Saturday, August 25th, 2007...11:01 pm
We Are Family
Hello everyone and I hope you are all having a great weekend so far. I have just finished the debarkation talk which as always feels very strange to host 3 days before the end of the voyage………..I still wish we had a sea day at the end of the voyage.
Today, after the Q and A, I met with a guest and his wife who were leaving the ship tomorrow in Barcelona. They are bloggers and I wanted to start today’s blog by mentioning Brad and Chrissy – Cruisin4Fun as they are called. Would you join me in thinking of them today as they were just informed that Chrissy’s father has passed away suddenly at the age of just 57. I have helped make arrangements for them to leave in Barcelona and once again as 3487 guests have fun and continue with their cruise, two people will be flying home to Boston. I asked if I could mention this on the blog as we are indeed a tight group of friends…even though there are thousands of us and they did indeed say they would like this…………therefore, before the fun stuff starts………please think of Chrissy, Brad and their families today……………….thank you.
I would like at this point to welcome all of our Cunard cruisers who have discovered this humble blog thingy in the last few days.
This has happened through the addition of this link and press release from the Cunard offices.
Since this was sent out we have had 8,000 Cunard loyal cruises have taken the time to read my blog about the stunning Queen Victoria and hopefully will be reading some of the future blogs as well. Therefore, I bid you all a warm and personal welcome and I hope you enjoyed my behind the scenes look at the Queen Victoria, it was written from the heart and written by someone who was in awe of what he saw………….welcome aboard.
As of today, we have 578,000 slaps on the blog……………..thank you all.
I was talking to a friend of mine recently about the diversity that can be found on today’s Carnival and the fact that you never know who is onboard and from what social standing. Last night in the talent show I had a gentleman from Canada perform. His name is Ken Mohammed and he played Jumbolia…he was good and people enjoyed him very much. I spoke to him after the show and he thanked me for allowing him to play on stage. I asked him if he was a musician…………no he replied………….I am a Brain Surgeon………I laughed……no I really am………..he gave me his card and yep, he is head of Neurosurgery at Toronto’s main hospital. Here he is
We chatted for a while and he told me that this had been the best cruise he had ever been on……..and when this cruise is over he will be walking down the pier and boarding Holland America’s Westerdam for another cruise…………fantastic.
One of the things we also spoke about was that he was so happy to see that we still have a Talent Show. He explained that many other cruise lines no longer have this event and that it is so great for normal people to be able to perform on a large stage, with a full orchestra and in front of 1500 people.
Therefore, to the one or two people who say that Talent shows are a cheap alternative to providing professional entertainment I would refer you to Ken Mohammed and others like him who each and every cruise on our ships get to be a star……….even if just for a few minutes…………….oh by the way, that’s Professor Ken Mohammed by the way…………you never know who is sailing on a Carnival ship.
Here are today’s photos which feature the Towel Animal Demonstration…………enjoy
Here is a photo of Heidi and I just as we started dating.
Now, here are the letters from the In Their own Words Section and some drawings from Kids Corner.
Here we go with the Q and A which starts with the last few from the blog called An Afternoon with the Queen……….gosh I am really behind.
LANCE AND ILDA – The public rooms on the Queen Victoria are incomparable and emphasize all that you would expect on a Cunard ship and much more. I am glad you are a fan of British music and I know the 10cc track you are referring to very well and they are one of my favorites. I am also a great fan of the Clash and wanted one of their songs played at our wedding but Heidi said no…………it was “should I stay or should I go “……she was not impressed.
Thank as always for reading the blog and I wish you a great weekend.
BARB AND CARL THE BEARS – You are now my official astronomers and thanks you for the update on the two moons on Monday and I shall inform the guests accordingly. I have also passed this information to the fleet……..many thanks and I hope you are both eating enough and preparing for the winter hibernation.
LISA AND ELAINE – I hope you saw the answer about the disclaimer on the last blog…….it’s just in case I say anything I shouldn’t………what are the chances?
THE CHADS – Thank you for the kind words about the Queen Victoria blog. I was very nervous so I am happy that so many people seem to have enjoyed it. I am also very excited to go back and see what it looks like in a month’s time and of course I will invite you all along with me. My best to all the Chads.
KAREN FERDINAND – Now, here is proof positive that the world we live in is small…..very small. Hello Karen, how are you? Bloggers, Karen is the sister of a young lady called Helen, whom, I used to have a HUGE crush on back in the UK. Her parents were good friends with my parents and I have not seen them for 20 years. Yet, here we are, writing to each other and finding out that Karen has booked the amazing ROUND THE WORLD CRUISE on the Queen Victoria. So, first of all please send my best to all the family Karen and congratulations on booking that one of a kind vacation experience. You do seem a little worried about cruising alone but don’t worry. If there is one thing I know about cruising whether on Carnival or Cunard is that single cruises wont be on there own much past boat drill. I am also going to try and use this blog to put you in contact with other Cunard cruisers who may also be taking this voyage on their own so you can meet onboard.
Karen, the liner is……well…..its………..unbelievable and you will have I know such amazing memories of this voyage of discovery that you are embarking on…………you should write a blog………really you should.
I hope you are well and please will you write as often as you can and if you have any questions please let me know………..say hello to Helen and your Mum and Dad…………….can I come for a cup of tea when I am home?
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Happy anniversary Carol as today, 20 years ago you went on your first ever cruise. It was such an honour to be onboard the Queen Victoria and I hope my words did her justice. I look forward to your next blog posting thingy and as always a big hello from Heidi.
I just read your details about your first cruise and the memories came flooding back. I remember the late night buffets, the cherries jubilee and of course the old lip sync contest in the disco……….you know, I may bring that one back, that was a lot of fun. Carnival has changed a lot but the one area that has remained the same is the simple aspect of Fun….that has been and still is our main stay and why people like you keep coming back…..why?…………Carnival’s Got The Fun that’s why………thanks for the memories.
IVANA – Don’t rob a bank in order to cruise on a Cunard ship. Actually, have you looked at Queen Mary 2 prices…….they seem very reasonable as does the Queen Victoria………..it’s a dream of mine to do a Trans Atlantic……..maybe we can all do one together. I hope you are well and thank you for reading today’s blog.
CATMAMA044 – And what a retirement gift to yourself that would be as you cruise the world in your bathtub…….I mean you will be on the Queen Victoria and in your bathtub not cruising in a bathtub, you deserve better than that:)
TERRI910 – I couldn’t open this link Terri………….Roberto, can you help mate?
WILL – Congratulations mate on those magnificent exam results. You must be very proud of yourself. Have a wonderful holiday and my best wishes for your future endeavours. As for me writing a book, well I have thought seriously about it and maybe one day I will indeed. Cheers mate.
BILL RUSSELL – Thanks for the kind words mate and yes………….Queen Victoria is a real beauty………….the ship……..not the monarch.
PETER WARD – See you soon mate and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you before you sail. Have a safe flight.
BIG ED – You and I are hosting tea time on the Bloggers cruise………proper tea not iced tea………..maybe we should drink some of that diet tea. Hope you are having a great weekend.
KICIASKI – Hello George and Linda and I am glad you found the information on Amsterdam useful. Heidi and I love the Hotel D’Europe but you are correct it is a little expensive as is our other favorite the Amstel Intercontinental.
As for where to stay in London that is a little more difficult to answer. The train you mentioned does indeed go into Victoria and that area itself is nice and central to pretty much everything. The two hotels near that area are the Marriott which is excellent and the Victoria Hotel which is right opposite the station. Both are 4 star hotels and for London reasonably priced. Obviously London is full of hotels to suit every pocket and my favorite is the Baglioni opposite Kensington Park and also if you want the best of the best The Dorchester sums up all that is British.
I hope my explanation to Mr.Pac Man was sufficient, I have not heard back from him again so hopefully he has enjoyed the rest of his cruise. I send my best to you and George and please let me know if I can be of further help to you.
CINDY GOODWIN – There is nothing wrong with talking American and shouting from the Hill Tops ” CUNARD ROCKS ” IF YOU LOVE IT, SAY IT.
