Good Morning.Another cruise has ended and here I am at 5:20 am getting ready to disembark 3,500 guests.
Last week I was privileged to tour the Queen Victoria and the blog that followed was sent to Cunard past cruisers, which was marvelous for Cunard to do. The result was that I received many comments of congratulations from loyal Cunard fans……and one correcting my grammar which was also appreciated…………..it really was.
So, I thought that as we had the attention of the Cunarders that they would appreciate the following interview with a very special gentlemen who is at the helm of the one and only Queen Mary 2. Therefore, let’s enter the world of Commodore Warner.
1. Commodore Warner, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. I wonder if we can start by asking you about your life so far at sea. What led you to where you are now?
A lifetime friendship with the sea was cultivated at Sandsend near Whitby on the north east coast of England, where I spent the summer holidays sailing and fishing with my father.
At sixteen I entered the Warsash School of Navigation at the University of Southampton. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth would frequently sail past the college as they made their way up Southampton Water into the port and it was these ships which gave me the inspiration to one day command a Cunard trans-Atlantic liner.
In 1965 Cunard Line would only consider employing navigating officers who had attained a Master’s Certificate. I would be twenty-five years old by the time this had been achieved. The alternative was to join P&O, which was the other great passenger shipping company of the day. I signed indentures and commenced a four-year cadetship with them on 1 January 1966. P&O had a large passenger fleet but an even larger fleet of cargo ships. My first voyage was from King George V dock in London to the Far East aboard “Somali,” a 7,000- gross-ton freighter.
Nearing the end of my cadetship in 1969, I joined my first passenger ship “Oriana,” and by the early seventies I was sailing as a Junior Deck Officer aboard the P&O ship “Iberia.” I was later to be appointed to the legendary P&O liner “Canberra,” where I also sailed as Deputy Captain in 1988.
P&O took over the British India Company (BI) in 1972 and I became one of the first P&O officers to serve on board “Uganda.” This ship specialized in educational cruising and carried up to 1,000 schoolchildren suitably partitioned from 400 first class passengers!
In 1974 P&O bought Princess Cruises and I sailed as First Officer aboard “Pacific Princess.” A lucrative contract was signed by the company to film the television show “Love Boat” aboard their ship. This series was so successful in the United States of America that it proved to be the catalyst for cruising as we know it today, but it failed to inspire the same amount of enthusiasm in the United Kingdom!
By 1984 I had been promoted to Chief Officer in “Royal Princess,” the new revolutionary cruise ship being built by P&O. This was the first large cruise ship ever constructed with all outside staterooms. About seventy percent of their cabins were designed with balconies and a whole new cruising trend had begun. Her Royal Highness Princess Diana was invited to name the ship. Her infectious personality made her the perfect Godmother for the ship and she kept in touch with the crew for the remainder of her life.
In 1994, I was appointed to my first command – the 20000 gross ton ship “Island Princess” – and since that time have commanded seven other passenger ships. I oversaw the building of “Dawn Princess”, “Golden Princess” and “Diamond Princess” and was designated the first Master of both “Golden Princess” and “Diamond Princess”, which at a 116 000 gross tons, are slightly smaller than “Queen Mary 2″ (148,500 gross tons). I was appointed to Queen Mary 2 in the summer of 2005
2. The word Commodore is used at Cunard Line instead of Captain. Can you tell us something about this tradition?
Cunard Line has Captains just like every other shipping company.
The rank of Commodore means “the Senior Captain of the Fleet.” As Commodore one fulfils the same role as the Captain on board in that you are the Master of the ship.
3. So now you are Commodore of the incomparable Queen Mary 2 and you must be very proud. What is your daily life at sea like? Could you describe a typical (if one exists) day for you.
There is not really a typical day at sea for someone in my capacity. That is one of the exciting and challenging aspects of the profession – every day is different and I have to be prepared to work at any time be it day or night.
