Good Morning Everyone.Just to let you know, before I forget, every chair, lounger and standing spot was taken for the 5:00pm tribute concert for Pavarotti yesterday. I introduced the concert and, instead of holding a moment’s silence, I encouraged the guests that at the end of each song to applaud just like they were listening to that great voice live………….they did………ecstatically after each and every song. I stayed outside to watch as well and during the singing of his signature tune Nessun Dorma I saw many people wiping back tears. And as he reached that last vibrant crescendo, the audience on deck gave the gentle giant ……………..one last standing ovation.
For the first time in ages, the ship is really moving this evening…………OH sorry, you don’t know what time I am writing this do you. It is now 7:43pm on Thursday night and the ship sailed from Katakolon and we are on our way to Livorno.
I have received lots of positive comments about the cruise and lots of people are saying that they appreciate being reminded to wash their hands as much as they can and to use the hand sanitizers before taking food from the Lido Deck self service restaurant. All is well with the dreaded………..let’s not tempt fate and let’s call it BEV ( both ends virus ) and so far BEV is nowhere to be found………….long may it continue.
Look what some guests had printed and sent to me………….they spelt his name wrong but it is brilliant
With everyday comes new comments from guests. On every ship, on every line,there are people like this. Here are two such comments…………one is an excellent suggestion…………the other is………..ummmmmmmmm……………….well see for yourself.
Here is the good one – hence the name of the guest is included.
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:26 PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER; FREEDOM PURSERS
Subject: 7306 – a “board” single guest
Good morning, John!
Please see the below comments and kindly provide with the feedback:
Mr. Frieland stopped by the desk and voiced his disappointment that we do not have a singles board on the ship. He wants you to speak to him please
Thank you and regards,
Gulya
Purser
So, I was surprised to read this as we have a lot of single gatherings here and have just started the new “Fast Friends” activity which is going really well. So, Heidi called the guest as I was on the bridge for the sailaway and she discovered he was actually happy with the singles activity and he was not “board”………the Purser misunderstood him…….he wants a singles board. Apparently they have these on Holland America and it’s placed in the Library. It is an actual board……….where singles can leave notes for each other ……..what sort of things are on the board, Heidi asked……..answer”
Meet to play bridge
Call me to go on a tour together
Dance partners
Heidi thinks it is a great idea but I am a little more skeptical………what if people misuse the board………should guests give their cabin numbers to others…………it certainly will have to be monitored by the staff very carefully. I wonder if any single readers of the blog thingy have an opinion on this……….Roger Blum…what do you think?
Anyway, for now I will announce that Mr. Frieland wants to meet a dance partner at my morning show tomorrow and have a bit of fun with it and I would appreciate your thoughts on this especially if you have cruised on Holland America and seen this for yourself.
Here is the next one.
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2007 4:41PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER; FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM SHORE EXCURSION MANAGER
Subject: %$#@#@@@ – Olympia Tour
John – sorry about this but can you call the guest: Guest &^%$#@ came to the desk to complain about the Olympia tour. She stated that the trees were all burnt and that the grass smelt and because it was not the normal scenery she should get a refund. Purser asked if she saw all the sites within the description and she said yes but she did not know there had been a fire otherwise she would not have gone. Purser told guests that a letter had been placed in every cabin at the start of the cruise and that the Cruise Director had made several speeches about the situation. Guest says she did not get a letter or hear the CD talk. Guest wants to speak to CD and also says that she wants to speak “to that man as I don’t like his jokes – they are immature.”
Thank you
Joanne
Purser
As I write I have not called the guest yet as she is at dinner but tomorrow I will make sure we have a chat. While I respect her views it is astonishing that out of 1166 guests on tour to Olympia so far, this is the only lady who did not know about the fires in Greece, did not receive the letter and was unhappy with the fact that the scenery on the tour (as per the photos I just posted on the last blog) was burnt and charred. As for my jokes, well she probably is right, they are immature……..like this one:
- A cruise director has to convince the passengers of his sinking ship to jump overboard. He has to use a different approach with each European. He tells the English it would be unsporting of them not to jump. He tells the French it would be the smart thing to do. He tells the Germans that it is an order. And he tells the Italians that jumping overboard is forbidden.
Anyway, off to the Talent Show and I will complete this blog tomorrow.
Good Morning, it is now 7:00am and I thought I would carry on with a blog before the busy day of meetings, shows, debarkation talk etc begins.
Let’s start with some photos and today, they are a bit random but I am sure you will enjoy them.
1. The old Olympic Stadium in Athens
2. The Charlie Rounds Orchestra
3.A Turkish Sunset
4. Me and Kerry Stables who was a dancer back then in 1989 on the Celebration and is now one of the cruise industry’s top and most successful and award-winning choreographers ………………………….and my great friend.
5. Me on stage
Here are the letters from today’s In Their Own Words Section.
Just a note on the one about the passports being stamped. We present the passports to the Greek authorities and they do stamp some or none or them all. It just depends on what they decide to do. I am sorry that this lady did not get what she wanted, however, I have arranged for her passport to be stamped in Italy tomorrow.
Let’s do some Q and A starting with the blog called The King Of Queens.
PEANUTS – I am not sure if you are a betting Peanut but I am prepared to bet you a solid gold plastic Carnival trophy that my Miami Heat will beat your bad boys this season. If I win…………you have to take a Turkish Bath with Fatima. Now, as for your question on Owners Suites ………..there are some still on the Fantasy class ships but none on the Destiny, Spirit and Conquest class vessels. If you could get Heidi a Pistons mug, that would be a great part of her collection and something for me to use if, for some reason I get BEV! Actually, I don’t have a Miami Heat mug so if there are any Heat fans reading this……….maybe we can do a deal? Thanks mate, let the games begin.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I am indeed looking forward to my John Cleese interview as he is one of my 7 idols. I am glad you liked the photos and hope you like the ones today as well. Thank you for your kind words for Barb, and I appreciate your reminder that the Jewish New Year will start next cruise and I will make sure we mention this here on board. As for RCI saying they are doing a 46-day cruise to South America………all I can say is………….what a shocker. Many thanks Carol, seeing your name always brings a smile to my face.
MARK – I think you are referring to this photo of the Carnival Triumph taken on her way to Canada from New York. Cheers mate.
TOM AND JANE – You are welcome.
DWA76 – I can’t wait to interview John Cleese as he is a true hero of mine and I have a lot of questions I wish to ask. The interview will be posted next week sometime. Ray Rouse is, as you can see someone, at the top of his profession and I am hoping one day to see him work. How are you mate, how is work treating you? Thanks for posting as much as you do – it means a lot to Heidi and I (or is it Heidi and me). Cheers.
RUTH JAMISON – Thank you for thinking of us by sending a package. Heidi received a mug from a blogger this week and you have no idea how little things like this make such a difference. Thank you for being the special person you are Ruth – you are a true friend.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Your thoughts on your Alaska cruise I know are appreciated by everyone reading them and are a great advert for the last frontier that is Alaska and the Carnival Spirit. Seeing those whales must have been amazing and I know it is something that Heidi really wants to see for herself one day soon. You are correct that a deck plan should be placed on the web page so that people can see where their cabin is and that we don’t have balconies on decks 1 and 2………I know Roger Blum is reading this and will help put this idea forward.