I have never had the privilege of sailing on their ships but I have been invited to the naming ceremony of the Queen Victoria which I am truly looking forward to. Can you do me a big favor and tell me what features you love about the Queen Mary 2, I am sure our readers would love to hear your stories. Welcome to the blog.
CARL CREARY – Thanks Carl. I am glad you enjoyed reading about the Queen Victoria and as a former Cunard employee you have every right to feel proud………she is simply stunning.
LINDA HERNACKI – I hope I get to post this blog over the weekend. It’s much harder for Roberto and others as they have to have some free time as well but I miss reading your comments as much as you miss me slapping on a blog. How wonderful to be going to the Baptism of your first grandchild……I am sure it will be a wonderful and memorable day for you. I hope Costa Maya can get repairs done quickly but the estimates I am hearing is at least 6 months before it is ready to open again to shipping………..I feel so bad for them. You askd for a photo from the early days so I am sure you enjoyed the one of heidi and I when we first dated. Hope you have a great weekend and see you soon.
FANNY MISLEJ – Muchos Thank You Fanny. We are all excited here at carnival to visit your beautiful country. See you soon.
CLIFF BAKE – Thanks Cliff and great to hear from you. Your kind comments are rejuvenating and uplifting. Thank mate.
BARBARA – Congratulations on booking what I am sure will be 14 unforgettable days onboard the Queen Victoria. I will be visiting the ship again soon and hope you will stop by the blog every now and then to see what is happening. My best to you and your friend………..who shall remain nameless……….are they on the witness protection program?
CHUCK WEBER – You are correct, there is still much work to be done onboard the Queen Victoria but she will be ready to sail and ready for inspection in San Francisco. I wish I could see her sail into the harbour there, that must be quite a sight. Hope you are well Chuck and thank you for reading the blog thingy.
RITA – Welcome to my blog Rita and how wonderful that you discovered the blog through the press release about the Queen Victoria review and also that you sailed with me on the inaugural cruise of the Carnival Liberty to the Mediterranean. You and I share a dream……no, not owning and Aston Martin or of Angelina Jolie wearing a nurses uniform………..sorry……..had one of my funny turns then…………I meant the dream of sailing around the world. It looks like your dream may come true and the Queen Victoria will be the perfect liner to make your dreams come true. In the meantime, how about sailing on the Carnival Splendor next year and joining me as we sail the beautiful Baltic. If you need any further information on that I will be here for you and I am glad you have discovered my blog thingy. Welcome Home.
MICHELLE – What a beautiful posting and thank you sincerely for writing about your Mum and her adventures on the original Queen Mary. It was truly uplifting to see the Carnival Freedom and the Emerald Princess from the deck of the new Queen Victoria and it was a tribute to the continuing success for Carnival Corporation. I hope your next cruise brings you many memories and maybe one day I will be lucky enough to say welcome aboard to you on one of our fun ships. Until then, I truly hope you will keep reading the blog.
KENNETH KANE – It sounds like Cunard should hire us to both hum Rule Britannia as the Queen Victoria is launched. How fortunate you are to have sailed on the Queen Mary and enjoy world cruises and Transatlantic crossings…………you must have so many amazing and everlasting memories. I thank you sincerely for the kind words and I know with out fear of being wrong that the Queen Victoria will supply you and thousands of others with many new and precious memories. Cheers mate.
MARY – hello Mary and welcome back from cruising the transatlantic on the Queen Mary 2 Mary. Mary, it sounds like the Queen Mary gave you a brilliant vacation and thank you for saying how wonderful the staff were Mary on the Queen Mary. I think Mary that the Queen Victoria will be as exciting as The Queen Mary 2 and will provide you with another brilliant cruise vacation Mary. Thank you for reading the blog Mary and thank you for sharing the memories of your Queen Mary 2 cruise and allowing me to be the first blogger ever to write the word Mary 14 times in one posting……….thank you Mary….16.
PATRICIA CONNERY KOKO – Firstly may I say thank you for taking the time to write the message you posted and how wonderful to read about your father and grandfather who were loyal Cunarders. This is another example of the loyalty and family feel that can only come with a company with the pedigree of Cunard.You asked why they don’t build smaller ships and I am sorry that I cannot answer for Cunard but I can give you my opinion based on 20 years at sea. The Queen Victoria will have 2200 guests onboard and from visiting her last week I know that it will never feel like there are that many people there. The public spaces are so well designed and so vast that you will at time wonder where everyone is. You also seemed concerned that disembarking that amount of people in the ports of call will be difficult and I can assure you and promise you that is far from the case. I have weekly experience in the smooth disembarking of 3500 people and these days the ships, the ports and most importantly the crew and staff are experts in making this happen………….I know we don’t know each other but why not tell me all your concerns, let me see if I can help you and then, just maybe, I can try and gently persuade you to follow in your father’s and grandfather’s footsteps or seasteps and take a cruise…………..what do you say?
D.A. KINNEY – Another great posting and more stories to treasure from your cruise on the Queen of Bermuda. I am really happy to hear you are taking your first Carnival cruise and maybe I can help answer any questions you may have. What ship are you sailing on mate? I love Andy Capp by the way and always used to read it in the Daily Express……..or was it the Daily Mail? Nowadays, I read the Guardian………..with a copy of the Sun hidden inside. Hope to hear from you soon and all the best.
JELLYBEE – Are you a sugar free jellybee? I hope so and if you are you are ” the wind beneath my wings “………please refer to previous blogs.
Congratulations on booking the Queen Victoria from Singapore to Southampton………a trip of a lifetime I am sure. I see you have sailed on 29 cruises, have you ever sailed on a Carnival ship? I do hope you will keep reading the blog.
ALICE – May I start by offering my deepest sympathies at the loss of your husband last year. I know we have never met but I assure you that tonight, you will be in my thoughts. You say you want to start a new life and start living again………then……lets take a cruise………lets meet new friends……….see new places and all the while knowing your husband would be happy to see you living your life again on the ocean waves. Tell you what, why not read this blog thingy of mine every now and then. Listen to other peoples experiences and also enjoy the fun and laughter we all share together………….I hope this is the start of a internet thingy friendship Alice and I wish you much hapiness in the future.
PHIL – Sorry I spelt Royal Doulton wrong……….i guess that is what comes from drinking out of a mug all these years. Thank you for the kind words about the blog and yes, the spiral staircase is indeed very striking as of course is the two level library. You and many others cannot wait to sail on her……….me included. I hope you will take the time to read the blog and please let me know if I spall anithing elles rong:)
DARRELL WEBSTER RUMSEY – Please, no need to thank me. It was a real privilege to write about this ship especially as in no way, shape or form am I a travel writer…………I just wrote what I thought and if it did indeed get you more excited about your forthcoming cruise then I am a very happy man tonight. I wish you Bon Voyage and maybe you can check in on this blog thingy of mine now and then and if I can help in anyway, please let me know.
GILAU – I certainly hope you have fairer seas for your inaugural crossing on the Queen Victoria then the seas you so expertly described on the Queen Elizabeth 2nd. One thing is for sure, today’s vessels are bristling with equipment and safety has never been more paramount then it is today………….there has never been a better time to cruise. I hope that you and other Cunarders will take the time to share your forthcoming experiences with all of us here as we will share our fun and exciting Carnival adventures. Thank you again for sharing your story with us and I wish you and your family well.
GEORGE MITCHELL – What stories, what adventures, what memories you could share……….you were a bellboy in the 1950’s………..would it be to forward of me to ask you to answer a few questions for this humble blog thingy of mine. If you agree, please just post a message maorked PRIVATE and it will be sent straight to me and we can chat. Many thanks in advance.
PETE BUCKY – You asked if my spelling of Leonard De Crapio’s last name was deliberate…………….guilty.
SHIRLEY AYRES – My apologies for the over use of pronouns. My father, who is a retired teacher would agree with you. My problem is that this blog is written as I go along and not edited…………..I hope it is a true representation of my personality.
