50¢, and imported beer was 60¢. Mixed drinks were 75¢, with premium brands at 85¢. I have an original bar menu, that I’ll send to you when I dig it out of my archives.

10. And finally, you have your own ship and are in charge of manning it with famous people alive or not, please fill in who would hold each position.

CAPTAIN Since you’re also a Star Trek fan, I was going to say Captain Kirk, but the comfort of his guests was not always his top concern. I’d have to say Captain Stubing (Princess is in the family, so they shouldn’t mind). He always personally cared about his guests and crew.

CHIEF ENGINEER – MY SON MAX…………HE LOVES TO FIX THINGS EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT BROKEN

MAITRE D…………..My daughter Ashley – she is so beautiful and so loving she would be the perfect host

LEAD DANCER – OK, maybe she doesn’t fall into the famous category, but I have to say my wife Marie. I could never take my eyes off of her when she was on stage.

CRUISE DIRECTOR - Now that you’re approaching a half million hits on your blog thingy, you fall into the famous category, so I would choose you. Guests who have sailed with you know the atmosphere that you create, but I think your readers have gotten to know you even better. They know that you are concerned with every aspect of the cruise, and that you really sincerely do care about everyone’s feelings and enjoyment of their vacation experience.

What a great interview and my thanks to Roger I am sure is shared by all the bloggers.

Heidi launched a surprise attack on me yesterday. As I told you I was supposed to go to the Supper Club on Tuesday night but because of all the show changes we could not go. I was in the dog house for a few hours but then, rather more quickly then than usual I was out again. I put this down to my boyish charm and stunning good looks but I should have known better as I was about to be attacked by stealth technology.

As I was getting ready for bed Heidi said “It’s a shame we couldn’t go to the Supper Club” to which I agreed and reminded her that the show schedules for the rest of the cruise would not allow me to do so. The attack then continued but was heavily disguised under the cover of that girly voice that women put on and also her big cocker spaniel eyes peering at me from under the Duvet. ” Maybe we could go out in one of the ports next week”……………I agreed that that would be a good idea…….then as I reached for the toothbrush, the attack entered it’s final phase …… “really, can I choose the restaurant?”……………..Now remember, it’s 1:00am, I have just finished a day that included a one hour morning show, a travel talk on three ports, a 45 minute Q & A, The Marriage Show, three meetings with guests, paperwork, phone calls, two shows and a three hour blog…………….I was tired, my shields were down and on full automatic mode I said ‘”yes, you can choose the restaurant”………….”Good,” she said, sitting up in bed her eyes changing from a cute cocker spaniel to those of an axe-wielding maniac. “We are going to Harry’s Bar in Venice.” ………..I shot my mouthful of Colgate over the mirror and looked at her ready to tell her there was no way but then I realized that I had been subject to an attack that only a woman can plan and execute and as the realization set in that the battle and the war was lost all I could think about was the 57 euro plate of Risotto that would be her spoils of war.

I wanted to cry, but I didn’t, only three things make me cry.

a. When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
b. The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
c. Wrecking your bosses Bentley Continental GTC after he says “take it for a spin”

I think however, there may be a fourth……when I see the bill at Harry’s

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Constantinople is a very long word, how do you spell it? I T

Did you ever do that joke at school…………….nope……………….OK probably just me then………Anyway, hello from the former Constantinople or Istanbul as it is known today.

It was a beautiful day, hot, but not scorching as it was in Rhodes and probably will be in Athens as well. Heidi and I went off the ship and did an inspection on the meeting points which are the areas where people meet to take the shuttle bus service back to the ship. I must say that in Dubrovnik this system needs major surgery but in Istanbul the system is flawless and runs as smooth as any operation I have seen.

We sent 2,300 people on ship purchased tours today and everyone I spoke to was enthralled by this enchanting city.

So, with that in mind, here are some of Heidi’s photos.

1. The Blue Mosque at sunset – The Blue Mosque is the only one in Istanbul with six minarets, all the others have four.

2. The Hagia Sofia – You must see this place one day, it is indescribable.

3 The Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.

I hope you are enjoying these beautiful photos which have been taken by Heidi and Jamie and Lloyd, from the entertainment staff.

The continuing saga of entertainment mishaps has continued. First, we had Richard Gauntlett who arrived at the ship without luggage and props. This meant that I had to replace his show with another entertainer, who luckily was already on board. This meant I had to request an extra entertainer who would need to fly into Istanbul. This was arranged with the office and our agent in London and we expected a comedy juggler to arrive in Istanbul. However, this act was getting off a Princess ship in a port in Italy before flying to join us in Istanbul but due to the late arrival of the Princess ship, he missed his flight. Are you still with me?…….WAKE UP! The story continues. I then had to get on the phone in Turkey and ask for another entertainer who could arrive to the vessel today. This was arranged and a new act who would perform a “Rat Pack Tribute” would arrive to the ship at 2:30pm. Brilliant! Then at 1:00pm, our agent Jonathan Blackburn, called my cell phone (which by the way I have to pay for) to tell me that the entertainer had ……..guess what……………..yep, you guessed it, missed his flight. I was told he would take a later flight, which should get him to the ship before the ship sailed at 8 pm. He arrived at 7:30pm. The story continues, because now, the singer needs a two-hour rehearsal with the band before he performs the show at 10:30 pm. This meant that I would have to move all the activities from the main lounge to the aft lounge to allow for the rehearsal to continue. Go and have a cup of coffee and I will continue the story in 10 minutes.

OK, I am back.

Let’s carry on. Now moving activities and changing shows is a big thing because all the printed material (The Capers) are now wrong so I had to make announcements and ask the maitre d’s to do the same in the dining rooms. Then, position staff at the six entrances to the lounge to make sure people know what is happening. Finally, I then have to go out on stage, introduce the act that all though most people know is different to the one advertised I know that there are some who missed the announcement and will now be wondering why they are listening to “Fly Me To The Moon” instead of watching someone juggle and tell jokes. All in all it was a trying day but one that as flying anywhere gets more complicated and more flights are delayed a day that I and all Cruise Directors will no doubt face again and again. Just though I would share that story with you.

The result of this was also NO SUPPER CLUB for Heidi so I am once again back in the Dog House.

Today, while having lunch at our favorite restaurant in Istanbul Heidi and I were approached by the wonderful statement “I don’t mean to bother you………..but” from a very sunburned lady. I asked what I could do for her and said it was no bother (even though it was as my mouth was stuffed having taken a huge bite of my shish kebab) and the lady unperturbed by the fact that I was splattering her with pieces of freshly slaughtered lamb (my apologies to the vegetarians, oh, by the way, it was smoked lamb, so my apologies to missingthesmokefreeparadise) and proceeded to tell me how upset she was and I needed to listen.

Before I continue, I am sharing this with you not to have you all defend me, which I appreciate so very much, but as this blog continues, to continue to pass on what really happens and that includes the comments from unhappy guests. So, this lady was extremely upset with the movie that I had played the previous night on the Seaside Theatre big screen on Lido deck. The lady said that she had to leave because of a (nudity scene) which had upset her so much that she needed to tell me how disgusted she was that Carnival will play and I quote “pornographic material.”

Now, I will tell you all about the movie in a moment, however, because I wanted to investigate her claim and make sure I had all the evidence I apologized, took her cabin number and told her I would contact her once I was back on board.

This was not the real reason, as I already knew the movie and the scene she refers to, the reason I wanted her to leave because my lamb kebab was getting cold and I didn’t not want that lamb to die for nothing (again, apologies for the vegetarians).

OK, the movie she was referring to is National Lampoons European Vacation which is a classic American comedy which is enjoyed each cruise by hundreds of guests who laugh out loud at the antics of the Griswald family during their trip to Italy, France and other destination that this ship calls on. The scene she is referring to is a brief, and I mean brief, as in half a second glimpse of a pair of breasts which are covered so quickly you need to have bionic vision to see them fully. Here is the official rating which I have slapped on directly from the Internet.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo Director: Amy Heckerling Rating P.G. 13

This rating is also listed in the Carnival Capers and movie description. So, I called the guest and the guest said that she was horrified and that she is sure that I will receive “hundreds of complaints.” She is correct, just 99 short….. Seriously, I did apologize and told her that the National board of movie ratings had given it at parental guidance for anybody under 13 to watch, however, I apologized if she was offended and hoped that she could put this behind her and to enjoy the rest of her cruise.

I forgot to mention that we are showing the new James Bond movie “Casino Royale” tomorrow night and that she maybe shaken and stirred by the sight of Daniel Craig in a very tight pair of Speedos.

Here are today’s letters from “In Their Own Words” section. This includes a letter I received from a guest who went through a traumatic experience before coming on board. I will be talking to her tomorrow.

Talking of eating, well, I wasn’t but I will now…I have had a craving for the last few days for a Nathan’s hotdog. A friend of mine is in New York and promised to have one in my honor; however, this particular avenue of pleasure was closed off by a salad eating healthy person.

My two fingers are in the air and ready to start their dance across the keyboard as we begin today’s Q & A:

STORMIN’ NORMAN – I am really happy you enjoyed the interview with Bob Dickinson. The dedication he showed to Carnival Cruise Lines will now continue in his crusade to combat homelessness in Miami. Hopefully one day soon, we get to talk and to continue your Australian theme, Heidi and I wish you a BONZA day.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Heidi and I have been thinking of you and your dad, I am glad he is out of hospital and I am sure he will be blessed with continuing health and with his sons’ help he will learn to walk again. On a happier note, it’s good to hear that you are considering a European cruise and yes, you may see George Hamilton. I see him in all the ports and I am sure that was him in Naples as only he can transmit a tan glare strong enough to blind me through a pair of binoculars. Once again, he had a brunette on his arm……..she wasn’t as tanned as he was. You mentioned your neighbor lost his luggage and it certainly is something that is happening more and more. This cruise many guests have answered my appeal for spare clothes and it has been great to see. Later this week I will be posting an interview with our chief purser, who will explain a little bit more about the process of what happens once luggage is reported missing. Wishing you and your father continued blessings.
JENN – Congratulations on getting the anagrams correct. I am going to stop those for a while and we will do some more in the weeks to come. The low-carb diet is indeed difficult on both of us although Heidi has learned to keep a can of “Oust” spray near her at all times. I am glad also that yesterday’s blog cheered you up and if you are ever feeling down I hope I continue to make you smile. Having a difficult boss makes your life at work difficult I am sure but try not to let her get you down and as I often do in these situations the kinder and happier you are in the work place, the more frustrated your boss will be and eventually she will have no choice but to become affected by your smile and she too may change her outlook on life. Wishing you all the best and remember “always look on the bright side of life.”
TAMI STARR – First of all, welcome home and Heidi is grateful for the kind words you have written about her. Secondly, I am horrified that the Carnival employee you spoke to gave you so much wrong information about the cruise and what you could and could not do. Some of it, like not having blow dryers in the room is terrible. I am going to ask ROGER BLUM to forward your comments to the right people in Miami so we can educate our staff in what is and is not allowed on board. ACTUALLY, A THOUGHT, ROGER, MAYBE WE COULD ENCOURAGE OUR FRIENDS IN RESERVATIONS, SALES, ETC. TO READ THE BELOW AS IT DOES GIVE SO MUCH INFORMATION, NOT JUST ABOUT THE CARNIVAL FREEDOM BUT ABOUT THE COMPANY IN GENERAL AS WELL AS IMPORTANT FEEDBACK FROM THE GUESTS………………….WHAT DO YOU THINK?
I believe one of the problems is that the company has gotten so big so quickly that maybe we are not passing on the information well enough from the ship to the folks in the office and this must and will improve. Let’s start by getting as many of them to read this blog as possible and hopefully by underlining various points, the next time they are asked a question the words “I don’t know ” will not be heard.
Let’s see what Roger can do to assist with this, I will let you know. You also mentioned how useful this blog was in obtaining information before the cruise and that you wish one was available for every ship in the fleet. I want to stress to all of you that I am here to give any information you need on any of our ships or ports of call and even if necessary I can find out the answers to questions regarding our sister companies such as Princess, Holland America etc. It sounds to me as though you and your family have so many memories to
look back on with great happiness except your experience on the Pisa by Trolley tour. Tami, I wish you and your family all the best for the future and please keep reading the blog and I will always be here for you.
SUSAN B – Susan, it is very kind of you to be concerned about me being paid to do these blogs. I know that at the end of the year Carnival will do the right thing by me. Whether that is in money form or by presenting me with a brand new Aston Martin. Heidi and I are now singing “Love Me Tender ” and practice for our next tendering port in Dubrovnik. Let’s hope it goes better than last time as I was so mad at myself because of the lines even though it was out of our control. If things don’t work out at the end of the year, consider yourself hired as my public relations manager. All the best.
BIG ED – The labels on the bathrobes that says one size fits all are indeed talking nonsense. And I can understand your resolve in getting this changed. We also need to increase our stock of larges clothing sizes in our on board shops. I am working hard on this and if you take the bloggers cruise, I will personally buy you a bathrobe that fits.
BIG ED WAS IN HIS CABIN, CARNIVAL’S BATHROBE MADE HIM LOOK SO SILLY
MRS. BIG ED CAME IN AND SAID, ” DO IT UP, I CAN SEE YOUR …….”
Working on it mate…..
Thank you for your poem, have you thought any more about the bloggers cruise?
Ahhhhhh…..now I understand. The lady with the long stretchy thing whose picture I posted was using it in the casino for her player bankcard. Thanks for the insight, see, there are things that even I don’t know after 20 years.
JO MYERLY – Your request has been noted and this will be part of my conference call on Thursday. Thank you also for the great movie suggestions, I have already ordered Indiana Jones. Thanks as always Jo.
VALENTIN 10 – Thank you for the congratulations, I appreciate it very much and I hope now you have discovered the blog, you will keep reading it.
JTODDINMAN – Thank you for the link that you slapped on about Bob Dickinson and in particular his work with CAMILLUS HOUSE. Bob is indeed a special a special person and how fortunate we are to have one in the same with our new President Mr. Cahill. You asked about Carnival’s charity work which is present and on going and much of this is in partnership with the United Way. You have given me a great idea for a guest blog where we can discuss charity work with some people from Carnival’s main office. On a personal note, Heidi and I work with a company in the UK and Holland that sponsors children and orphans from Africa which we hope to continue for many years. Thank you as always for your comments and all the best.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I am so happy that you are enjoying the photos and I am sorry one of the letters made you cry but I understand why. I am looking forward to seeing the photos from the Male Nightgown Contest ………….I think. Sounds to me that if you ever give up your day job you could be a travel agent. Have you ever thought about that? Often the best travel agents are people who just love cruising and enjoy sharing their experiences with others. You fit that description perfectly. Just a thought. Heidi is well, thank you for asking. We both send our best to you.
FABIAN AND THAIS – Heel hartelijk dank voor de suggesties voor de films voor de Splendor. Ik zal er zoveel mogelijk proberen te bestellen. Onze allerbeste wensen voor jullie beiden.
AYR – Great to hear from you. We miss you too! Things are not the same without you here. For the rest of the bloggers, Ayr was our backstage manager who left for a well-deserved vacation. Keep in touch. The best to you and your family from us both.
DWA76 – I am glad you enjoyed the interview with Mrs. Dickinson and also the photos from the top of Naples. The two ladies in Rhodes arguing about the fur was indeed interesting and while I understand there believes on animal cruelty, some of which I share, I agree with you that while in a foreign country they should respect the rights of the people that live there. I am glad that you are enjoying the blog; it is certainly something that I am continuing to enjoy writing.
NANETTEALI – I asked Tina for her e-mail address and at the moment she does not have one, however, she did want me to pass on her best regards to you and especially she mentioned how much fun your children were every night at dinner. Every time I see your name I smile. I will be in the Caribbean at some point and if I am lucky enough to come to San Juan, of course, we shall meet. Grasy arse para todos.
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – A guest interview about provisions will be forthcoming from an expert. I am happy to see my steak on my plate every night but have no idea where it comes from…………..well I know it comes from a cow, but I mean where on the ship. Great idea, look out for that down the road.
BILL (ZYDECOCRUISER) – Just read your posting ribs, steak, that’s one rotisserie that I will be visiting every day. Everything has gone quiet on the AJ front and I am letting things take their natural course over the next few weeks. If I hear nothing then I will start making a play to have CZJ as Godmother. Great to hear from you Bill, as always.
SHERIFF ROSCOE P. COLTRANE – Haven’t seen a posting from you for a while, just wanted to make sure that the bad guys weren’t running there moonshine during your watch. Heidi and I were talking about how long ago it seems that you were both here. Let me know that you are OK.
PAM – Your Supper Club reservation is confirmed. Bon Appetit!
MELISSA – I am happy to tell you that your supper club reservation is confirmed as well. Try the porterhouse.
TON AND ANGELIQUE VISSER – Great to hear from you. When your son is ready to apply for a job on board, I suggest first of all he reads the information which can be found on our website www.carnival.com and at the bottom of the page, click on the word jobs. Working as a chef on the ship is very rewarding however, very different to working on land. I would suggest that when your son is ready, that you let me know and I will direct him to the person in charge of hiring our chefs so let me know when you can. It was great having you on board. Groeten van ons beiden.
BRYAN – Thank you also for your appreciation for Mr. Dickinson. I know he is still reading this blog and is very grateful for everybody’s kind words. You asked about mail, which is send directly to the address I posted so hopefully I will receive a card from you soon )
Thanks mate, keep reading the blog thingy.
TIM KRIEBEL – Tim, first of all we all salute you for your many years of service as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Also, your kind words of how Carnival Cruise Lines offers discounts to serving military personnel were so beautifully written. I forwarded them to Mr. Dickinson as you had addressed them directly to him and this was his reply.
John, we are very proud of our military rates as a small way Carnival can recognize the fine efforts of the folks who protect our Country. Bob
I am sure Mr. Cahill will be continuing these special rates and once again, we salute you and all serving personnel and it will be our honor to host them aboard one of our “Fun Ships.”
DOROTHE CALIMBAS – Glad you enjoyed the photos from Venice, maybe one day you will visit this romantic city as part of a Carnival cruise. More photos will follow each day and thank you as always for writing.
LISA BISTA – You are indeed excited, I can tell, so hurry up and get here and have a safe flight.
DAVID – Hi David. Did we ever work together? Thank you for your inside into your job as a lighting technician and as I know from here, your job is very skilled and sometimes overlooked in the grand scheme of things. I take it also that you work for Royal Caribbean — don’t be shy, I won’t throw myself overboard at the mere mention of our friendly rivals. Who is your cruise director? Please pass on my best regards to him/her and maybe he/she can have a read of the blog and we can communicate. I wish you all the best mate and if you ever want to come back for us, please let me know.
LORI – Now I understand. The marriage renewal that you have booked is at your discretion as far as what time the service starts. May I suggest that the service begins at 7 pm and we make 8 pm Supper Club reservations for your 16 people. I would suggest this be done on the second formal night, toward the end of the cruise. If you want, I can go ahead and arrange the time, lounge and the supper club, so just let me know and of course if our schedule permits, Heidi and I would be honored to join you for the ceremony. My best to you all.
KICIASKI – Thank you for your note of gratitude for Bob and I am sure that Mr. Cahill will be as popular within the industry as he continues to build on the foundations that Bob has laid. Isn’t it a small world? There you are in Paris in a department store and you meet people who were on the Carnival Freedom. So, you will be home by the time you are reading this and hopefully the weather in Chicago will welcome you warmly. I have not been keeping an eye on the prices for the Carnival Splendor, however, hopefully you will find them competitive and you will book at least one of the routes. I am sure you and George will have so many memories of the last few weeks and Heidi and I are privileged to be a part of them. Please let us know that you got home safe.
KATE – The square I was referring to was Fells Point. My friends and I had a wonderful time and if I wasn’t married and if Heidi wasn’t sitting here with me, I would tell you all about it.
You asked for suggestions for a reunion group and which destinations would be best. Without knowing the demographics of the group, this is not easy to answer, however, I think a Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Triumph from Miami which includes the new HOT destination of Grand Turk, may be the answer. Will you let me know a little bit more about the group itself and I will be able to help you further. Let me know what questions you have and we will find the right cruise for you.
VICKY – You are the first person to write a review on the movie HAIRSPRAY. The activities we are holding on board across the fleet are very popular and all of us now want to see the movie. I have forwarded your review to our marketing department for their review.
Thanks again and I can’t wait to see John Travolta in this movie.
BONNIE AND PRINCE CHARLIE – Big robes will be coming. If we don’t get them then myself, Big Ed, my mate Alan and Prince Charlie will protest without robes or anything else in the lobby. It should be quite a sight. How are the leaves?
PAUL F. PITRANGELO – Paul, it is wonderful to read all the glowing tributes toward Bob Dickinson. I am sure he is reading them now and they are a testament to his long and successful career. I am glad you found the information on strobe lighting useful and more importantly, I am glad you are relaxed in the knowledge that our show lighting will cause you no ill health. Heidi and I send you our kindest regards, hope to hear from you soon.
CYRIL AND SYLVIA BERNSTEIN – Your supper club reservation has been confirmed. Try the surf and turf.
BARB HARMON NUMBER 1 BEAR – Brilliant joke. Heidi laughed very hard, as did I. Here is one for you.
Juan & El Big Eddo worked together and both were laid off, so they went to the unemployment office.
When asked his occupation, Juan answered, “Panty Stitcher. I sew da elastic onto ladies’ cotton panties.”
The clerk looked up Panty Stitcher. Finding it classified as “unskilled labor,” she gave him $300 a week unemployment pay.
El Big Eddo was asked his occupation. “Diesel Fitter,” he replied. Since diesel fitter was a skilled job, the clerk gave Juan $600 a week.
When El Big Eddo found out he was furious. He stormed back into the office to find out why his friend and coworker were collecting double his pay.
The clerk explained, “Panty stitchers are unskilled and diesel fitters are skilled labor”
“What skill?!” yelled Juan. “I sew the elastic on da panties, El Big Eddo puts dem over his head and says: ‘Yeah, diesel fitter.’”
All the best. Keep the jokes coming.
HOTLANTA – Welcome home Betty and thank you again for the candy. I was sorry to hear about the lady that fell in Rome and broke her foot. Please send her our best regards. You asked if you can still order a DVD from the cruise but unfortunately we do not keep the master copies after the cruise is over, something that we really must change. I am very sorry. I am glad you are enjoying your 14-carat gold plastic trophy and next time I hope you and your Philadelphia family will cruise with us again. Until then, please keep reading the blog.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OUR OFFICE IN MIAMI THAT THE WEB CAM IS NOT WORKING. I AM TOLD THIS IS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SERVER ALTHOUGH WHY THEY ARE BLAMING A WAITER, I DON’T KNOW. ANYWAY, PLEASE BEAR WITH US; THIS WILL BE REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

