John Heald's Blog

Good Evening from a very hot and humid Cannes. It is now 7:30 pm and we are preparing to sail away and head to Livorno tomorrow. The tender service went very smoothly this morning and I think we have that down to a fine art………even if I do say so myself.

The fires in Greece……………how dreadful and to think that these may have been (allegedly) started deliberately and the loss of so many lives is………well, heartbreaking. Obviously we are concerned as well because we are due to call at Athens and Katakolon next cruise. I see from some of the comments that we have people asking what is happening and if we are calling to these places as scheduled. Obviously we are keeping in with the tour operators in both locations and here is their latest report on Olympia.

Today the Site of Olympia is closed. Although the fire came within yards of the site, the actual site was not touched by fire. Only the surrounding wooded area behind. The site is closed for clean up and for the smoke that is lingering there. The fire around the site has been distinguished completely.

The ships that were due there today and tomorrow have been rerouted for this voyage only. They expect the Site to be open again on Thursday.

Here is a map of the area affected.

Let us all hope that these fires can be extinguished before any further loss of life occurs as well as the terrible thought of damage to some of the most historical sites in Greece. I now some of you who are sailing soon have been asking about this and I assure you that we will not send guests into these areas unless we are totally sure that we are sending you into a totally safe environment……………promise.

Let me just follow up on the incident with the lady who decided to join me for lunch yesterday in Barcelona. As you remember Mrs. M was very upset about a whole number of issues which she expressed to me while my Spanish omelet sat uneaten.

Anyway, I and the Chief Purser sat with Mrs. M for some time this evening and obviously we listened to her comments and we did our best to appease her. One footnote to this was her husband apologized to me for interrupting our lunch and in the middle of his apology he was cut off by his wife telling him they had to get ready for dinner……………I left the meeting feeling quite sorry for the husband, I have a feeling that was not the first time he had been stopped from talking………….there was no doubt who the boss was in that family.

This cruise is nearly over already, and it seems to have gone by in a flash. I wonder why, but the Grand Med cruises seem to go quicker than the Greek/Turkey cruises.

I had to disembark one of the musicians today for a family emergency. His name is Ase and he plays in the Jazz Trio……..please think of him and his family tonight.

What else? Oh yes, good news on the Scrapbook Front. We received a huge shipment onboard and I am told that that plans are underway to sell them via our Internet site. I actually suggested we open an online carnival Shop. We could sell other great merchandise as well that I am sure people would love to buy…………stay tuned.

I know I am rambling today so please forgive me and just before I slap on today’s photos I wanted to tell you about my trip to the doghouse today. Heidi and I (or is it me and Heidi?) had lunch in Cannes today. I decided to eat oysters and ordered a dozen, they were superb and all was well.

Unfortunately, I persuaded Heidi to have one as she had always refused before (she is not a big shellfish fan) and reluctantly she tried one…………..and that was me in the doghouse…………..not because she didn’t like the taste of the oyster but I had forgotten that I had smothered them in Tabasco sauce……….OOPS. Oysters are supposed to be …….well……….you know……….just my luck though that they had the opposite effect on Heidi. I actually thought that the oyster thing was a myth…..I had eaten 12 and felt nothing…………….however they did start to work some time later………unfortunately it was during my meeting with Mrs. M!

Here are today’s photos of Cannes

1. The Carnival Freedom at tender station.

2. The streets of Cannes

3. The Grand Pavilion

4. Lido Deck in the sun

Here are today’s letters from the In their Own Words Section.

Now we start with today’s Q and A…………..I am going to continue with those from the blog about the Carnival Miracle but I also have to return to the article about the Queen Victoria as more comments and questions have come in over the weekend. I must say a huge thank you to all the Cunard fans who have all commented on how much they enjoyed the review of the vessel……I am very grateful to you all for your words of praise……………thank you.

Here we go.

