Ciao from Sicily where the smell of forest fires hangs in the air. There is a definite pong of burnt wood which this summer can be found also in Spain, Portugal, Russia, Greece and Croatia. Well, we are just leaving Messina and all the guests are onboard……….even Alan Adkins who was late again! (Considering he is in England that’s no surprise).As we are leaving I wanted to chat about something that I was chatting about with the wonderful folks who took me round the Queen Victoria the other day. I had mentioned that when we left the shipyard for the first time that there was really nobody to say goodbye. I meant that when we delivered other ships a few years ago the shipyard workers would line the harbour waving goodbye to their many months of hard work. This has not happened on the last few ships I have been on, in fact, I cannot remember such a thing happening since the Carnival Destiny leaving Italy and arriving in Venice or the Carnival Leg End leaving Helsinki, Finland.
This led me to think that it is I guess commonplace these days. Each Caribbean port has daily mega ship arrivals and now in Europe the sight of a huge cruise ship is normal.
A guy goes into the Doctors and says……..I can’t stop singing The Green Green Grass Of Home…..please help me
The Doctor says………..You have Tom Jones Syndrome
The guy says…………I have never heard of that
Doctor says…………It’s Not Unusual
Sorry, I had one of my PUN moments…back to the topic. On rare occasions a ship entering a port is treated as if royalty or a superstar has come to town as in the case I mentioned in a previous blog when the Carnival Leg End called at Newfoundland, Canada. It was the same in Glasgow, Scotland when a huge flotilla of boats and yachts followed us through the estuary even though it was a foggy and rainy day…………oh, that reminds me.
There was this guy and he had a girlfriend named Lorraine who was very pretty and he liked her a lot. One day he went to work and found that a new girl had started working there. Her name was Claire-Lee and she was absolutely gorgeous.
He became quite besotted with Claire-Lee and after a while it became obvious that she was interested in him too. But this guy was a loyal man and he wouldn’t do anything with Claire-Lee while he was still going out with Lorraine. He decided that there was nothing left to do but to break up with Lorraine and get it on with Claire-Lee.
He planned several times to tell Lorraine but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Then one day they went for a walk along the riverbank when Lorraine slipped and fell in to the river. The current carried her off and she drowned.
The guy stopped for a moment by the river and then ran off smiling and singing…
“I can see Claire-Lee now Lorraine has gone”
Sorry, I don’t know what is wrong with me today. Back to the topic. I guess it takes something special to get the locals excited when a ship comes to town but I guess that is what happened yesterday when the one and only Queen Mary 2 came to Hamburg, Germany. Now, I am not sure if this was the first time she had called there but my goodness it was a truly inspirational and exuberant sight. How do I know this, well I received an e mail from friends of mine Hans and Marsha who were in Hamburg………this is their first hand report
There are thousands of people here to look at the ship. An amazing site I have never seen anything quite like it. Words cannot describe how Hamburg welcomes her and comes out to bid her farewell as she leaves. Together with a flotilla of hundreds of boats, every tour boat available and even some cargo ships all packed with people. There are fireworks from five different locations. Hundreds of thousands come just to see her during the day and for her departure, crowds for miles along the Riverbanks – in some locations 20 deep – applauding and whistling non-stop as she sails by. Hundreds of thousands of people lining the bank of the Elbe river applauding, cheering and whistling with cameras flashing everywhere plus every tour boat and dinner cruise boat in the entire city was rented and FULL of people just to see Queen Mary 2. It was the kind of stuff that gives you Goosebumps!
So, sounds like we all need to go to Hamburg.
A musician who joined the orchestra on the Queen Mary 1 was having difficulty keeping time with the rest of the band.
Finally, the captain said, “Either you learn to keep time or I’ll throw you overboard. . . .”
“It’s up to you, sync or swim.”
Sorry, I think I need to take an anti pun pill. Quick, let’s do some photos before it gets worse. These were taken by Entertainment host Ricky who went on the Mount Etna at 2900 hundred tour today……………enjoy
Time for an Embarrass John Photo. This one was taken with the beautiful Tanya and Gaetano who were the resident magicians on the Jubilee and with the incomparable Captain Casula.
Now it is time for today’s In Their Own Words section.
Ok, time for the Q and A……………and once again I need to just choose the ones with questions and statements. I only have an hour to get this posted before the weekend and therefore I may not get chance to answer them all but I promise to do my best. We start with those from the blog called “An Afternoon With The Queen”…………….This by the way has received a lot of positive feedback and it seems that you all enjoyed it, so much so that some of you are thinking of booking a cruise and one lady who has indeed booked the Round the World Cruise. The good news is that I have asked to do a follow up visit just before she is launched so we can see the public rooms and spaces in all their glory…………….can’t wait.
