Thursday, September 6th, 2007...10:10 am
Nessun Dorma
Good Morning from Athens. It is now 10:16 am and I thought I would sit down and do a bit of blogging. Athens is again so very HOT with a temperature of 98 degrees……….perfect for climbing the Acropolis!………………said with just a hint of sarcasm.
Well, I have some news which broke this morning but PA007 did actually write to me last night but I had already sent in my blog and gone to bed. Anyway, here is what PA 007 had to say .
John, you readers may be interested to know that as I was in the bathroom yesterday I overheard two people from the “tenth floor” talking about a new family member for Carnival Cooperation. It will be called IberoCruceros and will focus on the Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian markets. The celebration will be transferred there next year. I think the official release is coming out tomorrow and I am sorry that I did not get you this before. Lucky that I got the “call of nature” when I did.
Say hello to all your readers.
PA 007.
So, yet another addition to the ever-growing Carnival family and I personally think that this like AIDA which caters to the German-speaking market is sure to become another amazing Carnival Corporation success story.
Some good news on the luggage front. We had just 30-something bags missing at the beginning of the cruise and as of today we have just five still unaccounted for. That’s still not good news for those three guests to whom the bags belong but it certainly is a much better ratio than we have been used to. Kudos to our fantastic Purser team who work so hard to get this done.
I did an interview yesterday for a journalist and was asked a question………what will you do when you stop working on cruise ships and when will that be?
I hate that question………..because I don’t know the answer. I know that I cannot do this much longer, maybe one or two years at the most. Now, those that now me, Roger, Chris, PA007 and of course Heidi know that I have “considered” getting off ships a lot during the last few years. Why? Well, I am 42 years old and Heidi and I do deserve a life on land. As romantic as living on the ocean sounds I know that this fairytale can’t go on forever. What would I do ………….I have no idea except it has to be something within the industry and hopefully for the Carnival family. Anyway, sorry to waffle on about this but it was the last thing I thought about before I went to sleep and as usual when that happens it’s the first thing I thought about this morning, therefore I thought I would share these thoughts with you………maybe I will just blog forever or open a Turkish Bath……………maybe Fatima has a sister.
We were talking the other day about the miniscule amount of guests that behave in such a way as to result in being taken off the vessel and I mentioned it rarely happens. It was therefore “sods law” that last night an incident occurred that resulted in two people leaving us today in Athens and whom are now on their way back to Baltimore. I cannot, for obvious reasons, give you too many details but I can tell you that this was a domestic incident and no other guests were involved. However, it was serious enough that the senior management felt that it was best they left the ship and indeed that is what happened today in Athens. What a sad situation and I hope that they can resolve their differences soon……………..my impression is though…….that’s not going to happen……………what a shame.
After that gloomy tale it is time for some sunshine and here are some beautiful sunset shots as taken by Heidi.
Here is a photo I found of my sister Suzanne, Paul her husband and me on the Sensation from 1994 – I think.
Here are the letters from today’s In Their Own Words Section
Q and A Time with the last few from the blog about the Liberty and then onto the blog about the Fascination.
Here we go and today is one of those days that I am going to ask you to please allow me to just answer those comments with actual questions as once again I am really behind………………I hope you understand.
MILLIE S – yes indeed your trans-Atlantic crossing cruise will be here before you know it. In fact I am already starting to prepare the schedules and entertainment, etc. You asked about the dining room assignments. These are usually done a week before the cruise starts and if you are unhappy with your table then you can indeed request a change through the maitre D. If you would like to slap on a posting a week or so before the cruise I can let you know what is happening with your table. I am happy to help.
KEVIN AND HEIDI AND BETH – It looks like Nicaragua took the worst of Felix and as of the time of writing Saturday’s Carnival Glory cruise should be unchanged which is great news for the three of you. Therefore, all should be well and you should be set for the best cruise you have ever had. Please drop us a line if you can or get wee Jimmy to do this for you. I know he will be thrilled to meet the three of you. Bon Voyage.
SHELLY HESSON – Well Shelly, in a few days you will be here and if you can bring me some monkey tea (PG Tips) I will bestow gifts upon you………if you have any mugs from your area, Heidi also collects mugs so we will have gifts awaiting for you. Mostly, just get here safe and get ready for a wonderful cruise.