My primary responsibility is for the safe navigation of Queen Mary 2 and the well-being of all the passengers and crew on board. My position also requires me to oversee the health, environment, safety and security of the ship. The ship is managed by an Executive Committee of Senior Officers with the Commodore in overall charge and all heads of department reporting to him.
Queen Mary 2 has a hard working ships’ company and all are dedicated to providing the finest possible experience for our guests in every area of the ship during every moment of their day.
We do all we can to ensure that the crew are happy as they go about their duties. It is important to visit all the working areas on board, a round which I enjoy whenever the ship is at sea.
Dependent upon the ship’s itinerary, I often have to spend long periods on the Bridge particularly when we are in close proximity to the land, reduced visibility or heavy traffic. Handling the controls of Queen Mary 2 and taking the ship in and out of each port is one of the most rewarding parts of my position.
It is impossible to be Commodore without enjoying the many social functions. If they wish, every passenger has the opportunity to meet me at the Welcome Aboard Cocktail party. Whenever navigational duties allow, the Commodore’s table is an enjoyable end to the day. Different guests are invited on formal evenings and many lasting friendships have been made.
4. I am sure you have seen many changes during your time at sea. Is there one piece of equipment on the bridge that makes your job easier and is there anything you miss from the older ships?
Queen Mary 2 has four propellers at the stern of the ship, each one attached to a pod containing the electric propulsion motor. The forward two are fixed in the forward and aft direction but the after ones act as rudders to steer the ship and rotate through 360 degrees to assist in docking. When at sea, the propellers pull rather than push, giving greater efficiency and less cavitation around the propellers. They enable the ship to be driven at very low speeds and with much greater efficiency at high speeds (29.5 knots when at full speed)
There is a bridge viewing window for our guests who are always surprised that the ship’s wheel is barely six inches in diameter. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary had quite a lot more to shout about!
5. I know that being a Commodore for Cunard also involves a very hectic social schedule. I know personally that hosting a dinner table can sometimes be hard work if the guests are a bit shy. Do you enjoy the social aspects that come with your job and do you have any tricks or secrets you use to “break the ice?” Also, I remember reading about Commodore Sir James Charles who it is said would order extravagant dishes such as Wild Boar and whole suckling pigs at his table. Do you have a favorite dish that you enjoy each time and if so what is it.
The best icebreaker in the business is my wife Tina who frequently travels with my sons Tom and Charlie during school holidays. We host the table together whenever she travels.
The secret to hosting a table is to be completely normal from the moment you sit down, and the conversation rapidly starts to flow!
Specials for the Commodore are not required because Queen Mary 2 serves the finest cuisine afloat. The chateaubriand melts in your mouth – delicious!
6. Of course you must have had many proud moments in your career. Can you describe one or two of them?
Every Captain will probably tell you that his first command is both important and exciting because this is the position that you have strived for throughout your career. That same tingle of excitement could be felt in taking out a brand new ship for the very first time from the shipyard and to feel the passion of the ship builders who were seeing the ship they had constructed put to sea for the first time. But for me the appointment to Queen Mary 2 was very special because it defined the goals I had set for myself all those years ago.
On a more personal level, I had the pleasure of meeting Princess Diana when she named “Royal Princess” in 1984 and then just two years later met my wife Tina aboard the very same ship.
8. Simple question, what is it about the Queen Mary that makes her so special.
Queen Mary 2 is an elegant Ocean Liner with fine lines, a very streamlined hull, a deep draft, and a long bow to handle every type of weather imaginable. Having said that I always try to find the smoothest route across the ocean and avoid the major depressions! Even in bad weather she is amazingly stable and the roll is dampened by 90% using two pairs of Rolls Royce fin stabilizers.
Her interior features are like no other ship. Because it was decided she would not use the Panama Canal, she is a very wide and long ship which allows exciting spaces for our guests. Wide and high alleyways run along decks two and three. Most public spaces are 15 feet high instead of 12 and two deck public rooms are 36 feet high.
