Good Morning from Civvi again and this time it’s that early morning blog………….it’s 5:50 am. We are about to start our debarkation process and in between organizing this I thought I would start the blog. First things first……………….my morning cup of tea so time to put the kettle on.OK, that’s better, now I am going to start today with talking about the Supper Club. Last night Heidi and I went to the Supper Club with Alan Adkins and his wife Alison. We had not seen much of them because it has been such a busy week and I thought it would be nice to spend the last night off our cruise with them.
So, we went to the Supper Club and had a wonderful dinner all together……………………..except of course something that happened in the middle of the meal. Firstly, let me whet your appetite with what Heidi and I had.
Heidi had:
Sushi Platter – 7 pieces of beautifully made fresh Sushi
Spinach Salad
French Onion Soup
Fillet Mignon – cooked medium
Wasabi mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables
Apple Tart and Granny Smith apple ice cream
John had
Jellybeans
And
Caribbean Crab Cakes
Cesar salad
Double Cut Lamb Chops with fresh potatoes
Cheese Plate
It was a wonderful meal and I cannot see how any one could find fault in the six star service, food and music all for just $30…………………….WRONG.
In the middle of my Caribbean Crab cakes I saw a man heading towards the table. He was obviously upset and clearly I could tell someone had taken the jam out of his doughnut. I expected the “sorry to bother you” start to the conversation but this man must have missed the day manners were taught at school. Here are his exact first words and bear in mind that I was in full conversation flow with my friends and wife. “I want you to come over here and tell these people to shut up”……………yep, those were his exact words………………I slowly finished chewing and then asked the table to excuse me and I stood up .
I asked him what people it was he wanted me to tell to shut up……………..he pointed to a group of 6 people who were laughing and having fun but in no way were loud or obnoxious…….just having fun. I asked the man if he would like another table and he said “no, move them not me.” I explained that I was not in charge here but I would speak to the Hostess. I did so and we both went back to the man who was now huffing and puffing by his table. I saw that the “loud” table were just starting their main course while Mr and Mrs. Angry were just on their appetizers.
The Hostess Tina and I agreed that we could not move the table for six and that we would suggest to the couple that either they moved or they could continue where they were.
Now, before I continue I must tell you about the demographics of the two tables involved. The table for two contained Mr and Mrs. Angry who were in their 40′s. The table for six contained three couples all of which were in their 60′s and by the way were all from Mexico. Now I would have understood if this table was very loud but they were not, they really were just having fun…………in Spanish.
With Tina the hostess by my side and my Crab Cakes getting colder by the minute I explained that were not justified in moving the table and that we could though find them a quiet table for two…………………….do you know what he did………….he through his napkin at me……………and I had one of those mad moments where the little devil inside takes over…………..it was like it was slow motion……….I saw his hand reach for the napkin…………I saw him throw it at me like a small child throwing his toys out of his buggy…………….I saw the napkin flying toward me like a scene from a King Fu movie where the action is slowed down………….the napkin hit me square on the chest and I……………….fell on the floor like I had been poll axed by a punch from Mike Tyson…..I clutched my chest yelling “I’m Hit, I’m Hit” …….now the effect was two fold.
The rest of the tables (approx 40 guests) all of which had been watching this scenario unfold laughed and applauded, the Spanish table were also laughing (in Spanish)………….I looked up to hopefully see Mr Angry find some humour in the situation but nope……….oh no……….he grabbed his wife’s arm and said “We are leaving “………….but then the problem got worse………….his wife said “You go, I came to enjoy my meal and you have ruined it.” ………….OOPS.
Now, I realized that this situation had now caused a major domestic disturbance. Asking Mr. Angry to come with me I escorted him to the back of the restaurant and we had a chat.
NOW, this man was rude, beyond rude and I won’t tell you what words he used to describe how angry he was at this situation. I listened to him for sometime and then it was my turn to speak. After 5 minutes of me talking………….he went back to the table and we escorted him and his wife to the other side of the restaurant where they continued their meal.
What did I say to Mr. Angry that made him change his mind…………..well, I would like to say it was my speech about it being the last night of the cruise and that your wife obviously was upset …………I would like to say it was my speech about not ending the cruise on a bad note…………I would like to say it was the fact that he really had blown the situation out of proportion and infect he was making ten times the noise then the table of six were making…………..nope……………it took just two words…………FREE MEAL…………..yep, I said well sir, let me pay for dinner if you move so that you and your wife can enjoy a last night and not be angry at each other………………he said “OK”……………..and that was that.
I returned to my table. My Crab Cakes were stone cold, Alan was laughing, Heidi just shook her head and we continued our meal. A few minutes later the waitress brought a bottle of expensive wine to the table, compliments of the Spanish Guests. I wish I drank alcohol because it really was a great bottle but we all said Grasyarse and Heidi, Alan and family enjoyed it. I new I should not have done the thing with the napkin, it inflamed the situation instead of cooling it down as I hoped but as I sat there I pondered that $60 worth of free meal was all it took for Mr. Angry to be appeased. It is a prime example that a Cruise Director is always a Cruise Director even in a scenario like this one and I find that people tend to think that I am in charge of everything.
The rest of the meal went without incident and it was overall a great time. When the cheque for the meal came I new I would be paying an extra $60 for Mr and Mrs. Angry’s dinner. I was surprised therefore to see a bill for $103……..I asked the waitress what this was for……………….. “Oh, she said, the man refused to pay for the wine and said you would pay for it.”
I felt the hairs on my back rising but then another emotion took over……..laughter………..I just had to laugh at the audacity of Mr. _____ who got a free meal out of me and who I hope is reading this…..well done mate.
Here is the breakdown of International guests.
| NATIONALITY | COUNT |
Let’s look at some more beautiful photos of Rome.
AND NOW HERE IS A PHOTO FOR THE EMBARRASS JOHN SECTION………..THIS ONE IS MY FIRST EVER EFFORT TO ENTERTAIN, in this case my sister………..GOOD GRIEF……..RED SHOES!!!
Now for some letters from “In Their Own Words Section”…………..starting with a drawing of Alan Adkins Parachuting over the ship.
I forgot to mention yesterday about the young man who wrote a letter saying how much he missed his girlfriend Chelsea and even at the age of 14 he was in love and was having a miserable time without her (please see letter in yesterday’s blog). Anyway, on the morning show I asked him to give me Chelsea’s number and I called at home in Kansas City and hooked them up live on a air……………..she was so shocked when I called and of course she had no idea who I was but after explaining and then hearing her young man’s voice she proclaimed “Holy SH%$” …………..oops again………….anyway, after telling young Chelsea that were live and that hundreds of people were listening to her we carried on with the I miss you, I love you, etc etc………after hanging up …………the young man started to……….cry……….with joy at hearing her voice. It was a special moment………………………14 and in love…………..when I was 14 I hadn’t even spoken to a girl and if I had said the words Holy $H$# I would have received the good news from my Dad’s slipper. I wonder if they will be together forever………………….nope…………..they are 14 after all…………but it would be nice to think so.
On we go with some Q and A……………these continue with the last few from the blog featuring the Fantasy and Big Tex and then the ones from the blog called Grand Designs.
Oh, just before I start, here is some valuable advice regarding those people who have booked the Carnival Splendor and have been asking about Russian Visas. Cruise ship passengers can currently visit Russia on visa-waiver scheme provided that the stop in the port of call doesn’t exceed 72 hours and tourists stay overnight on board of the cruise ship. Cruise passengers may disembark from the ship without a tourist visa if they participate in tours organized by cruise companies. Passengers, who are not participating in tours and wishing to disembark, will need to obtain a Russia tourist visa. Passengers won’t be permitted ashore if they don’t present a valid passport, a Russian visa and a voucher issued by a Russian travel company or another authorized organization. Cruise passengers cannot obtain a visa in Russia. Visas are issued in the country of residence before departure.