RUS AND NINA FRANKLIN – As you can see from the above message, I have just discovered about the web cam not working. The boffins back in Miami are working on this as we speak and hopefully normal service will be resumed very soon. You also asked about the web site link for Platinum card membership, I am not sure if there is a direct link to this, however I am checking now and will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have not heard back from me about this in three days, please remind me again. Hope you are both well and I will talk to you soon.
THOMAS AND JEANETTE TURNIPSEED – First of all, is this your real name or do you just have a turnip fetish? ) Anyway, I am glad to confirm your supper club reservation has been confirmed……try the Turnip Soup.
HEIDI-BETH AND KEVIN – Saying that you feel like part of the Carnival family means a lot to us all. Carnival prides itself on still being a family-oriented company even though we continue to grow bigger each and every day. Thank you for pointing out how wonderful your Personal Vacation Planner Mike Alvira is and I have passed your words of congratulations up the chain of command. Please keep laughing and sharing in these blog experiences and best wishes from us both.
LINDA HERNACKI – How are you and Mike? Heidi and I had a wonderful wedding day and even though I joke about the bill, it was a fantastic day. The next time I get married though, I think I will let the bride pay. ) Do you remember how Mike proposed to you?
RAY Mc Teague – Goodness me, Heidi and I are in awe of you. You were honeymooners on the Carnivale in 1979 and you are still cruising together now. It is also amazing to meet people who have traveled as much as you have yet have never lost a suitcase. You must have the luck of the Irish on your side. I remember the cruise you took on the Carnival Liberty and I hope like me, you have many wonderful memories of our Grand Med voyage together. I know it takes a lot of time to read each blog, so I appreciate so much the fact that you do so. Continued best wishes to you and your wife.
JUDI – Welcome home Judi and hope the city of Chicago is not too windy. They should name our cabin that, not Chicago, but the windy cabin especially with the diet I am on. I passed on your thanks to your dining room staff who were thrilled to hear from you and I also forwarded your comments about them to the maitre ‘d. Sorry that the volume on the Lido deck was too loud for you; I will monitor this very carefully. There are places where, if you sit directly under a speaker, it is indeed very loud but I will be checking this evening. So, until the next time you sail, I hope this blog will keep you entertained and I wish you all the best.
KERSPLOTT – I see we are having trouble with the anagram. FENCE HINGE IRE which as I see you got eventually was chief engineer. If you thought it was making your brain hurt, try and thinking of them…that’s why I have stopped them for a while. However, as we have 49 days together (hopefully) on the Carnival Splendor, I will do an anagram for you every day and of course I will reserve a chair for you, that’s the least I can do.
MAXWELL 1100 – Glad to hear that you are still enjoying the blog and of course Heidi and I would love to come to your Cruise Critic get together on the first sea day, so please remind me a couple of days before you cruise. I will not be able to join you for the one on the first day as I have my Welcome Aboard talk at the same time at 4:30 pm. Can’t wait to meet you and as always it brings a smile to my face knowing I have so many Cruise Critic friends joining me. See you in a few months.
VICKY AND MATT TILL – Vicky, everybody seems very excited about the Spa cabins on the Carnival Splendor. I wait for further information myself and as soon as I get it I will pass it directly to you and the other bloggers. Where is Matt? Haven’t heard from him for a while.
DAWN AND ALAN – You will soon be here for your sixth Carnival cruise and I will book the supper club as you requested however, as you were not specific for a date and time, I have booked it for the middle of the cruise, on the second sea day at 8 pm. I hope this is OK. Please confirm yes or no and can you also include your sir name or cabin number. Thank you for your kind words about the Carnival crew, who are all standing by to make cruise number six the best ever.
BONNIE AND PRINCE CHARLIE – Thank you very much for the inside of into my blog figures, I still do not quite understand what it all means, but I do know that I am very proud to have you all read my ditherings every day. If you are going to pay me $20 that would equal about 5 pounds Sterling right now, so I think I will wait for the dollar to be stronger. Is there anything Charlie can do about that???
BIG ED – Great plan. Heidi and Mrs. Ed go shopping, you and I go to a nude beach. It’s the stuff dreams are made off.
MRS. MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE – Your insight to the trans-Atlantic cruise is spot on however, I still have no idea what November will bring, I just hope one of them is an Aston Martin. As far as the seats by the pool are concerned, I still think common courtesy dictates waking up to reserve a sunbed two or three hours before you intend to use it, is wrong. Just my opinion. I believe it is a different scenario on the tour buses but apparently having spoken to many of the tour operators, staying in the same seat for the entire tour is standard. What is your opinion?
RUTH JAMISON – Yes indeed, shopping in the Grand Bazaar is something quite extraordinary. Yesterday, I was very close to inserting my foot in a shopkeeper’s bottom when he started to rub my stomach asking if there was a genie inside. If there had have been, one of my three wishes would have been for him to go away very quickly taking all 40,000 people who work there with him. That place is a great advert for Advil, however, you have to see it. Glad you enjoyed your dinner at the supper club and I hope you will now be a regular reader at the blog – thingy.
BIG ED – Great letter to Mr. Cahill and I can tell you that things are really moving in the XXXXXXXXXXXL direction
BIG ED WAS TRYING ON HIS BATHROBE, IT REALLY WAS A FARCE
IT MAY HAVE COVERED HIS STOMACH, BUT YOU COULD CLEARLY SEE HIS………………..ANKLES.
TERRI 910 – I am glad this blog can magically take you on a flying carpet ride back to Izmir and Istanbul. It was an honor to have you on board.
DAWN – You certainly will get a better rate from your own bank at home than changing Euros here on board. You can also use your ATM card in most of the ports of call. I hope this is useful.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – You have just made me very happy captain when you tell me that the hit rate for this blog is “outstanding.” What a fantastic story you shared with us from the airlines, if you have any more, I would love to hear them. When was the last time you flew a plane? Please also let me know how your dad is doing. Thanks mate.
BRYAN – Bryan, all I can say is Thank You. It is great to know that this humble blog is doing so well and yes, although I don’t want to blow my own trumpet (actually, I play trombone, my dad plays trumpet), guess Heidi and I are quite proud of ourselves. Thanks again Bryan.
KATHY RITENOUR – I am happy to confirm that your supper club reservation has been made………try the French Onion Soup.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – It’s amazing how many people come close to missing the ship as you experienced recently. I really didn’t mean to upset my friends from the Jehovah’s Witness and felt really guilty that I had not checked to see that they were on board. Oh well, I actually have a very rare photo of a Jehovah’s Witness inside a house!………sorry, that was terrible. Thanks mate, hope you enjoy today’s blog.
IVERNON – Congratulations, how fantastic, you are going to South America on the Carnival Splendor, which means you are confirmed before I am. Hopefully, I will get to join you. Thank you for admitting your addiction to the blog and I agree, I think the Bloggers Cruise would be the perfect scenario for Mr. Cahill to join us on board. Congratulations again, and Heidi and I hope to see you in South America.
DOTTIE – You mentioned that after reading the blog, you are considering coming back to Carnival. Where did you go? And why did you leave? I will be very interested to know. If you do come back and as you miss the Male Nightgown Contest so much, I will even bring that back, just for you. I wait to hear from you and I am very happy that you have found the blog.
ROBERT – Hello mate, I can’t believe you are writing to me while you are on board the ship and how brilliant to hear that you are enjoying yourself so much. The photo I put of you on the Morning Show is now famous across the ship and it’s also brilliant that you are a blog reader. Please send me the picture of you and your brother and I will call you in your cabin soon.
CINDY – Did the passports come? Please let me know. Unfortunately the Exclusive Vatican Tour is not available on 22 July as the Pope is in residence. Please leave me a note when you arrive at the Information Desk so that I and send you a Welcome Aboard gift. Have a safe flight.
LEASA – I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the interview with Andy and Sue. They are a great couple and yes, they were on the Carnival Liberty last year and I have passed your regards on to them both. I am glad the smile on your face is a result of you reading this blog and I hope there are many more smiles ahead for you.
PEG FORGOTCH – You asked how Heidi and I met. As my two fingers are very tired, can I refer you to Heidi’s blog Called “A Student, A Cruise Director and a Ship in Puerto Rico.” It certainly was the most important day of my life, which Heidi has certainly changed for the better. If you are considering the Bloggers Cruise, can I please persuade you? It will be a brilliant seven days and I will have further details after the conference call tomorrow. Please say hello to John and Jackson and I can see you do indeed have a thing for men called John.
KTMAE – I hope you read this in time, so that Heidi and I can wish you a safe flight. Please drop us a line, once on board. Thank you Katie and our best to Lori.
KERSPLOTT – Great idea to show March of the Penguins on the big screen for the Carnival Splendor cruise. Do you know, I have been so busy, I have not even looked to see what the weather will be like in Argentina in January. Anybody know? Anyway, if you keep reading the blog, I will keep writing them.
JAMES STOCKSTILL – James, thank you very much for this new information, which I had no idea about. I wonder if this is specific just to Atlanta? I understand the rules of not taking alcohol into the aircraft but surely there must be an opportunity to take it as checked luggage. Has anybody else had similar problems at other airports? I will look forward to welcoming you home in September and until then, leave this with me and I will investigate.
DEBRA HEHN – I can’t believe you found a snorkeling tour in Dubrovnik. It’s not something I have heard of before. Give it a go and let me know how it is, maybe we can add it to our shipboard tours. You asked which night to go to the supper club. I always like to go in the middle of the cruise, as it is always something to look forward to. Let me know if you would like to make a reservation and I will be here for you.
DAVE AND BARB – I see you have some questions about the trans-Atlantic cruise. Let me answer them for you.
1. There will be three formal nights on the Transatlantic Cruise. One in the beginning, one in the middle, one at the end
2. My vacation at the moment is not planned however, I do expect to be on board
3. I always try to type the questions as well as the answer however, it is not always possible as my two fingers are already reduced to bleeding stumps. I am sure you understand.
4. There are indeed tables for two in the dining room and you can certainly request it once on board, however, I would say, that eating for 14 days at a table for two maybe something you will regret. I am sure you and Dave love each other very much however, making new friends on a trans-atlantic will so enhance the cruise……just a thought.
5. I can indeed make a reservation for you at the Supper Club as it’s not too early, so please let me know when and at what time and include your sir name or cabin number and I will be happy to help you.
Can’t wait to meet you and please keep enjoying the blog.
JEANETTE TURNIPSEEP – I love that name… You asked if I could check if the Spa has yoga mats, the answer is yes, they are there for your use, the only problem is that I may be using them myself. If you need help with your Backward Dog or your Inside Twisted Snail, please let me know as I am a Yoga Master.
You can use your debit cards to obtain Euros, but this is not from on board, only ashore and you will need your 4-digit PIN code. Let me know if you need anything else (or a yoga lesson from me)

That is the end of today’s Q & A. Can I ask you all a question? How many of you read all the questions and answers? Just interested. I was forwarded a comment from Cruise Critic where some people said they thought the question and answered had got in the way of the rest of the blog, what do you all think?

Here then is today’s guest interview and I have great pleasure in introducing my friend and Captain of the Carnival Glory Salvatore Rassello.

1. Captain, please can you tell us about your life at sea from your schooldays to your current position and how you rose through the ranks at Carnival.

Before starting the sea life, I lived in the small Island of Procida, in the beautiful gulf of Naples (Italy). You can see the Island when the Carnival Freedom makes the approach to Naples, on your port side). The sea has always been part of my daily life since day one. My first ship was an old tanker sailing out of Galveston (TX) to various regions of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean in 1976. The life on board was awful, and I do not wish to go into details. The good thing was , that sailing in these areas, I had the chance to see my first cruise ship, I believe was the Mardi Gras or Carnivale , with all the lights on in the dark night. I was only a junior officer, and keeping asking the watch leader to get close to these ships, then getting my binoculars and trying to catch any small detail of these ships. Sometimes I could even hear, from the bridge wing, in the silent nights, the loud music of the Lido deck parties. On every vacation, I would call the recruiting agent for Carnival in Genova (Italy) and check on the possibility of getting me on one of these white ships. But no luck! My sea life continued on the cargo vessels, sailing around the world, where I rose to the rank of first officer until February 16, 1983, when I was called by the Carnival agent who offered me a position of third officer on the newest “Tropicale.” I thought I could not lose this chance, and I accepted the job, even with a lower rank and a cut in pay. I found it very challenging in the beginning, but in the same time very interesting. The days flew by and here I am now.

2. Today’s captains are very different not just because of the modern equipment but the huge amount of rules and safety regulations that are all your responsibility. Can you tell us something about what being a modern cruise ship Captain is all about?

I could say a lot about this but to main point is that to be a good captain you need a good crew. I always tell my crew the following: “You are going nowhere without me, but I cannot go anywhere without you.”

3. As we enjoy the hotel side of the ship with the shows, food and fun, we sometimes forget that there are always people who are “driving the ship.” Can you tell us something about how the bridge is manned and what hours the officers work?

We have three teams of professional Deck and Engine officers along with the ratings, who take care of the ship’s navigation when the Captain is not “conning.” The teams (two officers and two quartermasters) work four hours shift each (two shifts in a 24-hour period) with 10 hours of rest in between.

4. I know you and I are often asked “is it possible to see the bridge?” Can you explain why this is not possible anymore?

The bridge, like other restricted areas on board, is “off limits.” Since Sept. 11, 2001, we have requested by the authorities to increase security on board, just like the rest of the world.

I enjoyed the days when guests were allowed on the bridge.

5. I know you could talk forever about the modern state of the art equipment that can be found on our ships but is there one piece of equipment that has surfaced in the last five years which you consider has made your job easier or has really changed the way you navigate?

A good Italian Coffee machine! Just joking! Electronic Integrated Navigation system has definitely make my job and the deck officers’ easier. But I never detach and forget the old way we use to navigate when we did not have all these electronic equipment in our hands, and I always encourage the young officers to continue practicing the “old way,” in case the equipment may fail. The sextant is still on the bridge – and that one will never fail. To navigate a ship is not just to rely on a good piece of equipment, but is a complexity of things and considerations you need to take care of. Otherwise …. Have a nice day!!!

6. What has been your proudest moment as a Carnival Captain. Definitely when you are appointed to a brand new vessel. Following her construction since day one.

7. If I don’t ask this question I am sure the 440,000 bloggers will ask why? What has been the roughest seas you have had to take a ship through and can you describe the conditions.

One of the good qualities seamen must possess is a short memory when it comes to bad weather. Because unconsciously they know they may get another bad day in their life at sea. I’ve had many of those days, especially on the cargo ships. Answering your question now! The one I remember was the Hurricane Floyd, New York, 17 September 1999, 0000 UTC, Carnival Triumph, sailing to Halifax in the North Atlantic Ocean. Floyd was a large and intense Hurricane, which neared the threshold of category five, striking the east coast of United States, in particular North Carolina, into New England. The port Authority ordered me to depart, because the Hurricane was heading to Manhattan. Well, the hurricane was waiting for me outside Ambrose Light House, but it was too late and I had to deal with it. Not a good night folks, and no happy people on board, except one the New Yorker Pilot, who could not disembark the ship, and therefore he took, against his will of course, a free cruise. Weren’t you on board John?

8. When you are not wearing the Captain’s hat and your are on vacation, what are your favorite things to do. I cannot stay away from the water, so I love to go fishing.

9. If you could be Captain of any of the following which one would you choose and why.

1. ANGELINA JOLIE AND BRAD PITT’S PRIVATE YACHT

2. A YACHT SAILING IN THE AMERICAS CUP

Definitely the first option, perhaps, departing surprisingly early from ports, hoping that Mr. Pitt would “miss the ship.”

Thanks Captain. I hope we get to sail together again soon.

I see that some of you don’t agree with the naming of the Carnival Splendor’s Spa as Cloud 9. This is what I was told:

The contest was a huge success with more than 24,000 entries and after careful consideration, Cloud 9 Spa was selected as the top choice as it conveys the feeling of relaxation and pampering that guests will experience in this magnificent facility.

Therefore, it was chosen out of a field of finalists and I also looked up the definition of Cloud 9 and this is what I got.

Cloud 9 infers a state of euphoria

I guess that is everything you want a Spa to be and regardless of its name I know it will be an incomparable experience especially if they take my advice and put the rotisserie inside the gym.

Back to life on board and of course I must tell you about the Marriage Show today which always brings with it a great story. I asked for some honeymooners to come and tell me how their husbands to be proposed to them. I have been doing this for a long time and I thought I had heard some unusual ones until this one today.

Meet, this lady, Andrea Wiseman who has been married for three weeks to Brett, they are both from Atlanta, Georgia. Here is a photo of me on stage with Andrea.

Brett had done what many men before him had tried during a wedding proposal. He had taken the ring to the restaurant and had it placed inside Andrea’s favorite dessert, a piece of cheesecake. The cake was presented by the waiter and Brett was nervously waiting for her to dig into the luxurious piece of chocolate cheesecake and for her to exclaim” There Is Something In My Cake………..but she never did…………..Why, well because she had taken a huge first bite…….and swallowed it…….yep…she had swallowed a one-carat diamond ring set on white gold…………………she just said, that was a lumpy bit and swallowed again…….it was then that Brett realized what had happened. Panic took over and before she knew what was happening Andrea was being whisked off to the ER where X-Rays showed her ring lodged in her intestine. How was she going to get it out…………….yep…………..you guessed it……………………..she had to wait for mother nature to take its course, which it did 48 hours later.

The audience was crying with laughter as she told the story and of course I had so many different directions I could go to with this, it was a comedians dream. I asked her where she …….well………you know………..because she surely didn’t want to chance it going down the toilet…….so she went……….in a bucket…………..and I will leave the rest to your imagination !

Anyway, once the ring was restored back to its former glory Brett decided to propose straight away and as he did so he produced the ring wearing a pair of plastic gloves and had the ring in an empty packet of X Lax. The audience gave the story a standing ovation and that was certainly one for the book.

I wish them all the best and thank goodness Brett was cheap and only bought her a one carat, imagines if it had been a huge three-carat!

Andrea told the story so well and I wish her nothing but happiness……………after all………she has been through enough crap

It is show time know so I will talk to you all soon.

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi

Good Morning from Izmir, Turkey. Heidi and I have just finished disembarking 2,005 guests on tours and the rest of the guests are slowly disembarking the ship to explore on their own. We actually sold out of every tour for Ephesus as there is obviously a limit to the number of buses we can have here in this part of Turkey. Anyway, it is now 10:58am and as I have an hour before a meeting with the tour operator I thought I would relax a little by starting the next blog.It’s a hot one again with a temperature expected of 101 degrees so again the advice was water, sun cream and sun hats. Most of the tours include free bottled water and I asked the operator today to have all the guides continue to make sure they get the guests to drink lots of water especially at Ephesus where it gets even hotter.

I have taken a lot of supper club bookings for the Carnival Freedom via the blog and am very happy to do. However, if you are sailing on another Carnival ship and you wish to have me make a booking for you in the supper club I am also happy to do so as it will guarantee your preferred time and date to eat. Talking of the supper club, I am going tomorrow night with Heidi before I M.C. the show as it is the anniversary of the day we met. Heidi reminded me of this yesterday in a way only women can and the overtones in her voice suggested that I had better do something to celebrate the fact or else. I thought about taking her out for lunch in Istanbul but then I realized that may also involve the scenario of having to go shopping in the Grand Bazaar afterwards. That place is OK the first time you experience it but after that, it is hell on earth as people from everywhere shove carpets, bags, jewelry and other tempting purchases in my wife’s face. Heidi speaks six languages fluently but unfortunately she hasn’t learnt to say NO in Turkish and the result of this is me being broke and having to carry loads of bags back to the ship like a damn camel. Therefore, the tactician in me decided to be all romantic and offer Heidi dinner in the supper club which has put me well up in the pecking order of romantic studs when the real reason was of course its cheaper and more enjoyable than walking around the Grand Bazaar spending money on stuff that will spend the rest of its life hibernating like a bear…….. in the back of a cupboard………………whose a clever boy then?