So, here we go……………oh no…………I can’t stop myself………………………..heeeeeelppppppppp
Not too long ago a scientist tried to clone himself. However, his clone was very obnoxious and lewd, while the scientist was well received and respected. Finally fed up with his experiment gone wrong, he threw his clone off the roof of the laboratory, killing the clone.
He was arrested by the local police for…
making an obscene clone fall.
Sorry.
BILL ZYDECOCRUISER – I have no idea how and why I forgot my belt but I did. I was in the doghouse with Heidi as I spent the whole time walking around the Queen Victoria with my hands in my pockets………how disrespectful. You mentioned Costa Maya……..here are some more tragic photos.
It’s hard to know what to say.
DWA76 – Thanks mate, I am so glad you liked the Queen Victoria blog. I must admit I was worried my article would not do it justice. It was a huge privilege and one I shall remember. Thanks mate.
CRUISINSUE – Thanks to you as well for the kind words about the Queen Victoria article. I heard some people calling her the QV but that’s like calling a Rolls Royce an RR or a Bentley a Bent or an Aston Martin an Ass………Anyway, thanks also for recognizing Mark price as a great CD as indeed he is. See you in 44 days time….I hope you are excited.
GREG BALDASARRI – Thanks mate. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the Queen Victoria article as I knew I was one of the first to write about her. It was not hard in the end though as there is definitely something “magical” about the ship and I cannot wait to see her again once all the bells and whistles are complete. Thanks again Greg, you just made my day with your words of praise.
KATHY KROLL – You would love the Queen Victoria and especially coming from a show background you must see the showroom. I can see you and your husband dancing in the Queens Room……………can you?
LAUREN – and you did! Congratulations.
LV2CRUISE – and thank you for those words of congratulations on the Queen Victoria article…….you made me smile…a lot.
MYRON SAWRAS – What a fantastic posting and many thanks for being with the blog since we started. I remember you of course, don’t know why but I actually do have a visual of you in my mind…….you are good looking by the way. I do also remember Hurricane Gene and the effects that had on the ships especially the Glory when we lost 3 days of the cruise. I did get a letter of apology from Grace who said she did buy me some Tim Horton’s donuts but due to the fact the airplane food was so bad…….she ate them. I sent Grace something for being honest and making me laugh. I hope I get to see you and your family again soon mate and many thanks for reading the blog thingy.
BIG ED – Lauren beat you.
JO MYERLY – Oh say it is not so. No more jellybeans…….I shall have to ration what I have then which I am sure Heidi will appreciate. I am glad you also enjoyed the Queen Victoria blog and maybe I can interview a few of the key onboard management once she is launched to see what it is like to work onboard. See you soon.
MATT – I am glad you brought up the subject of Supper Club reservations up and that is why I have bolded this part of the Q and A. I will not be sending confirmations out, I am so sorry but it just is not possible. However, if for some strange reason the Supper Club is booked and a reservation is not possible I will of course let you all know. Unless you hear from me please take it as confirmed that you reservation is as you requested. Just one reminder, please remember that on most ships the Supper Club is closed on the first night so please make sure you are specific in booking the date you want to eat rather than the date the cruise starts. You asked about the formal nights on the Carnival Freedom seven-day cruise. These are on the first and last sea days. If therefore you want me to change your booking please post something on the blog rather than complete the form again and I will take care of it for you.
If you prefer not to use the form bloggers, you can post a “manual” request anytime you want. Thanks matt and all the best.
TAMMIE – She is indeed gorgeous and then some.
SCOTT – Happy to hear you liked the Queen Victoria blog as did Tammie. I will be returning for another look later and I hope you will enjoy that one as well. Cheers.
SUSETTE LOWENSTEIN – A brilliant advertisement for Cunard, Susette and thank you for sharing it with everyone. I have never had the privilege of sailing with our friends from Cunard but hopefully I will next year. We are all proud here at Carnival to have this majestic company in the family. Thanks again and a special thank you for your kind words about my Queen Victoria Blog.
LISA AND ELAINE – Air Hockey………that’s right……..couldn’t remember the name of the game. I guess the father should have checked to see what games we had in the arcade; I guess I was just a bit surprised myself.
