Murphy was not finished with me yet.
Good morning all,
I just want to inform all of you that we are experiencing again problems with the RF Network all over the ship pax and crew area. (Nobody can see any TV Channels around the ship). I am investigating right now to see where is the problem.Thank you and I will keep you informed.
Arthur Farcus
A.V. Manager
Carnival Freedom Good morning from a television-less ship………….I know that is not a proper word but it is 8 am and I am writing this blog through squinting eyes. So, this means that we have no news, no entertainment and guests cannot use the interactive service which also means they cannot order tours through the system. I will monitor this and see how many calls we are getting to the Information Desk as obviously guests will think it is just their TV. …………..OK, I just called and so far only 4 calls so that means everyone is still pretty much asleep or have not turned on their TVs yet. I really don’t want to make an announcement at this hour so I will monitor the situation and see what we need to do. Anyway, got to go and do stuff so I will catch up with you all later.
Here I am………..did you miss me? So, the T.V. system was finally repaired at 9:50 am and I did a quick apology announcement on the PA system I had to do this because people were trying to tune into my Morning Show which eventually started 20 minutes late……….hopefully, that is the last we will see of Murphy and I hope he has buggered off back to Ireland.
Apart from this it has been a good day, very busy and lots of first time cruisers. Here are the demographics for this cruise.
GUESTS – 2,993
GUESTS UNDER 18 – 39
GUESTS WHO HAVE CRUISED WITH US BEFORE – 1,358
One of the most difficult things to do is to explain the process of getting ashore in Venice. It comes as a shock to many (as evident in today’s Q and A) that you can’t just take a taxi and go into St. Marks square. It seems some people do not realize the place is built on the water. Anyway, I explain the Vaporetto system as clear as I can but some people still seem confused so therefore I always make sure I am available after my talk to answer questions……………sometimes you get real gems like today and the conversation went like this.
Mrs. Confused…………..How do I get to St.Mark’s Square
John………..You need to take a Vaporetto or a ship-organized tour
Mrs. Confused……….We don’t need to do that because we hired a car on the internet
John………..OK, so you want to drive to Verona or Lido?
Mrs. Confused………No, we want to drive around Venice
John………..Well, that is not possible, you have to go by boat
Mrs. Confused……….Why
John………..Venice is built on the water
Mrs. Confused……….can we take the car on the ferry to Venice
John………..No, you cannot drive in Venice
Mrs. Confused….Why?
John……….there are no roads
Mrs. Confused……..we were not told this so why did Europcar hire us a car
John…………I guess because you can drive anywhere on the mainland and that is what they thought you would do
Mrs. Confused……….why did nobody tell us
At this point I asked Heidi to sit with the guests because it had reached the point where the other audience members were getting frustrated and I didn’t want the guest to appear………..well………silly…………….but I think it was too late.
Here are today’s photos taken by our roving photo and entertainment host Gary. Here are photos taken from the chair lift that takes you to the top of Capri.
Here are today’s letters from the In Their Own Words section
Time for the joke of the day.
A couple goes for a meal at a Chinese restaurant and order the “Chicken Surprise.” The waiter brings the meal, served in a lidded cast iron pot. Just as the wife is about to serve herself, the lid of the pot rises lightly and she briefly sees two beady little eyes looking around before the lid slams back down.
“Good grief, did you see that?” she asks her husband.
He hasn’t, so she asks him to look in the pot. He reaches for it and again the lid rises, and he sees two little eyes looking around before it slams down. Rather perturbed, he calls the waiter over, explains what is happening, and demands an explanation.
“Please sir,” says the waiter, “what you order?”
The husband replies, “Chicken Surprise.”
“Ah, so sorry,” says the waiter, “I bring you Peeking Duck.”
Sorry about that one………..I can here thousands of you groaning at the same time.
OK, here we go with the Q and A, I am really behind with this so I will try and answer as many as I can. I also wanted to say thank you to all of you for your words of sympathetic and compassion at the passing of Captain Chuck’s father. I know he appreciates these words so very much. To skip the Q&A, click here.
DWA76 – I just wanted to say thanks David for saying the blog had become like a family and a caring one at that. I never dreamt it would blossom into this but it has indeed and that is because of people like you. I am glad you enjoyed the interview with Kuki. I seem to have done so many interviews this year. Anyway, thanks for all your kind words mate and I wish you a great weekend.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Sorry if one of your postings disappeared, maybe they have disappeared into the space time continuum (Star Trek again.) That was a wonderful posting and one that made me smile, especially the blowing bubbles section. I am glad that my blog helps you de stress that makes me feel good and I hope I can add many years to your life as you suggested through laughter. Carol, your postings are always so wonderfully written and we all thank you for sharing them with us.
The husband and wife go to a counselor after 15 years of marriage. The counselor asks them what the problem is and the wife goes into a tirade listing every problem they have ever had in the 15 years they’ve been married. She goes on and on and on.
