From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2007 8:11 AM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER; FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR
Subject: Upset with Cruise Director
Good Morning John,Please note the following,
6177 – Upset with cruise directorMr. _________ stopped by Purser’s Desk informing Purser that he and his wife have were very angry at John the cruise director. Purser asked why and was told that last night that some other passengers had seen a meteor in the sky and that it was very good and close. Guest wanted to know why Cruise Director had not informed the passengers about this. Purser asked what time this had been at and Mr. _________ said he thinks at 11:30pm – Midnight. Purser explained that we cannot make announcements at this time of night as many guests are asleep but Mr, ________ said the cruise Director should have told guests before so everyone knew. Guest also said he was upset with cruise director as he made no effort to speak French properly or entertain in French. Please note that guest speaks perfect English but his wife speaks none. Purser apologized and tasked to the cruise director to contact the guest.
Good Morning………………well, I just thought I would share my morning with you so far. So, please add astronomer and physicist to my job description as I should have known that a big meteor would be above the ship at 11:30pm last night. Of course, had I had known I would have been outside to view it myself but I did not know, hence my French friend did not get to see it. Still, I shall call and apologize later today although the apology will be in English and not French………….I have a feeling that this time no matter what I say he will still not be happy and he will continue to think Je Suis Un Idiot.
We are in our last Greek port Katakolon and this afternoon we will start returning the guests passports after we sail. One thing I did warn the guests about (due to the fact that I knew before hand unlike my lack of knowledge that huge chunk of burning rock would come hurtling through the sky last night) was about the Jelly Fish (not Jelly Beans) that are numerous in this area. Sure enough, I heard this morning that a young lad was stung already this morning as he swam in the public beach area near the ship. He is fine and the Nurse gave him some cream, etc. but I will have to make sure I step up this warning as it seems that there are even more here than the last time. Therefore, I will make sure I fortify this warning as much as I can. If you can’t get cream for a sting I thought you had to ………..well……….go pee pee on it, is that true……………….or for Mr. ______ Letourneau…………that would be Wee Wee…………see, I can speak French.
Security has been busy this week dealing with some very noisy young kids. They have been running up and down the corridors and I have made a general appeal for parents to please make sure that they do not do this during the later hours of the day. I know this applies to a very, very small percentage of the children onboard but it never ceases to amaze me how some parents allow their kids to roam around the ship at midnight and onwards, some as young as 12 years old. Surely they should be asleep or at least with Mum and Dad or even on Lido deck looking at a gigantic bloody Meteor that my crystal ball had told me would be visible at 11:43pm on the port side of the ship…………I know this unattended kid thing has been spoken about before but it still amazes me.
On a happier note, 99% of the kids this week have been amazing and the Kids Corner contests that I have been running have been very popular. Here, are some drawings of my friend Alan Adkins. I had described him through this photo and asked the kids to draw Alan for me.
I had 23 paintings and each child got a prize. Here are some of my favorites.
Here are today’s photos all of Olympia, the home of the Olympics.
Also, here is another from the Carnival Spirit Alaska collection.
And here are letters from today’s IN THEIR OWN WORDS section.
So, to the Q and A which starts with the last few from the blog titled “Highlighting the Imagination” and then the rest from the blog titled Holland, America and Turkey.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – It is always good to start with a friend so a big hello to you Paul. Thank you for your understanding that occasionally, very occasionally I may not be able to answer every question, comment and posting but this will be a rare occurrence. You asked if the stateroom stewards can show your lovely wife how to make the Swan towel animal so you can use that design at your son’s forthcoming wedding. The answer is of course yes. This will be done at the demonstration which is held at the end of the cruise on every ship and also I am sure if you ask your personal steward he or she will be happy to help. Thank you for saying that I should win the Seatrade Insider award, that is very kind of you but my chances of winning are as slim as a Meteor thundering its way across the sky right above the ship…………..it will never happen
So Paul, as always in closing I send my best regards as does Heidi.
BIG ED – Hello Ed, nope that was not a Rolex you saw me wearing in the old photo of me. It was a TIMEX and boy that was one ugly watch but it went well with the ugly tie, ugly suit and ugly man. I am really looking forward to our time together and I am putting some amazing entertainment together so bring those Depends with you as you will be laughing for seven straight days. Any requests?
TREESA5021 – You mentioned you will be here in 50 days and would I be here. You bet I will be. You have as much chance of getting rid of me as seeing a large flaming piece of planetary rock flying through the night sky. If you have any questions, please let me know and as always I will be here for you.
CATMAMA044 – I do hope your Father In law is better as I was so sorry to learn that he had been in the hospital. I was however glad to know that the blog thingy has been some sort of escape for you and I hope that continues. Heidi and I send you and your family the best and hope you have better weeks ahead. Please let me know how things are going.
KATHY KROLL – Yep, that was me in those old photos. I hat looking at those as I know I have let myself go over the years. Thank you for listing your favorite ports which were honestly no surprise as Venice and Istanbul seem to be everyone’s favorites. Say hello to Paul and I am glad you are still reading this blog thingy.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Welcome back Captain and I am glad Dad is back home with you. I am sure that fact alone will be a great comfort to him and in turn will aid his recovery. We continue to think about him and I am happy to hear that the blog is giving you some respite from the trials and tribulations you have been suffering. Good advice you have given yourself though,………………say no to a Turkish bath……………I would rather kiss a Skunk’s bottom and the chances of me having another are as slim as knowing that a Meteorite will fly across the night sky and everyone who is French won’t get to see it. All the best Captain, we are thinking about you.
FRANK C – So far mate the weather and sea conditions look sunny and calm for your upcoming cruise. I will update you as time gets closer but I do not foresee any changes……do expect a large chunk of moon rock to narrowly miss the earth at 4:03pm on Friday. Have a safe flight and I remain here for you should you need any last minute questions answered.
GREG BALDASARRI – Hello Greg. I am sure you have been very busy watching the markets move around and in between and some how finding the time to read my blog thingies for which I am very thankful. Yes, Istanbul remains as radiant and as mysterious as ever and is a firm favorite with our guests here. We so far have not located the missing earring but I hope if it is found someone will do the right thing and hand it in. Thanks for taking the time to slap on this posting mate and I wish you a great day.
NANETTEALI – Please wish Cristian and Viviana happy school days and of course I send my best wishes to you as you continue your great work. I wish I was there to see you as I am sure you are all the kids’ favorite teacher. One day soon we will see each other again and hopefully it will be in the beautiful Old Town of San Juan. Buenos nachos.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – I will never forget Fatima as she left a permanent impression on me….of her huge thighs and fists…never again. I suggest you let the Prince have one sometime, I want to welcome him into my world. Hope you are both well.
ANN MARIE – I wondered where you had been. Thank you again for your nomination and I am so happy you have rejoined me here on my thingy. We just reached 500,000 slaps and as of today we have 520,000 slaps so yes, things are going well ……unless you count me not informing a guest of a 1 in a million phenomena when Superman’s home world decided to sweep across the night sky. I hope you are having a great summer and welcome home to the blog.
