Highlighting the Carnival Legend and Cruise Director Chris "Bubba" Roberts
August 2, 2007 -
John Heald
Hello everyone and welcome back.Today, we are at sea and I begin this blog after just finishing my debarkation talk and Q and A. I received the usual questions and I have to say some people seem very confused about traveling still and I sometimes wonder how they made it here.
An example from today’s open mic Q and A will follow.
Another beautiful day and the calm seas and sunshine continue to be with us as we sail to Barcelona.
Let me give you an update on the lost luggage situation this cruise.
The Chief Purser Margarita reports that the airlines lost a total of 66 bags and we still have 37 that have yet to be found. So, while many people have experienced the joy of their luggage finally arriving, there are 37 people who have been onboard for eight days with no luggage at all. As always, we are trying to do our best for them but obviously not having your own clothes causes major heartache and I feel for them all.
I would like to talk about the compassion of one of our guests. The last few times we have called in Dubrovnik we have invited some children from the local orphanages on board and also some children from a school with special needs. This is something that I have mentioned to you before on another blog and I also mentioned it this week during one of my travel talks. The following day I received a letter from a Mr. Rick Shaw, who is a radio DJ from Magic 102.7 in Miami, Florida.
Mr. Shaw asked me to give him a call and after doing so he told me that he was the President of the Majic Children’s Fund and he would like to offer a $1000 donation to the children’s home which is located in Dubrovnik. Obviously this was wonderful news and I thanked him and will be putting him in touch directly with the home so that this donation can be organized. I sometimes feel that I write too much of the negative side of guest input on this blog so I wanted to share this gentleman’s request with you.
I have included his letter and business card in the “In Their Own Words section” below.
I want to say a big hello to Roberto who will have his fraternity sailing on the Carnival Imagination next week. The True Gentlemen of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be sailing for the second year in a row aboard a Carnival vessel to conduct their annual Leadership School; in fact, they were the first fraternity to introduce this concept. A special greeting to the men of Florida Alpha who are sailing who I am sure are very proud of the work Roberto is doing for this blog. Here is some information via a link thingy…………………..have a great cruise guys.
Here are 2 beautiful photos of our passage past the volcanic island of Stromboli taken by Charlie, our Musical Director.
HERE ARE TODAY’S LETTERS FOR THE “IN THEIR OWN WORDS” SECTION.
It’s time for some Q & A. Before I start here, is the list of tours that are available on the 28th and 29th of October for the beginning of our Transatlantic Crossing.
At the moment, we are undecided if we will offer the Rome at Night tour or the Angels & Demons tours as this depends on pre-sales or if people book on board.
Hope you find this helpful and let me know if you all have questions.
| Date (dd/mm/yy) | Tour Code | Tour Title | Dock Departure Time | Dock Return Time |
| 29-oct-07 | Highlights and Regular Vatican | 7.45 AM | 7.30 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Rome at its best | 7.45 AM | 6.45 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Easy Rome | 8.00 AM | 2.00 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | An Exclusive View of the Vatican | 8.15 AM | 7.15 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Italian Countryside | 8.15 AM | 5.15 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Rome & Catacombs | 8.15 AM | 5.15 AM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Rome on Your Own | 8.30 AM | 6.30 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Explore Rome | 8.30 AM | 5.00 PM | |
| 29-oct-07 | Vatican & St.Peter’s | 7.30 AM | 2.00 PM |
Here we go:
TERRI910 – Thank you for the John Cleese and Eric Idle apology from A Fish Called Wanda. There are many times when I feel like turning into John Cleese and at the bottom of today’s blog is a near copy of the episode from Fawlty Towers and Mrs. Richards. Maybe I should be allowed one cruise a year when Carnival allows me to be Basil Fawlty. If we do this, we would have to have just French guests on board. Hope all is well Terri.
HEIDI AND PAUL FROM NEW ORLEANS – Hello to you both down there in the Big Easy. The lady with the stained t-shirt really did make me laugh. She really did think that it was my responsibility to return the merchandise and collect a new one for her. She still believes this to be so even though I send her a new t-shirt from the ship. The reply I received was without a thank you but to inform me that it was too small and she needed a bigger size. Sometimes you just have to laugh.
My regards to everyone down there in New Orleans and we think about you all especially when we perform our tribute show “The Big Easy.”
LFTTNSFCF – I would be concerned too. The fact that you would admit to seeing any kind of “thingy” would be worrying. Thank you for your very funny comments. I hope you did make your mind up because the best Assistant Cruise Director, the best duo, the best Supper Club, the best shows and the best crew are waiting for you, most of which will be served up in a smoke free environment.
I love eating jelly beans.
Although Heidi says it’s mean
Making sugar free candy is a noble art
Even if I continuously ………(fill in the blank)
I see that you have just booked the cruise and we are all excited to see you both and finally shaking the hand of a friend. Cheers mate.
NANCY PIERCE – Very good question Nancy. Why do we list Canada and Canada Quebec differently on our international guest list? I am sure you understand that guests from Quebec speak (or refuse to speak) no English, only frog, sorry, French, so therefore, we know to provide them with translated material.
It’s great to hear you enjoyed your cruise with us here so much and I remember the sneeze on stage very well, it was very embarrassing.
My best to you and all my Canadian friends in all the provinces.
HEIDI-BETH AND KEVIN – How are you my three friends? It will be very funny to see the Cruise Director’s face on the Carnival Glory when you walk up the gangway wearing Heidi and John t-shirts. Lots of people seem to be buying them and that in itself is very uplifting. Heidi and I still do not have one ourselves although we have been offered a 10% discount)
I now see that you also have 2 boys so I guess I should say hello to all 5 of you. So, hello to all 5 of you and all the best.
FENG SHUI TURTLE – What a good call. I have ordered My Big Fat Greek Wedding and it should be here to start playing at the end of the month.
I have only received one complaint from that lady about National Lampoon’s European Vacation, everyone else has said how much they enjoyed watching that movie.
Have a safe journey, see you on Sunday and thank you for bringing my fuel for my jet pack. ……Heidi is not happy.
JUDI – Welcome back and I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your cruise in June here on the Carnival Freedom. The thanks you wrote about the crew has been passed along to other department heads so that it could be posted on the notice boards. I am not sure seeing me can be compared to seeing Mickey Mouse without his head on but I would consider myself more Goofy than Mickey. Hope to see you on your next cruise and if you need anything I will be here for you.
MISS MARGARET – I love the name Margaret, it’s my favorite auntie’s name, we call her Maggie. Anyway, you will be here soon and I know you will have such a wonderful time as we sail to Greece, Turkey and Italy. Have a very safe journey and please leave me a note when you get onboard.
G COURINGTON – You know what, you asked if the crew will be tired on the last European vacation in October and the simple answer is no. If anything, there is a certain buzz in the air because lots of them will be excited to get back to the States where the crew facilities are excellent and prices are in US Dollars. I assure you of a wonderful trip and let’s make sure we chat nearer the time about weather and what to bring etc. It will be a brilliant vacation, I promise.
