Saturday, September 29th, 2007...2:35 pm
A Happy Ending
Good Morning………….it is 7:40 am and I thought I would have a little blogging time before the wonders of the day start. We have just begun our passage through the Dardanelles formerly known as the Hellespont is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It is a beautiful morning and the sea is calm and flat. The sun has risen and is already painting gorgeous shimmering patterns across the water. There is a gentle breeze blowing, it is a perfect day. She looked lovingly into his deep blue eyes her heart beating faster as he gently kissed her. His firm, strong hands reached down and caressed her………………………sorry……………….I lost it there for a moment and turned into Jackie Collins……..time for a cold shower………..back in a moment.
OK, I am back.
Just getting ready for the morning show. I have 44 letters to read out this morning and then go straight into my travel talk for Greece and Livorno so it will be a busy morning. Today’s show will be one of those where I have not had time to read them before I go live so it will be interesting to see what comes up. Anyway, I am off to the show and I will be back to the blog this afternoon after the travel talk and the Marriage Show.
Oh, quickly, before I go, I am in the doghouse this morning because I woke Heidi up by closing the bathroom door loudly, so as I am already in the doghouse here is the joke of the day…………….and it’s a blonde joke………..sorry Heidi.
A blonde walks into the police department looking for a job. The captain says they can’t just turn her away, and orders to desk officer to ask her a few questions as if doing an interview
Not having any idea what to ask her to disqualify her application, the officer asks, “What’s 2+2?”
“Ummm… 4!” the blonde says.
Dang, the officer thinks, so tries a harder one: “What’s the square root of 100?”
“Ummm… 10!” the blonde says.
“Good!” the officer says, deciding to switch from math to history. “OK, who killed Abraham Lincoln?”
“Ummm… I don’t know,” she admits.
“Well, you can go home and think about it,” he says, “and come back later and tell me what you’ve figured out.” He figures that’s the last he’ll see of her. The blonde goes home and calls up one of her friends, who asks her if she got the job.
“Not only did I get the job,” the blonde says, “but I’ve already been assigned to a murder case!”
That’s me finished then……………off to the show.
Good Afternoon. It is now 4:15 pm and it has been a busy day. The morning show was ……..well……….interesting. I arrived to the studio and found a “gift” waiting for me…………..it was a…………..well………….have a look for yourself.
The letters D and M refer to a gentlemen who was in the previous show called Richard Mann or Dick Mann as he called himself and some industrious guests had taken the time to make a model of him including pair of “happy underwear.” When the show was over I left Dick there and as far as I know, he is still there now………………….the thing’s people do.
It is amazing how something you say can be laughed at by 1,000 people but 1 person will take offense. Such a thing happened to me today. I had made reference two nights ago at our past guest party to the Carnival Splendor and the brilliant Baltic itinerary it will be undertaking. I explained the whole………….you know what………….let me just tell you word for word what I said.
“The Carnival Splendor will cruise to some of the most incredible ports any Carnival ship has ever visited. Sailing from Dover and the famous White Cliffs we visit the museums, windmills and canals of the Amsterdam. Then it is off to Denmark’s capital Copenhagen including a visit to the stunning Tivoli gardens and the world of Hans Christian Andersen. Then we sail to the historic and incomparable city of St. Petersburg, Russia as we marvel at the Hermitage and the Church of the Spilled Blood. We also call at Warnemunde, Germany, Helsinki, Finland and of course we save the best to last when we call at the most romantic city in the world, Cleveland, Ohio “……………….have never said this before and I have no idea why I said it this time but it was met with laughter across the room and I carried on.
This morning during my Q and A for Athens, Katakolon and Livorno one of the first questions I received was from a lady from guess where? ………………..yep, Cleveland. She told me and the 200 folks in the lounge that I was to stop speaking so negatively about Cleveland and that she thought I had been very rude. Well, I was stunned and couldn’t remember when I had said something about her beloved city and I had to ask her what she was referring to…………then when she reminded me I apologized……….I mean really apologized. I told her I had met no offense and that I was just trying to be silly…………I think she excepted my apology and I took her name and cabin number and will write her a personal letter tonight. It just shows you that you never know how people will take what you say………………..it’s a fine line this comedy thing.
Here are today’s photos taken by Heidi during her tour of Istanbul with Mum.
1. The Blue Mosque
2.Inside the Blue Mosque. Notice the colour of the stained glass and tiles, this is the reason it is called The Blue Mosque
3. The entrance to the Grand Bazaar
4. One of the 4,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar………anybody want to buy a lamp?
5. Topkapi, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
6. A busy day in Istanbul
7. Heidi, her Mum and our Tour Operator and friend Karen.
Here are the letters from today’s In Their Own Words Section …………….some really special ones today.
Time for the Q and A even though my two fingers have no feeling in them………..Oh, just wanted to say that Gary really appreciates all the wonderful comments you have written about his sunset photos. Gary is a talented lad and if he uses all the gifts he has been given he will be sitting in this chair one day soon.
We start today though with questions, thank you’s and questions from the blog called “To All of You.” To skip the Q&A, click here.
NICO R – Many thanks for the kind words mate. Hope all is well.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – How are you feeling? Everything is set here for you and after the dark days of the past few weeks I hope you are ready for some fun. See you soon and best to Charlie.
HEIDI & BETH & KEVIN – Heidi controls Thursdays, in fact she controls all the days that end in Y. Thanks for the kind words and it is a continuing pleasure to use the blog thingy to communicate with three great friends. Cheers.
PAULA BAKER – My goodness I am being spoiled today and now to hear that in the future you only want to cruise with me….well that’s so wonderful to hear. I just hope I can live up to your expectations. Please drop me a line when you get onboard and just in case we do not blog with each other again before the cruise………….let me say “have a safe journey and see you soon.”
ARNOLD AND ELIZABETH TUCKER – I received my Aston Martin you sent me in your dreams. It was a DB9, black and Heidi and I drove around Miami Beach in it. We were having a wonderful time until a very tanned George Hamilton drove past me in his Bentley Convertible with Catherine Zeta Jones in the front seat. Thanks again for such sincere words and I will indeed keep blogging as long as I can. My best to you both.
OKTEACH – I have indeed asked for the lounge at 11 am and I will make sure a bar waiter is there for you. Just to let you know that the group will miss the Venice, Dubrovnik and Messina talk, just wanted to point that out. Anyway, just confirm one more time in the next blog and all will be set. Cheers.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – No worries Captain. I know you have a lot of concerns at the moment and as always Heidi and I hope Dad is doing OK. Thanks for the words of congratulations Captain.
LFTTNSFCF – I would have been happy with a solid gold plastic trophy. However, the award is amazing and I am so grateful to everyone who voted for me. See you both soon.
SUSAN B – I am sorry I made you cry Susan and if I knew your address I would send you some tissues. Many thanks for the words of congratulations and I do hope that you continue to enjoy the blog. As for the money…………Carnival have always paid me what I am worth although I do wish they would pay me by the pound………….weight that is not currency. Wishing you continued happiness.
RAY – Heidi is off with Mum at the moment but I will make sure she sees your comments. You are correct of course and Heidi deserves all the praise for putting up with me in every way, shape and form …………..especially as I am on a sugar free diet…that takes a lot of putting up with. Thanks mate and if Heidi was here she would say dooeeeeeeeeeeeee.
DAVE AND BARB – It was worth the wait. Many thanks for such a nice statement though and hope you are both well.