LEZLEE – Well I tried but unfortunately the logistics of changing the Piano Bar to smoke free for just one night is quite difficult. Guests will be used to being able to smoke there and as it is a fleet wide policy it is not easy to change. Off the record though, if your CC group gets there early I am sure you could commandeer one side of the bar and therefore that would be non-smoking. I truly hope you all understand and I am here should you have any further questions.
NANI – sssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhh……………….I don’t celebrate birthdays anymore but yep, it will be on the Bloggers cruise. Much oldo meo.
LEZLEE – I have heard this many, many times about RCI and their hand sanitizers at the entrance to the food lines with crew telling guests to use them. Well, the simple fact is that if you look at the records of NV last year there were major outbreaks on RCI ships as well as the one on the Carnival Liberty. The Center for Disease Control state that washing hands with soap and water is the best preventative against catching NV and of course this is backed up by our onboard medical department and our medical advisors from Miami. We also have hand sanitizers at the food lines and we will also be more vigorous with this if and when needed. So far, my constant reminders of hand washing has resulted in no NV outbreaks this season so far…….fingers crossed, touch wood etc, etc. Anyway, I will keep you all posted and thanks to you for the comments and support of the blog.
RUTH JAMISON – I am very humbled that you are sending Heidi and I a box. You asked me how long I will be here for and the answer is ……….I don’t know. We will however be here for at least two more months so post away …………seriously, you don’t need to send anything, just keep reading the blog and I will be forever grateful.
GEORGE AND LINDA – Thank you both for another wonderful posting and for your thoughts on the taxi’s in Civi. I addressed this with our agency in Rome and they have promised me a better service will be provided. I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been for you both not to find transportation so I will be using you as an example as I stress even harder than usual that taxis are scarce in Civi until such time as I see the situation has improved myself. I will let you all know my Caribbean schedule soon but as of now I am unsure what Heidi and I (or is it me and Heidi?) will be doing. I do know you will have a wonderful time on the Carnival Glory and I pray that the Hurricane season is going to be quiet now. My best to you both.
INMN253 – I am happy to answer YES that on the bloggers cruise I will indeed be doing the Bedtime Story and other shows. Todd will run the ship and I will be sort of a ……….ummmm…guest Emcee. Hope that’s OK with everyone. Cheers.
KEVIN – Please don’t forget to tell me your cabin number before you sail on the Carnival Miracle. I need to put a small Aston Martin on your pillow at night.
MAL AND LEX FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA – I am glad you are enjoying the guest interviews with the Carnival cruise directors. I hope people will enjoy yesterday’s blog with the Cruise Director from the Queen Mary 2, Ray Rouse.
It’s great to hear also that you enjoyed Cruise Director Shawn on the Carnival Spirit. She really is a wonderful lady and I enjoy any time that we can be together. I have passed on your regards to her and also to Pam, the Casino Boss, who is currently the Manager on the Carnival Imagination. No need to hope, you will, without doubt, have the most fantastic time on the Carnival Splendor. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…
MARY ROSS – How wonderful that you have been reading this blog from its very beginning. As of today, we have had 630,000 slaps and that’s because of people like you. You mentioned you have lots of things in your life going on and that my blog is the highlight of your day. Well, I just wanted you to know that you are the highlight of my day, now I have read those words.
I am sure your upcoming cruise on the Carnival Freedom in 2009 will be fantastic and if I am on board I promise to come to your renewal of vows and I do hope that your parents will allow us to help them celebrate 50 glorious years together. You asked me to try and convince them. So here are my top three reasons they should sail. 1. Spending time as an entire family together is in today’s lifestyle more and more difficult. The Carnival Splendor will allow this to happen in the most comfortable and fun surroundings. 2. The crew of the Carnival Splendor will be handpicked and we will all make sure that your 50 years of marriage is celebrated in style. 3. the most important, you get free champagne from me. Hope this helps and if you need more help, let me know.
Oh, by the way, I am sorry Todd never showed up for your dance, probably, like me, he just can’t. Mary, let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
LFTTNSFCF – I know mate. Wearing an RCI shirt to a Carnival Past Guest party, that’s the same as going to Burger King and asking for a Big Mac or going in to Harry’s Bar in Venice and telling them to change the recipe of the risotto. See you in your Carnival shirt very soon.