JO WADE – Laughter is a great medicine as you so correctly stated in your posting Jo. Some people need a bigger dose, that’s all, or need to drink the whole bottle ! The greatest sound in the world is laughter (actually that’s the second greatest sound in the world). The greatest sound in the world is someone saying “here are the keys to your Aston Martin, John”) and the fact that I am able to share and hopefully provide laughter to so many people from so many places. I am a lucky man.
Please keep reading the blog and I wish you a great and laughter-filled day.
DANNY – hello mate, let me answer your two questions for you.
1. Yes, there is a mini 9-hole golf course here on the Carnival Freedom and also on some of our other ships as well. It is open from 9:00am – 10:00pm daily and located on deck 12 aft.
2. You asked if you could bring a 52-ounce insulated mug for your sodas as you will be purchasing a Fountain Fun Card card. Of course you can mate, I love those things and I was once given one as big as me called a BIG GULP.
Please let me know if you have any other questions and I will be looking for the man with the big cup when you are here.
IAN TAMPEN – I think that you are suffering from ATCOCS SYNDROME. You say you are sitting at home reading the blog and missing the ocean. Well, that sounds to me like the early onset of ATCOCS. You need to take care of this because if you do not it may result in your condition becoming much worse.
Take the case of poor Mr. Derek Tyrell who had stopped taking a Carnival Cruise and decided to sail on another line that shall remain nameless. He was asked to leave after singing Carnival’s Got the Fun at the guest talent show on board the Boring Of the Seas while wearing an “I’ve seen John’s Thingy” t-shirt.
Ian, get help now mate.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Sir and as always it is great to hear from you. Heidi is smiling from ear to ear that you purchased a t-shirt with her name on it. Thank you also for the invitation to your home town and I truly think one day I will accept your offer. You are the second person to ask about the territories in Canada and now I see what you and my other blogger friend were talking about. Therefore, I pass this information on to International Sales and I am awaiting their response.
You also asked about what I like to nibble on except jelly beans. I have to admit I am a big fan of Indian Poppadums. These are spicy, low carb snacks but unfortunately they are very hard to find outside of the UK and India. Heidi really likes them because there are no after-effects.
Paul, have a great day and thank you for supporting the blog and your constant friendliness towards Heidi and I.
JIMNI – What a great idea, diet warm chocolate melting cake. It’s the stuff dreams are made off.
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – At Harry’s I had the chicken curry which was served with rice. As rice is full of carbs, I left the rice. My plate cost 70 Euros and as there was more rice than chicken curry, I think I wasted a lot of money. However, when the bill came, I did not need to add on a tip, I just gave the waiter some rice. It was a special treat for Heidi and I although we missed our friends who went there with us last time……….because they paid.
Still no news on Carnival’s ‘ 09 Mediterranean schedule, however, I will ask PA 007 to get on the trail and see what they can find.
All the best mate and I will be back to you soon.
DIANE – Hello Diane and thank you for sticking up for me. I am glad you had such a great time in May and I hope this blog keeps you going until the next time.
All the best from Heidi and I.
JO MYERLY – Congratulations on getting your documents and I am sure you are getting very excited now.
LOIS GRIBOWSKIIWIEIE – I am glad you enjoyed the recipe and sorry about the spelling of your last name, I sneezed when I was typing.
THE PLAZ – Your comments about deck chair saving are right on the nose. Today, I informed guests that if a towel is just left on the chair and nobody was there, wait 10 minutes, put the towel next to the chair and sit down. This is a problem everywhere, in hotels and every cruise line and I truly hope that my constant announcements will have guests adhering to what I have requested. We have a joke about this in England that at hotels the Germans get up at 5:00am in the morning to put their towels on the deck chairs and that’s why today, we have a German Pope, as he was the first to put his towel over the balcony. The problem will continue and I will do my best to make it less of one. Thanks mate and I have to ask, why The Plaz?
ANITA DUNHAM-POTTER – Anita, it looks like, without knowing it, we have just had the same thoughts. Great minds think alike. This is a problem that is now in my top 3 priorities to improve on and I am determined to make it happen. How are the girls? How is the cat? How are you? And look forward to seeing you in January.
TAMMIE – The recipe for the chocolate melting cake is for 4 portions according to the chef. Have you tried it yet? Let me know how it comes out.
KAYENTAJANE – Great idea, let’s upgrade it even further and strap a small electric charge to each guest so that if they do put their towel down and they do not return to their chair within a 15 minute period they are zapped by 1000 volts of electricity…………..ok, once again, I have entered the realm of fantasy.
If you have any other ideas, please let me know. It’s great to hear from you.
MISSING YOU – I see that you met a young lady on the cruise in July here on the Carnival Freedom. You are asking me to provide you with her details and telephone number from the passenger list. Unfortunately, I am unable to do this. However, there is a small chance she may be reading this blog thingy.
Therefore, please write her a letter, slap it on to the blog and if love is on your side, she will reply. If she doesn’t maybe someone else will and we can turn this blog into a lonely hearts club. I look forward to receiving your letter. Until then, you will have to meet her in your dreams. I dream of my sweetheart every night, she is black, very fast and is called Aston Martin. All the best mate.
BIG ED – If you cruise on the Bloggers cruise, I will give you your personal deck chair, reserved in the middle of Lido deck, protected by 2 gorgeous ladies who will fan you with eucalyptus leaves while feeding you luxurious grapes that have been soaking in vintage champagne. What do you think? Thanks also mate for posting the Q and A I posted some time ago. I thank you on behalf of my two fingers which look like ET’s after typing 100 blogs. Did you know that my mate Alan went out with ET’s sister……………………………..EZ.
JTTODDINMAN – Another brilliant poem, by the Poet Laureate.
I especially like the verse about me pushing Ed in a wheelchair, while dressed only in my underwear. Are you suffering from ATCOCS syndrome? I think they should turn your poems into plays. you have missed your calling. You should be on Broadway. Thanks for making me laugh……………………..again
IVANA – Thank you for ordering the t-shirt. I have to admit, it feels strange to hear people have bought something to wear with my name on it. I think we should make Bloggers Underwear next!
You asked about the salon being open early enough to have your hair done before your wedding. I am sure that as in the past the hair designer will be available at whatever time you request because of course, you can’t have your hair done and then go to bed……………disaster ! So, I just checked with the Spa Manager here and she confirmed that, as per usual procedures, the spa will open for you as early as you need. Hope this relaxes you a little more. So, that’s one more off the wedding check list and I can now say I am a wedding coordinator, as well, even though I do not wear pink!
Heidi and I send you our best and we remain here as and when you need help for the big day.
ADIAS.ANGEL – I am told by the Chef that H R Flour means Hard Wheat or Self Raising Flour. Stay tuned into the blog which has now become Hells Kitchen !