SUSAN B – You asked if we can show Notting Hill on the big screen on the Bloggers Cruise………….not while I have breath in my body!……………………………..OK, I guess we can but if you need me while its playing I will be subjecting myself to Chinese Water Torture or washing Big Ed’s underwear…..two activities I would much rather do than watch that film……………..again!
BIG ED – How funny, we were just talking about you and here you are. You won’t have time to watch football mate as we have things to do. I also thought Notting Hill would have been write up your street. I can imagine you sitting in front of the big screen, crying as Julia leaves Hugh…………you big softy you.
J – JOHN – Is it still that warm mate? I bet your air conditioning bill is high! Anyway, it is still a place that I would love to visit but maybe in the winter…………..do you have a winter? Thanks for the nice words mate and I hope you stay cool. See you in July.
J & K WATTS – The space time continuum! Do I detect a Trekkie? Is it only 112 days to the Bloggers Cruise? Goodness me, I had better get my skates on, there is so much to do. Tell the Mrs. that the days will go quickly and hopefully the blog thingy will keep her going until you walk (or beam) onto the vessel on January 19th. My best to you both and I appreciated your lovely words very much.
RUTH JAMISON – Thanks Ruth and a special thank you for mentioning the word TEAM. It does indeed take lots of people lots of time to put this all together and I shall be rewarding each and everyone of them when we see each other with dinner…………on me ………………….. at Burger King. Do you know that Roberto and I have never met? He does so much for the blog thingy and thank you for allowing me the chance to mention him again. I am glad you find the blog and the photos therapeutic and I will keep the therapy going as long as I am able. My continuing best wishes to you and your family.
HOT STAR – Thanks so much for the Mazel Tov…………it was funny actually reading that because yesterday I had a craving for a New York bagel. When I was on the Carnival Destiny and Carnival Legend and Carnival Triumph we used to dock in New York at pier 20. Across the road from there is a shop called the New York Bagel Company. Every morning I would go and get bagels for the staff and as I left the little old man (I wish I could remember his name) would always say Mazel Tof to me when I left the shop………………..he would congratulate me on being on the “big ship” as he used to call it…………..I miss him but I miss his bagels more. I have mahjong, I have jelly beans, we have cards and bridge pads but what the heck is pinochle…..wasn’t he a general from Chile? Anyway, let me know what I can do for the group and we will see you all soon. Lockhiem…………spelt wrong I am sure but said with meaning.
DWA 76 – many thanks mate. I so look forward to shaking your hand one day soon.
DIEGO – 1ST OFFICER – Ruffiano!
LISA AND ELAINE – A very funny story. I get nervous flying with Virgin Airlines as they don’t go all the way. Hope you are both well and thanks for the good laugh.
DAYLE WITH A Y – Wow, I just read the selection of sugar free sweets and I am in heaven. Cola bottles, gummies and wine gums please and there will be gifts galore for you in exchange……………you are spooling me.OK, lets chat about your questions. Your stateroom stewardess will be Merlyn form the Philippines. She is fantastic and you will love her friendliness and smile. The waiter and assistant waiter …….well that’s a little more difficult as they work on a rotation basis and it is a little early to say who you will have. I will however find out next week sometime and let you know ASAP. How kind of you to think about the staff, you are very special people. I know Carnival has yet to sail into Victoria but you never know what the future holds especially with your sweet shop and a cricket field……………let me see what I can do. I will chat with you again before you sail and many thanks for everything.
SUZANNE 217 – What does the “S” stand for in my middle name you ask………..”Stephen.” Yep, I have two middle names unlike my Dad who is Nev William Arthur Booth James Heald…………..thanks Mum for just giving me the one middle name. Thanks for the kind words Suzanne, which is by the way my sister’s name.
INMN253 – Thanks to you for the words of congratulations on winning the ward. If you intend to take photos of Alan, Big Ed and I in thongs, may I suggest a wide angle lens…………..and a zoom lens for Alan. I can imagine how annoying the ringing of a cell phone is in a serious performance as its pretty annoying when I am just larking around on stage. How is everything in Minnesota…………I love the place especially that you serve every kind of food……………..on a stick. Hope all is well and my best regards to you and yours.
CINDY 56 – Tears of happiness………….well that’s OK then and therefore I am glad the blog thingy made you cry. I still love Old Spice (George Hamilton wears that by the way) but Heidi says it smells like my bottom after eating a whole bag of jelly beans. Therefore, that particular avenue of pleasure has been closed off (there are very few open) and now she has me wearing something by Channel………….what a rip off. Old Spice smells better and only costs 10 euros. The stuff Heidi has me wear costs 50 euros. When I put it on it smells like the inside of Frenchman’s sock after he has run a marathon…………..I prefer the smell of my bottom and Old Spice. However, she is the boss so what can I do. Anyway, I am glad you enjoy the blogs so much and I hope to keep the laughter going for as long as possible.
KIM PARKER – What wonderful and humbling words. Thank you so much for taking the time to write them and I do hope you will come back and see us again soon. My best to you all and we will see each other soon.
JACKIE SCHORMAN – I was very happy to hear that you and Bob arrived home safely and even happier to read that you so enjoyed your recent anniversary cruise. I remember reading your letter and in fact, if you go back to the blogs I wrote while you were onboard you will see that I actually posted your letter on the blog itself as part of the In Their Own Words Section. I think we should go ahead and plan the movie and get it into production straight away. I see that you are already planning your next cruise and if I can help you with this in anyway please let me know. Until then I wish you and Bob continued happiness and please keep reading the blog thingy.
NOW WE MOVE TO THE COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE BLOG CALLED ” GOODBYE ISTANBUL
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – What a great way to start these comments by reading such vivacious words and ones I needed to hear. I was starting to second guess myself after reading a note from a brilliant writer from within the cruise industry that the blog had run its course. I was worried that he may be correct also when he said that by mentioning negative comments guests had made or their actions that this would deter people from sailing with us. However, from your comments I see that this is not the case and is in fact the opposite. How wonderful that having never cruised with Carnival that having read the blog you are now considering taking a cruise vacation with us. I was determined that this blog would pass on the truth about my life onboard and not just the rosy days and that is how I will continue. Many thanks for your gracious words which could not have come at a better time. My best to you and please come and sail.
LINDSEY B – The Carnival Freedom will return to Istanbul next season as will Carnival Splendor but the last two 12-day cruises this season will be Grand Med cruises. I am glad you enjoy the stories of happy and not so happy guests and the mixture is a very important part to the recipe of the blog which I hope you continue to enjoy. Thanks Lindsey and all the best.
GIRLDOC – I am not surprised you loved Dominica, it is a brilliant place and the river tubing sounds awesome (said in an American accent.) I to love Aruba, Curacao, etc but the logistics of getting there are not so easy. Aruba is a long way to go and on a seven-day cruise it involves having to leave from San Juan and going full speed all the way down just to get there. Obviously, with the rising price of fuel being a factor many Cruise Lines have stopped going all the way down South to these beautiful ports of call. However, I totally agree that some of the ports are overcrowded and that that feature on so many itineraries. Carnival is working very hard to deploy the ships to different locations and recently we have added Grand Turk to some of our ships itineraries and from what I hear it is stunning. Watch out for new locations coming your way soon and with Europe becoming more and more popular it is fast becoming “The New Caribbean.” So, thanks for your thoughts and let us see what the future holds. My best wishes Doc to you and the family.