DAVE AND BARB – I changed your reservation as you requested as there will be just two major formal nights on the Trans-Atlantic crossing. Hope all is well with you both and before long you will be enjoying a Porterhouse steak in the fantastic Sun King restaurant. I wish I had had some jellybeans in my jet pack when Fatima was bathing me, I could have turned the Turkish bath into a Turkish Jacuzzi.
BARB AND CARL – I wanted to say thank you for recognizing the great interview with Stein from HAL. Couldn’t you just tell that he is so passionate about his job, the industry and of course the great cruise line that is Holland America. He was also the perfect advert for the Norwegian Tourist Board and I for one want to go and eat Herring right now. I am very glad you are so supportive of the blog and long may that continue.
DIVETRASH – Yes, I wish I had known what Exit Only was in Turkish but its too late now and I am happy to hear that you both found such merriment in my misfortune. I wanted to leave but that was not so easy with 400 pounds of Turkish delight on top of me plus I was connected to the main water system a 40-foot long hose.
I am glad you are developing a crush on me, Fatima certainly wanted to get to me better but she will never be on my Christmas card list. Anyway, that’s the last Turkish Bath I will ever have but I am glad you are enjoying the blog. Cheers Laura.
LOIS GRABASNOWSKI – Good luck with the Marlin and let me know how it goes if for no other reason then to have more fun with your name. Hope to hear from you very soon .
HEIDI – BETH AND KEVIN AND THE SEVEN PIXELS – I will never listen to Alan again. The only thing that got me through my own version of Midnight Express was knowing that he was being IRRIGATED as well. We are much closer after sharing that experience. I am glad you are enjoying all the kids stuff and I hope you enjoy their interpretations of Alan. I will finish with my best to you and the other nine in your family.
BRYAN – You asked what ships wee Jimmy and I have worked together on. We started on the Carnival Triumph and also he delivered the Carnival Glory and Carnival Leg End with me as Social Host. We had some very fun times together and I will share some of those moments with you very soon. I am glad your sister is looking forward to building a bear; it’s a great family activity. Please keep reading the blog thingy and all the best.
COOLOEIMOM – Goodness, I am so sorry to hear that your husband’s job is being outsourced to India, This happened to a friend of mine recently in the UK and it seems to be a very unfortunate trend. I love your idea about FAQ and I will be discussing this later with Roberto. It does seem that I do repeat myself a bit but I do not mind as I know it’s hard to look back and try to find the information. Therefore, as you so brilliant suggest, a FAQ section will surely be helpful. Thank you so much for this great suggestion and I will get right to work on this. Cheers Terri.
THE CHADS – I see you all had a good laugh at my Turkish encounter of the worst kind. I blame Alan and revenge will be sweet. I will talk more about the Godmother thing later but no, it’s not Mrs. Big Ed although that would have been nice. I also thought the idea of getting t-shirts made saying I have Missed My Luggage etc would be a good thing to do and I have sent the idea to ROGER BLUM to see if he can get this going. Anyway, keep reading and maybe I will drop a few clues soon as to who PA 007 thought should be Godmother. My best to you and all the Chads.
SUSAN B – Yep, Heidi was laughing very hard at my Bath experience and now she wants to try bathing me in the same way…….no chance. I hope a few of my blogger friends have sent me a few Jelly Beans for my Jetpack; they are desperately needed as I am running on empty. Thank you for asking what Heidi likes and she just loves greeting cards and any kind of beauty cream stuff……..what’s wrong with soap?
It is so interesting that you think PA007 is a woman………I am not saying anything about that but one day……….we will reveal all. All I know is he/she is invaluable to this blog thingy. I hope you are well and your kindness is so wonderful. Thank you on behalf of us all.
MISSINGYOU – Thank you for being so kind about me deserving an Aston Martin. It would be nice……….but that’s what dreams are all about. I will indeed ask the Bar Waiter if he remembers this young lady you are anxious to contact. Do you remember his name as the staff rotates to different bars and I really don’t know which waiter you are talking about? Can you describe him? I will await your e-mail and I hope your dream of finding this lady comes true.
DOUGNEWMAN AT SEA – I wondered when I would here from you again and here you are. I hope to try a cruise on all the sister lines and I would especially look forward to a Holland America cruise following the interview with Stein. How have you been? When are you off on your next adventure? Hope to hear from you again very soon. All the best mate.
MRS MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE – Thanks for your posting and let me explain. There will be two official formal nights onboard plus two, elegant casual nights. The two formal nights will have complimentary drinks and hors d’ oeuvres before dinner and feature two of our huge and lavish production review shows, There will also be a big Halloween Night for these guests who have indeed brought costumes. I have to tell you though that on the previous two trans-Atlantic crossings I have done; there have been very few (less than 50) people who brought costumes with them. This does not spoil our celebration of the event though as we will decorate and celebrate accordingly. One thing I can promise you without fear of being proven wrong. There will not be one person who will be able to say they are bored during the seven days at sea. Not on my watch. So, as plans continue and you have any other suggestions I would appreciate you letting me know what you would like to see……….in a smoke free environment of course.
KIM – You will have a great climb of the Leaning Tower of Pisa all 294 of them……………..do you want to borrow my jetpack? I am glad you got the tour you wanted and if you need anything further let me know please. See you all very soon.
LUV2 CRUISE – It makes my tired fingers feel a little better when I hear you have been laughing so hard………….thank you.
SUE GROHOL – I think we will stick with two formal nights on the trans-Atlantic crossing with the elegant casual addition and of course some Halloween fun. The first formal night will indeed be on October 31. I have so many ideas for activities that as I just said to Mrs. MTSFP nobody will have time to be bored. So, get ready for the most relaxing and fun cruise and remember the clocks go back one hour 6 times during the voyage. Hope you are well and enjoying the blog thingy.
KEVIN – Please just send me the details and just mark the posting PERSONAL. Roberto will not post this and instead send it directly to me. Let me know the details and I will see what can be done. We are indeed working on a FAQ list and this will be up very soon. I will be here for you mate so let me know how I can help.
CLEO AND GARTH – First of all your booking is confirmed at the Supper Club for September 30 which is not a formal night but is the night we leave Katakolon. Thanks for letting me know about the problems you have dialing the numbers to hire a tuxedo etc. I have forward your concerns on to the right people however ret assured you can hire one onboard as and when you arrive from our Formalities shop on deck 5.You did a good thing pre ordering your tours on line. You obviously did this because you new what you wanted so please don’t start second guessing yourself. However, if you arrive onboard and after hearing my talk you can always exchange the tour with no penalty. The only sad news is that we will have only highlights of the World Cup Rugby as the satellite stations we receive will not be broadcasting them but you will see the highlights of course. Anyway, don’t worry England will win again. So, relax, get packing and remember I am here as needed. All the best to you and everyone in Aussieland.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Thank you for the kind offers Carol. All is well here but an extra bag of Jelly Beans will go along way to get my jet pack up and running. I would love to see the old photos of me and my staff…can’t wait.
As always your comments about Stein, Holland America, The Carnival Valor and of course the Turkish bath incident are right on the money. I know how busy you are so again let me say thank you for taking so much time out of your day to read the blog thingy. I hope your computer has had a dry day and please write soon.