You also asked about the Bill W meetings you saw listed in the Carnival Capers. This is a code word for people who may need to meet others who belong to the wonderful organization that is Alcoholics Anonymous.
Thank you again Captain……….how’s Dad?
VIKKI AND MATT TILL – Very funny posting. You forgot a private Turkish bath from Fatima………the chocolate strawberries are devine though. Best to you both.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Paul, how are you today? Indeed, I could write a book and will one day, I promise, and it will certainly be fun to do.
Have I ever met the Queen, you ask……………I am sorry to say, no, I have not. In fact, I have never met anyone from the Royal Family although I was just onboard the Queen Victoria. I am a staunch Royalist and although I have my own views on some of its members, I think they are a vital part of my country’s heritage and must be supported at all costs. Heidi is so excited that you sent her a mug and she is smiling from ear to ear. Luv Cruising has made me a crest as you will see below and if you want to have a go for me Paul maybe we could have one with your photos and mine together with the motto……..friends forever………as we are.
MRS MTSFP – I know that, like you, many Americans love the British comedies. Here are some of my favorites:
MONTY PYTHON
FAWLTY TOWERS
ARE YOU BEING SERVED
KEEPING UP APPERANCES
THE OFFICE
DAS ARMY
Have you seen any of those?
I hope you will enjoy the forthcoming John Cleese interview…………..and it’s smoke free:) My best as always to you and Jon from us both.
CRUISN SUE – Just wanted to say have a great cruise on the Carnival Liberty and please can you say hello to the Cruise Director Todd for me. If your husband remembers the name of the crew member please let me know and I will track her down for you. Enjoy your wrap-around balcony and have a fantastic cruise. I look forward to hearing your reports when you get back. Have fun.
DIVETRASH – Do you know, I have never read any of Mr. Cleese’s books but maybe I should. I have seen everything he has ever done on TV and film and I can recite every line from every episode of Fawlty Towers………..it will be an honour to interview one of my greatest idols. I am glad you enjoyed the interview with Ray Rouse……..he is without a doubt someone who is the best in the industry. The story about Graham Chapman was brilliant and I have memories of a Monty Python reunion just after he passed away where the other members of the team brought his ashes so he could still be part of the celebrations.
Hope you are well. Have you persuaded your boyfriend to take a cruise yet?
BIG ED – I was thinking about you today as I was talking about the Bloggers Cruise……….you and I are taking part in the Synchronized Swimming contest. Thank mate for your never-ending support and that is why I am so happy that you are coming on the Bloggers Cruise so I can finally meet you and so many other new friends from the blog thingy.
LUV CRUISIN – thank you for the translation……..are there anymore internet thingy terms I should know?
LV2CRUISE – I have never been called anyone’s “daily fix” before………what an honour. Jelly beans are my daily fix along with countless cups of tea. Have fun in Myrtle Beach and I hope you are able to get your blog fix while you are there. Thank you so much for those wonderful words and have a fun vacation.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – It is indeed amazing some of the things that I hear guests say and in some cases complain about but it’s what keeps the job fresh. You never know what is around the corner. My thanks to you and your other half for the precise Bill W facts and as always I hope you are well. Thanks for reading the blog thingy.
LINDA HERNACKI – Hello Linda and thank you for taking the time to slap on another posting. The balcony comment was a classic and it will be one I always remember. You mentioned the smell of the fires in Olympia and actually there was a hint of burnt land but I think in time this will disapissatate (Jennifer, spelt correctly ……….Jennifer is spell-checking my blog for me).
Congratulations on making your final payment and tell Mike there are plenty of light bulbs that need changing here. See you soon and thanks as always for all you do for the blog.
IVANA – I wish I was making some of these stories up but I am not that good. These stories happen every day on every ship on every cruise line. You put 3000-plus guests onboard and you are always going to have some characters that will provide you with amusing and sometimes sad stories. Have a wonderful time in Prague….it is somewhere I would love to visit one day myself and I hope you can find time to read the blog thingy.
JENNIFER HAMMOND – Thank you for your choices of Hawaii and Alaska as destinations for the next Bloggers Cruise. I have to say as much as I would love to host that cruise in Hawaii, I think Alaska may be a better choice but we shall see. You asked about Michael Mullane who used to be a Cruise Director with us but has since retired and now has moved back to the U.K. with his wife Jenny. They are great people and we all miss them here. When did you sail with them, Jennifer?
BRYAN – I am glad you and so many others enjoyed the interview with Ray Rouse and one day I hope to shake his hand to say thank you in person…………….and to steal his jokes:)
I am so excited to interview Mr.Cleese and share it with you all. Thanks mate and if you have any requests for interviews, please let me know.
MYRA BUSHNELL – Another Ray Rouse fan and I am happy that I was able to interview the King of Cruise Directors.
Thank you for offering to have your husband design me a crest as did Mr. Pietrangelo. I look forward to seeing the designs and anyone who takes the time to do so will, I promise, receive a gift from Heidi and I (Heidi and me). In fact, there is a crest below which I hope will be the start of one or two more that I receive………..how exciting having a family crest. It is also wonderful to know that there are so many John Cleese fans here on the blog thingy and therefore I am excited that the interview will be enjoyed by so many. Thanks, Myra, and I wish you and all your family well.
DAYLE WITH A Y – I have never been asked that before………..”do you know the name of the cabin steward so I can bring them a gift?” …………How kind you are. If you tell me the cabin number I should be able to tell you near to the time you sail. Thank you for all the kind words you slapped on and I will await your next posting so I can help you further. See you in October and you sound excited, you should be, it is going to be a great cruise.
CANUCK CRUISER – Your posting was worthy of a Monty Python sketch. Thank you so much for the laughs and, in case I do not get a chance to do so later, I wish you a wonderful cruise on the Carnival Liberty. Let us know how it went and please make sure you say hello to Todd the CD. We are knights who say………….neeeeeeeeeeghhh.
NANETTE – Now, there is a thought. A cruise to San Juan and a party at Nanni’s house. Heidi, like you and Kevin, loves my haircut……..me ………well honestly I have never been one for personal grooming and one of the things I love about vacation is that I don’t have to wear a suit every day. Thank you for the information from the Princess “Patter” and we all seem to have the same process of finding guests to help us with religious services. Nani, I hope all is well with you and the family and Heidi sends her very best and of course a grande muchos grande hugo.
LEASA – Thank you so much for the words of compassion and I salute Mum for her continuing winning battle against colon cancer……….we are thinking of her tonight. I am sure her spirit will be give faith and hope to our blogger friends who are going through similar battles themselves. ………………thank you for the inspiration.
MICHELLE BEGIN – see you soon……..bon voyage.
And on that note it is time to stop …………more tomorrow starting with LFTTNSFCF.
Here is an unusual interview………is it real or is it just an illusion. That was a hint of course because today we interview one of Carnival’s foremost entertainers and master illusionist Kevin Jeffries.