BOB POLAND – Please do not apologize for falling behind on reading the blog thingy as I realize the valuable time it takes to do so each day. I am glad that you enjoyed the blog about the Queen Victoria I am sure your trip on the Queen Elizabeth 2 will be one of nostalgia and full of everlasting memories. As for your comments on me becoming a travel writer…….I think I have a long way to go before that ever happens. I realize that my sentences are sometimes too long and my pronouns are …..um…overused and as for my grammar………well, my dad is spell checking every blog. I just write what I feel and hopefully the passion I have for my job and the cruising world does shine through….even though there may be mistakes along the way. I hope you have a fantastic cruise and anytime you do get to read the blog, I would be grateful.
LONGING2CRUISE – What a marvelous story about Veracruz and its people who turned out to say goodbye to you and the Celebration as you left port. Stories like this one really do show that there are still places in the world that still excited when a ship comes to port. Do you remember which James Bond movie the fort in Veracruz was used in? I hope you are well and thanks for reading the blog thingy.
SOUTHERN DREAMS – Just a quick note to say we continue to think of you every day.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – A food posting – what a shocker! I am looking forward to hearing my first-ever live zydeco band. Bill, here is my Mum’s chicken curry recipe .Hope all is well mate.
Two sprays of oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
85g (3oz) boneless chicken breast, skinned and thinly sliced
2 tsp curry paste
1 tsp tomato purée
100ml (3.5 fl oz) chicken stock
2 ready-to-eat dried apricots, chopped
1 small eating apple, peeled and sliced
Two bananas
Salt and black pepper
1 tsp corn flour
2 tbsp natural low-fat yogurt
55g (2oz) basmati rice
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Preparation
1. Cook the rice following packet instructions.
2. Meanwhile, spray a small non-stick saucepan lightly with oil and when hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook over a medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft but not brown.
3. Add the chicken to the pan and cook quickly, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the curry paste and tomato purée, then add the stock, apricots, apple and seasoning.
5. Bring just to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Blend the corn flour with the yoghurt, remove the pan from the heat and stir into the chicken. Heat, stirring until the mixture returns to the boil.
7. Drain the rice and stir in as much fresh chopped coriander as you like. Serve immediately with the curry spooned over.
Hope you enjoy it Bill…………John’s Mum.