KATHY KROLL – How is the weather over there? I hope you don’t get rained on too much by the now tropical storm. You are correct; the world’s weather is crazy. In the U.K. it has been the wettest summer on record, yet in April, known for its showers, it didn’t rain the entire month and we had temperatures in the 90’s. Hope you and Paul are well, hope to see you soon.
OCEAN ANGEL – I am glad you are enjoying the blog thingy and I just passed on your thanks to Heidi as well. I will indeed interview Captain Scala who has certainly has done wonders for the orphanage as Cruise Director Goose mentioned in his interview. You asked for a photo of the brick and Heidi will indeed take a photo of that tomorrow and we will put that on the next blog. Keep laughing and all the best.
MRS. MTSFP – You should be John and Diane’s agent after that posting which by the way I have given them a copy of. I think I will know where to find you on the TA crossing and they are also looking forward to spending a night in the Supper Club with you which hopefully Heidi and I will as well. Thank you as always for your poetic postings.
INEZ – It seems that reading your posting that you have some wonderful cruise memories and some not so wonderful memories including you having to leave the ship on the Imagination for medical reasons. I know Trevor and Greg very well. Trevor is still with us but Gregg retired some years ago and now lives in Mexico. I do not know Alexandra personally however I spoke to the Casino Manager and he thinks you may mean Alexandra Klimekski who is a Casino Supervisor and is currently working on the Carnival Elation. If you have a message you would like me to pass on then I will be happy to do so. Hope you are well and my best to you and all the family, especially the grand kids………are you still keeping an eye on them?
MARK AND SHELLY – Your posting was absolutely wonderful, full of memories of your various cruises with us here at Carnival. It seems that you have not had enough yet with your booking of the Carnival Legend. Now, your wife Shelley you say looks like AJ so please have her on stand by if indeed we can’t get the real one. Thank you for this posting and it was brilliant to be able to have spent the good times with you both.
GREG BALDASARRI – hello mate and just a quick note to say another big thank you for your continued support of the blog. I saw Mr. Pethan this morning during tour departures and he told me he is famous…………..for the wrong reason but he has been a great sport about the whole thing. Thank again for your words of fun and the ones of compassion.
PEANUTS – I am glad we all now know what a Spotted Dick is and you really should try it. As for the Detroit Pistons…..I bet you a Spotted Dick the Heat get you next year. All the best and Let’s Go Heat.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Hello Carol, this is Heidi and I wanted to say a big thank you for your lovely reply to my blog. It is a rare thing if I get time at the computer so it was nice to say hello to all my friends. The story of Haagen Dasz being invented in Denmark and the names being chosen from the phone book was taught to me at university in Holland………..I hope my teacher was telling the truth. John sends his best and he will write to you soon. Many thank for being so kind……Heidi.
JUDY – You found the blog, congratulations. Can I help you with anything? I know it is not easy to find….I used to have my photo on the front page of the Carnival site but with so much going on it is not always to keep me there. Anyway, welcome to the blog and if you need my services I am here for you.
LINDA – Thank you for you so kind words Linda. We continue to think of the people of Costa Maya.
TERRI910 – Welcome back from your Carnival Paradise cruise and I have taken the opportunity to pass on your kind words about Misty, the Karaoke host to the cruise director Jeff. Do you remember the names of the two comedians you enjoyed so much? Anyway, welcome home and hopefully the Paradise cruise will keep you going for some time to come…………don’t get ATCOCS syndrome like Mr. Colin Wilkinson………..he had not been on a Carnival ship for some time and then cruised with another line and was disembarked a Carnival Freedom shirt at the past guest party and ran on stage shouting………”where’s the fun and shouting get me of the Boring of the Seas”…………………poor sod.
PATRICK TOAL – I have no words and I have forwarded your thoughts to some of my friends in our Miami office. Hopefully they can help you join us here onboard. The staff here and on all Carnival ships is as friendly and caring as you could wish to meet and if you do indeed sail with me I promise and assure you.
That’s all the Q and A for today. Please, if I have missed anyone’s question please slap it on again. Sometimes I just don’t see it or I forget to answer. Either or either way (is it either or either?) anyway, whatever it is please write again and I apologize if indeed I have yet to answer you.
Just a reminder to those people who have requested Supper Club bookings that unless you hear from me otherwise your bookings will have been confirmed………….don’t eat lunch and try the Porterhouse!
Luv Cruisin sent me some images about the fires in Greece; here’s a sample from the collection she sent.
