It’s Tuesday at 2:45 pm and I have just a few minutes until my marriage show at 3:15 pm so I thought I would blog a little……..I am trying to remember what I did before I was enveloped into this world of the blogosphere but you know what……………..I just can’t remember.
Let me start with some great news and that is the guest who we disembarked for a medical emergency in Dubrovnik came out of intensive care this morning and hopefully within the next two weeks will be able to fly home. Once again we congratulate the wonderful medical staff here and I hope the guest continues to make a speedy recovery.
Anyway, I forgot to tell you some great news from the start of this cruise and I was reminded of this just now by a letter from a guest who had just gotten their luggage back. Anyway, this cruise we had only 28 missing bags at the start of the cruise and as of now we have only 8 outstanding……………seems things are getting better.
This morning started with a department head meeting followed by the Florence/Pisa and Debarkation talk and this afternoon I have the Marriage show and an afternoon show as well………….another busy day. The early show for second sitting (before dinner) has been well received and I have not heard any comments from guests to say they don’t like……….that however cannot be said about this delightful person:
Guest: Mrs Ref: 002712974A Owner: __________
Cabin: _____ Booking#:______- Upset with Cruise Director and Smoking policy
Purser got a call from Mrs. who informed Purser that she had just heard the cruise directors announcement for guests to wash hands as often as they can. Mrs——- felt that the cruise director was treating her like a schoolgirl and she would wash her hands only when she wanted to. Purser explained that cruise director was helping the Infirmary because we did not want anybody to get sick which is happening on other ships in Europe and that washing hands was the best way. Mrs———- said that she was on vacation and that she could do what she wanted when she wanted and she did not want her day ruined by this announcement. Mrs———then said that she was being treated like bad person because there was nowhere to smoke on the ship and that she had paid the same price as others and she should be able to smoke when and where she wants to. Purser explained the smoking policy but guest shouted to tell the cruise director to contact her immediately and walked from the desk while the Purser was speaking.
Cruise Director informed and he will call the guest for follow up.
As of now I have not spoken to the guest and even when I do I am not sure what I am going to say. I truly understand that we have many areas we can improve on and also that guests have the right to find fault in some things that I say and do. However, making one or two announcements about washing hands that will result in guests not getting the dreaded noro bug…………….I don’t know how she can find fault with that…………….sometimes I really don’t know why I bother and I feel like saying OK, don’t wash your hands, get sick, spend 24 hours confined to your stateroom howling at the toilet……..see if I give a Brad Pitt (rhyming slang)…..but of course………I do care and I shall call, apologize and try to explain the virtues of my actions………….I feel tired today.
Here are today’s photos. I just got these in from Alarnya, one of the dancers from New Zealand and I thought I would share them with you……………..I know we left Dubrovnik some days ago but have a look at these.
I had better get on with some Q and A………starting with those from the blog called It Came From outer Space.
BONNIE – It seems that you are determined to sail in October and following all you have been through I am so very proud of you. Have you completed all the treatments and are there any special arrangements you will need me to make for you? Anyway, I am so glad that you are coming and I wish you could have been here to see the On Deck For The Cure gathering………it was inspirational. Best to Charlie and see you soon.
KEVIN AND HEIDI AND BETH – Hello you three and welcome home from what sounds like a great cruise. We missed you on the blog thingy and I am happy to hear that wee Jimmy impressed you…………..in that dress especially. I have forwarded your comments back to the Carnival Glory team so that they can see just how much you enjoyed the service and I know that your dining room staff of Ana and Carlos will appreciate this very much. How did the three of you get on in one cabin? Anyway, have fun reading the last few blogs that you may have missed and I hope to hear from you very soon. Welcome home.
GREG BALDASARRI – Brave words Young Skywalker……………….I fear the force will not be with the Spurs this year and that Messers Shaq and Wade will indeed inflict great punishment upon your boys and leave Tim looking like a Duncan Doughnut. Now, back to the Professor who feels that the ship will meet its maker thanks to the little green men from outer space. He truly believes that this was the reason the Titanic is sleeping with the fishes but I have to say …………..it was very strange listening to him but he stands by his words……………..its been a strange week. I know you must miss your Mum and I am sure you must have some wonderful memories of your time together which I hope you cherish. Thanks Greg and look forward to your upcoming Carnival Conquest cruise.