So basically, unless you have a Visa you cannot get off the vessel unless you are a ship-organized tour. If you are on a tour Carnival will provide a blanket visa for everyone. Let me know if you have any further questions on this.
Right, back to the Q and A
LISA K – Hello Lisa and thank you for this wonderful posting. Congratulations to Big Tex, I have never actually met him but it seems he has plenty of fans who have enjoyed him as their Cruise Director. When I read words like you have written …”Reading the blog keeps me connected to cruising” makes me feel very special and is the extra energy my two fingers need to continue to dance across the keyboard. I wish you and your husband all the best and please keep reading the blog thingy.
POET LAUREATE – Another classic from one of the greatest poets of our time. I especially enjoyed the jellyfish reference and I was wondering from where you draw your inspiration? We are all very grateful for the time and effort you put into composing these poems and one day you will be reading them on stage on one of our ships. All the best and we salute you.
GRACE – By the time you read this you will be here……………..yippee.
WINE WANDERER – I am very happy to hear that you have booked the two trans-Atlantic crossings on the Carnival Freedom. I certainly will be there for one of them and hopefully both. I have confirmed that we will have two formal nights and one elegant casual night on the crossing, it seems the best way to go from experience. Please would you let me know if you need anything before you sail and I will be here should indeed you do. All the best and see you soon.
NOW, QUESTIONS FROM THE BLOG CALLED GRAND DESIGNS
JO AND DAVE – I am glad you liked the animals we use in our Teddy Bear workshop but I am sorry to tell you that the Elephants have left……..they have packed their trunks and said goodbye and are now cursing on the Queen Mary 2. Heidi will take some photos of the Galley later today so look out for those on future blogs. You will be here soon and I really look forward to meeting you both.
THEPLAZ – You asked where the photos of the Harry Potter crew party were taken and I can tell you they were on our outside crew deck on deck 9. The crew had a great time and really deserved the fun they had. I am glad you liked the interview with Joe Farcus. It was an honour to interview him especially knowing how busy he is at the moment designing the Carnival Splendor and the next two ships. I am glad that you are still looking forward to reading the blog everyday and I hope you are well mate.
BIG ED – Thanks for the hard work you put into making the Bloggers Album each and every day. I understand you don’t particularly care for Alaska but thanks anyway for taking the time to put my Dad’s train photo in. We all appreciate your support especially me. Thanks mate.
JO MYERLY – You asked which area on the ships you can buy the scrapbooks. The answer is the photo gallery which on this class of ship is on deck 4 forward. Each class of ship now has them onboard and soon we will begin the lessons that obviously seem to be so popular. We have a brand new shipment arriving here in Barcelona. See you soon for some fun and scrap booking.
DAYLE WITH A Y – OK, lets get straight down to answering your questions mate.
You asked if I recommend purchasing your tours online or waiting until you are onboard. The simple answer is this. If you are certain you know what you want then yes, buy them on the internet. If you are however in any doubt then may I suggest you wait until you are onboard and then you can decide? This leads into your next question of when I hold these talks. The Shore Excursion talks are always on the sea days at 11 am and cover two or three ports well in advance of us being there. The only exception to this is the talk for Naples which is held on the day of embarkation at 4:30 pm. Now, to the lobster and do we serve it Venice night. ………answer, NO. Lobster is served on the first sea day which is also our formal night so you will be able to enjoy Venice and not miss the Lobster. Please do not foregut that Lobster is available very night at the Supper Club which I hope you will experience at least once. Now to the most important thing…….presents. Heidi would love something from the Dutch Bakery and just to even think of her is very special. So, you will be here soon and please let me know if I can do anything to prepare you for what I am sure will be the best vacation you two have ever had.
NANETTE - Thank you for your kind words as always and especially laughing at me dressed as a Sperm Of The Devil. Today, all I want to say is that I am thinking of you there in San Juan. I see that Hurricane Dean is on its way into the Caribbean and I hope that you and all my friends in the Caribbean are safe and well. We are thinking about you.
BRYAN – It looks like the interview with Mr Farcus was very popular which makes me very happy and I am sure he wishes you well in your pursuit of a career in Engineering and Design. You asked if I have read the Harry Potter books but the answer is no…………………not yet anyway,…………….maybe in the futureAt the moment I am reading the biography of Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic and when that’s finished (probably November at this rate) I have a book by favorite author Andy Macnab to read. What are you reading at the moment?
NATE’S MUM – Alan Adkins left today and I gave him all the drawings the kids did of him. Some are going home with him and some will be framed and placed behind the bar at his favorite Pub, The Cliff in Southend On Sea. I had a lot of fun with him here. Hopefully my other friends will come and visit soon, they are in the Baltic at the moment watching Ballets and Operas……..brave people that they are. Hope all is well with you and Nate and I expect you will be saying goodbye to him soon as he heads for the Carnival Elation. Again, our best to him and of course to you.
JIMNI – First of all I apologize for not answering your question earlier. Either it did get lost in cyberspace or I must have missed it………..regardless, I apologize. Now, let me answer your question. First of all, yes, you must take the Private and Exclusive View of the Vatican. As I have said many times on this blog thingy there is nothing to compare to this tour…..nothing. Now, you asked what happens to your luggage. Well, you and your luggage will be on the same bus the entire time you on the tour. When the excursion is completed, the bus will either unload your luggage in front of the Vatican and there you will find lots of Taxis or the bus will take you to the airport. If you decide to do this then you can take a taxi to your Bed and Breakfast………………do not miss this tour, it really is that good. Thank you for sending the link things for hiring an Aston Martin in Miami. I will be only there for a few days but it would be fun. I think it’s a dream though but not a bad one to have. As for who is going to be Godmother of the Carnival Splendor ……….well, maybe some clues will be forthcoming………standby. Until then, please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you and please keep reading the blog thingy.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Goodness me, I cannot believe how much those two T Shirts cost you, I feel very guilty. Yes, those were my thinner days and as you will see in the blogs still to come I really have doubled in size. It’s so easy to do here especially surround by food all the time. My biggest problem was that I used to miss dinner, do the shows and then eat late ant night and then go straight to bed. I really don’t have a big appetite but I am very much a comfort eater and that is what I am trying to change now. I am happy to hear that you also enjoyed Joe’s interview and his mind is truly incomparable. Well Paul, enjoy wearing the World’s most expensive T Shirts and I can only thank you again for all you’re sincere and special words of kindness. We send you our warmest regards.
DEB ROWE – Done – as requested……sssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
SNOOPY – Thanks for the link Snoopy. My Dad is steam train mad and his ambition is to build a model of an engine called a BIG BOY. This is a famous old American giant Loco but I have never been able to find one to buy him. He will love the link you sent and thanks for thinking of him…………I have to ask………..why Snoopy?
KATHY KROLL – What an amazing career in dance you have had and what stories you could tell. I know from experience the amount of work that goes into opening a new show and next time you sail maybe we can get you together with the cast as I know they would love to meet with you. I must say that you still look Stunning and I am to be very careful that I say with much respect as your husband is 300 Ibs and 6 foot 4. Please keep reading the blog thingy and I always look forward to your postings.
KEVIN – You rightfully seem concerned about the Caribbean and the effects that Hurricane Dean may have on the islands. I have been through many such experiences and seen for myself the devastation they can cause. At the time of writing it seems Jamaica could take a big hit and lets all hope and pray that this Dean fellow quickly disapisates (spelt correctly). I am sure all will be well for your forthcoming cruise but as of today Carnival has already changed routes for the Carnival Miracle and Carnival Destiny to make sure the ship stays in safe waters. I hope that by the tomorrow’s blog the hurricane will have decreased in strength. Thank mate and I hope you and your family are well.