JAMIE AND KEVIN – Of course I remember you both and after your comments we canceled our Turkish bath tour. The one I went to was on impulse and it was a huge mistake and that huge mistake had a name………Fatima……….I can see her face now and it makes my bottom pucker up. Let me follow up on your comment to Guest relations, can you just remind me of your last name please on the next posting and I will see what I can do for you both. Until then, take showers….no more baths for us.
BILL (ZYDECOCRUISER) – Food, yes, food……it’s all we ever talk about. I will be posting a photo of a Wally very soon so you can see one from where I live but your links are on the right track. Now, I had dinner some hours ago but here I go again, looking for snacks and guess whose fault that is. Any news on your Carnival Fantasy cruise cabin number yet mate?
LISA AND ELAINE – I am so sorry you have been so sick. I hope this blog today finds you on the road to recovery and that somehow it’s made you smile. Please let me know and Heidi and I are thinking about you.
CATHERINE EBERT – Catherine, I am so sorry I have not replied to you but honestly I never saw any of your postings. Please forgive me. I truly do try and answer every comment whenever possible and somehow I guess I missed yours, I certainly did not do that on purpose nor do I show any favoritism to other bloggers.
You asked what my favorite port was on the Greek cruise and I have to say I love Rhodes and of course Istanbul, as I know will you. You mentioned Ephesus and that is for most people the highlight and you will not believe your eyes when you see this city caught in time for yourself. As your cruise gets nearer, please let me know if you have any questions and again my apologies for ignoring you. All the best.
That concludes today’s Q and A…………..more tomorrow.
I just wanted to confirm that every one of you who requested a Supper Club reservation last week has had their reservations confirmed as requested. You will be receiving a confirmation on the first day you board your respective vessels. There seemed to be some concern from one or two that this information may be too public but I assure it is secure and obviously if you prefer you can still slap on a request direct to the blog if you prefer. I will be making these bookings for you each and every week so please feel free to complete the link thingy and book your table at the best restaurants at sea.
Here is today’s guest interview and we feature another beautiful ship and another great Cruise Director. Today, it is the turn of BIG TEX who is on the Carnival Fantasy. Here he is and enjoy his interview.
1 – My name is Jeremy Mayes, but everyone calls me Big Tex. Which I think is strange, since I’m from New Jersey…not really. It’s pretty self-explanatory. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Not to mention I’m 6ft 3in and just touch over three bills (hence the big part). I’ve been with Carnival a little over five years, and I’ve been a Cruise Director for just over a year. Coming to work at Carnival was just a side effect of my restlessness. As a college graduation gift, my Mom took me on a cruise. It was the Celebration out of Galveston and I remember the Cruise Director was Matt Goodwin. He looked like he was having so much fun, plus it looked like a job I would be good at. Realizing that job options were limited in my chosen field (Radio, Television and Film), I applied at Carnival and was hired a month later (that’s the short version; it’s pretty long story and you have better things to do than read it…).
2 – I’m currently serving in the capacity of Cruise Director onboard the Fantasy. The ship sails year-round from New Orleans on four and five-day cruises. The five-day cruise calls on Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, while the four-day calls only on Cozumel.
3 – My two favorite tours for Costa Maya are the Mayan Culture Experience and the Off-Road Jeep Tour. The Mayan Culture Experience is a great supplement to any Mayan Ruins tour. If for no other reason because many people think that the Mayans just fell off the face of the earth one day. This couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, the present day Mayans in southern Mexico tell a completely different story. You actually get a feeling for what daily life was like for the Mayans. You also understand what the slow decline of their culture was all about. The Off-Road Jeep Tour gives you a chance to see the natural beauty of Costa Maya. It’s a relatively new port of call which lends itself so much more to the exquisite beauty of raw nature. Plus, what could be more fun than bumpin’ & jumpin’ in a Jeep with your friends, and don’t forget about the Mexican BBQ on the beach.
In Cozumel, my favorite tours are the Jungle ATV Adventure and Xcaret. The Jungle ATV Adventure is awesome! You get muddy and dirty while riding through the rainforest in Cozumel. Along the way, you spend time looking at Mayan Ruins and listening to some amazing stories from excellent, entertaining and friendly guides.
Xcaret is what I imagine the Garden of Eden must have looked like. It’s green and beautiful. There are little coves and beaches where you can steel away private moments with that special someone. There are animals and flowers and if that’s not enough, you can float down the underground river. Plus, the restaurants on-site are delicious!
4 – I think my favorite event is the Mardi Gras Party. Its two hours of craziness, up close and personal with our guests. We go from lounge to lounge, meeting and listening to the entertainers, having competitions, throwing beads, singing, dancing and much, much more. However, if you ever have the chance to do the party with me, just be prepared and bring your earplugs. I learned long ago that I wouldn’t be a rock star, but for those two hours I get the chance. If you can handle my rendition of Crocodile Rock or Sweet Home Alabama, you can handle anything.
5 – People should sail on the Carnival Fantasy because of all the ships I’ve had the privilege to serve on, the crew here are the friendliest, most hard-working group I’ve ever known. I think most of that is due to our guests. The folks who sail with us are laid-back and have that southern hospitality which makes you want give them your all. Also, you get to spend time in the Big Easy (one of America’s biggest party cities) before and after your cruise.
6 – The thing I love most about my job is the people. I get to work with so many wonderful people. Not just our guests, but the crew as well. I get to work with my favorite person in the whole world (and the prettiest dancer I’ve ever seen) my wife, Kimberley. I’ve been fortunate enough to not only have a job that I love, but I’ve also made friends for life. And more than anything, I’ve been able to see the world and experience so many different nationalities and cultures that I never would have, had I stayed in the suburbs all my life.
7 – My favorite story happens to be one that was shared with me not more than a few months ago. During one of the shows, I pick a lucky (or unlucky) lady to sing to. The lady that I chose that voyage stopped me as she was disembarking on the last morning of the cruise. She said she wanted to thank me for my song. I simply said your welcome and that it was nothing. She then began to explain to me that her husband had died one year ago. This cruise had been a gift from her family and friends to help cheer her up and get her moving back in the right direction. She had been so sad onboard without her husband, until the night I sang to her. She felt like her husband had been singing to her through me. She gave me a big hug and continued on her way. It was then, more than any other time, that I realized what I do is more than just a job. I don’t know why people are here, but it doesn’t matter. This could be someone’s 100th cruise, or the only one they’ll take in a lifetime. It’s my responsibility to give my best and my all EVERY day.
8 – My three favorite ports of call are St. Johns (because nothing goes better with fresh seafood than an Alexander Keith’s Honey Brown Ale), Cozumel (because there’s SO much to do and enjoy) and Acapulco (because of a restaurant in cliffs called Su Casa which provides an awesome view and their giant water park).
9 – I would love to visit Rome, Rhodes and Barcelona. Come to think of it, can I have John’s ship?
10 – If I could introduce anyone on stage, it would be the Fabulous John Heald. WHAT?!? I’m not getting brownie points for this??? Oh, well in that case, it would have to be Willie Nelson. He’s one of America’s greatest musical influences, not merely as a singer, but as a songwriter as well. Not to mention he takes up about 10% of my I-pod library.