This morning I went to Olympia. I wanted to se for myself the devastation that was caused by the forest fires last week. Here are the photos which clearly show the burnt trees, the landscape that has been charred for years to come and the trench that has been dug to try and protect the Temple of Zeus and other historic structures. See for yourself.
And now the good news. ……………….no scratch that………………….now for the FANTASTIC news ………John Cleese has agreed to grace this humble, tiny blog thingy of mine with an interview which will happen in a few days time ……………..I am bouncing of the walls and coupled with the fact that I just had some jelly beans I am firing on all cylinders ………..literally………….Heidi is not amused. Now I have to think of what I can ask the man from Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Shrek, Will and Grace and countless movies and shows ………..who needs an Aston Martin………………….ok……I do……….but today, I am well chuffed (happy).
With the good there is sad news today, Pavarotti, arguably the world’s greatest tenor has died aged 71. What a voice he had. I remember the opening ceremony of the Soccer World Cup in 1990 in Italy when he sang Nessun Dorma to open the competition; it put him and that song on the map. His showmanship and his larger-than-life personality brought opera to the masses and he was without doubt a true ambassador for Italy and its culture.
Today, as we sail I will play a Pavarotti concert on the Lido deck big screen ……………in memory of a man and his God-given voice.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
39 Comments
September 6th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Hi John, OOoooo nice blog.
I just wanted to say a big hello to all the guys and girls back on the Freedom. Thanks for making my last few days really fun and full of great music! Pass my best wishes onto Charlie the human bone for the future.
I can’t wait to return to that massive stage again with the band behind me, what a buzz! You’ll be happy to know after such verbal abuse I purchased a blue laptop case from the apple store today but every time I return to one of your ships from this day forward I’ll be sure to dig the beautiful red one out! Ha ha ha
I can’t believe your going to interview John Cleese. You lucky man! I’m going to be reading that I can assure you.
Anyway hope your well, love to Heidi and I’ll see you for a brew in a couple of weeks with Saga stories in tow!
Jamie Frasier
September 6th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Hi Saint John and Sainte Heidi,
What a great blog thingy today.
This morning’s newscasts all had the footage of Pavarotti singing at the Torino Olympics last year – same aria. What a splendid voice, and I am not an opera fan at all, but he did everything and with such charm.
Thanks to PA007 for the info on the Celebration and to you for letting us all know your thoughts about the future. None of us want to lose you, but we all know you and Heidi deserve a life doing whatever you want to do. And a blog every now and then would be nice.
I still haven’t heard from the woman here at work who went to Greece. After seeing those pictures and reading a story from someone who did go there, it’s very frightening.
I think I’m almost as excited as you about your John Cleese interview. Why not ask him about the new Pink Panther sequel, or maybe a James Bond question???
Heidi, John – enjoy the rest of the day,
Regards,
Carol
September 6th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Hi John! I have been reading your blog since June. Although I haven’t meet you face to face, after reading your blog, it seems that I have known you for a long time. My husband, me, a cousin and her hubby will be sailing on the Carnival Freedom this Sept.22nd. I will be celebrating my 6?th birthday on Sept. 29th. My cousin will be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. Hope to meet you personally on board the Carnival Freedom. This will be our 3rd cruise with Carnival.
The sunset photos by Heidi are great. Haven’t seen a red sunset before. Thanks for sharing.
September 6th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
WOW! I’ve just finished reading all of the archives, including all of the comments. I found this blog around mid July. From the boxers vs. breifs debate to BELLA’s outragoues requests, and to all of Big Ed’s titles – what a fantastic family of bloggers. Keep up the good work John!
P.S. Thanks ED for adding me to your Bloggers Album
September 6th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
hi John/Heidi…
Great blog today and very nice that you paid respects to Mr. Pavarotti. My wife turned me on to him many years ago and I remember how much my father enjoyed his Three Tenors concerts. A true legend in his industry. Its because of Mr. Pavarotti that so many people worldwide were exposed to opera and classical movements.
Goregous sunset pictures today. Heidi is quite the photographer. However, the Olympia pictures are quite sad. One can clearly see that the area is still intact, however it does appear that it is going to take some time for everything to grow back.
Interesting news about the Spanish venture. I hope it adds value to the bottom line since I also read that they decided to end the TUI JV.
Thanks for another great read today and I look forward to reading Mr. Cleese’s interview.