In Illuminations we boast the first planetarium at sea which can also double as a lecture theatre and cinema. A trans-Atlantic crossing is more than just elegant transportation. We want our guests’ day to be such that they can chose between reading in our elegant 8,000-book library, or alternatively, it can be packed with interesting choices of activities and experiences.
The recently introduced Cunard Insights programmed offers something for everyone. We tend to offer guests more than just lectures and they are able to interact with the experts, many of the famous, in fields such as show business, exploration, oceanography, finance, history and sport.
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art presents workshops, lectures and performances, enabling the guests not only to watch the stars of tomorrow in person, but actually study the skills of acting with them.
The Cunard ConneXions conference centre features abundant space for conducting business at sea with more meeting facilities than any other ship.
The West End Stage is bought to full effect in the two tier Royal Court Theatre with dynamic musicals and celebrity entertainers.
Over 70% of staterooms have balconies and range from the Grand Duplex of 2,294 sq ft to a deluxe balcony stateroom of 284 sq ft
There is a feeling of space and luxury everywhere you walk!
9. Earlier this month, I visited the Queen Victoria and found myself feeling very patriotic and I started humming Rule Britannia. You must feel a huge sense of history every time you put on the Cunard uniform. What British traditions are there left onboard from the “old days” not only for the guests but for you and the officers?
The Ship’s Bell in the Grand Lobby is rung eight times at noon each day, followed by the Commodore’s noon broadcast.
Every Sunday at sea, in great Cunard tradition, I lead the interdenominational Christian church service and conclude it with that fine seaman’s hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.”
Of the six nights on a trans-Atlantic, three are formal when the officers will wear black mess kit and if duties allow the seniors will host tables in the Britannia Restaurant.
During two evenings of cocktail parties all guests have the opportunity to meet the Commodore if they wish! The Senior Officers line up and are introduced to the guests.
Once a voyage the Senior Officers will host another cocktail party to which table companions and Platinum members of the Cunard World Club are invited (guests who have completed eight voyages or more)
I should explain that, being an ocean liner, we have guests who live in staterooms and take voyages or make crossings!
The ship is filled with memorabilia depicting past great liners and the famous that have traveled with us. Our guests can follow the Maritime Quest which relates in audio the history of the Company from Samuel Cunard’s first trans Atlantic with Britannia in 1840, through to the present day.
One of the amazing features of our ship is the Queens Ballroom. It is the largest dance floor at sea and provides big band dancing throughout the voyage. It’s very popular and very different from a cruise ship!
Back to hosting your table and my favorite question to ask Masters of vessels. If you could choose six dining companions from history to have at your table who would they be and why.
1. Captain James Cooke who grew up near Whitby in C18 and was one of the greatest seafarers and explorers who ever lived. He perhaps might have had a few tips!
2. Ursula Andress who was my pin up at school – what man can forget the day that she emerged from the sea in “Dr No”?
3. Tommy Cooper. The funniest man who ever lived.
4. Galileo Galilei. A great astronomer and scientist to add an intellectually intriguing side to the conversation.
5. President Ronald Reagan. So much more than a politician – his character was such we could probably enjoy dinner without talking politics.
6. Fred Trueman (Fiery Fred). A great Yorkshireman who was probably the finest fast bowler in English cricket. Always entertaining and sometimes controversial both on and off the field.
7. Co-host – My wife Tina!
I would like to thank Commodore Warner for taking time to answer those questions and allow us to go behind the scenes with him. I think it is obvious that the proud traditions of the Cunard Line can rest very easily on his shoulders.
I particularly found Commodore Warner’s dinner guest list fascinating as he included two of my own favorites in Tommy Cooper and Fred Trueman. Now, for those American bloggers Fred Trueman was a as the Commodore said a cricketer and I thought for a moment that I would try and explain the laws of cricket to you.
Cricket terminology can be confusing to those who are not avid followers of the sport, and just like all team sports, they have their own set of positions and terms that come along with the game. Below is a guide to some of the different terms you may hear that will help you better understand your first cricket game?
