Tuesday, September 25th, 2007...1:00 pm
Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Breaking News from The Seatrade Convention in Hamburg Germany
Hi there – Robert here. Just wanted to let you know that it has just been announced that John is the winner of Seatrade’s first-ever “Sea Going Employee of the Year.” The award is being presented as we speak at the Seatrade Europe convention in Hamburg, Germany. Although John wasn’t able to get away from the Carnival Freedom to accept the award in person, David Dingle, CEO of Carnival UK, was on hand to accept on John behalf and read some comments from John. The press release on this award follows this message.Please join me in congratulating John and many thanks to everyone who voted for him.
CARNIVAL FREEDOM SENIOR CRUISE DIRECTOR JOHN HEALD NAMED SEATRADE INSIDER’S ‘SEAGOING EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR’
MIAMI (September 25, 2007) – John Heald – Carnival Freedom’s senior cruise director whose blog has become a cruise industry sensation, with nearly 700,000 visitors since its debut in March – has been named “Sea Going Employee of the Year” by Seatrade Insider, a leading on-line source for cruise industry news and information.
The award, which was presented earlier today at the Seatrade Europe opening party held at the Schmidt’s Tivoli Theatre in Hamburg, recognizes the shipboard employee who has made a significant contribution to the cruise industry over the past year. The award was based on a survey of Seatrade Insider readers, with Heald receiving more votes among the six candidates vying for the honor.
“Thanks to everyone who voted for me – I am truly honoured (spelt correctly),” Heald said. “I would also like to thank my fellow nominees for their contributions to our industry, as well as all of my readers and the incredibly supportive Carnival staff both onboard and ashore. Most of all, I would like to thank my wife Heidi. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for me. That’s what makes us such a great team – we do nothing for each other,” he added.
Originally part of a micro-site created for the launch of the Carnival Freedom in March, Heald’s blog has taken on a life of its own and has become the most popular cruise-related related blog on the Internet.
Located within Carnival’s web site (www.carnival.com) and that of its parent company (www.carnivalcorp.com), the blog serves as a forum for Heald to share interesting and colorful tales of daily life aboard the Carnival Freedom during its inaugural European cruise season. The blog has even spawned its own cruise, the John Heald Bloggers Cruise, a seven-day Caribbean voyage from Miami on the Carnival Freedom in January 2008.
Within the comprehensive site, Heald discusses various aspects of the Carnival vacation experience in an open and candid manner and also answers reader questions on a wide variety of topics, both cruise and non-cruise related.
Heald also provides travel tips for those sailing on Carnival vessels and occasionally interviews his fellow cruise line employees and executives. Most recently, Heald had the opportunity to interview John Cleese while the legendary British actor/comedian was sailing on a trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the Queen Mary 2. The interview was carried as a podcast with the audio recording uploaded to the site.
Heald’s accolade was one of seven presented at the inaugural Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards 2007, including Port of the Year, Destination of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Environmental Initiative, F&B/Hotel Operations and Seatrade European Personality of the Year.
“The fact we received over 60 nominations from companies and individuals located around the world: from Australasia to North America, from the Middle East to South America and from Europe, reflects the truly global nature of today’s cruise business and we are delighted that the scheme has generated such interest in its launch year,” says Mary Bond, editor of Seatrade Insider and Seatrade Cruise Review.
The “Sea Going Employee of the Year” award attracted a significant number of votes across the six candidates, which justifies Seatrade’s decision to include this category, as shipboard staff are often overlooked in industry award schemes, according to Bond.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the John Heald Bloggers Cruise. The week-long voyage will operate round-trip from Miami Jan. 19-26, 2008, and will visit three of Heald’s favorite ports – Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Prices start at $599 per person based on double occupancy.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
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Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.
John’s Comments
I am sorry I could not be with you today to collect this award but I am still onboard the Carnival Freedom in the Mediterranean. This has been a wonderful year and writing the blog has, I hope, served to introduce cruising to many new people.