JOHN AND SUSAN IN FRISCO – Thanks to you both for the support. Carnival has been nothing but supportive and apart from the disclaimer thingy which they had to do of course, the Corporation has stood by me 100%. The comments that the blog had run its course and that I spent to much time highlighting the negative were written by a wonderful travel writer from a major publication. It was because this person is so talented and that I enjoy his work that I started to think he may be right………but judging from everyone’s comments…………..he was not. Thanks again and your words of praise mean so much. Cheers.
LONGING2CRUISE – Welcome back from the Carnival Ecstasy and many thanks for your words of congratulations. So, how was the cruise? Did you meet Goose the Cruise Director? I would love to hear your comments and hope therefore you write soon. All the best and thanks again for everything.
BONNIE AND PRINCE CHARLIE – You are welcome, lighting a candle for you was something Heidi wanted to do. She also lit one for her Dad and Barb. So, you have your tickets and you will be here before you know it. As for matching thongs, well Alan and Ed are wearing matching ones or maybe they will just share one. I will see you both soon.
RICH HASKE – Thanks mate, how kind you are to say so. I agree that if they have the time Cruise Directors from other lines should write a blog as it is such a great communication tool and a wonderful way to have fun with cruising people like your good self. Thanks mate.
DAVE WHITTINGTON – I so enjoyed reading these words you wrote Dave…”The infusion of different cultures can do nothing but give a person a greater understanding of the world.” Thank you for reminding us all of that and, “till we meet again,” I wish you and your family joy and happiness. Cheers mate.
BIG ED – The poor man, he so wanted to go to Montana but the cook shot him. For those of you who think I have suddenly gone mad I am talking about ‘The Hunt for Red October.” Ed, I need suggestions for Alan thong, any ideas?
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Hope you enjoyed reading the last few blog thingies and thank you so much for taking the time to say congratulations to me on winning the award thingy. My spelling has never been that great, just ask my Dad the retired school master. Your personal photographer Gary sends his regards to you and he tells me that he will be adding further sunset photos to the blog shortly. I have passed on the idea of making sugar free cheesecake to both Heidi and my Mum. I really don’t have a sweet tooth which is lucky but I do miss Cheesecake so I am anxious to try it with Splendor as you mentioned …….thanks Chef Carol. I promise that by the end of the year we will know when the next bloggers cruise is and where we will go and I truly hope that yours is one of the first names I see on the list of bloggers who will be all together for that fun event. Thanks again Carol and I wish you a wonderful weekend.
TRAVELADY – I think that a place for the Cruise Critic group to meet has been arranged already for the cruise of the 16th. If not then I suggest you meet at 5:15pm on Lido Deck aft on embarkation day which will still allow you to come to the welcome aboard talk at 4:30pm. Then, for sea day 1 if you want a place and time to meet please let me know what time. I suggest the afternoon and I will await your advice. My best to you and all the CC people. See you soon.
SAMANTAH LLOYD – Hello Sam, of course I remember you and how wonderful to hear from you. For those who didn’t read Sam’s posting she was a dancer on the Carnival Destiny in 1996 and was one of the most beautiful performers I have ever seen. Sorry Sam, I had to introduce you there. I am so happy you found the blog thingy and I hope you are well. Are you still dancing, are you married what are you up to? Anyway, keep in touch and Heidi and I send our best to you. Please write soon.
TERESA AND PAUL B – What a wonderful description of Montana, I think we will definitely visit the big sky one day soon. Your comments about Carnival and the whole team onboard and ashore were so nice and I thank you for taking the time to write them. See you soon both onboard and maybe knocking at your front door. Cheers.
DWA76 – It is so gratifying to hear that you believe the blog should continue. After reading the comments I did I did feel a little insecure about everything and therefore your comments are well timed. Thanks then mate and I also hope you get to see Istanbul with me as your guide. Cheers mate.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – I have marked Wednesday down on my calendar to remind myself to think of you as you await your results. I know you have already been through a lot following your stroke and I will do everything I can to make sure we keep you smiling and laughing. We will meet soon, both in good health, shake hands and continue our friendship. We are both thinking of you as all the bloggers.
ROCHELLE – It sounds like you had a wonderful time on the Golden Princess and your description of the food has my tastebuds tingling. I also had the impression that the crew was just terrific and very friendly so all of these things have Heidi and I so looking forward to our cruise on the Emerald Princess. Your insight into anytime dining was also very interesting and as I have never experienced it myself I am looking forward to seeing it at work first hand. I don’t know Billy the Cruise Director but I am sure he does a brilliant job. I wanted to say thank you also for the beautiful words you shared for Heidi and I which we return to you as well. Hopefully we will see each other soon and until then I send our warmest regards to you and the family.
RIKKI BOYCE – I am glad you are enjoying the stories of the Carnival Freedom and yes, I will keep writing as long as I can. You asked if the trans-Atlantic is full and yes, every cabin is taken for the October 28th cruise. Please do not be apprehensive about the ship feeling crowded. We will have 2,900 people onboard and the ship is so designed that the ebb and flow of people is just perfect. You will have a wonderful time I promise and there are many places to sit and relax. One such place is on deck 3 outside of the lobby. We have the chairs there and they are in the shade and as not many people go there it is a great place to watch the sea go by. If you have any other questions, please let me know. I will see you soon.
DIVETRASH – You are just what the doctor ordered. I am tired, of that there is no doubt and I think last week I did concentrate a little too much on some of the negatives. The French lady who stubbed her cigarette out on the floor really got to me. I read a comment from the gentlemen who said the blog had come to an end that I should not have spoken to the lady like that and probably she will not encourage her clients to cruise with us. Well, he maybe right but I was so mad that she treated the waiter like that coupled with the fact that I am a little tired…………well, you know what happened next. Anyway, vacation is just around the corner and I will blog from home (more about that later) and hopefully we can keep our happy band of people together. Thanks again for the uplifting words and Heidi and I send you our best regards.
LAUREN – I feel very privileged to be part of your breakfast. How I miss breakfast. I know it’s the most important meal of the day but onboard there is never time so it is a banana and a cup of tea on the run…………that then gives me the runs…….but that is another story. I hope to be part of your morning ritual for a long time to come Lauren. Cheers.
SUSETTE LOWENSTEIN – More wonderful words in praise of Turkey and that is great to hear. I know a lot of people have some misconceptions about Istanbul but we have had an incident free season there and in fact have had more problems with pick pockets in Italy than Turkey. Thank you also for keeping my spirits up through your kind words which I needed to hear. Thank you again and I do hope you continue to read and to enjoy the blog thingy. Cheers.
RUSS AND NINA FRANKLIN – You are the first person I believe, to quote Shakespeare word for word on this blog-thingy. Many thanks for those words of inspiration. However, it was not the great Bard’s words that inspired me, but your own as you mentioned all the places the blog has enabled you to travel to. The blog will change while I am on vacation and I will explain how shortly. Many thanks for all you have said and please stay cool down there in Arizona.
THE BEARS – BARB AND CARL – I am glad that work is getting easier for you now that your leg is healing. It seems the joke of the day section is so popular and I will keep the jokes coming. I think for many people, Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary are indeed highlights, they certainly were for me. It will be great to see you cruise again, however, selling the house is a little drastic. Heidi says a big Thank You and she is having such a wonderful time with her mum. We wish you continued health and happiness and our best to all the bears.
MRS MTSFCP – Just interested, why Alaska? I await your kind advise.
RUTH JAMISON – Thank you so much for such kind words and your perspective of the blog has cheered me up a lot. Many thanks Ruth and I agree with you, Istanbul is a super city. Cheers.