THE BEARS – CARL AND BARB – The photo of the Queen Mary 2 at night was awesome (very American word, awesome) and I am glad I could share it with you thanks to my mate Hans…………..did I tell you that Hans is a friend of mine who used to work on Carnival ships and now travels the world as a beer and spirits critic………His job is to taste beers, vodkas etc and report on the quality etc…………..what a life. Thank you as always for the kind words and I do hope that the great weather continues down there in the Dairy State. All the best guys.
KERSPLOTT – I have a feeling that when the Carnival Splendor arrives in its homeport of Dover the crowds will indeed be there to wish us hello and again when we sail out. Then, as for the Baltic cruises I am sure that the sight of the red, white and blue funnel of the Carnival smokestack will have people cheering and waving as they did when we went there on the special Carnival Leg End cruise. I see from your posting that like me and thousands of people around the world, the sight of a cruise ship sailing past leaves you with that tingle of appreciation and affection and dreams of adventures at sea. All the best to you and thank you for your support of the blog thingy.
LYLEBA – here is Heidi as requested to answer your questions about Holland. Hello. How wonderful that you are going to see some of Holland apart from Amsterdam. Here are my suggestions.
1. You really have to visit the largest flower auction house in the world at Aalsmeer. There are organized tours of this building which is the largest single storey building in the world, it really is incredible.
2. I recommend you visit Volendam and Marken, two pretty villages with the traditional houses built on stilts.
3. Gouda, the famous cheese market
4. Zaanse Shanns for the windmills
5. Vinkerveen……..because I live there.
6. In Amsterdam be sure not to miss the Begijmhof…this is the old city within the new………it’s beautiful.
I hope this is of some use to you and please let John or I know if we can help you in any other way.
ERIC F – I cannot think how long it has taken you to read the blog thingy from the beginning when we started in March until now. Although I cannot promise you an upgrade to the penthouse as you requested, I can assure you that your cruise director during your Carnival Triumph cruise will be Paul Santley from Liverpool……….a very funny man. I also have never been to Grand Turk or Half Moon Cay but the reports are that both places are simply stunning. If you need any advice before you cruise please let me know and I thank you so much for finding the blog and taking the time to read them all.
I have indeed heard of the Semester at Sea program, Eric. Actually, we had a young lady called Claire who was part of the Entertainment Staff with me back on the Carnival Triumph and is now working for the Doctors Without Borders organization on a ship in Africa. You must have some amazing memories of your time at sea. I hope this blog thingy of mine will help some of those memories return and I wish you all the best. If you have time, please slap on any stories of your time at sea, I know we would all enjoy them.
TERRY – My apologies for the spelling of Doulton. The blog I write is written in its “raw” form and my poor grades in English are shining through as you can see. If you notice anymore mistakes please let me know…………..my Dad also told me it was spelt wrong so you are in good company. Many thanks and best wishes.
VANESSA – Thank you for saying how excited you were after reading the blog about the Queen Victoria. I must admit I have had one or two comments that stated I was wrong to include any humour in a blog about this amazing liner……..one even said I had no class. I totally respect these comments and I understand that my blog certainly is not for everyone and my sense of humour may not suit everyone but I must admit I was really happy to read that you and many other Cunard fans did indeed enjoy the article. How exciting that you will be spending your Honeymoon on this incomparable vessel sailing from Sydney to Singapore……..how lucky you are. May I wish you a happy voyage and of course a fantastic wedding day. Your Grandfather was right when he said “Go Big”………….you certainly are. I hope that you will find the time to read this blog now and then and until the next time I send you warm regards.
AL NAGIN – Do you know you are the first person to mention the “T ” word on this blog thingy of mine……………congratulations…………..I think. However, you are right of course and as I walked around the vessel I did feel as though some of the traditions that made the liners of yesterday had been recreated on the Queen Victoria………I will say it again and again………there is something magical already about this ship. Thanks Al and I hope you have a chance to feel this “magic” for yourself soon.
MICKEY WEEKS – While I wish I could indeed act immediately upon your request to break up the World cruise of 2009 into smaller segments I am afraid my powers are very limited. However, I am your mouthpiece to people who have more power than Mr. H. Potter Esquire and I have therefore forwarded your request to the people who live at the top of the Cunard tree. I will post any answer or advice they give me on future blogs so please check in now and then. My best regards to you and your good lady.
JIM – I will get a first look at the finished product before the Queen Victoria leaves for Southampton so I will hopefully be able to calm your concerns about the space ratio. All I can say is that after 20 years at sea I do know a little about this subject and my first impression was that the architect had performed miracles and the ship’s public spaces were vast. First impressions mean a lot to me and mine was ……………..this ship is very, very special. Just curious Jim, what was your favorite area or lounge on the Queen Mary 2? I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your posting.
JULIE GRANT – Great to hear from you Julie and I thank you for taking the time to discover this blog.You asked how you discover which captain is on what ship. Well, normally that is not easy but luckily I know someone who can help you………me! Let me know what ship or what captain you are looking for and I will be happy to assist. Normally, a Captain will remain with the same ship for some time and will return to the same vessel after their vacation. You mentioned you enjoyed sailing with two particular Captains, may I ask who? So, I am at your service and I hope therefore to hear from you soon.
LAURA ZATZ – What a wonderful link you sent me about the Mars alignment with the moon. That was very helpful and very considerate. Many thanks on behalf of the myself and the guests onboard the Carnival Freedom.
I have made Supper Club reservations as you requested and took the liberty of making it for the 11th after we sail from Messina. I did this because you had mentioned you did not want the reservation for a formal night which is indeed on the 12th. Let me know if this is ok please. I congratulate Paul on his successful fight and I am so proud to hear that you will both be taking part on our charity walk onboard to support the continuing work to find a cure for breast cancer…………..thank you. I know that this coming cruise marks a special birthday for Paul as he reaches 70 and I also know that this coming cruise will be special also as we all celebrate life itself. I look forward to seeing you very soon and my best to Paul.
KEVIN – Thank mate for your compassion. This blog is read by the most amazing people and I again repeat myself that there is no other vacation except cruising that brings people together like this. Kevin, please can you send Roberto your phone number and I will give you a buzz for a chat about the job etc. Cheers mate.
SHERYL PELTON – Firstly, thank you for the very kind words about the blog and especially saying that reading about the Queen Victoria has made you want to take a Cunard cruise………….I feel better now after reading one comment that said I was …………….never mind. I am sorry I forgot to attach the photo of Heidi and I on our first date but I did remember to put it on yesterday’s blog. Did you see it? Thank you for saying I am still a handsome man and I would like you to have this picture below as a gift from me for saying that I was still good looking guy.