Finally, the counselor gets up, goes around the desk, embraces the woman and kisses her passionately while cupping her behind with one hand and fondling one breast with the other. The woman shuts up and sits down in a daze, breathing rapidly, heart racing.
The counselor turns to the husband and says, “That is what your wife needs at least three times a week. Can you do that?”
The husband thinks for a moment and replies, “Well, I can get her here Monday and Wednesday, but Friday’s is my fishing day.”
That one was just for you Carol, I hope it had you smiling but not spraying anything over your poor computer. Heidi and I send you our continuing best wishes.
MATTHEW EDMUNDS – Thanks mate for the baseball scores. Not only was that useful for our guests but also for me. I see the Red Sox are doing well so I will keep wearing my hat with a B on it. I will be publishing the scores everyday until the World Series when America plays Finland ………or whoever. Thanks mate and I am beginning to understand the game now.
MICHELLE MANN – Thanks so much for the newspapers Michelle, they have proven very useful indeed. We will be home to look after Alan and hopefully have a cup of tea with you both. All the best and see you soon.
INEZ – Thank you so much for all your words of compassion. That was a beautiful posting. My dad’s office is the first thing that is shown to any visitors and yes, I guess he is proud of both his kids. Hope all is well with you and we wish you all the best.
JIMNI – Hello and thanks to you also for your kind words for Alan and your blogging friends. I enjoyed doing the interview with Kuki and I seem to have done so many interviews this year. Thanks again for being so very kind.
MYRA BUSHNELL – Yep, well spotted. Bill sent in a Caper from the Carnival Freedom that said “The Carnival Liberty” on it. I do not know where he got that from but I do know I am not sharing my spotted dick with him now. Myra, thank you for being so compassionate with your words for Alan, Paul and Captain Chuck…………what a wonderful family we have here on the blog thingy. I hope you are well and best regards from Heidi and I.
RUTH JAMISON – I will be there to say welcome aboard and have a big hug ready for you Ruth to show my appreciation for everything you have sent Heidi and I. See you on the Carnival Splendor next year………..it is going to be great.
ALAN AND CHRIS – Thanks to you both and I certainly do think that you were the first to introduce baseball to the blog. However, you certainly had nothing to do with Mr. Baseball who told me that I s&^k on his letter because we are not able to show the games here. Anyway, you have allowed me to open the blog to the world of baseball and until I get a better hat………..I am a Red Sox fan.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – hello mate. You asked about Super bowl and I can tell you that on every Carnival ship this will be a big event. I am sure that a special area will be set up for the game on the carnival Fantasy and that all your favorite American food will be waiting ……….nachos, tacos etc. Who will be playing in the final do you think?
JULIE GANNT – thank you so much for the beautiful words to all our blogging friends
NANI – You are so kind to mention everyone that you did and I hope this blog finds all your family well and happy. It will be January soon and I will have a grande hugo for you.
KAREN TESSIER/EDMONSON – I am checking on the ornament you wanted tomorrow Karen and I will get back to you. I am sure we can work something out. All the best.
MARTIN JORDAN – Hello Martin. Heidi and I are still looking to move and Brentwood certainly is an area we are looking at. I am glad the blog is still bringing you joy and I hope that continues for a long time to come. We are in Venice today which reminds me so much of Southend. Hope you and the family are well and I hope to see you on another cruise very soon.
LINDA HERNACKI – Thank you for sharing a prayer for my mate Alan. He reads every blog and I know he appreciates everyone’s kind words so very much. We are indeed like a family and that is one of the things that I love most about this blog thingy. Thank you again for being our friend and Heidi and I think of you both often.
LEASA – Thank you so much for the posting……you are very kind.
LISA AND ELAINE – thank you both for those words.
JAMES EMM – I have forwarded your request to the Carnival Glory maitre D and I am sure they will grant your wish. I will confirm this very soon for you mate. All the best until then and Wee Jimmy is looking forward to seeing you.
TIM FAIRBANK – First of all I want to say how much fun it was to have you and the rest of the KZST group on the Carnival Freedom with us. You are all great people with an obvious love of life and I hope we all sail together again very soon. Thanks so much for the information on the giant towers. I was uncertain what they were as indeed was the ship’s command but now, thanks to you I can pass the correct information which I will be doing this cruise. As I do so I will be mentioning your name so that everyone knows that Professor Fairbank passed this on to all of us. Thanks again mate and I would ask that you kindly pass on my best wishes to all at KZST radio. See you soon.
JTODDINMAN – The baseball bat you kindly sent for me has become very popular both on the blog and on the vessel. Also, my Dad has told me that he wants to mount it and place it in his shrine/office when I get home. Anyway, the bottom line is that your gift was wonderful and to you and all the bloggers who have sent me jellybeans, cards, sugar-free things and other wonderful gifts I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I remember well the cruise with Stormin Norman on the Carnival Triumph and I will as you requested make sure that everyone will have plenty of advance warning to when the next bloggers cruise will be. Thanks again mate and also please keep the poems coming, I know Roberto will be very proud to see his name mentioned. I hope to hear from you very soon.