IAN H – You are welcome. Please thank PA 007 for obtaining the recipe and PA will be on the case again as soon as they return from the Train Spotting convention. Cheers mate and enjoy making the cake.
PEGGY FORGOTCH – Hello Peggy. You mentioned love is blind…………….and boy am I happy Heidi has dodgy eyesight otherwise I would be sitting here on my own. Yes, all hail and praise to PA007 for obtaining the CWMC recipe and as all of you seem so excited I hope you will report on your success in cooking it for yourself. Tell John (your John) that I hope to sit and talk to him about our favorite show “The Sopranos” one day in person. Thanks for reading the blog thingy.
BRYAN – I am glad you all seemed to enjoy the blog about Dan and Ann. They are indeed so special and I was proud to be part of their special celebrations. They are going to read this blog when they get home so we can all say hello to them soon over this electronic thingy. I think PA 007 is going to be responsible for many bloggers gaining weight after slapping on the CWMC recipe. It is hard though as a Diabetic to keep talking about it………….I need some jelly beans.
Let me know how your cooking goes mate and enjoy the cake.
POPCORNGAL – Your thanks have been passed to PA 007 for the CWMC recipe and to Roberto for fixing the photo stuff. Happy days.
BONNIE AND PRINCE CHARLIE – I love the word CHOGS to describe people who save deck chairs…………..I intend to use this in my announcement so I owe you royalties. There are many great ideas in today’s blog to try and get rid of the pesky CHOGS but the best way is to try and appeal to them to be considerate to their fellow guests. If that fails we will go with your idea. Hope all is well with y’all and really looking forward to talking to you in person about CHOGS, Grits and Chitlins.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Great idea with the clock thing for the chairs. They use this blue clock system in Holland as well as Germany so maybe that is indeed an idea. I will put all the ideas together and send them to our Quality Control people back in Miami. I wish it did not have to come down to this but it is certainly a clear and present concern.
I hope you and your other half are well and, as always, it’s great to read your postings.
SHELLYP – You asked about the renewal of vows ceremony onboard for your in-laws. The company offers a most romantic and deluxe package for this which includes a cake, photos, video, champagne and a service read by the Captain. There is a cost involved and I suggest you contact our BON VOYAGE department in Miami via the telephone or the web site for more information. I can tell you that it is a very special ceremony and one that really will renew their love for each other. Please let me know if I can help further.
KATHY KROLL – Why are you re-thinking Kathy? Did I miss a question you asked, please let me know so I can help. What are you puzzled about? I think one of your questions or postings may have passed me by like a bag full of jelly beans……………please get back to me ASAP.
AND THERE, WE WILL PAUSE. BACK WITH MORE SOON.
Now, let me continue by showing you our Employees of the Month. These ladies and gents have been given this honour (spelt correctly) by their Department Heads and fellow crew members and I thought it would be nice to show them to you. Congratulations to them all.
DIANA BALOG
Photographer
Diana is an excellent person and always straight forward. She does a very good job and always gives her best to help the department achieve sales targets. She does a fantastic job and the guests love her as every cruise she receives many compliments about her work. She is an outstanding photographer and I am very proud to have her on the team.
CHRISTOPHER D’COSTA
Team Headwaiter
Christopher has been an outstanding member of the Carnival Freedom start up team. Since the beginning of the start up, he has continued to maintain all the high standards of his job and that of his co-workers. Great job and thank you for all your efforts!
RAYMOND D’MELLO
Demi Chef de Partie
Raymond has been an asset to the team since the startup of the ship. Our star employee sets very high standards of food production and has always been consistent. He offers unconditional support to others, is ready to cooperate, and always has a smile that never fades even under the worst of circumstances. He is a motivator, a team player, and our star of the month.
SAL JOVEVSKI
Slot Attendant
Sal has a naturally friendly, upbeat personality and is very dedicated to his job. This being his second contract as slot attendant and the fact his performance was consistently above standard made him eligible to train as a casino dealer. Over the past few months he used all of his spare time learning to deal blackjack and roulette and his promotion to casino dealer will take place in early August. He deserves recognition for his hard work as a slot attendant and for pushing himself to earn his promotion.
SAIFUL ROHMAN
Butcher
Saiful was part of the startup team. He has worked endless hours without a complaint and always has a pleasant disposition. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him. He is a great team player and is always willing to help out his fellow co-workers when he can.
ZELIMIR SAVIC
Hotel Steward
Zelimir is a valued team member within the Housekeeping department. He gives his all to complete his job and does so in a professional and timely manner. He takes pride in his work and loves his job. His team members can always count on him for his help. He was chosen as our Star Employee this month because of his hard work and dedication.
JOBERT TACUYAN
Oiler (Greaser)
Jobert always greets everyone with a smile. He is a team player as he is willing to give others a helping hand. He is dedicated and willing to serve, and is always ready for work. He has exceeded all the expectations of his supervisor, and that is why he is our star performer of the month.
Throughout the next few blog thingies, I will be introducing you to my fellow Cruise Directors across the fleet. They will be answering questions posed by me that are designed to highlight themselves, the ship they are on and the itinerary, as well as the excursions they recommend the most. Hopefully, this will help you all if and when you decide to take a cruise on that vessel and also you will know something about your Cruise Director. Before I start with today’s, I want you know that I consider all these people to be great friends and simply the BEST CRUISE DIRECTORS IN THE INDUSTRY.
We will start with my mate Chris Roberts who I have known for some time. He is affectionately called BUBBA because he is from the DEEP South………Tampa, eats in Waffle Houses and drives a truck. However, he is a brilliant entertainer and one of our most popular CD’s…………….here he is……………….enjoy his insight into the beautiful Carnival Legend.
1. Please can you tell us about your career with Carnival so far. How did you start and when?
I came to cruise ships in 1992 working on Holland America Line as a photographer. After one contract I returned back to college, but felt the call of the sea and came back to ships in 1994 starting my career for Carnival Cruise Lines. I started with CCL working in video services, both on the ships and in our home office in Miami. My background in school was in communications and public speaking and I decided that I would like to become a cruise director. So in 1996 I transferred from video services to entertainment where I became a social host. I had my 1st shot as cruise director in 1999 on board the Imagination and have been cruise director ever since.
2. What ship are you currently on and what is its itinerary?
The Carnival Legend is a 7-day itinerary sailing from Tampa, Florida. Sailing on Sundays from Tampa to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize & Costa Maya.
3.Please can you pick two excursions from each port and tell us why you recommend them so much?
Cayman – Stingray tours – there are lot of them, but whichever one you do, it will take you to one of the most unique experiences in the Caribbean.
Grand Cayman Island tour – this will bring you around to some of the other cool destinations in Cayman including the Turtle Farm and the town of Hell.
Cozumel – Dolphin Swim, an incredible chance for you to interact and swim with real live dolphins!