Big Tex is a newly promoted Cruise Director but is part of the future of this great cruise line and I wish him much success.
I am still very excited about PA 007′S idea about a possible Godmother for the Carnival Splendor. We are going to discuss this some more and hopefully by the end of the month we can present the idea to all of you for your approval………it really is a terrific idea from the bowling, trainspotting slightly nerdy spy…………. I am dying to tell you ………….but not yet.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has voted for me in the Seatrade Insider contest and once again I am lost for words as to how humbled and so very grateful I am. I hope I win…………………not just for me but for Heidi, Roberto, Alan Adkins, Roger, Chris, Vance and PA007 and most of all for you because this is all about us and the fun we have together every time we meet in blog land.
Will I win?………..who knows…………probably not…………..there is more chance of me predicting a Meteor will be screaming its way across the sky. I have told my friend from France that it may be visible tonight. I also told him what numbers are going to win the lottery, the Boston Red Sox will win the Super Bowl, Richard Simmons will be the Godmother of the Carnival Splendor and that at 9:14pm this evening there will be a Whale visible from the portside and it will be singing Whale song………just for him……….in French.
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, Thanks for the asteroid update…I will keep an eye out for it…My Wife & I had a wonderful cruise with Big Tex earlier this year….Great Time!
Nice to see Carnival Back In New Orleans…….
Humor:
There was a Frenchman, an Englishman and Angelina Jolie sitting together in a carriage in a train going through Provence. Suddenly the train went through a tunnel and as it was an old style train, there were no lights in the carriages and it went completely dark. Then there was a kissing noise and the sound of a really loud slap. When the train came out of the tunnel, Angelina Jolie and the Englishman were sitting as if nothing had happened and the Frenchman had his hand against his face as if he had been slapped there. The Frenchman was thinking: ‘The English fella must have kissed Angelina Jolie and she missed him and slapped me instead.’ Angelina Jolie was thinking: ‘The French fella must have tried to kiss me and actually kissed the Englishman and got slapped for it.’ And the Englishman was thinking: ‘This is great. The next time the train goes through a tunnel I’ll make another kissing noise and slap that French bloke again.
Ciao,
FrankC
Well actually this is the time of year of the Perseid meteor shower. It peaked on Monday morning but will still be visible for a few more days. It has been pretty spectacular due to the new moon. Best viewed between 00:30 and dawn. You need to look to the NE and then straight up as the stars rise in the sky.
Perseus is to the left and down from Cassiepoeia which is the big W in the sky.
Children running rampant around a ship is amazing to me, but so is it that parents expect others to be their children’s babysitter. There was even a sign on the local library this weekend that read “Children left after closing would be left in the care of the XXXXXXXX police department.”
Hope all is well with you.
PS: Vodka can also be used to help soothe jellyfish stings, but I consider that alcohol abuse.
John, you just said;
“I am really looking forward to our time together and I am putting some amazing entertainment together so bring those Depends with you as you will be laughing for seven straight days.”
You ment to say fourteen (14) days I’m sure. Remember we got that date with NANETTEALI in PR. Dinner and a ride in a MAZDA.
“BIG” ED
PS, you are right ROBERTO is great. He’s even faster then that meteor.
I see that A Cruise by any other name has covered the Perseid metor shower. The next meteor shower that will be widely visible is the Leonids. They will appear November 10th – 23rd, with the 18th being one of the more active nights. The folks over at the International Meteor Orginization have a calendar with lots of detail about the showers.
http://www.imo.net/calendar-2007.html
The above is the link, but I have no idea how to format it so that it will be ‘clickable’.
In other random thoughts, I am sorry to say that I will have to drop out of the inagural cruise of the Splendor. My cursed car finally went belly up and all that I was saving for the cruise has gone to replace said car. *sighs*
Blog on, Mah John.
Hi John, I would like to suggest that the next bloggers cruise NOT be in January. We are going to one this January but I have to admit it took courage to book it. Our home airport is Newark, NJ. We can have blizzards in January and planes don’t take off or land in snow. Could you do something late spring? Or early fall. We sailed the Triumph and Legend to Canada late summer. That would be wonderful. I’d love to go back.
Jo
Hi John (or Bonjour Jean),
I’m sure your French friend would be just as upset if you woke him up with an announcement early in the morning.
Does Alan love his pictures? They seem to capture his – how shall I phrase it – joie de vivre? He’s famous now. But he still owes you for Fatima.
Good luck to Big Tex, not to be confused with Big Ed.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a meteorite coming to rest on the head of one rude Frenchman.
Have a good night,
Carol
In honor of Alan’s photographs, here’ s an original Poet Laureate, although I will admit Big Ed helped me make one subtle change…..
Alan is known as Johns best mate
But his girl abilities are up for debate
In his youth he tried to get a date
He would cruise for girls until it got late
He might have more luck in the Bering Strait
Since everyone said he looked like fish bait
To get a girl she would have to be sedate
And be twice his own weight
Fictious stories Alan would create
That’s what made his “ego” inflate
Even then she would be irate
When Alan let his little monkey out of his crate
Once he was set up on a blind date
He was turned him down; she was ninety eight
But all Allan wanted was to procreate
His looks explain the countries low birth rate
He went to the sperm center hoping to donate
Where they asked “are you sure you don’t menstruate”
The last chance he had to gyrate
Was with a picture of a playmate
To get a girl he would need a large estate
Even then it would be hard to conjugate
Since around women he acts like a prostate
Maybe he should wear a Burka like in Kuwait
Since Alan doesn’t even look like a primate
Sadly this might never be his fate
As Alan is now referred to as a lightweight
The girls he dates are considered to be air freight
The only one that ever said he is great
Is John his current cabinmate
My wife and I will be joining you for on Friday for the Grand Med cruise. Thanks for letting us know we’ll get confirmation of our supper club reservations when we board; I was getting worried the online system wasn’t working, since I hadn’t gotten any confirmation of my two attempts, even though the first was over a week ago.
I’ve read every blog entry you’ve made since the beginning, and will be on the internet every day of the cruise keeping up with whatever you write during the cruise. Thank you so much for taking on this extra duty; I feel your reporting and insights have already made our 25th anniversary cruise that much better!
Great interview with Big Tex, especially since he’s right from my back yard.
Thanks again for another great blog!!
You the man!!
David
SORRY JOHN
As Roberto is your editor. I guess I’m now the BLOGGERS editor. But I only changed one word and jtoddinman gives me credit.
“BIG” ED
chief reporter and press preview edit reporter (C.R.A.P.P.E.R).
John,
Just in case the need arises in future….
“Exit only” in Turkish is: çıkma biricik! (pronounced chuhkmah birijik, I think)
Have a good day,
Laura
That morphed picture of “Alan” is so disturbing I don’t even know where to begin….are those monkey eyes?!?!? The BIG meteor show is on Sept.1…..plenty of time to inform the next group of ingrates…..I mean passengers
Hi John,
or do you now go by your AKA nom du plume…..Caperincus?