I would like to thank everyone who voted for me for this award – I am truly honored
I would also like to thank and congratulate my fellow nominees for their contributions to our wonderful industry, as well as the Seatrade organizers for creating the Seagoing Employee of the Year award which is unique in that it showcases those who have helped make cruising such a unique and memorable vacation for millions of guests each year. The shipboard employees are truly the frontline ambassadors of our industry.
And, finally, I would like to thank the readers of my blog, and the incredibly supportive staff at Carnival, both onboard and ashore.
I share this award with my wife Heidi unless there is any money involved in which case I don’t.
The blog – which is now up to 700,000 visitors since its debut in March – has provided me with a wonderful forum to communicate with cruise enthusiasts all over the world. I hope you’ve had a chance to check it out. If not please take a look and help us hit the million mark! The blog can be accessed at Carnival’s web site, carnival.com or at johnheald.wordpress.com.
Thank again for this wonderful award. It is certainly a highlight of my career and I wish everyone a successful and productive Seatrade conference.
110 Comments
September 25th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN
HERE HERE
HUZZAH HUZZAH
WELL DONE WELL DONE!
You deserve it
let us be the first to congratulate you!
for getting a most deserving award
and as they say behind every man there is a great woman
so a Graceful Congratulations to Heidi as well
your “right hand woman!
See you soon
Best Wishes and Love from these CCL Lovers
The Tuckers!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Congrats John!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!! John, what a wonderful accolade certainly deserving of your industry achievements. 2007 is stacking up well, 20 year anniversary, John Cleese interview of a life-time, “Sea Going Employee of the Year” by Seatrade Insider, by January 19, those of us on-board the thingy cruise might need to address you as “Sir John” there are still a few months left to go. Cheers for all you do, thanks. Ray
September 25th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
OMG! I knew it! John, congratulations!!!! You deserve it because you are the best! Cannot wait to see you and Big Ed in thongs!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
A BIIIIG CONGRATULATIONS JOHN,
You are the best and it was well deserved. I am glad they also saw that in the voting.
Now ask for more on your next contract then ever before….. Including that Aston Martin you want. Maybe they will display it in the lobby of the Splendor for all to see.
Also with this new award added to your resume’ maybe you will hear from the elusive AJ or CZJ.
Our best to you and Heidi,
Dave and Jo
September 25th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
John, Put another feather in your cap. I told you you would win. So what colour thongs are we going to wear on the Lido deck. But seriously CONGRATULATIONS. You deserved it for all you’ve done over and above your Cruise Director’s duties. I had to write this before I read it all I will now go finish reading it.
“BIG” ED
September 25th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Congratulations John.
Looking forward to congratulating you in person on 28th Oct. Did you say you were setting up a meeting for that date? Heidi must be proud of you.
Mary
September 25th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Congradulations John with the amount of time and effort that you spend on this blog thingy and for all of your hard work you more than deserve this award!
Kellie
September 25th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Congratulations John! That is sooooo exciting!
Carnival made the best decision they have ever made when they hired you as a Cruise Director!
Those of us who follow the blog thingy know that it is truly a well deserved honor!
Hats off to the Best Cruise Director!!!!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Congratulations John!! You deserve it because of who you are and for all you do. It’s very nice to see all your hard work getting recogonized throughout the industry. I hope I have the honor (spelt correctly) to sail with you one day.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN! You are the best. Enjoy the spotlight….and please someone who is going on the Blogger’s cruise (since I can’t be there to see for myself), please, please, please take a picture of John and Big Ed in their thongs and post the pic to this bloggy thing. Seriously, you are an amazing person and deserve to be honored. Congrats, again!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Woohoo! Congrats to you John and Heidi. You deserve it! See you on the TA!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Congratulations John! BOOYAH!!
You are so deserving of this award. You and Big Ed in thongs, I will have to bring my video camera!
Lisa and Elaine
September 25th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Hi John, Congratulations on the wonderful honor. We all know you are the best and now everyone in the industry will too.
Jo and Dave
September 25th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
FELICIDADES JUAN!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!!!! There isn’t a more deserving individual from the cruise industry than you. I’m thrilled to know that your hard work is being recognized beyond us travelers. And you do know, behind every successful man is a SUCCESSFUL WOMAN…good job Heidi.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN! You are the very best at what you do. I knew that in October 2003 when we sailed with you on the Glory. You make everyones (almost) cruise memorable. Again Congratulations to both you and Heidi.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Well deserved you both work so hard at making the blog the best ever !