The Fiesta Party Boat – Cozumel is a party place and if you are looking to have some fun, you can’t beat this tour.
Belize – Cave Tubing and Rain Forest Exploration – the tour of the cruise! An amazing hike through the rain forest plus a trip down a lazy river through some amazing caves.
Barrier Reef Snorkel @ Turneffe with Beach Break – Belize is home to the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. There is some amazing snorkeling in this port.
Costa Maya – Chacchoben Mayan Ruins – A chance to see one of the Mayan ruins of the cruise. The Mayans are an amazing ancient civilization.
Uvero Boat Blast – an exhilarating ride on your own 2-man speed boat combined with snorkeling
4.What are your favorite activities or events that you host and why?
I always host the Newlywed & Not So Newlywed Game. It is one of the funniest events of the entire cruise. The game is never the same so it is always great to host. Sometimes the answers that you get are outrageous. I also enjoy hosting our Towel Folding Demonstration. One of the biggest parts of our guests experience is the service they receive on board. Everyone always enjoys the towel animals that our room stewards make for them. So getting a chance to work with some of our room stewards and show people how to make the animals is a lot of fun.
5. People should sail on the Carnival Legend? because the Spirit class vessels are some of the nicest in the fleet. We have a great port-intensive itinerary. A great sail away experience from Tampa. One of the friendliest crews a float.
6. What do you enjoy most about being a Cruise Director?
Too tough to say one thing, so many things come to mind: performing, travel, meeting interesting people, and much more.
7. Share your favorite story with us that involve our guests and your job?
I love New Years Eve on ships. It’s the best party ever. Getting to host your own count down with over 2000 new friends is amazing. I would say it’s my favorite thing that I look forward to every year. My favorite New Year’s story is from last year. I was on the Miracle performing on stage with the show band. I could see one clock from the stage but it didn’t have a second hand. I had to move to another area on the deck just about at 1 minute till the New Year. Then I moved to where we had projected the New York Ball drop on a giant screen. For the life of me I could not see where on the screen the seconds were ticking. But I could see the ball already starting to fall. I panicked. I started yelling to the AV manager, “I can’t see the seconds!!!!” It was so packed full of guests on the deck there was a lady right next to me saying “There it is, there it is” and I am looking and still don’t see it. So then she starts counting it down for me, and I start to announce it. By the time I got to “3″ I finally saw the seconds on the screen. It was in the lower third of the screen in a very small box, and the guest was bang on. “Happy NEW YEAR!!!” I turned to the guest who helped me and picked her up in a big bear hug and thanked her for helping save the countdown. Then we partied till the wee hours of the morning. Love New Year’s.
8. List your three favorite ports you have visited?
My current three ports: Cozumel, St. Maarten, & Juneau, Alaska
9. Name three ports you would really like to see that you have never been to?
Bermuda, any of the European ports, Roatan (these are about the only ports I haven’t been to that Carnival goes to)
10. Finally, if you could introduce on stage any star, alive or not who would it be and why?
Has to be Jake & Elwood Blues & the Blues Brothers Band. Huge fan. And you’ll see why if you come and cruise with me.
Thanks Chris and if you ever do get to cruise with Chris you MUST see his Blue Brothers Show……its simply brilliant.
To finish with today, I want you to read the transcript of a question that I was asked at the end of the Livorno/Debarkation talk. Now, remember that these sessions are held live with people talking on the microphone so everyone can hear the questions and answers. These are also recorded and played on the cabin televisions which is how I was able to write this word for word (thanks to Heidi for being patient enough to do so)…………….anyway, here is my conversation with the incomparable Mrs.Barsby
Mrs.Barsby: How do I get to my hotel in Rome?
John: What is the name of the hotel ma’am?
Mrs.Barsby: I don’t know.
John: Well, did Carnival book it for you?
Mrs.Barsby: Yes, I am with Carnival.
John: OK, so Carnival booked the hotel then you should have documents to show which hotel you are staying at, can I see them please?
Mrs.Barsby: I don’t think Carnival booked the hotel.
John: Sorry but I think I must have misunderstood you. I thought you said Carnival booked your hotel for you?
Mrs.Barsby: Yes, I am on the Carnival ship but I think the hotel was arranged by Mrs. Perez.
Audience: Snickers can be heard and a few groans of impatience.
John: Who is Mrs. Perez?
Mrs.Barsby: My travel agent.
John : OK, where are your documents, if you show them to me I can see what Mrs. Perez has arranged.
Mrs.Barsby: I left them somewhere at home I think maybe on the table because I left my reading glasses as well.
John: You need to call your travel agent to see what has been arranged, can you do that?
Mrs.Barsby: Can you do it for me?
John: I guess so, can you leave me the name and number of your travel agent.
Mrs.Barsby: The name of the travel agent is Mrs. Perez.
John: Who does she work for, what company and where. If you tell me I can help you so don’t worry.
Mrs.Barsby: I can’t remember the name but my daughter knows.
John: Good, where is she (thinking she was on Lido or somewhere)?
Mrs.Barsby: Philadelphia.
AUDIENCE: LARGE GROAN – SOME LAUGHTER
John: Do you have her phone number or does Mrs. Perez have it?
Audience: Laughter
Mrs.Barsby: Can’t you just arrange for me to get to the hotel?
John: Have you remembered the name of it then?
Lady Guest: No, but my travel agent will know (getting agitated now).
John: But you can’t remember the name of your travel agent can you, so I really need you to call your daughter.
Mrs.Barsby: Who is going to pay for the call?
Audience: Loud laughter – a few boos.
John: I will call her and you can have the call for free – what’s her name and number?
Mrs.Barsby: I don’t know the number, she just moved but its somewhere in my cabin.
John: Go and get it………………do you know where your cabin is?………………………(sorry, couldn’t help it)
Audience: Applause and laughter
Mrs.Barsby: Ignores me and leaves.
Audience: uncontrollable laughter
John: I want to go home.
I did get the daughter’s name and we spoke and you know what, she is not staying in a hotel, she is flying on Sunday with Delta Airlines. The daughter said “Make sure she has her tickets as she can be forgetful”……………I will be helping her and Heidi will make sure she is on the correct bus otherwise I have this terrible feeling that she will still be here next cruise.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John,
Wow I guess I should be sailing on the Imagination next week as it looks like I could certainly find me a man with that group of men from Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity!!!! I was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
My fellow cast member who sailed on the Disney Magic was able to locate a Disney Store in Rome and brought me back a couple of “Mickey Roma” souvenirs which made up for me not having time to shop during my cruise in the Med.
Are the scrapbooks available online yet? I may have missed it as I have not been following this blog so closely lately as I have been working a lot of overtime hours so that I can get my last cruise paid off and start planning for the next adventure!