1. When did you realize you wanted to be a magician and what was the very first trick you ever performed?
At the Nevada State Fairgrounds in 1989 I saw a magician perform live for the first time. I was inside a noisy arena buzzing with hawkers, animals, midway food and families. I’ll never forget the old man in the corner with his robe, white beard, and razor sharp eyes. This wizardly man felt like a magician, and I maintain it wasn’t freewill that lured me closer. When he told me to pick a card, I knew that instant my life had changed. Although nothing short of a miracle at the time, the card trick turned out to be standard Hocus Pocus available for $10 at any magic shop. It didn’t matter. There’s nothing mistakable about feeling a sense of magic. Like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or a card trick – long after you know the secret you can still identify with that wonderful moment of escape it contains as its root. It was clear to me that I should spend my life creating that magic for others. I learned my first trick from a library book – a freely chosen card gets destroyed, then restored inside an orange. I still do a variation of this trick today.
2. How did you get involved with Carnival Cruise Lines?
Having seen us perform at a Lake Tahoe casino, the entertainment director for Holland America offered us our first cruise ship contract in 1995. Shortly after, our act was decidedly better suited for Carnival audiences, so we moved to the Carnival Fantasy. Now, 12 years later, we are proud to have grown with Carnival from a 10 minute act into a full length evening show… and the best has yet to come.
3. For those who have not seen your show how would describe the amazing performances you provide our guests each and every week?
The Miami Herald said it best – our show is like “Harry Potter meets Cirque du Soleil.” Complete with showgirls, pyrotechnics, animals, and grand illusions. As my partner Caruso says, “What sets us apart is the non-stop razzle-dazzle.” From the big stage illusions to flying over the audience on a zip-line, and all the feathers & rhinestones in between; indeed Liberace would be proud.
4. Your shows contain simple and grand illusions. What are your favorite two that you perform?
I look at our show as one piece of work. The grand illusions and simple tricks are strategically woven with the showgirls, costumes, lighting, and comedy. It’s important that no one leaves the theater simply feeling deceived. Picking favorites is unnatural, they’re my children! I do, however really enjoy the audience participation. It’s the one variable that makes each show unique and challenges me to make every show a little different.
5. Take us through the birth of an illusion from the planning and designing stage, the building of the props to the performance.
New material isn’t intimately planned out ahead of time. After an initial brainstorming session, each element is allowed leisure to develop. You can’t force creativity to follow a deadline, or you end up with a black and white Mona Lisa. Our home doubles as a studio (read: madhouse) where everything gets fine-tuned before even seeing a theater. The costumes are all hand made at home by Caruso and our costumer, Louise. The props are either built by myself, or freighted in from Las Vegas. Once on stage, the technical aspects are addressed, and the cast begins to practice, practice, practice. At that point, there is little guess work left – a child is born.
6. I am sure people are always asking “How did you do that?”………….What’s your answer?
Knowing full well they won’t get a legitimate answer, a gentle rolling-of-the-eyes and half-a-smile usually speaks for itself.
7. Who in your mind is the greatest magician the world has ever seen and why?
Easy… “The Amazing John Heald” because he manages to squeeze 48 hours of ’stuff’ into only 24, every single day. (Or would that be every other day.. hmmm.) I have absolutely no idea how he does this, and I’m not so sure I want the secret. Siegfried & Roy are also great inspiration because they understand the importance of entertaining, rather then just fooling the audience.
8. OK, money is no object and you can perform the grandest illusion ever seen on a cruise ship. What would that illusion be?
Breaking the barriers of the stage has always been appealing to me. I’ve recently developed a theory and method (sans budget) to make Caruso levitate right over the audience. Also, when the new “Carnival Magic” debuts in 2011, I’d like to make her magically ‘appear’ in port with 500 showgirls waving from Lido Deck – making for some cool television and marketing footage. So, ya got any connections?
Great idea, have a Carnival ship appear from nowhere……….mmmmmmmmm.
I am sure many of you have seen Kevin and Caruso’s show on the Carnival Triumph and, if you have not, and you love magic…….you really should.
I want to tell you about this young man I met who has read the blog from its beginning………..say hello to Norman.
Norman was in the talent show and dedicated a monologue to his wife of 58 years. Norman is a wonderful man and, between he and his wife Norma, they have 80 years of teaching children who have special needs. I just wanted to salute him and tell him that meeting people like him is one of the reasons I love my job so much.
Can I also say hello to Mrs.Hollis who gave me something to think about. Mrs. Levine (a blog reader) told me today (she is on board)…….of course she is otherwise how can she…………..never mind…………anyway, she told me that I was stuffy. I asked what she meant and she said that she preferred cruise directors to wear casual clothes and not suits like I do. I explained that I don’t look good in “casual clothes” but she said I would look more approachable and handsome…….she suggested polo shirts and smart jeans on stage…………..and that I would look handsome………..I think this lady needs help……..me in a polo and jeans………..attractive………I would have the sex appeal of a camel with gingivitis.
Does she have a point………..should I dress down?
So, Sunday at 6:00pm my time, I will be interviewing John Cleese and that, for me, will be magic. The interview will be recorded and will be placed on an audio file thingy as well as written and plopped onto the blog and I have to say for the first time in ages……………….I am nervous. What shall I ask, should I call him Sir or Mr. Cleese……..should I ask him just a few questions or many……….most of all …….what will he think of me…………..a nobody asking him questions……………..come on John……….calm down………….you will be fine………..nothing to worry about……………….deep breaths…………oops………..I did it again……..I always do when I am nervous……..Heidi has now christened the cabin…………..Farty Towers.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
designed by: Luv Cruisin
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
Hi John: Great blog today. Hope you will always be blogging, even when you do retire some day, which I hope isn’t too soon. I really want the rest of my family to meet you in 2010 when we all plan to do a family cruise. Hopefully you will be on a caribbean cruise then. Probably in March or April 2010 when the kids have spring break from school. I know that is a long way off, but Mike and I HOPE to both be retired by then, so we will have that to celebrate too. But, like all much hoped for plans they can change, right? That joke about different nationalities and jumping overboard was cute, especially what you said about telling Italians it is forbidden, well I am Italian and you got that right, I would do just the opposite. HA! HA! I hope you have the Pavarotti concert playing one day when we are on the Freedom in November, I LOVED him, and have all his cd’s and dvd’s. He will surely be missed. Well, tomorrow is one of my grandsons 1st birthday so we will be at his birthday party, his name is Andrew, his brother is named Carter (he will be 3 in January). My other 2 grandsons Jacob (5 years old) and his new baby brother Joshua (2 months old) will be there too. Hope you and Heidi have a lovely weekend as well. Yes, I agree you need to dress DOWN, nice sport shirt and either jeans or casual slacks, don’t need those suits, you say you wear suits because you are self conscious about your weight, did you know double breasted suits actually make you look heavier than you are? You look great by the way, that diet you are on is doing wonders for you! Congrats! Good Job Heidi, keeping him in line! HA! Have you tried the BEANO pills someone sent you? They should be able to ward off those nasty jelly bean explosions! Mike said to tell you he still hasn’t run into Paris Hilton! Hope she isn’t in the slammer again! HA! Keep well! Linda & Mike (handyman extraordinaire)!
Ahhh… yet another masterful day of blogging, destined for the Blogger’s Hall of Fame, no doubt.
It’s heartening to know that so many people appreciate what you do and why you do it. The thank yous from the ‘In Their Words’ section must do your soul good. It’s rare that someone has the opportunity to do so much for so many and be able to enjoy it at the same time. Well done, my friend.
Might I impose on you and ask if you would extend my greetings to John Cleese? I’ve been a huge fan of him for as long as I can remember. My dvd collection is overflowing with Python videos and such. He is a brilliant man, a masterful comedian and a credit to the British.