David
September 6th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I read in the paper today that Pavarotti had died–he will be greatly missed.
In just 2 short weeks from today we will be on the Holiday ! Eating those wonderfl turkey deli sandwiches wooohoo ! Looking forward to all the great food and entertainment.
You and Heidi take care !
September 6th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
John,
I know that you have not read or seen the Harry Potter books or movies but Mr. John Cleese also played a character in the Potter books called Nearly Headless Nick. He is a ghost, residing in Hagwarts, who alomsost lost his head after 46 hits with a blunt axe. Check out this site. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hogwarts_house_ghosts.
Barbara
September 6th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
John,
That is so sad to read about Athens, but I am happy to know that most all of the ruins are still intacted. You asked about my cabin number well it’s 5106 on the miracle, I’m excited to read John Cleese’s interview, it will be one to remember. John when the time comes for you to leave ships I will bet you the Aston carnival corp has some great job for you in Miami with a great secretary (PA007 maybe), a window, and of course some sort of position for Heidi if she wanted one. Very sad to read about Pavarotti, tonight I will play only his CD at the restaurant in his memory. oh btw we all know your birthday is during the bloggers cruise, we’ve just been keeping it quiet, all i can say is Fatimia does have a sister.
Good night
Kevin
September 6th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
I also just wanted to add, since I think I neglected to tell you this in yesterday’s message to you, that you truly are the greatest cruise director there is! My time spent on the Glory with you during Hurricane Francis was the most fun time I ve ever had on a cruise to date! You made a terrifying time fun and humorous (especially when your pants fell down which I have on tape)!! No other cruise director has come close to you and I have been on 5 cruises (Triumph, victory, Glory, Valor and Legend)!
Keep up the excellent job!
Lindsey
September 6th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Hello John and Heidi
Every time I read this blog, it’s really astonish me how many people complain about nothing. I ask myself than why do they this? I’m having fun on my cruise and indeed there are some things that you can say, well that can be improved, but no complains ! My 9th Carnival cruise is in 52 day’s Transatlantic to Maimi and I just can’t wait to get onboard and have another fantastic cruise with more memories that will last a lifetime.
When you told us here about the Balcony cabin people, that it was to high. I immediately thought off something that cruise director Todd told on the Spirit in 2003.
A couple came to the pursers desk and they where upset because they just receive there sail and sign card and at check in. They saw that they had an outside cabin. The lady at the pursers desk said : yes I see but what is the problem it’s a great cabin. The couple said: We rather have an inside cabin because it mid rain on the cruise.
I know it’s funnier when it’s told by a cruisedirector, but as many more jokes and stories, I remember them all.
Hope to see you and off course Heidi in 52 day’s. I just know that it’s gone be another fantastic Carnival cruise.
It’s my parents tenth cruise and there are now platinum guests.
(Heidi, alles ok hier in de Ronde Venen, krijg ik nog een nog een boodschappenlijstje van je)
Vincent
September 6th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Lauren,
Welcome to our wackie world blog thingy.
“BIG” ED
September 6th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
KEVIN,
QUIET!, Your getting diarrhea of the typing fingers. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH
“BIG” ED
September 6th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Thank you for the pictures of Olympia. It brings back so many wonderful memories. So sad to see the brown trees but happy that everything else is ok.
Hi to Heidi.
Jennifer
September 6th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Hi John,
I hope you read my last post back on the ‘Jimmy Wee’ page…
I had put a request in through your website here for a reservation at the Supper Club for our upcoming cruise here in about 2 weeks.
It said that I should get a reply and/or confirmation or something within about 7 days. It has come and gone and I’m just curious if it was received or booked.
If not, I’d like to take this opportunity to have you place the reservation for me, if possible.
My wife and I would like a reservation on Friday, 9-28 at around 8 or 9PM. That should be the 2nd Fun Day At Sea, correct?
If this can be processed by you, I greatly appreciate it. As well, if you find yourself with an abundance of Cannolli’s, feel free to leave them in our room for us. (#7211)
Thanks for taking the time,
Matt & Arte Holden
September 6th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
John, I don’t know what is going on but on my blog the most viewed post is;
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2007/06/04/wanted-for-impersonating-algelina-jolie/.
When it was new it didn’t get slapped this much. About 75% of the hits on my blog are going to this one about ALAN ADKINS. I think he has a fan club growing someplace.