By the way I forgot to tell you that after my voyage on the 3/14 sailing of the Carnival Freedom that I walked off the ship without depositing my comment card. I then mailed it to the office in Miami as I know how important they are to crew members such as yourself who deserved to be mentioned for providing a wonderful guest experience.
Linda
Well you know of course us gents need to stick together when it comes to outsmarting our spouses. I wish someone had been my wingman when Ms. A Cruise by any other name told me how sexy I looked when I was running the vaccuum cleaner.
Thank you so much for publishing the breakdown of under 21. I hope you will continue to do so on future sailings just as you have shown the breakdown of non-’Mericans. Our daughter in 2009 will be in the first grade. I have no problem taking her from school to experience what she will one day read about. That is why we are looking towards the fall when it is cooler and less filled with tourists.
Sorry we will not be able to make the Blogger’s cruise, but turning around after a 10 days with the mouse and on his ship in early December is just not possible. Maybe we can the next time one happens.
All our best.
John,
I almost lost it as I read the excerpt from the exchange with the guest who wanted to know how to get to her hotel. Thank goodness Heidi and you helped her out. I am not sure how you do it. You have definately earned that vacation that will soon be coming up!
I am also glad you have started to include interviews with some of the other CDs. We know that you are the best…..but sometimes people mention other cruise directors. It is nice to be able to put a face with a name.
The pictures from Stromboli were great. I was absolutely mesmerized as we sailed by it on the Freedom. Hubby was still in the cabin….and I called him to hurry to the deck because we were passing an active volcano. It was incredible.
Not sure if my info for Tom and Jane about recipe resizing got lost in cyber space or if you are not allowed to post that info.
I will try again just in case it got lost.
Go to a search engine and type in “recipe resizing”. I found one there that claimed to be a free download and claimed it would resize recipes to your desired quanity.
I had given that website in the other answer, but worry that may be the reason it was not posted, so will not give it this time.
Good luck.
John,
Heard your interview with cruisemates. Great interview and wonderful accent — please tell me that you are going to share that accent with us daily on the April 2008 TransAtlantic cruise.
I know you have said that you don’t have your 2008 schedule yet, but do let us know as soon as you know. I will bring you goodies, if you are going to be there!
Hello John & Heidi,
Have been busy for the past week so later today I will catch up on the blogs I have missed.
On Tuesday, Phil had an angiogram because of chest pain the prior week and a failed treadmill stress test. Drs found one 90% blockage in artery #3 and were able to fix it with a stent. It was a scary time for us but we had a great result!
We had many friends, family and cruise friends from the cruise critic site with us in spirit and prayer. Just shows what great people cruise, especially those on the Carnival Freedom : )
This situation reminded us of how precious, and sometimes short life is, and with just a little encouragement from Kathie (Kaperino), I am going to book the Blogger’s cruise to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary in February as a surprise for Phil. Not sure when I will tell him tho ~ don’t want him to stress since we have the Splendor also booked for July 08.
Now, if we can get Jim & Peg (jlcga), our Florida friends and of course, M/M Big Ed on the Blogger’s Cruise . . .
Thanks always for your humor John, it does make things easier. Our Pastor was with us at the hospital and even made a joke to the cardio dr to help me laugh and relax : )
so ~ you’ll be seeing us sooner rather then later!!
Janet & Phil Sargent
hi john and heidi!
i am sorry but i cannot accept royalties for the name chog for chair hog. i got it from the cruise critic boards and it is used there all the time. but you can send the royalties to them if you want. whoever they are. wherever they are. or not. ha ha…
it won’t be long now john, october will be here before i know it and we will be on the freedom! oboy!!!
i will bring you jelly beans too. don’t worry. and be sure i am in on the bloggers cruise, because i just booked through carnival and i don’t want to miss anything, ok? especially big ed, who i KNOW will be there. he just has to be.
big ed if you are getting off the ship as i get on it you had better speak to me honey! and save me a big bathrobe too! ha ha…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
I can’t stop laughing over your conversation with Mrs. Barsby. It sounded like an Abbot & Costello routine.
I finally got caught up on your blog thingy & comments.
Before I forget, Big Ed, I went on your website and saw the bloggers’ photos. It was good to put names and faces together. Some even looked a little familiar to me.
John, you asked about cruising as a single. Well, I have no special requests for get togethers, etc. I’ve never had a problem meeting people or enjoying myself. The only problem of course is how much a single cruiser has to pay. 150% just seems too much, but if I want to cruise, that’s what I have to pay. But it’s the same for most land vacations too. And as a single cruiser, it also brings up the questions about saving deck chairs. I have to admit I’m guilty, but only in saving my own chair when I want to get something to eat, or maybe go to the shop or my cabin, or go to the restroom. I don’t just leave my towel, but my book, sunscreen, etc. I don’t leave it all day – just as long as I’m gone – it maybe a half hour. It can’t be helped. I’m not going to schlep my towel & bag all over the ship.
Thanks for the Warm chocolate cake recipe. I gave it to my sister. She told me about another dessert she had in the Supper club on the Pride. In fact she took a picture of it. It was Tiramisu over chocolate ice cream & brownie over another flavor ice cream and another cake. She said she couldn’t even finish it, but it was delicious. I wonder if it will be on the Imagination in December?
Enjoyed your interview with Chris and definitely want to see more CD interviews.
Since it is Thursday, I am sure you will be busy later, so my regards to you and Heidi,
Carol
LOL. Poor Mrs. Barsby! I hope she makes it home and doesn’t get lost in the airport.
Hi John and Heidi
For the ship to Rome tour can you please tell me the name of the hotel in Rome where the coach finishes up
Many thanks
Bill.
ROTFLM(ahem)O!
I LOVE how you misspelled my name! Made me laugh so hard I wet my pants…So I guess it would be Lois Grebowskiweewee!
That sure is a good looking crew you’re traveling with! The story about the orphanage warms my heart.
Have a great day at sea. Hope disembarkation goes well.
I remember on our honeymoon when hubby packed my bra with the luggage that went out the night before. Didn’t know it until I woke up and dressed. Trust me, that was a sight! Imagine a more “largely” endowed woman sans sling. Luckily he didn’t pack the rest of my clothes leaving me to wear “jammies” on the way out. Yes, it was his first cruise (my 6th). Needless to say, he learned real fast that the marriage was off to a rocky start! He’s redeemed himself since then!
)
Hugs!
Lois
Howdy John,
Props to Mr. Shaw for his donation and for the Employees of the Month for earning the distinction. As a native Chicagoan, I’d like to see how Chris does his Blues Brothers show.
That conversation with Mrs. Barsby was like something pulled out of the novel, Catch-22. Love that book.
The highlights of the employees are wonderful, they truely do work hard to make every vacation a memory.