Do you know the american comedian Bill Engvall?
He does a comedy bit where people ask really stupid questions and he replys ( in a very sarcastic tone) “Here’s your sign” ( Which reads……in very large letters STUPID! ……..or STUPIDE in French.
You must shake you head every night when you get these ridiculous comments from the pursors desk. This could be a whole chapter in your book my friend.
Well Donna and I officially have been hitched for 25 years today and will celebrate on the Liberty in 32 days. Thanks for confirming the dinner club reservation for the 18th. I really appreciate the service…..one less thing to book on the trip.
BYW……really nice picture of Alan the Ugly! Thank god that isn’t on a blogger shirt! Don’t want to scare the kids…………..or maybe that’s the answer to keeping the little darlings in their cabins past 10pm………read them a scary story at Carnival kids club and show them the creature that roams the halls of the ship looking to capture little children who don’t behave. Just a thought.
Any chance I could ask a favour of you to ask Todd Wittmer? I would really like to participate in the Not so New Newlywed game on the Liberty . We sail on the 15th of Sept. with Todd. I know you like to have a random selection but we’d fit in the 25 year married category and it would be a complete suprise for my wife who really isn’t the social butterfly that I am………you know opposites attract thing.
Well I’ve rambled enough for now…….getting ready to go out for dinner with my lovely wife tonight…………I can’t expect either of us to cook tonight…….wouldn’t be right.
All the best to Heidi and Alan (aka……the Scourge of the Freedom……..his scary name).
Smooth sailing mate,
Brad and Donna
No questions, just signing in to say hi, and to let you know that I am still addicted to the blog, still reading every day and loving it. I can always count on a smile or laugh, a moment of sheer amazement at what some people will do or say. The photos are wonderful, and after seeing the crispy brown grass at Ephesus and Olympia, am thrilled that we were there in early Spring, with green grass and blooming wildflowers. Magic! Thanks again for all your time with the blog!
hi john! i have some wonderful news! it seems my friend, lois grabyourasski, is going on the bloggers cruise after all! way to go john for getting her onboard! now remember, we have to convince her carnival is “the line” to cruise as she likes one of those pricier ones, okay? and i will watch the night skys in podunk tonight for the meteor, it should be here by now, if not in france.
smiles,
bonnie and prince charlie
Well John, are you still fooling people with that “Whales off the port side” joke. Man, I fell for that 10 years ago with you on the Imagination. You made us Laugh every day of our 10th aniversary cruise. Well, Saturday, we leave on the Glory for our 20th (Janet and I) and we can’t wait. 10 years ago it was our first cruise, now it is our 7th…. We have cruised on other lines, but never again…
WE LOVE CARNIVAL!!!!!
Congrats on your 20 years. you are and always will be the best cruise director on the waters…
and the one that looks most like Gomer Pyle!
Opps John! Maybe we all can help you giving you that kind of info. I remember reading about the meteor shower and first thing in mind was that I wish I was on a ship in the middle of the ocean to see it. Maybe when we see that kind of info that It may be of interest to you we should inform you. But Te Chavaste John! I cant believe that people expects you to know it all, see it all and be everywhere and here we go again with the languages
Oh my God! John you are supposed to be perfect. John are you God ?? And you havent tell us ?? JA! LOL
Tell them you know spanish and thats enough LOL
Tell Heidi Im going to send her something that she like, Im trying to get a friend to do it thats why its a little late.
Love you!!!
Nanette
PS Dont answer obey please!!
Thanks John for acknowledging my comments as it made my day. Just curious about how you would compare the Freedom to the Liberty. Are they about the same size? Your comments are so funny that I laugh so hard that I sometimes have to excuse myself. I am wondering why the guest, who was upset with you concerning there not being an announcement concerning the meteor, did not share this information with anyone prior to the meteor shower? Or maybe he had not heard about it prior to the event! If he had not heard about why would he expect you or the rest of the staff to be aware of it and announce it. It is not as if he had to entertain, feed and make sure 3400 guests were okay throughout the day. When we are on the cruise and you need a chiropractor just call our room as my husband loves to work when he is on vacation. Ha-Ha! It is true! Cathy
Hi John,
Just a quick note to say hello and how are you? I think you should make an announcement in that French gentleman’s cabin only, at 3 am. Use your early morning debarking voice and just bring him awake sweetly. Then Shout at the top of your lungs, Oh my gosh! The aliens have landed!
Run! Run! Run for your life! Do all this in a French accent. Oh, that was mean! I’m sorry but the things some people expect from you are sometimes just over the top. I’m really enjoying all these cd interviews. Thanks so much for posting them for us. I was just wondering if you know who the cd will be on The Carnival Liberty in Feb and will we see an interview with him or her soon? Thanks John for making me laugh everyday. I almost forgot to thank you for taking good care of the visually impaired gentleman you told us about that you put in the front row for the shows. You’re really the kindest man. I just know you’ll win that award. I really believe you are the most deserving candidate.
Big hugs to you and Heidi,
Leasa
John, I am beginning to think the elusive Alan Adkins must be a very handsome man, because you have yet to show his face, what’s the big deal anyhow? Can’t be that you are jealous of him (if he indeed is a handsome man) because you John are also a good looking chap, so why not finally unvail this man’s face to all of us bloggers, since he is on the cruise with you this week, get a picture of him from the shoulders up, not the shoulders down! I DARE you to do it! HA! HA! By the way, I cannot believe that man who wanted to complain about not being told about the meteorite falling. He must think you are also a mind reader (that you would even know about it). Ha! Linda & Mike PS Love our new T shirts, they arrived today!
Hey John,
Well, I see you finally got around to the Fantasy. Fortunately, Heidi-Beth (one person) is so tied up in leaving on the Carnival Glory is 25 days that she is not asking for this one, yet. What I wanted to know is if travelog dvd’s from past cruises are still available? I would kind of like to get the ones from our two previous cruises if possible.
I am still having one problem I don’t know how we are going to fit ten people in one inside stateroom. Maybe you could give me some insight. Remember, it is only 25 days. Not much time to work out the logistics of it.
Till next time
Kevin
JOHN ALMIGHTY !!
My husband suggested that you should call yourself that way from now on LOL
Hi John
Good Grief, people will complain about anything.
I’m putting in my yes vote for a 2009 bloggers cruise in Alaska. Love the pictures!!!!
John and Heidi,
Yes, I am feeling much better and the blog did put a smile on my face. Thank you so much for your good wishes.
What is wrong with you John? Do you not know the practice of ESP? I thought this was part of your job description…geez…you’re really falling down on the job! By the way, you DO know that the Boston Red Sox cannot win the Super Bowl, right?
Instead of a supper club reservation, I would like to ask for something else, if possible. Lisa and I would be so honored if we could have dinner with you one night while on the cruise…would that be possible?
Keep up the great work…and don’t forget to warn everyone of the Great Pumpkin on Oct. 31st!
Elaine
Hello John
Hope all is well with you and Heidi and no things from the sky fall on the ship.