VICKI – Thanks Vicki and I am well on the road to recovery instead of being on the road to the bathroom which I traveled many times in the last few days. I have never seen the famous Green Flash sunset but we will keep taking photos to hopefully spot one. Hope all is well with you and thanks for reading the blog thingy.
M@ & RT – You asked about the mudslide which caused the Sorrento Road to be closed and if this is a usual event. This is actually the first time I have heard of this in the three seasons I have been here in Europe. We have had train strikes, fishing boats blocking the entrance to ports, bust strikes and erupting Volcanoes but never a mudslide. Kite flying…………….I have never seen it done……………can we do it from the back of the ship?……………….I have no idea…………..ROGER BLUM………have you ever seen this ?…………………..we will get back to you on this one mate. How right you are ……….there are always stories to tell here and that is why this blog is such a great tool to be able to share them with everyone. Hope you are enjoying them and all the best.
NANETTEALI – Don’t worry Nanni, the aliens have taken me away yet and if they do I shall ask them to take me to San Juan. Muchos Hugos.
BIG ED – The spice girls will be:
BIG ED……….BIG SPICE
ME………..BLOG SPICE
ALAN………UGLY SPICE
This means we need one more………….any suggestions?
CATHERINE EBERT – By the time you read this Catherine you will be on the way here. I am sure you will have a wonderful flight and please make sure you leave me a note when you are onboard. See you soon.
JULIE GANTT – Man whole cover indeed! Thanks though for the lovely words for Greg and I am happy to see that your friend won her battle. There are though many other battles ahead for many people which is why I am determined to keep On Deck for the Cure part of the schedule for as long as we can. Thanks Julie and please keep reading the blog thingy.
DAVE SOREFF – I did meet James the CD on the Emerald Princess and in fact I will be writing the review about the ship in the next few days. I was very impressed with the vessel and I hope my review does it justice. Tell Doug to put her down and email us. Cheers mate.
TOM AND JANE – Thanks Tom and thanks Jane for the kind words. It really is great to see so many people reading the blog thingy and I hope you continue to do so. See you soon and my best to you both.
KAYENTAJANE – you just made me smile…………many thanks.
NICO R – Hello mate and thanks for slapping on a post, its been a while. The Titanic story was indeed one to remember and is proof positive that it takes all sorts. With regard to you working onboard, did you ever hear from Chris Unstead? Please let me know mate. I see that you have booked a cruise on the Carnival Pride, a beautiful ship and one I know will provide you with a brilliant cruise. Please let me know if you need anything at all and all the best.
SUSAN B – You can tell Mr Cheap that when he cruises with me hew ill also get a free bottle of champagne as well. I am excited to hear that your friend from Cruise Critic enjoyed his Carnival Freedom cruise so much and I would be honoured if you let me know when he writes about the blog etc. Thank you for your kind words about the company and our parent company Princess Cruises as well……………..you are too kind…………..he is too cheap………..you are too kindSeriously, please send my best to your entire family and I very much looking forward to meeting you all.
KEVIN – Congratulations on your blog reaching 6000 slaps, that is fantastic. I will chase my friends up about your resume and also please do not forget to tell me a few days before you sail on the Miracle and let me know the cabin number. Bearing in mind your past history and all I have read I do not think you have any choice but to go for……………….ASTON MARTIN DB9 VOLANTE…………..BLACK WITH BLACK LEATHER……………………what do you think?
M @ &RT – You asked about Fatima and what she did…………It pains me to relive this but I suggest you click on this link.
http://johnheald.wordpress.com/2007/08/11/holland-america-turkey-and-the-greeks/ I suggest you read this in the accompaniment of a large scotch! ………….enjoy.
DAVID STARK – I hope you get this message before you fly to join us for the next cruise. Just wanted to say “Have a safe flight” and Heidi is salivating at the thought of Canadian Syrup. You asked about restaurants in Rome for a truly romantic experience. I really suggest you head for Via Veneto which has a wonderful selection of restaurants, including the very romantic hotel and restaurant Excelsior. Please leave me a note when you get on board and we will see you very soon.
