Hi Bloggers!
Roberto here. I’ve taken over the blog temporarily to let you guys know that tomorrow, August 8th, 2007, is John’s 20th anniversary at Carnival. With all the special moments John shares on a daily basis, what better way to say thanks than to share your favorite John moment on the blog. Congratulations to John on this important milestone; here’s to many more successful years at Carnival Cruise Lines!
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.
Hi John, Congrats on 20 years with Carnival. What an achievement! I have spent the past 20 years avoiding working. Not really as I have 6 children from age 35-21 who have kept me busy. For the past 10 I have been a substance abuse counselor. Anyway I do not know if you remember my comment one month ago on July 7, 2007 concerning needing help concerning getting a better room? We would love to be upgraded to a good balcony but it does not appear that upgrade fairy is going to visit us. We so enjoyed being on the Liberty in 2005 and 2006, so it is alright if we do not get a better room as we will still have a great time. We are very excited and are counting down until our cruise on September 22, 2007. Our friends who come with us can talk of little else. We have been enjoying your blog and also the pictures that you display. Keep up the good work and see you in 6 weeks, 4 days, 10 hours and 23 seconds. Cathy and Bob Ebert (alias-Dick Little)
CONGRADULATIONS JOHN!!!!
20 Years with Carnival!!!
This just proves what a great gem you are and Carnival knows it. You should be proud of your accomplishment! Look how far you have come! Then add this Blog to your accomplishments with how popular it is (even though you don’t get more pay for it) your faithfulness to do it everyday has made it so great! It’s fun to read everyday, you answer all the questions, you make us laugh, you make us feel like you really care about us bloggers, and I thank you for it! I’m sorry but my favorite memory of this blog is thinking about you supplying the gas for the ship with your jelly beans, and how Hedi must have suffered. All I can say is “job well done” and thank you very much! I’m sure the next 20 years are going to be even better and I’m looking forward to them!
Today John celebrates his twenty years
To know his staying one more alleviates our fears
He’s made us laugh until we’re in tears
His daily missives are music to our ears
During his time he’s visited many piers
As he’s helped move Carnival into new frontiers
He could have chosen easier careers
But as a CD he’s given his blood, sweat and tears
He’s called upon every time a ship premiers
The entertainment staff is what he steers
He’s played host to thousands of conventioneers
And thrown many parties during New Years
He’s respected throughout the industry by his peers
As the Dean of cruising he always appears
Many of us hope his humor never disappears
So today I ask you to give John big cheers
Congratulations John!! I wish that for the next 20 years you are doing whatever makes you happy dont matter where it is.
Just one special moment ? Uhh ! Difficult, I have a few. 15 years ago we had our first encounter with the best CD ever on the Ecstasy we never forgot him.He made us laugh sooooo much at that time with Michel Andrew as a nerd and the never forgotten(who could) Male nightgown comp.
This June on the Freedom a special moment for me was our first encounter at the Victoriana Q&A after a port talk. Your assistant came to me with the microphone and I say Hola Juanito!Remember John when I gave you the video and your assistant was laughing at the 15 year old picture of you? You explained to the others that I was a blooger and that we were talking in perfect spanish? You told me to speak spanish and I was doing it JA! I also remember your first call and how you wake up Viviana and she told you she was taking a bath. Our brief encounter in front of the disco and how you made us feel special through the whole cruise. Thank you for making the Carnival Freedom our best cruise ever with your personal touch. That is why you are the best cruise director ever!
Hi John: I wanted to be the FIRST to wish you a very Happy 20th Anniversary with Carnival. Roberto was kind enough to share this information with us bloggers and I did not want to let this day go by without wishing you all the best. Congrats. to the BEST Cruise Director in the entire WORLD! I hope you and Heidi are planning on celebrating. I wish I could be there in person to shake your hand, hug you, and plant a big kiss on that handsome face! (Are you blushing, John?) HA! HA! Roberto has asked us to share a John moment, well my favorite John moment was when I was on your morning show during my cruise on the Glory, it was Valentine’s Day and I sent you a letter saying that my husband had better be careful because John was going to be COMPETITION for his affections! You thought it funny that you were being called “Competition”, and it sure put a spark in my hubby because that night I got a beautiful bouquet of Red Roses from the formalities shop for Valentine’s Day. Sadly, you had to leave the ship that day due to Heidi’s dad’s passing on. But that memory of being on your show has stayed with me the past few years, and I am so happy I will finally get to see you again and meet your lovely Heidi! God Bless you both for making this blog so enjoyably funny to read, and enlightening on so many subjects. Keep up the good work, and here’s to many more years with Carnival! Oh, one more thing, Jason Pritchett did fantastic tonight on America’s Got Talent and he will return next week in the Top 8! He is a wonderful singer, and I bet Carnival misses him right now. All our best to you both! Linda & Mike (the handy-dandy man)!
Congratuations John on your 20 years with Carnival.
We met you on our Transatlantic journey on the Carnival Legend. I bragged on you soo much BUT
I can only mention 6 special menories and it will all come back to you, as it does to us in our memories & DVD:
1:Hanging suspenders & an unvoluntary striptease
2:” Mary: aka “Whose your Daddy?”
3: Dastardly: “I’ll kill you with Venom”
4: Bob : Aka “I’ll kick your as*” & I’ll Sheet!