Some of the things I read on this blog thingy
absolutly amaze me, you would think cruisers have better things to do than complain about such mundane things. You have the patience of a saint. You mentioned on todays blog about dinner reservations being made last week and getting confirmation, I did make one and never did get a confirmation.
papanh
So you can not predict every event before it happends, some should have warned the frenchman that a CD is not psyhic. …. RedSox in the Super Bowl huh, I am not into sports but that I would like to see…. maybe not
The pictures the kids drew are so much fun, it is good to see you molding … warping… young minds.
the interveiw of Big Tex was fun, he sounds like he is full of energy and ready to take on the world. He has some big shoes to fill to even come close to filling the ones you have walked in.
my best to you and Heidi
Heidi-Beth
Dear John… No more baths for us! Although everyone gets a kick out of our story…. they didn’t live through the turkish bath! Thank you for helping with us. We were on our honeymoon so the reservation was in 2 last names since I didn’t get to change my name before we left… it was Harris/Satornino. We were in cabin 7298 if that helps any too. We did happen to bring home a wonderful souvenir from our honeymoon but it won’t be here for 9 months! 3 days after returning home we found out that we’re expecting! Thanks again for your help with with situation.
~The Satorninos
Hi John,
My next “adventure” is a river cruise in France next week… Hopefully I will not meet your meteor-shower-loving friend!
I am glad you aim to take a HAL cruise sometime in the future as it is a wonderful line. They have a great product – I’m sure you will really enjoy it. I don’t know when I’ll next be on HAL (maybe in 2008) but I am going to have lunch on the Veendam next month and I am looking forward to that.
Doug
Linda Hernacki,
You said Alan is a very handsome man, well your wrong it’s NOT me. There are many pictures of Alan in John’s Album on my Blog site. I just want Alan to send me one that has NOT been touched by John first. A nice family shot for the BLOGGERS ALBUM.
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/
BLOGGERS CRUISE ROLL CALL
If your going on the BLOGGERS CRUISE add your name to the list at;
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2007/08/07/bloggers-cruise-roll-call/
REMEMBER TO GO VOTE FOR JOHN AT;
http://www.cruise-community.com/insider_cruise_awards/Vote_form.html
“BIG” ED
PS. while at my blog tell us all why you think John should be the GODFATHER of the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR.
Hi John and Heidi,
You mean you can’t accurately predict meteors? Maybe you can predict when Stromboli will erupt so the cruise can be centered around that.
Put George and me down for the 2009 Alaska bloggers cruise. It should be between the last week of June and the first week of August otherwise it will be too cold. We’ve been to Alaska three times before but never on a cruise so that will be great. That’s how we got started on RV’g but that’s another story.
Stay away from the French and have a great week.
Linda (kicia) & George
Hi John Almighty,
I must agree with nanetteali that has a nice ring to it for your new name.
I will try to remember to bring you a cyrstal ball to you on the cruise; but if you are the all knowing, you already knew that…LOL. Sounds like this is really a fun cruise for you, kids running up and down the halls all hours of the night. Maybe they know french and you can have them screaming annoucements in French by somebody’s door all night long.
I love all the pictures the kids drew of Alan. I must say they all captured his likeness very well.
You know, maybe you should have special 24 carrot plastic ship-on-a-stick made up for bloggers. It would be nice to have one sitting in our cabins when we arrived.
I’m very upset tonight….Jason didn’t make it into the final 4 on America’s got Talent tonight. He made it into the top 8, and he and Carnival should be proud of him…but I still think he should have won!!! It would be a nice surprise to have him on the blogger’s cruise to sing to me…I mean us, the blogger’s….hehe.
Still waiting for the next Hedi’s Blog.
Hi John,
I think the trick is to be very general in your predictions. Either in time:
“Folks sometime between now and April 2011 we expect to see a great meteor shower… you might want to stay up and watch for it…”
or in detail:
“Folks tonight around midnight we expect something really worth seeing to occur, you might want to stay up and watch for it…”
or both:
“Folks sometime between now and April 2011 something worth watching is going to occur, you might want to stay up and watch for it…”
That should do the trick
I’m with you regarding parents that don’t take parenting serously. It only takes a few like that to spoil things for a lot of folks. Seems a lot of folks have forgotten their role is to be a parent and mentor not a friend.
Nice pictures (well except one… let you guess which one) again.
I will finish this with a prediction: I predict that sometime between now and, say 2011 John will receive an Astin Martin, Meet CZJ, or have someone complain to the Purser about him.
Hi John
Tsk, tsk, I’m surprised that you don’t know EVERYTHING!!!! I mean how can Mr. Frenchman expect to have a wonderful cruise if you don’t inform him of such “metoric” happenings ahead of time. As a CD are you supposed to go to that extreme when management ask you to go “above and beyond the call of duty” in assisting passengers. I guess Job Descriptions need to be revamped for Carnival!!!
John I had mentioned a while ago (and i never came across an answer) but I’m sailing with my grandkids 13, 11 to Southern Caribbean on the Carnival Miracle. Having just come off the Freedom a couple of months ago, is there anything I should know about keeping these two entertained on the Miracle?? Please let me have some suggestions and also who the CD on board is. It will be the 17th Dec sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Tks and take care.
John,
While many of my comments are more comical in nature, a comment by a blogger earlier struck a chord as a possible way to make your bloggers cruise not only fun and enjoyable but for a good cause also.
The reader mentioned possibly having dinner with you during their upcoming cruise. Since so many of your devoted fans will be on board and another CD will be handling the shows, etc. why not “auction” a night with John and Heidi with the proceeds going to Bob’s favorite charity, Camillus House? You could possibly add the captain or other celebrities on board (hint hint, Big Ed). The auction could be held by making a bid at the pursers desk and the amount could be listed in each day’s Caper’s with the grand finale on the final night of the cruise. Another idea would be to sell raffle tickets throughout the cruise and then draw the big winner the night before, possibly calling it “Big Ed Bingo”. Of course you could also consider pocketing the money and using it as a down payment toward a new car, But at the cost of an Aston Martin, you might get a one wheel and a turn signal……
This would be a wonderful way to pay tribute to Mr. Dickinson’s wonderful achievements in the cruising industry while giving a some of your fans an opportunity of a lifetime. I only wish my wife and I could be there to join in the fun but saddly (or wonderfully depending on how you look at it) we will be cruising the Spirit in the Mexican Riviera starting on January 25th. But I would be happy to buy ten tickets if it could be redeemed on another cruise in the future.
Whew! Just finished catching up on a weeks worth of reading on the blog thingy! I’ve been gone for a week and even though I had my laptop I was only able to log on a few times. Tried reading whenever I could but you know how it goes when you’re at the beach, its beach, then beach then some more beach! Whew-need another vacation by the time you get home. But anyhow I’m all caught up now. Great interviews with the CD’s-love them all & what fabulous, beautiful pictures! Hilarious Turkish bath story-had me cracking up laughing!
I think I was able to send congratulation last week on hitting 500,000 slaps, hits or whatever it is but if not here it is—-CONGRATULATIONS to both John & Heidi! WOW!
In the beginning you thought you were only going to be doing this for a month or so, now look at how it’s grown! Unbelievable.