Thank you so much for saying how much you enjoyed the blog about the Queen Victoria and that you felt that you were along with me…………..you made me very happy tonight………….both me and Heidi:) I truly hope you will continue to read the blog.
MARK GARMAISE – You asked for the square footage of the Queens Room Dance Floor. I don’t know mate but I know someone who will be able to find out. Please allow me 24 hours and I will post the answer for you. CALLING PA 007.
LANCE W. SAILORS – I am sorry you could not book the Queen Victoria for 2008………is it sold out already? I am glad though that you found the blog thingy and if you check this address out every day you will see a new posting everyday with my new adventures at sea.
PETER MAZZEI – I am glad my thingy got you excited………..opps…….lets try that again…………I am glad my blog thingy got you excited about your Queen Victoria cruise…………..you are welcome and many thanks.
DONA CHETELAT – You obviously have cruising running through your vains like everyone on this blog. It is great to read and I wish you happy voyages ahead. I hope I am honoured to sail with you soon.
That’s all the time I have for the Q and A today…………..more will follow.
Now, let’s chat about something near and dear to me. Carnival has just started a new program in the support of a cure for Breast Cancer.
We are very pleased to announce the roll out plans for the “On Deck for the Cure” program. This shipboard fundraising program is in partnership with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation and offers our guests the opportunity to provide a $10 donation and join a group walk (one- kilometer) out on deck. Each participant receives an “On Deck for the Cure” t-shirt and pink embossed wrist band.
I hope to make this an event that everyone participates in, as it was expanded from a pilot program to the majority of the ships sailing 7 days or longer and the Elation out of San Diego, and here on the Carnival Freedom I intend to make it the event of the cruise…………………………..I hope you will all join in.
I just returned from our Beatles tribute show ‘Ticket To Ride’. It never ceases to amaze me when 1800 people stand and sing Hey Jude with the cast………it is truly Inspirational and shows yet again that Carnival shows are simply the best and I am proud to be associated with them.
As we all know it has been a tough few days for the people of the Caribbean and Mexico with the havoc caused by Hurricane Dean. In many cases ships have been diverted to different ports for the safety of guests and crew and the ship itself. I wanted to show you this e mail I received from my friend Al Ersnst who is Carnival’s 424th best comedian……he is actually the best but don’t tell him that. Here is his report from the Carnival Ecstasy.
Hello All Wildly Popular Blogger Readers of the Legendary John Heald.
I know you tune in daily to what can be called the “highly interesting” life of one Cruise Director on one ship sailing the European theatre.
However, I have been a long time “Fly-on” Entertainer for Carnival Cruise Lines…and am in fact on my way off the Ecstasy… What a week it has been. I met the ship in Galveston, TX and with that faced down a Category 5 Hurricane Dean heading directly where we intended to go…the Yucatan.
How it turned out was so interesting…All of the 20+ ships in the fleet use “fly-on” Entertainers. Meaning that we fly to a port, join the ship for not usually over 2 or 3 days, do the show, and leave in the blink of an eye. My schedule called for me to get off the ship in Cozumel . I figured when I got on we had less than a 50 -50 shot at going that way…but had no idea where we would end up if anywhere…
As expected, we did divert from our first stop in Progresso, but with all the confidence in the world still planned to call on Cozumel. After twelve years of these adventures, I was stunned that we where still going, and thought this may turn into a five day “cruise to nowhere”
. But the Hurricane blinked when faced with the 3000 person Ecstasy ship.
The direct eye of the hurricane missed Cozumel, but I was still sure the outer bands of this massive storm would certainly bring some real damage to the little island. When we got the news that the Pier stayed in tact through the storm…the Captain announced we where going…I was still convinced we would then be having tours with helmets on, and this would go from vacation to mission trip for our guests.
This morning when we arrived at 7am…it stood like nothing happened…all electric was on, phones worked, and not one piece of house or tree in the street, Not 48 hours earlier, this area was in total lock-down. Carlos and Charlie’s opened at 9am, and by 9:01 the first of four billion blankets, puppets, flutes, and bracelets where being sold. Truly remarkable to the rebuilding process of this area since it was so messed up in 2005.
Let me also say the Captain kept us totally out of harms way, and announced that we where heading directly east until the storm passed. The Crew worked extra, the staff had extra activities and events for the second sea day.
Now, let me write about these guests. Usually, you get the angry horror story filled people who do not understand why we might alter our trip a bit. These people where GREAT. Very little grumbling, and they just took it as we should for all out lives…in stride
When faced with adversity…relax…as a person who has sailed multiple times on all 22 ships, I would recommend the Port of Galveston, and the Ecstasy.
Thanks Al. There will be a full interview with Al very soon.
Talking of interviews, next week one of the guest interviews will be with the Captain of the Queen Mary 2 Commodore Warner. This will be a huge privelege for me and I hope all of you as he invites us into his world.
Also, next week , look out for more special guests and much more fun and laughter.
I just wanted to say this also. Today we have had the welcomed the addition of thousands of Cunard’s loyal fans who have joined the blog and what an honour it is to have them read this humble blog thingy. You know, Carnival and Cunard ships and their guests are completely different but there is one thing we all have in common and that is a love of the sea and this wonderful industry which we all treasure.
Just before I say goodnight, its time to blow my own trumpet……….and I am not referring to the sugar free candy I have been eating………..Thanks to all the loyal Carnival bloggers and my new friends who joined us today this blog thingy is……………..well…………..see for yourself.
http://botd.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/top-blogs-488/
I couldn’t be happier………………………..unless I get that Aston Martin and Angelina Jolie is sitting on the hood wearing nothing but a…….
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
61 Comments
August 26th, 2007 at 1:27 am
John,
My deepest sympathy goes out to Brad and Chrissy – Cruisin4Fun. so sorry to hear about your dad.
I knew visiting your page 8000 times yesterday would help tomorrow I’ll try for 15,000 times. Ok i won’t I have to work maybe someone else will. Still looking forward to talking with you about operation going to sea. Still wondering when Heidi will grace all of us with another great blog, and a update on the boxers on the bathroom floor issues. Once again John you have gone out and reached many people in such a great way, I really hope Carnival appreciates all you do for them. Looking forward to getting to shake your hand and sip some tea with a handful of sugar free jelly beans with you and Heidi.
Best to all
Kevin
August 26th, 2007 at 2:46 am
John, What a great job you did writing about the Queen Victoria, and the pictures are fabulous! I’ve been on 40+ cruises and have always wanted to see a ship in the process of being built! Thank you!!! I’ve never been on Cunard, but am now looking forward to a cruise with them. You can picture the beauty of what it will be like, both from the pictures you took, and the telling of the story! By the way, where is the photo of you and Heidi when you first started dating? It didn’t appear in the blog. I enjoy all the photos you post of you and Heidi, but you need to stop cutting yourself down–you were then, and still are, a very handsome man. I’m sure that Heidi feels the same way. Well, we are going into “pack mode”. We got our travel documents today at a pre-cruise document party and fly out on Sept. 8th. The time has gone quickly, even considering that we booked this cruise over a year ago. See you in 2 weeks! Sheryl, aka, cruise queen
August 26th, 2007 at 4:15 am
Hi John-
We were waiting after the Q and A yesterday to meet you and Heidi but there sure were an amazing number of people with questions (I applaud your patience with several of them!). There seemed to be a rather large crowd of people waiting for you afterward too so we decided to cut you a break and leave you “alone”. Just know that we think you are great and appreciate all you do. Perhaps we’ll still get to meet you before we go!
August 26th, 2007 at 6:26 am
Hi John, I woke up really early and decided to see if there was a new blog and there was.
) It is still dark out. I have QVC on the television and a new blog. It doesn’t get any better than that. We are in full packing mode now. Getting ready for a trip is a pain in the neck. I am really looking forward to being on the plane and then being on the Carnival Freedom. See you Wednesday.
Where was the photo of you and Heidi? Did the scrapbooks arrive in Barcelona on time? When will the “On deck cure program” start? I hope Carnival will make it available to us bloggers. We have to stop this horrible disease.