LFTTNSFCF – I am now very curious as to what your Halloween costume will be especially as you mentioned playing a Waltz which will be no problem by the way. I guess therefore I will need to find another judge and regardless, you can have a dozen Gold Trophies win or not. As for me eating a bag of sugar free jellybeans, I don’t think Gone with the Wind is severe enough, try Gone in Sixty Seconds.
LINDA HERNACKI – Sammy is on his way back home as of yesterday and there were a few tears as we said goodbye. He said “woof” and then walked off the gangway stopping only to cock his leg and pee. The next bloggers cruise is definitely something we will continue to talk about and hopefully we will all come to the right decision. I hope you are enjoying the blog and the photos and my best as always to you and Mike.
KATHY KROLL – .Tell Lee Paul he is hired…………payment……….a solid gold plastic trophy.
KEVIN – There will be the grand unveiling of Alan Adkins live on the Bloggers Cruise and I will allow Big Ed the honour of unmasking him. I will then be posting the photos on the blog thingy. I am not sure about dinner but Heidi and I are doing something very exciting and very special in Venice which I can’t tell you about yet but I promise to nearer the time……cheers mate
CAPTAIN CHUCK – I RECEIVED YOUR MESSAGE Captain and all therefore is set. Have a wonderful cruise and a special anniversary. Take lots of photos and report in when you return. Thank you for the belated 20-year anniversary wishes and I hop that we meet very soon. Best to you and hope Dad is doing OK.
SHANNON – Welcome back. I hope you had a wonderful cruise recently here on the Carnival Freedom. You asked what the silver cup I was wearing round my neck was. Well, that’s really what it is ………….a cup……………..it’s a Sommeliers wine tasting cup. It’s made from Solid Silver and wine experts use it to taste the quality of the wine before pouring it. These cups were an old tradition that is still relevant today and in fact I still have mine somewhere at home.
You asked about the recipe for the fabulous Chocolate Warming Cake. I slapped this on a recent blog and if you type chocolate cake into the search page all the references to it as well as the recipe itself will come up as if by magic.
It was an honour to have you onboard and until the next time, please keep reading the blog thingy.
SUSAN B – I guess I deserved that after the Heidi bra reference. Although, I have to say the only way Fatima and I will be reacquainted is if the roles are reversed and I get to shove a plastic hose up……never mind. Alaska seems very popular and again I am going to have to study what will be the best for everyone before choosing the destination for the next bloggers Cruise. My best to you and Mr. Cheap:)
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Let’s start with the subject of Alan Adkins. Yes, the pictures did make him look a little feminine but kids draw what they see. Yep, you are right on the nose, that was the Holiday and that was me in the bar department in 1987. I will be slapping on more old photos of me soon, glutton for punishment that I am. Thank you for your many words of praise for Joe Farcus. He is one of the reasons Carnival ships stand out from the crowd and your praise of him is well deserved. I always look forward to seeing what he has conjured up every time I walk aboard one of the ships he has designed. The Harry Potter party was awesome and the crew dressed up as all the characters. I don’t know their names but there wasn’t a broom to be found anywhere on the ship that night. Let us know how you find the new and improved Carnival Imagination and indeed it is certainly on the list for the next Bloggers Cruise. Carol, thanks again for taking the time out of your working day to write and all the best from us both.
KELLIE O’LEARY – Let me start by saying how sorry I am to hear of the illness in your family and I hope that things are improving daily for you. I WAS INDEED ON THE CRUISE YOU MENTION ON THE Carnival Glory and yes, we had to leave in Belize due to the sudden and sad passing of Heidi’s father and the age of just 62. That was a terrible time for us and although the Carnival Glory has happy memories the overall feeling is one of sadness. But, to happier thoughts and I will indeed be with you on the Carnival Splendor and of course I know it will be a wonderful time for all of your family. To hear you say that the blog has kept you going through these difficult times is truly wonderful and I am so very happy that occasionally I am able to bring a smile and a laugh to you and your family through the difficult summer you have had so far. Please keep reading and Heidi and I send our warmest regards and best wishes to you and yours.
BIG ED – Hello Mrs. Big Ed……..how are you. I just wanted to say thank you for letting Mr Big Ed book the Bloggers Cruise. Please send washing instructions for his underwear so Heidi has them…..we don’t want them to shrink now do we.
CRUISIN SUE – I have ordered your meteor and will appear dragging a big sign behind it declaring your love for this blog. I am really happy to hear that your Carnival Pride cruise was so great and its great to hear you say that you enjoyed Jeff the CD and Michelle the Assistant CD so much. Thank you for the offer of the jelly beans although I think if Heidi hears that word one more time I may be living with the dogs forever……….she is firing off a barrage of air spray as we speak. All the best and I look forward to hearing from you again before you sail.
.ADIAS.ANGEL – The Carnival Bears are at the moment just sold onboard during the Workshop but let me see what I can do to get these added to the Bon Voyage list of products. As for the scrap books..I think I may have good news for you soon so watch this space.
I hope you will allow me to stop there as I have boat drill shortly and I want to get this blog out there.
As I mentioned earlier in the Q and A, Heidi and I have been invited somewhere very special in Venice and of course we will be taking the cameras with us to capture what we see.
Here is today’s guest interview featuring yet another of our fantastic cast of Cruise directors and the ships they are sailing on. Today, we feature someone who was already mentioned earlier Jeff Bronson who is currently aboard the beautiful Carnival Pride.
1. Please can you tell us about your career with Carnival so far? How did you start and when?
Been with Carnival 10 years now. Applied as a DJ and hired as a Social Host in 1997. Promoted to assistant cruise director and then cruise director. Been CD for over 3 years now.
2. What ship are you currently on and what is its itinerary?
The Carnival Pride visits the Mexican Riviera on a 7-day cruise. Starts from Long Beach, California, sea day 1, sea day 2, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Mazatlan, Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and then the final sea day.
3.Please can you pick two excursions from each port and tell us why you recommend them so much?
Puerto Vallarta -the canopy tours and the Rhythms of the Night tour-they are so much fun, something completely different from normal life and when done, you can’t stop your joy at having done them.
Mazatlan-Sierra Madre Tour and Las Moras Ranch Tour-both tours take you to places of breathtaking scenery. Sierra Madre has many stops and you can walk around to see ancient churches, step back into time, and get away from it all. Las Moras has peace and tranquility at a magnificent hacienda in the valley of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It’s fantastic.
Cabo-Mini Jeep Rhino Tour and the Cabo by Land & Sea Tour. The Rhinos are fun off road two seaters and you get to go fast, slow, four hi, four lo, go through canyons, visit the beach and then go into the bluffs. Cabo by Land & Sea takes you to many interesting stops, gives excellent photo opportunities of the ship and Los Arcos, plus visit neighboring San Jose. Excellent sightseeing at a good pace.
4.What are your favorite activities or events that you host and why?
My favorite events are the Welcome Aboard Show and the Debarkation Talk. The Welcome Show gives me an idea how the cruise will go and I love all the unexpected things that come up during the show. The Debark Talk is a gathering of new and old friends and is a time for reflection on how the cruise has been going. Also, the debark info is always changing and keeps me on my toes as the talk always has to be tweaked. I always have a good laugh sharing funny moments during the talk too.
5. Fill in the blank please……………..People should sail on the Carnival Pride because it is a perfect balance of cruising and port visits.
6. What do you enjoy most about being a Cruise Director?
Making choices that can have a positive impact on guests and crew.
7. Share your favorite story with us that involve our guests and your job?
Singing a song (very badly, by the way) one night at a show and one woman stuffed money down my pants when I was at the edge of the stage and then at the end of the song, another woman throwing her bra to me. I was struck speechless by both events.
8. List your three favorite ports you have visited?
Puerto Rico, Puerto Vallarta and St. Thomas.