Looking forward to having more fun with you very soon onboard and all the best until then.
SHARON R – Thank you Sharon. Sometimes, as you said, patience is very important in my job as you saw for yourself. I will call you before the cruise is over and I truly hope you are have had a great time.
JO MYERLY – The blog, QVC on the tele and a dark early morning ………one man’s cup of tea is another man’s poison. I am not sure I could stomach reading one of my blogs that early Jo but I appreciate it all the same. The scrapbooks are here, yours is reserved and if the T Shirts and wristbands arrive we will be starting the charity walk next cruise. Looking forward to seeing you and please have a safe journey.
GREG BALDASARRI – You are too kind sir with your words of congratulations about the blog and a special thank you for Roberto’s mention…..he is the best Editor I could ever ask for. Mostly I wanted to say thank you for again showing such compassion with your comments about Brad and Chrissy and the passing of her Father. You will see an e-mail from them in a moment. Thank you again Greg and I hope you enjoy today’s blog mate.
TOM AND JANE – Thank you also for the kind words of sympathy for Cruisin 4 Fun.
PAPANH – Thank you for the immediate support of the On Deck for the Cure charity walk for breast cancer research. I really want to make this a big event and I know that with people like you supporting us we can and we will make a difference. I am glad also that you are enjoying the blog and I will have the interview with Commodore Warner very soon. Best wishes and thank you again for everything.
NANETTE – I have been called many things mi amor but never an ANTIDEPRESSANT! Only you could have thought of that and that is why you are so special. It is great as you said to have the Cunard family join the blog thingy and even though the two styles of cruising could not be more different, we are all under the Carnival Corporation umbrella which means we are indeed family. You are too kind to have sent Heidi and I something and hopefully we will receive it very soon. We miss you and send our best to you there. Are you excited the carnival Victory is making her new home in San Juan? Grasyarse = mucho hugo.
CATHERINE EBERT – Hello Catherine and let’s start by answering your question regarding what tour to take in Istanbul. The one you mentioned, The Sand and Sea Tour is excellent however, I truly think that to come to Istanbul and not see the Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque and the Sophia Cathedral would be a shame. Therefore I recommend the Highlights of Istanbul which includes all of these place plus lunch served at the palace as well as free time at the Grand Bazaar. This is the all day tour or you can do the one without the lunch which would be Treasures of Istanbul. The choice……..is yours. Istanbul will amaze you whatever you decide to take and please let me know if you need anything else. Thank you also for the kind words for Chrissy and of course for our friend Southern Dreams. You are a very kind person.
KELLIE O’LEARY – Thanks so much for the review you posted about the Carnival Freedom and the ports of call. I had not seen this one before and the comments on the tours were very useful. This especially applies to the Lerici and Portovenere tour which is relatively new for us and it appears that the writer really enjoyed this excursion. I truly appreciate you taking the time to slap this on the blog thingy as I am sure do all the now 600,000 readers.
GURNSEYGUY – The last time I went to Gurnsey was when I was a child. For those who are not familiar with the islands of Gurnsey and Jersey may I suggest you Google them and you will discover two unspoiled places of beauty. I went there from Southend Airport in an old Dakota plane with my Dad on a trip with the brass band we played with at the time and I really must take my wife there. Thank you for the posting and educating me and the readers that in fact it is OK to use the shortened term for the vessels….QV…..QE2…QM2……..I just did not want to appear disrespectful by doing so. You asked if the Queen Victoria (see I did it again) will be getting a sister soon………I have no idea but I will ask my Super Spy PA007 to keep their ears to the ground — or the sea in this case — to discover if indeed this will happen soon. I hope you will take the time to read the blog now and then and I send my best to you and there in Gurnsey, Channel Islands.
LINDA HERNACKI – Thanks you Linda and Mike for the compassion you showed in your posting for Southern Dreams, I am sure she now knows that everyone is thinking about her. Heidi will be writing a blog today, she has already started it so it should be posted very soon. I hope you and all the grand kids are well and maybe soon you can enjoy a happy reunion wit the entire family onboard. Thanks as always and all the best.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – I am sure Paul that the results of your latest test must be on your mind but it is great to see that you are remaining positive and thinking happy thoughts such as your upcoming cruise. Heidi will I promise right a blog soon and she sends her best to you as do I and yes indeed mate, we truly are family.
KATHIE & KATHIE – Thank you so much for the uplifting words dedicated to Chrissy and Brad at the loss of their loved one. It truly is extraordinary that this blog thingy has forged so many great friendships even though most of us have never met. I know that Chrissy and Brad are reading this (as you will see in a moment) and that they appreciate beyond measure the thoughts, prayers and sympathies that they have received from fellow bloggers. Thank you BOTH………………now, was that two different Kathies that wrote and if so how wonderful that you both wrote within 5 minutes of each other and about the same things!
BIG ED – I was indeed so very grateful to my friends at Cunard for allowing me the chance to tour the vessel and then to publish my review on their website as well as send it out via e mail to all their past guests. I have to admit mate that I was really worried that my report would not do this already famous liner justice and I am thankful that it appears to have been well received. Thank you mate for being such a great friend and for encouraging people to vote for me…………..cheers.
POET LAUREATE – Well spotted Poet. Yes that was indeed one of the most famous sights in the cruise industry and not many others noticed so congratulations. For those who did not know what Poet was talking about she is of course referring to this photo.