Thanks again for all you do.
Jo
August 26th, 2007 at 8:21 am
John, first I would like to pass along my condolences to Brad and Chrissy on the passing of Chrissy’s father. God bless them and their entire family in this difficult time.
And for you, sir, mega bravos on the popularity of this blog thingy!! I looked at the website you provided the linky dink to and my goodness, there you were one mere step below CNN!! Fantastic, amazing and not too shabby. You do good work, my friend… very good work. Pass along my congrats to Roberto, as well, as I’m sure that his efforts have done much to enhance your thingy… uhhhh… BLOG thingy, that is…
Take care, get some rest and I’m looking forward to the next edition.
Regards,
Greg
August 26th, 2007 at 9:01 am
cruisin 4 fun
sorry about your dad,,,,,,we will be thinking about you,,,,,god bless
August 26th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Hello John and Heidi
John great job on the Queen Victoria blog it was ver interesting and great photos.
I am looking forwad to the interview with the Commodore.
The On the Deck Cure is a great idea and having known 2 women who have survived it is making
inroads to finding a cure.
We will be doing the walk on the Freedom in February and I urge all to join in
Thank you
Papanh
August 26th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Hi John, I have just finished reading in the Sunday papers about all the fires in Greece. They seem to be widespread. Some are even being blamed on arsons. How sad. Do you know if some of the areas we are visiting next week have been affected? Have you heard anything about the air quality? Do you think Carnival might change our itinerary? I have asthma and smoke really bothers my breathing. Please write about this.
Thanks,
Jo
August 26th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Ok I cant stand it anymore I have to talk or ill explode (not the way you do John but in other way
) I was trying to give you a break and I will continue to try and not talk too much.AYYYY John! In spanish we say Eramos muchos y pario la abuela (in english is something like We were many and then grandma gave birth) Sooooo many new people now reading the blog and Im happy for you but Im also worried because that means more work for you. Welcome to the family all Cunard fans! Yes, we are family and we share good and bad and John hears and is here for us all. Im very sorry about your loss Chrissy, you and your family will be in our prayers. John, another thing yesterday we send you send a package fill with love from the 4 of us and some other things that we thought you( no, no jelly beans) and Heidi will like. I cant wait for it to reach you so please tell me when it does ok??
I think your last name should be Zoloft, Paxil or Prozac ( you are the best antidepressant)!
Te queremos (we love you)
A big huggo
Nanette, Eugenio, Viviana y Cristian
August 26th, 2007 at 10:29 am
john i was so happy to hear of the breast cancer walk on carnival! you know i was diagnosed with it last week don’t you? i had surgery on thursday and am still (a little) hopeful that we will make our october 16th cruise. depends on the radiation and how long it will be. i should know next week. cross your fingers!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
August 26th, 2007 at 11:05 am
I am so sorry Chrissy about the unexpected loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God Bless you and be with you and your family at this time.
Southern Dreams, wish you the best in your recovery and hopeful that you will make your cruise in October. Will pray for a speedy recovery.
John, what would you recommend for a tour in Istanbul? I am torn between the tour on both land and sea and the one that you have lunch in at the Palace. Any guidance would be appreciated. Loved you picture when you and Heidi first started to date. Oh my husband was excited about the french maid but I vetoed that very fast. I told him that if he had a French maid that I was bringing all 6 kids with us. That stopped him fast in his tracks!
Only 27 days until our cruise! Cathy
August 26th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
John and Heidi, here is an interesting article that was in the Toronto Sun Newspaper by ROBIN ROBINSON, SUN MEDIA
this morning. I thought I would share it with you! Good job on the shore excursions! This is why us Torontonians love Carnival even our talented top brain surgeons LOL….
430 days and counting
LIVORNO, ITALY — Cruise experts know that planning is key to making the most of your time at sea and on land.
This is especially true when it comes to shore excursions.If you have your heart set on a particular land tour, it’s wise to book early to avoid disappointment if it sells out quickly.
But sometimes, a little serendipity can lead to a discovery you might not ordinarily make. That happened to me earlier this year during a Mediterranean cruise aboard Carnival’s new Freedom.
Sailing round-trip from Civitavecchia — the port for Rome — the 12 night Grand Mediterranean voyage on Carnival’s newest “fun ship” included eight fabulous ports of call — Naples, Venice, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Barcelona, Cannes and Livorno — from which passengers could explore some of the top sites of Italy, Spain, France and Croatia.
In the weeks leading up to the cruise, I pored over descriptions of shore excursions planning to cram in as much sightseeing as possible. I wanted to do it all but settled for doing as much as possible, which meant booking all-day tours in every port.
The early June weather — sunny days and temperatures hovering around 20 C — proved perfect for sightseeing.
My first seven ports included a walk among the ruins of Pompeii, shopping in Sorrento, a ferry ride to Capri, a gondola ride on the Venetian canals, a tour of glassblowing factories in Murano, a stroll across the ramparts of Dubrovnik, a trip up Barcelona’s Montserrat Mountain and sunny afternoons in Taoromina, Nice, Eze and Monaco.
With one port call to go before heading back to Rome, I realized there was an error on my shore excursion form for Livorno. Torn between touring Tuscany or visiting Florence, I had finally decided on Florence, its world renowned Uffizi Gallery, and the nearby Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Instead, I had checked the wrong box on the shore excursion form and signed up for a tour of Lerici and Portovenere. While most people have heard of the famous Cinque Terre region, these neighbouring towns along Italy’s Ligurian Coast were completely unknown to me.
Staff at the shore excursions desk were sympathetic. They offered to switch the tickets to any available tour. But the long-anticipated Florence-Uffizi-Pisa tour was booked solid and there was a long list of passengers waiting to frolic under the Tuscan sun, too.
Feeling slightly deflated over missing the treasures of the Uffizi, the next day I disembarked Freedom and joined other passengers on the bus for Lerici and Portovenere.
After rereading the tour description, I consoled myself with the fact the excursion seemed fairly leisurely, and at 7.5 hours there would still be plenty of time to start packing for the inevitable disembarkation looming on the horizon.
My expectations were low but, as it happened, I couldn’t have been more wrong about how the day would turn out.
En route to Lerici, our enthusiastic guide Elena Rotta taught us a few words of Italian, explained how the area is famous for its pesto sauce, and regaled us with jokes about Pisans. Her infectious good humour made the kilometres fly by, and by the time we did our “drive by” of the Leaning Tower of Pisa — the thin white column just barely visible from the highway — everyone on board was laughing.
Once in Lerici, we assembled at the dock to board a ferry for the short ride across the Bay of Poets to Portovenere. The many local families headed there and the hundreds of boats bobbing up and down along the shore — everything from small fishing boats to luxury yachts — were my first clue that while the area might be terra incognita to me, it wasn’t exactly an Italian backwater.
As the ferry neared Portovenere, we got our first glimpse of its small harbour lined with the tall, skinny medieval houses painted in tones of yellow, orange and red, which are typical of the Italian Riviera.
Another guide took us to the town gate, where she provided a short history of the community, which started life as a Roman fishing village, Portus Veneris. Dating back to the 1st century BC, it is believed a temple to Venus once occupied the rocky promontory where the medieval church of San Pietro now stands.
Over the years the community survived civil war, invasion, occupation and the plague. Today Portovenere and its islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the more famous Cinque Terre or “five villages” — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Linked by rugged coastal paths, Portovenere make a good base visiting this region.
We strolled through the narrow cobbled streets to the grey and white striped church of San Pietro and beyond to the castle, a remnant of the time when Portovenere was a colony of Genoa and had to protect itself from the Pisan settlement across the bay in Lerici.
Some members of our group went off to visit the church of San Lorenzo, which houses several important articfacts, but I opted for some low key browsing in the quaint shops — which sold everything from olive beauty products to local olive oil, pesto and unique pasta noodles such as red and white striped bowties.
I peeked at the cafe menus offering local seafood specialties and succumbed to the lure of a hazelnut gelato. One totally charming establishment — Fatti Una Pizza — even had curtains made of pasta. I picked up some souvenirs — books on the area, olive hand cream, olive soap and colourful aprons embellished with pesto recipes.