KAREN TESSIER-EDMONSON – Unfortunately, the port of Rhodes has indeed been cancelled for next year and will be replaced by the port of Marmaris, Turkey. I agree with you, it is a real shame as Rhodes is so superb and a highlight for many people. The reason we have stopped calling there is that the port is very small and with so many ships docking is extremely difficult. The good news is that guests will still be able to take tours to Rhodes by taking the fast ferry across. I am glad you had such a wonderful cruise. Can you remind me which ornament you are interested in and I will see if I can help you. Thanks again for your nice comments and we hope to see you again soon. Please keep reading the blog thingy.
MICHELLE MANN – My mum has been telling me how bad the weather is in Thorpe Bay, so I am not surprised you miss the Mediterranean weather. I am so excited to hear that you have just booked the Carnival Splendor, so we can be reunited again. The Carnival Splendor will have all pricing in dollars as here on the Carnival Freedom. We will be home soon, so don’t be surprised if we come around for a cup of tea. Nice and strong with 2 sweeteners please, all the best!
BIG ED – I cannot believe that ugly Alan is getting more hits on your blog than anything else. His fan club is growing which only makes me believe that there are some strange people out there. I will pass on this knowledge to Alan, who no doubt will celebrate as for most of his life he has been invisible to women.
ARNOLD AND ELIZABETH TUCKER – Heidi is having a wonderful time with her mum, thank you so much for asking. I am happy to hear that you think that the blog is still a good read and thank you so much for your kind support. You asked about a waiter called Blaze from Sri Lanka. I have not met Blaze, however, I have found out that he is currently working on board the Carnival Paradise and I have forwarded your kind words to the Maitre ‘D to pass on to Blaze. Thanks again to you both. All the best.
LV2CRUISE – I have always thought that the guest’s stories, good and bad are probably the most popular part of the blog. Therefore, it is good to know from your comments that I am right. Therefore, the stories will continue and I hope you enjoy them. Thanks again and all the best.
LANCE AND ILDA – Thank you so very much for mentioning my award. Certainly, we British do have a indifferent sense of humor. If only we could learn to laugh at ourselves. You mentioned all the greats, including Fawlty Towers, Monty Python and Benny Hill and to mention my name in the same sentence…….well, it’s humbling to say the least. The hear that the blog continues to bring you joy and happiness really does fill me with pride and for that I will be forever thankful. Kind regards to you both and long may the laughter continue.
That’s all for today and there will be more tomorrow.
OK, on to the subject of the vacation blog. I think I have discovered what exactly I am going to do. Yesterday I was told that the John Cleese blog has been sent to something called I Tunes for Eye Podding or something. Anyway, as the audio file is so popular I think I will use the technology to do audio blogs from home. These will be then sent to the office via the internet or carrier pigeon or something and then will be available in three different ways.
- audio – you just click on something and my voice will appear from your speaker
- a written transcript of my blog – typed by someone but not me……….hooray
- an eye pod thingy downgrade or something that looks like this
- Amazing, I don’t even have an eye pod.
So, these are my thoughts. However, one thing remains. Will you still all want to listen to what I do on vacation? I will answer your comments and questions and reminisce about life at sea………..will you want to hear and read about this? I will include guest bloggers and of course there will be a special photo blog as well from the launch of the Queen Victoria but………..well, please tell me your thoughts.
Hi bloggers – Roberto here. As you can see the blog is evolving everyday. Thank you all for the great feedback. A very special thank you to Stephanie and the Interactive Strategy Team for setting up the podcast. We look forward to John’s podcasts when he goes on vacation!
Now, back to today and we just left Athens leaving behind 4 ladies from one cabin who as yet have not been heard from. I hope they are OK and our agent is waiting on the pier for them. What a horrible feeling it must be to see the ship sailing away knowing that you will miss a whole evening of fun. The worst thing here in Athens is that there is no airport in Katakolon where we will be tomorrow. These ladies now have a 6-hour drive to look forward to. Hope they are OK.
So, that’s the last time in Athens for the season. I wonder how many people we have sent to the Acropolis this year?
Now, do you remember the blog of a few days ago where I had the gentlemen………….hold on……….the four ladies are on the pier, they have just arrived but we are already at the exit of the port so there is no going back. I will find out what happened and let you know tomorrow. Anyway, as I was saying. Do you remember the man who lost his wife at the Welcome Aboard Show? You know, the one I led around the room by holding on to the cord that holds his Sail and Sign card. Well, here is a letter from his wife. Have a read.
Having received the letter I called the guest in private and we chatted for some time. As you saw from the letter they lost two children in a terrible car accident. Both were traveling to see their parents to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary when their car was involved hit by a drunk driver. …………….both died………….they were 30 and 35 years old. We spoke about life and their love of family and how they are helping raise their grandkids who lost their mothers so very young. I will give them some DVDs of the cruise and on the next sea day I am going to have a photo with them at their request. One can only imagine the mixed emotion they must be feeling as they celebrate 50 years together. Let’s all wish them Happy Anniversary and much happiness.
Now, also I want you to have a look at these two young people.
This is Sharon and Melvin Middleton and they have been married for 60 years…………..have a look. Sharon is English, Melvin is American. They met during World War II when Melvin was on furlough following the Normandy Beach landings. They fell in love. Problem was………..Melvin was 18, Sharon only 15. When the war was over Melvin returned to Oregon where they live now. He quickly returned to England to look for Sharon. He couldn’t find her and he was heartbroken. They had been writing every week but during the last few weeks Sharon’s letters had stopped coming. Melvin searched high and low for his beloved girl and asked everyone he could think of where she was. He said he was getting desperate when eventually after resigning himself that they would never see each other again he bumped into a friend from the British Army who he had served with who knew Sharon’s family. Anyway, he got the address and then jumped on a bus for the ride from the south coast to London where his girl was. Finding her family he found the reason why she had not written…………she was in a special London hospital and had been for one month. She had been working in a chemical factory when a huge fire broke out and she had breathed in toxic fumes. This had resulted in her being unconscious for a long time and she couldn’t write to her man on the other side of the world. Sharon then said that she had kept her ongoing affair with Melvin quiet because her father did not approve so nobody could let him know of her plight.
Finding the family who had moved to be closer to their daughter in hospital, Melvin begged her father to tell her which hospital she was in and rushed to her side. He did not leave it until she came out of hospital 3 weeks later and they were married 5 months after that. They both lived happily ever after
The End.
There were many tears shed when the audience heard this story at the Marriage Show…………..we all love a happy ending.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
46 Comments
September 29th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Hello John,
That’s quite a few stories already of couples finding each other after WWII and staying together for 50+ years. Awesome commitment.
As for the vacation blogging, sure, I’d like to hear the memories of life at sea and the photo blogs and the guest blogs and all that… I’m also interested in some of what you do while on break in England. I mean, blogs are here for anecdotes too… And I’d like to maybe study abroad in England (Queen Mary University in London?) if the Dollar can stop doing really really terrible against the Pound. So it’d be interesting to hear from you about life over there so I have a better idea of the place.
Cheers.
September 29th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Ain’t technology grand?
Of course we want daily eye candy on the eye pod casts. I will be expecting daily doses of fish and chips, shepherds’s pie, bangers and mash, bubble and squeak, etc. etc, and so on and so forth. But NO Brussels sprouts!!
Even better would be to combine with smellavision, and the best would be home delivery via one of the beamer machines from Star Trek.
Did they change the Splendor itinerary? I thought Amsterdam was the last port stop prior to arriving back in Dover. Oh well.