“BIG” ED
September 6th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Since you discussed “the future” and what it may hold “on land”…… I have heard there is a Presidential slot open at Carnival. (we will just kick Cahill out of the way)
John for President bumper stickers for everyone!!
September 6th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
John & Heidi,
Happy to hear the lost luggage count is improving since we will be sailing with you on Monday. Your blog has been a joy and I will say again you should host a show on the Travel Channel about cruising.
See you soon.
Mary Hyder
September 6th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Hey John just a quick question about my up coming cruise on the Carnival Glory what shows will they have on my cruise which leaves on the 13th of October.
My best to you and Heidi
September 6th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
I have been enjoying the blog thingy since day one . Like many others I rush daily to see if you have a new one slapped on . We have been on many cruises with carnival but never with you . In November of 08 we are booked on the Splendor and I hope you will still be on her . I am so looking forward to hearing the bedtime story .
Have a great day .
Kari
September 6th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
John,
I know this sounds a bit childish, but I can’t help but to open the Carnival’s main website everyday and look at the “countdown” window that tells me how many days I have left until my cruise (23 as of today). I just wish it would put the countdown # of my January cruise in the same window. I assume that will come up once my October cruise is over. I can’t help but be pleased that on recent cruises, I’ve been mistaken for both a fitness instructor in the gym and also one of the male dancers (By the way, I’m the same age as you!). The first time a guest came up to me in the aerobics room (I was the first one there before the class) and asked me what type of aerobics I was going to teach that day. Obviously I had to tell her that I was just a passenger. The other time a passenger came up to me and told me what a great job I did as one of the male dancers in the show the night before! These comments give me the incentive to keep in shape!
Eric
September 6th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Lindsey – perhaps you can post that video of John’s pants falling down?
September 6th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
hello everyone! some great news! i start my five day radiation on monday, tomorrow i go to have the implant thingy that they put the radiation in my (boob) (sorry) and then next week i go twice a day and then get it taken back out and done!
then i have to see an oncologist to see about chemo but i may not have to have any, don’t know yet, or i may be able to get it in the spring which is what i am hoping if i need it.
now to my question, we are due to be on board for 26 days on october 16th. i know i am going to be too weak for much but do you think it would be worth it even if i just had to stay on the ship? or maybe some tours are just riding? if my dr. says i can go that is. what do you think?
big huge cheesy smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
ps: thanks again to everyone for all the well wishes and prayers. they certainly came true. y’all rock!!!
September 6th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
John -
Pavarotti – when I heard the news that he had passed away this morning on my way to work, one of my fantasies also died.
When the (now not so) little MTSFP was young, we resided in the quaint hamlet of Yantic, Connecticut – a tiny mill town. Within Yantic was the wonderful Grace Episcopal Church, where the little one was baptized and we worshipped.
One year, the Church had a wonderful choir come to present a concert (concerts in a church are an interesting concept) – it was magnificent, to say the least. The purity of the sound in the stone cathedral was unbelievable.
Thereafter, I dreamed of hearing Pavarotti’s Ave Maria in Grace Church someday. I fantasized about meeting Luciano and convincing him to attend a Christmas Eve service at Grace Church, where we would surprise our wonderful friends with a great Christmas gift.
Alas, this fantasy has now passed on – Luciano, you were the world’s greatest tenor (not just arguably).
Several weeks ago, a childhood hero of mine passed away – The Scooter, Phil Rizzuto. George Steinbreiner, the owner of the New York Yankees was quoted as saying “heaven must have needed a shortstop.”
I think it fair to say that God must have felt the need to strengthen the lead tenor position of his choir today.
Go in peace, our friend – you will be dearly missed, even by those of us who are tone deaf.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Hi John and Heidi, Love the sunset pictures. The pictures in Greece were sad but also happy that the area was not destroyed. I was very sad to hear about Pavarotti’s death. One of my favorite memories of our cruise in September 2005 was going into Venice on the ship listening to his singing. Beautiful! On that cruise there was a activity person named Abra or something similar and she was not on our cruise on the Liberty last fall and just wondered if she is still with Carnival and if so what ship. We enjoyed her a lot along with your ex-assistant. He was so funny concerning the pigeons in Venice. He stated that they were rats with wings. Hilarious! Chat later. Cathy
September 6th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Hi John, you haven’t lost your touch. Your blog remains to be great reading.