5: RALPHIE & his SCOTTISH KILT
6: A Foggie Night trip into St. John’s Newfoundland
WE WISH YOU MOST SINCERE ANNIVERSARY WISHES AND CANNOT WAIT TILL WE SEE YOU ON THE FREEDOM OCTOBER 28, 2008, till then CIAO BABY!
Congratulations, John! Quite an accomplishment! Thanks so much for sharing your life and experience with us each and every day! Hope you got the Astin for your 20th anniversary service gift!
Congratulations John on 20 years with Carnival!
My husband and I started sailing Carnival in 1986 on the Festivale. I still remember Mr. Woods and Jude, our waiter and assistant waiter. Do you know of them? Jude was the first person I remember that could dance and balance the flaming baked alaska on his head! Funny how you remember certain things. I have forgotten many of our cruise directors, but not YOU! Sailing on many of the ships first sailings, you were our cruise director and you have always made us laugh, no matter how many times we’ve heard those jokes. We are looking forward to sailing with you again on the Freedom this September 22nd.
I have a question regarding dining assignments. I am in a group that has requested hard copy documents. The group leader has requested the 6:15 seating and most of us are platinum guests. I don’t know if you can find out for sure if we have that assignment or can make sure that we do get that dining time, but please let us know.
See you in September!
congratulations john! wow! 20 years. good for you. how many jelly beans have you eaten in that time? we could have a contest and guess the number like they do in country stores with the big jar of jelly beans! what fun. have a wonderful celebration my friend and we will see you shortly!!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John
Wishing you all the best on your anniversary of
20 years with Carnival. I hope they do something special for you today.
Roberto was nice enough to share the info with us bloggers.
I hope Heidi is planning a treat for you (its is Thursday) and you should do some celebrating.
If I were there I would offer you something special and at least shake your hand.
See you soon……
Dave (Jo and Dave)
Posterity !!!
Once again a big congrats and group hug ! We’ll always remember your voice in association with sailing down the Grand Canal on The Liberty and you explaining why the gondola’s are black, Harry’s Bar ( oh! maybe I shouldn’t mention that) and “everyone be romantic” ! I have it on my video!
Freedom memories are of me video taping your morning show from the Big Screen while sailing from Istanbul to Athens. It was raining, windy and cold, but you looked great in the MIST ! I ran in and had a cup of coffee after that !!
Tell Pat and Big Ed I love their photo!!
Kathy and Paul
Congratulations on 20 years of helping Carnival guests laugh and relax.
Congratulations on 20 years with Carnival, John!
I haven’t had the privilege of meeting John in person, YET! Someday I hopefully will though. As I have read this blog for several months now, I am so impressed with John’s heart. Not only is his job his profession, but he also exhibits his kindness and integrity by the many kind things he has done for the passengers. It is a rare person who treats others with kindness, respect and is sensitive to their situations. John has such a big heart!
Hi John,
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary with Carnival. I had not had the pleasure yet of meeting you but certainly hope to one day. The testimonials from everyone who reads your blog makes us all feel like we already know you, even if we haven’t met you yet. And then of course, are all the people who have had the pleasure of meeting you over the years, and sing your high praises.
All the best for the next 20 years,
Cindy
Hi John
Congrats on your 20th!!! You’re a credit to Carnival and I’m sure they know it by now. My family and I had such a lovely time on the Freedom in May that reading your blog keeps the memories fresh.
Great news!!!! I’ve convinced my husband to do the Brazilian portion of the South America cruise. My sister and brother-in-law are coming as well to celebrate my sister’s 60th. I really hope you will be the CD on that voyage so that they will have some wonderful memories of you as well.
Have a great day and hope you get your black car with shinny wheels and leather interior!!!!
Roberto and John,
Please buy John as Aston martin, he deserves one, carnival can afford one, he would look good in one with Heidi next to him. My best blog memory of john is the personal emotion he shares in ever blog he has written. He should be commended for this with a Aston martin or at least Angelina Jolie as the splendor’s godmother. Keep up the fine work all.
Kevin
Big Ed’s Assistant
Roberto,
Our favorite story about John was when we met him the very first time on the Carnival Glory in December of 2004. We were traveling with a small group of friends and some newcomers to cruising. John was a big hit with us (no pun intended) from the very start. But the best part of the cruise was when he picked a couple from the audience during his welcome talk in the showroom and had the husband do the dance and speech recital to his spouse on stage and subsequently throughout the cruise. The shock came to John, I think, and to the rest of us when he finally asked this man where he was from and what did he do for a living. You know how much inuendo John makes about couples regarding their hanky-panky and initimate moments. Well, you should have seen the look on John’s face when this man told him he was from Detroit, Michigan and that he was a Minister in a local church! We do have the moment on video tape and enjoy every moment watching this scene and all the other activities that John introduced us to. He is by far the absolute BEST CRUISE DIRECTOR and we look forward to being with him again on the Freedom this coming October 16th. The wife and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and having John as the CD is just the proverbial “icing on the old wedding cake”. Congratulations John Heald on your 20 years with Carnival! ! !
All The Best,
Dominick & Linda
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN ON 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for all the fun and laughter you give us. You are truly the BEST Cruise Director in the business!