Any word as to whether inaugural passengers will get to take part in any of the inaugural festivities for Carnival Splendor? Are we there, yet?
September 29th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
September 29th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Hi John, thanks for the answer to my comments! I am sure I would love a European Cruise, however I am not sure I could handle the flight…I am a bit hyperactive and sitting that long in one place might be the end of me…I am going to find out if it can be done by flying to Argentina for the South American Cruise! Maybe then I can hit the Med!
I can’t wait for the pod casts! I can listen to you on the way to work and get a good laugh in before my day starts! What a way to start a day! Keep up the excellent work!
September 29th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
John, I said this before and I will say it again. When your on holiday let Todd do this blog. And you just like us put a comment down here every now and then. Just slap on a comments to let us know how your doing. You need the vacation and we will last till the Bloggers Cruise with out taking your well needed vacation time away from you and Heidi.
Heidi, when you leave the ship for your vacation John is yours all yours don’t share him with us.
Roberto, don’t help John mess up his vacation. Start teaching Todd the wonderful world of BLOG. We will take it easy on Todd at least for the first week.
“BIG” ED
September 29th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
John,
Yeh, still warm..but winter is coming. If that is the time you are looking to visit, it lasts about a week sometime in Jan.
Wanted to add a comment regarding your blog….Don’t change a thing. It is what is on your mind that makes it interesting. If we wanted the Corp spin we could visit the Carnival website.
BTW, I believe some people don’t realize what an arse they are until they hear it from others perspective.
Keep smilin..I’m still bloggin. See you in July !!
Cheers
September 29th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
John, people in Cleveland must be very sensitive. I worked for an airline from 1986 to 1997. The only complaint I ever received was from a Cleveland passenger. I was boarding a flight from Houston to Cleveland at 9:00pm and the flight was overbooked. I made a comment about the number of people traveling to “The Mistake by the Lake.” Well about two weeks later a complaint letter was received. I had well over 30 complimentary letters in my file at this time which is the only reason I wasn’t fired. I enjoy reading your blog thingy. Keep up the good work.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
Well, it was only a week ago today that we got off the Freedom. It seems like longer than that! How I wish we were back on board! Our flight home to San Francisco was 15 hours all together (2 legs). About 14 hours too many! I miss hearing your voice John and laughing at all the funny things you do and say. I bought the videos from the welcome aboard and bedtime story show, but the talking doesn’t go with the mouths, but it is still so funny to listen to. When you are on vacation, I don’t care what you write about–JUST WRITE, OR TALK!! I look forward to the blog every day–you always make me laugh, and sometimes bring tears to my eyes. Hopefully I will find someone who can get off work to go on the bloggers cruise from here. Did you like the Jelly Belly brand of jelly beans? If so, let me know and I can send you more if you’d like. (Don’t tell Heidi) All my best to you both–Sheryl
September 29th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
It dosen’t matter if you get the blog to us by land, sea or air – just get it to us!
September 29th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
I have to comment on the lady from Cleveland as I was born and raised not far from there. At one time it was known as the “armpit” of the midwest really bad with crime, pollution, and such. At one time the Cuyahoga River that runs right through Cleveland acutally caught on fire because it was so polluted. Cleveland has faught long and hard to clean up and overcome it’s reputation and I guess she is still a little sensitive about it. The rest of us just laugh. Don’t worry about 1 sensitive “Buckeye”. The rest of us just like to laugh.
I loved the story of Melvin and and Sharon. Reminded me a little of my own mom and dad. Just a year after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary “aboard the Carnival Victory” my dad passed. My mom now lives with David and I and we miss him every day. David and I will be celebrating 30 years together in October.
I look forward to hearing or reading your podcast while you are on vacation. With your sense of humor it should be interesting whatever you are doing or remembering. I also wouldn’t worry about what people write about you in the trade magazines. 700,000 bloggers can’t all be wrong.
I ment to ask you are you comming back to the Freedom after you introduce the Splendor or will you always be moving forward to the newer ships. I guess I’m a little confused on this matter.
See you soon on the TA.
Barbara
September 29th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Hi John, I have not heard from you in quite a few days, have you gotten my blog mails? YES, definitely continue the blog, even in voice format while you are gone on vacation, we would all love to hear what you are up to while away. So when will you be leaving on vacation? You said you will know by October 1st. When we have been on Carnival ships the past few times they had sugar free cheese cake, so why haven’t you tried it? My favorite dessert is cheesecake, and being diabetic I have had to give it up, but when we are on a cruise I always get the sugar free cheesecake. Try it, you’ll like it! HA! HA! Please write to me on Monday and tell me when your vacation starts ok, and make sure you let everyone know how to send things to you two when you are gone, ok? I am a bit disappointed I won’t see you, but I have this gut feeling you will be gone when we are there Nov. 17th. Hopefully, we will be able to go on the next bloggers cruise (as long as we don’t have to fly). Have a nice weekend! Linda & Mike the handyman
September 29th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
John,
There are many different kinds or Old Spice products around so please let us know what specific products you like.
During the coming holiday season is when all of these products usually show up on the shelves in abundance and a great time to get some bargains.
Dave (Jo and Dave)
September 29th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
The story of the Middletons brought tears to my eyes. Happy and Sad tears. I loved how Melvin did everything possible to find his love. I’m in my 30’s still looking for that special someone. Now-a-days it just seems so difficult to find someone who is willing to make a committment and “work” at it. Enough of that……ok, I must of missed a blog or two….vacation….they allow you to take one?? You most definitely must blog and give us the inside scoop on England. I’ll have to learn this podcast thing. As always, great chatting with you.
September 29th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
hay John
audio blogs is a great ideal. but do me a favor Do Not put it on I Tunes lets just say that there a pain in the lower region. Just put it in good old mp3 or mp4 format and put a link on the Blog to get to it
September 29th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
For heaven sakes John, take a vacation! A real vacation. Even though we will miss you both and the blog, you deserve it.
I have another Q for you, if you don’t mind. The husband of the younger couple we are traveling with loves to play ping pong and was going to bring his personal paddle if there is a table aboard? As always, thanks for all you do. It’s less than 4 weeks now till our TA
September 29th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Barb Hannah:
Alaska is yours, So Ahl ask ya!
John:
Duh? huh? wha happened?
I ps-ed eons before and Kevin was tanked.
September 29th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Dear John’s Mum:
After tracking down lamb through three stores and savoy cabbage through 4 (found it in one store that was way past its due date, but labeled, and then found it still young but unnamed in another), the girl child and I peeled, chopped, stirred, smashed and sloshed our way through your recipe. It is quite tasty, but I need to see you do it. Like, is your puree our puree or our paste? seemed to work. How shredded is the cabbage? I intended to make little slivers, but it turned out much larger. Then, I had this mess of green mashed potatoes, and tipped too much milk into it so it was more like not even thick soup. But I very systematically poured it out on top of the lamb mixture and parked it in an oven at 350 degrees fahrenheit for a half hour. On top of a cookie sheet. So there was this interesting molding of bubble and squeak on the outside of my iron skillet. But quite tasty.
Next time, Mr. does it.
Thank you so much for the excellent cookery.
Cheers.
September 30th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Hi john, i love the pictures it always brings a smile to my face. as it turns out my travel company loves carnival as much as i do. it is a great job for me. they do alot of group trips with carnival.
dawn m
September 30th, 2007 at 12:08 am
John,
I say when your on your holiday (I’m learning English words through you) forget about the blog! We will muddle through without you. I think to start with, Big Ed and I will have it out over the showing of the movie Notting Hill on the big screen. I heard Hedi is all for it!