Yep, that is indeed the famous sight of the one and only……………Grosse Deutsche Pretzel which is being eaten by someone who clearly seems to be enjoying it………….I wonder if he reads the blog……………….don’t be silly John.
I am more interested in the bloke behind the tanned handsome dude devouring the extra large Pretzel………..the one with his back to us. Have a look at his jeans……..especially round his bottom area…………look at the wet patches……….I bet you he just had a close encounter with Fatima at the Turkish baths…………you never know when that water will come out……..poor sod.

That’s all for today and I will continue with the Q and A tomorrow.

Here is an e-mail though from Chrissy and Brad which they asked me to share with you all.

From: Chrissy and Brad
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 3:57 PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Subject: Home Again

John

Chrissy and I are home again safely and we want to thank you and the Purser Manager for taking such wonderful care of us with our flights and transportation. It is difficult being here having come from the high of being on the cruise to the despair that the family is feeling. The funeral will be on Friday in Buffalo and we are are busy making arrangements for that. Would you please pass this note of thanks to all the people who I see have been mentioning Chrissy and I in their comments and although I have not had time to read them all I want to thank each and every one of them. I will write again soon John and we both thank you so much for helping us through that awful day.

Brad.

I really don’t think any words are needed from me……let’s just pause for thought.

OK, on we go with an interview with another of our new and may I say far too good looking in my opinion Cruise Directors. Here is Goose onboard the Carnival Ecstasy.