- A bowler is much like a pitcher in baseball, delivering the ball (a hard ball that is approximately fist-sized) to the batsman. He also defends the wicket (goal) in front of which he stands.
- A batsman stands with a bat (made of willow) at the wicket opposite the bowler, aiming at the ball with the bat. He attempts to hit the ball and move across the pitch to at least reach the creases, with the goal of reaching the opposite wicket to complete a run.
- Fieldsmen are similar to the outfielders in baseball, with the job of chasing down the ball and returning it, with the intention of catching a batter and getting him “out.”
- The pitch is the clay rectangle in the center of the field where most of the play occurs. The creases are lines across the pitch, which are used to determine if a delivery is fair.
- Caught – when a fielder catches the ball without it first bouncing off the ground. This would occur after the batsman has hit the ball or it has come into contact with the batsman’s glove.
- Bowled – the ball delivered by the bowler his the stump (wicket) and has dislodged at least one of the bails (the cross planks). The credit goes to the bowler for the play and batsman’s dismissal.
- LBW (leg before wicket) – when the ball that was delivered hits the pad or the leg of the batsman and the umpire believes it would have hit the stump. This goes against the batsmen, and the bowler is credited with a dismissal.
- Hit wicket – when the batsman knocks down a bail by accidentally hitting the stump while swinging or taking off for the first run. The bowler is again credited with a dismissal.
- This is just a short list of terms used in a typical cricket game. However, when you think about a game that could last up to five days in some of its formats, obviously you’ll hear a lot more. At least, though, you won’t fall behind watching.
Are you asleep yet?
Seriously, cricket is a passion of mine as it is for Commodore Warner and maybe one day we will be able to watch a game together and hopefully see someone bowl a maiden over or get caught in the gully by a googlie……….don’t ask.
Oh, as for Tommy Cooper, another guest at the Commodore’s table…………well he was as mentioned simply one of the funniest people in history. Here he is.
One of the greatest comedians of our country was born in Caerphilly in 1921. A genius who turned every trick into a disaster and who turned disaster into laughter. his one line gags were irresistibly funny…………here are some of his best.
My wife had a go at me last night. She said, “You’ll drive me to my grave.” I had the car out in thirty seconds.
So I went to the Doctor’s yesterday. He said, “What appears to be the problem?” I said, “I keep having this dream, night after night, beautiful girls rushing towards me and I keep pushing them away.” He said, “How can I help?” I said: “break my arms.”
A woman tells her doctor, ‘I’ve got a bad back.’
The doctor says, ‘It’s old age.’
The woman says, ‘I want a second opinion.’
The doctor says: ‘Okay – you’re ugly as well.’
I’m on a whiskey diet. I’ve lost three days already
I got home from work and the wife said – I’m very sorry dear, but the cat’s eaten your dinner’. I said ‘Don’t worry – I’ll get you a new cat’.
On April 15, 1984, Tommy Cooper collapsed from a massive heart attack in front of millions of television viewers, midway through his act, on the popular British Television variety show, Live From Her Majesty’s. Most of the audience thought it was part of his act and were laughing, until it became apparent that he was seriously ill and it was later announced during the show that he had indeed passed away………………his friends all said that this was how he would have wanted it.
What a superb dinner table Commodore Warner choose………….here they are.
TOMMY COOPER
FRED TRUEMAN
URSULA ANDRES
GALILEO
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
CAPTAIN JAMES COOKE
MRS. TINA WARNER with sons Tom and Charlie
So, we have covered the greatest game in the world, one of the funniest and most unique British entertainers of all time and of course a view from the bridge of the Queen Mary 2 provided by Commodore Warner.
I am therefore feeling, very patriotic……………….I feel like singing.
1
When Britain first, at Heaven’s command
Arose from out the azure main;
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sung this strain:
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
2
The nations, not so blest as thee,
Must, in their turns, to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
3
Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful, from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
4
Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame:
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame;
But work their woe, and thy renown.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
5
To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles thine.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
6
The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair;
Blest Isle! With matchless beauty crown’d,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
That’s better……….nothing like a rousing chorus of Rule Britannia at 6 am in the morning.