September 25th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
well deserved you both work so hard at making this site the best ever!
September 25th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
John! Not surprised at all! You and Heidi are the “Beatles” of Cruise Directors! Congrats and I look forward to many more informative blogs, what a pioneer you’ve become, well done! Say hi to my buddy Dave Fulton for me, off to join Shawn Bussey in Hawaii tomorrow. Again, you truly deserve this honor——–Ned
September 25th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
JOHN AND HEIDI,
CONGRATS!! Behind every good man is a better woman! Speaking from all of the bloggers, we all know that you are the best and that you would win, hands down!! What an honor!! It was great to see you in action on the cruise last week! You are one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen!! You have such an infectious laugh that you had me in tears several times during the cruise, (from laughing soooo hard!) For those of you soon to go on the Carnival Freedom, be prepared for the best trip of your life! DON’T MISS THE WELCOME ABOARD SHOW OR THE BEDTIME STORY!! The bedtime story is not published in the Carnival Caper, the daily newspaper, but it is done after the passenger talent show. Dick Little and “Mary” had John laughing so hard that he couldn’t talk, (which is quite unusual for him). Dick and Mary were two ordinary cruise passengers until moved into star status on board. I bought the 2 videos John so I could watch those episodes over and over again. The whole trip was fantastic from beginning to end! Our night in the Supper Club was superb, and thank you for the champagne. For those of you debating whether to go there or not, GO! There is nothing wrong with the food in the Chic or Posh restaurants, but the ambience, etc. in the Supper Club is unmatched. The Walk on Board for the Cure was one of the most moving things I have ever done! I’m so happy that I was able to participate in the first one! I’m sure you’ve seen the picture by now, but to have cancer survivors in the first row was quite an emotional experience. And, to have sold out all of the shirts in less than 2 hours, shows how many people care and have been affected by this disease in one way or another. Heidi, you are such a fantastic asset to John’s personality! I will be going to the shop where I buy the cards tomorrow and will get them sent off to you so you can continue to write your mum every day! You are fantastic at getting 3,000 people off the ship and on their tours in a very timely manner. By the way, Cruisin Susan, cabin 7440 is ideal! I can’t wait for your thoughts on it! We had a table and 2 chairs and 2 reclinging chairs on the deck when we arrived. We asked for 2 chaise lounges (from the pool deck) to be brought to our balcony and our room steward took care of it right away. The room also has 2 picture windows as well as the glass door to the balcony. What a treat it was. We ate in the Chic dining room and had a fantastic time with our waiter Gyorgy from Hungary and his assistant Ildako. The performances by the waiters and bussers almost nightly were a treat! I am only sorry about one thing, and that is that I didn’t get to meet you in person John! I do realize how very busy you are though and how many hats you wear! Thank you for all the goodies you sent us. We never did see the book that you spoke about–perhaps some other cruiser saw it and decided to have a look! Well, enough for now, but again, congratulations!!! You are fantastic, and I will be a Carnival Cruiser for ever, thanks to you!! Sheryl
September 25th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Congratulations John! What a terrific and well deserved honour (spelt correctly).
I think a lovely bright blue thong will look fabulous on you, especially with all the weight you are losing. I think Big Ed should go with the leopard print banana hammock, it will make a nice bold statement.
Gosh, can’t wait for the Blogger’s Cruise now! Just have to remember to bring my extra camera battery and an extra couple of gigs in storage cards….
Cheers mate,
Laura
September 25th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Congrats.
With all you have done for Carnival and its guests, Carnival is surely going to be delivering your Aston Martin by Christmas.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Congratulations John, You truly deserve this award for all the years of work doing the job that you love. It is wonderful that the curise industry is going out of their way to finally recognize the wonderful people who staff the ships and make our vacations a wonderful experience.