All of us bloggers could chat about what ships we have been on, what ports we have been to, and we will take it easy on Todd. Enjoy yourself! Because we want you in great shape for us in Jan.!!
September 30th, 2007 at 12:41 am
John,
We bloggers took a vote and have voted Big ED off the island, sorry mate we had to do it, he’s trying to over throw you for some other guy named “Todd”. I’m starting to think maybe BIG ED is a RCCL spy. Consider him under surveillance, were hacking into his person affairs now, seems he likes to buy pink underwear, and oh my, dear god, no no no !!! I can’t type it Neil Sadaka L.P.’s AHHH!!NO!!.
Sorry ED you and your thong will be missed. Please extinguish your blog and leave the island right away.
Ok now thats over we can move on what ever you decide is fine with us a podcast is cool, John in the car doing 210kmh party on. Best to Heidi, and Cleavland is the most boring city I have ever been to, people there are so boring they are numb to the fact they live in Cleveland. I think it’s really a test city for people after the bomb might have hit to see… ok sorry Cleavland NEW YORK RULES !!
Best to Heidi and her mum and of course Roberto.
Kevin
Getting a new Aston
BIA Founder( Director of the Blog Intelligence Agency)
Our motto” The work of the Blog, The Center of Intelligence” or was that the center of a sugar free jelly bean I can’t remember right now.
September 30th, 2007 at 3:13 am
John and Heidi
I see that you are long overdue for a much deserved vacation. I vote that you just enjoy your time together and don’t even think about the blog thingy or your blog fans. We will all be here and you can blog when you return from vacation and fill us in at that time. We will miss both of you, but you deserve some time away. (We don’t always blog when we are on vacation…ha ha)
I read the blog from Samantha, and am curious….is she the same Sam that was on the Imagination in 1997? If so, (Sam if you are reading) are you the one that was seeing Corey Schmidt at that time? If so, I have met you a couple of times…on the Imagination and Destiny. I, too, am curious how things are going for you.
It is only 4 days till we board the Freedom for our Med Cruise. We can hardly wait. I will try to locate some Old Spice for you and a gift for Heidi to bring with me. I have already a couple of things, but will look for that too. Until Thursday, take care and we will see you on board then!!!
September 30th, 2007 at 9:48 am
John
It may be a bit selfish, as I know you and Heidi need a vacation, but yes, I would enjoy your blogs while on vacation. So my vote is only blog if it doesn’t feel like “work”. Remember, vacations are for getting away from it all. We’ll survive without a few blogs.
Thanks for sharing the love stories of the Middleton and Dick and Loretta. My best wishes to both.
Enjoy your time off.
September 30th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Hello John & Heidi
.First off I must say thanks you for the update on Blaze, how interesting that he is back on the CCL Paradise since that was where we first met him on our Honeymoon cruise.
Second that was a very interesting fellow you encountered John. I think he need to go to the sun deck to get a little tan though…
thanks to Heidi for sharing her Mum with us the picture with Karen Heidi and Her mum,
Heidi favours her Mum a lot , they are both very lovely women.
I’m going to share a clean joke with you I got from my best friend.
……………………………………..
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her Husband stalking around with a fly swatter.
“What are you doing?”
She asked.
“Hunting Flies”
He responded.
“Oh! Killing any?”She asked.
“Yep, 3 males, 2 Females,” he replied.
Intrigued, she asked. “How can you tell them apart?”
He responded,”3 were on a beer can,
2 were on the phone.
See you in 28 days
The TUCKERS!
September 30th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Greetings big guy,
Congrats again on the award………were there two Thursday’s last week? Wink Wink…..you both derserve a month of Thursday’s for the hard work that you and Heidi do for all of the passengers.
I sent three photos from our cruise to Roberto for him to post on the BLOG. One is of Todd and Donna and I before the “On Deck for the Cure” walk and the other is a shot of the crowd and the final one is one I’m very proud of…………………sunset from the LIBERTY.
I might even give Gary a run for his money with this one. Let me know what you think and if you can post them on the BLOB all can enjoy them. Thanks.
Great story of the lovers from WWII……really hit the spot when you have a wonderful spouse as we both do………..makes you appreciate them every day. Donna is off in B.C. visiting her mother who had some major surgery about two months ago and I’m happy to report is up and running again and driving everyone nuts. That’s how we know she’s feeling better……………LOL. I’m going to get hit by lightning for that comment. Good thing Donna doesn’t read this blog. Whew!
Great to also hear that Bonnie and Barb and all of the others with health issues are feeling better.
Well I’m off to visit my son, daughter in law and grandson to watch my beloved Dallas Cowboys on TV today.
Please take some well derserved time off to recharge your batteries and come back full of P_ _ _ and vinegar as my mom would say.
PS………………don’t change a thing about your comments and opinions about your daily adventures aboard the FREEDOM! It’s what this BLOG is about and we all appreciate your style.
All the best from Canada.
Smooth sailing to you, Heidi and the crew.
HI to you Roberto…………….keep up the great job of getting John’s and Heidi’s messages to us all in BLOG land.
Best regards,
B&D from Canada
September 30th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Hi John
This is my first posting on your blog. I can’t tell you how pleasantly surprised I was to discover it.My Husband and I sailed with you on the Liberty TA Oct/Nov 2005. We were celebrating our 25th Anniversary. I want to tell you how great that trip was. We traveled with about 16 friends. It’s been 2 years, and we all still love to recall that very special trip. We are from Wisconsin, and I remember one of your social hosts was from Minnesota. I think his name was Butch. Well Butch had “kidnaped” one of our traveler’s Wisconsin Badger Flag that he had hanging outside his stateroom door. (The two states have a rivelry!) We had so much fun with that escipade. You made it into a game of trying to find odd articles (like a treasure hunt) to make a trade to get the flag back on the Morning Show. It made the 5 sea days fun and entertaining as well as relaxing!
For some reason, I got the impression you were retiring after that sailing. I was so happy to see you are still around. I have to tell you that you are the best CD we have ever had, and we’ve been on 7 cruises! I wish we could sail with you on the bloggers cruise, but we will be on the Liberty at the same time. Jan. 19. Who will be the CD if Todd will be with you on the Freedom? I really enjoy your blog thingy, I check for a new posting every day. I love all of your stories!
Cinder
September 30th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Richard and Loretta’s story breaks my heart and then Sharon and Melvin’s story warms it. Things like this show that your blog has not run its course. Perhaps that travel writer is just losing readership to you?
People like to hear the bad and the ugly as well as the good. There is a comic that does/did Princess cruises called Sarge. Almost a quarter of his act was disparaging Princess in some way, and that got the biggest laughs. He made fun of the miniscule showers and other things. My favorite bit he did referenced their muster drill. For some odd reason, they had you go to different lounges for the drill instead of on deck. His comment on that was that on the Crown Princess, “you could drown in the lounge of your choice.” Well… it was really funny when he said it.
I have a joke to share with you… A dog goes into a bar and says to the bartender, “I’m a talking dog. How about a free drink for a talking dog?” And the bartender replies, “Sure. Go down the hall, the bathroom is the second door on your right.”
I think Carnival needs to make you their official blogger for the entire line, but let you keep your freedom. You can use stories from all the ships sent to you as well as the other featuers you have now. It would be a great thing. You could sail various ships occasionally and have a life on land for the most part. What do you think?
Live long and prosper.
September 30th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Hi John,
I posted a comment to your last blog, but it is awaiting moderation whatever that means so I will try again.