My sincere thanks to Commodore Warner and to all of you for reading.
TTFN
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Tales from the Ship
Tommy Cooper.
What a way to go, on stage in front of millions! I wonder who had to follow his last performance.
Several years ago we watched a PBS TV Special onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. How the crew lives, the preparation for the Royal Family when onboard, very interesting. It’s a shame they had to retire that beautiful ship. Where is she now?
Kathy and Paul
Good morning Sir John,
Very entertaining and informative interview with Commodore Warner. He is very articulate and clearly loves his life. And thank you to you for the Cricket terminology. I think it is amazing how long a single game can last.
Oh, I do wish this was an audio blog – I would pay big money to hear you sing Rule Britannia. Actually, the next cruise I am on with you will probably be big bucks, so there you go!
Yesterday, Ray had an excellent idea – go incognito when you and Heidi leave the ship. I’m sure you can find something from the Wardrobe Dept. Let’s see – one of Brittney’s wigs for Heidi (dark hair of course),maybe a bald wig & big black glasses for you. Or just play tourist – big floral shirt, shorts, socks & sandals, camera around your neck and maybe a hat to disguise your hair. What d’ya think – would that work and let you guys enjoy some private time ashore?
John, I finally spoke to my neighbor who refuses to cruise Carnival & asked her what you wanted to know. If I get the chance later, I will send another blog, if not then tomorrow.
Enjoy your day,
Carol
John- Brad is in Venice for the Film Festival….maybe Angelina has joined him. It’s never too late to start stalking her for the next ship…..:)
P.S. Kathy- Loved your website. What a wonderful carrer you and your husband have had. I bet you’ve met a lot of interesting people!
John, great interview, great ship, BUT I’m a creature of habit. Until I find something wrong with something I don’t change. So I’m stuck with you and CARNIVAL till something goes wrong and I don’t see the happening. But what a great place to be stuck.
“BIG” ED
What a fascinating interview with Commodore Warner. He truly is an interesting person, and I applaud that he was able to achieve his dreams that he had set out to do from such a young age.
Well, i’m happy you are patriotic over there in Europa. Being in Dallas, TX…I would look kind of silly singing “Rule Britania” sitting on the trading desk.
QM2 is such a pretty ship. I’m jealous for I wish i lived on her too.
Cricket = Very tough game to play and understand. Slowly gaining popularity here in the states.
Thanks for a great blog today.
David
Bravo John, Bravo!!
Simply marvelous blog thingy this AM.
Rule Britannia for sure!
Cheerio,
Kersplott
Hi John,
I see an article in Seatrade Insider (free membership), on some Costa Maya plans and it mentions the possibility of cruise ships tendering passengers in before the pier is operational. But it will still be a while.
http://www.cruise-community.com/ShowStory.asp?ID=12529
That dive of a bar that you took Sheik #2 to- did they have the kind of food he wanted?
John,
Thank you for the insight into the world of Cunard and the Commodore, in particular.
The British have a particular attachment to and love for the sea that no other country can match. It’s wonderfully apparent in the words British seamen use to describe vessels and experiences.
I can only imagine, and one day hope to experience first hand, the luxury and presence of a ship like the QM2. She’s a glory. Looking at the Cunard website doesn’t do her justice. There’s no way to realize that she’s a 148,000 + gross ton ship. Her classic lines hide amazing technology and power. FOUR screws!!! FOUR!!!
Commodore Warner is a very fortunate man, indeed and Cunard is fortunate to have him at the helm of one of their most spectacular ships.
Hi John and Heidi
Just a quick note from Thope Bay, Just to say a big thank you for making our cruise the best. Our party of 17 had a fantastic time. My parents send a thank you for the champers that was sent to the room after losing their holiday money and want me to tell you that they have managed to claim some back from the insurance co, so that helps.