JOHN PFERSCHING – I was sorry to learn that you had missing luggage at the start of your recent Carnival Freedom cruise John. You were not alone and I will be mentioning more about missing bags on a blog thingy next week. I was though very proud to read that you enjoyed your cruise so very much and that we kept you laughing despite your bags being on a vacation on their own. Thank you for all you said and I hope that you will come and see us again very soon.
MONICA AND AL – I am so sorry but because of family commitments and the desperate need for some time off we will not be able to join you on your November cruise on the Carnival Freedom. Do not be perturbed though as your Cruise Director will be Todd Whittmer who will provide you with a fantastic vacation. Hopefully when we announce the next bloggers cruise you will be able to join us all on that one. Have a wonderful vacation and my sincere apologies that we cannot be with you.
JERRY CALVERT – Very funny………Holland America invades Carnival. Actually, I was on a HAL ship a few months ago and the guests were basically the same as our guests. I think the days of a “type specific” guest on most cruise lines have gone. However, there were some very old people on last cruise and they brought their grandparents with them. Thanks Jerry and thanks also for reading the blog………..I am honoured.
BIG ED – OK, now I understand the ring thing. I was confused but now I have seen the light. You can kiss my ring when I see you on the bloggers cruise………..I keep it in my back pocketThanks again for all you are doing for Alan………I spoke to home yesterday and he called you “his publisher.”………..I really look forward to you both meeting as you have so much in common.
A – NON – E – MOOSE – They can do their stuff on the Poop Deck. Sounds like a great idea and I hope my announcements did not make you feel too sad as you debarked the vessel. Say hello to the dogs and see you on the Poop Deck next time. All the best.
RUTH JAMISON – The ornament arrived in one piece and will be proudly displayed at Heidi’s Christmas centerpiece at home. Thank you again for your kindness. You asked about Barcelona. We have two more trips there and then the ship starts her TA cruise and I head home for some R & R and to look after my mate Alan. Thanks again Ruth and I will see you on the beautiful brand new Carnival Splendor. Our best to you and the family.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – Just a quick note to say hello and thanks for another great posting. I have made the mistake of going to the kingdom of the mouse in the heat of summer one time………..and that mistake will never be repeated. I hope you had a great weekend Carol and one day you and I can watch the Bee Gees together on a Carnival Fun Ship big screen…………my favorite concert we play is the Earth, Wind and Fire one………its brilliant. Hope you are well and as always its great to hear from you.
STIX132 – I am happy to hear that you will be sharing my last cruise on the carnival Freedom before vacation when you arrive on October 16 I promise you I will pull out all the stops and provide you with the best vacation ever full of fun and laughter galore. Thanks for all your kind words for Alan and I look forward to seeing that special vintage Monty Python button. Have a safe journey and see you soon.
CANUCK CRUISER – AAAAAAHHHHH now that explains it. They have won 4 games and have not lost any…….I thought you meant ……… anyway….never mind………I just showed my lack of knowledge on American sports yet again. Thanks for the education and I hope the Cowboys have a 50 – 0 season or more………….did I just look silly again? The lady who wanted a Friends of Dorothy meeting is now fine and I checked in on her at the meeting this morning and was surprised to see about a dozen or so people in attendance. I am glad I was able to help. I discovered from her that the Dorothy refers to Dorothy from the Wizard Of Oz and the rainbow which is the symbol for gay and lesbian friends……….you learn something everyday. We do seem to have more requests fro private meetings of all sorts these days and we will try and help out everyone we can. Anyway, thanks for the posting and hope your Cowboys keep winning. Cheers
SOUTHERNDREAMS – It is 8 now.
A CRUISE BY ANY OTHER NAME – I must admit that I am indeed counting the number of days until vacation. Not so much because I want to get off the ship but I do need to see my parents and family and of course be there for Alan. I know how you feel about the Beauty and The Beast song, I feel like that when I hear the Small World thing ………help. I can understand why the mysterious guest wanted to correct the spelling in the Capers and I was grateful for it but it was the way they did it and the sarcastic comments at the bottom of his/her letters. I would have loved to have shaken someone’s hand to say thank you but that opportunity was taken away. Oh well. I will make sure I check the spalling of aveything I right fram noo oon. All the best and thanks for a wonderful posting.
LFTTNSFCF – hello Jon. If purgatory does exist I was there during my time at the Kingdom of the Mice. I am very uncertain as to where my loyalty should be when it comes to baseball. I have a Boston hat and a pair of red socks so I guess until my Yankee cap arrives then it is Boston for me. I also love Clam Chowder from Legal Seafood in Boston……..but the again I love Nathan’s Hot Dogs from the Big Apple……………I am so confused. Somebody help. Jon, see you soon mate.