We first cruised with you on the Triumph in 2001, it was the first time I ever even remembered the name of our cruise director. You had us laughing until we cried every night. What a memorable cruise! The last time we sailed with you was on the Liberty April 2006. It was my birthday and my husband arranged for you to wish me a Happy Birthday on the morning show that day. Made my day…..later that night was formal night and you graciously had your photo made with us. Later looking at the picture I noticed there was another uniformed man in the photo. I asked my husband who is that?? Opps it was the CAPTAIN! I was so happy to get my photo with my favorite Cruise Director…….never saw him. I get embarassed just thinking about it. Great photo though and I have it next to my Liberty ship on a stick!
Wanted you to know how much fun reading your blog thingy is for us. Sounds funny but you write like you talk. I really enjoy reading what is going on and love the way you tell stories!!
Congratulations and God Bless!!
Mary
PS I hope you get the car!!
John
Congratulations and THANK YOU for making cruising so much fun. We sailed with you on the Triumph and you went out of your way to make sure everyone was having fun. We had never really participated in all the various onboard activities on other cruises but you had us hooked from the welcome aboard talk. My husband’s mantra became “Come on, it’s time for John”. I even won a triva contest that week. I won a bottle of champaign and a trophy….The champaign was enjoyed with my husband on our last night at sea, the trophy sits on the book shelf as living proof that a liberal arts degree is worth something :- )
Thank you for the opportunity to sail with you each day through your thingy. I lift my lemonade to you and toast your 20 yrs of service and am wishing you 20 more years of wonderful adventures.
Hap Hap Happy Anniversary!
I got you (a picture of) a cake. I wish the picture was of higher quality, but I didn’t have time to find a mo’ better one…
A chocolate Doberge cake from Gambino’s (where else?)
http://gambinos.info/images/choc%20dob.gif
Actually, I might have had time, but got distracted by pictures of more New Orleans food, and now I am so hungry I could eat my laptop.
Anyway, have a good one! I gotta geaux (figure out dinner), me!
John,
Congratulations! Twenty years and going strong! I’ll be sailing with you for the first time September 10. I am making arrangements for a car to the airport and I have a few questions regarding debarkation. Can I take my own suitcase off? What time do we have to be out of our cabin? What time do we have to be off the ship?
I also decided to throw in an Aston Martin, although I’m not sure what you see in them. I think the workmanship may be suspect. Just look – they put the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car!
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/am.jpg
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN for helping others have Fun for the past 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!
Anyone that can get someone to call his wife a pole cat in front of 3300 passengers has mastered his trade; Bless your little soul. Hope you hang in there for another great 20 years and have fun doing it.
By the way, are there any plans for Carnival to sail to South America from Galveston Texas in the coming years?
My favorite moment will come when I get to spend that moment with John enjoying a cigar and fine music on the transatlantic cruise.
As for my favorite blog moment, it was discovering this wonderful sharing of his world – I am pleased to be but a small part of the over 500,000 slaps (as he refers to them) on this blog. His sharing of the ebbs and flows of his days (and Heidi’s contributions) make him more than a Cruise Director – they make him a friend, albeit one that I have not met in person.
Congratulations to John Heald on twenty years with Carnival – may you enjoy as many more years as you desire, then retire to the serenity of a job selling Aston Martins to Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones.
Jon
John, CONGRADULATIONS on twenty years. “Flat Joey” says he really enjoyed meeting you and liked it when you made him dance on your desk on your morning show. You truly one of a kind. Am looking forward to August 6, 2008.(only 364 days)
hi john. .we were on carnival freedom from the 24th july till sunday 5th august . . . we had a great wonderful time. we would like to congratulate you on being just the way you are. . . . . you are simply the best entertainer on the whole cruise. .
p.s. we would like to ask you something that for us would be very important. we have lost a luggage bag on our way back. Someone must have retrieved it from the bus before we actually started retrieving our luggage. we were on bus 27 blue. it contained all the photos of carnival photographers amongst many other things. we are very sad since we cannot do copies of them. is there any way we can retrieve a copy of them? thanks for any help you can give us.
Congratuations John! I know Carnival has been lucky to have you with them for 20 years but it also looks like you enjoy your job. Nothing is better than working at a job you enjoy. I just recently retired from a job I loved and will now pursue a career in traveling! Hope to see you on upcoming cruises we’ve booked!
Congratulations Mate on TWENTY years!!! You have an incredible way of helping people enjoy the inner spirit of laughter, REGARDLESS of which language they understand, you are universal and that’s what makes you stand above the rest. Deb and I wish you and Heidi many more years in bringing pleasure to so many as you do. Hope to be together again on the Splendor. All the Best!
Ray McTeague
Congratulations John on 20 years & 500,000 slaps – must be due the Aston Martin now! Had a great time on the Liberty & can’t wait till the Splendor. Congratulations also to Jason on making the top 8 – vote everyone!
Congratulations John! You’re the best! I met you on the Freedom in May, and John from Mount Hope who became more romantic toward his wife is a favorite cruising memory of mine. Thanks for the millions of laughs you’ve given people over the last 20 years. We wish you many more decades of FUN and laughter, both on and off Carnival’s cruise ships. Best wishes, love, kisses, Gloria
John,
Congratulations!!! for your 20 year Anniversary. I can imagine the stories you could tell about your experience as a Cruise Director. My travel agent has been telling me stories about you and I am very excited to be on the Bloggers Cruise.