Our family is 4 in all not 5 and I “Heidi-Beth” and only one of the 4. Though I will freely admite the boys each eat enough for 2 if not 4 
The interveiw of Chris Roberts “Bubba” was great maybe someday we will run into him on one of our future cruises, (perk of living in Florida, it is the best vaction value), but first I would love to book one that you and Heidi are on, as it seems I need to teach you to count
Getting closer to our trip on the Glory, 37 days! So much to plan! looking forward to having fun wiht all the info you have shared with us already in the blog thingy, Wee Jimmy sounds like a lot of fun. The boys look forward to metting Captiain Salvatore Rassello too, (if only at the Captains party) this will be the best trip yet!
Kevin even got me a new 7meg pixle camra with 12 optical zoom for the trip so I am ready!!!!
Best to you and Heidi,
Heidi-Beth
John, throw in a 9X12 photo of it and I will gvhgfahahchfvachs dvfdewfgsdsvjdskesxrfx
John, you as wedding coordinator made me see you as FRONK the WC in the Steve Martin movie Father of the Bride. LOL
“BIG” ED
Official Assistant to the Wedding Coordinator
Carol Schoenberger
The quick trip from your chair is not the problem. It’s the person that goes up on the Lido at 7:00am and stakes claime to a chair. Only to go back to their cabin tell they are good and ready to go up for the day. They come back just in time for the deck activities.
“BIG” ED
Hi John,
Love your blog, already booked on the Carnival Splendor for the inaugural cruise
Cannot wait!
Regards,
Francis
John, It is time to turn to PA 007 to find the answer to the question you ask. On my blog site is a good HR PA 007 can use to help him give you the answer.
“BIG” ED
Official Assistant to the Cruise Director
Dear John & Heidi,
We’re looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. We took your advice and booked the transfer from the airplane to the ship on Sunday.
We also booked some shore excursions including the highlights of Istanbul with lunch and the Ephesus and house of the Virgin Mary.
We haven’t seen anything else about watching the Pleiades meteor shower which peaks the night of August 11-12. We were just wondering if anything was planned.
Is it possible to get a table for just the four of us at dinner? We’ve already requested a late dinner seating. We’re sure this is going to be the best 15th wedding anniversary trip anyone has ever had. It had better be since my husband got us pizza at Chuck E. Cheese the day of our 15th wedding anniversary ,(while I catch up on the blogs I have missed ), with the excuses that the kids will enjoy it and we’ll make up for it on our cruise.
Seriously we just can’t wait. See you Sunday hopefully with all our luggage in hand.
Julia from New Jersey
Stateroom : 1281
I love your Blog, but the lady who did not know her hotel name because she did not have one and is also forgetful according to her daughter probably has Alzheimer’s. You are correct that it is amazing that some of them get to the ship at all, but now dealing with an 86 year old father whose Alzheimer’s is even worse than the lady you poked fun at I would have to recommend you stop teasing Alzheimer’s patients. There lives are rather frustrating and confusing to them. You get to laugh but they live with it 24/7 and do not know why they can not function any more.
I know you probably did not view it from this perspective because you never come across as having a mean streak in you, but with all the old people on cruise ships you should probably consider it in the future.
Hi John,
Great blog (as usual). I was laughing my a– off reading the Mrs. Barsby conversation, but when I got to the part where she didn’t even have a hotel, I got concerned. I think the poor lady might have some form of dementia – maybe Alzheimer’s. If you speak to her daughter again, you might suggest she arrange a neurological exam for her mother.
Hey John just a quick question, which carnival ships have miniature golf courses on them? Thanks John have a great weekend!
John;
I see from reading your blogy thing every day that recently you have had some great opportunities to show your guest what you are made of. Keep up the good work and even better attitude and remember that “no good turn goes unpunished”…
I was extremely happy to see that Christopher D’Costa was chosen as one of the ships “employee of the month”. We felt very fortunate to have Christopher as our head waiter during our cruse in May and were very impressed with his attitude and professionalism and miss him and Sopemia very much. Christopher has a great potential for advancement in any number of areas. (No we are not related) as do many of your ships crew.
Am I starting to sound like a retired Human Resources type?
I still am voting for C.Z.J. for a ship to be named at a future time.
Wow John LOL (AGAIN) with your conversation with poor Mrs. Barsby. It’s so nice of you and Heidi to be helping her out. I sure hope she makes it home OK.
John a quick question-on the bloggers cruise will there be one formal night or two? Sorry it’s been awhile since I’ve taken a 7 day cruise.
Oh Yeah-I just received an e-mail that my t-shirt shipped-can’t wait to see it! I ended up cancelling Dean’s shirt. I got to thinking he probably would’ve had a hard time wearing a t-shirt that said “I Love John’s Thingy”, ha ha. I’m going to look at the other choices before I go ahead and order another one for him.
Bye the way, loved the cake recipe! I’ll let you know how it turns out-if and when I can find my way to the kitchen!!! Not something I’m use to doing anymore-Dean will agree with that one!
Hope you continue to have great weather!
Inez
Re: Single Meet
Hi Guy!
Since you are scheduling the singles bash in smoking lounges, mayhaps there are those who would forego a dubious pleasure for clear air. It might be nice to have those lounges smoke free during the time of the singles meet.
Also, even though the Capers always awaits within, we go without reading it until, oh, say, midnight.
Perhaps you could do a couple things to promote from within:
Get a Face High self standing portable post to park in front of the doors to the lounges for the singles meet. The low ones get hidden; so if the sign is at 5’2″ Shorter folks can see it, and taller folks don’t think it is too low down to see.
Have them out ALL day.
Singles Meet Here
No Smoking between
when and when
Sort of like the emergency evacuation snow route signs for street parking. Oh, you don’t see them much in Miami.
You could even customize them with the respective age ranges, only call them something that isn’t ugly, please.
Independent to First Over the Hill
First Over the Hill to Old Enough to Know Better
Celebrating Anniversaries of 39th Birthday
I was going to say run a program of address labels to deliver a notice to the singles, but there are singles who are really couples so that might not go over well at all.
oopsie.
Also, if the lounge is having the singles meet, is it closed to non meet non singles? Or are they during dinner? Oh, another reason folks might not appear.
According to my calculations, your witching hour approaches. Cast a magic spell, gallant ones!
Hi John,
I still remember what a great time my family had with you on the Glory a few years back. I had coordinated a group of us (76 to be exact). I now work as a travel agent with Cruise Holidays in Colorado and love it! I hope to sail with you again. You’re the best.
John,
My wife and I have really enjoyed your blog. It has been very informative and entertaining at the same time. We look forward to meeting you and Heidi on our September 10th cruise. We would like to make reservations at the Sun King restaurant. Our first choice would be the second sea day Sunday the 16th between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. We will have eight cruisers for the reservation. If that is not possible our second choice would be the 17th, our third choice the 19th, and our fourth choice the 15th at the time listed above. Please let me know as soon as possible. We appreciate you and the hard work you do for all your guests.
Thanking you in advance,
Jim and Terry Alton
John -
As always, loved your comments.