Soon it was time to return to Lerici for lunch at Castello San Giorgio, which overlooks the town and the harbour.
Our buffet meal — crusty Italian bread with light local olive oil, savoury salads, homemade pasta in pesto sauce and good Italian wine — was followed by the perfect end to a perfect day — espresso on the terrace and views of the Bay of Poets and the Apuan Alps.
Later, on the way back to the ship, I learned from my guidebooks that people have been discovering the charms of Lerici and Portovenere for centuries — including some famous people. Some have left their marks as well.
Most notable is the Bay of Poets named for Lord Byron, who lived in Portovenere in the 1800s, and writers Percy and Mary Shelley, who rented a home near Lerici. Local lore has it that Byron would recite poetry in the rocky cove now called Byron’s Cove and also swim across the bay to visit his friends and fellow writers.
While intitially disappointed to have missed Florence, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss these charming coastal gems. I’m sure the Uffizi and the Leaning Tower of Pisa will still be there when I return to Italy. And next time, I’ll try not to do a “drive by.”
August 26th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
John,
Thanks for the great review of the Queen Victoria. I do not think anyone means any disrespect or lack of appreciation if they call her the QV – its sort of the ‘house style’ ever since the ‘Queen Elizabeth 2′ became short handed to ‘QE2′ – which is how nearly everyone refers to her. Of course how the QE2 got her name – and whether she’s named after the first ship (which is what Cunard now says) or after the monarch (which is what HM QEII said on the day) is a whole other story! Has your inside mole heard anything about another Cunard Queen, now the QE2 is leaving the fleet?
Happy sailing!
August 26th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Not sure if you got this:
Dear Heidi and John,
We will be sailing with you on Oct. 4th and looking forward to it tremendously. This will be our 2nd Carnival cruise. For our first we were on the Fascination for 3 nights to see if we like cruising — and we loved it!
I would like to make 8:00 PM reservations for us and our friends Bill and Bonnie Fox for the Supper Club. I don’t want it on the same night as the Formal Nights. I would prefer it to be on Oct. 12th as this is Paul’s 70th birthday. (I was 13 when I met him when I “crashed” his 17th; we’ve been married 47 years!) I see the 12th is a day at sea so I am not sure if that is also a formal night. I hope you can help.
I was so delighted to see that Carnival is taking an active role in fighting Cancer. Please sign Paul and I up for your walk on the Freedom! Paul is an eleven year prostate cancer survivor. We take a very active role in raising funds for cancer research and education by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life — an 18 hour event (though we are usually up 36 hours from start to finish). This year our 15 member team – Team Zuper Zatz – raised more than $42,000! (You do get a yearly PSA and Heidi a PAP test and Mammography, don’t you?) It was with early detection that Paul’s cancer was diagnosed and successfully treated.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog (the only one I have ever read). You have enlightened me and brought tears to my eyes both with some of your hilarious anecdotes and also some very moving stories.
We truly look forward to meeting you both in person.
Laura and Paul Zatz
PS Also check this hoax site RE: Mars
http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp
August 26th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
First off, Bonnie (SoutherDreams) you are you my prayers for a quick recovery, and I hope you get to go on your cruise in October, I am sure I speak for all us bloggers who are now family! John, LOVED the picture of you and Heidi, wow, you still had the dark hair when you 2 started dating, didn’t realize you knew eachother that long before you got married! Also, John I have 4 grandchildren (all boys)! My son has 2 boys (2 years and the other will be 1 year in Sept.), my daughter has a 5 year old boy and the baby who will be baptised next week. Well, hope you and Heidi are having a lovely weekend, what a treat to have a blog over the weekend from you, thanks Roberto for all your hard work too! And to Heidi, it’s time for a Special Blog from you too! Can’t wait to see you both the week of Thanksgiving! Linda & Mike (the handy person)!
August 26th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Good afternoon Mr. Heald. The title of your blog today, ” We Are Family ” tells everyone what your blog is really all about. I feel as if we are a family. My condolences to Brad and Chrissy -Cruisin4Fun of the loss of their father. I’m 57 years of age so I know how my children wwould feel if I left this world so soon. I know I would definitely miss my grandaughter especially. Thank you fir the note on
Doctor Ken Mohammed . I agree with him that it is great to allow the everyday people to show their abilities and some of them are amazing. Thank you again for the photo of you and Heidi when you were dating. The both of you were fantastic especially Heidi. You got lucky my friend and I would say she was too. When will we read a new blog from Heidi? It’s not that we don’t like you, but hers come from another perpective. Just to let you know, After two more tests, I will know the results from them but I have to wait till October 3rd. As each day passes, it means the closer to my cruise. My enthusiasm gets stronger as each day passes. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
August 26th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
John and Heidi, greetings from a long time reader and first time “commenter”. I sailed most recently on the Liberty, last fall on the TA. Remember that one???? I have never heard so much toilet talk in all of my life. I try to read the blog thingy every day and enjoy tales from seas. You are doing a great job with it. I hope that we can take a cruise vacation soon.
Suzanne Phelps
August 26th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
First, John would you extend this to our Cruisin4fun blogger friends:
My deepest thoughts to you Chrissy on the loss of your Dad and to Brad , my heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your father-in -law.
Our family here in Georgia and the many bloggers have you on our minds and will lift you up as we can. .
John, loved the Cunard blog and the pictures. you look good by the way) and as always. Too punny!
August 26th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
First for Chrissy and Brad, (Cruisin4fun) as part of your Blogger family we wish you our heartfelt prayers and are sorrowful that this precious gift has left your lives on earth. He will always be with you and the days ahead will convince you of that. His spirit will no doubt follow you now strongly when you again can relax on vacation and cruise the seas 4 fun ….Until then, stay strong and let the freinds and family lift you up.
For John: Cunard is going to love you as we do. Thanks for the pictures of the Queen. she is beautiful.
also, you are very punny!
August 26th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Nanette, I knew you couldn’t stay quiet!
¡Venga la vela que el Blogger va!
(Come sail the Blogger’s cruise) is that right, Nannetalia?
August 26th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
John,
Would not want you to miss informing your shipmates about the Eclipse of the Moon on Aug 28th.
Check out this site for the details
See you Wed.
Dave (Jo and Dave)
http://reference.aol.com/space/skyandtelescope/_a/a-lunar-eclipse-in-the-dawn/20070814131109990001?ncid=AOLRNL00140000000006
August 26th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Private
John the article below was in this mornings Sunday Newark NJ Star Ledger with several pretty bad looking photos. I could not send the photos.
I am wondering about the ship going to the port.
It appears Greece declared a state of emergency in this part of the country.
Will the ship go to another port because of the hazards to tourists both from the fires and health due to the smoke?
Dave (Jo and Dave)
Here is the article……………
Forest fires kill 17 in southern Greece
8/24/2007, 7:16 p.m. EDT
By ELENA BECATOROS
The Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Forest fires raced across southern Greece on Friday, sweeping into mountainous towns and villages and killing at least 17 people, two found locked in an embrace and others outside cars overtaken by the flames.
Hot, dry winds gusting to gale force prevented firefighting planes from taking off, leaving only ground forces to fight the flames in the southern Peloponnese, occasionally helped by helicopters and residents using their garden hoses. Many people were feared trapped in villages.
Andonis Krespis, deputy mayor of the town of Zaharo, said he and others tried to flee the flames through a field, some abandoning their cars to run on foot. He escaped with burns on his face, but at least 10 people, including three firefighters, died near the western Peloponnese town, fire department spokesman Nikos Diamandis said. All were found near or in their vehicles. “I counted about seven people dead,” Krespis told Alter television from his hospital bed.
Another person was found dead between two villages in the area, and an unknown number of civilians and firefighters were injured, Diamandis said.
The town’s mayor, Pantazis Chronopoulos, said he also barely escaped the blaze and feared the death toll could rise.