Now, as for the blog being the perfect nighttime companion along with chocolate and Diet Coke, well I am flattered. I hope this one makes you smile and have an extra bit of chocolate for me……..sugar free of course. Here is a chocolate joke for you.
LOIS BROKE WIGS (ANAGRAM OF YOUR NAME) – Thanks and I hope your step mom did indeed enjoy it…..send her my best.
NANCY D – I have never considered myself a travel writer and really had no idea what I was going to say in my report. In the end, I just wrote what I felt and I felt that the ship although not finished was going to be very, very special and I am happy you could all come along for the ride. As for me being the Cruise Director……….well, I am honoured that you should think of me but I have a feeling that it’s a bit above me and would need someone of sophistication. I am hoping to interview the Queen Mary’s CD, Mr. Ray Rouse who I am sure will be on the Queen Victoria…………….although…………I would like to maybe host one show or maybe an inaugural performance on board………….maybe I will steal the microphone during the naming ceremony.
Hope you are well Nancy and enjoy the blog.
TERRI910 – Thank you so much for the links to one of my favorite things………..teatime. I always try and drink three cups a day and one every afternoon. Can you imagine drinking a cup of Earl Grey Tea in the Queens Room out of a delicate china cup?…………nearly the same as me drinking a cup of PG TIPS out of a chipped mug with a photo of an Aston Martin on it. Hey……maybe we can do a Bloggers cruise on the Queen Victoria ………………….its good to dream. All the best Terri.
THE JOHNSTON 4 – Welcome home all of you and there really is no need to thank us, we are just glad you are home safe. Heidi sends her love to Trevor………..she misses him. I do truly hope you have had a great vacation here and I especially enjoyed the nice comments appreciating all our hard work with regard to the tender service in the ports………….I appreciate that so very much. So, we send our best to the entire family and truly hope we see you soon.
LINDA HERNACKI – I think the diet is working because the pants were falling down a bit. I am glad you liked the last blog so much. The Queen Victoria really is a special lady and it was amazing to see the lady being born. Heidi will be writing a blog over the weekend and she sends her best to you as do I to Mike as well.
CARL AND BARB THE BEARS – Thank you for the wonderful words about the last article. You truly are great friends.
I am so sorry that I have to stop here otherwise this blog won’t get posted before the weekend. I will answer every question on Saturday’s and Sunday’s blog I promise. I have to run to the talent show now but not before I slap on this wonderful interview with a brilliant and talented lady. This is Shahnaz Kashinpour who is the Hotel Director of the Carnival Legend and a great friend. Here she is.
1. Shahnaz. Can you tell us something about your career with carnival from the start until your current position now?
*****************Are you sure, you really want to know??…………Actually it is one of those unplanned long stories, where one thing led to another and here I am ……Ok, here you go…..Back when I lived in Los Angeles I always spoke about one day going on a cruise again (had cruised with my parents as a child). In 1983 I had heard about Single World, which was organized through a Travel Agency, where one had to be single, over 18 and under 35 I believe, was accompanied by travel escort, guaranteed 2nd seating dining and would share a cabin from within the group. So, there I was getting on a plane from LA to Miami and then to San Juan. I had a blast of a week, met loads of really nice people, who I stayed in contact with and still now, one of my best friends today is the one I met on that cruise.
Well, 5 years later in 1988, while working in our small little German Bakery in Beverly Hills, one of our regular customers AND good friend, Rick Henry, walks in and one could tell something was up. So he told me that he had committed to a good friend of his, who is a travel escort for Single World, that he would cover for her 3 weeks vacation, however now his agent had booked him a gig in a well known club and now he was stuck not knowing what to do.
Well….me and my big mouth, before I could even think what I was saying, I told him “Single World, wow, I sailed with them 5 years ago, I know the concept, hey, I’ll do it for you” 
))
Long story short, he took me serious, called the company, told them about me, they said yes and there I was, spending my next few days learning all about the Tropicale and the layout of the ship, the people, the tours I was taking the group on, etc etc. and voila, there I escorted a group of 25 – 30 San Jose, California Fire Department guys on a Mexican Riviera Cruise.
A few months later I received a call directly from that company and was asked if I would want to cover for 4 – 6 weeks on the Festivale out of San Juan over Christmas/New Years 1988/89?
It was during those weeks, that I met so many wonderful people, got to know the crew very well, helped out at the Pursers Office whenever they needed help, and when I came back home I decided to apply and maybe do this “fun job” for ONE YEAR” ) I got the job as a purser on the Mardi Gras in less than week from when I returned……….and then one thing lead to another, I was lucky enough to part of the start up team for the Fantasy, Ecstasy, Fascination, Pride and the last one, the last one the Carnival Legend…………and my ONE YEAR turned into 18 1/2 years…….