First, thanks for listing the tours that will be available on the 29th – since I spent so long debating with myself (I couldn’t figure out who won and who lost), I am stuck with having the Freedom to cruise to celebrate a Carnival.
Since I now see that the Exclusive View of the Vatican is being offered, please be sure to reserve two spaces for the Mrs & I (its not listed on-line). I would give you my cabin number, but right now it is a TBA. If needed, let me know and I can email Roberto our booking number. (Psst – don’t tell the Mrs., I want it to be a surprise)
87 days until departure – well, actually, embarkation, since we do not depart Civitavecchia until 88 days from now. Not that I am counting down or anything, but what the hey.
Jon
John,
I think what that gentleman is great, $1000 I’m sure will go a long way to help those children. I think that maybe carnival who seems to enjoy helping these children maybe could match it or set up some kind of fund, if they haven’t already. If not maybe we bloggers can work out setting up a fund that can be used for children in port cities that need assistants with school supplies, books, clothing, and so on. Oh and a special thanks to those of you who like my silly blog thingie. I am proud to say we broke 400 slaps this morning on it. no where near john or Ed’s but were starting to make some progress. Click my name in the top left corner and read. Thanks for you great answers on the single cruiser, can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Even more importantly I’m booked on the carnival miracle for october 18 cruise to nowhere, should be fun never took on of these trips before, but the cabin for 1 was so cheap i couldn’t pass on it. Your in fun
Kevin
Good afternoon Mr. Heald. I once again enjoyed the photos of the volcanic island of Stromboli especially the first one. I was impressed with your Employees of the Month. It’s so good to see that other people are respected for what they do. I have one question to ask you. Explain for me what is an Oiler (Greaser)? I will be looking forward to the interviews about your fellow Cruise Directors. The initial one was the Legend which I will always remember since it was my first one. Chris Roberts, (Bubba ), his show about the Blues Brothers Band would be one I’d like to see. It seems to me that Mrs.Barsby is like a comedian. You should sign her up. It was very comical but you and Heidi handled it with respect and caring as you two have always done. Once again, your thoughtfulness for another person stands out. I commend you both for that. Ciao for friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John-
Love the blog thingy! Wanted to say, yes, it is a wonder how some people travel. I worked for an airline several years ago at Midway Airport in Chicago and my hypothesis was that all traces of common sense were some how sucked out of people as they passed thru the electro-magnetic fields of the security devices. Some of my favorites:
1. Melissa: Can I help you?
Passenger: Do you work here? (I am standing behind podium, at a gate, wearing a uniform with a name tag and asked him if I could help him, duh??)
Melissa: Yes, sir. What can I help you with?
Passenger: Do you have the time?
Melissa: Yes,sir. It is 10:30.
Passenger: Thank you (as he walks away, then
turns back and asks rather puzzled)
Chicago time?
2. Midway Airport, 15 years ago, wasn’t much bigger than my son’s middle school. It was an old decrepid airport built in the 1940′s. Daily passengers would casually stop at the podium to verify they were at the right gate and say, “Gee, I thought O’Hare would be bigger than this.”
Melissa: “Indeed, it is.”
Passenger nods, smiles, and walks away intrigued and puzzled by my reply. Several moments later…light bulb on, panic sets in, passenger returns. Where am I?
3. Melissa: (standing in entrance to cockpit going over paperwork with pilot)
Passenger: Here! (thrusting her full-length fur coat at the flight attendant who was not expecting the coat to be thrust upon her and so the coat fell to the floor. Flight attendant quickly bends down to pick up the coat and hand it back to the lady, apologizing for the mishap. Passenger completely snubs the flight attendant and hands it to me.
Melissa: I’m afraid I can’t take it but perhaps you would like to take it to the coat-check girl at the rear of the aircraft next to the piano bar. (And, off she went looking for a piano bar on a DC-9! The crew told me she returned to her seat moments later and kept her coat with her the rest of the flight.
Thank you and Heidi for all your hardwork. I’ll be sailing with you on September 10 and look forward to our sailing.
Melissa
Hey John,
I am not sure what is going on, but maybe you can help. I booked a nice simple cruise for the family. If I put the price here for the whole thing, I would probably cause a whole lot of trouble for my PVP. Needless to say, it was the best deal I have ever run into. Now, all of a sudden, I seem to be trapped by scrapbooks and t-shirts. I don’t know what happened to simple. It seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle of life. It looks like I am going to be ordering shirts for us. The boys do not want any. That helps some. Now I need you to tell me something. Do I order two of them or three? Lately my math has been getting confused. Heidi-Beth is not sure if she is one or two people anymore. I guess that I better get her two, just to be sure? And I guess that the scrapbook is required now. Please do not announce any new things until after we leave.
Either way, our Carnival Glory countdown is at 37 days, and it is starting to fly by.
Thanks
Kevin.
Would you be so kind as to make Supper Club reservations for my future husband and I? We’ll be sailing the Carnival Valor for two weeks back-to-back and I’d love to surprise him with dinner at Scarlett’s!
Carrie Macerone and Kenneth Mazanec
When: 8/28/07
Table for two
Time: 7pm
Cabin: 8452
Much appreciated!
Oh John, you gave me a good laugh today, just when I needed one. One wonders how Mrs B ever got to the ship?? Our cruise is booked, for Jan 10 on the Miracle, and I so wish you and Heidi were going to be there on the cruise with us but I am sure we will have a fabulous time, like we always do on CCL.
Thanks for sharing your “thingy”.
John
I have been reading this bloggy thingy since day one and you amaze me.
Everytime you mention to eat at the supper club you always mention a different dish.
We have eaten at the Fleece on the Leg End and it truly was fantastic.
Next Febuary we will be on the Freedom celebrating our 40th with the whole family and we
have already told the kids, one night we will eat in the supper club.
Our son is the executive chef at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and I know he will enjoy it, it is that good.
Best to Heidi and yourself and keep up the good work, especially letting out the fermentation from the Jelly Beans.
Papanh
Hi John & Heidi,
I love the pictures that you have been posting. I never thought about a cruise to Europe. Now I have changed my thinking!
There you are !
I can’t even remember the questions as it’s been awhile! “Do I need a question” ? See, there’s a question now!
Yes, we’ve been rethinking the Splendor when I found out what the Business Class airfare was…wow! We can’t fly economy anymore on that 11 hour or more with one stop jaunt! We did econo on the Liberty. Did the Business Class in May for the Freedom…was worth every penny to us although quite a splurge ! LEG ROOM !! 6’6 & 5’9
I did look at flying to London via Amesterdam as you mentioned before, and found a good savings …around 1200 us dollars each. Can’t book anything yet, a little too early. Anymore suggestions (yet another question ! ) regarding the airfare?
Kathy and Paul
John,
Well hang on John… First things first.
Rick Shaw,
Thanks for your generous donation. As John mentioned, he has talked about these children on this blog before and your gift will surely help them greatly.