Lots of well wishes to you and Heidi
Linda and Gary from Michigan
September 25th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I have a question – we are sailing on Carnival Freedom on March 1. Will John be the cruise director on that cruise? I have heard rumors that he will be going to the Splendor. I’ll be so disappointed if he’s not with us. That’s one of the reasons we chose Carnival Freedom. Can you advise? Thanks. By the way, I love reading this blog.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
[...] http://johnheald.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/extra-extra-read-all-about-it-breaking-news-from-the-seatr... [...]
September 25th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
EJEELEEEEEEE!!!!!!Felicidades JOHN!!!!!!!!
You deserve it soooooooo much!You are the best!!
Te queremos!!!!
Nanette, Viviana, Eugenio y Cristian
September 25th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
All of us ‘regular’ bloggers knew you would win. Now the world can see what we’ve seen all along! Congrats, my friend on a job well done
September 25th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Congratulations John,
I have been on 2 wonderful cruises with you and you are the best. You are a man who truly enjoys his job. All the best to you and Heidi and many more awards.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
CONTRATULATIONS!!! WOW 2 awards in 1 week. Can you still get your head through the cabin door? You do deserve them and I can see many more in your future.
Dave and Barbara
September 25th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
John:
*****CONGRATULATIONS*****
You are most deserving of the award and recognition it brings with it. As always, I continue to appreciate all of the time you take to entertain your readers on a daily basis. I know I can always turn to your blog for a smile, if not an out-loud chuckle! Thanks and kudos!
September 25th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Congratulations my friend Mr. Heald. They couldn’t have chosen any other person but you. You have earned this award with all the effort that you have done being the cruise director on the Freedom, the writer of the blog , a great husband and finally with you being a friend with so many bloggers. Well done Mr. Heald.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
September 25th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Good Afternoon Heidi and John,
BIG ATTA BOY! John you deserve this award and it is wonderful you are being honored in this way.
Oh and by the way have you told Fatima yet????
Congratulations,
Joan
September 25th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Congratulations John! Well deserved honour (spelt in your honour). I will continue to enjoy the blog, and wish you the best in the future. Dorthe Calimbas
September 25th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Congratulations John!! A well deserved honour (spelled correctly).
September 25th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Congratulations John – well deserved !!!
September 25th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!
We knew it was going to be a slam dunk!!
September 25th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Carnival’s best-kept secret is out….Congrats on the award. WOW! What an honor…
My eyes are misting up with pride for our dear John…
September 25th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN,
What a great award for your hard work . You deserve it .
Kari
September 25th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Congratulations, John.
But, no matter what anyone else says….no thongs, okay?
Terri & Larry
September 25th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Congratulations John! We know you are the best!
September 25th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Congratulations John & Heidi,
I’m not surprized that you won. You have given a new meaning to dedication to your field. Until your blog, I had no idea how much work Cruise Directors had to do besides the stuff you see while cruising and I have been on 5 other cruises. Your stories add so much colour (also spelt correctly) to cruising. It has given me a whole new appreciation. This blog has been an incredible resource for those contemplating cruising as well as us planners who like to have things arranged before we leave. Thank you for everything.
15 MORE SLEEPS… 21 until the ship. Yeeeehah
Grant & Dayle
Victoria BC
September 25th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Congratulations John! You won because you simply are the best Cruise Director in the business, and because you are a great human being with a huge heart and a fantastic personality.
September 25th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
BLOGGERS
What better way to honour John but to get yourself registered for the BLOGGERS CRUISE at CARNIVAL CONNECTIONS and help it the planning for the big week.
If your going on the BLOGGERS CRUISE you must be registered to be on the official list. If you filled out this form on John’s thingy http://surv.cheetahmail.com/s?aid=982238741&o=1&n=29 you should have received an e-mail sending you here http://www.carnivalconnections.com/InvitationSplash.aspx?ID=95a7bf44-22d3-472c-9533-4f181b51ccf6 .
The first link is on John’s thingy on the right “BLOGGERS CRUISE”. You MUST fill out that form to be officially registered by CARNIVAL as a BLOGGER for the cruise. If you did fill it out already you should have received an e-mail inviting you to the second link and your name should be on the second link. If you already filled out the form on the second link your name should be under “MEMBER YES”. If your name is under “NOT YET RESPONDED” and you would like to be in on the planning of SPECIAL things click on “RESPOND TO INVITE”. The second one is optional but the first is a MUST.