9. Name three ports you would really like to see that you have never been to?
Bermuda, Hawaii, and Venice.
10. Finally, if you could introduce on stage any star, alive or deceased who would it be and why?
Richard Pryor because he is very funny.
Thank you Jeff and I am sure everyone who sailed with you will have enjoyed your humour and fun and we all wish you continued success on the Carnival Pride.
OK, what else. The Welcome Aboard Talk went well. The room was very full and hopefully I was able to make sure everyone knows what to do and see in Naples.
I forgot to show you these photos from the Talent Show this week. I had a guest Assistant Cruise Director……………….this is James, age 2 and a half and he was a star.
My mate Alan had a great time as did his wife Alison and kids William and Katie. I was really nice to Alan and apart from getting the kids to draw his picture I made sure I did not play any tricks on hi………………well, except one. I had pre planned this with Ken my mate and Senior Maitre’D and together we made sure that the last formal night was one he would not forget. I was standing on top of the gallery looking down at him and got a bird’s eye view of what was happening.
Now, Alan did not suspect a thing because I was not eating with him and therefore he really had no clue this was a joke. We started off by making sure whatever he ordered his portion would be smaller than anyones. First, he had the shrimp cocktail………everyone else had 5 shrimps, Alan had 3…….he then ordered the Pumpkin Soup…………he got a quarter of a bowl. Now, at this point you have to understand Alan is not the sort of guy to say anything, he would never say anything was wrong; he is that sort of guy. When his Caesars Salad came though and it was just two lettuce leaves and one crouton I could see the look of “what the hell is this?” on his face but again, nothing was said to the waiter. Then, came his steak. This time we went the other direction and instead of a beautiful piece of Fillet Mignon on his plate, he had what I can only call half a cow………….still he said nothing.
Then, plan B started. I had bribed this beautiful guest with champagne to help me. Her name was Paula who I know is reading this – thanks Paula. Paula walked up to the table and without stopping for a moment, bent down, kissed Alan on the cheek and said “Same Time Tonight Big Boy” and walked off. Alan was bright red, Alison was stunned, I was laughing so hard the jelly beans kicked in and I had to move as I didn’t want people to associate the smell of stewed cabbage with me. Now I could see Alan desperately explaining that he new nothing about this girl and then……………………along came Melisa (the second of my bribed guests).She walked up to Alan and as Paula did, she kissed him and said…………my cabin number is 2241……..I will be waiting…………and she walked off.
I could see Alison looking at Alan as if to say……….what the %$#@ &^%$#@ is happening. Then, finally along came my third actor who was just as stunning as the first two except their name was……………..Marcus……………he was 6 foot 5 and very butch……………….he walked over to Alan, kissed him on the cheek and said…….you were great last night.
Alison looked like she was dreaming, Alan was redder than a big red thing that was turning red and I walked away laughing as hard as I had in a long time leaving the smell of stewed cabbage behind me.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John, Heidi and Alan
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,
James (age 2 1/2) is just too cute for words. That must have been fun.
Wow, revenge really is sweet! I wish I could’ve seen Alan’s face. That is just too funny. Nice pay back for Fatima!! I just hope you didn’t let Alison stew for too long. Poor thing must have been freaking out. You are such a character.
Smiles, Mary
Hello John,
Haha, that dinner prank on Alan was terrible. And by terrible I mean hilarious. Did you have a talk with him later about the prank, and if you did, how did he react?
Reading at the moment… the map of the university campus. Trying to figure out where all my classes are and how much time I can put off before leaving for them. As for books, I last read the final Potter novel. Might pick up another book once the school year starts, we’ll see.
We’re finally onboard! I hope you got your goody bag that we left with the purser’s desk. It’s funny-we’ve never met but when we heard your voice overhead it was like we were being greeted by an old friend. We couldn’t find your usual brand of jelly beans so we substituted some other jet fuel for you to try instead.
One interesting note-when we were in London looking for Heidi’s magazines I couldn’t remember the name of one and my 15 year old son piped in with the answer. It turns out he actually went back and read the blog from the very beginning and is now a John Heald expert (and a big fan)- do they have degrees for that?. He, by the way, has already hit Club O2 and made several friends. Now if I can just pry the 13 year old off and get her to go meet some people we’ll be in good shape.
One question-you made reservations for us at the supper club for next Sat (8/25). Do we need to confirm them and pay the $30 ahead of time or just show up?
We’re looking forward to your show tonight, but for now we’re off to Pompeii!
Hola John and Heidi!!!
The hurricane is heading far away from us,Thank God, it seems that Jamaica is going to get the worst part with a direct hit. My thoughts are with this people. Our first scare this season lets see if we survive without a direct hit. I feel very related and again mad about some people.Related because easily we could have been the ones on the mexican table.Talking in spanish and having a good time.I hope that the spanish we been talking help in some way;)gracyarse Oh my God!.I am also proud that this mexican family behaved as they did and gave you the bottle of wine.Some people should learn how to have fun.I dont even want to go to the part of why this other guest was mad because we would enter in another discussion but I wonder that is the people of that table (the mexican)were having fun in english it would have been different….
Im asking myself why do you have to go through this things? This man throwing you the napkin Why?? (You took it very well brilliant! Thats the little devil inside you. My husband says It looks like a part from a movie Me, myself and Heidi) LOL . This man is an estupido(learn it John)
Heidi’ s next blog should be about her feelings in all this situations.
Changing subject, the Carnival Pride will be a good alternative for the bloggers, never been to those places is a top priority also and sails from a place people could drive. Anyway I dont know why im telling you all this because probably I couldnt make it because of the date. I cant go anywhere during the school year
Im going to teach some spanish John I think you need it badly. How is your nose?????
Cuidate (Take care)
Que tengas un buen dia (Have a good day)
Los extraño (Miss you)
Nanette
Thanks for the laugh tis morning John !! Too funny about the prank on your friend at dinner.
Also almost spewed coffee all over the monitor reading the supper club fiasco—what a jerk and then to stiff you for the wine too. I could picture you on the floor (bedtime story) and laughed till my sides hurt.
Any j beans yet ? It’s been 2 weeks I’m pretty sure.
Hi to Heidi and have a great day, it’s Saturday by the way
hi john and heidi,
i knew as soon as i started reading about that 40 something guy in the restaurant that all he wanted was a free meal. sigh… crass and tacky!
and i loved the joke you played on alan! what a good egg he is!
smiles,
bonnie and prince charlie
Sorry all because this is so long. It was send to me
but I think it was written for John,every one of this sentences makes me think of someone from the blog or a particular situation that John has told us about on the blog.I think this resumes(summarizes) our blog family.
You are Everything To Somebody
Right now at this very minute———–
someone is very proud of you
someone is thinking of you
someone cares about you
someone misses you
someone wants to talk to you
someone wants to be with you
someone hopes you aren’t in trouble
someone is thankful for the support you have provided
someone wants to hold your hand
someone hopes everything turns out all right
someone wants you to be happy
someone wants you to find them
someone is celebrating your successes
someone wants to give you a gift
someone think you ARE a gift
someone hopes you are not too cold, or too hot
someone wants to hug you
someone loves you
someone wants to lavish you with small gifts someone admires your strength
someone is thinking of you and smiling
someone wants to be your shoulder to cry on someone wants to go out with you and have a lot of fun
someonethinks the world of you
someone wants to protect you
someone would do anything for you
someone wants to laugh with you about old times
someone remembers you and wishes you were there
somebody values your advice
someone wants to tell you how much they care
someone wants to stay up watching old movies with you
someone wants to share their dreams with you
someone wants to hold you in their arms
someone wants YOU to hold them in your arms
someone treasures your spirit
someone can’t wait to see you
someone loves you for who you are
someone loves the way you make them feel
someone wants to be with you
someone hears a song that reminds them of you
someone wants you to know they are there for you
someone is glad that you’re their friend
someone wants to be your friend
someone is wishing that you would notice them
someone wants to get to know you better
someone believes that you are their soul mate
someone wants to be near you
someone values your guidance and advice
someone has faith in you
someone trusts you
someone needs your support
someone needs you to let them be your friend
John, if you want to get your Dad a plastic model kit for Big Boy, go to google and type in American locomotive Big Boy model kit.
