The weather is changing as Mother Nature puts away her summer clothes here in the Mediterranean and is now wearing a light waterproof jacket and socks. Yep, at 7:30 am when we arrived today it was only 8 degrees and although it reached 67 degrees at noon there was a definite chill in the air. The weather had already taken a turn for the worse yesterday evening when for the first time I had to cancel the evening movies under the stars and move them indoors because of the heavy rain and lightning storms. Now it is raining cats and dogs and guests are returning very wet, for the first time I really feel that summer was over.
Another port has gone by without Heidi or I getting off the ship. There is still so much to do. I am preparing schedules and plans for the TA crossing so as much as possible is ready for Todd when he joins on the 25th of this month. Obviously, he will have the final say in what activities and events are held but I still feel obligated to have as much done as possible for when he walks up the gangway.
What else can I tell you? Oh yes, don’t go jumping into our main pool today because there ain’t know water in it. Unfortunately we have had to close the pool all day for maintenance and replace one or two tiles on the bottom. We try and do this on days like today when the weather is not so good and the majority of guests are ashore. Most people are understanding so hopefully this will not impact the guests too much.
Talking of guests:
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:39 PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER; FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR; FREEDOM AUDIO VISUAL MANAGER
Subject: ____ – Less CNN news on Lido
Good evening,
Please see below comments, FYI
Thanks and regards,Marion
Pursers office
Following comment card received:
“Wonderful cruise, great service, very friendly workers… Lido deck could use LESS CNN NEWS! . Thank you!”
Now, here is an interesting point of view. Let me start by telling you that we only play the CNN news from 8 am – 10 am so they can watch the events of the world while eating their pancakes smothered in thick maple syrup before moving onto crisp bacon which is gently caressing the sides of two perfectly fried eggs cooked over easy and thick brown toast oozing with creamy pure butter…………………………sorry……………..I slipped into the realms of fantasy once again but I am back. Anyway, CNN is playing for those early hours and we never play the news after that and instead play movies, concerts, ambient footage and the live travel talks and events.
I just spoke to the guest and I knew already what he was going to say as I have heard this once or twice before. …………..it’s all bad news and we are on vacation………….we do not want to hear it. Interesting, what do you all think?…………..I would appreciate your thoughts on this. For now, I have replaced the CNN station with something a bit more light-hearted and fun…………CSPAN………………..kidding………….we are playing the Travel Channel now. What do you think……………….should we show the news?
This cruise the Big Screen has featured heavily…………here is a reminder why.
1. I was nearly arrested by Officer Armani for having the James Bond movie on to loud……………This was thanks to a complaint (allegedly) from a ship that can’t be named that we were docked next to, what a bunch of
Ridiculously Complaining Idiots.
2. A guest told me that the Tina Turner concert was inappropriate because Tina and her backup dancers were wearing “next to nothing” and dancing in a “sexual manner.”………………personally I think Tina is simply the best and wish she was my private dancer.
3. Too much bad news on the big screen……………..maybe this one is worthy of a comment. Let’s see what you all think.
Here are today’s photos which are a little bit of a Potpourri today
1. The Carnival Freedom in Venice. Look carefully in the background and you will see the snitch of the seas leaving. (Allegedly)
2. A Venetian mask shop
3. One of the many back streets of Venice, this one in the Burano area.
4. The moon on Venice night over looking the bridge.
Here are today’s letters from the In Their Own Words Section
Here is the joke of the day.
God said, “Adam, I want you to do something for me.”
Adam said, “Gladly, what do you want me to do?”
God said, “Go down into that valley.”
Adam said, “What’s a valley?” God explained it to him.
Then God said, “Cross the river.”
Adam said, “What’s a river?” God explained that to him, and then said, “Go over to the hill.”
Adam said, “What is a hill?” So, God explained to Adam what a hill was. He told Adam, “On the other side of the hill you will find a cave.”
Adam said, “What’s a cave?”
After God explained, he said, “In the cave you will find a woman.”
Adam said, “What’s a woman?”