I thought I share with you some of the “collateral damage” to my wallet resulting from our Carnival cruises. We have done quite a few cruises with your company (Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, etc.) Last October, we sailed with you on the Liberty on the Grand Med tour. And then last May, we came along with you on the Freedom on the Greek and Turkish tour. After we returned this Spring, we decided to rework our backyard into a scrap book of images from our cruises. To provide a visual reference, we live in an area of California that is a Tuscany look-alike. The street on which we live is called “Ligurian Drive” named after the sea in the Med. So we have a lovely canvas onto which to draw. There is a sound wall separating our property from an adjacent street. We coated the wall with stucco and against it we built an alcove mirroring one we saw in Athens. We installed lamps like the ones we saw in Taormina. We added a wrought iron garden gate that is a replica of one we saw in Barcelona at Park Buell. There are plants along a path like the ones we saw on the Amalfi Coast on the way to Positano: lemon trees, olive trees, climbing roses, Bougainvillea, Hisbiscus and Lavendar. There is a large Spanish mosaic mounted on the wall and a wall fountain similar to those we saw in Barcelona. And we have a patio where we can dance the Argentine Tango like they do on La Rambla. Of course, we saved a few corners of canvas, because in December we’ll be going with the Liberty to Panama, and next September, we’ll be sailing with you on the Splendor from London to Rome. I’m sure there’ll be additional memorabilia. The garden is not Tuscan-style, it’s not Moorish, it’s a trip around the Mediterranean… Funny thing is, our gardner who is Mexican, claims that our backyard makes him homesick. Go figure…
September 6th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Good evening my friend, Mr. Heald. It is with deep saddness that I write about Luciano Pavarotti, one of opera’s most beloved tenors in the world. I can see myself on deck hearing his beautiful voice throughout the ship. God now will have a personal seat hearing him along the angels. Could I please say that your sister Suzanne is a beautiful woman. You and her don’t even look a bit like one another. I hope that you don’t think I mean that you don’t look good, but she is a looker. Maybe she takes after your mum. I better get off this note before you get angry with me. I’m amazed with the photos that Heidi took about the sunsets. Sunsets are a personal enjoyment of mine. When I was on the Legend, I took three in a row from the beginning to when it fell into ocean. I just love them. Heidi is a wonderful photographer. When and if you decide to retire from being a cruise director, I hope that you will be in some control dealing with Carnival. I just couldn’t see them losing you. Ciao my friend with the voice the an angel on the Lido deck, Luciano Pavarotti.
Paolo Francisco Pietrangelo
( Paul Franklin Pietrangelo )
September 6th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Good sir John,
Every time you mention the potential end of your career as a cruise director it saddens me a bit. There are few people in the world with the innate qualities required to be host to 3500 strangers every week. You seem to be able to pull it off flawlessly. A few of your passengers, on the other hand, could use a bit of coaching.
Have you considered partnering with the great and rather magical John Cleese for some variety of a Python rebirth or at least a traveling vaudeville show? The two of you could be the genesis of some remarkable humor. Lacking that, one could always anticipate tremendous embarrassment!
Have you heard from our treasured friends Chrissy and Brad? I think of them often and pray they are well and hope the scars brought on by their recent sadness are healing.
All my best to Heidi and a big ‘Howdy’ to Roberto!
Regards,
Greg
September 6th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
John
Thanks once again for a great blog. In reading your comments about the Celebration, it reminds me of the Bon Voyage sailing of the Mardi Gras in September 1993. My husband and I had sailed on her in April 1993 and heard that she was being sold. We were determined to sail on the final sailing of the Mardi Gras as a part of the Carnival Fleet. We booked it immediately on arriving home. The “Bon Voyage” cruise for her was 9/2/1993. It was a bittersweet cruise, as it was our first ship and then watching all the interior being taken apart as we returned to port. The last article I read about the Mardi Gras was when it was scrapped. My husband laughed because it upset me so much. It was our honeymoon ship and what a great time we had. I hope to be able to sail again on the Celebration before she is moved. This is now my 40 something cruise and there only 5 Carnival ships I have not sailed on. I have gone from the oldest to the newest and it just gets better every cruise. Looking for to meeting you and Heidi on October 4th on the Freedom. Until then keep the blogs coming and take care of one another.
September 7th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Say Hello!
John and Heidi ,
Mary Hyder is sailing with her husband on Monday. Tell her I said Hello! She e-mailed me and I don’t know if she got my Bon Voyage !