Please keep on blogging for as long as you can. You & Heidi are the best!
Dean & Inez
Hey John,
It never ceases to amaze me what people expect you to do and know. You just have to laugh. Well, we’ll all laugh for you. Your references to the incident in Q & A just crack me up!
What is this about you telling that Frenchman the winning lottery numbers!!! I just bought my VT Power Ball ticket. I could’ve used that info, all powerful and knowing cruise director, since the jackpot is up to $181 million. I’ll make you a deal, if you tell me the numbers and I win the big money I will personally buy you that Aston Martin. My husband is also a car fanatic and says the Aston Martin is “oozing with sex appeal” (his words)!! What do you say?
Oh, and since you are the all powerful and knowing CD (not to mention our humble friend), you should already know that you will win the Seatrade Insider contest. All us bloggers know you will and that you deserve it very much.
Smiles, Mary
John,
Please buy one crystal ball, one English to frog dictionary, and a cricket bat. All these items should be able to assist you in communicating with the guests. Also on behalf of all of us who cruise thank you for not making announcements at 11:30pm. I sent you a personal marked note I’m sure Roberto will send it on to you to see. Say Hi to Heidi, did the jet pack fuel ever get there? I sent it a while ago let me know.
Kevin
Hi John & Heidi,
Loved your last 3 blogs, they had me in stitches (laughing). You showed the letter from Mr. & Mrs. Newitt who were waiting on deck for their cabin to be ready, but I don’t understand what they lost that has spoiled their vacation. I hope whatever it was, they have since had it returned to them.
Thanks again for your blogs John, I look forward to reading them everyday.
Sincerely,
Cindy
Hi John!!
I am so glad to see the highlights on Risa Barnes and Big Tex on your blog. I met Risa on the Fascination in 1999 as a social host and Big Tex on another ship as a social host. What a joy to know both have are now CDs. Both are great, but you deserve the awards!! See ya October 4th
Yeah, actually I suspect your Frenchman may not have had the perfect command of English that the Purser’s office claimed.
He wasn’t talking about ONE meteor. He was talking about the Perseid meteor shower which happens every Aug occurs when the Earth passes through dust left by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
Perhaps ‘shower’ is pushing it…’trickle’ might be more acurate. The average display is between 50 and 100 meteors per hour, but it is still pretty spectacular…. particularly from a ship at sea where the night sky is not polluted with other light sources.
Here in the UK on Sunday all the newspapers and the main tv news were reminding us to take a look (because it looked like we might have clear skies for once).
I’m surprised your Nav officer didn’t forewarn you, because it could have been a note in the ship’s newspaper.
All the same I don’t think it was anything for your French passenger to get really steamed up about, but at least you now know for next year!
Alastair McKenzie
Cooee John
I am afraid we will have to agree to disagree with your predicted winner of the Rugby World Cup – I will let you in on a secret – The Wallabies patchy form of late is simply part of an elaborate plan – commonly known in Australia as “The Trap” – where we lull cocky northern hemisphere teams into a false sense of security – then SNAP!!!- the trap ensnares them – (well it worked with the cricket didn’t it?)
Ah well – on to far more important things:
Thanks so much for your quick reply re supper club, shore excursions and formal hire. My only concern about hiring on board is my beautiful husband’s build (6ft 4, 300 pounds and at last check 54 inch chest ) Do you think they will be able to accomodate him? Do they also hire shoes?
Your blog has been an absolute God send – informative, funny and an amazing insight into cruising for a first timer. I am amazed at how extensive your job is (although I have a sneaking suspicion that you are a caring, compassionate high achiever who throws himself 300% into his job and goes way above and beyond the call of his job description) Thanks again for the efforts you make to answer our questions – we can’t wait for the adventure to begin.
Cleo
Hi John,
Quick question, do you want regular or sugar free jelly beans. We will be on the September 10th cruise and we can bring you a supply of beans.
Hi John,
I told Donna about the guest who expected you to know about the meteor shower and she laughed her head off.
Well……………never say that we on the blog are not looking out for your best interests.
She just emailed me to let me know that on August 27th of 2007 at 12:30 AM MARS will be in the closest position to Earth and the sky will appear to have two moons. Too bad your new french friend won’t be on the cruise…….you could really impress him with a wake up call to his room so that he wouldn’t miss the event that will not occur again until the year 2287……..
I hope you will be prepared for this celestial sight and the passengers will think you’re a genius!
All the best John,
Brad and Donna ( your sky watching friends from Canada)
Update!
The “Save The Queen” corp. aquired the lease rights to the Queen Mary in Long Beach for 43 mil.
She will remain an upscale Hotel with retail shops and some office space available.
God Save The Queen ! Are you standing John!!!
Kathy and Paul (Lee Paul )
John & jtoddinman, as you said “Big Ed Bingo”. I’ve been a bingo caller at my K of C for over 30 years. We could have a special bingo for Uncle Bob’s favorite charity, Camillus House, and I could be the guest bingo caller.
“BIG” ED
Cleo And Garth,
as you know I’m BIG too. Go to CARNIVAL. COM on the blue line on top you will see “GIFTS” click on it. There you will find tuxedo’s and where to call and how to set up the size you need to be ready for you on the ship. They even have a print out you can take to a TUX rental near you to have filled out with his measurements so you get it right. But let me warn you they don’t have MY size. So when you call CARNIVAL ask first what size they go to.
“BIG” ED
PS, maybe CARNIVAL will get BIGGER tuxes along with BIGGER robes
JTODDINMAN–great idea…I’d buy tickets!
John, as the recipient of many jelly fish stings in the past….plain old vinegar with cure the sting almost instantly! The “stingee” will most definately smell like a salad, but it works!
JTODDINMAN,
OH OH I hear a fisheee thingeee coming soon. I hear your keys clicking
Hi John! Favorite Golden Gopher here. I am sitting at my desk at work right now (yuck) and I had minute to write to you and say A) The family and I are back safe and sound in MN and B) Thanks again for the fun cruise! I’m taking Italian this semester so I can move to Italy for a while. I absolutely fell in love the place. Thanks again, and I hope you’re having a blast and that all is well!
John–
Canuck Cruiser says they got an e-mail saying Mars is going to appear like a 2nd moon on August 27. This is a widely-circulated internet HOAX–please don’t fall for it. I’ll be on your Grand Med cruise on the 27th, and I’ll be highly embarassed for you if you make an announcement about looking for Mars.
Hi John,
I just wanted to say hello and to tell you that I am enjoying reading your blog. I enjoyed having you as my cruise director (July 24th, 2007 cruise). I especially loved your Dolly Parton imitation. I have cruised with Carnival 3 times before, but I had the best time on this cruise (eventhough Alitalia sold my seat and lost my luggage on the way home). Don’t worry about meteor man. You can’t please everyone no matter what you do. Say hello to Natasha and Davor, the best waiters in the Chic dining room, for me. I look forward to reading more of your blog…thingy.