Thank you for answering my luggage/tour question and please, no need to ever apologize for missing a post by me. You do an amazing job with this blog — the information you give us makes planning our trip so much easier.
By the way, how did you break your nose?
Oh, and although I will have a great time on the cruise, I am sure that my hotel stays and meals while in Europe and flight back home will be miserable because of others around me having fun. Could you please put all of that on your tab? Heck, while you are at it buy yourself a bottle of wine that you cannot drink, too. Too bad you could not charge Mr Angry for the 4 meals at your table and for the 6 meals at the other table. He was crusing on the “FUN” ship, if he didn’t want to be around fun, what was he doing on Carnival in the first place!!!
Thank you for sharing your sense of humor (spelled the other way) – it makes my day.
John & Heidi -
I was reading your blog thingy today, and realized just how odd this form of communication is – here I am, in Gainesville, Florida (GO GATORS!), chuckling at the escapades of people in the Med, realizing that I know more about y’all than I do about some of my co-workers. The blog breeds an almost immediate feeling of familiarity. I love it!
We know how much time this thingy takes… and in your already insane schedule. Thanks for everything!
The obvious enjoyment that all of your interviewees and you yourselves get from your work environment has made me seriously consider a career change. I’ve been in hospitality related fields for quite a while, but never at sea – and I am definately a water girl! What are the odds of a first contract being on a new ship? I’d love to help launch the Splendor!!!!
Keep doing what you’re doin, guys – we’ll be waiting for the next installment.
Have a great weekend!
Nancy
Thanks John re ssssshhhhhhh……..and…….your patience with certain cruise passengers astounds me. We will have to give you a new name ” St John” (you know….patience of a Saint!)
I hope you don’t have high blood pressure but it wouldn’t surprise me if you did!
Deb
Good morning Mr. Heald. I apologize for you feeling guilty about the cost of my two t – shirts. I only wanted you to let all your Canadian bloggers be aware that the extra tax is the increase. I forgot the GST that we Canadians have to pay. I feel bad about this. Don’t feel guilty. After putting the shirt on, I feel great and as I said before, my wife liked Heidi’s shirt. Mr. Heald, you don’t really know how you have made me feel so great as a person. After my retirement I was down for a while but getting involved with you and your blog and cruising, I feel so much better. So now I said it. How do you control yourself so well regarding the situation dealing with Mr. Angry. I’d of popped him one in the nose especially after he threw his napkin at you. Isn’t there a way to deal with a person like him other then giving him a free dinner? It’s like when a crying child wants an ice cream cone and you say NO and than tell him that if your quiet you give him a chocolate bar. There has to be another method to show him is immaturity. He was affecting the dinner evening for many people including you and your group. Oh well. As we move on, I thoroughly enjoyed what you did with your friend Alan. Having the man kiss him at the end was great. Did his wife finally find out the gag? I just wanted to end my note with this. WOW, Double Cut Lamb Chops. My mouth is watering at this moment. Ciao for now.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, fantastic practical joke you played on Alan Atkins. I have tears rolling down my face from laughter!!
Hi John
I am so glad to see the highlights of Jeff Brrronson so soon after I cruised on the Pride (We cruised there August 5). Again I say what an awesome guy! I love that Batman belt buckle…think he will give up where he got it or just give it up to a loyal Carnival fan??
Thank you for the order for the meteor and I can hardly wait to see the banner. I will still bring the Jelly beans for you and lots of air spray for Heidi.
If there is any flavors or scents you prefer, let me know so I can customize. Take care and still again, see you in October!
John,
I’m sure I will take lots of pictures in Alaska and I surely will give you a report when I get back.
You may regret it, but your “napkin act” gave me a good laugh. As to Mr. angry, other than to give the bloggers a laugh, he’s hardly worth the “virtual paper” to write about him on. His behavior really show off his low self awareness and lack of perception that he didn’t realize his rudeness and his absence of integrity and principles (so easily bought off with a meal, and then stretches your generosity). Oh well, isn’t that what makes working with the public so much “fun”?
James your assistant cruise director looks like quite a character. I’m sure it’s a gamble bringing little ones on stage. They are so unpredictable that they could make or break the show.
Going up to my folks house today to check on my dad. Not much change in that regard… one day at a time.
Heidi, John, & Alan,
First of all it’s nice to hear what a great cruise you all had together. Alan I’m impressed with your skills with the ladies, seems your wife is also, to bad no one got pictures of this event. Nice to hear you and Heidi are working on something secret and special in Venice. One can only imagine what that might be. Cute picture of the special assistant cruise director, he seemed to be enjoying himself, and his 24k highly polished plastic ship on a stick. I have now received my bloggers t-shirt, sadly there was a typo in the printing, so they are making me another one. I am willing to offer up the typoed one and a ride in the Aston to a lucky lady on the bloggers cruise. Maybe as a prize for some pool games, I know it’s not as good as a ship on a stick but you can use it to hide your ship on a stick in so customs won’t make you fork it over for that highly valuable 24k plastic. Also my blog is now climbing close to 6000 slaps, and i just can’t believe it at all. I also noticed that BIG “ED”‘s blog is the featured blog under cruising. Thats all for today best wishes mate and best to Heidi who can probably use more air freshener by now..
Kevin
John, you are SOOO bad!! I LOVE your sense of humor and, if everyone had one like yours, this world would be such a JOY to live in!! That naughtiness you played on your mate, Alan Adkins, was HILARIOUS and I would’ve loved to have been there to witness it! What a crack-up that must’ve been! I hate to read about all the rudeness you have to deal with but you do it with such class. People never cease to amaze me and I’m glad it’s you dealing with them rather than me! LOL I hope one of these days we can cruise with you again before you give up all this fun for a more normal life!
John
Your patience and tolerance are beyond words. I would last about an hour and a half in your job before I would completely lose it and get hauled off in a straight jacket. I always feel sorry for folks who have so much anger and intolerance in them. I think your reponse to Mr Angry was perfect. I don’t think you inflamed anything. In my opinion you turned this very unpleasant situation for the 40+ guest in the dining room into a good laugh. In my book, your were taking care of everyone in the room at that moment. Hope today is a good one for you and Heidi.
Hi John
Just wanted to say that people like Mr. Angry will say and do anything to get a freebie.
Cost for wine & dinner $103.00
You falling on the floor saying I’m hit, PRICELESS
Hi John,
I have just finished reading you account of what happened at the supper club and all I can say is that I think some people will do anything at all to get something for nothing. I hear of it all of the time when they see someone in charge somthing in them just clicks and they will come up with some imagined injustice just to get something for free. I have been reading about the hurricane and can’t believe that people are actually upset that their ports have been changed and that no compensation is being given. Seems to me that they would just be happy that they were in no danger and that their property was safe. I always say what goes around comes around and they will finally get what they deserve. I won’t even go into the letter from the person who was upset that their wer too many Arabic speaking people onboard. That was just too rediculous to mention!
Anyway on a lighter note. I am trying to convice David that we can pack for our TA cruise + 3 days prior in 2 carry on bags. I know that I can what with all of the new material that fashion now has that doesn’t wrinkle. Should be no problem. Now David is another mattter. His clothes aren’t a problem but he has to bring along so many gadgets! LOL
You mentioned that you father wanted a model of Big Boy is this a working model or a plastic model for show? David likes show models of US Navy ships that he was on.