“…as she can be forgetful” … Ya think? For a minute I thought it was the old “who’s on first” routine.
Oh and did I mention the photos are great!
Talk to you soon.
John, l agree with Bob, it is really rather cruel to be ridiculing poor Mrs.B. lt seems that after you spoke to her daughter you were able to get her safely to the airport, hope someone looked out for her there and that she got home alright.
l am travelling solo on the transatlantic Oct 28th and am pleased that you are having some well publicised solo get togethers. Usually l eat breakfast and lunch in the restaurant rather than the buffet and that is another way to meet people. l do like to take the dancing classes on board but find it is difficult without a dance partner so perhaps you can help in that respect too, not personally of course, but in lining up other solos who want to learn to dance.
l must say l love your blog and laugh out loud frequently.
John,
Thanks for the list of shore excursions for the TA, but are they really the ones for Mon. Oct 29? The ending time for a couple of them was after 7 p.m. Don’t we sail from Rome at 7:00 p.m. on the 29th? I hope the Angels and Demons tour will be available the 28th.
Having had the same experience in 2005 on the Liberty, I really feel for the people who arrived without their luggage. Lessons to be learned from this: always pack clothing for 2 days (at least) in your carry-on; the cost of travel insurance is well worth it. I was reimbursed $500 for clothing I purchased and was compensated for the one day delay in joining the ship (yes, that happened too). I also learned that you really don’t need to pack all the stuff you think you will need, and how wonderfully kind people can be.
Keep blogging.
Sue
A cruise director, faithful blogger, person to blame for stained souvenirs and crew in the port, and keeper of the older guests…..is there anything you don’t do?!? Poor Mrs. Barsby…I hope she doesn’t get lost in the airport as it is a big and scary place!
I’m so happy to see Christopher D’Costa as an Employee of the Month! He was our waiter in June and was WONDERFUL! He went above and beyond to make sure my dad was stuffed nightly with shrimp cocktail. He and Sopemla were the best wait team we’ve ever had. Please pass on our best to them!
We just got our book for the Splendor from our travel agent and are getting excited to book our Baltic cruise….if only it weren’t so far away!
Now, if only we can get the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake recipe…..that might hold us over until the cruise!
Hi John and Heidi,
I have to ask.
What about Sunday, October 28, 2007?
Could you please advise the departure and return for the Rome by Night and Dinner? and how many participants must request it for it to run?
thanks.
Hello John!
You slay me! Your wit & sense of humor is honest and first rate!
Need a favor…(2 actually)
1. The Lido Deck webcam needs to be cleaned…looks like something was sprayed on it…does not appear to be rain, as it looks to be very sunny in your beautiful part of the world! Those of us in the “real world” need to check the webcam daily to keep us motivated until our next cruise! Can you also have them move the shot a few degrees to the right, and zoom in a bit, so we can get a better view of some Lido deck “action”… (women…)?
2. Secondly, Will you pass on a message to Diana, the very pretty (and skilled) featured Photographer…? Let her know that she has an admirer…
Regards,
MedCruiser-Manuel
por fin¡¡¡¡ ya llega el 5 de agosto y nos vamos al fredim,, los niños mi marido y yo estaos deseando llegar a rma y subirnos en el barco,,, NOS VEMOS EL DOMINGOOOOOOOO¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
Hi John & Heidi
One hour to go and will be on our way to Rome for a couple of nights before joining you on Freedom, can you believe it the sun has now come out in Thorpe Bay and our friends are off to their beach hut to enjoy some of this long overdue sunshine.
Enjoyed seeing picture of your dad at local fish and chip shop.
Anyway its goodbye to thorpe bay hello rome.
see you soon
michelle
Goodmorning John: It is 8am here in Florida, and I wanted to write to you before the weekend begins. I know we won’t be getting another blog from you till Monday. Last night I made sure to take the time to order Mike’s and my bloggers shirts. I am getting the I Love blogging shirt, and Mike the Heidi shirt, of cause! Can’t wait to wear them when we see you guys in November. It is August already, so we are hoping the next few months fly by. Have a nice weekend, and talk to you again on Monday. Linda & Mike (Mr. fixit man)
Hi John and Fellow Bloggers:
I was glad to read the details about tht 9 hole mini golf course. Do you have to pre book or just show up and join the line waiting? See you 2 weeks from today!
What restaurant would you recommend for a dinner in Rome? We are not seafood lovers so a couple that I have see recommended in the past really don’t interest us.
SewingNut
I think one solution to chair hogs is to issue shock collars with the chairs and if someone strays too far or for too long, it gently shocks the bejesus out of them as a reminder.
I don’t remember if I had posted this before, but here is a triple chogger:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/chog/chog.htm
John,
We’re so looking forward to sailing the Trans-Atlantic with you.
Do you have anything planned for Halloween? Or for that long string of sea days? On our last TA the cruise director’s staff pulled out their special talents and offered classes in tai chi, origami, and comedy improv. Even a passenger offered a tap dancing lesson and over 50 people showed up. It was a blast.
Glad to see the photographer get an employee award. Of all the cruise lines we’ve been on, the best photographers were on Carnival Miracle.
BTW, Carnival was our first cruise and we decided to try all the “mass markets.” Our first repeat is Carnival. If nothing else — the glorious bedding.
Hi John…thanks so much for putting up the excursions list for the TA. I do have a question though…the “Exclusive View of the Vatican” tour you have listed as ending at 7:15pm but by my itinerary the Freedom is set to leave at 7:00pm. Has the time changed when the ship leaves Rome?
Also I have faxed over my form regarding the Vatican tour that is in our electronic documents but I do not see it listed as part of my excursions. Is there a reason why it isn’t. I received a confirmation from my fax machine that it did go through but not from Carnival.
Thanks and btw…wonderful job you are doing on the blog. I get so many answers that other people have asked….looking forward to making your acquaintance.
Hi John, I have been enjoying your blog! We are cruising on the Freedom starting 9/10/07 with approximately 700 others from beautiful Sonoma County, in California. We would like appreciate it if you could book us a reservation in the Supper Club for the night of September 14th for 20 of us. I believe you had said that you felt the best time to eat there was on the night we sail from Venice. Thank you so much in advance, and we look forward to meeting you and your lovely wife! Sheryl Pelton
Dear John:
Thanks much for the piece on Chris “Bubba” Roberts. We will be sailing on the Sept. 2nd voyage of the Legend and are excited about meeting him (I hope). We are, of course, disappointed that you won’t be the CD, but look forward to the “Blues Brother’s Routine” if he is still doing it. Unfortunately, you have us spoiled now that we are comparing every CD to you (a tough act to follow).
We have just signed up for the 50-day South American trip in 2009 on the Splendor. Is there any hope that we can expect you to be also sailing also at that time? Crossing fingers, toes and whatever . . . I’ll even bring the Jelly Beanies . . .