The pictures of the sunsets that you’ve been adding to the blog are beautiful, indeed. It comes to mind that sunsets like that are generally the products of some variety of contaminant in the atmosphere. In this case I would image that it’s the smoke from the recent fires producing the glorious reds and oranges.
I guess every cloud does have its silver lining…
Warmest regards,
Greg
Good Afternoon John and Heidi,
I wish I could have been onboard for the tribute to Pavarotti last evening, how marvelous it must have been to hear the applause. I remember with wonderful memories the Pavarotti concerts playing on the big screen as we sailed from Maderia on the TA last November. Please do continue those concerts.
22 days and counting until I sail on the Victory with the excitable and enthusiastic Malcom in the Middle. I am really going to make the most of this cruise because it will have to hold me until we sail on the Splendor July 13.
Am I allowed to cast a vote for an Alaska bloggers cruise even if I’m prejudiced by living in Juneau? The Spirit does make round trip cruises Vancouver to Vancouver when they go to Glacier Bay 3 times each year which might be an option rather than a one way or B2B.
The Haagen Dazs, Stickey Toffey Pudding ice cream is just wonderful…………….I was forced to try it when a container fell into my shopping cart as I passed the freezer section at the store this morning.
Guess I better go run off the extra calories.
Kersplott
John
Wish I could have been on the Lido Deck watching Pavarotti.
My Suggestion for the singles board
Maybe just leave there name by event, person intrested could go through the Information Desk to make contact by phone.
Another one would be the first person placing the request could set up a meeting place and time, before the event. This one would need more notice then the other.
John -
First of all, let me say that I am breathlessly awaiting the next edition of the questions answered (or is it answered questions) as you promise I will be leading the pack. Oh, the anticipation. Be still my beating heart.
I must ask, however, how you knew that tomorrow (September 8th) was my birthday and would give me such a wonderful birthday present? You mentioned your age the other day on the blog – tomorrow is the 14th anniversary of my 39th birthday.
Now, on to serious matters – what nature of mugs does Heidi collect? Is she interested in mugs about places, companies or does it matter? I can guarantee that we will bring her a mug to add to the collection – I would just like to know what would make it unique.
I love that you played the Pavarotti concert and hope that maybe you will play one during the transatlantic cruise – just think what an ampitheatre it would be to hold such a concert in the middle of the South Atlantic. Also, my vote is still in for the airing of Castablanca as we pass through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Now, we are beginning to get close to the cruise – the Mrs. has been keeping track of the bloggers on the TA and it appears to me that there will a significant number of board. We look forward to meeting all of them, but I believe that you need a code for a bloggers get together. Perhaps we can advertise it as “Friends of John H.”?
I honestly have to say that I am more excited about this cruise than any other cruise I have taken – and that is saying something considering that the St. Patrick’s Day cruise was scheduled within weeks of sailing – I so desperately needed a break (having had two vacations canceled for work) that I decided to schedule the cruise and, if canceled, work could pay me back.
These daily insights and conversations truly make me feel that I know Heidi and you (or is it you and Heidi?). I truly believe that this concept should spread fleetwide – in fact, it might inspire a new position on each ship – The Blogmeister. When you retire, Carnival can appoint you Vice President of the Blogosphere, with appropriate support personnel and transportation (see Martin, Aston DB9).
Be seeing you soon, mate.
Jon
John,
Thank you so much for printing my little “badge of honor.” I hope you enjoyed it.
And in closing, a quote from our own Benjamin Franklin, from his essay entitled “Fart Proudly”
Were it not for the odiously offensive Smell accompanying such Escapes, polite People would probably be under no more Restraint in discharging such Wind in Company, than they are in spitting, or in blowing their Noses.
My Prize Question therefore should be, To discover some Drug wholesome & not disagreeable, to be mixed with our common Food, or Sauces, that shall render the natural Discharges of Wind from our Bodies, not only inoffensive, but agreeable as Perfumes.
And you thought Cleese was good!
Rus Franklin
How upset will you be when I answer honestly?
I can only take Monty Python and Fawlty Towers in very infinitesimal small doses. Like, walk through the room when it is on every 5 or 6 years.
It is just so powerful, yeah, that’s it. Or maybe it was because nobody warned me about that aboveground pool, you know, and there is this association…I hope Mr. Cleese has nightmares for the horrid abuse of comedy he pimped. No, wait, come here, I have an attack of BEV to share with you.
I am afraid to watch Are You Being Served. I am not Miss Brooown. I am sexy knickers.
I discovered Keeping Up Appearances when she cadged a ride from Elizabeth and had her stop in front of the grand house in order to sneak through yards to get to Our Daisy’s house. The thing about Hyacinth that amazes me is that it took a Shakespearean actor to match her. Patricia Routlidge is without equal.
Thank you very much, I have avoided the Office, and I don’t know as I have ever heard of Das Army.
We are attached to the Maryland PBS these days, which is so independent it isn’t funny. Sewing shows are only at 6 on Saturday morning. At least it has grown up shows on weekday afternoons, and the Britcom blow out is Saturday night. Of course, they are in more independent mode so I can’t double check the regular listings now, so this is by memory.
There is As Time Goes By, with Dame Dench, Keeping Up Appearances and Are You Being Served, with All Creatures Great and Small. Saturday we get Born and Bred, which is a soap opera with great characters, and after Antiques Roadshow we get As Time Goes By, Keeping Up Appearances, Are You Being Served, Fawlty Towers, To The Manor Born, Last of The Summer Wine, Waiting for God, and the Vicar of Dibley. We had to break down and buy To the Manor Born and The Vicar of Dibley.
Our BBC America is sadly lacking these days. Instead of showing us good shows, even if they are years old, they have gotten into this makeover mode. What they need to makeover is their program lineup.
We Love Father Ted. It is one of those hidden pleasures, yes, I am ashamed to admit I Love Father Ted. Don’t try to change the channel if I have found it.
Then there is the one, My Hero? I never found it reliably. Sort of Mork and Mindy, which came first?
Mr. Bean. How can you not include Mr. Bean?! Mr. Bean was born blonde, ya know? I am not sure where Basil Fawlty leaves off and Mr. Bean starts.
Good Neighbors. Now, I can just about see that when you retire you will be Good Neighbors. Giving up the corporate rat race to get back to doing it yourself green. Poor Barbara Heidi.
We just had a binge of Jeeves and Wooster. We found them at the local library. Classic Cars, Grand houses, Bertie and Jeeves, that is lazy summer afternoons.
Then there was The Darling Buds of May. You do know who was in the Darlings Buds of May? She was beautiful before she ever became the Darling of Sean Connery when she won her Oscar or the Darling of Michael Douglas and his children.
I can’t put those shows in order, and I know I have forgotten some of my favorites.
I also have to admit that I adore British Whodunits. Inspector Morse, or maybe it’s his car. There was Jack Frost, who was Pa in the Darling Buds of May, can’t remember the name of the series. Oh, yeah, A Touch of Frost. I only got one or two Rumpole of the Bailey, but we own an omnibus of stories. Clive Owen was a blind inspector I think, and now we have Inspector Lynley, with a grand estate and the old school tie. I also have my favorite Miss Marple, she reminds me of my grandmother on my mother’s side. No, she never solved any murders, she just was well behaved and there was a resemblance. I like Rosemary and Thyme, they have these beautiful gardens to admire, and Laura Thyme was Ma in the Darling Buds of May, and of course Rosemary was Barbara in Good Neighbors.