1. Please can you tell us about your career with Carnival so far? How did you start and when?
Started working on cruise ships back in 1997 and joined Carnival in 2005. Overall, I have worked as a Cruise Director for four years.

2. What ship are you currently on and what is it’s itinerary?
Carnival Ecstasy. Cruising out of Galveston to Cozumel and Progreso Mexico.

3. Please can you pick two excursions from each port and tell us why you recommend them so much?
Cozumel – Amazing Lighthouse view by Jeep and Snorkel: From beginning to end this tour is fantastic! The Jeep ride takes you thru a beautiful tropical jungle to an amazing eco reserve (Punta Sur). The snorkeling on the tour is some of the best offered on the whole island.

Dolphin Swim & Snorkel: The idea is to capture the day and do something you’ll remember and cherish forever. Not only do you get to swim and play with these beautiful animals. They will let you grab on to the dolphin as it pulls you thru the water.

Progreso – Chi Chin Itza: This tour will blow you away. This was the New York of the Maya. There is a reason it’s one of the seven wonders of the world. See for yourself!

Corona Beach Break: Guests always come back raving of the good time they had on this tour. Live band, beach games, water activities, loads of fun. Or feel free to just lay on the beach as you grin in thought “Yes, I’m on vacation.”

4. What are your favorite activities or events that you host and why?
I love hosting the Newlywed, Not-so-Newly-wed Show. I’m genuinely as excited hosting the show as guests are watching and waiting to see what’s going to happen. There is always a new twist or challenge in hosting this show. I really have a lot of fun with the audience and guests on stage.

5. People should sail on the Carnival Ecstasy because…………. all the great things you hear are true! There is something really great happening here. I have never been more proud and happy working with a team then the one on the Carnival Ecstasy. This is a Dream Team! And there is much added credit to our guests. We really have the best guests you could ask for. Let’s not forget the Ecstasy carries Carnival’s coveted Crystal Eagle Award for the friendliest and most hospitable crew. Get your hands off it, it’s staying here!

6. What do you enjoy most about being a Cruise Director?
This question keeps me thinking of how I felt the other day when we had to change itinerary due to Hurricane Dean. The Entertainment Staff and I got together to make a game plan of activities and events for the added day at sea. We all felt really excited as there were loads of great ideas being put out. I then spent hours creating the program for the day and could not wait to see it in action. It was a beautiful thing, there were people everywhere having a blast. Pockets of groups through out the whole ship being entertained and enjoying each other. That whole process is what I love the most. Working with a team in creating and delivering good times. Thanks for asking this question. I would have normally just answered the people. The amazing people we work and play with. And the guests that join us ready for a great time. My first answer was an added reminder to why I love what I do.

7. Share your favorite story with us that involve our guests and your job?
In the past 4 months every 2 weeks many of the crew, Captain Scala and myself volunteer our free time at an orphanage in Progreso to help the 55 boys (ages 6-15) there live a better life. This project lead by Captain, has been the highlight of my time on board. Thru donations from the crew and guests we have raised over $20,000………amazing! From all angles, starting with getting cleaning supplies and scrubbing there dorm rooms, showers and bathrooms from top to bottom. Healthy food and materials for cooking. Fly screens for their bedrooms, painting is still a huge project we are working on dorms and classrooms. Installed a water heater. Hired a plumber to fix there many broken shower heads and taps. Hired a teacher to give more English lessons to the kids. We are now looking for beds for the kids as they sleep in hammocks. We brought all the kids, teachers, Priests (head of the Orphanage) 75 total, on board Ecstasy for the day in Progreso. We had a party waiting for them in the disco, arcade was a hit, then up to the open deck for volleyball, swimming, and pizza! It was a day I enjoy re-playing in my head. To see them all so happy and having fun. But the moment that is captured in my heart was when one of the orphans said to me, “This is the greatest day of my life.” Thru the support of this “Dream Team” I speak of, and the amazing guests we have, we are making a positive difference that these young men deserve. A web site as been created showing photo’s of our progress. www.crewcares4kids.com

8. List your three favorite ports you have visited?
St. Thomas, USVI – It’s the Caribbean postcard you’re looking for.
Maui, Hawaii – Mai Tais, flame throwing and hula skirts are good for you!
Tuscany, Italy – Will you marry me?