THE BEARS – CARL AND BARB – Just a quick note to say hello to you both and ask how you are feeling. We are both fine and Heidi is very happy to hear you are enjoying her photos so much. Looking forward to your next posting. Our kindest regards to you both.
DWA76 – Having the trots (or as my dad calls it “the wild googlies”) certainly is a good way to lose weight. I am glad you enjoyed the pictures of the Carnival Freedom and knowing this, I will post more soon. How’s things with you mate? Thank you for being such a great supporter of the blog.
BIG ED – It’s amazing how seeing a beautiful girl has suddenly inspired you to have a haircut. Watch out that Mrs. Big Ed doesn’t pick up the scissors and give you a Bobbit. You wouldn’t be Big Ed then…. You and I are getting in so much trouble on the bloggers cruise, can’t wait.
OKTEACH – You asked when the formal nights are on the TA cruise. It’s on Wednesday October 31 and on Thursday November 8. Have a look at this and tell me therefore, when you would like to make your Supper Club reservation. As for the Cruise Critic meet and greet, I suggest you do this after sailing from Rome as the first day is very busy and involves different travel schedules for everyone. If this is ok with you, let me know how many people you expect and we will reserve a lounge for you. Looking forward to hearing from you.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Yes, Shimaila shows the diversity of our wonderful crew and I am not surprised you want a haircut. I laughed when I heard your report on your Spa experience and can you imagine some of the blog material that could be found in the Spa? Take care and my best to your other half.
We now move on to comments from “Preston Bircher Reports.”
M@&RT – By now, you would have seen my reply to your previous comment and I was happy to hear of your memories of meeting Preston and his mum on your Carnival Liberty cruise. I am not sure if I can give you a free couples massage, but how about a nice cold bottle of champagne for a canoli? You also asked about the size of our bathroom, which is a little bigger than most cabins which I was very happy with during my recent illness. You offered to bring me something from Arizona and Heidi would love a mug with your state mentioned on it and some good old Arizona spicy sauce would not go amiss. It’s amazing to hear that you have an English pub in Arizona and that they serve Spotted Dick. I have now found the two perfect reasons to visit Arizona, to see you and to enjoy my favorite desert. See you both soon.
SUSAN – Thank you for your comments, there will be another report from Preston in the weeks ahead. Please continue to enjoy the blog.
BIG ED – Are you?
MARY BUETOW – I am glad you enjoyed Preston’s report and I am very excited to see the new Carnival Inspiration. All the best to you.
KIM – I see you are a Carnival Inspiration fan and that is great to hear. I am sure though you will love the new and improved version just as much and we are excited to welcome her back to the family. Watch this space for more reports.
J TODDINMAN – We’ve missed you and your new masterpiece is my new favorite. My favorite line was “However hitting his target would take great skill.” We have all missed you very much and your poem was right on the money and felt like you had been there during my heave ho period. Hope you have been well and welcome back.
KEVIN – After his last posting we need to see if we can still call him Big Ed.
VIKKI AND MATT TILL – I promise you love the new Carnival Inspiration. Although she will have many new features, she will retain many of the original fittings that made her such a favorite ship for so many people.
Hope you are both well.
ERIC DeGRAVE – You are welcome and we will send more pictures very soon.
RAY CZENSZAK – There is no doubt from seeing the cruises you have been on and the future ones that you booked that you are indeed a loyal Carnival fan. As I have been saying to others you have nothing to fear and the Carnival Inspiration will continue to provide so many people with a wonderful vacation and will, no doubt, retain her popularity. Hope to see you on the Carnival Splendor and please let me know if you have any questions about the cruise to Buenos Aires. All the best.
OCEAN ANGEL – I am glad you have been enjoying the blog. I was sorry to hear that you have been on the Carnival Fantasy 3 times yet do not have a repeat guest pin. Unfortunately, on the shorter cruises we do not have a past guest function, however, let me see what I can find out and if they were ever made, I will make sure you will get one. If you have not heard back from me within 10 days, please ask me again, just in case I forget. I am so happy you are enjoying the blog.
OK, time to stop. I know I am way behind on answering the comments and questions but sea days are always so busy here but I will catch up……………….I promise.