PHIL INCORVIA – Here, as requested is our recipe for the Grand Marnier dessert you requested. Also, the address to mail things to Heidi and I is now at the side of this blog thingy. I apologize sincerely to your friends that I will not be with them for their cruise but they are correct when saying Todd will provide them with a wonderful vacation. Thank you so much for the wonderful words and here then is the recipe ………enjoy and thanks for everything.
Carnival’s Grand Marnier Soufflé
Our recipe serves four.
Ingredients
4 egg whites
120 g castor sugar
150 g custard mix
500ml hot water
150ml cold water
25ml Gran Marnier
Butter
Castor sugar
Icing sugar
Method
1. Mix custard with boiling water slowly allowing time to thicken.
2. Thicken to a dropping consistency the add Grand Marnier and leave to cool.
3. Butter inside of the ramekins and roll caster sugar.
4. Whip egg whites until fluffy and add sugar slowly.
5. Fold into cooled custard put in ramekins level with a spatula and cook at 180 degrees c for 10 minutes.
6. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.
PAUL F.PIETRANGELO – Hello Paul, how are you today. I am so sorry but as yet I have not received anything from you Paul. I would not worry as I have not received anything from my friends the Schneider’s who mailed something weeks ago as well. I am sure it will be here soon. You must be feeling on top of the world after your recent good news from the doctor and I hope that you know that we all share that good news with you mate. Thanks for your prayers for Alan and rejoice in your new lease of life.
KEVIN – Congratulations on being asked to belong to the Chaine Des Rotisseurs association………how do you get those little things above the I and the O? Anyway, you must be very proud of this accomplishment and for those bloggers insure what all the fuss is about here is a link thingy that will describe some more about just why this is such an achievement for Kevin.
www.chaine-des-rotisseurs.net
So, well done mate and one day I promise I will sit down at your table and you can cook me your special of the day. Congratulations mate.
LISA AND ELAINE – The room does have a bath but if you allow me to share it with you after eating sugar free jelly beans then a Jacuzzi you shall have. The Bee Gees concert is a great event and one of our most popular and we are keeping it onboard for some time to come and therefore we can watch it on deck together. I want to say a big thank you for recognizing young Roberto who has made this blog thing the success it is today. That was very kind of you. Thanks also for thinking of Alan …….he appreciates it so much as do I. See you both soon and all the very best.
GLORIA – I continue to be overwhelmed at all the wonderful words that everyone is posting for Alan and Gloria you words will be of great comfort to him as they are to me. I just wanted to say a big thank you for writing them. Hope all is well with you and if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.’
DIANE WHITE – It was very interesting reading your comments about your experience on Disney Cruise Line. Can you be more specific about what it was you did not enjoy? I have no wish or desire to point out their areas that need improving, I am just interested to see if there are things that we could change on our ships as well. I look forward to hearing from you again soon Diane and hope you are well.
GIRLDOC – The bat is ready to use should Fatima and her friends come calling. Cheers.
GREG BALDASARRI – Disney is an amazing place and I am sure that if I went at the right time of year and not having just done 9 months on a ship I would have enjoyed it more. Their organization is second to none and you have to marvel at everything they do but, it was just not for me. Also, I was a little embarrassed that I felt sick after every ride while small kids were shouting “let’s go again, let’s go again.” I think I will stick to my big chair and plasma screen. Hope all is good at home mate and lets hope also we get to spend some time together on one of our ship’s soon.
OK, I have to stop there and will start with a comment from Freddy Beach tomorrow. I am sorry I could post on Saturday but things got away from me. Tomorrow, Monday, Alan will go in for some exploratory surgery at London Hospital to see just what they need to do to remove the tumor. I will keep you updated.
So, here we are in Venice sharing the pier with the Costa Serena and the Emerald Princess…………. A wonderful advert for the Carnival family.
Today, we have a lot of people walking to the vaporetto station. I really did push people to walk if they could as the price of the shuttle bus has risen to $9 which for a 5-minute ride is in my opinion far too expensive. Getting ashore in Venice is not easy and we/I must do better in getting this right and for next season I hope I can……….I am not happy with the current way we do things.
This morning was very windy as we headed to Venice but now it is a beautiful day with crisp and clear blue skies, no wind and temperatures around 70 degrees………………a beautiful autumn day, how could anybody complain on a day like this. Except this man.
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 9:46 AM
To: FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR; FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR; FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING; FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER
Cc: FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER
Subject: RE: Sport court & Waterslide closed
Good afternoon,Just FYI
There was a guest calling from the Open deck shouting at me that on all the other ships they were able to use the water slide even with the strong wind and he does not understand why they can not do it here. I explained him the safety reasons but he does not seem to be willing to listen. He then demanded I call John the Cruise Director but he was at his TV show. The guest then said he would use the slide regardless and hung up. I told security to accept the guest to try and use the slide.