BUT IF YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THE SECOND LINK IN EITHER SPOT GO BACK AND FILL OUT THE FIRST ONE ON JOHN’S BLOG TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED.
“BIG” ED
September 25th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
well my word, he is the winner!! we all knew he was the best, now the rest of the world knows! yay for john and heidi!!!
big smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
September 25th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
hello john and heidi
greetings from port canaveral
congratulations on winning the sea going employee of the year. you truly worthy of this special award.
i wish you continued success.
john steers
carnival cruise line
port canaveral
September 25th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
hi john and heidi,
many congratulations mate!
really well deserved!!
i just dont know how you keep it up, having seen at first hand what your role on board entails.
your stamina is legendary in our view ( and hopefully heidi’s too).
this is my first post since we returned and i would just say we had a blast!
your shows were all brilliant and a tetament to your preparation and mission in entertaining us all.
It was obviously a tricky cruise for you with so many non english speaking passengers, but we certainly had no complaints and cant wait to go again, although i think you may have your land legs on by then!
Anyway better go and get some kip.
All the very best for what remains of the season in Europe.
Take care both,
Declan Wade and family.
September 25th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Kudos on the Kudos.
It’s a good thing your coat has such broad shoulders so you know you can go through the doors and your head will still look properly proportioned!
You are a tough act to follow. Are you precluded from nomination next year?
Many happy years of continuing to provide Outstanding performance.
September 25th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
John -
How did Fatima fare in the Excursion of the Year voting?
Congrats. Just don’t let it go to your head.
Jon
September 25th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Roberto:
Thanks for the heads up.
Mr. Modesty would not have told us in such a timely manner.
Please feel free to bask in his reflected glory: we would not have his infusions of wit and angst to brighten our existence were it not for your technical expertise and I won’t use the word conscientious but what else could it be called when your attention is greater than just collection of a paycheck.
Also Outstanding, sir.
September 25th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
John well done on the award and also to Heidi.
You deserve it for all the work you have done as a cruise director, but I think for this bloggy thingy,
where we all have gained much knowledge about
the cruise industry from your 20 years.
Ed
September 25th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
WOW……you just beat out about a zillion fellow “employees” from all around the World!!!
Congrats to you and Heidi for a job well done!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Hi John.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! It could not have happened to a better person. You TRULY do deserve this award, given the duties that are required of you aboard the ship, the various personalities you are called upon to “deal with” from time-to-time. Not to mention the time it takes from your already busy schedule (pronounced SHEDYULE) to post and respond to this ever-growing blog thingy!! My wife and I are already counting the days until the “Blogger’s Cruise.” So, Mr. John Heald, not a more deserved accolade if theres ever was one. Look at that, YOU finally got an award!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
JOHN CONGRATUALTIONS!!!
There was never any doubt in our minds that you take the honour (spelled correctly)!!! You are the Best CD on the open seas and the whole world knows it now! One more thing to celebrate on the Bloggers Cruise!!!
And Heidi take a bow…. John couldn’t have done it without you!
You both are the best, that’s why all of us bloggers keep coming back!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
[...] Heald -"Employee of the Year" Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Breaking News from The Seatrade Convention in Hamburg Germany Joh… Congrats to John and [...]
September 25th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Oh John!
I’m just so proud of you! We’ve never met but I feel like we’ve been friends forever. Congrats on this well deserved award. Thanks again for giving me a smile to look forword to each and everyday when I come home from work. Thanks to you Heidi. You both mean so much to me. Hug each other for me.
Leasa
September 25th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Congratulations John!
As I have said before “You’re simply the best”!
Kersplott
September 25th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Congratulations! You deserve it, Heidi worked hard for it. It is your caring, love for other people, sense of humor that got you where you are. We were on the Freedom in May. John (Mt. Holly) and I will never forget you and Heidi and the touching comments you wrote and said to us. My son Patrick is in Iraq now and I will never forget you honoring him on Memorial Day while we were cruising. We told Patrick what you did and said and showed him what you wrote about him in your note. It touched him almost as much as it did me. No wonder you are the “Sea Going Employee of the Year”. It’s going to be hard for anyone to top that. Sorry, Heidi, I’m sure it’s gone to his head and you have to live with him. Way to go John and Heidi!