Talking about the Grand Bazaar, here a few facts for you about this incomparable nest of vipers. Heidi is going to type this while I make go to my meeting

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi in Turkish) is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It was built of wood after the Conquest of Istanbul around an old Byzantine building which became the part of Old Bedesten (Old Bazaar) today, and got bigger and larger throughout the centuries with the addition of new sections and inns. The Bazaar initially consisted of two warehouses only, known as Inner Bedesten and Sandal Bedesten. Later on open streets were covered with doomed roofs, and separate buildings connected to each other. Today it covers an area of approximately 31,000 square meters with its over 3,000 shops (some even say 4,000), 17 inns (Han), 61 streets, over 20,0000 employees, four fountains, 10 wells, two mosques, several cafes and restaurants, change offices, a police station, and 22 gates. It resembles a giant labyrinth and can be a little complicated for the first-time visitor, but after a couple of visits there you can familiarize with it because streets are arranged almost on a grid plan, and shops tend to group themselves according to the type of goods they sell. I love shopping here as there are true bargains to be found. I know John hates it and I think its hilarious watching him huffing and puffing outside a shop waiting for me…..I love my camel. Back to John when he gets back.

Heidi

OK – I am back.

Here is the lucky winner of the NAME THE SPA CONTEST……………..SORRY BIG ED AND OTHERS

‘CLOUD 9 SPA’ SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 24,000 ENTRIES AS NAME FOR LUXURIOUS HEALTH CLUB ON NEW CARNIVAL SPLENDOR

Expansive 21,000-Square-Foot Facility to Offer Host of Innovations, Including Line’s First Spa Staterooms and Suites, Thalassotherapy Pool, Thermal Suite

MIAMI (July 16, 2007) – “Cloud 9 Spa” has been selected as the name for the luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and fitness facility aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, which is scheduled to launch the line’s first Northern Europe cruise program July 13, 2008.

The name was submitted by Gregg Harper of Aurora, Colo., as part of Carnival’s “Name Our Most Spectacular Spa” contest that attracted more than 24,000 entries.

For his creativity in naming the elaborate new facility, Harper will receive a complimentary cruise for two in one of Carnival Splendor’s exclusive spa suites, as well as complimentary spa services throughout the entire voyage.

“Carnival Splendor’s spa promises to be the most elaborate and luxurious at sea and the name ‘Cloud 9 Spa’ truly embodies the feeling of pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation that guests will experience within this spacious and modern facility,” said Christine Arnholt, Carnival’s vice president of marketing services.

Spanning the forward portion of two full decks with large picture windows providing panoramic views of the sea, Carnival Splendor’s “Cloud 9 Spa” will offer a host of innovations, including 68 exclusive spa staterooms and suites – a first for the line – accessible by a private elevator.

Also featured will be a soothing Thalassotherapy Pool covered by a glass dome and featuring heated ionized water and pulsating water jets, along with an elaborate Thermal Suite comprised of four climate-controlled rooms with varying degrees of warmth and coolness.

Guests who book the spacious spa staterooms and suites adjacent to the “Cloud 9 Spa” will receive a number of exclusive amenities and privileges, including unlimited access to the spa and its facilities, priority spa appointments with pre-cruise concierge consultation, use of special “Cloud 9 Spa” logo items such as bathrobes, towels and slippers during the cruise, and complimentary fitness classes. Custom-designed “Cloud 9 Spa” in-stateroom amenity items, as well as personal fitness bands and yoga mats, are also available for use during the cruise.

Seventeen private treatment rooms, including two VIP facilities just for couples, will serve as the venue for “Cloud 9 Spa’s” sophisticated and elaborate menu of soothing and exotic Asian, Middle Eastern, and European-style therapies. A post-treatment area where guests can relax on Asian-inspired beds amidst magnificent sea views will also be featured.

Rounding out the stunning facility will be a full gymnasium with expansive workout areas featuring the latest Lifecycle exercise equipment, including treadmills and weight training, stair climbing and rowing machines. A beauty salon with complete hair and nail services, a men’s barber/grooming area, teeth-whitening venues, and special areas for manicures and pedicures will also be featured.

Carnival Splendor will also offer a wide range of health-conscious dining options, including an extensive salad bar and 24-hour frozen yogurt in the Lido restaurant and gourmet-style selections in the main dining rooms that are lower in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Representing a new class of vessel for the line, Carnival Splendor is scheduled to debut from London (Dover) July 13, 2008, with a schedule of 12-day Northern Europe cruises – a first for the line. The ship will then sail on 12-day cruises to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles through October followed by a trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., positioning the vessel for a series of seven-day Caribbean voyages.

Carnival Splendor will then embark on a new series of 14- to 18-day South America cruises before redeploying to Long Beach, Calif., for year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages, continuing the expansion of the line’s West Coast operations.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival Splendor’s various European, Caribbean, South American and Mexican Riviera departures.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

And now, lets move on to some photos.

1. TWO PHOTOS OF THE ACROPOLIS AT LINDOS

2. THE KNIGHTS OF SAINT JOHN BUILT THESE WALLS THAT SURROUND RHODES, GREECE

3. LYNDOS AND THE VIEW FROM ABOVE THE VILLAGE

4. FISH AND CHIPS – THE SHOP, MY DAD AND THE PRODUCT, THE PRODUCT ON A PLATE (NOTE THE MUSHY PEAS) AND MY DAD EATING THEM.

Here is today’s “In Their Own Words” section.

Not too many Q & As today as I appear to have caught up over the weekend.

BIG ED (who else) – Mr. Cahill said he would consider sailing for a few days on the Bloggers Cruise if you and Mrs. Big Ed do as well.
We are going to Jamaica, Cayman and Cozumel
On the Bloggers cruise together, it’s going to be so swell
Big Ed’s not coming though and that really is too bad
I even offered to wash his draws, good grief I must be mad.
So please come Big Ed and bring your lovely wife along
And if you decide to say you will
I will dance for her in a thong
FRANK AND LYNDA HESTER – Welcome home to you both and thank you for checking out this humble blog. Also, a big thank you for the kind words about the ship, the staff and the shows. However, this swapping of seats seems to be something I have yet to get under control as it happened to you in Tuscany. I have since added this protocol to my travel talk and information as it seems to be something that this season I need to make clear.
As for Dubrovnik and the shuttle bus situation. I wish I could say that it has and will improve but that would not be the truth. The fact is that we are not allowed to put any of our staff to work there as per the countries laws. The shuttle buses are controlled and run by the local authorities and it is indeed badly organized. The problem is that there is little or no parking areas for today’s modern fleet of buses in a town that was built in the 15th century. I am sorry to say that the infrastructure can not handle the number of buses needed. Therefore, as we are not able to control them ourselves and not permitted to make any changes I am now advising guests to take a taxi back to the ship. It is a few Euros more expensive but if there are three or four people in a cab the cost is actually cheaper than the shuttle bus.
The problem is that I want everyone to see the beautiful town of Dubrovnik; it’s just a shame that getting there is not as easy as in other ports. On another note I have passed on your thanks and best wishes to Deepak and Greage in the dining room and of course also to Ken. I hope now you will become regular readers of the blog and wherever your next cruise takes you I hope if you need advice or need a smile you will know where to come. My best to you and the family.
ROSA HERNANDEZ – I wish I could have come home with you. Where is home? Anyway, thank you so much for the wonderful comments about your recent cruise on the Carnival Freedom. What was your favorite port? Please write soon.
HOTCOPFAN - I have to admit the only reason I knew about Amway was because they chartered one of our ships a few years ago. It was an “interesting” cruise but I got lots of free soap…………….on a rope. Please pass on my best to your “cool” fiancé, is he the HOT COP? In April, I should be back here on the Carnival Freedom for one or two Caribbean cruises before going back across the pond to Europe although as yet nothing is confirmed. Are you considering a cruise in April? If so, please let me know if I can help in anyway.
KAYLOR – Welcome home Kaylor and thank you also for your exceptional words regarding the cruise last week. It’s funny, I was just talking to Frank and Lynda above about the beauty of Dubrovnik and that even with the transportation concerns we have there that the reward is so great once you arrive. If your husband does decide to move to Dubrovnik then let me know and Heidi and I will be over for lunch every time we call there. I just read the article you sent from the Dispatch and now I am famous in Columbia.
MAURO MOSCARDINO – Most of the ports are easily accessible except Cannes where, if you want to go to Monte Carlo, you will either need to take a tour or the train as taxis are very expensive. May I advise that you come to the travel talks onboard that I host and listen to the choice of tours and then the options of doing things on your own and decide then. October is quieter and tours are basically unlimited so you can decide once here. I think October is a beautiful time to cruise so I hope you are excited, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Let me know if there are specific tours or sights you are interested in and I will assist as best I can.
NANETTEALI – I read your posting three times to make sure I was not dreaming and you were indeed talking about me. Oh, my goodness you really have made me blush with pride at your heartfelt words of gratitude. I can only reply by saying thank you for writing them and I just showed Heidi and she says my head will not fit through the door tonight. Thank you so very much and as always you and your family are in our thoughts mi amigo para siempre.
DEBRA HEHN – Now beaches, that’s better than snorkeling, at least I can give you some choices. The nicest beaches without a doubt on the Grand Med run are in Cannes. You can walk to them from the pier and there is a small cover charge of 10 euros. They are beautiful sandy beaches and much better than the volcanic sand that you find in Italy. The only other beach worth seeing is in Messina which is a short taxi ride away (about 10 euros each way). Please remember that in Europe all the beaches are clothing optional so you may see things that you may have never seen before……………I used to go every week but I stopped…………..seen one you’ve seen them both. See you in August and let me know if you need anything else.
TOM AND JANE – did you miss me?
RUTH JAMISON – Great news and another big smile on my face as another friend books the Carnival Splendor’s inaugural cruise. I do not know too many details just yet but I know it will be a fabulous event and will I am sure be a cruise that will stay in the memory forever. If there is anything you need from me before please let me know and please keep reading the blog thingy.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Yes mate, the Internet was having problems with the worp coil which resulted in a break down of the bridge rectifiers that are coupled to the klingon moon tracus and I had to beam out or be eaten by Big Ed’s underwear which had morphed into a Godzilla like creature.
I am back now though.

GREAT NEWS……………..WE JUST BROKE 450,000 SLAPS IN UNDER 5 MONTHS…………NOW SERIOUSLY, CAN SOMEONE TELL ME IS THAT GOOD? IS THAT ABOVE NORMAL FOR A BLOG? I AM NOT LOOKING FOR PRAISE BUT JUST WANTED TO GET A SENSE OF REALITY FROM YOU OUT THERE…..PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Here is today’s interview. I thought we would change the pace a bit and let two young people talk about being married and living onboard and working together.

Ladies and gents here are Andy and Sue

Where and when did you first meet and how long have you been a couple

We met on the Tropicale in August, 1998. Sue was a cashier and I was a casino supervisor. We didn’t get together on that ship however. We ended up meeting again on the Fascination in Dec 2000 which is when we started seeing one another.

What are the best things about working together on a cruise ship?

Andy – The best things are getting to see all the places we’ve been, together.

Sue – We have been to so many places and done so many amazing things together, we will have some great stories for our kids.

What are the worst things about working together on a cruise ship

Andy – The worst thing is living in such close quarters can lead to disagreements and frustrations sometimes.

Sue – Yeah Cabins are small – we don’t get enough space from each other.

Tell us about your job Andy as a Casino Host. What does this involve?

As Casino Host my job is to advertise and promote all aspects of the Ocean Players Club and Casino on board. I run all the tournaments held in the Casino, advice and help guests use our “Cash Out” system (cashless gaming on slots) as well as look after our players whilst gambling in our Casino. Also guests can email the Casino Host on any Carnival ship prior to their cruise should they have any queries, and as a Casino Host I will keep in touch with guests so they can let me know when they will cruise next so we can notify the Host on the guests next ship.

Sue, you are the Head Cashier what your daily responsibilities are.

I hold the main bank for the casino, so I have a lot of responsibility – all the money from the casino channels through me, and I take care of it! I do all the accounting side of business in the casino – I am in charge of the running and smooth operation of the casino cash desk, and the four cashiers who work there. Also the manager Gareth thinks I am his secretary (he he)!

What are your plans for the future?

Andy — We are actually planning on leaving the Fun Ships after this contract and settling down in Edinburgh, Scotland in our new apartment where we hope to start a family. We have a few job offers on the table at this time but have yet to decide which ones to accept.

Sue — I hope to start a family as soon as possible, this is the main reason we are leaving.

As you look back, what has been the best memory you have had together while working for Carnival

Andy — We have many memories, I think mine has to be meeting all the good friends from all over the world over the years as well as getting married on the beach in Hawaii.

Sue – where do I start? From ice climbing on the Juneau ice field in Alaska, to sky diving over the north shores of Hawaii – to scuba diving in the Caribbean – to name a few – oh yeah I did do something else in Hawaii! It will come to me!

Do you think relationships onboard a ship are different to those on land?

Andy — Definitely, living on a ship in a relationship can be more intense as you live together, work together and play together, every couple needs time apart.

Sue — I think life is easier on the ships, as you have no responsibilities, apart from work. It is a lot more intense as you are together all the time.

Sue, what is Andy’s most annoying habit

Which one?! Andy is always hyper active – so if I want to relax and he doesn’t, we don’t!

And finally, why do you think Carnival Cruise Lines is the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line.

Andy — I honestly believe that you will struggle to find a better “value for money” vacation anywhere in the world!

Sue — To hit the nail on the head my family (2 adults and 2 children) came out for their first cruise on the Liberty last year, said it was five-star treatment, they could not believe the value for money you get here. They went home and booked the Freedom for this year. I know where I will be going on my vacations from now on. Also I think Carnival has something for every age group – they are the FUN SHIPS – we have had a great time working here. Thank you Carnival.

So, there you go and as Heidi and I always say, if your love can survive life onboard it can survive most anything.

Just a quick follow up with the story about the ladies who were upset about the fur shop in Rhodes yesterday. They did indeed come and make a complaint saying that they were mistreated by the local authorities and that they should have the right to protest against the fur trade. I have not spoken to the ladies myself yet but will do so tomorrow night and will make sure I am wearing nothing with hair on it. I will let you know what happens.

Heidi and I had a cup of coffee in between the Repeat Guest party with two guests who have sailed with me many times. In fact, they only book a ship I am on so we have become great friends over the years. Their names are Mr. and Mrs. Schiller and Ian Schiller is a pilot for Southwest Airlines. We talked about the first cruise he remembers me from which is the Holiday back in 1991 and we were reminiscing about some of the activities that I used to host back then like:

PILLOW FIGHTING
THE BEER DRINKING CONTEST
THE WET T SHIRT CONTEST (FOR MEN AND WOMEN)
THE MALE NIGHTGOWN CONTEST

I have to say I do not miss any of them (well maybe the wet shirt contest) no really I don’t and it is amazing to think that they were the core elements of what we used to do. The pillow-fighting contest was held on Lido deck and involved various couples sitting on a big slippery pole bashing the heck out of each other on a pole. The winner was the one to stay on the pole while the looser went crashing head first onto a mat that was about as supportive as one of my socks. I wonder why we decided to stop this event. As we reminisced we also spoke about the shows, the food and how really unrecognizable today’s Carnival really is compared to 20 years ago. As I approach my 20-year anniversary I would like to share some stories from the old days every now and then if that’s OK with you.

So, back on the Fantasy in 1992 I remember one of the biggest mistakes I ever made as a cruise director. I had only been in the job a very short time and I must admit I was a bit “cocky” as we say back in the U.K. Anyway, I was in the middle of my travel and shopping talk Nassau, which I did before the ship sailed from Miami and was in full flow about the tours and what to see and where to go doing my usual information dissected with various off the cuff remarks and as the talk went on I realized that there were very few laughs coming from the audience. This puzzled me greatly and then I mentioned about the casino that Carnival used to own in Nassau called Crystal Palace. We used to send guests there during our overnight stay and they would gamble and see the show. The show featured “topless dancers” in a showgirl scenario as well as a big magic and illusion act called Dirk Arthur.

Anyway, I made my usual reference to the show saying don’t worry about the topless dancers because “you have seen one you have seen them both” and then en masse………meaning at the same time……..75% of the lounge stood up and left………they walked out together shaking their heads and muttering words of disgust. I finished my talk in record time and went back to the cabin dumb struck by what I had seen. I called the Chief Purser Mico Cascais and told him what had happened and he said “didn’t you read your memo, we have 1,000 Jehovah Witnesses on board?”…………………………..oops. Well I felt an idiot and indeed I had not read the memo which in the days before e-mail came in written form in a big brown envelope which was sitting on my desk.

I spent the rest of the four day cruise apologizing and making sure I kept my stage time whiter than white but they never forgave me………I don’t think they enjoyed the Male Nightgown Contest too much either.

By the way, just before I go, here is a joke that Captain Schiller shared with me, it is his favorite airline joke.

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax. OH, MY GOD!” Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the Flight Attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!” A passenger in Coach yelled: “That’s nothing. You should see the back of mine!”

Until tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Your friends,

John and Heidi

Good morning, it’s 8:34am and here is the news.

We are currently spending the day at sea. The ship’s course is taking us toward the Island of Rhodes, Greece and the temperature outside is already 79 degrees.

Last night, we left Naples and instead of heading straight out to sea the Captain took us on a scenic cruise along the coastline in Naples. We cruise passed the beautiful glistening motor yachts that sat in the harbor — their owners sitting on the teak decks, sipping martinis. I was on the bridge and I looked at these stunning craft through powerful binoculars and as I did I couldn’t believe my eyes, bloody hell, it’s George Hamilton……..again, sitting on the deck of his yacht with a supermodel sitting there with him…………..I think he is stalking me………him and his tan.

I hosted the Welcome Aboard Show last night and as usual there were many characters to choose from including a lady who for some strange reason had her cabin key attached to a dog leash………….here are some photos.

As I think I mentioned we have so many international Guests this week from so many different places and I hope that they all understand the information and fun that I am trying to provide. Incidentally, we do provide written and spoken information at our Information Desk in the following languages.

SPANISH
DUTCH
GERMAN
FRENCH
ITALIAN
KOREAN
RUSSIAN
PORTUGUESE
AMERICAN

So, we have got the bases covered and of course I speak all the languages fluently except French.

We also set a record this cruise …………….not a good one though………………we have 120 pieces of luggage lost by the airlines. We are doing our best to liaise with them and try and find it but as always that is not easy. It is strange that some (not all) guests blame Carnival for this but obviously we have no jurisdiction on what they do. However, I totally sympathies with the guests because as I have said many times on the blogs, there is nothing more disappointing and frustrating than losing your luggage at the start of your vacation. As always, I hope that the luggage all comes tomorrow in Rhodes.

Here are a few pieces of incidental news as well.

PA OO7 SENT ME THIS LINK. NOW, THIS IS NOT BREAKING NEWS BUT I THANK HIM ANYWAY BECAUSE AS USUAL I WOULD HAVE BEEN UNAWARE OF THIS.

Here is a link line or thing to an NBC show called “Americas Got Talent” (I remember that name because a guest said I had ruined his cruise a few weeks ago because we were not showing it) that features a Carnival singer called Jason who has made it to the last 20.

http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/video/#cat=new

As you can see he is amazing. Good luck, Jason.

I want to thank Frank in the office for putting my blog thingy back on the front-page and for setting up something called a “sponsored link.” I have no idea what that is but it sounds good….here is what it looks like.

I see rave reviews from many of you about funshipisland.com and that is great to hear and I am sure all the folks who worked so hard on this project appreciate the vote of thanks.

ALSO WE HAVE BEEN REASSIGNED TO THE FRONT PAGE OF CARNIVAL’S WEB PAGE………………YIPEEEEEEEEEEEE

How about some photos. I hope you enjoy today’s selection.

1. NAPLES…………..THE VIEW FROM ABOVE THE CITY

2. VENICE……………TAKEN BY A FRIEND AS WE SAILED AWAY

3. A TYPICAL VENETIAN SCENE

Here are the answers to yesterday’s anagrams

DARK GRUNT – GRAND TURK
SCANDAL MAY SIN – CAYMAN ISLANDS
NAIL TOE – ELATION

And today’s

Bid Knobs Icon
Critics Reed Our
Fence Hinge Ire

HERE ARE TODAY’S LETTERS FROM THE “IN THEIR OWN WORDS ” SECTION. THE FIRST TWO ARE ABOUT LOST LUGGAGE AND THE THIRD WRITTEN BY A TEN-YEAR-OLD BOY.

I guess you know what time it is so let’s get on with it.