I had a cup of coffee with Tara today (your saw her photo in yesterday’s blog) and she told me how liberating having On Deck for the Cure has been for her. Henceforth, she has not put her wig back on and is walking freely around the vessel bald as the day she was born. Tara has also said that she has meet many Breast Cancer survivors following the walk and has drawn inspiration from their stories, their battles and, most importantly, their survival. I have given her my private e mail address and she has promised to send me daily updates when she is home and begins her treatment again and I will keep you all informed as to how she is doing…………………..she had a little cry when I gave her a copy of the DVD showing us all walking and the musical tribute we played for her. We then had a laugh as two complete strangers came up and said “can we have a photo”……….of course I said standing up…………..no said the lady…………not with you………we want one with her…………..Tara’s face shone……….it was a priceless moment.
The seas are rougher than usual and I am uncertain if we can perform the shows this evening. It is very difficult for the dancers to perform on a moving ship as it is but when the seas are rough it can be very dangerous. On the Conquest, Spirit and Destiny class ships they perform in front of a deep orchestra pit and the sudden pitch of the vessel could result in a performer falling or worse falling into the pit………………….both could result in a career ending injury. It is now 6:30 pm and I am meeting with the Dance Captain Ian to see if he feels it is OK to perform the shows. Ultimately it is his decision which I respect and support fully. The last thing I want to do is to say “you will do the shows” and then something happens that injures a dancer……………..I would never forgive myself.
The Captain has told me that the weather will remain windy and the seas choppy until 2 am when we get closer to land and therefore it is decision time……………I am off to meet Ian and let you know what we decide to do in a moment.
OK, I am back……………did you miss me? Well, Ian has decided that the cast can perform the shows providing it does not get any worse and if it does we will have to stop the performance. So, as the show starts in 15 minutes I need to wrap up today’s blog thingy so I can get backstage and be there to support the cast and in case we need to stop the show…………………it really is quite rocky and bumpy now.
In closing I want to tell you about the time when we had a guest performer in the middle of one of the production shows. I was reminded about him by a blogger yesterday and you will have seen me mention his name……the infamous Wild Willy. His name is known around the fleet and he cruises all the time. He is one of the Carnival “regulars.” He is flamboyant, extravert and honestly he can be a pain in the……………….neck. Wild Willy, a title he calls himself because he says he is related to Jessie James won the lottery in the late 1990’s. How much?……..well some say millions…………but nobody really knows. One thing is for certain; he spends nothing onboard and is always on the look out for something for nothing. Wild Willy’s biggest problem is…………….women and it is a constant battle in keeping him in order. He is harmless but does like to be around the young ladies even though he is in his eighties himself.
Anyway, last year on the Carnival Liberty the cast were performing a show called Rock Down Broadway and during the number dedicated to the band Abba and in particular the number “Dancing Queen,” Wild Willy decided he would join the show. So, up the steps he walked, in a pair of shorts, a shirt that is usually worn by someone you see getting arrested in front of a trailer in the TV show Cops and to the amusement of the audience he started to dance.
Now, while the audience is laughing, we are all dashing to the stage fearing that this 80-something-year-old man may fall into the Orchestra Pit and seriously hurt himself and others. The backstage manager ran out and I also sprinted (OK, walked fast) from the back of the theatre and picked him up and carried him off stage, his legs kicking at air in protest. Walking to the back of the theatre he received the mixed emotions of applause from some (mostly those with alcoholic beverages in front of them) and looks of disgust from others. The backstage manager ran back to the show leaving me to chastise old Wild Thing about the dangers of what he had done and informed him that if repeated he may be asked to leave the vessel…………it was then that I noticed that in all the excitement Wild Willy’s …………….. ummmmmm …………. Willy ………….. ummmm……….had …….ummmm…..caused a yellow puddle to form at our feet……………………….oh joy……………….he looked at me and said……….”oh, I had better go and change” and with that he left leaving me to say to myself “John, urine the wrong job.”
Wild Willy eventually calmed down and for a few days he was OK……………until he repeated his previous problem on a tour bus going to Pisa………………………. he is a character OK and I am not surprised other bloggers mentioned him. I have not seen him since last year but I am sure one day I will see him walk up the gangway again as the wild thing returns.