Leona
September 25th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
You are “Simply the Best” Anyone who has cruised with you knows that.
Enjoy!!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Oh my! What an incredible and prestigous award to my most favorite blogger. All the best to you.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
My sincerest congratulations to you (and Heidi too of course)!!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Congratulations John….way to go. What color thong have you chosen??
September 25th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Congratulations John!
It’s no surprise that you won since you’re the best. I think we stacked the deck with all the bloggers’ votes but that just shows what so many people think of you. Keep up the good work!
George and Linda
September 25th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
What great news. Can’t wait to see pics of you in the thong! Perhaps you can wear it one more time for us in April.
Great acceptance speach, good job giving Heidi the credit she deserves.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Congratulations.
A well deserved award.
You do a lot and go ABOVE & Beyond!
Fantastic
September 25th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Congrats and a big WOO HOO! You deserve this!
September 25th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Hello fellow Knight of NEEEIIII!!!
Two shrubberies for a job well done and congrats on a well deserved award. We are sure proud of you and I’m sure Heide may consider TWO thursday’s this week to mark the occasion.
What do you say Heidi?…………the big guy derserves it .
Keep smiling you two……………..and thanks for the great news update Roberto.
B&D from Canada
September 25th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Way to go!!! Congratulations for a job well done and for continuing to do a terrific job.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
To John we give a big congratulation
For his award from the Seatrade publication
We all know he delivers the best vacation
Now everyone will learn across the nation
For winning what will be his compensation
Could it be Fatima and her hose from the fire station?
Or Maybe Angela Jole who is his infatuation?
Or meeting a nice frenchman which would be a hallucination?
He started with
September 25th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
John,
Congrats! Cheers! Here here!
Great job, man. Keep it up!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Congratulations John! I am so happy for you. I hope there is a special event scheduled aboard the Freedom in your honor since you were unable to accept the award in person. Best wishes to you and Heidi.
Julie Gantt
September 25th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
WAY TO GO JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!
Larry and Sharon
Kennesaw Ga.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Congratulations John!!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
CONGRATULATIONS
You have more than earned it!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
John and Heidi
A HUGE congratulations to both of you!! Job well done, but there was no doubt in my mind who the winner would be. I will be on board the Freedom in 9 days and can’t wait to congratulate you both in person. I am looking forward to meeting both of you again!! Again…A HUGE CONGRATS!!!!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Congrats John. You are an inspiration to bloggers, passengers and Carnival staff everywhere. Well diserved.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
John,
. Congratulations my friend I knew voting 40 or so times would help. best wishes and congrats you deserve it.
Please take pictures of you and ed in the thongs on the lido deck. Then burn them and the camera
Kevin
September 25th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said! Congratulations to you, John!!! It’s well deserved as anyone who has been lucky enough to cruise with you know! You should celebrate with a big bag of jelly beans (sorry, Heidi, but it is a special occasion)!
September 25th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Congrats John! You still have it in you you old chap… STILLTOTALLY SPIFFIN’!!!!
Sorry to hear that you will not be aboard for the Christmas cruise, as we really wanted to see you and spend time together. You will not recognize my kids — Kelsey is now 17 and Evan’s turning 13 tomorrow (Sept 26).
It’s good to hear that you will be going home for Christmas and be able to spend time with your family and friends — and SLEEP LOTS!
Glad to know that you and Heidi are still in lovefull bliss. Let’s do keep in touch — you’ve been missed also!
Who will be the Cruise Director for December 22???
XOXO,
Neny
September 26th, 2007 at 12:11 am
great job ,we’ve enjoyed 2 cruises with you and they were great
September 26th, 2007 at 12:12 am
John you are truly a class act and I am very proud for you and your lovely wife. My wife and I had the pleasure of sailing with you and on the Carnival Freedom on May 25. We sailed the night of our 16th wedding anniversary. I am a retired paratrooper and you made me feel very proud on Memorial Day at the show that evening. Thank You and May God Bless You always, Ken Pace
September 26th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Way to go John! That award is so well deserved! I’m very proud of you and Heidi…my best to you both~
September 26th, 2007 at 12:28 am
BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!