DWA 76 – Thanks for the kind comments mate and I am especially glad you are enjoying all the photos. I was indeed very proud to interview Mr. Cahill and as a stockbroker I am sure you can see that the company’s future is assured with Gerry at the helm. If you are missing the sea as you say, come and cruise so we can talk about the market Hope to hear from you soon.
KATE – I have great memories of a dry dock we had in Baltimore and a great place we used to go every night. It was a square by the water with lots of bars and cafes. Anyway, hope somewhere in the future you will indeed see the Carnival smokestack in Baltimore again. Let me know if I can be of any assistance and please keep reading the blog thingy.
SHELLY P – Hello Shells (don’t mind if I call you that do you)? How wonderful that your in-laws have paid for all of you to have a cruise here on the Carnival Freedom…………if they have any money left can they buy me an Aston Martin? You asked about a room for a party. This indeed can be arranged once onboard so when you get here, leave me a note and I will give you a call to arrange a room. You can have a cash bar or pay for a one-hour open bar and also have food served if you wish. You may also just need a room to meet for an hour which I can also arrange as well. May I suggest that you follow this with dinner at our Supper Club which will really make it that extra memorable evening? If you decide to do this let me know and I will make the bookings for you. You also asked about a cake for your son’s birthday. These can be ordered through the Maitre D at anytime and the waiters will also sing happy birthday at the table. Lots of options for you to think about and of course, write me a letter once on board so I can wish everyone greetings at the Morning Show live on television and the big screen. See you all soon.
ROSIE – I know it can be strange at first traveling as a single guest but rest assured you will not be alone. We will have a singles meet and greet on the second evening of the cruise in the Scott’s Piano bar where I am sure you will meet lots of new friends. You asked about the nail technicians at the spa and yes they are experienced in the treatment you mentioned. Therefore, I will see you in a few weeks and please drop me a note at the Information Desk to let me know you are here. I know you will have a brilliant cruise.
JTODDINMAN – Once again, my apologies for making you laugh so much that you spit your Diet Coke on the keyboard at work when you read the poem about Big Ed and hopefully the key board is not in spitting distance as here is another.
Will he be on the Bloggers cruise in January next year?
Will he be stuck in that booth will drinking his evening beer?
Surely he cannot say no to this so stop and take a pause
An remember if you do say yes
Heidi will wash your draws.
There, another cleansing of Diet Coke is required hopefully. Indeed, I will be interviewing Shanaz for next week’s blog and she is a great lady who I am sure will pass on some special insight into her life onboard and your idea of the oddest gifts received is one that I shall work on, great idea. Go clean the key board and we will talk soon.
DOUGNEWMAN AT SEA – Always great to read your comments Doug and I really did feel guilty about not answering all the comments on that last blog but as you can see my two fingers are back working overtime again. With regard to Mr. Cohen. I have to tell you that I publish these letters with everyone’s permission as they are read out publicly as well on the television. The idea of presenting these letters is so that everyone can see the wonderful world of opinion and Mr. Cohen expressed his and although I may not agree I still want everyone to see what happens onboard, including the negative comments. Now, as far as the lecture program, this is already in the works for the trans-Atlantic crossing and maybe next year we will consider them for our regular European season. I am sure Big Ed is grateful for your well written insights into Seabourn and you have inspired me to maybe interview someone from the cruise line so that the bloggers and myself can learn some more about this one of a kind operation. I am glad you liked the interview with Mr. Cahill and I have a feeling you will like the one that appears at the end of today’s blog. It is always great to hear from you and hope to do so again very soon.
BONNIE AND PRINCE CHARLIE – There will be an extra large helping of chocolate melting cake ready for the prince for your three Carnival Freedom cruises. I have a feeling that you may find watching Charlie eat the cakes to be slightly more interesting than watching the leaves change color. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – How are you Paul? Let me start by returning to the subject of the strobe lighting and its possible effect on epilepsy sufferers. Our experts in the office have assured me that the strobe lighting we use in the shows are minimal and will not trigger an attack. I have to say that in the many years I have been involved in the shows I have never seen such a thing happen. Hopefully therefore, you will comforted by this and will therefore attend all the shows when you sail the next time. Have a wonderful time in Toronto and Heidi and I wish you a very happy 33rd wedding anniversary and I also look forward to meeting you soon.
KEVIN – Congratulations on your interview for a sous chef position. Wow, I guess you really must have heard the call of the sea. What ship is it for? Don’t be shy about writing the name of another line as I really am interested. As for the Aston, I think you should keep it if you can. You will miss driving, trust me and when you get to dry land it will be so great to jump into the car, press the start button and away you go 0 – 60 in 4.8 seconds something that maybe I will achieve on Miami’s I-95 when you drive down to the bloggers cruise. Let me know more about the job, I am intrigued.
LINDA HERNACKI – The diet is going well although I dream of a big piece of fresh bread with loads of butter and a big plate of chips (French fries). Don’t worry too much about Mr Cohen’s letter as I just wanted people to see that there are a few (very few) people that are not happy with what we do and I respect his opinion although obviously I do not agree with it. So, you saw your grandson and family. I am sure you are taking lots of photos and soon I hope to be seeing those pictures myself when I see you. You asked where we were married. The ceremony was held in Amsterdam at The Hotel The Grand in a very special room where the Queen of Holland was married. It is traditional in a Dutch wedding to be seated for most of the ceremony. It is a very personal service where the minister talks about how you met and reads letters from family etc. It was something very special that I will never forget………especially the bill. So, enjoy the time with your family and as always I send my best to you and Mike.
JENN – I am glad you took the time to ask questions so let me answer them as best I can.
1. You asked how I am loosing weight. It’s simple…….I am eating no carbs at all. No bread, rice, pasta, sauces, sugar. It is really a hard way to lose weigh especially as it effects me in a way that is ummmmmmmmm………………..not pleasing on the nose. However, it appears to be working.
2. How is the blog structured you ask? Well, I start by printing out the questions and comments from the previous blog and just go from there. I really don’t make notes and just write what I think. Occasional something works that you want to keep in such as the “In Their own Words” section and the photos which seem to be popular. Apart from that, I just make it up as I go along and let my two fingers do the typing.
3. Here is a huge dollop (good British word invented by father who used to put a big dollop of syrup on his Yorkshire Pudding) of positive energy to you from Heidi and I for your forthcoming job interview. Look your boss in the eye and think positive thoughts and if you get nervous picture him naked. Good luck and please let me know how you get on.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
LFTTNSFCF – 54 comments to answer today, hence the abbreviation. It was an excellent Thursday night and hopefully there will be something to show for my hard work and endeavor. I just said the French words to one of the pursers who is from Quebec, she is suing me for sexual harassment………….thanks mate
LORIDIEM – It will not be long before you get here. I am though a little confused that your daughter is getting married on the ship. Is there a priest sailing with you? Have you reserved a room through Carnival already? The reason I am asking this is that some people do come onboard still thinking that the captain can legally wed people which unfortunately these days they cannot. They do carry out a beautiful renewal of vows ceremony though. Anyway, let me know what is happening and I will help you arrange everything. As for the Supper Club, it will be not problem to make the booking for you but I do suggest you let me do this for you ASAP. I recommend the second sea day at 7 pm. Write soon please and I promise you will have a brilliant cruise.
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – I am happy to hear you found the information on the tours helpful and I agree, you must see Pompeii. If there is anything else I can do, please let me know. Until then, please keep reading the blog thingy.
SUSAN B – Firstly, lets talk about you and the electric scooter and its accessibility on tenders. The simple fact is this. YOU CAN AND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THIS ONTO THE TENDER. The only thing is, that you may need to walk, if you can down five steps onto the tender itself if you can and we can then put the scooter on after you. If this is not possible, then we can put the scooter on the tender and assist you aboard by using a regular wheel chair. The bottom line is we will do what ever is needed to make sure that in a port of call where tenders are used that you get to enjoy time ashore. Let me know how this sounds and which you think the best option for you is. Thank you also for saying I should be paid by each word I type. That would be fantastic however I think the shareholders would have something to say about that. Most importantly I thank you for being a faithful blog reader and please know that is so important to me and more so than money………OK, that bit was total rubbish………..but it is really important to me……….and so is getting paid………but not as important as knowing I am helping people…..although if I get paid for doing this I could help more and for longer………….but I should do this from the kindness of my heart……….who am I kidding…….I deserve a dollar a word……….no you don’t, this should be done as an act of charity…………charity my $#@!……..pay me………SORRY Susan, I just had an argument with myself and you just happened to be there when it happened I look forward to hearing from you and please know that we are all here to help you.
POPCORNGAL – You sound like you are from a beautiful area and maybe one day I will come and visit. Thank you for thanking Roberto for fixing the photos as you requested……..he is a genius and hopefully next month he will be visiting me onboard. I am sure you will have a great cruise on the Carnival Miracle and Heidi and I send our best to you both.
LONGING2CRUISE – Thank you for your comments and I am beginning to see that Mr. Cohen’s letter has caused quite a stir both here and on the other cruise web things. I agree with you whole-heartedly that each line has its own distinct signature. When Carnival purchased Holland America I remember everyone saying that the line would never be the same again, things would change for the worse, etc etc. The same was said with the purchase of Cunard, Princess, Costa etc…………..and what happened…………………..nothing, the product remained the same but they just made more money thanks to the investment that Carnival made. Therefore, Mr. Cohen likes Holland America and I am happy to hear that as its in the family and I hope more than anything he will be happy there as life is too short not to be happy, especially on vacation. Thank you again for your sincere words and as a faithful Carnival cruiser I hope you will be taking a ride in our Chevy one more time soon. All the best.
MRS.MTSFP – I thought about you today, really I did. We were in Rhodes, Greece today and I see that the art of smoking in public areas is alive and well here unlike France (they need to make bathing a rule) Italy and Spain. I don’t think you or I will have much room in the Aston together but it will be fun trying. We can put Big Ed in the back. Hope all is well in smoke free land and see you real soon.
PA DUTCHMAN – let me know if you need help with your dining assignment and I will make sure Ken is your maitre d. It is great being a Platinum member isn’t it?
NANCY LIEDEL – Yep, I know what you mean. The gentlemen who passed away in his sleep last cruise did so after having seen so many places with his family. I obviously cannot pass on to many details but I can tell you that they had cruised many times before and although the wife (Annie) was very sad she did say that he would have wanted this…………..It is a strange world but sometimes things happen for the best……..Annie seemed to think so anyway.
DWA76 – Mr Beckham has indeed landed and with him the circus that surrounds his every move ….oh yes and Skinny Spice is there as well. I mean this with no disrespect to Victoria but that is one lady who desperately needs to eat a bowl of pasta with a big topping of French fries. Anyway, I hope that David can bring soccer to the fore in America and maybe then we people talk about football it will be the real football and not the one where…..well….only one person uses his foot and everyone uses their hands. Now, as for the lecture series I think that on specific Carnival itineraries that these may be an excellent addition and Chris Prideaux is working on that very subject as we speak. I am not sure of the current figures but I know we are a few thousand short of 450,000 which means I do hope that we will hit 500,000 by the end of August and that will be thanks to people like you so thanks mate and please keep reading.
VICKI – Good to hear you have seen the movie hairspray. How was John Travolta? Carnival is indeed promoting the movie with each ship giving away loads of prizes, teaching the dance from the movie and a lot more besides. Please write a review of the movie as I am sure we would all love to hear what you thought. Glad you are enjoying the blog and Heidi and I send our kind regards to you and your family.
GLORIA – It’s horses for courses as my Dad always says and you are right that hopefully Mr Cohen will enjoy his Holland America cruise more than the one he just experienced on the Carnival Freedom. The funny thing is we do actually have arts and crafts lessons on our trans-Atlantic and Hawaii cruises and they are actually very popular so I guess in some way he has a valid point. I more interested in your wonderful words of how much you enjoy the excitement that the Carnival brand offers and that makes me very happy indeed……I won’t sign you up for the “Sun Visor Class” then. Take care and please write soon.
HEIDI – BETH AND KEVIN – I have passed your thanks onto Cyrus and it is because of people like he and Natko that our food is off the very high standard it is today and as you can see, they are not satisfied yet and expect more developments and improvements very soon. I am back on the front page again but I knew that you would never forget me and for that I am so thankful. All the best until next time from us both.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I have to admit that Mr. Cohen’s letter was a real example of the 100-plus letters I receive every 24 hours. I will continue to post the good and the bad and the bad will be posted so all can see that we have areas where we must improve and for you to see what my job is all about which is this blog thingies main purpose. My goodness, shoes with secret compartments for money, what will QVC think of next? I personally keep my money in the front of my underwear as it would have to be one desperate pick pocket who would have the courage to boldly go where no man has gone before………….although it is not so easy now to do this thanks to boxers! Thanks for the tip, though, Carol and anything you can do to protect your money from these clever thieves should be considered even if it means having to take your show off when you want to buy something although its even worse for me as I have to put my hand down the front…well…….you get the picture…………Did you get the other anagram, the answers are above if you didn’t……..OH, I see that you did. How much money will it cost me for you NOT to post the photos of the Male Nightgown Contest…..such painful memories………..cheers Carol, keep the postings coming please.
TIM – PAM’S B/F – Congratulations on booking the Carnival Splendor’s first leg of her South American journey. I hope to see you there and hopefully Carnival will decide on that very soon. You asked for the mailing address for people to send things (Aston Martins, etc) to the ship. Here it is. Thanks again and I really hope we get to spend those two fantastic weeks together on the Carnival Splendor.
MV CARNIVAL FREEDOM
JOHN HEALD – SENIOR HANDSOME AND FUNNY CRUISE DIRECTOR
CEMAR CIVITAVECCHIA
LUNGOPORTO GRAMSCI N.19
00053 CIVITAVECCHIA (ROMA) – ITALIA
Talking of that can I use this time to say a big thank you to Essex man who I received a card from this cruise along with a review from a British magazine on the Carnival Freedom. I have also received many letters, cards and gifts over the last few weeks and have replied to most by a letter or phone call. I can tell you that getting mail through the post is so special and Heidi especially appreciates it so very much.
DAVID – How brilliant to hear from another cruise line employee. Are you able to tell us what line you work for and what you do? I often wonder if any other crew read this blog thingy (especially other cruise directors) so if you are OK David we are ok with you mentioning which line as it would be great to hear from you. I see that you did work for Holland America and I thank you for giving us the latest scoop on the pay restaurants the line offers. I truly hope you let us know what you do and until then I send you my best regards.
DORTHE CALIMBAS – You are the second blogger to say that if you had a choice you would “go on a cruise” as Annie’s husband did so peacefully last week. My Dad always says “don’t wish your time away ” and I certainly don’t want to wish yours away Dorthe but I can understand exactly what you mean.The good news is that we are on the front page of the Carnival web page so you can stop hyperventilating now as all is well, as I hope you are.
IVANA – Thank you for recruiting others to cruise with you for the big wedding cruise. I know it’s a very stressful time so having friends around you will hopefully make it less so. Again, remember if there is anything I can do for you including advice for the honeymoon night please let me know.
BIG ED – See, even esteemed cruise ship writers like Mr. Doug Newman are writing to you……….you have made the Big time Big Ed. You then advised me to not quit my day job but as my Dad always say “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” so I think the least you can do is scribe an attempt of poetry yourself. Here is another one about you in the meantime.
HE HAS READ THE BLOG FROM THE START
HE NEVER STOPS UNLESS HIS WIFE WANTS TO GO TO K MART
BUT WILL HE COME ON THE BLOGGERS CRUISE AND WIN SOME FREE ART
OR WILL HE STAY AT HOME AND LET RIP WITH A BIG ED FA&*
Your turn.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Your wonderful words can only be followed by a great big thank you and I hope indeed I did make his last days happy. Thank mate.
GIRLDOC – How do you know Shanaz? Anyway, her interview will be coming next week and I will also be holding one with the ship’s doctor as you requested. Rum for breakfast, are you a pirate? Write soon.
JO MYERLY – You have certainly wetted my appetite for the Carnival Splendor’s South American cruise and we will see if Roger Blum and Chris Prideaux want me to be the CD. The Carnival Splendor will have a retractable roof over the main pool deck so in bad weather we can still watch the movies on the big screen. What movies can we play with a South American theme…..any ideas? As soon as I know if I will be the CD I will of course let you know AND UNTIL THEN THANKS AS ALWAYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG THINGY.
SHELLYP – My two fingers are getting a bit tired but we have a long way to go tonight so they are on overtime and apart from the odd break where they take a trip to my nose they are working hard. We have many ways to celebrate an anniversary on the ship including having your cabin decorated, private parties, having a cake delivered at dinner and the waiters singing and of course a dedication from me live on the big screen. All the cruise directors are supposed to be doing live morning shows so these celebrations can be arranged regardless of what Carnival ship you are on. I have seen may celebrations before so please let me know if there is anything specific I can help you with. Until then I hope you enjoy reading the blog thingy. Oh, by the way, there is a letter above from a 10-year-old who was celebrating being born……….how cool is that.
JABEE – I am glad to know you are enjoying the blog and I am sorry but I won’t be on the New Years cruise on the Carnival Freedom. I made a promise to Heidi that we would not let her mum celebrate a new year on her own so I will be with Heidi in Holland and at my mum and dads for Christmas. I can tell you that being on a ship for New Year is amazing and I know the CD Todd will make it the best party at sea. I was indeed very proud to have one of the first interviews with Mr Cahill and we are all excited that he is our new leader and you are correct, it will be very exciting to see what happens next. I hope that one thing is that you will continue to read the blog. All the best J.B.
BARB HARMON – More votes of thanks for the Chocolate Warming Cake and Cyrus which I have just passed on to him….I have a crowbar standing by. I do actually give talks on the ports of calls already and after speaking to Mr. Cohen I discovered he wanted talks based on pure history and the politics that each country followed which obviously I did not cover……….his suggestions have been noted. I am sure that on one of the three back to back to back cruises that you will be on during your South American experience will include some guest lecturers. Regardless, it will be the cruise of a lifetime which I hope to share with you.
MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF – I decided to give you your full title although my two fingers are on full automatic at the moment. The fire place……….yep..well spotted. The lounge I broadcast the Morning Show from is called the Drawing Room and is a lovely intimate place with ……..yep……………….a fireplace. Now, considering having a candle onboard can result in you being locked in the brig I also find it strange that we have……..a fireplace….obviously the fire is not real but even so……..well…..you know. By the way, the Drawing Room is non smoking
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – I see what you mean, yep it looks like Fish and Chips will be replaced by something called a Rotisserie on the Carnival Splendor. Actually, I was a little embarrassed to ask what that would serve so I am glad you posted the answer as chicken and steak. I am sure if you ask they can do your fried oysters, if not, let me know and I will have the chef make us some specially. I have passed your recipe to Cyrus, let’s see what he says. Thanks mate and also thanks for making me hungry and as its midnight here the only thing to eat in the cabin is cheese…………..Heidi won’t be happy.
SAILINGWENCH – Thank you for discovering the blog and for taking your valuable time to read all the past additions. I think this is blog 104, am I right bloggers? Let me start by answering your question about your sister. Firstly, I am glad she has come through the chemo sessions and we are all thinking of her. Please do not worry about check in on the Carnival Liberty. As soon as you get to check in, go straight to the front desk that says “TICKET PICK UP” and ask for a wheel chair. This will be immediately provided for you and assistance will be given by the embarkation staff to get you onboard with as much ease for your sister as possible. Now, let’s talk Popcorn, yep, it is available from the Lido Deck during all the big screen movies and concerts. It costs $1 a bag ……I am currently trying to get the charge dropped but its there and it tastes wonderful…..or so Heidi tells me as that avenue of pleasure like so many others has been closed off. Thank you for saying I look like Mr Incredible but I have a feeling the mantle “The Fridge” is here to stay for a bit. My best to you and your sister and please send the Captain and crew of the Carnival Liberty my best.
SUSETTE LOWENSTEIN – All I have to say is………..THANK YOU …………it’s 12:10 am and you just refueled me………..cheers
KIM – What a brilliant revue of the glorious Grand Med ports of call you slapped on the blog. It sounds to me as though you have so many memories you will cherish forever. I did meet with Mr Cohen although I have to say he did most of the talking However, as I have said already on today’s blog I respect his position and as my Dad always says “It takes all sorts to be saved, happy and free.” I agree whole-heartedly about the vaporetto’s needing a maximum capacity as they really don’t seem to control that at all and it can be quite claustrophobic at times. Anyway, its back to them for me and Heidi ……..no more water taxis and my Tony Soprano suit is back in the wardrobe. Thanks Kim for all the kind words and I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the cruise so much and until the next one please keep reading the blog.
SARI BOLNICK – You said in your posting “how lucky we are to have had you as the cruise director on our Carnival Glory cruise.” Well, I consider my luck to have just increased dramatically now you have discovered the blog. The greatest pleasure of this job I do is to try and make people laugh and when they do, well, there is no greater feeling. Please keep reading the blog now you have found it and my thanks to your travel agent for pointing you towards it. Heidi and I send our best to you and your family.
DEBBIE CARPENTER – Don’t be shocked that I answered your questions on the last blog as I truly do try to answer everyone’s comments as often as I can. Please also don’t worry about your daughter being on a different deck to you when you cruise in August. There is no safer vacation environment than on a cruise ship and I am sure she will have the time of her life. Now, you asked for my opinion to help resolve your and your husband’s difference of opinion regarding the Carnival Splendor cruise to Russia and Holland etc or that to Greece /Turkey. Ask your husband this: If he walked into his bedroom tonight and found Angelina Jolie or Catherine Zeta Jones waiting for him and one had to leave which one would it be?………………….tough one ………..Anyway, there is in my opinion no correct answer as both are stunning and somewhere special to explore…………………….the two different cruises are great as well! Seriously, you will love the Greece/Turkey cruise and it will just leave you wanting more……………just like AJ or CZJ would. Hope this helps and my best to you all.
TOM FIVEK – Thanks for the New Jersey Exit update. I have a good friend called Robert Schneider who works on the Jersey Turnpike and he does a wonderful job keeping that place going. He is also an avid cruiser with over 40 Carnival cruises under his belt and I guess he needs them with the stress that his job can bring. I will check with the bar manager and make sure Dubonet is fully stocked in the bars. See you soon mate.
JOHN TROVATO – Sorry I didn’t get to inform the guests about Troy the young man you saw us take ashore. I found out on debarkation morning that he had come through his medical procedure well and he is now at a hospital back in the USA. I hope you enjoyed the cruise and please let me know if you need anything and please also enjoy the blogs.
NANCI NURSE – Please can someone let me know if the web cam is working now as I am showing that it is. Nanci, any update?
MIKE L – Hello Mike, and welcome to the blog thingy. I am sorry you did not get through on the Morning Show but I am very happy that you enjoyed it so much. I see that you enjoyed the cruise very much but you also mentioned some concerns which if you feel I can help you with I am here. The blog is also here not just for the Carnival Freedom but for advice from myself and other cruises on all the carnival family of ships. Please keep reading and I hope to hear from you very soon.
MARLENE – Don’t be disappointed. The DJ will play 70′s music in every hour of his mix plus we have one early evening happy hour where we dedicate two hours to this era of music. I will see you and your friends soon and please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you before you get here.
CROWN GOLFER – There you are, I thought you may have been flooded out. Talking of water, you asked about coins for the laundry machines. You need US quarters which are available for change onboard. See you in a few days and please drop me a note to let me know you are here.