We are really enjoying the Blog Thingy and I always check my computer first thing every morning to see if you have posted anything new. So keep them coming and we will see you in October!
Barbara
Hi John,
Thanks for the deck plan post. Things aren’t looking good for Jamaica. I’m looking forward to my November visit on Conquest and will plan on spending extra money.
Closer in is my Fantasy cruise with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel September 5th and 6th. Hopefully they won’t be hit too hard and we will be allowed in, but if not, oh well. I do have some friends in Cozumel and hope all goes well for them, but they managed to get through Wilma ok.
I was on the Conquest in November 2004 – one of the first cruise ships back in Grand Cayman after Hurricane Ivan and it was special to see the smiles on the faces of the people as they saw a glimpse of some normalcy begin to return to the devastated island. Cruise ships are often the first to return after disaster because they don’t require all of the infrastructure that land based tourists require.
I still hope and pray for the best for all in the path of Dean, but will be prepared either way.
My cruise on the Pride isn’t until Feb ’08, but will keep an eye out for Jeff Bronson if he is still on the ship.
I guess that is about all for now since the aroma from my cooking turkey bacon and sausage indicate that it is show time.
Good Sir John;
You have bested yourself! This entry is one for the archives. Wonderful. You had me laughing like a fool.
Poor Alan, you certainly went above and beyond with that one. My compliments on your inventiveness and may I never be the recipient of one of your innocent pranks.
Thanks for the laughs.
Regards,
Greg
PS There are many folks at CC dot com that are very grateful for the supper club website, myself included. Pass my appreciation along to Roberto – top notch!!
John, that just goes to show you what some people will do for a fee meal and wine. I wish I could have seen you fall when the napkin hit you in the chest. Good job! They were just made because some “old” people were having fun.
Hi John,
I have just finished reading you account of what happened at the supper club and all I can say is that I think some people will do anything at all to get something for nothing. I hear of it all of the time when they see someone in charge somthing in them just clicks and they will come up with some imagined injustice just to get something for free. I have been reading about the hurricane and can’t believe that people are actually upset that their ports have been changed and that no compensation is being given. Seems to me that they would just be happy that they were in no danger and that their property was safe. I always say what goes around comes around and they will finally get what they deserve. I won’t even go into the letter from the person who was upset that their wer too many Arabic speaking people onboard. That was just too rediculous to mention!
Anyway on a lighter note. I am trying to convice David that we can pack for our TA cruise + 3 days prior in 2 carry on bags. I know that I can what with all of the new material that fashion now has that doesn’t wrinkle. Should be no problem. Now David is another mattter. His clothes aren’t a problem but he has to bring along so many gadgets! LOL
You mentioned that you father wanted a model of Big Boy is this a working model or a plastic model for show? David likes show models of US Navy ships that he was on.
We are really enjoying the Blog Thingy and I always check my computer first thing every morning to see if you have posted anything new. So keep them coming and we will see you in October!
Barbara
Hi John: I can’t believe the nerve of that guy in the supper club, you should not be so generous to offer to pay for meals, you get taken advantage of a lot don’t you? So, are you off the no carb diet, you mentioned you had potato with your pork chops! What a cute picture of you as a young lad. I had those same red shoes as a little girl! HA! HA! Say, those jelly beans have a lot of calories, I was reading the label – 5 jelly beans are 110 calories! I was shocked at marshmallows which I used to LOVE but can’t eat anymore, do you know the mini marshmallows are 10 calories each! But actually you could eat 11 of those for 110 calories compared to 5 jelly beans for 110 calories, I know marshmallows don’t taste as good as jelly beans though! And these are sugar free jelly beans too! I have lots of goodies for you 2 when we see you. Well, have a nice weekend, and stay out of trouble! HA! Linda & Mike (the handyman)
John, yet again, you made me spew diet coke from my nose while reading how you handled yet another sticky situation with charm, humor , and grace…The John way! Bravo! (standing ovation)
Some people just need to get over themselves and lighten up…It’s a cruise where you’re supposed to have something called — FUN!
That 2 -1/2 year old future cruise director was darling. You two seem to make a great team on stage! And he gets the trophy!
Watch out on those jelly beans now…
Hope tonight’s dinner goes much better. While cold Carnival crabcakes are good, I know warmer meal would have been much better!
Hugs to you and your staff and family!
)
John–
I’m here aboard the Carnival Freedom with you. I agree with you that the “Welcome Aboard Talk” went well, thanks to an assist from Heidi; I’ll leave that story for you to tell if you want.
I’m interested in the international guest breakdown on our cruise; it looked like you meant to post it on this blog entry, but it didn’t quite make it. Maybe you could give that another go.
Only us bloggers would have understood your reference to “Mr. Alan Adkins” in your announcement as we were departing Naples this evening. Thanks for throwing that one in for the blog insiders.
Your “Welcome Aboard Show” starts in 5 minutes; I wouldn’t miss it!
Carnival Pride !
Hi John and Heidi. The Pride was our very first Carnival experience, we loved it so much we took 3 more Carnival cruises in a 12 month period, Spirit, Liberty and Freedom and now on to the Splendor in July.
I must say we were spoiled as we just packed up our car and drove the hour or so trip to Long Beach ! No Lufthansa !!
Ah yes, my dancing career that I miss so much! Had lots of dance injuries and I’m paying for it now, but I’d do it again in a second! Now I’m happy when my back, knees, neck and hip don’t go “out” on me so I can make those 9 hour excursions!! I had one “idiot” passenger say to me “you don’t walk like a dance” very hurtful I must say! Or “that doesn’t look like you,” geeezz, it was 25-30 yrs ago!! Heck, I’m lucky to be walking, period! One of the reasons for Business Class air.
Yes, I thought I might meet with some of the young, working dancers in May. I was going to say something to Heidi in the showroom, but I didn’t.
I guess you guys hadn’t looked at my website at that time. I just left it at that. No problem. I don’t dance anymore socially or professionally due to the damage !! Ha! We laugh about it as I get out the ace bandages…….
I’ll tell my hubby he’s hired for security ! He’s 6’6 not 6’4 and 240 not 300 however, he was coming close to 300 by the time the last buffet had ended on the Freedom!!! Yummy ……
Kathy and Paul ( Lee Paul )
Remind me NEVER to get on your bad side.
Your last night joke on Alan was absolutely PRICELESS – I have tears in my eyes from laughing.
As for your reaction to Mr. Angry, had I been there, I would have immediately run over and begun CPR on you. Since the Mrs. & I were both US Navy Hospital Corpsman, I would have done the mouth to mouth and let her do the chest compressions – oh, wait! I got that backward.
71 days. BTW – did you actually arrange the itinerary so that Halloween fell on a sea day or did you just get lucky.
Hilarious!! Your mate Alan must have had a long night explaining to Alison!! I find the behavior of some guests inexplicable–why can’t they just have fun and ignore others having fun if it’s not the “fun” they’d choose and is not interfering with their enjoyment. The guy in the Supper Club was amazingly ignorant and I always marvel at the patience you are able to show to these people….especially when you were having a little well-deserved down time!! All the talk of food brings back great memories of our Freedom cruise. Only about 120 days til we go on the Glory…can never get enough Onion soup and Chocolate melting cake! How’s the nose? Gloria
Hi, John. I enjoy reading your blog and check in every day to see what’s new. Regarding your story about the unbelievable rudeness of Mr and Mrs. Angry, who accosted you in the supper club, I may be suspicious but I think this was a “con” or “set-up” by these 2 people who deliberabely provoked a nasty scene in order to get some sort of “comp” or freebie. (It worked, didn’t it? They stuck you, or CCL, for a meal and wine.) I recall reading some years ago about a couple who made it a point to complain loudly and often because they were accustomed to getting some sort of compensation or concilatory gift.