I have emailed you with my dates for our two cruises in december, hopefully you got that.
All ok here, weather just about holding on to a bit more sun, my son and friends are down on the beach now getting themselves covered in all that mud! Enjoy michellex
John please help!
I have just been notified that the champagne dinner and gondola ride for Oct. 19 has been canceled. You had highly recommended this for our Anniversary and we booked it. It has been credited back to us but now we are in need of a replacement. Any suggestions? We could book the evening gondola ride or do you have an alternative? Please let me know what I should do as we have less than 45 days till we cruise. YeaH!!!
Dear John:
Just a quick note before I attempt to get my suitcase closed up for our trip on 9/2’s Legend cruise. I was wondering if it is feasible to bring one’s own laptop on board or can we use our own in the computer room? I have to keep up with your world, you know!!!
I read about the alleged “Terrible Liberty.” I know that we all have from time to time had boors on board and wonder if this could be counteracted by having Rules of Conduct posted in the brochures and then following it up by a boot off board at the next port? We all put up with the noisy ones at 2-3 a.m. in the hallways, but such a large group would be intimidating for anyone.
To counteract this, I have to say that our time on the Liberty was the very best of our 45+ cruises, filled with fun, wonderful entertainment and crew and not the very least, that YOU were the cruise director. It was a trip that will remain in our memory banks for a long, long time.
We wish bon voyagee to all our Cruise Critic friends who will be on board with us. Will give your regards to “Bubba.”
P.S. We heard from the locals in Costa Maya are they are very grateful for the love, support and prayers from all cruisers and visitors to their country and they look forward to seeing everyone back in the future.
I forgot… thank you for renewing my childhood fantasies with the picture of the wonderful Ms. Ursula Andress!!! Lucky guy, that Bond, James Bond…
Hi John -
I’m running out of time to read your blog (we leave in a week) so I don’t know if you’ve mentioned this. There will be a huge event citywide (actually, many events) in Rome on September 8 from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. It was attended last year by 2.5 million people. Here’s the website: http://www.lanottebianca.it/default.aspx?pagina=coselanottebianca_en&IdLingua=2&Nascosto=.
Also, thanks for setting up our Meet and Greet for September 12th!
BLOGGERS READ ALL ABOUT IT
Carnival Freedom Senior Cruise Director’s Blog Sets One-Day Readership Record
John’s Thingy had 11,400 slaps in one day. Read all about it in this CARNIVAL NEWS item.Just click on this link;
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John, what colour did you say you wanted that ASTON MARTIN?
BLOGGERS LAST DAY TO VOTE FOR JOHN
Go to this link to place your vote and read about it;
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“BIG” ED
Hi John & Heidi,
Wow! What a great interview, John. Very interesting insight into a different kind of vessel. She really does harken back to an era of refinement, dignity and charm…something tells me they don’t have a “Knobby Knees” competition aboard her!! Also, I didn’t realize who Tommy Cooper was by name, but I recognized him in the photo and now remember seeing him many times in clips from past appearances years ago. He was brilliantly funny and his timing was impeccable! I’d love to see him again. Are any of his performances available on DVD? Also, if you have any in your collection, perhaps we could all enjoy him on the ship’s theater screen on the Blogger’s Cruise… now THAT would be very cool!
Keep up the great blog and I’m sure with this kind of content, you’ll be #1 in no time at all.
John, OH BOY!
Did you see your now on the home page of CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC? Right smack in the middle of the page in bold red print with a link to your blog.
BLOGGERS TO SEE THIS HOME PAGE OF CARNIVAL CORPORATION JUST CLICK THIS;
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=140690&p=irol-index
“BIG” ED
Howdy John,
So now that I know some cricket terms…
…How do the scores get so high in five days of play? I’m probably reading the scorelines wrong, but I’ve seen stuff on Sky news where it’s like “294-14″ and I have no idea what that means.