And with that, we end today’s Q & A and my two fingers (Freddie and Frank) are very happy………………………… Should I be concerned that I just named two of my fingers?

As usual this blog has been writing over the whole weekend period and now we are sailing from Rhodes to Izmir and the ship is bouncing all over the place like a drunken Kangaroo. The wind speed outside is showing 60 kmh and its coming right across our bow. I would think a lot of people are being rocked to sleep tonight.

As you saw from today’s “In their own words” section there was a mention of the people who have lost their luggage. We had some bags arrive today in Rhodes but we still have many that our pursers are working with the airlines to find. It is not just on long haul flights that this can happen either. Today, our fly on entertainer Richard Gauntlet who is a comedy juggler arrived with no bags and because his bags were lost on the short flight from London to Greece it meant he had no props and therefore no show. So, that was me then rushing around reorganizing the show for tonight and trying to trace his bags so he can perform later in the cruise.

One other note from today. Heidi and I took our usual stroll into Rhodes today and we are always used to seeing tourists being……….well……..tourists. Today though, a new one for us. For one reason or another there are many real fur shops in Rhodes…..loads of them…………don’t ask me who is going to buy a fur coat when it is 100 degrees outside but anyway, there are lots of these shops. Well, Heidi and I are heading to our favorite restaurant when as we pass one of the fur shops we hear some screaming and very bad words indeed coming from outside of one of the fur shops. There in the door way are two very angry ladies screaming abuse at the poor shopkeeper about the virtues of selling fur. A small group had now gathered outside the shop and as the swear words got louder and the shaking of the fists more angry more and more people joined to watch the show. I pulled my baseball cap down incase any of the crowd watching were from the ship but everyone was too interested in watching the “fur fly” than to care if I was there. The ladies were clearly getting angrier and angrier and swearing at the man and telling him “animals are living things” etc, etc. Now, I am not going to get into the rights and wrongs of the fur trade but it did cross my mind that the owner was probably having a nice coffee and trying to sell his goods and now he was part of a Greek tragedy being played out live in the main square of Rhodes Old Town. Heidi and I were still watching the show when the police arrived and tried to calm things down. I have no idea what happened as Heidi nudged me in the ribs and pointed to the lady on the left who had turned to face the crowd and talk to the police officer……………..it was then that I saw she was wearing a Carnival I.D. and money holder round her neck….the ones we sell in the gift shop………….and with that………………….we walked………………very quickly away………………..and didn’t look back.

I have not heard any reports of anyone being arrested or has anyone made a complaint onboard but I do sympathies with the ladies as it was obvious that seeing these fur coats etc really must have upset them…………as for the shopkeeper….after today…………….he will probably sell his stock and open a 7-11…it is much safer.

And now it gives me great pleasure tinged with a little sadness to present today’s guest. I thought about writing a long introduction when I realized that I only needed two words and they are…………………………………

BOB DICKINSON.

Bob,

This is a difficult request to ask for as saying goodbye is never easy but I think it would be nice if you could possibly answer these questions for the blog.

Many thanks.

John

Before we look back, let’s look forward. How do you intend to spend your retirement and what are you most excited about doing?

The primary thing I am going to be working on involves chronic homelessness in Miami, and the Camillus House, which is a facility for the homeless. Our goal is for Miami to be the first major city in the country to have virtually no homeless walking around. I am extremely excited about this project, which is going to take several years. As part of it, we need to raise $88 million, including $40 million from the private sector. We’ve raised $16 million of that so far, so we are at 40 percent of the goal. Although I’ve been extensively involved in the homeless issue in Miami for a number of years, this is the biggest project I have ever undertaken and it is extremely exciting and meaningful to me.

It is my belief that there is a major difference between success and significance. In the first part of people’s lives they typically focus on their career and achieving success. But the second piece in the continuum of life is giving back. That will be the focus of my energies going forward.

Now, shifting gears to a more light-natured aspect of my retirement plans, my wife Jodi and I have bought into a yacht with some other owners and we expect to really enjoy that and have a lot of fun with it. The yacht is currently in the Med, and in the winter it will be in the Caribbean.

Also, we have a home in the North Carolina Mountains which Jodi has just essentially re-built. We are very much looking forward to spending more time there and enjoying it.

I will also continue to be involved in all of the organizations and events in South Florida that have I am very passionate about including the United Way, serving on the board of St. Thomas University, and being extensively involved in the Miami Wine and Food.

But I am most excited about walking the streets of Miami one day in the future with city leaders and looking at what we have achieved for the homeless. We have designed our initiative in such a way that other cities can replicate what we’ve accomplished. We’ve created an institute for homeless studies, if you will, that will allow other markets to tap into our learning and experiences so that they do not have to reinvent the wheel.

And, of course, I have four grown children and nine grandchildren that I treasure spending time with, as well as my beautiful, active young wife who shares my love for food, wine and travel.

As far as your career at Carnival Cruise Lines, what are you most proud of?

This one is easy. . . I am most proud of where Carnival is today. This year we’ll provide 3.6 million people with terrific cruise vacations while providing jobs, careers and opportunities for 34,000 employees. We will contribute significant profits to Carnival Corporation, which makes shareholders happy, and the vast majority of our business will be sold through travel agents which makes them happy.

Carnival tracks a satisfaction rate in excess of 97 percent which is amazingly high and something all of us involved with this company can take great pride in.

You are one of the most comfortable and sincere public speakers I have ever met. Did you enjoy the public speaking and live Q & A sessions that you have hosted so many times and what is a memorable question you have been asked?

Remember, you don’t need to hold back now….

I have absolutely enjoyed and relished public speaking and the many live question and answer sessions I’ve been a part of over the years. Yes -that’s one of the things I’ll miss, although I may still have an opportunity from time to time. I am continuing my role on the Carnival Corp & plc board of directors so I should still have opportunities to talk with people on the ships and I’ll continue to be connected to the cruise industry.

In the early years on Carnival’s ships, people used to ask if the bath towels were washcloths . . . . which was fairly annoying.

Your two books “Selling the Sea” have been very successful. Do you have any plans to continue writing?

I actually wrote three books. I also have one called “The Complete 21^st Century Travel & Hospitality Marketing Textbook,” which features articles written by 64 different travel and business leaders. Anyway, I do not presently plan to continue with the book writing but who knows.

Simple question, why is Carnival Cruise Lines the “World’s Most Popular Cruise Line?”

More people vacation with Carnival than any other cruise line because we provide exceptional cruise vacations at affordable prices and proudly cater to a broad section of the traveling public. People from all walks of life are welcome on Carnival and it creates a richer, more interesting and more rewarding shipboard environment than anywhere else. Our service, food, activities and entertainment are first rate which accounts for the high satisfaction ratings. Also, we have grown to be the largest cruise line through the exceptional professionalism, enthusiasm and spirit of our officers, staff. crew and shoreside teams. Without all of the extraordinary people who I have been so privileged to work with at Carnival, we’d be dead in the water.

Do you have a message for the thousands of guests who have sailed and will continue to sail on our Fun Ships and who read this blog?

Consumers drive our product. The views, opinions and needs of our customers directly determine changes in every aspect of our operation so the more feedback and interaction we have with our guests, travel agent partners and all of our external audiences gives us even greater opportunities to get it right. Gerry Cahill and Carnival’s excellent shoreside and shipboard teams will be moving Carnival to the next level so your blog-thingy readers have a lot of good things to look forward.

I know you are heading off to Alaska soon on the Carnival Spirit with your entire family. What are you looking forward to?

We leave on July 18. There are 19 of us ranging in age from 1-1/2 to 76. We are really looking forward to it. My grandchildren love Camp Carnival and of course there’s something to do for everyone. We’re going to celebrate my birthday during the cruise.

Will you be packing up your own desk and walking down to your car with everything in a cardboard box?

Actually, I’ve already packed up my office and moved to a different one and – yes – in cardboard boxes. Sorry – I didn’t arrange a photo for you.

I am sure that there will be many accolades, parties and tributes paid to you over the next few months. However, if you could choose your own entertainment for your farewell party, what famous musical guest would you invite and why.

I’d pick Elton John. He’s one of those extraordinarily talented and enduring musicians whose work spans all generations.

I am sure you have met many famous and influential people in your career. When you look back, who will be the most memorable and why?

Clearly that would be you, John. Considering your legendary reputation for unbridled flatulence, unapologetic deferral to your wife on your underwear selection, and that – to my knowledge – you are the only Carnival employee in the company’s history who a guest has referred to as “the sperm of the devil” – well – that makes you – ummm – pretty memorable.

In ten words or less, how would you describe your career at Carnival Cruise Lines?

In three words — blessed and gratifying.

So, today’s blog is dedicated to Bob Dickinson, a true Carnival Legend and a man who didn’t wait for his ship to come in…………………..he swam out to it.

Goodnight.

Your friends,

John and Heidi

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 she Glad 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 Your support for Carnival Cruise Lines is so humbling and I assure you that if I am or if I am not onboard I will make sure you are both treated like royalty — you deserve it. Best to you both and of course to future Carnival cruiser, Joshua.
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

Some of you have asked what it is like to work on the ship, so I thought I’d highlight one of the things I do in every port of call.My main part of the job on this ship (and last year on the Carnival Liberty) is the Shore Excursions in the morning.

On average, 2,000 guests leave the ship in the morning to go on one of our exiting Shore Excursions. It’s the best way to visit all the great places we go to.

Of course, when so many guests need to leave within as little as one hour, I am sure you understand that it takes quite a bit of organization and planning. I work closely with the Shore Excursion Manager and his team and of course our team of Social Hosts and Dancers, who all work very hard to make it as easy as possible for the guests to disembark the ship and get to their designated tour bus on time.

After the guests receive the tour tickets in their cabin, they come to one of the lounges on the ship where they meet with their groups.  Naples morning is normally the busiest of them all as our guests are still finding their way around the ship. The most important thing on these mornings is for the guests to come to the lounge with their whole group of friends or family members together. We give the guests stickers and every sticker number is also the number of the tour bus, so when half the group comes in 10 minutes before the rest of the group, the guests might end up with different numbers, which then means that they would end up on a different bus. Now, I am sure while you read the above, you think….that sounds like a problem…and you are so right….IT IS!!!

But as many times as we tell the guests before they even enter the lounge…….there are still groups of friends or family members that come in at a totally different time and then it’s up to me to try and find groups of three or four guests who are willing to exchange their stickers. Most of the time we are able to do this though, although it can cause complications for me and the guests. I joke about it when I make my announcements, “the best things to do when you don’t want to spend the day with your husband, you just come in to the lounge 20 minutes after him and you won’t see him until dinner time,” but in most cases the ladies DO want to spend the day with their husbands though….strange.

Sometimes the “silly questions” really do get asked, but that keeps the job interesting. Like a lady asked me two days ago: “Heidi I need an elevator to deck 0.” “OK”, I said, “you may use any of these six elevators here in the lobby, just don’t use the glass ones, as they only go down as far as deck 1.” I then walked back in to the lounge and I felt somebody pulling the sleeve of my polo shirt. It was the same lady, now upset with me: “Heidi, I said that I needed an elevator!!” It took me a minute before I realized that this lady wanted me to press the button for her and ride the elevator with her…..so I did….

So, the guests wait in the lounge, as soon as their group is complete, and the bus and guide are ready on the pier, one of the staff members guides the guest to the pier. It sounds really simple, but believe me, with 2,000 guests each morning, it’s always a challenge, but one we are more than capable of meeting and it is a great feeling to see 2,000 guests disembark the ship in an organized way and knowing that they are about to see some amazing sites.

That is just one of my many jobs, however, one of my biggest responsibilities is looking after John and following up on the things that he forgets to do. He has an incredible memory about things that happened 20 years ago, but things I said to him yesterday, well…..his mind becomes like Swiss cheese (full of holes).

Let me catch up on some comments:

SOUTHERNDREAMS – Thank you for the comments on my 2^nd blog. John is so busy writing that sometimes I feel guilty, when I take over sometimes and he is just dictating, I hardly have time to squeeze some things in there like I did in the beginning, because he is keeping an eye on me now. So, no more photos of him in compromising places (like our bed). Our cabin is comfortable, but by no means big. We have a separate bed room and a bathroom with a bath tub, which is very nice to unwind once in a while.
Then we have a part where the desk is and a sofa, and that’s about it. No balcony, although the Cruise Director cabin on the Spirit-class ships do. But then again, I rather have the extra space in the cabin as most of the time it is too hot to sit on the balcony anyway. When we brought out the Carnival Legend, and sailed in to Amsterdam and all the other wonderful places that we will be visiting again on the Carnival Splendor, the balcony was a plus. Of course, sailing in to your own country is fantastic and sailing through Holland to the port of Amsterdam was an unforgettable experience for me. Cows were staring at me when we sailed toward Amsterdam as the water was so narrow there. I wondered what those cows were thinking when they saw this monster of a cruise ship sailing past them…..
ESSEXMAN – Hello Mr. Essex. Is it still raining there? I think the best thing to do is take a walk down the pier……maybe not. My sister-in-law Suzanne and I walked down the pier one time in the middle of the winter. It was cold, actually, it was so cold, that John dropped us of with the car at the top of the pier and picked us up later. We walked and when we got half way, we had to cover our ears on one side as we felt like they were about to freeze and fall off. Luckily at the end of the pier we were able to find some shelter in one of the cafes and had a Cadbury hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream on top. These days you have to take a flask with you as after the big fire there isn’t much left on the pier.  For all other bloggers, the Southend Pier is the longest wooden pier in the world.  

(Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. Extending 2,158 m (a mile and a third) into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Since 1986, a diesel-hydraulic railway has been running the length of the famous pier, replacing the original electric service which opened in 1890. A fire in October 2005 seriously damaged the far end of the pier.)
To get back to your question: Statutory breaks are something we don’t get on board. As and when we have time we take some time for ourselves.
(having some lunch ashore, watching a movie or sunbathing (for me)
I hope the sun is shining in Southend today!!
MARIJ – Jullie zijn nu vast al onderweg, dus nog eventjes en we mogen jullie aan boord begroeten, dus dit lees je denk ik pas als jullie weer thuis zijn.
De koffie staat klaar!!!
CAPT CHUCK - Our cabin is comfortable, but by no means large. A few months a year in the cabin makes you appreciate the space more when you get home.
But, when at home I have to hoover myself and make my own bed, because we too are spoiled by our cabin steward, Nyoman.
He is a lovely man from Indonesia and looks after us very well.
I have to say that each cruise is unique, even though some activities are the same. Something as simple as a trivia quiz is different every time. You ask the same questions, but sometimes a guest has such a funny answer or explanation for their answer that the whole crowd is “in stitches” ….
LINDA HERNACKI – If you sailed on the Carnival Imagination in 1998, I probably worked as an International Rep@Sea, after 2000 I have been working with John as his assistant. You are right about the Valentine’s cruise, my dad passed away on the 15^th of February. We left the ship in Belize. And you are right as well when you say that I have a wonderful man in John. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to share my life with. (picture of our wedding day is on the way)
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Sir, I hope your wife didn’t have too many things for you to do….
My job title is Assistant Cruise Director. I take care of the Carnival Capers (your daily program), a lot of paperwork, schedules and of course the more important things as : making sure John’s tie matches his shirt, making sure that he wears two socks of the same color and all those important things…..I enjoy living on the ship with John and working together. Of course there are times when you think, I wish we had a Friday afternoon and a Monday morning, but on the ship all days are “working” days and the word “weekend” doesn’t exist, but like I said before about the space in the cabin, that too makes you appreciate being at home and the first thing I do when getting home is taking off my watch. What a wonderful thing not to have a care in the world what time it is….
BARB DONNEGAN -  Well, time to cruise is almost here for you. I bet you are excited now!
We don’t teach Italian classes on board, but we have great books in the library, you can copy some words/phrases from them if you would like to. Most Italian people speak English, so you don’t have to worry about that when getting around in the places we go to. Don’t worry about the food on a stick…..we worked with somebody from Minnesota and he told us about the fairs where all the food is served on a stick, which made us giggle. Just bring yourselves and make sure you come and say HI~!
HEIDI-BETH – I see that you are counting down till your cruise on the Carnival Glory.
Your Cruise Director will be Ralph Valente AKA Wee Jimmy. He worked with us on the Carnival Triumph and on the Carnival Glory. He is a charmer and I am sure he will have you laughing all week. Send him our love when you get on board. He loves teddy bears!!!
JANFRWA – Janet, next time when you are in Cannes, you should definitely try the crepes. Mmmmm. Covered in banana and chocolate and of course lots of whipped cream.  A real treat, and you can have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner!!! I love frites as well, as long as there is a lot of mayonnaise involved. None of that English vinegar ……not my “cup of tea” at all.
We use the mayonnaise in many different combinations in Holland and my favorite is: a large plate of “friet”, then mayonnaise on top, peanut (sateh) sauce on top of that and then finish it off with lots of onions……You’ve got to try it!!!
LOVETOTEACH – I promised to write one blog a cruise and I will keep my promise. I bet you are super busy, I can only imagine. A job and looking after the children. But, now your cruise is almost here, so make sure you come and say hi!!
ROBERT – Thank you for your sweet words. Who would have thought I would be here on the Carnival Freedom, writing blogs???? 11 years after bringing out the Carnival Destiny. But we are still enjoying ourselves and you and Suzann are still cruising, that’s the main thing.
KATHY KROLL – Wow, a suite with a Jacuzzi….I like your thoughts Kathy……
And about the book, there definitely will be a book, after we retire though, I don’t know where we would find the time now, John is already typing around 6,000 words a day on top of all the “regular” work…
Hi to Paul from both of us.
BIG ED – Thank you for your BRIEF comment, any other tips? (hee hee :) )
I will make sure that I will stay involved in the blog-thingy, don’t worry.
Hi to Mrs. Ed for me please.
SHARONR – Looking forward to meeting you too!! When are you sailing with us??
JUANNEVERLY-PRISCO – Jann and Sal, are you coming to see us on the Carnival Freedom or the Carnival Splendor??

As promised I will close with a photo of John and I on our wedding day.

If you look carefully at John he looks more nervous than he ever is on stage. To the left of me is John’s Dad, next to him is my Dad and next to him is my brother. The second one is of my dad walking me down the isle and giving me away to John…

It was a wonderful day and one I will never forget………….neither will John, especially when he saw the bill!

Until next time I wish you all the best.

Heidi

Good evening, and welcome to Cannes, South of France which provided us with another challenging day………………..Mother Nature has got to stop eating beans because she was very windy again today.Once again as last cruise we had to stop the tender service from 11:45 am – 1 pm to position the ship in a safe area to allow the service to continue. The swells were not as large as last time but were still large enough to warrant this being done.

This cruise however I was ready, I had staff in place ashore and we had forewarned everyone not to expect the tender service between the times I had announced on three occasions yesterday.

Guess how many complaints I got?……………………………………….none……………..so well done to my fantastic staff and special kudos to Heidi who stood on the pier (any excuse to get a suntan) and organized everything from over there, the only complaint was this one……………….enjoy!

2241 – Comments about Tender service in Cannes

Mr. _____ came to the Purser’s desk shortly after 2 pm to bring to our attention that he was very upset about the tender service stopping from 11:30am until 1:05pm. Purser explained that the cruise director had announced that this would happen the day before and that it was in the Capers. Mr. _______ said his complaint was that no food was provided on the pier for guests who were hungry. Purser explained that we were not allowed to take food of the vessel but the guest said that on another cruise on Celebrity that there was always a buffet of sandwiches on the pier in every port. Purser again apologized and guest left the desk. Incident sent to cruise director and hotel director.

I admit that last week I could have and should have done better but often when these things happens you learn by your mistakes and this time I think we got it right. I did call the guest just now but he was at dinner. I sent him a note of apology and a B.L.T.

So, today was the first full day for Mr. Cahill as our new President and C.E.O. There is a lot of excitement among the management, both ashore and onboard, and although change can make some people nervous we are all expecting great times are ahead of us. Here, is a letter that Mr. Cahill sent to all the shipboard and shoreside employees which I asked if I could share with you all.

July 10, 2007

Dear Carnival Employee:

It is only appropriate that my first correspondence as President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines is directed to each of you, as I recognize that you are the heart and soul of Carnival Cruise Lines. First, let me tell you how proud and excited I am to succeed Bob Dickinson as CEO. Bob is a true pioneer in our industry, and he has guided this company to unprecedented heights during the course of his 35-year career. There is no question that he will be missed by all.

Carnival has earned its enviable title as the world’s most popular cruise line by providing a high quality product at affordable prices, with attentive service delivered by helpful, hard-working employees. It is something that you should take great pride in, as you have brought joy to millions of people’s lives and helped to create memories they will remember for a lifetime. I hope to build upon these traditions and will rely on each of you, both shipboard and shoreside, to help our company maintain its leadership position within our industry.

For the last 13 years, I have worked at Carnival Corporation & plc, Carnival Cruise Lines’ parent company, the last nine of which I have been Chief Financial Officer. During this time, I have not only worked very closely with Carnival Cruise Line’s talented management team but have also become a huge fan of “Fun Ship” cruising, sailing aboard the Carnival fleet on a dozen occasions.