We started Hetty Wainthrop because of Patricia Routlidge, a testament to her versatility as an actress, we love Hyacinth and we love Hetty, and they would despise each other, I’m sure.
I can’t forget Lovejoy. Was he A & E here or was he there?
And my favorite. The Saint. Black and White. Roger Moore. Roger Moore is the Saint. Sean Connery is James Bond.
Years ago there was something with a young blonde who became a bit of a sleuth, who had a boss named Beryl, and a neighbor named Selwyn, got into trouble, and solved the crime. It went away for vacation and we never saw it again.
A visiting lecturer in History and Religion at Smith College started me on Ellis Peter’s Brother Cadfael in the early 90’s. I am sorry, but Brother Cadfael is short and sturdy and down to earth, and the representation we have been getting doesn’t have the right old monk. He was Rumpole, and in LadyHawke, and passed away, r.i.p.
Do you do British Whodunits? What’s your favorite episode?
I was going to say I would watch Basil tomorrow night, but he’s been taken away this weekend. I’ll look at the Library for something John Cleese in honor of Your Interview. Except NOT the one with the aboveground pool.
ttfn
John:
Over the years, Larry & I have enjoyed all the British comedies you named (my particular favorite being Fawlty Towers). And, of course, how could any Mellow Yellow not love “Keeping Up Appearances” since we had our very own Hyacinth??
But a couple of comedies we used to enjoy that you didn’t mention are: “Good Neighbours” (spelt correctly!) and “Yes, Prime Minister”…oh, and “To the Manor Born”….
And most of those were all before we had the BBC America channel!
I am so excited for you, interviewing John Cleese! Can’t wait to read it!
Terri
Hello John,
What do you mean, you a nobody, interviewing John Cleese. You are far from a nobody!!! Just look at all the slaps on this blog thingy… And look at how many bloggers wait everyday to read your writings. Definetly not a nobody and I am sure Mr. Cleese will be as proud to be interviewed by you, as you are to interview him. Enjoy the moment and I’m sure you will do a wonderful job as you always do.
The interview with Keven & Caruso was great. We saw them on the Triumph and loved the show. Simply Fantastic. Maybe they could be on a bloggers cruise???!!! (That’s a hint!!! lol).
Personally, jeans and a polo or a suit??? Hmmm….. I just don’t see you as stuffy! You can wear either.
Looking forward to reading the interview with John Cleese.
Hello to Heidi!
Barb
PS… I like the crest too!
Hey John,
It is finally here. We are leaving in the morning about 8:30 for Port Canaveral. We have an official unofficial itinerary, but I am going wherever the ship goes. Just thought that you might like to know that my 11 year old son is running around yelling “I don’t want to go on the boring of the seas”. I am starting to think that blogging is a bad influence. I don’t know if we are going to get interet access while onboard. That is kind of the reason to go on vacation. I really don’t want to hear a cel phone, or have to worry about checking e-mail, or paying bills. These really are not fun, and therefore, are in violation of Carnival’s Fun Ship Policy. At least that is my oldest son’t story. He may be on to something. Sorry I won’t be around to read the John Cleese interview. I would not know where to begin.
If nothing else, we will write when we get back. Looking forward to the experience of a lifetime. We were told that once you go on a Conquest class ship, a Fantasy class ship will never do again.
John,
I did have the pleasure of meeting Kevin and Caruso on the Triumph in march, they were nice, onto the show girls if only I could take one of them home as a momento. Now for you my friend john i have sad sad news. The aston was involved in a accident tonight. I am fine I wasn’t even in the car, it was parked in a parking lot by a valet. I tiped him $40us to park is close where they could keep a eye on her, but after I went in they moved it back two rows. While eatting dinner, the waiter and manager both came over with this look of horror on their faces. They said sir can we speak to you in private, we went over to the bar, and they told me. A valet was driving another car a bit to fast and mis judged the distance and slammed into the back end of my car pushing it into the back end of another car. The police were outside waiting for me and the other two owners to come out. I practically ran out the front door into the lot and there she was bleeding her life blood of oil and antifreeze on the parking lot ground, glass all around her, now for those who don’t know much about high end sports cars the Aston martin has a magnesium body because it’s lighter than aluminum to save on weight her frame is aluminium alloy with some steel, and other composite material. Very light stuff but doesn’t take a hit very well at all even at low speed. My insurance agent came down to take photos right away, he says we need to file a stack of paperwork because the establishment’s insurance should cover most of the damages. But in his opinion and mine from what was visible the car is totaled. She is leaning slightly to the right side and down the engine seems to be cocked over also. So the frame is bent or worse cracked. Ok I can’t continue to think about this right now. But I had to share my heart ache with you because i know how much you enjoy astons, as I have for many years.
As far as Sir John Cleese goes, I’m very excited for you, If i could ask him but one question it would be. ” In Monty Python and the holy grail, who thought up the lines about the holy hand grenade of antiach, and the line the man yells down from the battlements about sir Lancelot’s mother and father:”
I’m going to go drown my sorrows in a large glass of wine and smoke a cu*@# cigar I acquired on my last cruise.
Kevin
Officially In Morning
Hello from countdown central,
One week and counting until 8 days of bliss.
Yes……………….my first stop on the ship will be to leave Todd a message from you and all of the bloggers that we wish him well…….and to ask that favour that you and I have discussed…..shhhh…..the blog has ears and she is now sleeping and I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Wink Wink.
Message to the lady RE: the tour of Olympia……”Hey lady…..come out the cave you’ve been living in lately and pick up a newspaper or check out the web for some information before you go all the way to Greece. YOU have no right to complain…….whew……thanks for letting me vent.
These people need to be issued signs or Tshirts that read…” I asked John a dumb question while on board the Freedom” How about you?
BTW…….nice crest…..needs a MahJong board, cabin with a balcony ( shown low on the ship of course) …and of course a “john”… I like the jelly beans and the Vegas dancers….nice touch by the artist.
Classy move letting the elderly gentleman (Norman) pay tribute to his wife of so many years.
Finding a good partner in life is a real rare thing these days…………John……you and I are lucky in that department.
Ok………..I think we’ve solved your problem of privacy while you and Heidi are off the ship. Listen to the ladie’s suggestion of the dress code…….start wearing “casual” sports clothes while in port and no one will recognize you…….they’ll keep looking for the “stuffy suit” look and walk right by you. Brilliant eh? Just don’t wear Carnival issue stuff and you’ll look like the rest of us with “TOURIST” stamped on our foreheads.
Well my fellow knight……………..you’ve earned shrubbery!!!
Best of luck with the interview with Archie Leach ( lucky buggar…..got to make out with Jamie Lee Curtis) Can’t wait to hear how you two will spar with the wit……..my money is on him but you’ll get in a few I’m sure.
Is Heidi going to get a crest? One showing a gas mask I’m sure…..note to artist…..get working on one and let’s see it soon. Great job on John’s BTW.
Time to start packing……………
Smooth sailing John and Heidi
B&D from Canada
Hi John and Heidi,
Bravo! Another great interview, I love reading about all the different cruise directors and their experiences and especially how they personally made it to where they are today. Truly amazing!