Dear John,
My wife and I just returned from our first cruise and honeymoon and wanted to thank you and the entire staff for making it everything we could’ve ever wanted. We’re sad to be returning to life on land, but hope to see you on another cruise before too long.
Cheers,
Scott and Colleen
Hi John and Heidi – I am a long time reader but a first time “commenter”. I really enjoyed the comments from Commodore Warner today. If I win the Lotto I promise to become a professional cruiser. My husband and I cruised with you before on the Imagination (100 years ago) and again last year on the Liberty. We were on the legendary TA cruise last fall. We had such a great time. But, I have NEVER heard so much potty talk in my life and that is something inasmuch as I have been a nurse for 30 years and we are pretty famous for potty talk. I really enjoy the blog thingy, thank you!!
Great job John, I am British although I live in the US, and I’ve never really understood cricket, now I do…..I think.
I remember clearly the night Tommy Cooper died on television, although I was in my twentys, its just one of those things you remember, everybody thought it was part of his act, and I remember the huge peels of laughter…..I kind of think he went out just the way he would have wanted, with everybody laughing!
We all have our favourite Tommy Cooper joke in the UK, this is one of my favourites
“I slept like a log last night, woke up in the fire place in the Morning”.
John,
Promise you will sing that song for us on the blogger’s cruise…pleaaassseee!!!
Elaine
Hi John and Heidi,
Thanks for the great interview with Commodore Warner. Some day we’ll have to try Cunard.
On a different note, what is the current feeling in Europe about Russia and Putin? Just watched a news item on TV and it reinforced what we had heard about a possible return to the Cold War being let by Putin. This apparently is being fueled by the young people that feel the US is the enemy. I know that anything is hopefully a long ways off but I hope it won’t interfere with our stop in St. Petersburg next summer. Just wondered what the thoughts were “over there”.
I can’t believe how calm you are when you have to deal with some of your guests. I know it’s only a very small percentage of guests sailing but we know we wouldn’t handle things as well as you do.
I checked on the price of rental for an Aston Martin for one day in Miami and the cost is $1500. Maybe we can all take up a collection for you.
We’re still seeing the news reports on the fires in Greece. It’s really sad to think that they were started by arsonists. I thought we only had such nuts in the States but I guess they’re all over.
Have a great day and only happy guests.
George and Linda
Hi John,
I happen to notice that my last post was omitted after I asked your opinion on a recent post on the Cruise Critic site. I was wondering if you even got to read my question.
It was to do with a recent episode on the Liberty with a large unruly group of guests. The poster on CC was very disappointed in the lack of results from her concerns that were submitted to the purser’s office while on the Liberty last week.
My question was to do with procedures that Carnival has in place to ensure that all guests are safe. If the moderator isn’t going to forward all questions then how will all of the bloggers be kept informed?
I enjoy all of your insights and was wondering about this aspect of the cruise business when you yourself have stated many times that SAFETY is the primary concern on all Carnival ships.
I am sure you have an opinion on how to keep the peace on the ships that you have sailed and I would like to know that my wife and I will enjoy a safe and enjoyble cruise in two weeks time on the Liberty.
Thanks for listening. Hope to see this posted on the blog.
John -
The guest I find most fascinating – or maybe I should say most compatible with my idea of a dinner companion – is Captain James Cooke. I have long held a fascination with the early English sailors and am a huge fan of the Horatio Hornblower sagas. I could read them again and again.
That having been said, my choice would be Sir John Franklin, whose ill-fated expedition actually discovered the Northwest Passage without realizing it. I have read many books on these arctic explorers – Frobisher, Baffin, Hudson, Peary. A fascinating period in our history.
Wonderful job on the Commodore’s interview.
TTFN
LFTTNSFCF in 60 days
John,
I wonder how much longer it’s going to take for Cunard to try and steal you away from carnival, and make you the Commodore CD on the new Queen Victoria ? Hope all is well with you thanks for the cricket lesson, I had a general idea about it but now I could probably watch a match and know whats totally going on. Still awaiting a Heidi Blog, I’m sure she is working on one to share. I did Google Tommy Cooper and from what I have been reading sounds like a man about as funny as you. Best wishes.