Regards,
Daniela
When it is windy we close the slide. Walking up to that height in strong winds is dangerous and I cannot understand why the guests are so upset. Anyway, he did not leave a cabin number or a name so I hope he has calmed down a bit and is now enjoying the slide.
I have met some great characters over the last nine months who have shared the stage with me. Toward the top of the list will be gentlemen who I invited on stage with me this cruise in the Welcome Aboard Show.
You can see just why I choose him can’t you? He was so cute and spoke not one word of English. Now, when this happens I always make sure that I do not make the guest feel uncomfortable and rather than highlight the fact that he speaks no English I highlighted the fact that I spoke no Japanese. I was trying to communicate with him some of the things he could enjoy this week by acting them out ……….swimming ……eating………drinking………..and I was getting nothing back from him.
Then, I said the word dancing……..I did a little dance……………and his eyes lit up and the 88-year-old Japanese man started to dance with me. His feet did a little shuffle and he laughed and smiled and brought the house down.
I later found out the man’s name was Mr.Teiichi Obace from Japan and he is 88 years old………………. Here he is.
We danced and the audience laughed and applauded and once again the universal language of music, fun and laughter had saved the day.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008, 9:46 AM
To: FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR; FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR; FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING; FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER
Cc: FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER
Subject: GETTING STUCK IN WATER SLIDE
Mr. “BIG” ED KONEFE cabin 8268 would like to see the Cruise Director. He states that he was stuck in the water slide for two hours. He was wearing a thong that the cruise director made him wear. While waiting to be freed from the water slide parts of his body that have never seen the sun before got very burnt. He requests a full refund and to be moved to a suite since he must stay out of the sun. Please take care of this matter ASAP.
Hi John,
Glad to hear the Super Bowl will be a big event on all Carnival ships, ’cause I’ll be on the Carnival Pride then. Fantasy is my Christmas cruise.
Who knows who will play in the Super Bowl, but I will bet you a dinner at Harry’s that is isn’t the New Orleans Saints
. I’ll even give you two to 1 odds so Heidi can also eat well. If the Saints end up in the Super Bowl, it will be well worth it.
Once again, I have to stop booking cruises until I get some out of the way. Well, just after I book the July 2 Carnival Splendor sailing. I think that will be 7 upcoming cruises? On Carnival, anyway
Check out the dance moves John has! We’ll have you dancing zydeco in no time!
John,
Thank you my friend for your well wishes upon my induction into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. It is quite a honour (spelt wrong) it is probably the highest point any chef can achieve in this profession, and I do thank my sous chef’s and many other people I work with. Funny thing about this is you can’t really apply to become a member you have ot be nominated by another member then they come and sample your food and they don’t tell you that any of this is going on. Thankfully I have a great friend and mentor Christophe Bellanca Executive Chef of Le Cirque in new york city, who just so happened to tip me off that this was happening.
Thank you for posting the link in your blog to Chaîne des Rôtisseurs website here is a link direct to their history for those who want to know more https://www.chaine-des-rotisseurs.net/en/history.php
Any time your ready Mr. Heald a plate of $50000 risoto will be waiting for you ok not $50000 how about a special John price that if i let it out I might be swarmed with folks looking for it ok in order to receive this discount you must be either John or Heidi, and maybe Big Ed free meal on me.
You asked how I got the î and the ô over the I and O, basically it’s keyboard options not hard to setup really ask your IT people to set it up for you. I have shortcuts setup with my F-keys to change the settings for Italian, French, and Spanish because they love those little accent symbols and it makes publications i put out look even better.
How is Heidi sad mum went home I’m sure but they will be together again soon I’m sure. We still need another Heidi blog when she has time. Hope your feeling ok John best to everyone else. Oh I wanted to ask do you know who the Executive Chef on the Miracle is, i feel like I might want to meet him or her. Let me know, if you can.
Best
Kevin
PS Looking forward to a cigar and a large plate of sugar free jelly beans with you
John, my friend;
I thought you could not dance. You look like a Fred Astaire clone up there with Mr. Teiichi Obace! Well… perhaps not a clone but you certainly look like you, and the good Mr. Obace, were having a heck of a time.
Please know that my thoughts are with your mate, and our friend, Alan. God bless him and his family. I’ll be anxiously awaiting word, as will thousand of us, his extended family.
My best to Heidi and Roberto.
Regards,
Greg
Thanks for the update on Alan! I will hope for the best news after the exploratory surgery.
Now…about these pictures of you dancing…I’m glad you told me that is what you are doing in the pictures, cuz I would have never had guessed that…and Hedi has my sympathy. Hope she doesn’t like to go out dancing very much.
Here’s a great idea….you and Big Ed going down the slide in your thongs…hehe
Hedi-please take care of John because I think he is running on low…especially since he is so worried about Alan.