2. The role of the Hotel Director is one that is very varied and requires so many skills. Can you tell us something about your responsibilities?
As a Hotel Director you are the link between each department. In order to be able to really run and understand the operation, one should know and have worked the basics of each department. This to me is the most fascinating as well as most important aspect of the whole job. Having worked on board for so many years, one really gets to the heart of the operation, and can see how and where it all starts, it evolves all around and then the circle closes. When you actually stop and think, what we do and what has to be done, it gets to be really overwhelming and scary at times. So that is when we all just do what we need to do, work as team and enjoy what we do. As a Hotel Director, others will turn to you for guidance, advice, decisions or just someone who will listen. As long as we are there together, walk the same path with the same goals, I believe I have achieved my purpose……………..
3. Please take us through your typical debarkation and embarkation day which is often one of the busiest. What goes on behind the scenes and what is involved in making these smooth transitions?
This is one of the busiest and yet most important days for us. It is a day which starts very early for everyone on board and finishes very late. It is the day, where we need to get a lot done fast, as we need to turn the ship around. Within a few hours we have to wish our 2,400 guests farewell, and then welcome 2,400 new guests. It is the day where we leave our guests with their last impression of us and for those joining, with their first impression of us.
4. You and I had the pleasure of being chosen to introduce the carnival legend’s Baltic Cruise during its inaugural season. What are your memories of these wonderful ports and what were the highlights for you personally. It was an unbelievable experience and looking back, to this date I still am not sure how it all came together.
You are right John; it was an awesome experience which I will never forget. You know John, as a child while growing up in Hamburg, Germany, my great great Aunts would take us to the River “Elbe” which would run into the harbour of Hamburg. At the entrance of the Elbe was a place called “Willkommen Hoeft,” which was a restaurant that served great ice cream by the way, but that was not what was important. This place actually had someone sitting in the upper level of the building in a room, who would announce the ships, tankers or ferry coming in and out of the harbor down the Elbe River. They would announce the name of the boat, the flag it was sailing under, the tonnage, the nationality of the crew, where it was heading or coming from….then they would raise the flag of the ship, play their national anthem and then the German national anthem, welcoming them to Hamburg or wishing them farewell.
That place was my most favorite place in the world and whenever my aunts wanted to take us anywhere, this is the place I wanted to be. I would start guessing the nationality, where it came from and where it would be going…and then kept dreaming, that one day I wanted to be on one of those ships coming into the harbor. I imagined myself being on the deck watching those people sitting in the restaurant and welcoming us …….Well, that part of the dream is still a dream, however I am on a ship now and when we sailed into Warnemuende, Germany on August 26, 2002 on the Carnival Legend, my thoughts went back to the days when I was a little girl watching those ships coming into Hamburg, and thought………wow………… you are not only on a ship sailing into Germany, Warnemuende, you are also the Hotel Director of this most wonderful ship………..and I really got Goosebumps.
While most of our guests went off on excursion to Berlin, I had my parents, sisters and family coming on board and visiting me, and it really felt good.
Sorry, long winded story, but really meant a lot to me………
5. My blog is not just about saying how fantastic the company is (even though it is) so what do you think one area that we as a Cruise Line could improve on. By the way folks, I choose Shahnaz for this guest blog as not only is she one of our most respected and experienced Hotel Director’s but she also is respected for speaking her mind………………so speak Shahnaz please.
You are right, Carnival is a fantastic company and I am very proud to be part of it. I have seen it grow and change over the past 18 years and believe, as long as we continue to do what we have always done, which is listen to our guests, hear them and give them what they seem to ask for, we keep improving every day.
I remember, when I lived in Los Angeles and we had our German Bakery for a while, I used to prepare “my” most favorite cakes and cookies and then found out, that our clients made comments, that they were not sweet enough or not moist enough?….Wow I thought, this is exactly the way I have always done it and it really taste great, until of course someone told me, Shahnaz, always remember, it doesn’t matter what YOU like, but what the CUSTOMER likes and requests!
Needless to say, that stayed with me forever, and that is how I believe Carnival has run this company. We have heard our guests and have listened to them and continue to do so…..and this is how we keep improving every day……….
6. Please can you tell our 550,000 readers a little about the fantastic crew activities and recreational facilities on all of our ships which ultimately you are responsible for.