Off to the show
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
John, I’m safe all body parts are still intact and working. Your right about the Bloggers Cruise. Since you are not the CD we will be able to make Todd’s life miserable. You may even be able to feel free enough to have a drink or two or three or for or fife or ses. Heck lets just get wasted on night. I don’t think dinners are going to be my usual one VO Manhattan dinners. I will need the second week of the BTB to dry out. When I come up the gangway early on the 19th have a coffee with DRAMBUIE waiting.
“BIG” ED
123 days to PARTY TIME
Hi John,
I really enjoyed Alaryna’s pictures. They are beautiful. I want to go back to the Mediteranean!!! Please tell her thank you for sharing.
Had my first day back at work today, and it didn’t go well. On my feet to much and my leg swelled right up, so, I went home early. Might just stay home again tomorrow and heal some more.
May I volunteer Carl for a Spice Girl since you need one more. He’s a great singer (NOT) and he will probably make me walk the plank for volunteering him (or summon something from outer space to “beam me up”), but I think it would be a real “Hoot” watching the 4 of you!
Take care and Hello to Heidi!
Barb
what a lovely thing to say john. you are a dear. heidi, honey he is a dear, be kind, okay. two days until thursday!
other than being very weak (we call it puney in the south) i shall be fine. i need to find excursions with little or no walking though. hopefully there will be something, otherwise i can just hire a taxi or something.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John -
Regarding the complainer who is concerned not having enough places to smoke.
Given that we will soon be on board, I will make sure that the first act of the Mrs. MTSFP is to file a complaint with the purser that there are not enough non-smoking spaces on board – this complaint will even out the one you have just received and balance your life again.
Actually, the Mrs has already complained (about the Liberty) – and she received a nice reply from the Office of the President. Of course, unlike most complainers, she did not ask for compensation, but they did give us our choice of Sail Away gifts – a nice bottle of White Zinfandel is supposed to await us in our suite (I remain optomistic about the upgrade).
One thing – please be sure that your orchestra has a samba queued up in their repetoire. I don’t want these samba lessons to go to waste.
See you, Heidi, John & Diane in 40 days.
LFTTNSFCF
Hey john!
Nope, never heard from anyone from Carnival. I wish i did! Oh well. Life isnt always cherries!
Weather here in Fort Lauderdale is horrendous tonight, so i would image those singers and dancers on the Sensation right now over in the bahamas are experiencing the same motion that you are. Nonetheless, I hope the performances tonight went well, and without injury. On the Caribbean Princess back in 2004 we went though Tropical Storm Arlene, a weak 40mph system, but the ship was all over the place! Yes, the Pride is booked! I am very much looking forward to it; it will be a vacation much needed! On the Liberty this past summer, I had the most outstanding waitstaff in the Golden Olympian dinning room, and have maintained contact with my waiter via e-mail since June – he is a person never to be forgotten! Aside from that, is there any way I can share these thoughts with someone from Carnival? He deserves all the praise he can get! Hope all is well on the beautiful Carnival Freedom!
Hi John,
I have been reading your blog from the beginning. I noticed a comment from another reader about not receiving a past guest pin from the Fantasy. My family did a 5 day cruise on the Fantasy in July and there was a past guest party. We did not receive the funnel pin with the Fantasy written on it. We were all disappointed. In 2005, we did a 5 day cruise on the Holiday and did receive the Carnival funnel pin with the Holiday on it. I too would love to have a Fantasy pin.
We love cruising on Carnival. It only took one cruise to get us hooked on cruising. We came home from this year’s cruise and I wasted no time booking our cruise for 2008. We will be sailing on the Imagination in July. I am looking forward to seeing pictures from renovations that will be taking place on the Imagination when it goes into dry dock next month. Our son and his bride will be cruising on the Elation in June of 2008 for their honeymoon.
Keep up the good work. I love everything about your blog: the pictures, the interviews, the stories. It keeps me going until my next cruise.
John,
Before my trip, you had commissioned a poem about your friend Alan and his youth. I apologize for my tardiness but hopefully the wait was worth it.
In researching his past, I found this nursery rhyme his mother used to sing to him during his teen years when he would come home distraught after obviously striking out.
Hush, little Alan, don’t say a word,
Momma knows you’re really a nerd
And since you can’t find a date
Momma’s worried if you’re straight
And since no girls think you’re cute
Momma hopes you don’t play a flute
And since your looks make girls sick
Momma’s worried where youll stick your wick
And since you fell from the ugly tree
Momma knows your “friends” aren’t free
And since your face is full of pits
Momma knows why your sister vomits
And since your breath smells like gas
Momma’s gonnna have to whip your …..