Cindy
Washington, DC
I am laughing hysterically about your lapse in predicting the meteor. Actually, I have a bit of a meteor in a ring. Should I take a picture and email it to you to show your French guest? Of course, it isn’t flaming, and is only about the size of a ladybug, but you could predict the siting with ease;)
But that does bring up a question… is there anly public area on the Freedom where one can get away from the lights to see all the stars at night? Ship lights are just as bad as city lights at washing out the Milky Way, etc. Once we switched from sailboats to cruise liners, that is the one thing we have missed. A clear night in the middle of the Atlantic with little moon (which is what we’ll have) would be a dream for star gazing. Can you make a dream come true (I’m not asking you to provide the clear night, just a dark place on the ship)?
I appreciate all the response you’re giving to us TA folks. I’m excited about the extra hour on so many days — that means every more cruise for the money!
We took our first cruise less than two years ago (Miracle) and after four cruises on four different lines, we still give Carnival top marks (this from someone who was officially named “Ms. Ryndam” on our last cruise).
See you soon.
Hi John and Heidi, I don’t know how you manage to maintain your great sense of humor with some of the CRAZY people you have to deal with on a daily basis!! I am a labor and delivery nurse and also work at a residential treatment home for troubled boys, so totally understand how frustrating it can sometimes be dealing with people. Having to bite your tongue all the time to keep from making inappropriate, (I really mean appropriate) comments, can be quite frustrating. I admire your restraint!! We will be sailing with you on Sept. 10th, and have gotten some great red wine for Heidi, and also one called “Two Buck Chuck”, for her to try which won some awards–have you heard of it? Also, have you ever tried the sugar free “Jelly Belly” brand of jelly beans? We will bring you both some treats, and are so looking forward to meeting you both! We’ll definately raise a glass with you and Heidi–I’ve been known to have a drink in one hand and my Diet Pepsi in the other! See you soon! Sheryl
Oh, I expect you’ll be teasing me IN PERSON in January — perhaps during a bloggers cruise?
)
I do have one question about booking this…should I book directly through Carnival? I don’t want to rock the boat, so to speak…Can’t wait!!!!!!!!
Hoping you guys have a fishing excursion available so hubby can go after that marlin that snapped the line just outside the fishing boat the last time…LOL
Will sign up for the cruise once I get back. I’m down in Naples (Florida, not Italy) taking care of Dad and stepmom. Both have had some serious medical woes the last couple of weeks…Good news is that everyone is on the mend.
Tell Heidi hello — and save a hearty hi-ho for you! See you in January!
)
Hugs!
Lois
What a great interview w/Big Tex. He was part of Todd’s team on the Miracle when we sailed out Baltimore back in 2003 (I think). Between Todd, Big Tex, and Karl with a K we had one of our all time favorite cruises…right up there with the first time we experienced a John Heald cruise. I’m so glad to hear Big Tex is a CD, I’m sure he’s doing a fabulous job.
As usual, I went from laughing to crying all in one blog. Big Tex’s story about the lady he sang to was a tear jerker, just like your little friend who lost her parents. You cruise directors really are a special lot. You can laugh at crazy passengers upset that you didn’t warn about a meteor passing by while still treating them with respect and then turn around and touch people in a really special, caring way.
I feel blessed my husband and I found Carnival cruising. And, even though we only get to go once (and sometimes twice) a year, having this blog allows us to feel connected to Carnival all year long.
Thanks for that John!
Big Ed, since you know GirlDoc are friends and travel often together, here’s a fun one just for laughs (John no need to reply, except to maybe give the advice of the last line)
GirlDoc gave a cure that is free
Guaranteed she would decree
To help cure a sting from a jelly fishee
Did she learn this from her doctors degree
No, one day she had too much whisky
Followed by vodka in her iced tea
She left the shade of her palm tree
And went swimming not even wearing a tee
Next thing she remembered is the deputy
Locking her up and throwing away the key
Through the bars she went on to plea
Oh my gosh I’ve got a stingee
That I received while swimming in the sea
And now it’s hurting to the tenth degree
The deputy replied, be glad it’s on your knee
Since I got bit once on my wee wee
It made me scream like a banshee
But then I got a tip from our cruise CD
He offered this advice which was entirely free
Don’t go naked while swimming in the sea
Hi John,
It its any consolation (not constallation) I heard that the night sky is going to be busy for the next week or so, so maybe you want to tell that “gentleman” to look out for it. Maybe it’ll help him at least feel better and be not so mad at you.
Anyhow, getting excited. We’ll be on the ship in a couple of days. Hope to see you soon
Take care
G
girldoc & jtoddinman,
We need a photo of girldoc in the Bloggers Album. If you don’t have the photo of her swimming that day her booking mug shot will work.
“BIG” ED
LINK TO BLOGGERS ALBUM;
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2007/07/24/john%e2%80%99s-bloggers-photo-album/
Dear John,
Just wanted to say my hubby and I will be on the Fall TA. Can’t wait to see you again. We were with you on last May 19th Liberty Europe cruise.
We will also be on the Freedom Spring TA celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. Hope you will be on that one too.
PS, I vote for 2 formal nights. Elegantly casual sounds like a good compromise.
Fondly, Diana Silver
Hi John,
Thanks for your reply to my comment. The bar waiter i am talking about worked on lido deck during the day and on the 2nd sitting in the posh restaurant. He was from Slovenia or slovakia or some other country that sounds like that from that area. He was quite tall, thin with gelled, slicked back hair.
The girl i am on about was on the july 12th cruise, she had brown, wavey hair, she was about medium height. Spanish was her first language but she also spoke english. She was about 18 years old and she had a older sister. She was on the later sitting in the posh restaurant on the lower floor and her table was quite near the entrance.
Thanks again for any help with this matter and i hope to her from you soon.
All the best to you and heidi
Thanks for the interview with Jeremy. It’s going to be hard to miss Big Tex on my soon to be (if the creeks don’t rise) Fantasy cruise.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_07/fantasy_07.htm
I haven’t sailed on Fantasy before, but I did sail on the Inspiration (Fantasy class) out of New Orleans in 2001 and loved it. Just did a quick check of my pictures from that cruise and didn’t see any of food. What was wrong with me, I wonder?
Will have to double up on food pictures this cruise, I guess.
I have committed to memory the locations of the various snack bars and pizzeria on Fantasy so have that much of the cruise planned.
Hi John,
Either I’m getting lost on the blog,or I havent had news of the place and time for our meet and greet.
And I keep getting emails from my group asking..
“When and Where”
We are on the September 10th sailing on Freedom
and we are all looking forward to it with much anticipation.
If you can, please answer to my email,as we are now
travelling in Switzerland and I can only get on line intermittently.
Thanks.
Cyril Bernstein
After cruising with Big Tex a few times (and John Heald – Freedom Grand Med May 2007) I think they are both great CD’s. We just returned from a cruise with Big Tex (Jeremy Mays) in January 2009. Since we cruised with him in April 2008, he has lost a whopping 91 pounds! Go Big Tex. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I lost 70 pounds in 2008 so I knew he had lost a lot when I first saw him on board. Not only has he lost weight – he is now gorgeous! I loved his singing on this cruise. I don’t recall him singing before, but maybe I have just forgotten. Anyway, watch out John, I can see him stepping into your shoes one day (when you retire of course).