A three-day heat wave, with temperatures up to 104 degrees, has left forests and scrubland parched on the peninsula divided from the Greek mainland by a narrow isthmus.
The government appealed to European Union countries to “send any help they can,” acting Interior Minister Spyros Flogaitis said after an emergency meeting of Greece’s civil protection authority.
Residents called television stations and pleaded for help. One woman said she was among about 20 people, including children, trapped in the village of Rodina.
“We can see the fire in front of us. It’s at our feet,” the woman, who did not give her name, told private Antenna television by phone. “We’re choking on the smoke.”
Ambulances struggled to reach the area, where television footage showed flames towering above homes and turning the night sky orange.
Dozens of soldiers were helping the firefighters, and the military was sending 500 more troops and several helicopters at first light on Saturday, Diamandis said. At least five villages were evacuated.
“Our efforts are now focusing on saving human lives wherever there are people trapped, and on limiting the fronts,” Diamandis said, adding that four villages were in particular danger.
In the rugged mountains of the southern Peloponnese, three major fires continued burning out of control on Friday evening: one near Areopolis, one on Mount Taigetos and another on Mount Parnonas to the east. Authorities declared a state of emergency in two areas.
Major roads, including the highway between Sparta and the town of Kalamata in the south, were closed. Local television footage showed residents with garden hoses joining firefighters to battle the flames.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who faces early elections in three weeks’ time, visited Zaharo. “We are living through an unspeakable tragedy today,” he said.
The fires damaged four power lines, leading to blackouts across the south, the power company said. On Taigetos, where the fire broke out on Thursday afternoon, two firefighting planes in the area were unable to take off for most of Friday because of winds gusting near 40 mph. Three water-dropping helicopters managed to fly only occasionally.
_
Associated Press writer Nicholas Paphitis in Athens contributed to this report
August 26th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Cruisin4Fun, Brad and Chrissy, our prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
John, yes John as you say “We Are Family” in more ways then one everyday in this thingy as you call it. I would also like to welcome the CUNARD cruising family into our blog family. John YOUR blogger family told you what we thought of your post “An Afternoon With The Queen”. We told you how we could see the Queen Victoria in your words. How your post was every bit as good or better then a travel reporter. BUT! that’s nothing compared to the HONOUR (your way) CUNARD just paid you by taking YOUR words to give their WORLD CLUB MEMBERS “A SNEAK PREVIEW OF CUNARD’S NEWEST LINER”, the Queen Victoria, and then give a link to your blog to its CLUB MEMBERS. 8000 have already slapped on your thingy. I’m sure they have a well paid staffed PR department but they choose to use YOUR words instead. Maybe CUNARD will give you that ASTON MARTIN. Bravo John well done.
To our new CUNARD family if you like what you see here, as we do, help us get John the award John so greatly deserves, Cruise employee of the year. You can place your vote here;
http://www.cruise-community.com/insider_cruise_awards/Vote_form.html
“BIG” ED
August 26th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
John, I now make notes as I read your blog thingy so I can remember what I want to write at the end……LOL
Brad & Chrissy – my condolences on the loss of your father, Chrissy
Welcome to the Cunard cruisers – you will so enjoy reading John’s blog thingy everyday and will become addicted to it like the rest of us.
I grew up in Toronto but now live just outside of it. Toronto has world class hospitals there and the fact that a doctor of his calibre took a Carnival cruise shows that Carnival is for everyone regardless of stature and income. Whenever I tell people that I’ve been on or going on a Carnival cruise, they say “Oh, I hear they are a party ship”. That’s why I keep coming back and will be on my 4th cruise next year I hope. My sister, who has been on a Carnival cruise (and John, it turns out, my sis and family were on one of yours……lucky her I said) has been trying to get me to try another cruiseline. But I said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I love Carnival and that’s why I will keep coming every year that I can.
I love the talent shows and have been amazed at everyone of them how talented people are. Please keep them in the shows……we don’t have to see professionals every night.
I loved the photo of you and Heidi…..you are still a very handsome man.
Bonnie, I’m sorry about your cancer diagnosis and hope that your treatment goes well and you can still go on your cruise in October. God Bless.
Roberto – thank you so much for all you do to help John with the blog thingy.
I also would like Heidi to post again and soon.
Hope you are also having a great weekend, John and Heidi.
Cindy
August 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
I just got home from taking my kids out to the beach for the weekend and was delighted to find 2 more blog thingies! You had me cracking up with the punny blog and I’m not going to let Geoff read it because he’s just really bad about them! John, I’m soooooo glad to hear about the Brest Cancer fundraising program. My Mom is a 14 year survivor and I feel so blessed. I’ve lost an Aunt and am losing a cousin right now that started with Brest Cancer and now it has moved all over her body. Southern Dreams, you will stay in my prayers and I wish you all the best. Also Chrissy and Brad my deepest sympathies are with you. I lost my Dad 3 years ago so I do know how you’re feeling. You too are in my prayers. John, I loved the title of the blog today. Even though I’ve never met anyone from this blog, I do feel like you are all a part of my family. I hope to meet some of you on a bloggers cruise. I couldn’t see the pictures of the Queen Victoria but John your writing gave me some wonderful mental pictures. Well, it sounds like a thunderstorm may be coming up so I’d better get my puppy dogs out 1 more time. Love and hugs to you and Heidi.
Leasa
August 26th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
First I want to say our prayers are with the couple that had to leave the cruise early.
Second I would like to say that we know how hard Carnival works to keep us “cruisers” safe as we have been on board when there has been hurricanes and they went around, under, over or what ever it took. We have sailed on over 15 ALL on Carnival and won’t take a different line.
Flat Joey says hi and he misses dancing on you desk top.
Only 346 days till we see you again in England on the Splindor. Will there be the walk for Breast Cancer on that cruise? I sure hope so.
August 26th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Fire in Greece..
Just read where the fire has reached the edge of Olympia! We had such a wonderful time there. Never knew how large the site was. So much to take in, like a mini Greek Pompeii !
The article said so far the Museum and the ancient monuments were not affected. Several trees have gone up however. Let’s hope it stays that way.
We are saddened for the loss of so many lives. We really enjoyed our brief stay at Katakolon as well !
Kathy and Paul
August 26th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Hey John,
It looks like we have the official word on the itinereary for the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Glory. It will be Key West, Cozumel, Progreso, and Nassau. We just want you to know that we are not upset about the change. We knew when we booked in the heart of hurricane season that this could happen. We were just in the middle of getting conflicting information, and having to try to make plans and contacts in another country. I am sure you know h0w this can be. Irregardless, we art still looking forward to leaving in two weeks, and it looks like there are some things in Progreso that we are looking forward to. We are still going to have a great vacation, and are not going to let a little bump like this ruin it for us.
Till next time
Kevin
August 26th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
John–
I hope you see this in time. Please don’t make an announcement about “two moons” tomorrow, and take back any messages to the other ships in the fleet. As I told you in my post a few days back (and you promised you wouldn’t make an announcement without checking it out), the story about Mars appearing like “a 2nd moon” is an old e-mail hoax. You can find the whole story of how it got started on snopes.com. I’m afraid you need to fire your “official astronomers.”
August 26th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Hello John,
Thanks for answering mate.Also i meant when haden’t received a supper club confirmation it wasn’t through you, i did the link on your blog.
Thanks mate
Anyways Could you make a reservation for 2
For evening of Dec.4,2007 7:00 PM ?Passenger name:
Matt Edmunds, Sail date 12/1/07 .I do not have a cabin yet as i’m a TBA,If you need my booking number would be more than glad to give that to you, if you tell me how too!!!
Untill we see eachother again in 96 days,14 hours,18 mins,43 secs.
Thanks mate and take care!!
Matt
August 26th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Our prayers go out to Cruisin4Fun….and also southerndreams.
John….Larry says I already asked you this, but I honestly don’t remember. (Give me a break, I’m both blonde AND a senior, so once in a while I have a senior-blonde moment and go completely blank) I know the Carnival Splendor will be doing the Baltic itinerary during it’s inaugural season in 2008, but will it (or another Carnival ship) be taking on that itinerary in 2009? Although Larry & I both want to experience that itinerary, we don’t think we’ll be able to manage 2008….but 2009 is a distinct possibility.