Hey Jonnie Boy,
Thanks for taking the time to answer my recent questions to you. I appreciate you taking your valuable time with my nonsense type of stuff.
As for the Fatima episode. I think I should have skipped it. I started with a glass of Hennessey, but quickly started drinking from the bottle. OMG, please do not put this as a ‘must do’ shore excursion while in Turkey (though it would sure be funny to hear the guests comments about that tour)… and to think, BIG you, had the shamefulness (if thats a word) to pay her for that service AND to stay for the entire thing. What were you thinking?? There are times to be nice, but that didn’t seem to be one of them. I especially like reading the detailed usage of the following lines:
“and then brought out a broom…yes a broom……….and started scrubbing me down like a bloody elephant at the zoo………..”
That is tooo funny. Who on Earth wants to visit Turkey for a hycolonic (sounds as if that was it).
‘Gee, come see our wonderful country and get a tube rammed up yer caboose!’ … I think I’ll pass.
You are a brave, but questionable man, John. I would have came up with something to get Alan off the ship at the earliest possible convenience after that ‘tag along’. hahaha
It’s great to see your latest blog’s have been about Preston, Wild Willy, etc… all the things we remember. Thank you for taking the time to relive those experiences. Now, you didn’t comment on the lady at the show that pounded you down to the stage and rode you like a wild horse. Is that simply because you want to forget THAT experience? I think others need to know what happened as it was one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed. Especially how the Charlie Rounds band miraculously played the perfect music right at the perfect time for that charade.
I appreciate the Cannoli attempt, as well as the massage certificate attempt. I was just shooting for the moon. I hear the have galley visits for Platinum guests. I am not quite at that level yet, but being a chef, I’d love to somehow jump on someones tour and perhaps get a visit to that area. If there’s anything you can arrange, I’d be greatful.
Thank you also for confirming our dinner times, that is perfect. As for items from Arizona, I will get you and Heidi something that fits. I hear they have coupons for nice spa treatments here by a special lady named Fatima.
Gotcha! Expect something special from me and my wife!
See you soon, John.
Hopefully you’ll have a little time to indulge me on the great fish & chips in Dover, as that will be something on our list of ‘things to do’ next year on the Splendor. Tell you what, you take me ashore (if you got the time) and the bills on us.
It’s FOOD, John, make some time!!!
BTW, my wife can translate your shows in Espanol if that is a needed task this time…. or have you learned Spanish and Russian since last week? haha
If you hear someone yell out ‘Speak Canadian’ or something silly, don’t worry, it just may be me.
John,
If you locate Fantasy pins, I would love one, also. There was a past guest party on my recent 5 day cruise, but it was at a bad time for me. Anyway, the pins usually come with the invitation I tought, but there was none with my invitation.
I will also be on the Fantasy for Christmas, if there will be a chance they will have them by then.
As for Aridzona, doncha know the London Bridge is in AZ these days?
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/havasu.htm
John,
The pictures that are being posted are absolutely beautiful. It only reminds me of my trip of 2005 on the Liberty. The number of memories I have of the Mediterranean is numerous. You add our recent Freedom trip, it’s just unexplainable. I best be planning my trip on the Spleandor. Why break the cycle? I may break the bank….but heck you only live once. John, hang in there with those “annoying” passengers. You know there is always one on the ship. Just remember there is more of us then them. BTW….I’m really enjoying reading this blog. Keep up the great work. Oh yes, I forgot. Please pass my email to Zoltan, and let him know I look forward to hearing from him. Again thank you for such great entertainment even if we’re not on the ship…..Good night or Good morning to you.
Hi John,
Thanks for the offer of champagne…but we don’t drink…it would just go to waste. We are soda fans.
Any signs of space craft coming towards the ship?
I am so glad to hear Southern Dreams is doing so much better!
And Barb (the bear) is getting better, what great news!
And John the Almighty is feeling better…it seems like all in the blog world is good.
I have a request. My daughter wants to be a Carnival Dancer. Do you think you could interview one on the blog sometime? She has been taking tap, jazz, and ballet for 14 years and would love to know what a life of a Carnival Dancer is like.