August is really a very special month. August 6th the Splendor was floated out (yahoo!) and it was also my Birthday. Is that a “sign” of great things to come? Don’t ask which birthday this is lets just say I’m 39 and holding. ;D The best of everything to you and Heidi and Congratulations again.
P.S. Still checking on the Aston Martin. Is it the Vantage? AJ is just a little more difficult to locate but I will continue my quest! See you in January.
CONGRADULATIONS JOHN
on 20 Years with Carnival. Hope you have many more.
John: Carnival is lucky to have had you on board for 20 years. Congratulations.
I am doing last minute preparations to come and see you. I knew the dress code at St. Peter’s in Rome was strictly adhered to so I didn’t want to make the mistake of wearing a sleeveless blouse that day and find out I couldn’t get in. So, here is the posted information on the dress code for Vatican City. I hope it helps some readers.
Vatican City:
APPROPRIATE DRESS IS A MUST!
Please be aware that there are monitors outside St. Peter’s, which has a very strict dress code: no skirts above the knee, no shorts, no bare shoulders (i.e., tank tops or sleeveless blouses), and you must wear shoes. You will not be permitted inside the basilica unless you are dressed appropriately. Slacks and jeans, however, are permitted. If you are out sightseeing in shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, sleeveless blouses, etc., and wish to enter a church, you must be dressed appropriately. People who monitor visitors in churches have the right to refuse entrance if in their opinion the visitor is dressed inappropriate to enter. One way to get around this is to carry long pants and a shirt/blouse with sleeves in a bag or backpack so that when you wish to enter a church, you can slip these garments on over your inappropriate attire before you enter.
http://www.mclink.it/personal/ME6428/vatican_city_dress_code.htm
SewingNut
John,
Congratulations on 20 wonderful years with Carnival; I am sure that all of my fellow bloggers would love to see you around for another 20 years!!! You have made me laugh until I cried on many occasions with your skits and audience participation. I wish that I could be there to celebrate with you aboard the Carnival Freedom.
I have seen some posts lately about Newfoundland…my Mom is a Newfi!!! I have not been back there in 36 years.
I am celebrating my 18 yr anniversary at the Mouse House on 8/16…the time sure does go fast.
Maybe Heidi should do another blog to let us know about your anniversary celebration???
Linda
Dear John, our congrats to YOU!!!!! WOW!!!
I wonder, what a brilliant company it should be to be faithful to it during so many years! What a patience and love you have to your work!!!
We wish you more and more years sailing, enjoying different places, fulfilling your memory with great memories and, of course, I’m just begging you to remain such a charming and cheerful person!!! Have a good luck and much patience and much passion too!!!
We really admire you! It’s for sure because of you we had during our honeymoon – the time of our lives!!! (We keep dancing!)
Big hello to your sincere and friendly wife
Elvira & Alexander, Moscow, Russia.
Good Morning John!
Happy Anniversary! One of the best decisions Carnival ever made was hiring you! My favorite John moment besides our shared comments on the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was when we boarded the Carnival Freedom on June 18th. I remember so vividly sitting down in the Freedom Restaurant with our family. You came on to make an announcement and your first comment was “Welcome Home!” It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about that moment.
Thank you also for the endless hours you spend on the blog. It is a lifeline for those of us who are for lack of a better word-Carnival Cruisaholics! It keeps us connected and helps us maintain until our next cruise!
GREAT AUG. 8th Mr. Heald. CONGRATULATIONS again for a very positive man who helps others without thinking about himself. I wish I could do more but her I sit in Amherstburg Ontario, Canada. Have a fantastic dayMr. Heald.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Just 2 more congratulation wishes; keep it up John, you’re the greatest.
See ya in July 2008
John,
Congratulations on 20 WONDERFUL years!! I could have never been the Star that I was without you! Once again I must say you really made our holiday special..
Thanks,
John
Many Congrats John.
I was reading the comments above about memories from Legend Crossing in Sept 2002 and I don’t think I will ever forget ” I keek your ass Bob” the Japanese passenger who took photos of his family when he was up on stage.
I also remember that night and the foggy sail through The Narrows in St. John’s Newfoundland, as we arrived early due to the medical emergency.
My husband will never forget the day you read his poem on your morning show, he was soooooo happy!
Please tell me you will be joining us for the 49 night South American voyage on the Spendor -pleaaaase!!
A toast to 20 MORE wonderful years with Carnival.
Dear John,
Congratulations! You are an amazing cruise director and overall great guy!! We are all lucky to have met you. Wishing you your heart’s desire and at least 20 more great years ahead!!
Best regards,
Cathy
Hello John,
George and I just want to congratulate you on your 20 years with Carnival. In this day and age it’s an achievement especially since your job is such a demanding one. We’ve never really paid much attention to the cruise directors on our cruises but this changed with the June 6 and 18 Freedom cruises. Getting to know you beforehand through this blog and then meeting you in person made a huge difference in these cruises.
You have to put up with a lot of “different” people in your job and you seem to be doing a very good job of it. You handle the negative cruisers more graciously than we ever would and you are sensitive to others when they need it.