You asked which room Lisa and I will be in..it’s room 8357…is that about the same size as all the other interior rooms?
As to your blog running its course, I couldn’t disagree more. Not only have you and Heidi become like family to us, but I feel very close to the other bloggers as well. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed but all this, please consider maybe cutting back to blogging only a few times a week. Don’t let this become a chore you must do, let it remain something you WANT to do.
It’s not long now until we meet!
Elaine
September 30th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
John and Heidi,
I would really miss reading your blog while you’re on vacation, but I completely understand leaving work to rest and rejuvinate!! Have a wonderful vacation! You really deserve it!
The Middletons are the cutest couple!! I just love stories of couples that have an eternal love like that. We have been married 28 years and they are an inspiration!!!
The pictures of Heidi and her mum’s exursions is causing us to think about a cruise to those places next. The history!!! And yes, I love Ruins!!!
September 30th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
It looks like my comment is awaiting moderation. I don’t know if it got missed or what but I wanted to make sure you knew what I had said. The comment was from the post, Goodbye Istanbul. John as I have said many times, reading the blog is the highlight of my day. It’s the first thing I do when I get home. I don’t know who this person is but they have not a clue what they are talking about. Yours is the only blog I read. I started because I was curious about you and I read it now because it’s like hearing from a family member. You are keeping it real and that’s what I love so much about it. You could be a long running commercial for Carnival but the fact that you give us the good and the bad makes it all so wonderful. So sweetie, you just keep doing what you do and we will all be here to read about and live your life with you. I can’t tell you how excited I am about the audio option for the blog. Instead of listening to the little man reading from my computer screen, I’ll get to hear your voice
!
As far as blogging from home when you are on vacation, I think you should do what is best for you. While I love to read it everyday, I think you need a much deserved rest. I just want to support you and your lovely wife. Anyway Thanks for another wonderful chapter in your life today. Love and hugs to you and Heidi.
Leasa
September 30th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I, for one, would love some Eye Pod Candy – I shall be expecting photos of John eating fish and chips, John eating Bubble and Squeak, John eating cheese scones, John eating shepherd’s pie, Heidi hiding John’s jelly beans, etcetera, etcetera, and so on and so forth.
September 30th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
John,
I agree with “Big” Ed. You should take your vacation. You deserve some time off, and we’ll still be here when you get back. But since it sounds like you’re not taking a vacation from the blog thingy, it’s good that you’re not going to have to type it.
Regarding cell phones ringing during serious performances, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival doesn’t have serious performances.
I mean, the performers are pros, but they aren’t serious. The Guthrie, on the other hand, asks that the audience not even bring cell phones inside the theater. I guess too many people have forgotten to shut their phone off or set it to “stun.”
I’ve had a lot of fun sharing your joke of the day. Thanks for providing those day brightener.
Pat
September 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
hello john
congrats on your award,,,,,we just got home from our RC mariner of the seas,,,7day cruise,,,jane will have a full report,,,,soon,,,we had a good time,,,,the ship was real nice,,but we love the FUN SHIPS,,,,
more later
tom
September 30th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Good Day, John and Heidi!
We’re just back (Saturday) from seven days on the Glory and Wee Jimmy says “Hello!” He is a tiny one (except for his tummy, eh? Now that is a thing to be proud of!). Our cruise was glorious…instead of Costa Maya and Nassau we did Roatan and Freeport. A change’ll do a body good sometimes! In Freeport we did the jeep tour and I got to drive through lots of muddy water and mosquito infested jungle-like terrain…what a treat! No, really! We loved it! Also, in Belize we went horse back riding at Windy Hill Resort. What a beautiful place. The ride was great, with our guide using a machete to hack through fallen branches…just like a real jungle! Then lunch of chicken (‘though they teased it was iguana), plantain and black beans with rice and then the entertainment by a musical duo on xylophone (?) When we disembarked in Port Canaveral we may have been the only Americans in recent history who admitted to visiting a ranch or farm and thus had to go find our suitcases with our sneakers so they could be sprayed with disinfectant to keep us from perhaps bringing hoof and mouth disease into the U.S.!
I was just beginning to find my way around the ship when I found myself back in Port Canaveral. Guess I’ll have to go again, just to make sure I finally learned the layout.
I wore my “blogger” tank top for the welcome aboard ‘photo. Spoke to a couple who read your blog, but no one else seemed to recognize the shirt. That surprised me given the number of people who read the blog. One gentleman was interested to know whose “thingy” the shirt referenced, so I had to explain the whole thing to him.
We’re still thinking of doing the bloggers’ cruise, although I’ve threatened never to leave home again. The weekend before our cruise we went to D.C. and on Monday, 9/17, when we went to the veterinarians office to pick up our dogs, we found the older one had died on Saturday morning. That was a crushing blow as I had not wanted to leave him there in the first place since he was nearly 14 and having difficulty walking. Anyway, I think as much as anything, he died of sadness at being left there. I couldn’t cancel the cruise over this of course, but when our first excursion, in Cozumel, was cancelled, I became quite morose and told my husband I wished I’d never booked the trip. Scott convinced me to go with him to the excursion desk and miraculously with 15 minutes to spare they got us on the Tulum Ruins tour. From that point I began to feel better as long as I “managed” my thoughts. But then when we got home we learned that my 84 year old mom who was baby sitting our other dog and our cat had fallen at 3a.m. Sunday, injuring her “tailbone” and hitting her head on a marble window facing. She had a “medical emergency” medallion but refused to use it and didn’t want to wake the neighbors even though her head was bleeding profusely. She was afraid to go back to bed, so sat up all night, still bleeding. She is supposed to go to a doctor tomorrow (no, she did not go the whole week we were gone…yes she can be very stubborn). Needless to say, I will have very mixed memories of this cruise and the weeks surrounding it.
Unlike Rochelle, I doubt we’ll get another dog. I was sorry to hear about her dog, and her story was actually what prompted me to tell you mine. Are you beginning to feel like a “shrink”? Rochelle’s new puppy sounds adorable. And speaking of pets leads me to this dumb question. (But please don’t laugh because I’m serious.) Do you think Carnival might ever consider putting kennels on the ships so we animal lovers could take our furry babies with us? They wouldn’t have to go ashore anywhere. Maybe just one deck dedicated to pets and their owners who would be entirely responsible for the pets care. Lots of hotels permit pets these days. In the U.S., frivolities for pets account for an amazing amount of money. Daycare, clothing, massage, psychiatry, etc.! And some of us travel more frequently in situations where our pets are welcome. Animals really hate being left in strange places where they’re basically ignored except for feeding and two or three trips to a tree. It would be a new source of income for Carnival! How about just one ship…”Noah’s Arc”…for only pets and their owners! Charge extra for pets to receive quality care aboard by Carnival employees while in port and owners are touring. A whole new l.o.b. for Carnival!
Now stop giggling and seriously consider passing this inquiry to the powers who be.
Best wishes to you both!
Myra and Scott
PS: Congratulations on your SeaTrade award. I, too, voted for you.
September 30th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Oh, another PS: I’m glad you enjoyed the Cruella poem!
Myra
October 1st, 2007 at 7:50 am
Good morning dear John & Heidi,
Yes, yes, yes – continue blogging while you’re on vacation. I prefer the written format, because audio is frowned on here. But don’t overdo it – you’re on vacation. I just want to be able to tell you about the Imagination and the ports of Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay in December. If you give us an address, I’ll send you a postcard.
I loved the story about Sharon and Melvin. Sounds like a chick flick to me.