Susan
Hi John
Hope you are well, wonder if you can answer a question for me, I know its not really your department but am getting confliting advice. London office says i do not need letter as i am a uk citizen but usa web page states i do. When we cruise in december from miami, going to mexico, do i need a notorised letter from ex husband as my son has different surname allowing him to travel, have never been asked for this before but thereagain have not stopped in mexico before, hope you can help as i have been reading some stories where people were not allowed to board without this letter. sorry again to ask. bye for now
take care
michelle
Wooo hooo! Check out those dance moves by John! Wow! Good thing he told us he was dancing or I would have thought maybe a mouse ran across the stage. Now if we can just get him to boogie down in his thong……
Juls
Great way to start off a new week at work, I check out your blog as soon as I get to work each day, and thru the day and a few times on the weekends, usually just to see if anything “NEW” was posted, I love to read everyone’s comments as well. Only 3 weeks till you start your time off from the ship, how is Alan doing? Keep us posted on the exploratory surgery being done today, and let us know when the actual surgery is scheduled for ok? Thanks John! That was really cute you and the Japanese man dancing! Miss hearing from Heidi, hope she posts a blog before you start your long awaited vacation. Take Care, Mike & Linda
John, I got a nice view of the Carnival Freedom from the new Costa MEDITERRANEA webcam this morning. Your docked right behind her in Venice.
I use this link to see webcams and portcams;
http://www.kroooz-cams.com . There is also a link on my blog under “LINKS/BLOGROOL” called “All ship and port cams”
“BIG” ED
T minus 103 days till Launch
John,
You talk alot about the past cruisers on the ship, could you talk about the past guest program? and explain what you get with the different stage… I have heard alot of different stories, so I thought I would ask the person in the know. Thanks.
also are you still having guests run around the ship saying something strange everytime you say there name on the PA??? I have sailed with you and Heidi many times over the yrs, been on 23 Carnival cruises (only cruise line I have ever been on) and have enjoyed them all. The crew and CD’s have always done a wonderful job, even when the ship breaks down. ( I was on SensationBack in the late 90’s when she had some problems.) I look forward to reading more of your blog as I book my next cruise in sept of next yr for my 5 wedding aniversary.
Take care John and Heidi and keep up the great work.
Capt Bill
Hey John ( aka…….twinkletoes……you dancing machine),
Careful…………..If Big Ed finds out you can dance he may add that to the itinerary with the thong walk. Walking on deck wearing one is one thing John but up on stage dancing with one is a totally other kettle of fish. LOL.
Yes……………….every Dallas Cowboys fan would love a 50-0 start …………..but that would mean going undefeated for over 4 full seasons…… Thanks for the wonderful picture in my head though.
The man who wants to use the slide in windy conditions…………….wait until there are really rough seas and call his cabin and tell him it’s his turn to go down…………….maybe he’ll get blown overvboard and you’ll be done with him. I honestly think some cruisers take STUPID pills before getting on board. These passengers should be sentenced to a day in the land of the MOUSE on March break from school ( this will guarantee at least half of the children in the world in attendance) and have that one song played over and over in headphones for them to enjoy. Maybe that will shake their brains enough for them to appreciate life on board a ship.
I for one can’t wait until next April when I believe all of the improvements will have been completed on the IMAGINATION. Planning on a short 5 day after my baseball tournament in Florida. The thing that I’m looking forward to is the new ADULT serenity areas. Peace and quiet away from the throngs of youngsters playing Marco Polo in the pool area.
Bet you’re counting the days until your vacation.
Can’t blame you. Please make sure that you have some “John and Heidi time”…..and I don’t just mean Thursday time. Get away from everyone and everything for a couple of days John and really RELAX!!! It’s important for your sanity and your marriage to spend time with your spouse.
No ones gravestone ever read “I wish I’d spent more time at the office”.
All the best to Alan and his family and we’re thinking nothing but positive results for them.
Oh………….btw………….I emailed Big Ed and we’ve been talking on the web. Got our picture posted on his site now as well.
Well I hear the dog calling wanting out and better go attend to that bit of my life.
Take care and have a smooth cruise without Mr. Murphy.
Say Hey to Roberto and Heidi.
B&D from Canada.
Thank you for the pictures from the top of Capri. We missed seeing this when we went to Capri because the top was in the clouds, and it was pointless to go up on the chair lift (which we had planned to do) if we couldn’t see the veiw.
We were on the May 1st cruise and had a great time and now we have booked on the Carnival Spirit to Hawaii next September.
Hi John, I called Carnival reservations about the new sail date for July 2, 2008 on the Carnival Splendor. They didn’t know anything about this cruise. Once again you have one upped them. Be careful they might get angry.
)
I looked in my Italy guidebook. Genoa is 1 1/2 hour from Milan. I have always wanted to go to Milan. Would transfers be offered from Milan? This is a great itinerary. Please get more information.