We hope you’re with Carnival a long time even if it’s in a land based position. You did mention however that you would like to stay in Europe for now since your parents are getting older and you can see them more often. Does that mean you would not take a position in Miami? Whatever you and Heidi do I’m sure it will be best for you. Hope that Carnival gives you an Aston Martin (a real one of course) to mark this milestone. Thanks again for doing this “blog thingy”. It is very interesting and keeps us connected with you and the ship.
See you on the Splendor in about 11 months.
Linda (kicia) & George
bill (zydecocruiser) AND JOHN,
Here is the RIGHT ASTON MARTIN with the steering on the LEFT. See John as your assistant I can fix anything.
http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=AD61A82C421&cp=ems_shr_alb_pml&cb=PW
“BIG” ED
#1 Official Assistant to the #1 Cruise Director
All we can say is CONGRATULATIONS! I think it’s hard to do anything for 20 years let alone something with the public. I think it takes a special person to keep so many so happy for so long. Here’s to at least 20 more!
Barbara and Dave
Congrats John!
You are so amazing at what you do and have made our vacations so memorable. My parents and I have had the privilege of sailing with you on both the Liberty and the Freedom, and hope to sail with you again in the future. You have the most amazing personality and amazing desire for your job. (even after all the crazy passenger stories you have to put up with. My mom and I had the pleasure of meeting you for the 1st time in May. She had written you asking about the Pisa tour that was canceled, due to a biking tour, on the Liberty ’06, making sure that this year we weren’t going to miss it. You had responded back to her on your blog and she was so impressed with how determined you are to help answer and acknowledge people that write on your blog. We knew then we wanted to meet you and thank you and tell you how wonderful yo are. You are amazing and my Mom and I read your blog everyday. Thanks so much and keep up the good work. (I’ll make sure I put in a good word to Angelina.) :0)
Anniversaries are wonderful times. Time to think back on all the wonderful memories you have — and for the rest of us all the wonderful memories you helped to create. Thank you for that.
But….do you ever reflect on why your life has taken whatever twists and turns it has? If there is some grand purpose in it all, or if it is just some wonderful chaotic serendipity? I ascribe more to the former with splashes of chaotic serendipity thrown in just to make it all more fun!
Just think….if you had never made the trip to Miami, how different your life might be. But beyond that, John, the lives of many other people would be different, as well. Always remember that. As Clarence, the angel seeking his wings, said in “It’s A Wonderful Life”:
“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
It may sound corny, but it’s true. You have spent 20 years in a profession that has allowed you to touch many, many lives. Fortunately for us all, you have made an effort each and every day of those 20 years to make sure the difference you make in the world is a positive one.
Here’s to you, John Heald!
Terri & Larry
Congratulations, John!!! Wow 20 years of making people happy. I wish I had a story to share, but I don’t. However, I am looking forward to meeting you in January. I hope Carnival gave you an Aston Martin to celebrate your anniverysary.
Congratulations John on 20 years in the same job. That’s a long time but I have noticed in all your interviews with the other staff they have all been around for a long time. Carnival must be a fantastic company to work for. It appears they look after their staff as well as their passengers (hope your Astin Martin is on the way!!!). I was so pleased to hear that Big Ed and Mrs Big Ed are going on the bloggers cruise. We can’t be there but I will be eagerly reading the blog to keep up with what’s happening.
We have started packing as we leave home 2 weeks today to join you in three weeks ( a little sightseeing beforehand). Our tickets arrived today by courier but I wasn’t home so have to go and collect from the depot tomorrow. You mentioned Heidi drinks green tea, I like green tea but prefer green tea with mint. Do they have it on board or should I bring some with me? I had another question but as it’s now 1am I’ve forgotten what it was! Will ask next time if I remember. See you soon!!!
Deb xx
Congratulations! It is not many who can boast of being in a profession for 20 years and adding that they love it too! Congratulations to you for this milestone in your career. Congratulations to Carnival for seeing what potential you had. Your a great Cruise Director. Looking forward to sailing with you Oct. 16th, until then.
Congratulations John..
I haven’t met you yet…but I am making a beeline to you when I get onboard for the TA..
much love
Congratulations John and Heidi on your 20th year with Carnival!!!!
That is 20 years of bringing joy and laughter into hundreds of people’s lives. There are very few people who can say that. Our fondest memory about knowing John continues to lead to more fond memories and that is the tradition of meeting after dinner to have a good cigar. As I shared in an earlier blog our family has continued that tradition that John introduced to our family. In fact over the years many of our friends have cruised with us and they too now have fond memories. John probability does not remember this but that is the first time we meet Heidi. One night John was in the cigar bar deep in thought when we stopped to say good evening. He shared with us that he was trying to decide how to balance his love of the sea, Heidi, wanting to get married and having a family. Thank you John, for the many fond memories and again congratulations. The Sagara Family, Lynn, Mike, Eric and Brad
P.S. Is there a way to attach pictures to the blog message? We have some of our “cigar night” we would like to share.
Congratulations on 20 years with Carnival, John!
It is quite an accomplishment, and it is clear to all of us blog thingy readers that after 20 years you still enjoy what you do (at least most of the time…now what colour[I'm learning to spell correctly!] was that suitcase again? Oh right, my sister in Pittsburgh knows!).