Maybe Mr. Angry is just one of those vile people who enjoy making everyone around them miserable but I wonder if this was just standard operating procedure for these people. Do you share this kind of info among the crew? Do you track this kind of behavior? Before I retired, I worked in a coronary/critical care unit and we sometimes encountered “professional patients” who went from hospital to hospital, ER to ER, and soon became familiar to everyone in the medical community. Once they had taken advantage of everyone in a given area they would move to another area or state and repeat their “con” someplace else. Just something to think about. Keep up the good work with the blog. It is wonderful.
Dear John & Heidi
Your story had us giggling so hard. I had to run to the loo! The sad part was the fact that AFTER Mr. Angry ruined your dinner, and the fact that added “Wine”to the bill AFTER your generous”FREE MEAL” offer took a lot of chutzpah!aka(b@lls).
I hope you get paid enough for ALL that you do and endure. I also hope that there are only a very small percent of these characters that you have to endure each cruise.
We are really enjoying your Blog and I always check my computer first thing every evening after work to see if you have posted anything new. So keep them coming and we will see you in 71 days!
May you never lose your sense of humour!
God Bless
Hi John!
Loved the little prank you played on your mate Alan Adkins! He must have a wonderful sense of humor to still be your friend after all the stories you have told. But that’s what a real friendship is all about! The good times and the bad! You are both very lucky to have each other in your lives. Did you happen to get pictures of any of this??? Oh, before I forget, I loved the picture Josh drew of Alan too! Can’t wait until the bloggers cruise to actually meet him. His wife, must be a real keeper, like Heidi, to put up with you two!!!
To correct Linda H about the Jelly Beans…. I happen to have a few bags here (yes to send to you again, John) and a serving of RS-SF Jelly Beans is 35 pieces. There are 5 servings in a bag. There are 110 calories to a serving or 35 pieces. Total Carbohydrates are 36g. Your safe…. keeping enjoying!
The incident in the supper club must have been a real hoot!!! Wish we could have been there to see that. Some people are just not happy with themselves and want everyone around them to be just as unhappy as they are! Mr. Angry should have stayed home and let his wife have some fun!
And as far as the Arab people… they are just as entitled to have fun as anyone else. Not everyone that looks different or is from a different culture is a terrorist. Enough said.
How is your nose???
Big Ed and Pat !
I’ve just read that you don’t particularly care for Alaska! Oh my god it’s beautiful!!! We took the Spirit to Glacier Bay in ’06, had a fabulous time. My husband didn’t really want to go as he was stationed there in the mid ’60′s with the Air Force, underground no less in King Salmon Alaska.
We took the White Pass & Yukon Railway, the Misty Fiord Catamaran trip, and the Mendenhall Glacier day trip with salmon bake. He was one of the winners of the White Pass Railroad photo contest!! That was a nice surprise!
Vancouver is a wonderful city and you should spend an extra day or two exploring it! Go Big Ed and Pat !!!!!
Kathy and Paul ( Lee Paul….security ! )
Hi John,
You always manage to crack me up! I love the way you write these stories because I get these great mental pictures. When I read about Mr. Angry, I can just visualize you falling on the ground and the look that must have been on your face. I have to agree with those that have said maybe he was looking for a free meal. I think I told you I work for a resort company and book reservations on the beach here in NW. Fl. I also talk with the guests after they arrive. Some day when we finally meet, I’ll have to share some of my funny stories with you. I love the joke you played on Alan. I sure hope he’s not in the big dog house! It looks like Dean is going to hit Jamaica head on. I’m praying for all those people and everyone else in his path. He’s going to be a really bad one. I agree with someone else that said it’s pretty sad when people like those of us who are so blessed could be so selfish to be upset that a port is going to be canceled. That is so very sad to me. Did you miss my question from last time? It was, do you know who the CD will be on the Carnival Liberty in February? Big hugs to you and Heidi.
Leasa
YOU HAVE TO ASK WHY SNOOPY??? JOE COOL the number one dog of all time…….. yes im a true fan and a steam train nut as well . here is the big boy you can get this is a plastic model http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Locomotive-Plastic-Revell-Germany/dp/B0000WPADK or if you want to really make his day you can buy this it is a mallet but just as wonderful and only 6 figures $$$$http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/forsale/1_grand_mallet/index.htm
forgot one send this on to you dad he will like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLQgHdPry2Y
People tend to think you (Cruise Director) are in charge of everything??!!??
You mean you aren’t?
I’m with deb rowe, sometimes I think you should be dubbed St. John.
St. John Heald, patron saint of jelly bean manufacturers, practical jokers, and sperms-of-the-devil!!!
John.
I must say you really did it this time. I laughed so hard I woke up everybody in this house, not once, but twice. Once when I read about Mr. Angry, and then the joke you played on Alan. Mr. Cheap said you better be that funny when we are on the ship. Just to let you know how cheap he is….we always win the contest of who drove the farthest to the port….guess…guess how far we drive….straight through, only stopping for gas (which we us the the restroom, get food, and get back in the van before he is done fueling it up)….26 hours….yep….from Springfield IL (go Cubs!) to Port of Miami. We switch drivers. Doesn’t that sound like fun.
Now, I would like to ask why everybody draws Alan with pig tails? And is Alan speaking to you yet? LOL. Oh, and how much trouble did you get in with Hedi over that joke? A black eye to match your broken nose? Still waiting for Hedi’s blog….
Oh, and about your red shoes….click the heels together and say “There’s no place like home”…LOL..your lucky Hedi is so pretty, or just imagine what your children would look like. (will bring napkins with me on the cruise…LOL)
John:
Well we are back in New Jersey and already miss the Freedom and the great times we had. It was such a pleasure to be apart of your shows and hopefully we can do it again in the future. I sent you a note before we left to make sure if you should use the ” FUGHETABOUTIT” on the proper spelling. my only regret is is didnt have an opportunity to get a family picture with you for our photo albaum. Now for the best finale to the trip. I have been reading about all the lost luggage and alot of it is from alitalia airlines. Well they have managed to top the cake. When we arrived at the airport since my mother has bad kness we had prearragned speacial assistance for her. They were great a rep from Alitalia took us to the speacial room, expedited check in and took our luggage, sat in the huge comfy leather couches, free coffee and danish we were treated like royalty. Nice right? this is where they lost it. Because there was 6 of us they said that they couldnt take us all through the back way and that my wife, children and I would have to go the normal way and they would take my parents to the plane. Seems easy enough…. When we got on the plane we even found that we were upgraded and were sitting is 1st class. ( who is better then us we thought ) then we started looking for my parents and looking and looking Alitlaia LOST MY PARENTS. for 1 hour they kept parading elderly people on the plane asking me is these were my parents finally the flight attendant said in perfect english ” Cannot you just take these 2 people instead so we can Leave we are already 1 hour delayed”. Every pair they brought to the plane fit the description and they would get excited that they found them. So i guess checking tickets and I.D is not and standard op procedure for Alitalia. The final resolution was we found my parents and I had a great flight home and we got all our luggage. So i guess with all the trouble and alitalias luggage losing they wanted to try something diffent and lose people. The whole time my parents were being walked around the airport trying to find the plane before the “KNUCKLEHEAD” DECIDED TO LISTEN TO MY FATHER and go to the right gate. FUGHETABOUTIT NO MORE ALITALIA FOR ME……
Always a pleasure hopefully we will see you on the splendor. Just a quick kudos our resturant was ” POSH” table 367 please we left a wonderful commet about our server “VITA” we have been on 7 cruises and she has been by far the best i have ever had ( as a server on a cruise ship ) maybe you can acknowledge her in some way because maybe our comments that we left will get lost somewhere.
thank you
Pat…… cabin 1342
“FUGHETABOUTIT”
Hey John,
Sharon here, you know the lady who will be attempting the 49 nights with one suitcase and carryon….well it is all part of my plan to do some major shopping on this trip. If I bring one suitcase then I can purchase and fill another with up to 50 lbs of shopping and still be compliant with the airlines.