9. Name three ports you would really like to see that you have never been to?
Bora Bora – Just give me a fishing boat, grass hut and fire pit.
Hong Kong – Have you seen Jackie Chan?
Rio – See ya at the beach!

10. Finally, if you could introduce on stage any star, alive or not who would it be and why?
Bono – I have much respect for this man. Humanitarian, singer, songwriter, rock star! Bono was the first person I have ever met and felt “star struck” and lost for words after saying “Hello, a pleasure to meet you.” He smiled then went on stage and performed to 50, 000 people. Yeah, it’d pick that stage and that star!

Goose, congratulations to you and the staff of the Carnival Ecstasy for the great work you did with the Orphanage, I know how hard the Captain has worked on this project so please pass on our best to Captain Scala,

I am sure that you will see a lot of Goose in the future, he certainly will be in the public eye and will not be a grey man…………..or Grey Goose….:)

Just before I depart I have to share this brilliant, fantastic, hilarious and truly extraordinary comment from a guest. It is based on our Carnival Legends show which, as some of you may know, is a fleetwide event that has become one of the most popular shows of each and every cruise. It basically gives the guests a chance to perform as a LEGEND with the dancers and cast, the full orchestra in a show with all the bells and whistles, lighting and effects that our grand theatres offer. Auditions are held throughout the cruise and the show is held toward the end of the cruise. The guests have costumes, their names and photos in the Capers and on the stage screens and for the audience, it is an unforgettable night. The show is advertised like this is in the Carnival Caper this cruise as per normal with the name of the guest and the legend they will be portraying.

James Brown – Georgie Datiles
Aretha Franklin – Erica Owens
Elton John – Jon Barron
Britney Spears – Cassandra Gentile
Madonna – Jennifer Herrera
Garth Brooks – Kenny Ream
Ricky Martin – Robert Rosenfield
Gloria Estefan – Brenda Barnes
Elvis Presley – Paul Condous
Frank Sinatra – Doug McAslan

Sounds good does it not?……………now read this and obviously I have had to hide the guests name as I don’t want her to feel like we are ridiculing her.

Are you ready……….here we go……………hold on tight.

Guest: Mrs @#$%^%$Ref: 002711893A Owner: (SAHC) Salvino Chini
Cabin: ____

____- Mislead By Cruise DirectorMrs %^&%$#@ came to the desk demanding to speak to the Cruise Director. Purser asked if he could help and was told by the guest that she and her daughter had been sitting in the Victoriana Lounge since 9 pm to get the best seats for her daughter to see Britney Spears and then she discovered it was not the real Britney Spears but a passenger pretending to be her. Purser explained that the show was a passenger show and that the real Britney Spears would not be performing but she wanted to speak to the Cruise Director.

Purser tasked to CD and informed guest he will be in contact.

I called the guest who insisted that I had said that the real Britney Spears would be performing and that her daughter was devastated that she had not seen her. I tried to explain that I had never said that she was the only person on the ship that had misunderstood………….she would not hear of it and in the end I apologized to her 14-year-old daughter and gave her some gifts to say sorry. The daughter seemed fine and said that she thought I was funny, the mother ……….she didn’t think I was funny, especially after the devil inside made me say…………….you would have more chance of seeing Britney rolling out of the Disco at 3 am with a drink in both hands demanding to have her head shaved then performing on our stage ……………..nope ………….she didn’t like that one.

You can’t make stuff like this up someone said on yesterday’s blog and just when you think you have seen and heard everything you get “hit with another baby, one more time.”

Goodnight

Your friends

John and Heidi