Well, we try to have several different activities for crew on board, so they can get “away” so to say, for a few hours. Each month a different department is in charge to create and run the monthly activities. Of course we all help out and it works well. This month we had our Entertainment department run them, and one of the many highlight was “Dancing with the Stars/Management.” We had many department heads/officers practicing with our dancers and then performing for the crew…it was absolutely awesome and everyone just loved it……..I was wondering John, if you and I would be practicing and dancing, who would be considered the STAR ??? )…….of course John, you would be star (as always) and I would be the dancer (hahaha, didn’t think I could dance, did you?
7.What has been your proudest moment as a Carnival employee
There have been many, however the “proudest” was same as above, sailing into Germany on the Legend
8. Do you miss working with me?
Of course John, how can you even ask………………..Absolutely
9. Hopefully you said YES but anyway, what was my worst habit as a Cruise Director….what drove you mad about working with me.
You being goofy and trying to make me laugh when I was “trying” to deal with serious matters and, oh yeah, the Capers…….when after proof reading them, you would sneak in activities…………………. like “nap time”… or Arts & Crafts with your “Hotel Director” ))))
10. Ok, the fun stuff. I know you have a great passion for enjoying good food and great company. Here is your chance to design your perfect dinner party
PLEASE CHOOSE
APPETIZER Frog legs
MAIN COURSE Steak Tartar
DESSERT Crème Brule
YOUR CHOICE OF WINE Alluvium Beringer
And four famous people from yesterday or today to share this fine meal with.
Farah Diba, Princess Diana, Albert Einstein & Freud…..can you just imagine that table?
What a wonderful interview and I hope I get to work with Shahnaz again soon………….she really is so good at what she does…………..and she keeps me in my place when Heidi is not there.
OK, before I finish I just got some photos from Hans and Sarah my friends who were in Hamburg during the Queen Mary 2’s visit. Here they are so please enjoy.
1. The Queen Mary 2 and the observation tower
2. The crowds gather to see the Queen
3. Even more people flock to see this amazing liner
4. A bird’s eye view
5. The sign says it all Queen Mary Day 2 – (Anna Depebush – means ladies can pee behind a bush)
6. The Queen at Night
7. This would have been a great shot of the smoke stack but some random guy eating a pretzel the size of the ship wandered into the photo
Right of to the talent show now and then I will come straight back and blog again and I promise………………no more Puns
Well………………………………except this one.
Steven Spielberg was discussing his new project – an action document drama about famous composers starring top movie stars Sylvester Stallone, Steven Segal, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were all present. Spielberg strongly desired the box office ‘oomph’ of these superstars, so he was prepared to allow them to select whatever composers they would portray, as long as they were very famous.
“Well,” started Stallone, “I’ve always admired Mozart. I would love to play him.”
“Chopin has always been my favorite, and my image would improve if people saw me playing the piano,” said Willis. “I’ll play him.”
“I’ve always been partial to Strauss and his waltzes,” said Segal. “I’d like to play him.”
Spielberg was very pleased with these choices. “Sounds splendid.”
Then, looking at Schwarzenegger, he asked, “Who do you want to be, Arnold?” So Arnold says,
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“I’ll be Bach.”
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
Hi John, Happy weekend to you! I must say you are a HOOT! What a hilarious blog tonight, you must have overdosed on jelly beans! The jokes had me laughing till I felt like I would pee my pants, ha! ha! The pictures in tonights blog were fantastic, especially the Queen Mary 2 at night, simply awesome! Can’t wait for Heidi’s blog this weekend! Is Alan Adkins still on board? How long is he cruising for? WOW, must be nice! We cruise once (maybe twice) per year if we can manage to afford it and get the time off from work. Mike just started a new job, so after November’s cruise I don’t know when we will cruise again next year, since we can’t possibly make the bloggers cruise! He is working for the Rialto Hilton Hotel as a maintenance technician now. Lots of light bulbs to change! HA! HA! We both can’t wait till we can retire someday so we can travel when we want, and not have to answer to anyone! Hope that day comes sooner, than later. Well, happy Saturday to you and Heidi, and will talk to you soon. Those were devastating pictures of Costa Maya, (we love that port, along with Cozumel, and of cause Jamaica is great too) have you been to Costa Maya yet as a CD? When was the last time you were a CD on a Caribbean cruise? Is this the first cruise thru Europe for you on the Freedom? I have wondered where you have been since the Glory. Goodnight! Linda & Mike (handydandy man)
Oh, man, I’m groaning and trying not to laugh because my husband loves puns and I try not to encourage him. John, I’m curious, do you and Heidi live in a std size cabin or do you get more space than we cruisers have? While the cabins are great for a wk or two, My husband would sure have a problem if we lived on a ship full time …..because the closets would be mine!