August 26th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Brad and Chrissy – the condolences of the Mrs. & I. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.
Bonnie – our thoughts & prayers are with you, as well.
John – As Paul stated, the title of your blog today (“We are Family”) truly does express the community that is this blog. We each feel other’s pain and sorrow, as well as celebrate each others fortunes.
Best to all.
August 26th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Hi, John.
I try not to comment too often, but sometimes I can’t help myself.
In your Q&A response to Lance and Ilda, you mentioned the possibility of using the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” in a wedding. Here’s a true story. My husband was telling a friend that we used a Queen song at our wedding. The friend asked, “Which one? ‘Another One Bites the Dust?’ ”
We don’t see that person anymore.
Pat
August 26th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
John I have been reading about the fires in Greece
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070826/ap_on_re_eu/greece_fires
It says It threatening Olympia and also the temple of Apollo. What do you know about it? Whats the ship going to do? I been there and I cant think of fires destroying a place with such history.
August 26th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad and Chrissy-Cruisin4Fun on the loss of one of their parents. Susan’s parents are in their 80’s and we worry about them constantly. My folks have already passed and all I can say is that I would give everything for 30 minutes with each. It should remind all of us to talk with those we hold close regularly and always express to them our feelings of love. Before parting I always tell my wife, four kids, and five grandchildren that I love them dearly.
By the way, Susan and I met Peter Max yesterday at a gallery in Dallas. How about having him do the paint scheme for one of your ships? You are the fun ships!!!!!
Thanks for doing the blog! We read everyday and cannot wait to meet you in person someday.
John & Susan from Frisco
August 26th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Hugs to Brad and Chrissy along with thoughts and prayers. Hope you find peace in fond memories of your father.
August 26th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Hi John!
First of all our sympathies go out to cruisin4fun on the loss of Chrissy’s Father. We will keep her and Brad in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for them.
Also, to Southerndreams…. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as well. Hoping for good news for you and that you can make your cruise!
Great idea promoting the On Deck for a Cure! Great way to raise money for breast cancer awareness. I’m glad to hear that Carnival is helping the Susan G. Komen foundation in this way.
And, John congratulations on #3… Maybe between all of us tomorrow we can make that extra 15,000 slaps so Kevin doesn’t have to do it on his own!
Today, John, we went to Madison, WI and stopped to do some shopping. Guess what we found at the World Market? Spotted Dick…. and it’s WONDERFUL!!!! Please…. send Mum’s recipe!
Lastly…. as promised another care package of Jetpack fuel went out on Friday, the 24th. There is an extra surprise in there for you and something for Heidi.
Take care!!!
August 26th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
My prayers and thoughts are with Brad and Chrissy on the unexpected passing of Chrissy’s father.
August 26th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
FOR JOHN. PLEASE DO NOT POST ON THE BLOG.
_______________________________
Hi John. I sent you a private note several days ago, but it looks like it still says: waiting for moderation somewhere within the blog, where my note to you should be. did you get my note? we are leaving from NY on the 28th to join you on the 29th sailing, and i wanted to see if you can help me with some info. My e mail is: amazingbargains@aol.com. I hope you got my original note, and its simply sitting somewhere (it was a ratehr long one). Thanx in advance. Leo
August 26th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
In his youth, John had black hair
Today he rarely needs a barber chair
In his youth, he had the look of a millionaire
Today he has the shape of a ripened pear
In his youth, into John’s eyes Heidi would stare
Today his briefs on the floor she can only swear
In his youth, John’s chest he would bare
Today he refuses, too many kids to scare
In his youth, John would walk with flair
Today he strolls by, passing gaseous air
In his youth, the ladies would stare
Today they only think he smells like Pierre!
August 26th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
G’day, John. Loving the blog thingy – it goes a long way to brightening up an otherwise dull lunchtime here at the desk and makes me feel like I’m just a mouseclick away from all the wonderful people we meet cruising.
I understand you’re taking over as CD on the Splendor in 2008? If so, we look forward to saying “hi” in person, as we’re back-to-backing the Baltic cruise with the repositioning cruise to Rome. 24 days on an as-new Carnival ship? It gets no better… See you in 53 Saturdays
Cheers,
Mal
August 27th, 2007 at 1:09 am
First to Brad and Chrissy,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. All your blogger friends are sending prayers to you and your families. I hope you find comfort with all our prayers for you.
now…
Hi John,
Mr. Cheap has a question for you. He wants to know if Carnival ever has done a “Kid Free” cruise. Not that he doesn’t like kids, but we have 3 of our own and there is a reason they have never been on a cruise…(besides him being cheap).
Now, Mr. Cheap doesn’t seem to mind what I have bought for Hedi in beauty cream. He thinks she is very pretty and could have done much better….LOL….have you ever had IBC Root Beer? It’s really good and I was thinking of bringing you some with some jelly beans.
Another question, I think it’s wonderful what you and Carnival is doing for breast cancer. I lost both my grandma’s to breast cancer. You talked about a walk and paying $10. Can I join in, pay my $10, but do it in my wheelchair? I can walk…just not very far. And I really want to join in.
OK, my daughter has a list of about 15 different things to do with a group of teens. Do you want them all at once or one at a time?
Hey John, thanks for this blog thingy I enjoy everynight. Congradulations on being number 3!!!!! It won’t be long before you are where you should be…..number 1!!!!!!!!
Still waiting for Hedi’s blog.
Take care
August 27th, 2007 at 1:31 am
Hello John…
I’ve been following the Greece/Athens fires…the loss of life is is just horrible. I also read something about Olympia being threatened…is it really that close to our wonderful friends in Katakolon?
Manuel
August 27th, 2007 at 6:46 am
To Kathie:
an accomplishment LOL Muy bien Kathie! not quite but close, sometimes in spanish a word has many meanings(vela is the cloth on sailing ships(veleros). Venga a navegar en el bloggers cruise.I wish I could go to be with my family of bloggers!!! but……Thanks for trying my friend!!
No I couldnt, but I didnt reply to more than 7 blogs
August 27th, 2007 at 7:47 am
Good morning John & Heidi,
I’m now caught up on the weekend’s blogs. John, you’re becoming so famous all over the world because of this blog thingy. I feel so honored to be a part of it from the beginning. Great jokes – I love puns & dry humor – and not to worry, my computer is completely dry. I now drink my coffee with the lid on and use one of those straw stirrers. And I put paper towels all over my desk – so keep the jokes coming.
Great picture of you and Heidi – what a handsome couple you are.
Do you have a supply of that tea you like – what is it called PG Tips or something similar? I’ve seen it in a catalog here.
Jo Myerly asked the questions I had about the fires in Greece and how it will affect the Freedom. And Dave mentioned the lunar eclipse – tomorrow – visible at 5:00 a.m. in NYC.
Last night I saw the very end of a PBS program on a cruise taken by a large Irish group. They were on a Costa ship in the Caribbean, and showed many activities on board & some entertainment. One of the guests was that wonderful Irish tenor Ronan Tynan – he also performed. But he gave an informal interview about the cruise. I’ll paraphrase some of what he said (I didn’t have pen or paper handy or I would have been able to take his words down – yes, I can take dictation). He was very emphatic when he said the cruise was absolutely the perfect vacation for everyone – from kids to adults, you can do whatever you want, the food, the entertainment, the activities – just fantastic. He may have been praising Costa, but that sentiment goes for the rest of the Carnival family too. Maybe someone can take his sound bytes for a commercial – he said he’s going to be on next year’s planned cruise too. What an endorsement.
And, yes John, as soon as I can get my neighbor I will ask her about her reluctance to cruise Carnival. Since she’s retired, I don’t see her as much. If she still won’t consider it, I’ll send my cats to meow at her door.
And, I guess lastly, when Kevin mentioned watching the ships from the Verrazano bridge, I remembered when I was a child, my parents & I would go to Battery Park on Sundays and watch the ocean liners leave NY, one after the other. That was a sight.