Thank you for a very entertaining blog, and many thanks to Heidi for sharing you with us all!
Many more happy years to you on Carnival.
Bob
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it is people like you that have not just helped to make Carnival what it is but also making vactions a true experience of a lifetime.
I wish you many of them.
WOW 20 years, I was just a teen when you started in Carnival, you have come a looooooonnnnnnggggg way,
I do hope that we get to be on one of your ships before you and Heidi take to land to start your own family of pixels
Whishing you the very Best and Heidi too
the one and only 1
Heidi-Beth
Congratulations on 20 wonderful years with Carnival- I’m sure they realize what a gem you are. I will get to meet you in 2 1/2 weeks with jelly beans…. You have hooked alot of us on your blog and I look forward to it daily- CHEERS to you
Hi John,
Congratulations on 20 years with carnival. May you continue working with them for another 20 years as I plan to take loads more cruises with carnival and i want you to be the cruise director on every single one! You always make the cruises extra special. From your morning show, to the Welcome aboard show you bring smiles to everyone.
By the way it is my parents 20th wedding anniversary today so you must of started working for carnival on the day my mum and dad got married.
Congratulations once again and all the best for the future.
from WILL
John,
I think you enjoy things that increase your knowledge. Recently I came across the following about the origin of certain phrases used in the english language.
Enjoy – Dave (Jo and Dave)
A little history!
In George Washington’s days, there were no cameras. One’s image was either sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are “limbs,” therefore painting them would cost the buyer more.
Hence the __expression, “Okay, but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg.”
*********
As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October)! Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn’t wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term “big wig.”
Today we often use the term “here comes the Big Wig” because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.
*********
In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining. The “head of the household” always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the “chair man”
Today in business, we use the _expression or title “Chairman” or “Chairman of the Board.”
**********
Personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee’s wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman’s face she was told, “mind your own bee’s wax.” Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term “crack a smile” In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt . . therefore, the _expression “losing face.”
**********
Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman, as in “straight laced”. . . wore a tightly tied lace.
***********
Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the “Ace of Spades.” To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead.
Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be stupid or dumb because they weren’t “playing with a full deck.”
*********
Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important. Since there were no telephones, TV’s or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars. They were told to “go sip some ale” and listen to people’s conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. “You go sip here” and “You go sip there.” The two words “go sip” were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and, thus we have the term “gossip.”
**********
At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers. A bar maid’s job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in “pints” and who was drinking in “quarts,” hence the term “minding your “P’s and Q’s.”
***********
In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem…how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a “Monkey” with 16 round indentations.
However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make “Brass Monkeys.” Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, “Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.” All this time, you thought that was an improper expression, didn’t you.
My mom went to Gordon Ramsey’s in NY…….try the rissoto. I know you’re off carbs but maybe Heidi can order it so you can try a bite. Also, the lunch menu is much cheaper
You were the CD on my very first cruise years ago, and of course, I’m hooked. Congrats!
Congratulations John!
If anyone from Carnival should ask me how to celebrate your 20 spectacular years, I will tell them that nothing says a job well done like an Aston Martin.
Cheers!
John,
Just wanted to say congratulations again. Roberto asked us to come up with a special moment, but when I cruised with you on the Ecstasy they were all special – the welcome show, the port talks, the bedtime story (help me, help me), the newlywed game and yes, the male nightgown contest. Everyone of them had that special John Heald touch. You are probably one of the reasons I will not cruise on another line (unless it’s Princess). You have truly made Carnival Cruises the Fun Ships. Oh nut, I’m getting teary-eyed just writing this – I’m so emotional. Must be PMS.
John & Heidi, enjoy this special anniversary. In 2 weeks I’ll write you about my 1st cruise and what I remember.
Love to you both,
Carol
Hi John!
“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” 20 years and still lovin’ it! You deserve an Aston Martin (and some RS – SF Jelly Beans) for that milestone!
You made our trans-atlantic cruise on the Liberty and our Med – cruise on the Freedom the most memorable cruises yet. We couldn’t say one most memorable moment, as anytime you are there whether on the BIG screen or on the stage, or just walking down a corridor is memorable. Your wit, charm and sense of humor make you the wonderful man that you are!
Can’t wait for the bloggers cruise to see you and Heidi again!
TWENTY BIG BEAR HUGS to you!!!
Barb & Carl – the Bears
PS… we really did mail off jelly beans 2 weeks ago, not sure why they weren’t waiting for you in Civi…
Happy 20th to my new buddies!!!!!
WOO HOO!
Happy 20th
Must feel great to have helped so many people enjoy themselves for at least a week or so of their lives.
You obviously enjoy your profession else you would not be so effective. Well done.
By the way, the favorite post of your blog has got to be about the guest calling you the Sperm of the Devil. Where else but your blog could one receive such a wonderful cultural education provided in context with personal experience commentary?
John,
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary. I cannot choose any one memory from the several times I have had the privilege of sailing with you – - there are so many. You are a very special person, John. Think of the thousands of lives you have graced with your humor and compassion. My wish for you is that all the joy you have given others be returned to you a thousand fold. And that any memories of unpleasant moments be carried away by a fair sea breeze (not a breeze brought on by sugarless jellybeans).
You are the best! See you in 81 days.