My dear friend,
I’m still aboard the Conquest and I was thrilled to find this entry from Roberto when I checked in.
No one could possibly deserve this award more than you. Your position is far more than your job, it’s your passion. Every word, every sentence announces that loudly and with vigor.
For one, I thought you were a shoe in. Few can hold a candle to your devotion and enthusiasm. You’ve given thousand upon thousand memories that will stay with them till they die..
Little else in life could be that rewarding.
Thank you, sir, for all you’ve done and what you’ll continue to do.
Regards,
Greg.
PS Butch says ‘Hi’. He has nothing but praise for you. I can understand why.
September 26th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Hello John, Congratulations on the award! I have read every one of yor blogs since the first day! Also,We sailed with you in June. Great time! I think Carnival should appreciate what you do a little more and get your beautuful face back on their home page. That would push your hits past a million in no time. Keep up the good work and don’t let those complainers bring you down! We are looking forward to our 4th cruise in the last 24 months on the Legend for New Years. Peace….Mark & Shelly
September 26th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Congratulations John!
What a well deserved honor. I know I can always log onto your blog thingy whenever I need a smile, (which right now I need alot of, but that will be another posting).
Thanks to Heidi for sharing you with all of us!
The sunset photos are truley amazing!!! They are by far my favorite photos.
September 26th, 2007 at 1:55 am
Congratulations, John.
There’s no stopping us now. What can we get him elected to next? How many votes does it take to be knighted? Hmmm.
Sir John? Why not!
September 26th, 2007 at 2:45 am
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! John and Heidi.This was a long time coming. It is because of you that our family has learned to enjoy cruising over the years and we are so proud to call you our friends. Take time to celebrate the moment. Don’t forget to “call home”. 115 DAYS TO THE BLOGGERS CRUISE AND COUNTING. Lynn and Mike
September 26th, 2007 at 3:11 am
Many congratulations John.
Very well deserved.You and Heidi must be very proud.I hope this award puts a few more bob in your pay packet.You’re both the best as I know that without a good woman behind you, it might not have happened.So congratulations to Heidi too.
See you on the 28 October.
Harry and Philippa.
P.S. Thanks for replying about the Supper Club
info. Much appreciated.
September 26th, 2007 at 6:24 am
CONGRATS JOHN (AND HEIDI) FOR RECEIVING YOUR WELL-DESERVED “SEAGOING EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” AWARD.
I ADMIRE YOUR STAMINA TO BE ABLE TO SUBMIT YOUR EXCITING AND HILARIOUS DAILY BLOG WHILE CONTINUING TO PERFORM YOUR MANY DUTIES AS CRUISE DIRECTOR ON THE CARNIVAL FREEDOM.
I’M A TRAVEL AGENT WHO BECAME ADDICTED TO SELLING CRUISES 12-YEARS AGO. THE FIRST THING I DO EACH MORNING IS READ YOUR BLOG TO INSPIRE ME TO SELL MORE CRUISES. YOU PROVIDE ME LAUGHTER AND MUCHO INFO REGARDING THE FINE LIFE OF CRUISING THAT ENABLES ME TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL! MANY THANKS!
HUGGY BEAR
September 26th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Congrats John, I KNEW you were a shoe in for the award, you are the BEST! I am so happy for you and Heidi! So, what comes with the award? Any green stuff? A nice trophy? An Aston Martin? Angelina Jolie? CZJ? What? Anyway, Congrats again, and keep me informed as to whether you will be there on 11/17- if you are a BIG HUG is in order for this award! Hope Heidi isn’t the jealous type. Best Wishes, Linda & Mike
September 26th, 2007 at 7:42 am
What a well deserved honor. I can remember John from my very first cruise aboard the Destiny I believe in either 1998 or 1999. How could you not like John’s personality? He has a genuine passion for what he does and it definately showed with how comfortable he made everyone feel. How could you forget his “mispronunciation” of the word crochet. “Crotcheted” wouuld had been the last thing I would had thought of. Congratulations again John. I hope that there are many more honors to come.