In the highly competitive travel industry, there are numerous opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. I look forward to working with all of you as we move forward to achieve our company’s goals and continue to help make our company the best it can be.

Regards,

Gerry Cahill
President & CEO

More about Mr. Cahill shortly.

Let’s have a look at some photos from the last few days.

1. Stromboli from three days ago.

2. Audience shots from The Finale of the Ticket To Ride Show

3. Barcelona’s main street La Rambla

4. A beautiful yacht called ICE which was next to us in Cannes

5. Heidi and I going out in Venice

6. Me doing my Tony Soprano impression (forget about it)

And now the answers to the last Anagrams.

Head Idle Hi – HEIDI HEALD
Croaky Minis – MICKY ARISON
Caviar Van Roll – CARNIVAL VALOR
Cobra Lane – BARCELONA

And Today’s are.

Largely Rich

Pianist Iron

Ocean Quiver It

And now, here is today’s “In Their Own Words Section. Let me just add that the guest wanted to re-create his wedding photo from the steps of the Dubrovnik Cathedral from 1988……….and he did.

OK, AND NOW A huge APOLOGY FROM ME. It has been a busy few days and I am so behind in the Q & A department. I see that I have 76 to answer and therefore, in order for me to get caught up I need your permission in advance to just for today’s blog and only today’s just to answer the postings that have actual questions about cruising in the next few weeks or friends that need specific help. I really am mad at myself for getting so behind and if I don’t mention yours please do not be offended. I have read each and every one I promise you and starting with the Hail To The Chief posting and from the next blog I will go back to answering and commenting on every posting………………please again forgive my tardiness and normal service will be resumed from the next blog.

Here we go with a few questions answered.

CAPTAIN CHUCK – I saw the article that you, Carol and many others mentioned where I was referred to as a REFRIGERATOR. I have to admit to being pretty pissed of about this comment (that’s a bad word but it was how I felt at the time) however I have to admit that since then I have just laughed at the reference. A good friend of mine told me that there used to a professional footballer who played for the Chicago 49ers or something like that called William Perry whose nickname was “The Fridge.” My friend has now taken to calling me the same and unfortunately so has Heidi…………..in fact, she just did and I replied that I would need defrosting but she said I would have to wait until Thursday. Anyway, the article itself was very good but I guess I shall have to be called the Fridge now for a few days…………..actually I am on a diet so hopefully I will soon be called The Minibar. Anyway, thanks to all of you for your concern and don’t worry, you can’t be in the profession I am in and not expect the press to write what they see…………..
CROWN GOLFER – Hello mate. I saw your comment and that you were from the part of the U.K. that has experienced serious flooding and just wanted to make sure you family and your home were OK?………………please let me know. Your question was about the Fountain Fun Card. This is available for purchase from any of the bars and yes, the kids will have unlimited soda so they should be happy bunnies. See you in August mate.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – How are you Sir? You asked about having a dinner with a MASK Theme. This is a wonderful idea and we are already starting that here on the Carnival Freedom with our Venetian Mask Night and hopefully we can start encouraging people to wear the masks at dinner as well. Let me try and I will let you know how it goes. If successful, I think this may be fun to do elsewhere. Now, Paul has also brought up the question of certain types of lighting bringing on epilepsy and should he be concerned about this on our ships. Paul, as far as the lobby lights are concerned here on the Carnival Freedom I can tell you that they change color very slowly and that applies to all our ships. However, we do have very quick light changes including some strobe lighting in our shows. Do we have warnings about this you ask, not yet………………let me ask ROGER BLUM what his thoughts are about if we should include this in our programs as I am sure he and our legal department will give me the correct answer……………….Roger? I will be back to you soon on this mate. As always, we send our best wishes to you and your wife.
FREDDY BEACH – Just to follow up on your question about exchanging money onboard I can tell you that there is NO commission charges on cashing travelers cheques (spelled correctly ) on board so that is a good thing to purchase before you get here. There is a 5.5% commission charge for cashing personal cheques though. Hope this helps Freddy and I will be here if you need any further advice.
SUE GROHOL – Continuing on the money theme, Sue asked about Dubrovnik and the local ATM machines. They do indeed pay out the local currency of KUNAS but not Euros. Most stores, shops, etc take euros even though that it is officially illegal to do so. Anyway, thanks as always for your questions and comments and I will write more to you soon.
JANFRWR – Hello Janet. Congratulations on booking the inaugural cruise of the Carnival Splendor and I see that you are as excited as I am. Your question was about the naming ceremony and if you could attend. Now, I do not know on what date the ceremony will be, however if it is on the day of sailing then I would expect the ceremony to be late morning or early afternoon. We did a similar event on the Carnival Leg End and that was on the same day of the inaugural sailing and at around that time. Personally, if you want to watch the event then I would leave the morning and afternoon free and come aboard as early as possible. I hope the ceremony will be done on the pierside as appose to in the ship itself as I think the atmosphere is always more exhilarating that way. I really want to hire the WELSH GUARDS OR COLDSTREAM GUARDS BAND for this event and as on the Carnival Leg End guests can stand on the ship and look down to what is happening. As soon as I know more I will of course let you know.
NC BRIAN – Great comments mate and I shall ignore the size one for now . Let me answer your question about which of the European cruises to take as you cannot seem to decide. This is a very difficult question as it comes down to personal choice. Can you let me know a little more about yourself and family and what you like to do on vacation? Do you love sightseeing and active tours that will allow you to see historic sites up close and personal or do you prefer quaint towns, villages and beaches. Let me know more about you and then I will hopefully be able to point you in the right direction………………..I should be a travel agent.
KEVIN AND HEIDI – BETH – I see we have another Fish and Chips fan…………..brilliant choice and yes, the Carnival Glory does have this wonderful outlet on Deck 10 aft. The fish and chips are very tasty and hopefully will be good as the ones you are used to in Massachusetts. The best fish and chip shop in the world however is in my home town of Southend On Sea and is called THE FRYING PAN where, every Friday my dad has fish, chips and mushy peas…………I will as an English Blogger to describe that delicacy. Bon Appetit.
JAMES EMM – I am so sorry mate……….The DVD is in my drawer here in the office. I have your address over there in the desert and I will mail it from Livorno tomorrow………please forgive my tardiness.
DIANELLA – You asked for a meet and greet for your group of 25 people for your cruise in September. I will be happy to arrange this. Please ask me again 2 weeks before you sail and I will arrange the time and place. See you in September and don’t forget to write.
THE JOHNSTON 4 – The tuxedo rental is $85 for the cruise. Personally, if Mr. Johnston has a business suit then is more than fine, however the tuxedos are there should you need them. Unfortunately we do not have children’s sizes although that might be worth looking into. Hope this helps.
BRYAN – hello Bryan and thanks for asking about the Mini Golf. Yes, you will be happy to hear that these golf courses are indeed on some of our ships, not just the Carnival Freedom and the plan is to provide this fun activity fleetwide soon. The big screens are also something that we are looking into and more will follow on that shortly when we interview Roger Blum. Thanks for your questions and comments.
JOHN AND SUSAN IN FRISCO – Hello you two, hope you are both well. You asked about booking a hotel in Rome and my recommendation for a specific venue. Personally, I like the Visconti Palace which is a very reasonably priced four-star hotel and in a great area. Heidi and I have stayed there and enjoyed the service etc.
Here is the web link thing http://www.viscontipalace.com/english.html
We also stayed at the amazing five-star Excelsior Hotel which is located on Rome’s famous Via Veneto. We had one night of heaven in an amazing room and the views across the American Embassy were stunning. Obviously this one is more expensive but worth every penny. Here is the web link thingy.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=70&EM=VTY_WI_excelsiorrome_70_overview
Don’t forget that Carnival can arrange hotels and transportation for you as well. So, lots to think about and let me know should you need more help.
BILL ZYDECOCRUISER – Hello mate and thanks you for your continuing support about New Orleans. Let me ask Terry Thornton about the future deployment of ships to the Big Easy. I know Carnival Cruise Lines wants to continue its support of your hometown and I will try and give you an insight as soon as I can regarding the possibility of additional ships deployed there. Stand by for that.
KATE – Please go to http://www.carnivalentertainment.com/ and read about the position called Entertainment Staff. Then, you will find a link to send your resume to and please mention on your cover letter that I pointed you in this direction. If you have any other questions about the job itself, please let me know.
ESSEXMAN – Do I still want the Walkers……………..YES………………….but Heidi says no carbs, so………………..NO. Thanks though mate and the newspaper will be gratefully received. Do you like Mushy Peas and can you tell everyone exactly what they are please? Cheers mate.
KURT BENNER – Kurt, just let me know what day, time and for how many people and I will make all your supper club and spa reservations for you. I can even have a porterhouse steak served to you while you are having a massage. Let me know ASAP and I will take care of you. Thanks.
NANCI NURSE – Your Supper Club reservation has been confirmed as requested. If you are just having drinks at Harry’s in Venice reservations are not needed, just mention my name and Harry will say ” Ah, Mr. John, yes of course, come in, any friend of John’s is welcome here at Harry’s”……………………either that or he will say……………………….”who?”
Anyway, please let me know your last name and or cabin number just to add to the reservation.
LINDA HERNACKI – Linda, I saw that you are asking about e-mailing something to me. I am sure you understand that I cannot give out my personal e-mail address as I would not be able to cope with all the emails and the blog. However, if you have something of a personal nature to request and you do not want it on the blog, please just start your posting with JOHN…..PERSONAL. Roberto who manages the site so fantastically will then forward to me and I will reply through him as well. Hope this helps. More importantly, how is Joshua and Mum doing as Heidi and I have been thinking about you. Please let us know and best to Mike.
CINDY – We have asked the Vatican if we can run the Private and Exclusive tour on the 22nd of July and I will let you know ASAP. Thank you for your offer of clothes for the orphans but I think after the three huge boxes we gave them last week they should be OK for a while and I also now that flying trans-Atlantic allows only for limited luggage. Thank you though for your kind offer and just knowing that you have been thinking about the kids means a lot.
GCCOURINGTON – A very good question….”how many people do suffer from having their pockets picked every cruise.” Well, let me say that there has not been one cruise I know of since we started European sailing that I have not heard of someone falling foul to this clever but despicable people. Although we don’t keep record as such I can tell you that this cruise I personally know of five guests who had this happen to the. Two in Rome before the cruise started, one in Barcelona and one in Venice right on the Realto Bridge. This is why I keep passing on all the advice I do as I am determined to eradicate this completely as far as it happening to our guests on the Carnival Freedom. Hope this answers your question and I to have mine picked every time Heidi sees a handbag.
LISA K – Great comments and a great posting. How brilliant it was to see Todd’s name and of course Graham Seymour who now works for Princess Cruises, both amazing cruise directors. A special thank you to you and your parents for the words of kindness and appreciation for me and I hope soon we can do it all over again. Let me answer your questions.
1. Why doesn’t Carnival offer a 15-day roundtrip Hawaii cruise from the West Coast? I ask because my parents refuse to fly, and it’s much more convenient to fly round trip to the West Coast (i.e. LA or San Francisco) than to have to fly one way to or from Hawaii and the other way to or from the West Coast.
I have no idea but it sounds like a good one. I will pass the suggestion up to Terry Thornton who along with a few other people decides on the ships itineraries. Let’s see what he says.
2. Why doesn’t Carnival cruise out of Baltimore anymore? The one spring it did cruise out of Baltimore, I understand it was a very successful departure port.
Again, I have no idea but I know a man who might so leave it with me and I will return with answers.
Thanks again for the long posting you slapped on, it was great reading. My best to you and your parents That is most of the questions answered.

Please do not be mad at me if I did not complete my usual replies to your comments. I will make up for this I promise starting with the next blog and those postings starting from the HAIL TO THE CHIEF posting. I just needed to catch up and if you did not see your name there please don’t think I am ignoring you……………..especially the usual suspects, Big Ed, MTSFP, Jo, Matt and Viki, Carol, Kersplott, Kevin, James, Kathy, Sherrif, Southern Dreams, etc, etc, etc. It won’t happen again.

OK, now I have finished groveling, what’s next?

I see someone counted that the last blog had 6,039 words in it………..thanks to the very bored Jenn for taking the time to count them…………are you an accountant? Seriously, thanks Jenn and it does seem therefore that I have probably typed out 600,000 words and all with two fingers!

I must be mad

Let’s also address the interview with PA 007. It seems that one or two of you doubt his/her existence so let me write this promise which I swear upon the Bloggers Code is true.

1. PA 007 IS REAL………………IT IS NOT ME USING ANOTHER NAME………….IT IS A REAL LIVING, BREATHING PERSON.

Some of you seemed concerned that following the interview that his/her secret identity would be easy for PA 007′s boss to work out. Let me tell you that I did add in the interview some counter intelligence, e.g. ….did PA 007 really put the notice about the office pool up and collect the money or did I add that to throw everyone off the scent… or, is it true? I can tell you that PA 007′s Boss who we call “M” has no idea what PA 007 gets up and if M did know I am sure she would revoke his license to thrill. So, for now, please do not worry and because of the success of this blog I have a feeling that M and the others will turn a blind eye for now. PA 007 is reading this and the dozens of comments of praise he received in the last blog and I am sure is sitting in his/her cubicle feeling a very special agent indeed.

SO, ITS TIME NOW WHERE I PROUDLY PRESENT A MAJOR SCOOP…………………..HOLD THE FRONT PAGE (I always wanted to say that) because here are the answers to the questions I put to the man who has the best job in the world of cruising……………Ladies and Gentlemen, please give your warmest welcome to our new President and C.E.O., Mr Gerry Cahill.

1. Gerry, you are now the President of the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line. Simple question to start then, how do you feel?
This is what you dream about. To be given the opportunity to head the most successful cruise line in the world is truly an extraordinary opportunity. I’ve said for years that I had the best job in the world as CFO of Carnival Corp and plc. Turns out I must have changed my mind. CFO of Carnival Corp is now the second best job in the world and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines is the first. During my years at Carnival Corp., I have had the pleasure of working closely with many of the people at Carnival Cruise Lines and I am inheriting both a fantastic team who I know will help me greatly, and a remarkable vacation product. Having said that, I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t a little nervous following the most high profile person in the cruise industry.

2. Please can you tell us something about your background in the industry from the start of your professional career to where you are now?
I joined Carnival Corp. in 1994 as vp finance. I became senior vp finance and CFO in 1998 and in December 2003 my title became executive vice president and CFO of Carnival Corp & plc. During that time I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the incredible growth of Carnival Corp, including the acquisitions of Cunard, Costa and P&O Princess. My job included overseeing all of the finance, accounting, treasury, insurance, casino operations (my one operating responsibility of which I am very proud) and investor relations functions.

Prior to Carnival Corp, I worked for Safecard Services, (a NYSE-listed company that sold simple services) as CFO and then COO and before that I spent about 10 years at Resorts International, a casino/hotel operator, plus six years at the accounting firm Price Waterhouse. In doing the math for all the years I just described, it seems like I must be really old.

3. There will be plenty of time to talk about the past and the incomparable attributes of Mr. Bob Dickinson but for now let’s talk about the future of this one of a kind company. What do you think are the most important tasks that await your new position and what direction do you intend navigating us towards.
My main job is to keep building on the success that Bob and the CCL management team have achieved. There is no point in changing the direction of a company that has been this successful. Providing fantastic, fun vacations to millions of people at affordable prices strikes me as right on target. So, as I see it, my charge is to continue to build on Carnival Cruise Lines’ success, continue to improve the product, and to try and get the message out about how great a product a Carnival cruise vacation is.

4. This I know is one of the first interviews you have undertaken since the announcement was made and I am sure the next few weeks will be a busy but rewarding time for you. What are you most looking forward to?
In the near-term, I am particularly looking forward to engrossing myself in the operational aspects of the business. I have always found the operations side of the cruise industry fascinating. My background being in finance, I can tell you that most finance guys have a dream of running an operation so for me this is something I am really looking forward to.

5. Someone asks your advice on a cruise vacation. They have never cruised before and would like you to explain why cruising with Carnival is the best vacation choice. What would your answer be?
Coming from Carnival Corporation, I have sailed on several cruise lines but the one I have sailed on most frequently is Carnival Cruise Lines. When it comes to family vacations, Carnival has always been my family’s favorite. Of course, cruises in general have so many advantages over a land-based vacation when it comes to convenience. You only have to pack and unpack once, you don’t have to worry about finding restaurants everyone will be happy with, and you’re able to see a variety of fantastic destinations and then return to the comfort of the ship at the end of the day. But what makes Carnival exceptional is the one-of-kind atmosphere on board. It’s genuinely fun, convivial and relaxing.

6. Your family must be so proud of you and I am sure they will be by your side (especially now they will receive get free cruises so what can you tell us about them and what do you like to do when you relax.
I have a wife, Isolde, along with two daughters, Erin and Kirsten, who are both grown. Erin lives in London and works for the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers. Kirsten is in Tampa and works in marketing. Isolde and I live in a rural area west of Fort Lauderdale, along with six cats, two dogs, about 500 fish and a lot of birds. We’re very active and I like to play tennis, bike ride, swim, etc. My wife is very into running. The embarrassing thing is that, although I’m reasonably fast, I cannot come close to keeping up with my wife or our daughters. They’re all exceptionally fast distance runners. My daughters both love Carnival and continue to vacation on Carnival now that they’re grown and living on their own. You definitely don’t want to suggest to them that they can now get free cruises!

7. The rest of the questions will if it’s OK with you be of a more informal nature in keeping with this blog so ………………here we go. Let’s get to know our new President as he answers these fun questions.

WINE OR BEER
Definitely beer – supplemented by Scotch.

PASTA OR STEAK
Pasta. My wife’s a vegetarian. I’m not but since she is I end up eating a lot of pasta and vegetables.

FAVORITE MUSIC AND BAND
Jazz. Kenny G. (another indication of old)

ANGELINA JOLIE OR CATHERINE ZETA JONES FOR GODMOTHER OF THE CARNIVAL SPLENDOR
Ummm – either one would be fantastic. John, you do have good taste in godmothers.

7. Are you going to continue the tradition of buying an Aston Martin DB9 for every Cruise Director who writes a blog and has a wife called Heidi?
I wasn’t aware of that tradition. Maybe when the company starts supplying them to CEO’s, cruise directors will be next in line!

Mr. Cahill, I could have asked so many more in depth and specific questions but I know the following days will be a whirlwind of interviews, meetings and so much more. Therefore, I want to say a huge thank you to you for taking the time to chat with us on this blog thingy and we all wish you success and happiness in the exciting days ahead. Please come and sail with us here on the Carnival Freedom, it will be an honor to shake you hand as you hand over the keys to my Aston Martin.

Finally, let’s chat about me. What I actually mean is let’s chat about my vacation. It seems that everyone wants the blog to continue in some way or another during my winter break and I can tell you here and now what is going to happen.

1. I will be blogging three times a week from home. I will answer the usual questions as best I can as well as sharing continuing stories from both my time at home and at sea.

2. Carnival is providing me with a Rasp Berry to help with this.

3. The blogs will also include many GUEST BLOGS made up of other Carnival people and some of the usual suspects from you guys out there in blog land.

Most importantly, I will need a vacation badly but the blog must continue especially as we have the bloggers cruise in January. They may be less frequent and you may be bored stupid with reverting stories about what I had for breakfast or what my mate Alan Adkins is up to but I do promise you I will do my best to blog while assuring I rejuvenate myself for the following year of fun. BESIDES, HOW ELSE CAN I SHOW YOU THE PHOTOS OF MY NEW ASTON MARTIN DB9?

Pat mentioned about me carried of stage in a straight jacket on the Carnival Destiny. Yep, that’s true. I had just finished my Debarkation Talk and as usual all the staff and crew walked from the back of the room for the parade of nations. I remember looking up and seeing that unusually the security staff, nurses and ship’s doctor were also in the line of crew but I just carried on with my usual waffle. Once everyone was on stage I then introduced the Captain, Giovanni Gallo, who came out and said his thanks and goodbyes. Then, he mentioned that I was leaving after 13 months onboard! He also stated that I had worked so hard that they were worried about my health and then, on cue, the four burly security guards walked forward, threw me to the floor and put me in a straight jacket. I was then hoisted onto a stretch and carried head high like a mad Roman Emperor through the lounge to the cheers of the audience. They carried me all the way down to the infirmary, where I was unceremoniously dumped on the floor so that various staff and crew could come and have their photo taken of the fat bloke in a straight jacket.

Anyway, I think its time for lights out, its 12:36 am and Heidi is now saying come to bed or I will be in deep trouble………………..I was earlier today when I told this joke on stage.

I said that I had staggered into an emergency room with two black eyes and a five iron wrapped tightly around my throat. Naturally the doctor asks him what happened.

“Well, it was like this,” I said, “I was having a quiet round of golf with my wife Heidi, when she sliced her ball into a pasture of cows.”

“We went to look for it, and while I was rooting around I noticed one of the cows had something white at its rear end. I walked over and lifted up the tail, and sure enough, there was my wife’s golf ball……..stuck right in the middle of the cow’s bottom. That’s when I made my mistake.”

“What did you do?” asks the doctor.

“Well, I lifted the tail and yelled to Heidi, Hey, this looks like yours!”

Goodnight.

Your friends,

John and Heidi

Good Evening Everyone:Wow, that was one heck of a busy day in Barcelona but the sun shined again and we are on our way to Cannes.

Once again, I was informed by the agents that there may be high winds as there were last week so I have just informed the guests that we will move the ship at noon as we did last cruise. This means that the guests will not be able to see the ship (refer to blog entitled “Love Me Tender”) but this time we are more prepared and I am sure it will be a smoother operation than the last time…………………..that’s my goal anyway.