Thanks,
Jo and Dave
John The Red Sox are in the ALCS waiting to play either the Indians or the Yankees. We pray for Alan, hope everything turns out good. Get lots of rest on your vacation, you and Heidi needs it. Barb and I will be on the Glory the 1st oj Dec., It’s just a little tune up for the Bloggers cruise in Jan. see you then, The Bears Carl
Good morning John & Heidi,
Thanks for the joke you posted for me. No harm was done. I had already finished my liquid refreshment. But there was almost disaster a little earlier when I read about your cell phone mishap. I hope all is well in that department.
I definitely look forward to enjoying a concert with you on the Big Screen. I’m hoping to book the 12/6/08 Splendor cruise when I return from my Imagination cruise (unless I can book it on board the Imagination). For Canuck Cruiser – the renovations on the Imagination are supposed to be complete when I cruise on 12/3/07. I’ll let you know all about it. And Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadian Bloggers.
Congrats on the 750,000 John . And many, many more to come.
What great photos of you and Mr. Obace. There is such joy on his face.
Mucho gracias for your kind words about my writing. I’ve always been a writer and had a boss a number of years ago who had me write his letters for him. I have to admit I don’t always follow my proofreading advice – typos, etc.
LFTTNSFCF – Jon, you’re right about the bugs, they had nothing to do with the team not hitting. It was just so unfortunate that it happened when Joba was pitching. But he definitely recovered last night. Hopefully, tonight will be just as satisfying. If not, then baseball season will be over for me – I really don’t think I would want to watch any other games until spring training. Let’s see – hockey started, there’s some pre-season basketball on tv, there’s always bowling to watch, or poker.
John, take care, and I’ll check back later,
Regards,
Carol
John,
It is currently Monday, 10/08/07, 12:15 pm in Florida, so 6:15 pm (?) in London. Is there news yet that you can share of Alan’s exploratory surgery today? We are all anxiously awaiting the results, next steps and prognosis so we know exactly how to frame our prayers. There is no better cure than the prayers of thousands so make sure Alan knows he is totally encompassed.
See James 5:14-15
Prayerfully,
Myra
Hello John/Heidi/Friends:
First, what a picture there Twinkle Toes. Look at you getting down. Very impressive. Better look out or we’ll see you dancing the Cotton Eyed Joe at Billy Bob’s (a famous country western bar with a rodeo, concerts, etc. in Ft. Worth Texas).
Gotta love the guy who pitches a fit when he sees something going on at one ship but can’t do it on their own. What a shame that he has to pitch a fit. I’m sorry.
Umm…Kevin…Can I get in on some of that risotto? As a foodie, I am quite impressed at this accomplishment. In fact, check out this gastronomic event that just met last night in Chicago:http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-trotter-link,1,622911.storylink?coll=chi_mezz
That chair lift picture is quite intimidating. I have had nightmares in the past about being “that guy” who would fall off the lift. Very pretty overhead pictures of Capri though.
As I think of my Cowboys who will hopefully be 5-0 by the end of this evening, I just wanted to congratulate you on hitting 750K slaps. Very impressive!
Have a good day. Thinking of you.
David
John,
FYI,
When you place the written things “In Their Own Words” on the blog some are very hard to read due to the handwriting. However some are impossible to read because they are too light. Some one needs to darken the brightness sor contrast to make them readable.
By the way I am still waiting for you to interview an engineer doing the ship building about how they put a ship together from all over the world and have the pieces come together in the end.
Dave (Dave and Jo)
John,
I’m going to start calling you “James Brown”. You have mastered the moves. If I didn’t know any better I’d thought you were trying to stomp out some roaches!! LOL John, the picture are just as amusing as watching you live. We just can’t get enough of you. By the way, the Cubs are from Chicago, no need to cheer for them any longer, they are out of contention. As we always say, there’s always next year. Time to cheer on the Chicago Bulls, because I’m afraid the Chicago Bears aren’t going anywhere. I’m just pleased they beat Green Bay last night (27 -20). I’ll need to send you a Bulls hat to replace that think that says Heat.
Prayers to Alan and his family.
Love Ya John,
TC
O’kay John, I’m a little nervous (don’t tell Vikki, ’cause I told her I wasn’t). Anyways, now that we’ve booked this thing and paid it off, I learn all the beds, comforters, pillows, etc are stuffed w/down. – I’m alergic to down. Now I’ve been told its non-alergenic, but the thought of not being able to breathe over New Years has got me a tad bit nervous. Now our travel agent has told us not to worry, if I am the one in a million, Carnival can remove the down, but I’m still nervous. Should I be? Any past guest reservations quelled. Please check w/your staff.
Sincerely,
Duck, Duck, Ah, Ah, Goosed (Bless you.)