Thanks
John…
You are slaying me…(again!) Ba-dump-bump!
Manuel
John,
As always you never cease to amaze me. Great interview it’s nice to know someone else feels the same way about ships that I do. I’ll never forget my dad taking me to Brooklyn right near the verzano bridge to watch the ships and takers and cargo ships come and go. I could sit there for hours if you let me and just watch them move and turn and move and re position while waiting to be allowed under the bridge to enter the ports. Also please cut back on the jelly beans I think they are starting to affect you in other ways. Ok I gotta run now i’m going down to the beach to watch the late night freighter traffic go by on it’s way out and in. best to Heidi,
Kevin
I sooo saw that las pun coming a mile away!!!!
……anyway……
the Interview was great, Shahnaz Kashinpour sounds like quite a person and the story of her aunt and the river Elbe… beautiful, I would love to be a passanger on one of those ships and then go the that bank and look out and see the ship come in too. Glad her dream came true as it did.
The pictures of the Queen Mary 2 are awesome!!! What a ship! and what a wonderful fanfare!
And isn’t it getting to be time for Heidi to post another blag too?
wish you both the best
Heidi-Beth
Great blog John! I think I agree with Kevin, those jelly beans are starting to affect you. You were very ‘punny’ tonight! The pictures of the QM2 were awesome. It will be one of my dreams to be on such a grand vessel someday. I also enjoyed the interview with Shahnaz Kashinpour. Obviously very gifted and perfect for her job, but she does it with such humor and passion.
Can’t wait to hear from Heidi this weekend!
I thought Alan left already? Lucky guy…he’s still there?
Looking forward to the week’s blogs.
Karen
John, my friend… can I call you that? It seems I’ve known you for quite sometime despite the fact we’ve never met. We do share a certain love for the sea and ships, no doubt.
Every entry that you post in your blog has one thing that digs into my soul, perhaps something tiny left as an afterthought or something big that is meant to wash over everyone but always one thing, at least one thing. Today, your friend Hans is the source of tingle and grins. His simple yet glamorous description of the Queen Mary 2’s visit to Hamburg recalls the glory days of cruising on magnificent ships and the wonder and lust that they brought to those fortunate folks that witnessed them. The mental images are staggering and thrilling at the same time.
I doff my hat to the Germans, or at least the residents of Hamburg, as it is clear that they recognize and appreciate elegance and style.
Wonderful, simply wonderful.
Regards,
Greg
John Living here in Virginia Beach as we do we get to see all of the HUGE US Navy ships go out for who knows where. I’ve always thought tht they ship being all shiny and clean looked great by it’s self. Look up and you will see men in white suites lineing the whole deck just as a kind of salute to the good old USA and the famalies that they love. It brings a tier to my eye everytime that I see it. Also living here we get the newest and greatest airplanes going about 50 feet above my head. LOL Quite close! People will pull off of the road to watch a navy plane go over . Especialy if they are flying in formation. There are places where people park their cars and take a picnic just to watch the different planes. I guess it is something like that when you go into a different area. Maybe you should line us all up on deck and make us wave. What a site that would be!?!?! LOL We could also throw something like martigras beads!
I’ll be Bach ! Ouch!
That’s my Governor…or governator as we say in good old CA ! Who’d a thunk it!
I would love to “fly” across the showroom floor in the QV ! Right now standing up is a great accomplishment! I can remember when…….
Those Queen Mary 2 pics are great! Thought about taking her from NY to Eng. and then get on the Splendor but the QM 2 gets in a day late July14th.
Joan Zack came up with that good idea! It would have been fun!
Kathy and Paul ( Lee Paul, Bodyguard )
Sorry Uncle Mickey spoiled pic 7) for ya.
Not exactly Mozart, but Baroque is a state of having no Monet.
I purchased the ingredients for your Mum’s cheese scones, so perhaps by the time your stomach begins to growl, I shall have popped them in the oven.
Speaking of chocolate – one of the basic food groups – something everyone’s body needs anyway; and the foundation of the food pyramid; my recollection of the bunny funny was/is a little different:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/easter.jpg
I suppHose it could be an all purpose funny, including an abstraction of sugar-free Jelly Beans and Fatima?
This blog entry quite frankly was like the chicken crossing the road….It was poultry in motion.
Good morning, John and Heidi!