Mary has visited all my Web Shots albums for
a somewhat “blurry” preview of the cruise!!
Thanks Mary ! Now enjoy the real thing !!!!
Kathy and Paul
September 7th, 2007 at 12:49 am
Hi John,
I haven’t exactly blogged, but have been posting some from Fantasy.
Not sure all the pics uploaded, but here is some of what I’ve been up to. From cenote snorkeling to Chankanaab.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_07/fantasy_map.htm
September 7th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Hello John,
Congrats on having Mr. Cleese join the blog for an interview! Thank Mr. Rouse for me for helping facilitiate this.
The sunset photos were awesome, and it’s good to see that the historic Olympia ruins for the most part were saved from the fire.
I’ve got nothing else to contribute, so good night!
September 7th, 2007 at 7:28 am
John and Heidi,
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of the sunset. They were absolutely gorgeous!
I must share with you also my concern over the
uncertainty of what you will be doing in the future. I can truly understand the stress of your job. It is so difficult to deal with all the situations that come up. We do hope, however, that you will be on the maiden voyage of the Splendor.
The idea about a show on the Travel Channel is a great idea after the Splendor!!!!!!
September 7th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Thanks so much for all the great humor, the pictures, and the information that you share with those of us who love to cruise.
I think it’s safe to say that I am not the only one for whom the food served on a cruise is so important. Would you consider devoting an entire blog (or part of a blog) to the culinary aspects of cruising on such a huge ship as the Freedom? You could present an interview with the chef, the logistics involved with feeding such a large passenger complement, sample menus from the dining room, the specialty restaurants, pictures of the Midnight Buffet (is there still such a thing?). I can think of many items which are food-related but I am sure you can think of many more. (I know you are a jelly bean expert!)
September 7th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Dear John and Heidi:
I write with a heavy heart, first I must apologize because I have already written once and I don’t want to be in the category of “blog hog” but….,
the breaking news is that dear little Madeline’s parents have been named suspects. Since your blog I have often thought of her and how afraid she must be, and now this. I hope that everyone who reads this blog takes a moment from the day to just appreciate the “little one’s” out there, if you see something that just doesn’t look right, ask questions, turn for a second look and if the hair on your neck is standing up ~ it is standing for a reason. Bless our little one’s and dear Madeline rest easy, where ever you are.
Thank you for letting a mother vent.
September 7th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
John,
I was surprised to read that Carnival may charge a fee to use the new Serenity Adults only area on the Fantasy Class ships. That is precisely the reason I go on Carnival Cruises, to relax and have hopefully experience a de-stressing vacation. Are we going to have to pay a fee to experience that now?
September 7th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Vikki and Mat Till,
Why do you call some of us “BLOG HOG”? Some of us have been a daily part of this blog right from the start. Some even have been given credit for the blog taking off like it did by John and fellow bloggers. There have been many suggestions put to CARNIVAL by the regulars one of which was the BLOGGERS CRUISE. I know you been in here for awhile so I know you have seen John many times say to bloggers to keep writing.
“BIG” ED
I guess I’m a BLOG HOG too
September 7th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
John, your sister is gorgeous! Did the gene pool completely skip over you and deposit all over her? Well, at least you were left with a sense of humor, something that will get you by even when her good looks are long gone.
Love to you both,
Rus & Nina Franklin
September 7th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
John
Thanks for another great blog today. As others have said – Heidi’s pictures of the sunset were beautiful. We always try to pause each evening while on a cruise, to sit on our balcony with a glass of wine and watch the sun set. The pictures helped give us our fix to hold us till Jan 19th on the Freedom.
Can’t wait to see the interview Mr Cleese !!
September 9th, 2007 at 7:42 am
John,
It was nice to see that Heidi likes to take pictures of sunsets to. I always take alot of pictures every cruise and you would think that an old salt like my Husband ( 20 year Retired Navy sailor)
would enjoy them to. He always comments about how many pictures I take, I think he does it just to get a rise out of me ( which he always does ), however I will still keep on taking numerous pictures. It must be a “girl thing”
I am enjoying your blogger thingy. I saw the pictures of Costa Maya, what a tragic site, we were just there this past may. and I went in the pool and walked all around that area, and now it is all destroyed. Thanks for sharing all the information with us. Keep up the good work.
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