Kevin
Great interview. QM2 is really in a class of her own.
Commodore Warner was kind enough to do an interview with me last year. http://beyondships.com/QM2.html
He is a gentleman. Also, all of his officers speak about how impressed they are with his seamanship abilities.
John,
How do I speak with you through the blog? I can’t find it anywhere and I have lots of things to tell you!
Thanks so much!
Lindsey
Greetings from Japan! We’ve been on vacation so I’ve missed several blogs. I do have a question about the Supper Clubs…we’ve never been to one because we didnt want to miss out on whatever meal was in the main dining room. Especially lobster night. Can you convince me why we should miss a dining room meal for the supper club? Is it that much nicer?
thanks! Don & Laura
John, I bet half of Briton was in tears laughing and being proud of your blog, of course we Americans just went huh…………still keep blogging.
For Lauren!
Thanks for visiting my site. Yes, we’ve both enjoyed nice careers and have fond memories. Boy, can I tell you a few stories….but not here!! Ha!
Kathy and Paul ( Lee Paul )
This is my first visit to the blog. An excellent interview and a great bunch of guests. But is that James Cook (e)? Maybe he looks different without his wig, and with a beard?
As for cricket, our American friends don’t know what they are missing!
Thanks.
Hi John!
Enjoyed the blog today. The interview with Comodore Warner was very good! We sailed on the Princess Dawn (which Comordore Warner over saw the building of), and it’s a beautiful ship. Also, congratulations on the 11,400 slaps in one day (per Big Ed’s comments).
As promised, I am announcing the arrival of our new little cub: Corbin Thomas Rislov arrived at 8:59 am on Wednesday, August 29th. He weighed in at 8 pounds 9 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. He has wavy auburn hair and a very healthy set of lungs!!! (with a temper to match!
) New Daddy is BJ Bear and Mum is Angie. All are doing wonderfully and VERY Happy. I sent pictures to Big Ed to add to your album.
You asked if we Bears hibernate. As a matter of fact to an extent we do. Winter comes and we curl up in front of the fireplace to keep warm…. setting the alarm for early morning to go to the local coffee shop to scrounge and forage for fresh gormet coffee and pastry. Then back to our warm retreat. This year we will also have the alarm set for early December to cruise on the Carnival Glory and again in January for the Bloggers cruise. And possibly again in March with the new cub. The breed of bears we are could not survive the cold, harsh winter of the midwest without a little R&R and warm tropical sunshine.
It seems your friend Hans has a very interesting job. Sounds like a dream job to me.
Hello to Heidi!
Barb
the Bears, Barb & Carl,
I will be in OZ, Jackson Michigan, for 10 days. My internet time will be at a minimum so I will not be transfering any pictures till I’m back home. WENDYS hot spot just not fast enough.
“BIG” ED
Good Evening John: (at least where I am it is evening):
I submitted my son’s drawing for your ship drawing contest. You showd it on the morning show and even turned it upside down letting us know what the ship looks like in unhappier times. We have given him his special prizes. You said on the morning show, his drawing along with the one from the other child would be posted on the blog. I have gone through all blogs from the cruise dates (Aug. 17 – 29) and have not found it. Is there another place where it could be or could it have been missed?
SewingNut
Great reading about Commodore Warner. He’s a wonderful man. He married my husband and me onboard the Golden Princess.
Found your blog after searching for Bernie Warner. Thanks for the great interview; it was good to get an update on him. I enjoyed seeing his lovely family.
My husband and I sailed on the Dawn Princess solar eclipse cruise in 1998 with Captain Warner. He impressed us numerous times with his skill and call to duty. He did a marvelous job of guiding the ship to follow the eclipse, and he also rescued the crew of a distressed fishing vessel along the way.
You blog makes me want to sail on the QM2 just because I know Commodore Warner is at the helm.
I met his son on the ship and am now great friends with him!