John your dance partner is adorable. her is a poem for you:
Big Ed , Alan and John,
each one in a thong,
Fatima sharing their bath,
Each have their own wit,
but not one will quit
trying to make us laugh.
Roberto watch out,
those Blogger’s will shout,
when their posts ,
become news of the past.
Pursers know somethings wrong,
when there’s no Mah Jong,
hot tubs running on jelly bean gas .
Love, Kathie
Hi John, Thanks for the recipe for Carnival’s Grand Marnier Soufflé. Now could you please get it translated into American English? I don’t have a clue how to make it. Or is that the idea?
Jo
Good Afternoon John and Heidi!
I wanted to let you know just how much your response meant to us. Hubby has been stressed lately as our daughter has changed jobs. So many times he will ask me, “What are we going to do next summer?” My response is always, “Go on the Splendor.” Then he says, “Who is going to be with us?” My response to that is, “Our family, John, and Heidi!” It is now under 280 days.
Hey, as we get closer to the sailing, please give us some advice on what to see in London!
Hey, I forgot to mention, I say a special prayer for Alan every morning during my quiet time. Hope things are going well with him!
I just want to thank Big Ed for the count down till the bloggers cruise! It lifts my spirit everytime I see the days going by!
Susan
Hello John: I have read your blog since March & look forward every day. I got addicted to your blog since our mediterranean cruise on the Freedom March 26, 2007. I’m so excited my husband just told me to book the bloggers cruise and I already did it. soooooooo we will be seeing you and Heidi again. Hope you enjoy your time off. We are also planning to go on the Splendor on February 17, 2009 from Argentina. Are you going to be the CD???? It will be wonderful……
My thoughts and prayers are with your mate Alan and his family. Hope for a speedy recovery.
Best to you and Heidi.
Mary and Moe
Gary -
Wonderful pictures. I particularly loved the one of the chairlift itself.
Twinkletoes -
Now, I will truly miss you on the Transatlantic Cruise. You could have selected me for the Welcome Aboard show and honestly claimed that I did not speak proper English, then we could have danced a jig (or Foxtrot, or Samba, or Mambo – need I go on?)
Big Ed -
Good luck on your complaint. I never got a response to my complaint about the Fun Ships forcing me to pack my own clothes for a vacation.
BTW – next time, oil those buns before putting them out to bake
Hi John,
On the Oct 16th cruise we arrive Dubrovnik on Sunday. Someone on the Cruise Critic Board said the wall closes at 3pm?? Is that true – Also are the shops open on Sunday?
Please let us know – Thank you!!
p.s. – my best to Alan and his family – hope all goes well
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008, 9:46 AM
To: FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR; FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR; FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING; FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER
Cc: FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER
Subject: Strange Sighting
Dear Sir:
I thought I would let you know about strange thing I have seen while on this cruise:
1.Did you know there is a man in a thong stuck on the water slide? What makes this more than unusual is that there is another man in a leopard spotted thong moving about the slide and laughing. Some would say this man is dancing, however, I cannot be sure. It could be that this laughing,dancing man may have just received a full body massage with his friend, who by the way is standing next to him, has a bag over his head, but again, I cannot be sure.
2.It is January and even though we are in the Carribbean, I expected to see snow. I am very disappointed. Why was I not told there would be no snow?
I eagerly await your response.
Hi John and Heidi,
Just wanted to let you know we booked the blogger cruise today. Looking forward to seeing you both again (we met on 9/10/07 Rome cruise).
Hope you have a great vacation and get plenty of rest. Be sure to tell Alan and his family that we are praying for them.
We are from the Big State of Texas so would you and Heidi like a Dallas Cowboy souvenir? If so, let me know what you would like us to send or bring with us in January.
Our best to you both!!
Mary & Travis
John what do you mean “You Can’t Dance”, looks like you were having a blast with Mr.Teiichi Obace from Japan. Please, keep dancing and keep the guests laughing-You Do Both So WELL!!!
Love to both you & Heidi,
Inez
John,
I hope I get to cruise with you one of these days as I have always herad and now see that you are the best. I have been on two wonderful cruises, the Ecstasy and COnquest and was blessed with two wonderful CD’s. Larry Garlutzo (Sp?) and the remarkable Todd Witmer. Hopefully Marc Price will be just as good in January when I visit the Coquest again.
I was wondering what something special I could do for my sister as her birthday is the second day of the cruise. What would you recommend. (It will be her 4th Carnival cruise)
After further examination of the “John dancing photos” I have figured out what I really think is happening: John is trying to shake dog poo off his shoe, or his underwear is stuck in his crack!
Hmmmm – did Mr. Shultz mention which acts would be appropriate?
Oh, you made my day John!! thanks so much for that Grand Marnier Souflee recipe. I will be getting some bonus points from the Mrs. for sure this weekend. We will be attempting to make this delightful dessert. Thanks again -Phil and Melissa Incorvia