So God explained that to him, too. Then, God said, “I want you to reproduce.”
Adam said, “How do I do that?” God explained that to Adam as well. So, Adam goes down into the valley, across the river, and over the hill, into the cave, and finds the woman. Then, in about five minutes, he was back.
God, his patience wearing thin, said angrily, “What is it now?”
And Adam said, “What’s a headache?”
We should have sailed by now but we are waiting for 236 guests to return from the Mount Etna and Taormina tour. Apparently there was a serious accident involving a tanker truck which has spilled a load of fuel on the road and it is being cleaned up before traffic can pass. They should be here by 5:30 pm, one hour late…………I will keep you informed.
OK, its time for the Q and A…………….how the heck did I suddenly get 100 plus comments and questions? Anyway, I will try and answer as many as possible giving preference to those with actual questions. By the way, I printed every comment you have written a for Alan and Heidi is making a scrapbook for him. He is suffering today with severe headaches and is in a special Dark Room where he will have to remain for 24 hours…………….poor old sod. Hopefully, he will be strong enough for the next surgery due in three weeks or so and I will be there to remind him how ugly he is. Anyway, thanks so much, you are all dear friends who I consider such special people. I wish time allowed for me to reply to everyone of your comments for my mate but please know that I have read everyone of them and I know he will rejoice in the knowledge that so many people are thinking of him. To skip the Q&A, click here.
Right, much to the disgust of my two fingers, away we go.
NANI – I had to start with you today because I was so sad to read of the passing of your sister in law at such a young age. Please know that Heidi and I are thinking of you and that these thoughts are now shared by all your friends here on the blog. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
MATT EDMUNDS – Thanks for the package mate that Chris Prideaux did indeed receive and will be sending home to the UK for me, you are very kind. Thanks for the baseball updates and so far the men in the red socks seem to be doing well. What happened to the Yankee team? Enjoy the game and have a hot dog for me .All the best.
ADAM – Hopefully Mr. Murphy has buggered off to another ship and is as we speak making life difficult for another cruise director, preferably on the ship that said we were too loud. You asked when I was going on vacation and the answer is October 29th. Hopefully Murphy will be nowhere near me for the time I am ashore but somehow………..I doubt it. Hope all is well with you and thanks for reading the blog thingy.
MILLIE S – Hello Millie and I am so sorry that I did not see your request to attend the TA party on the 28th. I have now seen it though and your cabin has been added to the invitation list. See you soon and have a safe flight.
TOM AND JANE – I just wanted to applaud you for booking your 43rd Carnival cruise on the Carnival Sensation. You are both true supporters of this company and thanks to people like you we continue to proclaim the fact that we are The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line. Now, stop teasing me about buying me an Aston Martin but if you are going to buy me one………black please. I am so looking forward to seeing you on January 19 for the Bloggers Cruise and wish you both a funtastic cruise on the Carnival Sensation. Cheers.
SUE GROHOL – Your cabin has been added to the invitation list. It will be a great chance to have a few drinks and meet your fellow bloggers. See you soon and have a safe flight.
MARC G – Thanks for reading the blog mate and it’s great that you decided to slap on a posting. You asked if I will be the cruise director on your Nov. 24 Carnival Freedom cruise. I am sorry to report that I will not. As I sit here typing I have already completed nine months onboard and it is time for a break. However, I will be leaving the ship in the very capable hands of the brilliant Todd Wittmer whom I assure you will make your cruise vacation unforgettable apologize that we cannot be together but I am sure that will happen one day soon. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you meantime and until then I send you best wishes.
KATHIE…………the poem was very funny and I did see it, there should be a reply on yesterday’s blog thingy. Cheers.
GINA – I see from your posting that you will soon be sailing on the Carnival Pride. You asked if I have ever been on the vessel but actually………..I have not. It is one of the few that I have never been a Cruise Director on along with the Carnival Spirit, the Carnival Miracle, the Carnival Valor and the Carnival Conquest. I also hope that we sail with each other soon and I am happy to hear that the blog thingy is keeping you going until you walk up the gangway on the beautiful Carnival Pride. Our best wishes to you and the family.