Sue
Hello, John.
Wow! 20 years. Let’s see, 20 years ago I was… no, I don’t think I want to go there. Anyway, a big CONGRATULATIONS to you, and I hope you get a Really Nice anniversary gift from Carnival!
Pat
Happy 20th John! May you have 20 more wonderful years with Carnival. And thanx to Roberto for giving us all the opportunity to tell you what a great job you are doing.
Until we meet in 164 days!
Elaine & Lisa
John,
Congrats!!!!!!!!!! We have sailed twice with you. Once on the 4th sailing of the Freedom and once on the 5th sailing of the Liberty. My next will be on the maiden voyage of the Splendor – already booked; did that the first day I could back in May ! So this will be the 3rd cruise with you : ) . I have been reading the “blogy thingy” since before our trip on the Liberty in April; and loving it!!! I go home and tell my “friend” about what I have read for the day- and I think he might be getting a little jealous. But he also says that he is getting to know you too and can’t wait till July next year to finally meet.
You are the best and I can’t wait to see you again in July (340 days to go) – keep up the good work & I hope you get your dream car real soon!!! (you already have your dream girl – Heidi) but hope you get your wish for the godmother of the Splendor!
As we get closer I hope you can tell us what to expect on the July cruise – will we be able to see the ceremony of the christening and when the shore excursions will be available and what you think. Speaking of which don’t you usually go on the excursions before the customers do? How does that work? When will you be able to take the excursions?
Well again congratulations on your 20 years!!!
MAZEL TOV! CONGRATULATIONS!!
What a wonderful milestone. Hopefully, CCL has arranged the Aston Martin, Angelina Jolie and CZJ all waiting for you in port.
Here’s hoping for 20 more wonderful years.
David!
“Parabens” and “Gefeliciteerd” on this special day!
You have contributed during these 20 years to the success of Carnival!
Keep on blogging for the next 20!!!! : )
Greetings from Karlsruhe,
Thais&Fabian
Have never sailed carnival, but love your blog!
A big congrats on 20 years. Not many people stay with one job for that long any more. Carnival is very lucky to have you. Our cruise the last couple of weeks was fantastic, we did arrive home safely on 8/5. Much of the fun we had was because of your humor and because you made us feel special. Many thanks to you and all our best to both you and Heidi.
The Donnegan Family
Hi Joan Fredendall, I thought they floated out the Splendor on August 6th because it was my birthday. I am also 39 and holding. They must have put her in the water for both of us. We are also going on the Bloggers cruise. Maybe we will meet.
John, Dave and hope you have a wonderful anniversary. Did they bake you a sugar free cake?
Jo
John,
Congrats on reaching 20 years with Carnival! Maybe go for 20 more years with Carnival?
Congratulations on your 20th. You are a truly blessed individual who manages to raise a smile wherever you are. Keep on doing what you do so well
JOHN HEALD BLOGGERS PHOTO ALBUM
Add your mug shots to the Bloggers Album. So we can put a face to your name when you post a comment.To see how just go to this link;
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2007/07/24/john%e2%80%99s-bloggers-photo-album/
“BIG” ED
Twenty years done….Many more before you go! Congratulations on your milestone with Carnival. Susan and I went to the Aston Martin Dealer in Dallas to see if we could pick one up for you. John….you and I are about the same size and I have very bad news for you….we don’t fit!!!!! You would look better in a Bentley anyway! If you are still on the Freedom in May ’08 will any sugar free candy do or must it be Jelly Beans?
John and Susan
Hi John and congrats again for the second time on a milestone!!! I think I’ve mentioned you were the CD on my first 2 cruises for Carnival. The first cruise was on the Destiny with my Mom and sister in Jan of ’97. The fun and laughter you gave us was more therapeutic than you’ll ever know; 1996 had been a very horrid year for our family and you were the perfect Rx. The cruise in Oct. of 1997 on the Imagination was just Mom and I and I thought you were following us.
I was actually very disappointed when you weren’t the CD for our Inside Passage cruise in 1999 on the Jubilee. Our paths haven’t crossed again, even though I look for you on each and every cruise. You are my favorite CD and you hold a very special place in my heart. We laughed so hard and much that our sides hurt on our first cruise because of your antics. I’m hoping to get to see you again on one of my scheduled cruises. I’m scheduled on the 11/06/06 TA on the Freedom and then on the Splendor’s South America first 2 segments in Jan. of 2009. I hope you know how much people appreciate everything you do to make sure their cruises are fun and worry free. Not many say Thanks. So, for now, I want to say, “Thanks and again, congratulations on the 20 years.”
Ode to Sailor John (Scottish dilect version)
Upon the seas your course ye chart
weathering then and now
beside the true love of your heart
as waves crash ‘cross her bow.
A perfect sunset settles in
across an azure view;
her bow slices waves both thick and thin
to greet each day anew.
Face the future, sailor bold
and ne’er ye look ye aft
for sinking ships and jelly bean wind
may land ye in a raft.
And when our days at sea are through,
salt spray nay touch our noses,
we’ll lift a pint and declare we do
your flatulence smelled like roses.
John, our special wishes for another 20–as a passenger, so you can experience the very best that Carnival has to offer.