Your description of the ship would rival any travel writer, and actually best most of them.
Great and very funny Blog, as always. I fear that I had fallen behind on my reading of the blog thingy. Would your forgive me being a poor reader and correspondent, Please??
I just read your blog on the Queen Victoria. Oh my goodness, she sounds amazing! Why do you say that you are not a travel writer? You certainly could be (or a writer of any kind!)
I will be sailing on the QE2 in October and am very excited about that, but now I want to sail on the newest Queen, Victoria, too! Always something new to see and do. If I did it all, I’m afraid that I wouldn’t have any time for work
Until we meet again in this wonderful place called cyberspace, I remain,
Your friend,
Bob
Just wanted to let you know about a wonderful experience we had several years ago sailing on the Celebration during hurricane season. We were scheduled to visit Cozumel but had to divert to Vera Cruz because of the weather. We took a tour of some old forts, one of which was in one of the James Bond films. Otherwise there wasn’t a lot to do………….no good beaches & they say sharks are not uncommon in the area. However, we got our biggest thrill when we left. I think the entire town must have turned out to see us off. They were waving red, white, & blue baloons & released them as we were leaving port. It’s really a pitty that there’s not a lot to do in that area of Mexico because they certainly appreciate cruise ships.
John,
Thanks for the choclate bunnies! You’re puns had me laughing… but I’ve learned…don’t read the blog with Diet Coke in your mouth…it may end up all over the computer screen!
Aren’t you and Heidi going on vacation soon? For some reason I thought it was coming up soon?
Looking forward to Heidi’s blog!
Elaine
PRIVATE: NOT FOR BLOG
John,
Are you going to be CD on the Freedom in Nov 2008?
Bill
good blog today john, well, either that or my meds are really really good! ha ha…
still hoping we will be able to come on our october cruise. depends on some tests next week and how much radiation i have to get. blech…
but either way the bloggers cruise should be fine. and thank goodness i bought travel insurance. wish me well, i want to be there….
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Did I read Frog’s Legs as an appetizer?
Ever been to Rayne, LA?
They have a festival dedicated to the rehabilitation of frogs (not!) Coming Soon!!!
http://www.rayne.org/frog_fest.html
Geno Delafose will be playing zydeco!
Hi John!
Either you haven’t had enough Jelly Beans or you have had way to many!!! You are truly the “Punniest” CD ever!!! Keep ‘em coming!
The pictures today are great, especially the Queen at night! WOW! She is so very regal, as a Queen should be.
We finally got a beautiful sunny day here in SW Wisconsin after a week of rain! Going out to enjoy it!
Hope you and Heidi have a WONDERFUL weekend… and try and get a little time for yourselves!
Some more info on Mahahual(Majahual)/Costa Maya:
http://playazone.wordpress.com/tag/weather/
http://www.lunabluehotel.com/mahahual_hurricane_dean/index.html
Good Morning John and Heidi,
I really do enjoy your blogs, puns and all (I have learned not to drink my morning coffee while reading though). The descriptions of the Queen Victoria were tremendous as were the pictures. I am one of those people who love to watch ships coming and going just as much as sailing on them. Often times I will go downtown just to watch the cruise ships and it is really fun to be on a personal boat passing one of the ships in the channel.
36 days from now I will sail on the Carnival Victory which will make a stop in Portland Maine. Oct 9, 2004 I was on a motor coach tour visiting the lighthouses of Portland this was also the same day the Queen Mary 2 visited on her maiden voyage. What a sight it was to see her anchored in the harbour and it seemed that everyone in the state had come to see her also. I know the red and blue funnel of Carnival will not create as much interest but it will be a thrill for me just the same.
Maybe next year when we take that first voyage on the Carnival Splendor we will receive some of those special greetings…………….we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Kersplott
Hello Heidi and John,
I love your Puns!!! I have a few questions about Amsterdam for Heidi. We are there for 3 days pre cruise and one of the days would like to take a tour outside of Amsterdam. Would you go to the Hague and Delft or to Zaanse Shaans ,Edam, Rotterdam or even Belguim? Or somewhere else? We want to see the Windmills. We were thinking of a canal boat tour. Is one company better than the other? We will spend one day seeing museums, Anne Frank and other sights but would like to venture out somewhere else and don’t know where. We would appreciate your expert opinion. You have been a great help so far! Thank you!!
Right now we are packing a making sure everything is ready for our Ams visit and Freedom cruise. We just don’t have Amsterdam planned and need to do that soon!!! Have a great week.