Heidi’s pictures of the sunset, WOW-another wonderful addition to the amazing photos that you continue to post.
By the way thanks for finding out about Alex; I would definitely love to say hi. If you don’t mind forwarding my e-mail address that would be fantastic.
Waned to share this experience. Dean & I (or me) went out to dinner this evening. The restaurant we went to was extremely busy and when our waitress (who was tired & worn out looking) finally came over she proceeded to apologized for the wait and then made a comment that went like this, “I sure wish I was on a cruise right now instead of being here-I love cruising, I have been on a total of three”. Naturally I asked “which cruise lines have you cruised with”. She immediately said her first cruise was with “Norwegian” but sadly she couldn’t remember who the other two were with. She kept saying something like “who is that other big cruise line, darn I can’t remember,” so reluctantly I said, “CARNIVAL” and she answered, No! (Thank goodness). So after I choked I asked “would it be Royal Caribbean”, she said “yes that’s it”. I explained to her that her next cruise needed to be on a CARNIVAL SHIP and that after she cruised with Carnival she would never again forget who she cruised with!!. (That’s why I was glad when she said no when asked if it was with Carnival. I knew she could never have forgotten who she cruised with if she had been on a Carnival ship). I told her I’ve been on 6 cruises and all have been with Carnival and how fabulous they are and what fantastic CD’s they have (feel like I’ve met them all personally thanks to you), she then said “you & me need to talk”.
Sorry this is soooooo long but I wanted to share this experience with you, Heidi and all our family of bloggers.
A Carnival Cruise-NEVER unforgettable!
I better get this posted/slapped on before it gets too late. Goodnight for now..
Inez & Dean
P.S. Hi CruisinSue
John,
In my well state I forgot to mention that “Are you being served” is also one of my favorite British tv shows. I have yet to see a episode where the sectaries aren’t in the nickers at one point or Miss. Brahm’s for that matter. I even enjoyed the spin off show that came out they called it ” Are you being served? Again!” i believe here in the states and Grace and Favour in the uk. Molly Slugden was here in ny a few years ago helping to raise money for one of our local Public TV stations her stories were great to hear. Oh and Mr. Humphries while flaming homosexuality never actually said it, such is British humur. How many seasons did they make of that show anyway, i think 10 but I’m not too sure.
Also on a side note once again about john Cleese did you know there is a species of lemur named in his honour ” Avahi Cleesei” and a asteroid 9618 Johncleese ( how about a ####JohnHeald asteroid). he was also the first person to say f*#k at a British memorial service, oh and it was Graham Chapman’s memorial too. And in 1996 he declined the British honour (spellet in British not american) of Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Oh and be sure to ask what happened to the sleeping Norwegian blue parrot.
Night
Kevin
To see and hear Pavarotti on the big screen must have been fabulous.
You asked when we sailed with Michael Mullane.It was on the Spirit, once in 05 on the Alaska cruise the before that it was on two Hawaii cruises. He sat with my husband and I outsde the lounge and talked for a while.
Loved the design that Luv Cruisin did.
Kersplott, you will be on the same cruise as we will be on on Sept 22 out of NY. Maybe we’ll run into each other.
Fondly, Jennifer
Good Morning (8:30 am Michigan time) John and Heidi,
John you are on and if my “Bad Boys” BEAT the HEAT you have to come to Michigan and cheer for my boys!! and wear a Pistons jersey to a Heat game. Fatima doesn’t sound too pleasant (do you think someone who is 5 foot and 110 pounds could turn the tables ??? on Fatima?)but a gold plated plastic ship trophy well now……. I can hardly wait for the season to begin. Our WNBA team the Detroit Shock and going into their second game of the Finals they really are a great team and I cheering them on to a back to back Championship.
The mug(s) are in the works and hopefully I will have them soon.
See you soon (January) and have a great day!
Joan
Greetings to both John and Heidi!
First, it’s appropriate to introduce ourselves. We think of you both as friends, and you don’t have any idea who the heck we are!! We are long time lurkers and huge fans of the blog thingy. I’m Kelly and my husband is Michael. John, you make our day with every post. Frequently I’m here (home office) toiling away and I find I need my blog thingy “fix”. So I jump to my “favorites” and read your latest adventures and find myself laughing out loud and wiping tears away. Then I do a copy/paste thingy and send to Michael at work. When I’m laughing out loud the 3 big dogs (reference e-mail address) look at me puzzled, but I think by now they understand that I am on “Uncle John’s” site and they expect the guffaws.
There are many reasons to love your stories and I suspect that all of your loyal readers have personal reactions to everything you write. Certainly the puns are what they are and are very universal in their appeal. Then there are stories like Jessica’s, which pull at all our hearts. The jelly beans, the pictures of you as a young pup, Mum’s recipes, well there is just something for everyone.
BUT I cannot imagine that there are others that relate anymore to your “difficult” passenger stories than Michael and I do. Well, perhaps those that have worked cruise ships, but I think we can compete in the “relating” category. Michael and I met and married while working at Disneyland, the original one, not the Johnny Come Lately theme parksJ There is always something in your stories that brings such familiar laughs, frustration, eye rolling, head scratching to us both. What IS it when “normal” people go on holiday (correct spellingJ) and leave their brains at home. Or in your case on the dock, in our experience outside the gates of THE theme park? You have no idea how much we would love to sit with you and Heidi and swap stories and be evil making fun of all those “guests” whose baffling behavior gives cause for laughter even years later! It’s hard to adequately explain, even though you are a master at it, what it’s like to deal with the masses day in and day out, working while humanity is “playing”, and always keeping a smile. There certainly are the moments that will we carry with us forever when you touch hearts just by being there. I had a four year old little boy pass me on one of the “rides” one day. We caught each others eye and smiled and he went running on. Two minutes later I felt a tug on my skirt (costume if you will) and I looked down to see him. He looked at me, smiled again, and said “Lady, this is the greatest day of my life.” Fortunately that story lives in my heart vs. the ones who yelled at me for not allowing them to sit in the middle of a walk way to watch a parade. “Walt never wanted it this way” . . .
This is getting way too long, but we both wanted to say thank you for the laughs, the tears and the sunshine in every post you make. We do hope that someday our paths will cross. Until then, here’s the “real” reason for the e-mail. Michael has a question for you to ask his hero, Mr. Cleese . . .
What IS the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Although a “fan” I have no clue what that means but I presume YOU do!!!:-)
Big hugs to you both!
Kelly (and Michael too)
Hi John and Heidi,
Sorry I have not written all week…there’s some kind of flu bug going around the states and I seem to have caught it…ick.
Love the Crest, John…it is so you!!
I think you should continue to wear what you wear for the shows…you’re very handsome!
I am single, and I’m not sure I would want a “cruise board”…TMI. (too much information)
You and Big John synchronized swimming? So glad I will be on the blogger’s cruise to see that!
I will so miss Pavoratti..what a beautiful man and such a voice!
Can’t wait for your interview with John Cleese…see how popular you have become, John and Heidi…famous people want to meet YOU! We’re going to have to get you dark sunglasses and bodyguards to beat away the paparazzi!
Elaine
John, a quick question, please sir.