September 26th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Well done John! You deserve it.
September 26th, 2007 at 9:53 am
congrats John even though I have not meet you I can tell you are going to make my cruise memerable
September 26th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Congratulations John and Heidi!! You both deserve to be honoured for your dedication to making others vacation dreams come true. John, here’s to hoping you are having a Yabba Dabba Doo Time!!
September 26th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Congratulations John and Heidi!
I know this is a team effort. Thank you so much for all that you do to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their cruise. If they want to complain, that is only because they came on the cruise with a closed mind and and never opened it up to see what was available around them. I have sailed on many different lines- each one has something different to offer- and always went with an open mind. But nothing, and I mean nothing can compare to a cruise with you as the CD! I am ready for another bedtime story! deby
September 26th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Great big congrats to you John and Heidi!!! Well deserved!!
Dawn
September 26th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Congratulations John for a great job! Seams you been getting alot of these….Keep up the great works..
FrankC
September 26th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Dear John & Heidi
Congrats !!!
As you now know, all of us bloggers who voted knew you’d win… You and Heidi are a great team and my cruise in August was the best ever. I did pass along all of the highlights to my travel agent.
Again congratulations and I hope you have many more awards come your way
September 26th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Hallo John,
Van harte gefeliciteerd hiermee. Jullie hebben het verdiend. Jij en Heidi want die moet al dat gedoe ook maar aanhoren hahaha. We hopen na de jaarwisseling weer aan boord te zijn.
PS: Let Heidi translate this for you in English (-;
Groeten vanuit een regenachtig Nederland.
Groeten,
Angelique en Ton
September 26th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
John, our congratulations on a job well-done, and an award that proves it. For most of us, this was not a surprise. Keep up the good work.
Rus & Nina Franklin
September 26th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Congratulations John. I told you you are the best cruise director. Hope to see you on the Emerald Princess in February. Susan West Midlands.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
John,
750K strong.
It was a matter of time before the accolades started rolling in.
Congratulations. You deserve it.
David
September 26th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
John & Heidi — Congratulations on the award. We really enjoyed our recent cruise with you on the Freedom 9/10. The Walk for the Cure was a highlight for us in rememberance of lost friends. Many thanks for that experience. You and Carnival are the best.
September 26th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Well, John, now you’ve done it. I suggest you advise everyone to wear their darkest sunglasses when you and Big Ed don your thongs and promenade — those are going to be some bright, white moons I’m sure.
Congratulations to someone who takes time away from his day everyday to brighten all of ours.
You’re the best.
September 26th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Brovo! Brovo! John. Sometimes the good guys do finish first.
Congratulations to Heide for contribution to your achievment!!
All our best, Marilyn and Joe
September 26th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
It seems I am a few days behind and I missed the big news when it was announced.
103 people beat me to this but it can’t be said often enough:
John: No one deserves this recognition more. We totally enjoyed our 8/17 cruise with you and Heidi. Heidi: Just remember: behind every successful man, there is an equally successful woman. You deserve a ship load of credit too.
SewingNut
September 26th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
John,
Congratulations on a well-earned award!
May you have many more years with Carnival.
Take care,
Shelly
September 27th, 2007 at 12:59 am
congrats to both john and heidi. i told you you were the best at what you did and the whole crusing world knows.
dawn m
September 27th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Wonderful stuff, John and Heidi. You deserve it. Maybe some day I will be rich enough to come cruising with you. You inspire us all.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Dear John:
I am a little perplexed!! Although at times I can be computer-illiterate, I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how you can have your wonderful announcement of winning the award and have, immediately following, letters blogged referring to that award on the same day? Am I missing something? Do some people get their mail before others? I am just curious and always willing to learn the in’s and out’s of this contraption (my *&^%@# computer. )
P.S.: I just KNEW you were going to win!! It couldn’t have gone to a better person.
September 28th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Totally awesome. Congratulations John. You deserve it for all the fun and enthusiasm you have added to the lives of land-locked cruisers who only await their next Carnival cruise! Gloria
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