Regards to both of you,
Carol
August 27th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Hi John,
Arrived in Venice yesterday and there is a Black DB9 on the docks, is that yours or have we just spoilt a surprise? We’re heading back to Rome tomorrow, and looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
Deb and Brad
August 27th, 2007 at 8:49 am
My heart goes out to Brad & Chrissy in their time of sorrow. Please stay strong, we are thinking of you.
John – congrats on being number 3 blog! What an accomplishment! Still waiting on Heidi’s blog… Is the Walk for Cure going to be on Valor in April? We would like to participate…
Welcome to John’s Blog thingy Cunard family!
August 27th, 2007 at 10:38 am
John,
I will humbly resign as official astonomer…. I got the information from a friend I thought I could trust…. My apologies for not checking on the information further myself.
August 27th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Brad and Chrissy – Cruisin4Fun
Just wanted to send a million hugs your way, Carla
August 27th, 2007 at 10:59 am
jtoddinman
OH that’s a winner
John, if CARNIVAL would send out an e-mail like CUNARD did to all it’s e-mails on hand you would get another bunch of new slaps. We only found you be going to the CARNIVAL web site. CARNIVAL didn’t ever send out a e-mail saying to go look at your blog like CUNARD did. They could also tell all to go vote for you also at;
http://www.cruise-community.com/insider_cruise_awards/Vote_form.html
“BIG” ED
August 27th, 2007 at 11:47 am
My condolences to Brad and Christy. I will be thinking of you as you are going through this difficult time.
Also thinking of you SouthernDreams, and here’s hoping that your surgery was a 100% success.
Congrats on getting Cunard to take notice of your wonderful praises. At this rate, you’ll be over 600K slaps by the end of the week.
Nice picture of you and Heidi when you first started dating. I’m sure she’s enjoying these trips down memory lane.
I hope this blog finds everyone safe and far away from fires, dangers, heat, etc.
Thinking of everyone from warm Dallas, TX…
Have a good day..
David
August 27th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Hi John,
I tried the scones – yummy. While I have some left, most went straight to my waistline. Thank you.
I decided to split the difference on the milk and started with 9oz and decided that wasn’t quite enough, so probably did end up with about 10oz.
On Majahual/Costa Maya there are some grass roots efforts that are trying to make a difference. Hopefully the national and international organizations will make it soon.
I put together a web page with some pictures I took (took from the Internet, that is).
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_07/CM/dean.htm
Looks like my Fantasy cruise will be going to Progreso instead of Costa Maya, but that’s ok. More research to do. Only 7 days now, and cabin is still TBA.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Hi John,
I have been reading your blog for several months now and really love it! I am finally posting a comment (hope this works) because I want to thank you for making our Supper Club reservation for my family last week on the Carnival Miracle. (This new link on your blog thingy is quite convenient and easy to use!) THANKS SO MUCH!!!
I celebrated my birthday onboard, and had a wonderful day. I awoke late, had a massage, spent the day enjoying the onboard activities (my husband was dressed up as a woman for the “In the Bag” game – wish I had blackmail photos from that one!), and we all had a FANTASTIC dinner at Nick & Nora’s. The food was out of this world, and we ate, drank, and danced as the sun set outside the window by our table. We ended the day early, but not before seeing the “Ticket to Ride” show – WOW! It was truly a memorable, and perfect, birthday.
One other comment I have about the cruise – and it’s not about the staff, but the guests. I hate to end this post on a sour note, but I have to mention how dissapointed I am when I see how the guests can treat the staff. The waiters, bartenders, etc. deal with so many people week to week, and I’m sure I only saw a small sampling of the “stuff” they have to endure. I hope they realize that they are doing a fantastic job, and so many of us do appreciate what they do and how hard they work. Hopefully, those rude guests will some day realize that whether you are on vacation, or just out and about, treating others with respect is required, not optional. And, on those rare occasions that a staff member is maybe not at their best, I will be understanding – they may have just encountered that rude guest before me.
Thanks to everyone at Carnival for another wonderful cruise, and a great vacation! Our next cruise will be in Europe – maybe we will meet next year, John!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Hey John,
I just wanted to (again) echo my sentiments regarding Kellie O’Leary’s post, of Robin Robinson’s travel article, about her tour of Lerici-Portoverne…
She described her tour/visit, EXACTLY how I remembered it…I could swear that she was on MY tour, including having the same wonderful guides!
After reading the article/post, I revisited my personal photos of the area and was “instantly transported back” to that wonderful day & place…this tour is a true “gem”!
I look forward my next Carnival Med Cruise and my return to beautiful Italy…
Regards,
MedCruiser-Manuel
August 27th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
Thank you so much for this blog. My sister and I love checking in daily. We even checked in while we sailed with you in April.
I have a question and will understand if you can’t help.
We have been cruising with carnival since August31, 1986. Having been on about 40 cruises we have established great friendships with some of the employees. One in particular with Ike Catuncan. We have been friends for 20 years and keep in touch while at home.
I make a zucchini relish that Ike loves….. yesterday was canning day. I would like to send a jar to him as a suprise but, I don’t have an address in Europe to mail to. This is where I hope you can help. Is there an address in Italy for me to send a jar of relish? I would even send it to you and trust that you will see to it that Ike gets his surprise.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Jillian Fox
P.S. Iwould even send an extra one for your enjoyment to insure safe delivery.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
John,
First I would like to let Chrissy and Brad know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Second, being a 7 year survivor of what was at first thought to be N-Stage breast cancer, I cannot thank Carnival enough for the walk they are sponsoring for the Koman foundation. I am living proof that money spent on research truly does save lives.
Lastly, to southern dreams…i look forward to seeing you on the bloggers cruise…hang in there!
Elaine
August 27th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
John, first let me say how much I love your blog. It not only is entertaining but is a great source of information not only about Carnival Cruise Line ships but also the women and men that make the cruise industry work.
I was pleased to hear that Carnival ships will support the “On Deck for the Cure” program. My wife (a double breast cancer survivor) and I participated in the walk on the Oosterdam this past January. It is a great program and a good way for people to support the necessary ongoing research.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
I just want to thank all the well wishers for Miss Southern Dreams, she will be there in October if there is any way.
Prince Charlie
August 28th, 2007 at 8:55 am
John,
We have been so happy with CCL that we currently have all of our five booked cruises with them. Life was wonderful until you had to show off the new Cunard line ship. Well the wife has now decided that we have to sail on the new Queen Victoria. Since she will only sail in a suite I just wanted to say to you in my very best Basil Fawlty voice ” Thank you ever so very very very much”.
All kidding aside the new ship looks fantastic thanks for the pictures. With any luck we will get to meet you in the near future. We sail on the Freedom in November and have a B2B on the Splendor next year. Love the blog and the opportunity to meet the people that make CCL what it is. Hope to see you soon.
Gary & Sarah
August 30th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Brad and Chrissy (Cruisin4fun): We were on the same cruise you were. We read the blog upon our return home today and were saddened to discover you left the ship in Barcelona. We send my sincere sympathy to both of you and your families. It certainly is a point for all us of to ponder: how lucky most of us are when we leave our beloved families at home to have a dream trip and return at the end to find out it is all fine.
Long distance hugs and support from Ontario, Canada.
SewingNut
September 4th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Dear John:
We’re all getting back to reality in NJ, after our Mediterranean cruise on the Carnival Freedom from 8/17-8/29. You wished a Happy Birthday to Daniel on 8/21, on your Morning Show. This cruise was in honor of Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah, a ceremony for 13 year old Jewish boys. He completed his Bar Mitzvah last October and chose this trip as his celebration. It was everything he wanted and more!
We can’t stop thinking about the wonderful trip…from beginning to end. We do have a question…..after reading your past blogs, we get the strong feeling that your friend, Alan Adkins, wasn’t really late getting back on the cruise in each port…..Are we correct on this? Was he even on the ship?
Thanks for making our trip so memorable!
Gayle, Bob, Robin and Daniel
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