I think you need to make an announcement about washing the hands. I sure would hate to miss a fun day cruising being sick.
How about pa007 as the unknown spice…he or she could be in disguise.
Here’s a game for the Blogge’s Cruise…first let me say, sorry Hedi…how about who can eat the most jelly beans? LOL…I love it! The winner could win a ship on a stick and a bottle of Oust, or maybe a bottle of Febreeze…lol.
Susan
This blog reminds me of a song……..
Little Willy by Sweet:
North side, east side
Little Willy, Willy wears the crown, he’s the king around town
Dancing, glancing
Willy drives them silly with his star shoe shimmy shuffle down
Way past one, and feeling alright
‘Cause with little Willy round they can last all night
Hey down, stay down, stay down down
‘Cause little Willy, Willy won’t go home
But you can’t push Willy round
Willy won’t go, try tellin’ everybody but, oh no
Little Willy, Willy won’t go home
Up town, down town
Little Willy, Willy drives them wild with his run-around style
Inside, outside
Willy sends them silly with his star-shine shimmy shuffle smile
Mama done chase Willy down through the hall
But laugh, Willy laugh, he don’t care at all
Hey down, stay down, stay down, down
‘Cause little Willy, Willy won’t go home
But you can’t push Willy round
Willy won’t go, try tellin’ everybody but, oh no
Little Willy, Willy won’t go home
Little Willy, Willy won’t
Willy won’t, Willy won’t
Little Willy, Willy won’t
Willy won’t, Willy won’t
Little Willy, Willy won’t
Willy won’t, Willy won’t
Little Willy, Willy won’t
Willy won’t, Willy won’t
Little Willy, Willy won’t go home
But you can’t push Willy round
Willy won’t go, try tellin’ everybody but, oh no
Little Willy, Willy won’t go home
Little Willy, Willy won’t go home
But you can’t push Willy round
Willy won’t go, try tellin’ everybody but, oh no
Little Willy, Willy won’t go home
jtoddinman,
That wins the Innuendo Of The Year Award. So glad your back. John was getting so heavy carrying him be myself.
“BIG” ED
Hi John/Heidi Tandemduo:
Great set of pictures today. Lot of detail and color in them. Very impressive.
Sorry you’re having to deal with your smoking guest. I guess you can’t please everyone no matter how many precautions you try and take. I guess you could be in the situation of “he who laughs last…”
I am happy how to hear how well the walk went and i’m excited for Tara that she has found some joy in her vacation.
Thanks for another great blog today.
I’ll be sure to be on the look out for Wild Willy here in Dallas.
Thanks,
David
John,
Thank you so much for posting the beautiful photos of Dubrovnik. Our trip there on the ‘05 Liberty almost ended with me remaining there–on purpose. The people were some of the most friendly in the world, and I was told they needed professors at the American University. We did not take a ship excursion, but rather stepped off the vessel and into a cab piloted by none other than Igor. We simply gave him instructions to “show us your Dubrovnik, and he proceeded to take us to the Arboretum before anyone else was there, and up the mountain to Napoleon’s Stronghold, where we took the most marvelous photos from the edge of the bombed-out skylift. In explaining the devastating war that rained rockets on this peaceful village in the ’90’s, he simply said–”Historically, we’ve always had trouble getting along with our neighbors.” We fell in love with him, and with his country.
My vote for best restaurant to visit in Rome – and my favorite in the world- La Balestra, beside the Grand Hotel Beverly Hills. They have a fire-grilled Calamari that simply melts in your mouth. Add the stewed artichoke as an accompaniment, and you will be in Heaven. Pretty sad when I only get to visit my favorite restaurant every 2 years or so. For desert? Tiramisu onboard Freedom!
Love to all,
Rus & Nina
Take care of my buddy Bonnie while she’s there…Bonnie, be sure to leave a hug for Mr. John and big one to Heidi from me!
the urine line…made me snort! LOL!
God bless Tara. With an attitude like hers she’s bound to be a great survival success story. It’s folks like her, our friend John Horner, Bonnie and all of the brave souls out there that make me appreciate what I have and what life has given me. Magical folks, all of them.