Hi John,
I just stumbled across your site and have read all the postings from today through last March 15th- wow! Thanks for all the info you have provided and this is such an amazing site. I have cruised with Carnival 3 times in the past 3 years and love it. I am going on the Triumph in mid-October, I am excited about Turks and Half Moon Cay, neither of which I have been to. Anyway, can you tell me who the cruise director will be while I am onboard? An upgrade to the penthouse would be most appreciated (just kidding). Thanks for all the help.
John, The newspaper from Mexico on Costa Maya, broke our hearts…I pray it comes back stronger…We had a great time there…It brought back bad memories of Katrina…Looks what we went through…..Come backs take a long time….We are leaving in the morning…See you very soon..
R/
FrankC & JenniferC
One other thing…have you ever heard of a program called Semester at Sea? Well it’s a study abroad program for college aged students that travels around the world on a ship. I sailed on it in Fall 2001 on the “Universe Explorer”, which has now been sent to Alang, India to the shipbreakers, unfortunately. Anyway, it’s a really amazing program that gives students a true vision of the large world out there. Reading this blog reminds me of the 3 months I spent out at sea. What incredible memories I have of watching flying fish, dolphins, etc. swim alongside our ship as we pulled into Cape Town and the sight of Table Mountain in the background. I envy your job very much!
Hey John,
I need your help. If you do not want to post this, I will understand. I was given some information by a customer service agent on the phone today at Carnival. She told me that all of the Western Caribbean cruises on the Glory were not going to Belize until December. I saw some conflicting reports, so I called back. The person I just spoke with told me that there have not been any decisions made for any further than this week. I contacted the missionary we were to meet in Belize and told him that we were not going to be there. Now I am being told that this is not certain. Belize was the whole purpose of this cruise for us. Now it looks like I may have blown our plans that we have been making since January out of the water. I really need some accurate information. The missionary was going to drive over a hundred miles to pick us up at the port, and his time is not easy to schedule. There is no guarantee that I will even be able to contact him again before we leave. I hate to think that we will end up in Belize and miss a once in a lifetime opportunity for us because we were given some bad information by someone in Miami. I just want to make sure that we have the best answer that is available. I accept that if Belize is no able to accept cruise ships, then that is the way it is. I am not expecting miracles, or for Carnival to change everything to make us happy. I just need to know what is going on, and as soon as the information is available.
Thanks
Kevin
John,
There’s no way a poem can do this entry justice. Shahnaz is a fabulous Hotel Director and we had the opportunity to cruise with her on “her” ship in January of this year. Without a doubt she has done a fantastic job with the Legend and she continues to be a Legend in cruising.
Speaking of Legends, did you really think you were going to sneak the picture of some random guy eating a pretzel the size of the ship and not expect anyone to notice?
Folks, you not only had one of the most prolific ships sailing the water today in that photo, but also an undisputable name in cruising.
John, is there something you want to tell your bloggy thing friends about that photo? I’m not suprised many people didn’t pick up on it, but it was interesting to see you try and slip it in.
Does this mean I win a deluxe spa session with Fatima?
Sync or Swim…Oy..My wife, the musician, will love that one.
Great pictures of the QM2…Nice to see Mr. Micky is enjoying himself (and his pretzel).
Great interview with Shahnaz, since I know how much work and effort the hotel crew has to go through every single week. She has her hands full, but they do an amazing job.
Puns and all, you still made my morning.
Thank you again,
David
Southern Dreams,
I have been there also and know what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep positive, although hard at times …I’m a 2 time survivor for the last 5 years and I’m still going strong! If you need anything please, please feel free to ask.
John thank you for letting us know how the ceremony went for the Fahy family, I’m sure Carnival (with your help, of course) made everything as comforting and beautiful as possible. Bravo! Well done!
The pictures of the QM2 were awesome, such a beautiful ship. Maybe I can dream of sailing with her someday.
I also enjoyed the interview with Shahnaz Kashinpour. She seems like a perfect fit for her job. She also sounds like you and she would work very well together, both seem to have the same kind of that wonderful, funny, sense of humor.
I’m still trying to catch up to the East coast time difference with just coming back from the West coast. Oh well guess I better try to get some shut-eye and catch up that way!.
John you and Heidi take care and looking forward to the next blog.
P.S. John just a quick question is Trevor still the CD on the Celebration? When we took our last cruise in Jan, of 2007 he was the CD then but now with the entire re-positioning of Carnival shups tacking place I was just wondering where he might be. He was a great CD (but not nearly as good as you, but close)