God people are funny, I am amazed when I read the letters you receive from angry passengers ……sometimes I laugh so hard i almost…well anyway. After 18 cruises Jeff and I have a few of our own stories we could tell as you can well imagine, but I would guess you have just about seen and heard it all by now.
In your blog you mention “Ken my mate and Senior Maitre’D “. Is this the same Ken who sang and serenaded us in the dining room on the Leg End for the crossing. If so he is great! ( not quite as great as you though) Like to have him with us on the Spendor as well as you. See if you can arrange that will you-LOL……..almighty CD.
John, I honestly don’t know how you do all this and work 23 hours a day too. You are truly an amazing person. I hope CCL knows how fortunate they are to have you . If they don’t… tell them to call me and I will tell them I can’t even remember any of other 17 CD’s I have sailed with.
John,
The man in the supper club may have just been looking for a free meal, but he also may have just been appropriately named – Mr. Angry. Some people just can’t even be happy in the best of situations! I don’t think I’ll ever understand how you could be that unhappy while you are in paradise onboard a beautiful ship!
Anyway, it seems you handled it perfectly, with humor and grace that allowed the rest of the supper club to enjoy their dinners. And it seems the Spanish speaking table appreciated your gesture at keeping the evening fun!
Thanks for the recommendation of which itinerary to choose! We have decided to cruise March 1 on the Freedom and are very excited to see the beautiful Western Caribbean again with our friends this time.
Keep up the good work on the blog! It is always fun to see the stories from the Med – it’s like a mini-vacation in the middle of each day!
Thanks!
Kristin
John, Your the best!!!
Your adoring scrapbooking cruise addict, Carla
John & Heidi, I can understand how you feel about the overall sadness of the Glory. My father passed away in 2000 at the tender age of 57 and you never really recover from the shock….
As you said in your reply onto happier thoughts … I laughed so hard when I got into work this morning and read your blog, I wish I could have been there to witness that scene with Alan the poor guy and now to have all of us laughing at him as well!
As for your angry”guest” it never ceases to amaze me what people will do to recieve something for free. I work for a Major Leauge Baseball Team and have the pleasure of dealing with our fans on a day to day basis, of the 30,000 fans that enter the stadium 29,999 are great but it seems every game their is that one person you can never please until they hear the word “comp” LOL!
My heart goes out to you at least with us they leave after the game and we go home, you are stuck with them for 12 or more days………….I promise when we arrive in 437 days we will not whine or complain about anything, even if our luggage is lost!
I did have a question for you regarding balcony cabins. We have booked 5 cabins in a row and I think I read somewhere that the dividers can be removed is this true? If so how do we go about requesting this or do we wait until we arrive?
Thanks again for all of the smiles and all the best to you and Heidi!
Hi John,
First, please tell Nancy D that I am in Gainesville, Florida too (GO GATORS!!)! Will she be joining us on the bloggers cruise as well? Amazing the people you meet on this blog thingy.
The letter from the folks who didn’t like the Arabic people on the ship was rude…almost as rude as the man in the supper club! These are adults! You would expect better behavior from them.
What was Alan’s reaction to your very funny prank?
We are watching the Hurricane so carefully and praying for the folks in Jamacia and the Grand Caymans.
153 days to go!
Elaine
Next time instead of paying for the meal and wine perhaps offer to share some jelly beans (side effects) with them?
Big Ed and Mrs. Big Ed…
I just read Kathy Krolls comments to you about Alaska. And I have to agree with her. Alaska, is probably my favorite of all the cruises I have been on so far (7 in 3 years). Not because of the cruise line or the service, entertainment, etc. But the Experience it self. The inland passage cruise is just that… an experience!!! It is fantastic. We also took the White Pass trail Railroad tour. We took a bus to the Yukon and visited Car Cross (actually in a desert area) and Emerald Lake (so beautiful… like looking at the Northern Lights). We spent a day in Glacier Bay and took a helicopter ride over the Glaciers. Watched a native eskimo building a totem pole. This is nearly a lost art, and is handed down to the next generation.
Think about it!!! Alaska is fabulous!
hi john and off course heidi
still reading your blog and with lots off fun
this is for you
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b221/marij1961/Patriotic-Tagjohn.jpg?t=1187550825
groetjes marij van dinter
John, I think you will just have to listen to that woman that didn’t like your cigar when she said “crew shouldn’t be allowed to go places that quest go”. Not because she is right but so you can enjoy a meal without being bugged. It’s a shame you can’t eat in peace even in the Supper Club.
Are you always so mean to poor Alan? You got to remember paybacks are a B—-.
“BIG” ED
ALAN ADKINS, I offer you my assistance. Just e-mail me with your plans PLEASE.
Kevin, help yourself to the photos.
Hey John, reading your blog thingy has me exited for my wifes and my cruise on Oct. 4th.Can you make us a supper club reservation for the Sat. 6th. the expirience sounds fun. I read your blog every night and its gets me exited to see you in person, as we are the same size but as I have writen, I like M&M’s and Ferarri’s but Astons are cool, and if I had one given to me I would say yes and share with you. I also have a luggage question, can we get our own luggage at he airport when we arrive, I have the knack for being the one who looses his, well when I meet you I will feel like I know you already keep this blog going on as long as you can.
John -
First of all, a suggestion regarding the CD interviews (I realize it is kind of late) – ask them to review what ships they have been CD’s on. I am fairly certain that Jeff was the CD on one of our Paradise cruises, but I can’t be certain.
Now, as to the judging issue – I have discussed the matter with the Mrs. and she has agreed that I not let you down, despite the fact that we know that we will have the winning costume. Therefore, unless there is something in the rules (which the CD creates anyway) that says that a judge can’t also be in costume, I graciously accept your offer to be the Offical Assistant to the CD in Charge of Judging Costumes and Evaluating Dancers.
Jon
Absolutely amazing…
I’m sitting here with my mouth wide open not only about the ordeal with Mr.Angry (i’m very impressed how you handled it, but you should not have offered a free meal. That’s a joke.) but also the letter complaining about Arab passengers in the dining room (they paid like anyone else).
I am truly stunned at the kind of B.S. that you have to deal with every week. I have a new found respect for you John.
The prank was great with Alan, but i can only imagine how he’s going to trump you the next time you guys get together. Very well played John. I’m impressed.
Another great read. Thank you again.
David
Dear John,
Hello! I truly enjoy reading your Carnival Freedom “blog thingy” very much. My family and I will be on the Freedom July 9, 2008 for the Grand Mediterranean cruise, and are truly looking forward to it. This will be our third trip on a Carnival cruise ship–and my three daughters and husband and I love it more each time! It sounds like such a beautiful ship, with so many fun activities, a wonderful staff, and the kind of atmosphere that makes family time that much more special. As my family’s personal vacation planner, I love to research about various Carnival cruises and vessels–and the Freedom sounded just perfect for us. Thanks for making the Grand Mediterranean sound so wonderful–I can’t wait to go up the gangway! (I wish you could be our cruise director in July!) Thank you so much, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best Wishes,
Debi Santikian
p.s.–I also love sugar free jelly beans–and many other sugar-free items! If they’re available to you, try Land O’ Lakes sugar-free spray whipped cream, Breyer’s Double-Churned sugar-free Butter Pecan, and See’s sugar-free peanut brittle (a fabulous new item!)
I enjoyed the story about John Horner. It is guys like him that makes our Freedom so sweet. Our trip to New Orleans was to see off our nephew Joe who is in the USMC. He is currently on his way to Iraq and called from Germany a few hours ago saying they had a short lay over. We have promised to take him on a cruise when he returns next year. When the time gets closer I might ask a favor to make it special for him.