By the way, my will-never-cruise-Carnival neighbor will be on the Emerald Princess in January. It would have been so ironic if you & Heidi were on the same cruise, but I don’t think the weeks will be the same.
Did you hear that the original Moneypenney passed away over the weekend?
I promise you that I will bring you a real, honest-to-goodness New York Bagel the next time I see you. (you could eat a little at a time because of the carbs) Right now I am planning to take one of the first cruises on the Splendor when she comes to Florida next November or December. Unless the next Blogger cruise has been decided and I change my plans for that cruise.
Until later,
Regards,
Carol
October 1st, 2007 at 9:03 am
Hello John & Heidi:
This blog was really close to my heart. The story of Middletons brought tears to my eyes. Then the letter from Ray about Valerie from Czechoslovakia (that is where I was born) and the joke about Cleveland (that is where I live now). Wow! Just two sleeps and I am off to Prague…
And yes, I would like you to keep us posted on how you are doing on your vacation via this blog thingy.
Talk to you when I get back, best regards – I.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:12 am
Dear John-John:
Just had a terrible thought!!! After the best weekend-of-most-upsets-in-college-football; I was wondering if there is a sports bar onboard??? You never know if my team will be in the big games, but a girl can dream ….
As for communicating while on vacation … hmmmm, just think while on vacation Tuesday usually leads into Wednesday ~ Wednesday leads into Thursday ~ WAIT you like Thursday!!!! Enjoy your time and Heidi ~ let Todd handle everything else ….
Thanks for the time
Vikki
October 1st, 2007 at 9:35 am
Barb Hannah:
Alaska is yours, so A’ll Ask Ya
John:
I was Kevin’s Happy Birthday if he was Tanked Spice.
Stupid Machine:
Where did you send this, anyway? Cluttering up the digital empire.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:54 am
John, my friend!
I was able to keep up with the blog while I was aboard the Conquest and I have to say, you’ve kept your form! Your writing form that is, no comment made about your… uh… form!
Thank your for contacting Butch and paving the way, so to speak. Butch is a fantastic cruise director and he told me he owes it all to you and I’m not surprised. He has the same passion for his job and concern for his passengers as you do. That is a special gift and I was thrilled to be able to experience it first hand.
We did the ‘On Deck for the Cure’ one afternoon and it was a complete success. I was at one of the pool bars on the Lido deck when boxes full of t-shirts and wrist bands appeared. As the word got out, the articles disappeared as fast as they appeared! I’m still wearing my pink wrist band, which constantly draws odd glances.
As good as it is to be home I have to admit I left part of my heart (and a significant portion of my wallet!) on board the Conquest.
Thanks again. Please tell Heidi and Roberto howdy for me!
Regards,
Greg
October 1st, 2007 at 10:49 am
John, I just heard on FOX NEWS that in Istanbul you can buy a honey that is a natural VIAGRA. Gretchen a co-host on the show was just on a cruise in the Med with one of those other lines not to be mentioned. She brought some back as gifts for the other co-hosts. What made me laugh was I had just seen it last week on our local news. You may want to get a supply before your holiday.
“BIG” ED
October 1st, 2007 at 11:27 am
Hi John/Heidi:
What a great story about the Middletons. Its almost like something you see in the movies.
John, though I love reading the blogs I honestly think you are entitled to some vacation. I think we could take a week or 2 off and maybe have some of your colleagues take it over.
I don’t want you to get burnt out from doing this.
Gorgeous pictures today and it almost makes me feel like i’m there with you.
Thanks for a great read,
David
October 1st, 2007 at 3:51 pm
john
we made it home safely and thank you for our prized CARNIVAL 24 carat ship and signed photo. it will be a treasure that will go with our many cruise memories. you made all the difference int he world. heidi is darling…how did you meet her?!!? how did you get so lucky! the brady bunch made it back still no arguements! happy sailing. sorry we never connected. i had a few stories to tell yo of my own.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Hi John,
Re the vacation blog:
Sea stories would be great, but I’d be happy to have some land-based entertainment. Tell us what you read in the local newspaper, what your Mum makes for dinner, or what the hot topics at the pub are. (Although if it’s Brittney Spears, please don’t tell me – I’d prefer to think that that particular stupid obsession is strictly Made In America).
Re the Guest Comment Card:
I agree that “Exceeds Expectations” is confusing. Possibly if Superman, Jeeves the butler, and Martha Stewart teamed up they MIGHT exceed what I have learned to expect from Carnival, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
My suggestion is to use letter grades A to F like in school. (That is, in American schools. I don’t know if the UK uses the same system). So, a grade of A is a perfect score, but there is the possibility of “extra credit” to get an A+. For example, if my dumb airline lost my luggage, and Carnival’s pursers burned up the phone lines to find it even though the mistake was totally out of CCLs control, that would deserve a score of A+.
However, if you, Alan Adkins, and Big Ed do that thong dance you’ve been threatening us with, I may have to break out the rarely-seen F-, so watch yourselves!
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Good Evening John and Heidi from Greensboro North Carolina,
Jack and I are in the process of helping our daughter and her family relocate. She has accepted a position here as a Network Tech (computer geek) because there are not too many technology positions in Michigan.
I just wanted you to know that my “towel guy” is cuter than your “towel guy”. I will send you two pictures….one of my “towel guy” and one of my “towel guy” and My Guy.
On another note I want you and Alan to know that he will be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
Take care,
Joan
Oh My PISTONS play your heat on October 8 (Pre season game) are you ready for some Basketball? Have you got my ship on a stick ready????
October 15th, 2007 at 1:05 am
Dear John,
I sent a note at the end of the latest blog entry. It didn’t show up there after I hit “submit comment”. Not sure if you got it. Had a problem with the tape of your morning show. They letter of mine that you read on that show is copied here in this entry.
The sound and visuals are off. Kind of like watching a “Godzilla” movie. Hope you can get us a good tape or a refund, we purchased 2 copies. At over $50, would like to have copies that are watchable.
Thanks! Hope you got my other note even though it didn’t show up at the end of the entry.
Keep bloging!
Vickie Quackenbos
October 15th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
We finished our cruise on the 4th October. This was our first cruise so we were very much in the dark bout what was to happen. Unfortunately we did not realise that there was an introductry talk to sit in on. It would of been nice if when boarding this was mentioned to us. But it did not take away from the enjoyable time we had. We had a great steward Gilbert and his offsider Drodo also our meal times were made more enjoyable by Veljko and Samuel who unfortunately left us in Livorno so we were not able to finish the cruise with him. The places we visited and the history to take in was at times aweinspiring. Taking this cruise was the best way to get a climps of these places. My husband Howard of 29 years was also able to take part in the entertainment as Elvis. Which realy put him out of his comfort zone. I could not believe he did this (he will get lots of ribbing from his 3 daughters). The only disapointment in the whole cruise was our bed, here we are on a beautiful ship allowing us plenty of time for romance and would you believe that we had a lump right down the middle of the bed where the two singles had been pushed together. Not good. Any way this also did not entirely spoil our cruise. Great time had also friends made as those at our dinner table (Nada and Ian also jodie and John, who were on their honeymoon) both these couples came from Brisbane Queensland Australia we are from Caloundra on the Sunshine coast about hour and a half drive north of Brisbane. Beautiful part of the world with beaches to die for. Any way John enough of my prattling. Take Care.
While on your cruise you mentioned Bonza which is some thing really good but if it is especially good you say rippa tail bonza.
Catherine Berndt
Caloundra Queensland
Australia.
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