Here is the correspondence from the agent to the ship so you can see for yourself how these things go.

Dear Captain,
Please find here under forecast weather report for your next call in Cannes, Tuesday July 10 2007.
4-Mardi 10 Juillet.TEMPS : Belles éclaircies. WEATHER: Sunny
VISIBILITE : bonne VISIBILITY: Good
VENT: variable 1 à 3, fraîchissant force 6 à 7 large de Cannes en
fin de matinée, et temporairement force 6 à 7 large de Nice en
milieu de nuit. WIND: alternating 1 to 3 beaufort, increasing force 6 to 7 at large in Cannes by noon, and temporarily force 6 to 7 at large in Nice by middle of the night.
MER: peu agitée à agitée. SEA: partly agitated to agitated
HOULE: Sud-Ouest s’amplifiant 1.5 m en soirée . SWELL: South west increasing 1.5m in the evening.
We’ll see tomorrow morning about evolution, and will come straight on board with updated weather report. If you have any further request, please do so.
Regards
Roberto OBINU

Hello Roberto
Does this mean we should plan as last time and move the vessel, just want to advise guests and the Captain ahead of time?
Many thanks
John

Bonjour John,
We have two options:
1/ Ship goes straight to the other side (as you did last call in Cannes) and we operate all day there, but it will take more time to tender from that place to debark pier, and can be a problem for shorex department with delays.
2/ Ship comes to usual place, proceed with shorex department, until 12 pm and then move to the other side when all morning debarkation is finished.
I spoke with tender captain and he thinks we can manage debark in morning and then advise depending weather report. In case you prefer to choose first option, can you inform as soon as possible.
Waiting for your comments, RegardsRoberto OBINU

So, as you can see there is a lot for me to decide and with the Captain making the final decision tomorrow based on the safety of the guests and the ship we shall see what happens. This time as I said I am prepared and have plans in place.

Right now we are crossing the Gulf Of Lyon and it is already very windy and we are moving with the swells but as always the ship is strong and cutting through the waves with ease. I will let you know how things go

OK, this is going to be a rather short blog. There will be no Q & A, no “In Their Own Words” or the usual stories as I have to get this blog posted ASAP.

There are three major stories to tell you and let’s start with this one.

CARNIVAL’S DICKINSON ADVISES CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC
OF RETIREMENT PLANS
Gerry Cahill to Take Top Post at Carnival Cruise Lines;
David Bernstein to Become Senior Vice President and CFO of Carnival Corporation & plc

MIAMI (July 9, 2007) – Bob Dickinson, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, has informed Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) that he will retire at the end of the year. He will remain on the company’s board of directors.

Gerry Cahill, executive vice president and CFO of Carnival Corporation & plc, will assume Dickinson’s responsibilities as president and CEO effective immediately so that there is an ample transition period. David Bernstein, Carnival Corporation & plc’s vice president and treasurer, will become the company’s CFO, also effective immediately.

“I have been blessed to have had a long, fun-filled career helping to build Carnival and the cruise industry. I’m still having fun so giving all of that up has been a very difficult decision but I’ll be 65 next month and have been pondering this with my family for some time,” Dickinson said. “I look forward to working with Gerry who will inherit what I believe is the most talented and dedicated management team in the cruise industry,” he added.

“Bob has truly achieved legendary status in the travel industry. There is simply no other travel industry executive who is as well known and respected as he,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. Arison called Dickinson, “one of the most influential people in the development of the modern-day cruise industry.” He said that Dickinson would be missed “not only by everyone here at Carnival, but by travel agents, his competitors and the media who loved his often humorous sound bites.”

Bob Dickinson joined Carnival Cruise Lines as executive vice president in 1972. He became senior vice president of sales and marketing in 1979. In 1993, he was promoted to president and in 2003 CEO was added to Dickinson’s title. During his 35-year tenure at Carnival he has been very active in travel industry affairs having served as chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Travel Industry Association (TIA), and the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority and as vice-chair for the United States National Tourism Organization.

Gerry Cahill, 56, joined Carnival Corporation in 1994 as vice president – finance and in 1998 was promoted to senior vice president – finance and chief financial officer. In December 2003, he was named executive vice president and CFO. From 1988 to 1994, Cahill was with Safecard Services, Inc., a NYSE-listed company, where he served first as chief financial officer and then as chief operating officer. From 1979 to 1988, Cahill held financial posts at Resorts International, Inc., and prior to that spent six years with Price Waterhouse.

David Bernstein, 49, joined the Carnival group in 1998 as chief financial officer of the company’s Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line operating units. In July 2003, he moved to Carnival Corporation & plc to become vice president and treasurer. He also spent seven years at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. where he held various financial posts, including assistant controller, assistant treasurer and director of corporate planning.

“Once again, our deep pool of talented people allows us to tap very experienced executives within our own organization to take over when our most senior executives make the decision to retire,” said Arison.

“I’m very excited as this is a great opportunity,” said Cahill. “I’ve always loved the ‘Fun Ship’ cruise experience and I can’t think of a more exciting job than to bring fun-filled vacations to millions of guests each year. Carnival Cruise Lines is already the most successful cruise brand in the world and I look forward to working with the talented Carnival management team to build on their accomplishments and to make the ‘Fun Ship’ cruise experience the best that it can possibly be,” he added.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 82 ships totaling 154,000 lower berths with 17 new ships scheduled to enter service between December 2007 and June 2011. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

There will be blogs soon to be written that will be full of thanks and praise to the incomparable Mr. Bob Dickinson but for now let us bestow a resounding welcome to our new President Mr. Gerry Cahill who is now at the helm of the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line.

Change is always exciting and we congratulate Gerry on achieving the most coveted position in the cruise industry and under his direction the future looks very bright.

The second piece of news comes as breaking news from PA 007 who has just told me about the most original interactive cruise line web page ever designed. Here are a few words he managed to get from tomorrow’s press release and the link thing that goes with it.

We’re sure you’ve heard the question before. If you were stranded on an island, what would you want to have with you? Food, water, favorite book maybe? How about a comfortable stateroom, elegant restaurant, full-service spa, friendly casino, Twister Waterslide and even playful dolphins to keep you company? Sounds impossible? Well, if you were on “funshipisland” you would have all this and more!

Whether you want to sing along with the piano player or up on stage in the karaoke bar, play craps in the casino or relax in the sauna, you can do all this and more at funshipisland.com. Don’t wait another minute — visit Carnival’s newest vacation destination now. It’s the next best thing to being on board.

So, once again, PA 007 has made sure you heard it here firs on the blog thingy…………..thanks James/Janice.

The site is incredible so after having read today’s blog, go and have fun on “funship island” …………………de ship boss…………de ship…………oh sorry, that was Fantasy Island.

And now to the most important news of the day. Remember Troy, the 10-year-old who was taken of the ship yesterday in need of urgent medical care? Well, I am happy, no, I am very, very happy to tell you that he came through his urgent treatment well and is expected to make a full recovery………….and after a day like to day and with all the various trials and tribulations of life spinning around my head, I shall think only of Troy who grasped my hand tight as we led him onto the boat…….it has been a long day with a very happy ending.

Good Night

Your friends

John and Heidi

BREAKING NEWS

I told you Carnival’s future looked bright……………..I have just been told that Mr. Cahill will give one of his very first interviews as Carnival’s President and CEO to guess who? To …..US!….Right here on this miniscule and humble blog thingy……I think we got the right guy for the job.

Good Evening everyone from the med as we sail away from a beautiful day in Messina where the sun has shined down on the 3,400 guests as they explored this beautiful part of Italy.

We are heading for our passage passed Stromboli and Heidi will have her camera ready for a few shots to add to tomorrow’s blog.

It was a day at the computer for me today and Heidi was also busy with tour distribution. We had intended going ashore but the day ran away with us and it never happened. In fact, we have not been ashore since Venice and I am aware that this is not good so I will make sure we get some fresh air in Barcelona.

So, what’s new? Well, nothing but an old problem reared its ugly head again today and I am of course talking about…………seat saving……………not on the ship, on a tour bus…………this was so bad that the tour guide had to call the driver to separate the two FEMALE guests who were screaming at each other.

This is a new version of an old problem so let’s discuss it. The problem started when the guest re boarded the bus after the first stop on the tour and then sat down where the other lady had been sitting. Then the argument began about everyone should have the same seat as when they started the tour and after that it was Handbags at dawn.

I spoke to both ladies tonight and before I did I had to ask a few people the protocol for this as I have never actually heard of this before or did I know what the correct answer was. I was advised by two tour operator friends of mine, Adolfo in Naples and Karen in Turkey, that the correct procedure is that guests should remain in the same seat for the entire tour. Therefore, armed with this information I made my way to meet the two guests (separately) just a few minutes ago accompanied by the Christine from the pursers office and the matter was resolved with the guest who had sat down in the others seat apologizing and wanting to speak to the other lady which I will organize tomorrow…………………time to wear my Doctor Phil hat again.

The bottom line is that I will be adding this protocol to my talk. Just when you think that you have passed on all the information guests need ……oh well………………… Do any of you have any thoughts on this?

I am heading to the bridge in a moment for the Stromboli pass by but just before I do here are today’s photos.

1. The Morning Show on the Seaside Theatre Big Screen

2. The Mini Golf Course

3. Country Line Dancing Class

4. Taormina

And here are the answers to yesterday’s anagrams.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

GEORGE HAMILTON

EMPRESS OF BRITAIN

And today’s are a bit harder as I have jumbled the letters throughout the words.

Head Idle Hi
Croaky Minis
Caviar Van Roll
Cobra Lane

Here is today’s ” In Their Own Words ” section; both have different views on one subject.

2267 – Not happy about shuttle service in Dubrovnik
Mrs. (name) approached the Purser’s desk shortly after 12pm extremely upset. She just returned from ashore back on the ship together with her family and was furious about the fact that there were so many people waiting outside for the shuttle bus that would take them to downtown and she had to wait for nearly 20 minutes before a bus came. They asked taxi drivers to get them to downtown, but they would not even talk to them unless they would do a sightseeing tour and she said that she did not want to do sightseeing in Dubrovnik, but shopping, but none of the taxi drivers would take them there. Mrs. (name) was telling the pursers that they completely lost their day and were not able to see the beautiful place that they were so much looking forward to see.
Purser apologized for the disappointment and advised Mrs. (name) that we will document her comments about this and she then left the Desk repeating that we do apologize.
Mr. (name) then approached Purser’s desk and repeated angrily what Mrs. (name) said before. Mr. (name) said that now after he wasted the whole day he is going to spend even more money as he was going to buy drinks on Lido.
Mrs. (name) said that we cancelled their tour and when they wanted to book another one, everything was sold out.
Chief Purser came to the front desk after hearing the guests raising voice and advised them that we are aware of the situation and were just trying to work things out with the port authority and get more shuttle buses in the port, however we can not control the taxi drivers ashore.

Are you sitting comfortably, then lets start with as many Q & A ‘s as I can get through before the Talent Show.

BRIAN – I can’t believe you have just spent hours reading all the blog thingies from the beginning, you must be exhausted however, I am very happy that you discovered the cruise. I was on neither of the ships you mentioned at those times but you say my face rings a bell, maybe you remember me from the front cover of GQ magazine. I am happy that you are considering a family cruise in the Med next year. You asked about temperatures so as you don’t like it hot ignore June through August and think about mid-September or early May, those periods should suit you.
You are correct that the air transportation can be more expensive than the cruise. I recommend you call a travel agent or Carnival and ask to speak to a Personal Vacation Planner and ask for the rates fro the Carnival Freedom or Carnival Splendor for 2008. Carnival has some great air/sea rates so lets see what they can do. Alternatively, you can try booking a flight to a smaller hub like Amsterdam or Munich and then taking a low cost flight to Rome or London with the cheap as chips airlines like Easy Jet, Ryan Air or Transavia no name just a few. Let me know how you get on and then we will chat some more. Welcome to the blog mate.
TAZMAN – I have reserved a table of seven for the five nights you requested at 8:00pm – hope this is OK. Please write me note when you get on board and I will look forward to meeting you.
CASEYGIRL – I am so sorry that we keep missing each other but one day we shall meet somewhere on the Seven Seas again. Congratulations on booking the Carnival Freedom and you asked about the Catacombs Tour in Rome. I have done this tour and it is amazing to see how the persecuted Christians built a city under a city. The only advice I would pass on is that it can get a little claustrophobic and that maybe something you should bare in mind. Let me know what you think and it is a unique and thrilling experience. Thank you for your kind words, the Carnival Sensation seems a long time ago. I will be here if you need me and until then I send you best wishes.