Regarding the photo of the Triumph that you posted in response to Mark, there’s a bunch of conjecture that the picture was ‘photo shopped’, in other words, faked. The more I look at it the more I’m convinced it’s real. The swell, from trough to peak, appears to be around fifty feet and certainly large enough to produce the result we see.
So tell me, John, is it real or is it Memorex???
Thanks.
Greg
John,
Whilte the coat of arms was impressive, it seemed to miss the mark a bit. The show girls were pretty but shouldnt you be flanked by Angelina and Catherine, perhaps in your astin martin? Also i think it should be painted on the side of the ship, just like the queens coat of arms and presidential seal. Heck think of the marketing possibilites, shirts, jackets, bed spreads and even bath towels with your coat of arms. Do you think Heidi would consent to a tattoo?
Rob
(last cruise with you Liberty May 2006)
Hi, John and Heidi,
Thanks for the interview with Kevin Jeffries. I love illusions. And Barb’s idea, having Kevin and Caruso on the bloggers cruise, is inspired! What are the chances? Do you have enough “pull” to get them rerouted for one cruise? Maybe Kevin could make an Aston Martin appear for you.
When you interview John Cleese, see if you can convince him to join the bloggers cruise. Wouldn’t that be a hoot!?!
What’s up with that picture of the Carnival Triumph with her “nose” under water? Was that a “rogue” wave or something? Scary! Guess I’ll backtrack and look for Mark’s post.
We’re working on our version of your crest and will post it ASAP. The one by Luv Cruisin is quite good.
‘Til next time, hope all your passengers are pleasant!
Myra
About the message board… I saw one on our RCL TA but it was for any passenger and I thought it a good idea. It was at the library. We always stopped to read the notices. People might say something like “meet us at 2 PM in (location) if you want to play bridge.” One touched us so that we remember it 17 months later: “Am I the only 15 year old on this ship?” Imagine being the only teen on a two week cruise. Poor kid.
I don’t know how you handle those idiot complaints like the lady on the Olympia tour. I hate to think of people like that reproducing. Know that when husband Bill and I sail with you on this fall’s TA we will read the daily newspapers thoroughly. In fact, we grab them up as soon as they come to our room, highlighter in hand, to mark what we want to do the next day. We start looking forward to the next day even as we have our nightcap on the present one.
I was wondering how you handle entertainment on your TA cruise. Obviously you have seven days in a row with no ports to let entertainers leave or board. Should I bring my belly dancing costume to help out? I’m sure your passengers would love to see a senior, fat belly dancer. LOL
Bill and I will sing our signature song at karoke at some point: “I Got You Babe.” So get your earmuffs ready now. However, when we sang it on the ancient Roman stage in Aprodisias, Turkey recently we got applause from the three women sitting there. But then, that was when we were finished and they were probably glad to see us leave the stage.
In addition to John Cleese, who are your other seven heroes?
Counting the days till we’ll be together;-)
John, I hope all went well with your interview with Mr. John Cleese. Just can’t wait to read and/or listen to it. The interview will be in English I hope?
Maybe if we have the Master Illusionist Kevin Jeffries on the BLOGGERS CRUISE he can make you and me disappear. Only to have us reappear minus a couple hundred pounds of ugly fat. That would be a great trick. I would even buy the DVD of it. CARNIVAL would have cruiser lining up to book the “Carnival Magic” just in hope to be picked from the audiance to be part of the “DISAPPEARING FAT SHOW”.
John, since you will not be the CD on the BLOGGERS CRUISE you can join us all and go around in casual clothes for the whole cruise. The dress code for the cruise will be shorts and Bloggers T-Shirts.
“BIG” ED
PS, Kevin Jeffries will be able to bring us back RIGHT? 133 days, maybe Kevin can make some of those days go away.
Oh John, NOOOOO! Don’t dress down! It’s one of the things that makes you who you are….And a man looks more handsome dressed up. It adds to the aura of continuous good manners and good humor that you project and your willingness to listen to even the most crazy ideas. You in a polo just wouldn’t be the same! And I’ve seen you in person on the Freedom, and saw you in the travelogue videos aboard the ship in your t-shirt so I know what I’m talking about! I hardly recognized the CD in the tourist ! Love ya…(although I’m quiet I’m still enjoying the blog and looking forward to a cruise on the Glory in about 15 weeks)! Gloria
John,
I will be thinking of you at noon (my time) as you interview one of my favorite funny people. I am so glad you will have audio for the interview so I can hear both of you. Best wishes and you will do a great job. If you get nervous remember the old adage and imagine Mr. Cleese in his underwear.
Lovin’Cruisin- excellent crest!
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Howdy John!
Just a few comments…You should where what you are comfortable in–physically and emotionally. Your clothes don’t define you. Singles board…is security really that big of an issue on the ship so as not to leave your room number? I don’t really think I am that naive. I have been on several Carnival cruises and have never felt unsafe with others having my room number. There is a lock on the door! Maybe I am crazy…I think the board is a cool idea.
Do Kevin and Caruso stay on one ship for a period of time or do they move around more frequently that your normal contract periods? Just curious as to what their schedule is??
Where or where is the poet Lauriette?
And finally, when will you know if you are going to South America or not?
John and St. Heidi of the Freedom:
I love the picture of Carnival Triumph going from Canada to NY – priceless.
Here are a couple of old questions:
1) What do you think of my idea about having a “Biggest Splash down the waterslide” contest?
2) You indicated a few days ago, you would send a link for my son, Ryan’s drawing (around Aug. 24.) Several of us have looked and we just can’t find it.
PS: I have my sewing machine plugged in again. Time to return to the humdrum life and dream about another cruise.
SewingNut
John,
Please stay as you are and do not dress down. Your choice of dress on board dignifies your position on the ship. Other CD’s we have cruised with look as if their casual clothes were just picked up off the floor and reworn. You have always respected yourself as well as the passengers by dressing in a way that honors your position.
In the same spirit, I do not want to see the Captain in jeans and polo shirt either. He is the master of the ship, but you are the master of the people.
John, just stay as you are, the whole package is who we love and admire, you are who you are. Remember, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. “Why mess with perfection.”
Maybe you could use this as a signal to people who bother you when you are off duty. Dressed and Pressed – on duty. Casual dress – Do Not Disturb – Off Duty.