Rus & Nina
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CONGRATULATIONS JOHN !!!!!!! :=)
What an accomplishment. Carnival should do something very special for you, perhaps the Aston???? You are a real asset to the company I hope they know that employees like you are very hard to find…
My husband and I have to go to a detox center, because I’m afraid we have become a bloggaholic ( a new word in the dictionary). We are addicted to the blogg.
We are planning to travel on the Spendor February 17, 2009 from Argentina to Chile. Hope to see you and Heidi there !
Best regards,
Mary and Moe
Roberto thanks for your part in making all this happen, great job with John’s thingy. I was quick to respond earlier in congratulating John on twenty years and now have given your question some additional thought.
My favorite John moment(s) are hard to condense, too many, but I will comment on two; we first sailed together on the Destiny in 2000, my wife and I have sailed with Carnival 9 times to date. John is most funny to me when a passenger situation makes him totally loose it, he laughs uncontrollably at an unexpected situation which just carries on to everyone else who cannot help but bust a gut and enjoy. That’s the funny side of John, second is the company side of John which really impressed me. On our Grand Med Liberty 2005 cruise, John told it like it was during his excursions talks, John’s POV with no regard to a company line or vendor line was for his passengers. Hey this wasn’t a Caribbean island hopper cruise as we past experienced, we ported in several cities throughout Italy, then Croatia, Spain and France for the first time, John left nothing on the table in his candid discussion with passengers, (i.e. I don’t like this excursion for these reasons)….he guided everyone to a safe and absolutely fantastic experience. We had the greatest land guides and wonderful learning experiences during our Grand Med cruise. This is our primary reason for booking our Northern Europe cruise on the Splendor Aug 6 2008. John is a professional and IMO training the next generation of CD’s to carryon.
Ciao, Ray McTeague
Looking forward to cruising with you on the Freedom’s USA debut this September. My favorite blog memory is the amorous male passenger chasing you around while the band played the theme from Benny Hill. I could just picture the scene!
“A CRUISE WITH NO CLOTHES”
Is the latest column By Anita Dunham-Potter. John has been mentioned yet again on MSNBC.COM. She tells how John handles cruisers with no clothes. Here’s a link to read it; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20149124/
She will be one of many journalist covering the BLOGGERS CRUISE.
“BIG” ED
Oops, the TA is in 08. LOL I must have had my tongue over my eye teeth and couldn’t see what I was saying.
Hi John
HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY WITH CARNIVAL!!!
I agree with everyone elde, you deserve a brand new ASTON MARTIN. Tell the BIG GUYS we have spoken!
From All of your Dedicated Bloggers in Bloggerland
Hi John,
As my very southern momma says, I’m a day late and a dollar short! I just want to add my congratulations to everyone else’s. I know we’ve never met but I hope we will some day. I don’t have a favorite memory but reading the blog every day brings me so much fun and laughter. John you have a wonderful heart and I know there’s a special place in heaven for you. May you have another fantastic 20 years. Keep blogging and we’ll keep laughing! Thank you. Here’s another great big hug for you!
Leasa
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!!! Sorry this is a day late but I didn’t get to read the blog yesterday.
We had so many memorable moments on our cruise with you, it’s hard to choose just one but the Welcome Aboard show with John from Mt. Holly will always make me laugh. I’m so glad we bought the video.
And to repeat what another blogger said, you are the only cruise director whose name I remember and that’s because you made such a wonderful impression on us.
We look forward to having you as our cruise director on another Carnival cruise.
Enjoy all kudos – you deserve them.
Hi John,
Congratulations on your Anniversary!!!
Being with Carnival for 20 years is a testiment to what a great person you are.
We have never cruised before so I don’t have a favorite John moment, but I will say your blog thingy has been so wonderful to be a part of. Your stories, photos, well everything, have been great.
We can’t wait to meet you on our first ever cruise, the Bloggers Cruise!!! We sure picked a winner to get us hooked.
Wishing you another 20 years with Carnival with Heidi by your side.
Mary & Randy
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN, Hope for 20 more years with you on Carnival.
Your the best. I sure hope you get more money at the end of the month.
From Vinkeveen e.o.
Vincent
Congratulations John on 20 years. What a milestone. I hope Carnival appreciates what you have done for them – the wonderful memories so many of us have because of you.
One of our fondest memories is a “Bedtime Story” episode, can’t remember which cruise or ship. Mary (a nicely endowed woman) was saying “Save me” “Save me” and she launched herself up into your arms, knocking you down and with her landing on top. What a riot ! The audience just roared with laughted. The surprise on your face was priceless. Thank you.
Now may I make a request? My husbands camera ran out of film just before this happened – would you consider restaging this so we can capture it on our new camera?
After your response to my last blog, we, (my husband and I, and our daughter and her husband) decided not to cruise in December, instead booked on the Bloggers Cruise and we are all eagerly anticipating a wonderful week.
Thanks for the time you spend on the Blog we really enjoy it. Heidi thank you for sharing John with us.
Maxine
Bloody hell John, it is I, the one and only Kiwi, remember renting a convertible and traveling to disneyworld? You were seen kissing Goofy’s feet (I have the photo). I can’t believe you stuck it out for 20 yrs???, I have so many memories working on board. Drop me a note only if you remember.
Kiwi Mike
any update on when the europe photo albums will be available on the carnival website?