Your reference to Luke Skywalker and the force is most appropriate as the Heat will need all the Force they can muster should they have ANY hope of unseating the Spurs.
Finally, your passengers (OK… a VERY FEW of your passengers) never cease to amaze me. If it’s not someone claiming that aliens will steal the ship lock, stock and barrel, it’s Wet Willie fountain of pee or some bedeviled woman who believes she’s immune to Noro Virus. Do you attract these folks naturally or is it an acquired gift??
Thanks for another fantastic adventure down the rabbit hole!!!
All the best to Heidi and the Amazing Roberto!!
Greg
John & Heidi,
Message sent Tuesday, September 18th, 2007…6:09 pm received in plenty of time, retrieved by me early Wednesday evening – I love the internet, I am convinced that it has increased the frequency of written correspondence by “my generation” – sounds like The Who’s anthem (oops now you know how old we are). Quick side bar: We have had our cars broken into a number of times in the last few years – but they always leave my “geezer” rock CDs, “the crooks ain’t got no culture!” Will most certainly drop you a line when we get on board; two days until we take the red eye, so looking forward to the cruise and meeting you folks.
David
Hi John and Heidi,
This was a great story about Wild Willie! Man, you really meat some crazy people. I’m sorry about another cranky guest. I’m smoker but I never want to offend anyone with it. I always try hard to smoke outside and not anywhere it might bother someone that doesn’t smoke. So, please don’t let 1 person like that make you mad. Have you seen any of my other posts? I haven’t heard from you in a while so I wasn’t sure. Hugs to you and sweet Heidi.
Leasa
Add me to the list of folks who want a Fantasy pin. We have sailed on her 3 times since December (the last cruise being a 5 day last month) and no pin. I am sad!!
Pick me!! Pick me!!! I would love to be a Spice Girl!!! Just call me “Arkansas Spice”…..I have all the qualities needed for a “Spice Girl”….I can’t dance…I can’t sing….but the best part… I have no shame!….see you in January!!
Good morning John and dear Heidi,
More great photos.
Any signs of little creatures from outer space?
That woman who’s on vacation and doesn’t need to be told to wash her hands will probably infect everyone else, so go ahead and make more announcements.
Great ode to Alan’s teen years.
I don’t have a past guest pin either, and I’m a Platinum cruiser. I have other stuff, but no pin. Oh well, c’est la vie.
Later guys,
Regards,
Carol
hello john,
we are all packed, and ready for our cruise,we sail from port canaveral this sunday,,,on RCCL,,the
Mariner of the Seas,,,,its for janes 50th reunion.
its not the Fun Ship,,,,but we will make do,,,i hope,
we will fill you all in when we return,its goes to
Ocho Rios,,,so we will check it out also,,,I will
tell the C D ,, that we know JOHN HEALD,,,
then we will get the red carpet service,,,,,,we will
miss bloggin,,,,but we love sailing,,,,,
talk to you on oct 1st,,,
regards
tom & jane
We were on the Fascination in December of ‘06 and no pin either. We were told that they no longer give out the pins to past cruisers on 4 & 5 day cruises. What a dissappointment. We were hoping to collect them from everyship and try to sail on everyship at least once.
(
Add us to the list of folks who miss thier past cruisers pins!
NANETTEALI,
How about “Hot” Spice
Jayneen:
What???
LOL Thanks for the nomination but sadly Im not going to the bloggers an #2 Im from PR but I am far from hot LOL
Hi John,
In response to OceanAngel about the Fantasy past guest pin. The Fantasy was originally doing 3 & 4 day cruises. When the Sensation had propulsion problems, they switched schedules in early 2006. The Fantasy started doing 4 & 5 day sailings. On Oct 26, 2006 the Fantasy started sailing from New Orleans and continued doing 4 & 5 day sailings.
Somewhere along the way someone dropped the ball. Here it is now a year later since coming to New Orleans and the Fantasy still does not have a Past Guest pin. Miami is saying that noone has budgeted for the pins on the Fantasy. I have sailed on her 5 times in less than a year and just last week completed my 13th Carnival cruise in 2 years one month.
I know the Fantasy had pins in 2001 (I just was not willing to pay $37 on Ebay for it.) I wear a pin for each of my cruises on my lanyard and would love to add the Fantasy to the list.
Dave