TALENT SHOW TIME, I WILL COMPLETE THE BLOG TOMORROW MORNING…….GOODNIGHT

KATE – Another newcomer to the blog and that is great to see. And another one who has read the entire 100 blogs from start to finish, is there nothing on T.V.? I am particularly glad you like the behind the scenes interviews and I will be focusing on the crew very soon. You mentioned you want to work on a ship, what do you want to do? Let me know and I will see if I can help point you in the right direction. Looking forward to hearing from you and please keep reading the blog thingy.
GCOURINGTON – Answer, your bank will give you the best rate on Euros as it is usually commission free. Also, remember you can use your ATM card in most of the ports of call. You can also learn to be a pickpocket and walk the streets of Rome and earn a fortune
JANFR WA – Thank you so much for the money exchange info for Mr. Beach and all the other bloggers. Great stuff. You asked who the cruise director will be on the Paradise when you cruise and I can tell you it will be Jeff Bronson whom I have alerted to the fact that you are heading his way for a “Girls Cruise”……..extra security has been daughter in. have a great time.
Now, onto your comments about the blog written by BELLA. It was a shame that she felt that people called “rednecks” spoiled her cruise and that she will not cruise with us again. I am aware of the term but not sure what it means in the context that Bella is referring to. All I know is that the most important fact is that your son is fighting on the other side of the world to protect the Freedom we enjoy and that is what I will concentrate my response to Bella’s posting on. We all send our best to him and please don’t cry, he will be home safe soon and until then hew will be in all our thoughts and prayers for whatever our political and personal beliefs we can all share a mother’s anguish over the safety of her beloved son.
JOHN WILSON – An Essex man now living in Scotland, there is a joke somewhere. Currency seems to be the theme of the day so for you I would simply say to use your cash point card, which will be available to use everywhere, except in Turkey. Leave me a note when on board and see you soon…och eye the noo.mate.
NANCI NURSE -Thank you again for the package, it was simply wonderful. I am hope you will leave me a note as soon as you board so I can say hello. Heidi and I wish you a safe flight and we look forward to meeting you.
KEN – You mentioned that your flight is at 9:30am in Rome and you want to disembark on the day before we are in Rome. You really do not have to do this as we have people who have even earlier flights. However, if you do want to disembark earlier, please let the Information Desk know the day before so we can prepare the paper work, etc. Let me know if you want to chat about this some more and I look forward to seeing you in August.
SCOTT – Correct answers, and as for free cruises for everyone when we hit 500,000 slaps……………let me consider it…………….OK, I considered it and the answer is I wish I could but no. However, we will have to do something special won’t we?
CHRISSY KERGALD – What a beautiful story. You know what, I think I remember your “Julie Andrews” dress from the talent show on the Carnival Destiny, I don’t remember you but how can I ever forget the dress………………….I am kidding of course. So as a teenager you were taken on cruises, you fell in love with them, then fell in love with a man and how appropriate that you will be celebrating your honeymoon on the Carnival Glory. Please can you remind me a few days before you sail so I can ask my friend and your cruise director Wee Jimmy to send you a little something from me. I hope the magic you have found in cruising lasts forever.
MRS MISSING THE SMOKE FREE PARADISE – I just made you the Spa Director for the Carnival Splendor. I have to admit that my knowledge of Country Music is limited to my friend Alan’s collection. He is country music mad and listens to nothing else, his favorite artists are Box Car Willy and Paul Williams. However, you seem to have some great ideas and it seems you are right that there is a Grand Ole Opry cruise on the Carnival Freedom and I am checking when that will be. As for Sophia Lauren, I am pretty sure she is already associated with another cruise line but again you are correct, she would have been perfect. I am sticking by my guns though and I think AJ may say yes………let us see.
MRS BIG ED – Look at that, the two wives back-to-back slaps on the same blog haven’t given up on AJ in fact I have been rejuvenated at the latest news that she “will let us know.” If indeed we move over to CZJ then indeed I will make sure Michael Douglas looks after you while Big Ed and I look after Catherine. What do I have to do to get you on the bloggers cruise?
DANNY – I will post a copy of the ships deck plan for you next week. It is on my to do list. A year is not that far away so if you or the Mrs. has any questions I will be here to help. All the best and the deck plan will be with you soon.
TOM AND JANE RACHFORD – The Bugatti Veyron was featured recently on my favorite program Top Gear shown on the BBC. It generates 1,000 BHP and must be exhilarating to drive. I am not sure if Bob Dickinson will buy me one of them but maybe they can lease me an Aston Martin or a Bentley for a day or 40.
The Carnival Splendor cruise has been confirmed and the full 49-day itinerary is now posted on www.carnival.com/splendor. Have a look at let me know which one you fancy………….they all look amazing. Thanks for reading the blog and I will dream of the Bugatti tonight and you can dream of John from Mount Holly.
ITSKNOTSEW – Another Mount Holly fan. What the hell was a piranha doing in Mount Holly, that’s one fish that needs Satellite Navigation. John, if you read this please don’t go swimming because if a piranha sees you he may bite of your Yaba Daba Doo. I will keep writing so please keep reading.
MORTGAGECHICK – I have no idea where I get my energy but come vacation time I think I may sleep for months. Thank you for the kind words and the fact that I am the only CD your husband remembers out of your 18 cruises I guess I must be doing something right……………….or your husband has a bad memory.
I remember the Carnival Leg End crossing very well and Wee Jimmy and I had so much fun together……………Hopefully they can be repeated again soon. Please send my best to Jeff and please keep reading the blog and stay in touch.
THE JOHNSTON 4 – spending your birthday while exploring Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri will be outstanding and unforgettable. Save some energy to come to the show that night and I have a feeling it will be the most memorable of birthdays.
ANNE E. – Thanks Anne E, that is so very helpful.
SEWING NUT – Thanks for the offer of hosting a Q & A after your cruise, that is a great idea. I think the date for the second bloggers Cruise looks good and lots of these questions (including that) will be answered next week when we all get together for a conference call. I saw Mrs. Big Ed’s posting and am making my Michael Douglas mask as we speak. I will be in touch and again many thanks.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – HAPPY 4TH OF July, did the leaves fall any quicker? Glad you liked the photo of the asses…………how long to the trees have no leaves and there is nothing else to do? Come and cruise…………now. Best to the artist formally known as Prince.
JO MYERLY – Every room has a minbar Jo so you can indeed keep soda cans cold. Also, cold water is available on most excursions as well so I think you will be fine. I miss diet root beer, you can’t find that anywhere in Europe. See you soon and glad you liked the Rose reference…………..he very nearly was a Vase.
TAZMAN – Thanks Tazman, yep, that’s the word, my friend was drinking a SGROPPINO and it looked pretty zesty. I think my friend enjoyed it because he put his hand on my knee!
MATT AND VIKKI TILL – What an amazing posting and so many famous names on one slap. I loved in particular your reference to Mick Jagger. I am a huge stones fan and would love to meet Mick and the boys. I hope you and the beautiful Vikki enjoyed the fireworks and then had some of your won later that night. I am sure I speak for everyone when we say thanks for the stories and if you have any more please share with us.
I ARBLRN – I can promise your daughter that there will be at least 100 other teens on the cruise in August and with the new Club O2 room she will have a permanent place to “chill.” It seems that you both need a vacation and as an Oncology Nurse (that’s feat isn’t it) you especially. I sure need to relax and enjoy the wonders of the Mediterranean. Bring your “God made Credit card” with you and if you have any questions before or while you are here please let me know.
BILL (ZYDECOCRUISER) – Heidi had the Carpaccio at Harry’s and said it was HISTORIC.
SHERRIF ROSCOE P. COLTRANE – hello Sheriff. How are you liking the day shift compared to nights? I have my “get out of jail free card” sitting on my desk waiting for my visit to Georgia. So you have PA 007 in jail do you. Well please protect his secret identity and do not let him go to the showers on his own! Hope you and Mrs. Sheriff are well and please stay safe.
MARCIA014 – I trust you are still enjoying all the blog thingies and thanks for your question about the purchasing of future cruises onboard Carnival ships. This program has in fact just started on the Carnival Leg End and Carnival Valor and will soon be here on the Carnival Freedom and eventually on all the ships. This procedure will allow you to book future voyages with special upgrades and credits etc. I will slap the details on the blog as soon as they arrive here. I also know Princess has a very successful program and I am sure ours will be as well. Please keep reading the blog and I will try and continue providing you with those smiles.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Please do not feel bad about the odd spelling mistake, not every won hes parfect spalling licke I doo.:)
I am indeed an Essex boy and I also share the hope that we meet very soon. You asked about why fly on entertainers do what they do. There are many answers to this but apart from receiving the compensation they do for flying everywhere the major reason is simple……a chance to perform.
Live entertainment is disappearing fast, especially live variety shows and as the world moves from these spectaculars to watching 12 strangers bore the hell out of each other or live on a desert island or eat live Mongolian Bat Heads, the cruise ships have become a last bastion of live variety entertainment………………..and thank goodness for that. I hope all is well with you and hopefully AJ is still a possibility……………..Pase wright sooon ande donnt worrry aboet yur spalling.
BARB AND CARL THE BEARS – well done, bear with me
JOHN FROM ARKANSAS – 200 days until the Bloggers cruise, that’s brilliant news and as I think I said somewhere in this blog that I will be working on announcing more details about this special event next week. Can you e-mail Roberto at Carnival and he will send me the photos and I will in turn post them on the site or use my buddy Big Ed’s site as he already has over 300 photos on it. I am so happy you are enjoying the blog and hope you continue to for many more days. See you in 200 of them.
MRS MTSFP – I have made enquires about the ability to send luggage to Rome ahead of time and the problem seems to be getting it to the ship once it arrives at a DHL bonded warehouse. I am waiting to see if my contact in Rome has any more news on this.
I have been thinking about asking to sail on a Cunard ship in March, hopefully on a crossing back to Southampton before I join the Carnival Freedom for its first European Cruise of 2008 and then on the Carnival Splendor. As I mentioned before it has been a dream of mine to do a crossing and the invitation has been made so I have to accept don’t I?
If I do, I would blog every day and let you know what the experience is like. Hope you and Mr. MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF are well and by the way, England has now gone totally smoke-free in all public spaces as of this week. Now, that’s all well and good but the best ideas you have had is asking The wife of the president of Aston Martin to be the Godmother if AJ and CZJ say no…………..One way or another I will have a photo on the blog with my Aston Martin even if I have to steal one.
KIM – So, that’s where all the shrimp went to — your dad ate them all. It is quite amazing when you see how much food is eaten onboard and Jogi does indeed remember your Dad Mr. Crazy Shrimp man.
You asked about the Baltic cruise and if Carnival will continue this itinerary in 2009 and beyond………………….the answer is I do not know……………however, due to its popularity, it would not surprise me and obviously as soon as anything is announced I will make sure you read about it first on the blog. Now, have fun and take dad to Red Lobster for dinner!
BILL (ZYDECOCRUISER) – I agree with you mate, Harry Connick Jr is a true icon and I would love to get him here to entertain. Obviously, I am also a great fan of the Marsalis brothers and their contribution to the Big Easy’s rebirth is well known. I really wish you could be here sometime to see our Big Easy show, I think it would make you very proud.
MARIJ VAN DINTER – Bedankt voor alles. Ik wens jullie enn gode reis. Doeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
LONGING TO CRUISE – Good Luck mate, hope your PVP can get you the cruise you want and let us all know which one you have booked. Hope to hear from you soon.
NC BRIAN – Thank you so much for reading these humble blogs from the very start. This is blog 101 so I hope to reach blog 150 by the end of the year. In answer to your question about working onboard let me tell you the good and the bad news.
Carnival does indeed do its best to keep married couples together on the same ship even though we have 25,000 employees at sea at any given time. This is normally something that works out OK. I see you are an accountant and your wife a massage therapist and indeed we have both such positions working onboard. To be honest, I have no clue what the accountants do on a daily basis but I know that the Chief Accountant on any ship carries a lot of responsibility. The massage therapists work very hard as well and in a moment I will let you know how to contact the right people for both positions.
It would however be amiss of me if I did not tell you that working on a cruise ship is nothing like working on land. The major difference is that unlike a land-based job where you close the office or spa door at night and go home, you can’t do that here. Therefore, you work, rest and play with the same people all the time. Also, as a married couple you will see each other every day, every meal time and every evening and live in a comfortable but not overly large cabin. I am not trying to put you off but I am trying to make you aware that this will be an experience and also a test of anyone’s marriage………………..just ask Heidi.
Anyway, after all that and you are interested in working onboard and all the amazing benefits it does have then for accounting just go to http://www.carnival.com/funjobs and for your wife, she will need to contact http://www.steinerleisure.com/ who are the company that provides our magnificent Spa Staff. I wish you both good luck and please let me know if you have any further questions……………do you get free massages?
VICKI – Stop considering and book it If you need any help deciding with South America cruise to book, please let me know.
ESSEXMAN – I have not heard of Cruisein mate but if you could send me a copy of the review I would appreciate it very much. I have some news on Ciampino but unfortunately its not good. The bus operators will not provide buses due to the fact that very few people fly out of that airport. They will arrange a transfer for you but I would suggest you research online as I think you may get it cheaper than just taking a taxi the morning of debarkation. When are you going to be her Bill? I want to make sure I ask you for the local paper (Essex Chronicle) when you come over. Hope all is well and have a sausage roll for me.
BRYAN – Greetings to you sir. Thank you so very much for the link to the BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC……….the convertible version of the GT. This car is driven by tanned and beautiful men who model themselves on George Hamilton and Pierce Brosnan…………………I am hoping someone will take pity on me and either a Bentley or an Aston Martin will be waiting for me when I get home at the end of the year………………….sorry, slipped off into the realms of fantasy again. I am glad you like all the photos and I will slap more on every blog. Thanks mate and one day we will meet her in beautiful Europe.
BIG ED – You are right Bigus Edwardius, I must stick to my convictions. Aston Martin may as we speak be counting the times I have said Aston Martin and as we speak are arranging to purchase or lease an ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S for me. As for AJ, I did loose my way but I have been brought back onto the road of righteousness and she is once again my first choice. I am sure you saw my last blog where contact was finally made by Carnival and we are waiting for an answer…………….exciting times. So, I will indeed return to the bosom of Aston Martin with a slightly smaller desire for the bosom of a Bentley. I will keep you a breast of the situation and the mere thought of driving one of those chariots of fire titillates my senses.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER. – The procedures for contacting someone to be Godmother are not really set ones, especially when it comes to someone like AJ. She has so many firewalls to get through that it has taken longer than is normal but we have contacted her management team and are waiting on their advice. I just hop that she gets to decide herself and one look at my photo and she will be putty in my hands as I gently mould her firm…..sorry…..lost it again……going for a cold shower. OK, I am back. So Carol, it is now a question of wait and see but hope does spring eternal. All the best and please write soon.
ANDREAS GOEDDE – Yep, that’s me to a tee…………….except I think if AJ saw my photo it would be her fantasizing about me, covered in baby oil and wearing my Sumo wrestler outfit…………………how could any girl resist?
Cheers mate.
NANCINURSE – You asked about Harry’s in Venice. It is amazing and simply the best food in the whole town however they should serve oxygen as a dessert to help you cope with seeing the bill.
HERE IS THE NUMBER TO CALL AND MENTION THAT YOU KNOW ME AND THAT YOU WILL BE ON THE CARNIVAL FREEDOM AND CAN YOU HAVE JOHN’S USUAL TABLE. THEY ALL KNOW ME THERE IN FACT LAST WEEK I WAS DISCUSSING WITH “HARRY HIMSELF,” THE FACT THAT HE CHANGED THE RECIPE OF THE ZUCHINNI RISOTO AND THAT I PREFERED THE OLD RECIPE TO THE NEW ONE……..ANYWAY, YOU CAN HAVE MY TABLE AND HERE IS THE NUMBER
TO CALL 011 39 41 528 5777
INMN253 – How fantastic that you enjoyed my mate Butch as a cruise director on your Carnival Victory cruise. Butch was my assistant on the Carnival Liberty and did a magnificent job so I am happy to hear of his continuing success as a Cruise Director. He is the one who told me about the Minnesota State Fair and the fact that all the food is served on a stick!
Please leave me a note at the information desk when you board saying that you are blog readers and I will let you know what we are doing and send a little gift to your cabin. When are you sailing and let me know if you have any questions? Cheers.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF. – Great advice, I am looking at various Web sites now but I am worried about recommending one as I know so little about a luggage forwarding service. Has anyone used it?
LISA AND ELAINE – Heidi has been very busy and apologizes for not writing a blog but she is doing one tonight and it should be slapped on very soon. I hope you like today’s photos and there will be more each and every blog thingy. You asked if I consider this blog thing work………………….ummmmmmmmmmm,…………yes and no. Yes because it takes 2 – 4 hours away of the limited free time I have but no because the reward is knowing I am hopefully entertaining and assisting the thousands of readers we have each day. I hope you are enjoying reading it and will do so as often as you can. All the best to you both.
MATT AND VIKKI TILL – I would love a CRUISE SHIP show on the Travel Channel. The industry does not have a dedicated show and I think it should……..let’s contact them.
STEVE J GARROD – The site looks as wonderful as ever mate and many thanks for putting http://www.shipcafe.net/ together. I send my best to you and to all your colleagues at Holland America Line. Hope to see you soon.
STACY – Heidi is brooding right now and I am sure it would be difficult for her to give you your three-year-old back. I am so happy that you said you liked the “IN THEIR OWN WORDS” section and therefore if others agree I will keep it going. Hope you and the family are well and hope to see you soon.
DAISY – I remember the cruise here on the Carnival Freedom where St.Marks square turned into a poop filled pool………….it made me very sad to see so many disappointed faces. Therefore, I hope if just a little bit the photo I slapped on of St.Marks helped make you smile. The locals are still asking what a Red Roof Inn is even now. Next time you and the other animals sail I promise the sun will be shining and until then I will keep posting sunny photos.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Thanks captain for making me see sense. The Aston Martin is THE car and although the Bentley GTC is a step above I am too pale to drive one. Maybe, just maybe one day I will get the chance. Escorting the guests to the dining room who have lost their luggage is now going to be standard procedure and I truly hope this makes a difference. Thanks for the compliments Captain and I wish you all the best.
THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR DAD………………..A LOT.

I AM GOING TO PAUSE HERE BECAUSE I JUST GOT A CALL THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER MEDICAL DISEMBARK THIS MORNING.

And, I have just returned from disembarking a 10-year-old and his family. The poor kid was not very well and we had to get him a shore ASAP for specialist treatment. The ship stopped outside Olbia in Sardinia and a Italian Coastguard Cutter came out to collect him and his family. Once again, a very sad sight it was to see the entire families cruise come to an end so suddenly and as they sailed away on that small boat I felt so bad for them.

At this time I have no information on the boys condition but I will let you all know as I will the guests onboard as and when I hear any news.

Back to the Q & A

KATHIE – What a wonderful posting and how nice to recognize those friends on the blog who include the Sherriff and of course the family whose son Randy is serving his country. 07/07 is also the anniversary of the bombings on the London Transport system where 52 innocent people lost their lives…….I will be thinking of them today as well.
On a lighter note, the interview with PA 007 is coming up, so enjoy.
GENIE – And I remember you as well and kissing your hand was the highlight of that cruise and I too have not washed since. Talking of washing, Heidi had a bidet nine if that’s how you spell it) installed in our house…it cost 400 hundred pounds…………….400 pounds……………what a waste………….I hate the bloody thing, its not natural and besides, If I want to wash that part of my body I can always do a hand stand in the shower.
Sorry, went of track there. I remember your wonderful talent that you shared with us all and I hope you will perform again on the Carnival Splendor so I can kiss your hand one more time. Heidi and I send our best to you both.
BOB HICKLY – What a fantastic selection of cars and bikes you have had and I am sure people think I am just saying this for the sake of it but I do have a dream of driving an Aston martin one day…….just me and Heidi………….driving to the sound of the engine………..maybe a cigar in my hand………….ahhhhhhhhhh.oh well, a boy can dream. Your new toy sounds amazing, what a bike……………pictures please.
Thanks Bob and as always a big thank you for reading the blog so often.
BUNNYETTE – Your reservation at the Supper Club is confirmed and I promise it will be a very special way to celebrate your anniversary. See you soon.
NATES MOM – How is Nate, is it great to have him home? We all miss him here so please send our regards……….especially the dancers!
SCOTT – The guest blogger thing is certainly going to help my blogging while I am home. The rasp berry thing will be only to answer questions, etc. at random and to communicate with the office…………..I do intend to have some free time but if I can blog three times a week I think we should be ok. I will let everyone know exactly what is planned after my conference call with Roger Blum etc. I have never had a Rasp Berry but my friend says I should have one so I will indeed get one soon. Cheers mate.
KEVIN – I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW MUCH THE CLUTCH ON THE Aston cost. I know that when you stop you have to pull both paddle shifts towards you and sit in natural to avoid that happening………….sorry to bore the other bloggers but I really am a Petrol Head. So the sea is in your blood and if you are serious maybe you should do something about it. How about working as a chef on a mega yacht, sailing around the Caribbean and the Med cooking for just a few select people, what do you think about that?
You said PA 007 rules……..they do and after the interview in a moment you may think that even more. Thanks mate and I hope the Aston is back on the road again soon.
LEASA – .I see from your posting that you love blackjack. I once was a guest dealer on the Carnival Triumph but I am embarrassed to say that I had to have a calculator on the table with me however I did pay out on 22 because it was close enough!
The man who does not like children has been quiet since our chat and hopefully he has been able to relax more, I will be checking in on him before the end of the cruise to see if that is the case. My best to you and Geoff and I hope you get lots of Blackjacks on your back-to-back Carnival Liberty Cruise.
BRYAN – It’s good to see someone trying to work out all the anagrams, did you get today’s? The Marriage Show is one of my favorite things to host. It is different every week and allows my improve skills to improve every time. You never know what kind of people you are going to get on stage and that’s one of the best things about this job….it’s different all the time. All the best to you and the gators, whoever they may be.
TAMMY AND MIKE FROM NY – Good to hear from you and let me help you relax even more by answering your questions.
1) You mentioned the need to tender at Dubrovnik two more times this year. Will one of those dates be the Sept 10th cruise? - No, we will tender the next two times in July and early August only.
2.) Do you know how many people under 21 will be on that trip? - Very few, less than one hundred.
3) I was going to get Euros but do you think I should get some Kuna for Dubrovnik? Or will Euros be sufficient? - 99 % of the shops take Euros even though they are not supposed to so please do not get any Kuna.
4) Can you tell me if there will be another large cruise ship at Venice? I worry about the availability of the gondolas. Aren’t there only about 500 for the whole city? How do all the ships share? - In September there will only be one other big ship in port with us and I assure and promise you there will be no problem finding a Gondola. We have 400 reserved for us on our Evening Gondola Tour should you wish to book it.
5) I want to reserve a time for the Uffizi Gallery but I’m not sure when I should. We are taking the “Florence on your Own” and I’m not sure when to expect to leave Florence. I know it is an independent contractor, but do you know the usual time we would be picked up in Florence? The Florence On Your Own Tour will arrive at the town center at 10:30am so I suggest a confirmed booking at 11:30am should be perfect.
I hope these answers help you and if you need anything else I remain at your service mate. See you in September.
DOUGNEWMAN AT SEA – I had to laugh when I saw that you had written “PA 007 should be running the company by now,” The fact is that they are a long, long, long, long way from being the Boss as you will see from the interview that will be forthcoming. Thank you for your praise of our Public Relations department who really are some of the unsung heroes of this wonderful company. So, what is next for you, when do you return to the Seven Seas? I hope it is soon as your reviews are wonderful. I was talking about you via e mail with a friend of mine today and we both agreed so please write soon and hopefully you will be able to cruise with me soon, I want to show you what we do out here and shake your hand. Cheers.
HEIDI – BETH – Wow, PA 007 is getting all the praise tonight and I hope when they read this they will feel proud. As you will see PA 007 leads an uneventful life and hopefully this will spice it up a bit. Please – no restraining, say what you think, that is why I am doing this blog, speak your mind and slap it onto a posting so we can all share in your opinions……………..it’s what makes the world go round…………….or is that love? Anyway, I expect to hear more from you soon and send my best to you until then.
KAYENTAJANE – That’s another big dollop of praise for PA 007. Thanks Kay for your support and if AJ says yes, somehow, someway I will have to get PA 007 to the naming ceremony…………..don’t know how but I will try.
KAZ – Helen, is that you? If it is, please write more as I have so many fond memories of our friendship, especially the trombone lessons. Thank you for the kind words and hope you are well. Look forward to hearing from you soon and best to your family.
BOB POLAND. – Thanks for your concern and I promise I won’t let anything spoil my vacation but a few blogs here and there won’t do me any harm and anyway, I am sure Heidi will snatch my Rasp Berry and my lap top thingies away from me if it does. All hail PA 007 ……….who is slowly becoming a legend so thank you for showering more praise upon them. I like the idea of a BEST OF BLOG and that’s going onto my list of things to discuss with Roger. I hope you to are well and your are indeed a friend in cyberspace.
LINDA HERNACKI – Heidi and I and everyone in blog land congratulate you on your new grandson………he sounds like a big healthy boy and please send our best to Joshua’s Mum and Dad and of course lets hope he will be a bulb changer like Mike. I still may see you in November, I haven’t said no yet For now though, Heidi and I are so happy for you. Cherish every moment and don’t forget to introduce Joshua to cruising as soon as you can………….congratulations again.

That’s the end of the Q & A today.

Talking of children, here is a photo of two kids who sang a song with me on stage last night. They are brother and sister and so cute together and had the audience laughing as we sang this song to the tune of IF YOU ARE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT…………….PLEASE SING IT WITH ME, CODY AND KATE.

IS THAT A BOOGER IN THE SUGAR NO ITS SNOT
IS THAT A BOOGER IN THE SUGAR NO ITS SNOT
OH I HAD A BUNCH FOR LUNCH YOU CAN HEAR THE SUCKERS CRUNCH
IS THAT A BOOGER IN THE SUGAR NO ITS SNOT

I hope you all sang along.

OK, HERE IS THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT NOBODY APART FROM HEIDI, MYSELF AND ONE OTHER PERSON KNOWS WHO PA 007 REALLY IS……….HONESTLY, THEY DON’T AND I NEED TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Ok, here we go……………………enjoy.

1. Obviously, we have to protect your identity but what can you tell us about your career with Carnival Cruise Lines so far.

I actually started working onboard a few years ago and then moved into the corporate office in Miami. I now work in a department, which is involved in many different aspects of planning and operations, but I cannot be more specific than that……….even now, I have to be careful because someone could walk past my cubicle and see what I am writing.

2. What made you decide to help the blog by passing on information some of which could get you into trouble?

I was just fed up with being “The Grey Man/Grey Woman.” Nobody tells me anything and in my current position there are many high-powered meetings where my only involvement is to get more coffee or if someone needs a doughnut. The last words I hear are “Close the door behind you.” Therefore, I thought that it was time to be someone! I had been reading your blog since you started and although it was fun I thought it lacked substance so that’s when I contacted you and began to pass on information.

3.How do you come by all this information?

I may have to take the fifth on this question as that may help someone guess my identity. However, basically, I listen. People tend to forget I am there especially my boss “M” and sometimes being the Grey Man/Grey Woman can be helpful because they have conversations around me as though I am invisible as was the case when the QE2 was sold. Everyone was very excited about the news even though it was not supposed to be shared with the general public for 24 hours but nobody actually told me, it was like I had once again ceased to exist and that’s when I decided to tell you.

4.Has anyone even guessed that PA 007 may be you?

It has only been in the past few weeks that the “Top Dogs” are getting concerned as to who is passing on the information. I have heard many names mentioned and there is even an office pool as to who it is. The pool contains about 20 or so names and the only involvement and this is true that I have in the pool was I was given the task of collecting the money ($20 a bet) and putting the chart up in the break room.

5. Are you scared that you could lose your job

No. Firstly, nobody even thinks it’s me, not in a million years. I am considered the office nobody — a nerd, a geek, a bit of an oddball just because I like going bowling and attend Star Trek conventions I am considered “a bit strange” — it is the perfect cover.

6. So, you are saying you are like a Super hero with an alternate identity.

Yes, I guess I am. I have very little excitement in my life and this has enabled me to become “someone” even if nobody else knows that I am.

7. What Super hero do you consider yourself most like.

You christened me with the James / Janice Bond 007 tag so I do think of myself as a smooth-talking, fast-car driving spy but with an alter ego similar to Clark Kent was to Superman

8. Do you dress up in tights and cape at home?

NO

9. When you broke the Carnival Splendor story you said to me that you found this information on the photocopier………….is that true?

Yes, I knew that something big was going down and I wanted to be included but as usual I was ignored. Later that morning I was asked to make copies of something and there in the tray was a memo from “up high” saying that the Carnival Splendor would sail around South America and that’s when I passed in on to you later that night before I went to my country line dancing class. It was strange doing the class that night because I knew that I had passed on some sensitive material that nobody was supposed to know for another 24 hours.

10. What are your plans for the future?

Working for Carnival is awesome and being from Miami I am proud to be associated with the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line. I think I have a lot to offer and if someone would notice me I think I could make the company even more successful as I have so many ideas running around in my head. Maybe, I could use your blog to pass them on. I may not get the credit but at least I would know the ideas were being heard.

11. Are you sure you have never dressed up in tights and a mask

NO!

12. So, before we close is there anything else you can tell us about yourself without compromising your identity.

I am sure people probably think I am someone quiet important but I am honestly just a normal guy who likes to do normal things but this secret has changed my life and has allowed me to have a secret that nobody else knows and I find that exhilarating. I have to admit that on the way to work I was stuck in traffic on I-95 and popped in the Best Of James Bond Music CD. I may have some more breaking news in the next few days and I want to congratulate John for this blog and for keeping my secret. If I could afford it John, I would buy you an Aston Martin.

I am sure we all thank PA 007 for his comments. Obviously we have to be careful and I can tell you people very high up are really pressing me to discover his or her identity…………but my lips are sealed………which as anyone who knows me will tell you……….that is a rare thing.

Please send PA 007 your thanks in your next postings.

That’s a long blog and it is time for bed. In closing think please of a young 10-year-old boy named Troy who is in a hospital somewhere in Italy tonight………get well soon mate.

Good Night

Your friends

John and Heidi