Maxine
dear john, tho the mellow yellows have been off the freedom 4 months now you are all in my thoughts and prayers. now i have deceided to be imortal, the word ‘THINGY’ you use all the time came from me. i used it the first time i asked you if you had a machine that would download that thingy in my camera so i wouldn’t have to buy and extra one you know that thingy that holds the pictures. Well i just need some recognition you see i am a devoted healdhead and every now and them we all need some atta girls or boys. so tell me what ever happened to george the greek is he still working or has he retired we are looking for him thanks you friend kathy the greek
Hi John,
I’m kind of a “closet blogger” having been reading and enjoying the blogs for some time but not posting. The one time I did try and post with a question to you my dinosaur of a computer crashed and I have no idea if my question ever reached you. I “know” you from a sailing on the beautiful Liberty in 2/06, love your blogs and would love to sail with you again. I was wondering if any “bloggers cruises” are planned beyond the one this coming January. I have decided I would like to loose a significant amount of weight before I cruise again as I was unable to enjoy my last cruise to the fullest because of my very full figure, and 4 months time just isn’t going to be enough to reach that goal. I want to be able to walk, not waddle, onto the beautiful Freedom and explore the ship without huffing and puffing, and be able to get up from the deck chairs once I get seated on them, which is usually a challenge anyway with my arthritis and age, and be able to fit inbetween the arms of the chairs at the tables comfortably at meal time and stand up and not have the chair come with me. I’ll never forget the day at the beach on Grand Cayman. I had squeezed my 5′9″ tall 390 pound dainty body into my swimsuit with considerable effort, daring to go to the beach with the attitude of “what the hell, I’ll never see any of these people again”. I received discreet assistance getting up from my beach chair from the guy who rents them and made my way down the small hill to the water. I waded ankle deep into the water only to be knocked down by the rip tide. Since I was already wet, I tried to pretend “I meant to do that” and proceeded into the ocean. I’m an excellent swimmer and float quite well and enjoyed the water very much. Then, I went to get out….. and couldn’t. There was a drop off of the ocean’s bottom of about 3 feet a ways in and I couldn’t seem to climb up over it. Every time I tried to step up I just sunk deeper in the sand. I tried crawling on my knees and was again stopped by the sand. Fighting the rip tide was also tiring but I was still having fun at this point. Finally a wave came along and washed me up onto the beach, rolling me several times like a log. I was laughing my a$$ off, as was the entire beach, and thinking, “Oh well, it wasn’t pretty, but at least I’m out”. Not for long, when the wave went back it took me with it. This happened a couple of more times and was still funny, but I was getting exhausted trying to get out and things got very serious and I was sure I was going to drown when the water swamped me. On the 4th episode of rolling onto the beach 2 men came to my rescue and held onto me for dear life and the wave receded back into the ocean without me. I was deeply humiliated and sobbing badly when one of them said, “Don’t worry sister, we know you’re just drunk like the rest of us.” I cried that I wasn’t drunk (don’t drink), that I was just fat. Anyway, I was dubbed “Flounder” by the friend I was with and the story was a great source of amusement to my fellow passengers. The experience left me with sand in my crack, and everywhere sand could get and when I was at my doctor’s 2 months later for a check up she commented that I had sand in my ear. So anyway, no more cruises until I can “fit” a little better onto the ship and into the itinerary.
The question I originally wanted to ask you was: How do I find out who the captain and cruise directors are on what ships? I have enjoyed all the CD’s I’ve had the pleasure to sail with, but there was one captain I fell in love with and would like to sail with him again in order to feed my middle aged fantasies and do some serious drooling. By the way, this spotted dick stuff, sounds like a body part with lots of freckles, ewwwww.
Anyway, hope to see you in a hundred less pounds or so.
Julie the Flounder
Hi John,
As I write this you have probably done your interview with John Cleese. I know you did a wonderful job because why? Because you are John! You are quite charming and I know Mr. Cleese will see that too. As far as how you dress, I can’t see the pictures of you. You could ware a clown suit and I wouldn’t know the difference! Hahahahaha! Just a little humor. I think you should dress in what ever way that makes you most comfortable. I can’t even imagine anyone thinking you are stuffy. All anyone has to do is, read a blog and they would know just what a sweetie you are. Anyway I just stopped by to say I know all went well with John cleese. I can’t wait to read it. We are the knights that say Nyi! Probably not spelled correctly! Hugs to you and sweet Heidi.
Leasa
John, someone asked if the shot of the Triumph was real. Oh yes it is real,we were on the ship and my husband got sooo sick he layed on the bed all day. Of course I sat there looking at him because you could not walk, it was that rough. We are going back up there in Sept. adn are hoping for calm seas.
Jennifer
John, I left some important things in my room on your last cruise. I contacted Carnival, but they haven’t replied. Could you help me get my things back? -RP
John, you need to show that picture of the Triumph to the people in the “King of Queens” blog entry who wanted a balcony on Deck 2.
There’s a balcony off the lower dining room deck (4??) on both sides which most people don’t know about. You are pretty close to the ocean there. I don’t know if I wanted to get any farther down.
Plus for the cheap people who don’t have a balcony, you can go out at the bow on the 2 decks above and below the bridge for a nice (and windy) view that is virtually private (no one knows about it – it’s not on the map)
Mr. Big Cheese, Cleese Interviewer:
I got up to the check out counter in the Library, and the daughter/chauffeur said, I can’t believe you have those, as she raised her hand to my forehead to check my temperature.
I have DVD volumes 2, 8, 9, 10, and 12 of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, containing, Crunchy Frog and E—-ic Film, Spam and Can—–ism, Fish Slapping Dance and Argument Clinic, The Man Who Speaks in Anagrams (OH!) and Mr Smoke Too Much, and Dennis Moore, Spot the Loony and The Dirty Vicar Sketch.
It isn’t that I am ashamed to spell out the words but there are some words that seem to hang up overnight for censor review, that is Cockney for Hypnotic and well, maybe there isn’t anything Cockney code for it, which is possibly a good thing.
My goodness, it has Eric Idle.
I also have some P G Wodehouse, perhaps it will be an effective antivenom.
And 236 minutes of Monarch of the Glen for dessert.
Carry on, spiff spoff, tally ho.
ttfn
John – my 2 most fond memories of Pavarotti – seeing him perform in person in Biloxi MS (years before Hurricane K) and when you played the 3 tenors while sailing up the Grand Canal into Venice. I can imagine that your tribute on board the ship was very special and I wish you’d do it again when we said in a couple of weeks.
My group has another question for you. They would like to know if you can tell them exactly which nights are formal nights on our 9/22 sailing? My guess is 9/24 and 10/1. Also, do you have a clue when the past guest party will be? Any info you can give us would help with our ever-continuing effort to plan, plan, plan. We’re almost done though….many of us are leaving home in a week!
(BTW – Awesome picture of Istanbul at sunset!)
Dear John:
Question: While on our last cruise my brother-in-law decided to purchase a few cuban cigars to enjoy at a later time. Although the Cruise Director told us they could not be taken off the boat, he decided to try anyways. Needless to say, he not only was fined but they then took the cigar. So how is that Kevin was able to purchase these and smoke them at a later time????? Good thing they weren’t in the Volkswagon when it was “hit” … Just wondering how some get away with it and others don’t …
Vikki
SINGLES:
As a single person, I have never cruised along – however, I’m sure some day, I’m going to try it. I typically travel with married friends or my parents. Having said that – if a singles Board was available, I don’t know how I would respond.. I think I much prefer more single get togethers or better yet – a sign-up sheet for singles going on shore excursions… I remember a snorkle excrusion I did by myself – it would have been nice to know if other singles were doing different excursions, as I was the only single amoung couples on this paticular trip.
Keep up the informative blog – love the new crest!
Deborah from Pittsburgh
Happy Monday (in the States) John and Heidi…
Seeing that sweater you’re wearing from the early 90s on the Celebration is quite a sight. Wow!
Quite a picture you posted of Kevin Jeffries and his “crew”. He does put on quite a show. And that Triumph picture has always been one of my favorites, though i’m sure it wasn’t so fun for the passengers on board.
I think the singles board is a great idea, but it is clearly something that has to be monitored.
I can’t believe the lady’s response about Olympia. Clearly, she has had her head buried in the sand for the past few weeks.
Thanks for another great read.
David
Kevin,
Sorry to hear about the car. Hope everything is positively resolved.
David