CARO AND KEN LEPAIN – First of all, welcome home and I hope the journey was not to bad despite the madness that is Rome airport. I remember our conversation well about you being married 30 years on the 30th and am also happy to hear that our humble gold plastic trophy has brought you so much joy. Thank you so much for your kind comments and I hope it is not too long before you can sail with us again. Please keep in touch through the blog thingy and my best to you both.
LINDA HERNACKI – Hello Linda and thanks for asking about the package mailing details. I will be leaving on the evening of 28 October on the late flight and if you mail anything to the address at the side of the blog in the next few days it will reach Chris in Miami who will immediately mail it to me in the U.K. You are dear friends and I wish you both health and happiness ALWAYS.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Paul. You can call me anything you like as long as you know we are friends. I know these past few days have been happier ones for you following your great news from the doctor and I could not be happier for you. You asked if I could send some photos of the other Carnival Ships and indeed I can so look out for those in a few days time. Many thanks for all your kind words mate, you are a true friend. Wishing you continued health from us both.
LEASA – Thank you for the jokes Leasa and it is very appropriate! Anyway, thanks mostly for the kind words about Alan whom I am sure will be fit and well again soon ready to get his own back on me for the many times I have left him in the brown stuff. Thanks again for the laughs and hope all is well with you.
DAVE MYERLY – OK, I am know dribbling and drooling having opened the link thingy about the new range of Aston Martins for 2008…………….what do I have to do to get one. I am only $150,000 short?
CATHERINE EBERT – Welcome back home Catherine and Heidi and I also wish you were still here. Thank you for the wonderful work you do and I have to agree with you that I also do not think that the big screen was too loud. Hope to see you again soon and until then please keep reading the blog thingy.
LANCE AND ILDA – Thanks for the positive reinforcement for Alan and I am so happy for you that Mum is doing so well now following her surgery. I am glad the Red Sox are doing well and I will keep wearing the hat until they lose and then wear another teams. I am a true fan. Best to you all and please keep reading the blog thingy.
LFTTNSFCF – Does Todd smoke cigars I hear you ask? Yes is the answer but only if someone else pays. He is a tight sod he really is and if he had a twin they would be a Pair Of Tights. Thanks for thinking of me mate, it means so much. See you soon.
TERESA C – I remember the time on the Carnival Liberty that we had to turn the big screen off because of the noise in Venice. I could understand that as we were docked in a residential area but now, here, on the Carnival Freedom there was nothing around us except the other ship………….maybe we were disturbing their basket weaving classes. Thanks for the memories Teresa and hope all is well with you.
BIG MIKE – Thanks for the support mate and I shall team you up with Big Ed and you will both be my bodyguard team. What size thong do you wear?
Thanks again and consider yourself hired.
KEVIN – Hello mate and yes, I did receive the photos of the Aston and all I can say is WOW. What a beauty and you must enjoy driving her so much. Having now seen the car I have decided that we must indeed do a photo shoot with Big Ed on the bonnet and I can see that being snapped up by GQ Magazine, Autocar and maybe one or two ummmmmmmmm….specialist magazines. Thanks for the plug not to be thrown into the doghouse too much but that’s a long shot at best. Thanks for cheering me up with the photos of the car and hope one day we can go for a ride. Cheers mate.
SHERYL PELTON – OH, go on, give me a clue………..please.
BIG ED – Big Ed………………meet……………….Big Mike.
You asked about the Carnival Spirit being the same class as the new Queen Victoria. Although the ships look similar the Queen Victoria is a brand new design and both the exterior and interiors are different. I will be posting a report about my recent visit over the weekend which I hope you will enjoy. Cheers mate…………..and see, I never even mentioned the thong.
KEVROB – Your name has been added to the bloggers party and an invitation will magically appear in your cabin. You asked about requesting ships tours, can you be more specific and I will try and help you mate. Cheers.
ESMEE K – All is well. I have seen the memo and your meetings, parties and cabin deliveries are all set. Drop me a note when you get here and I will be certain to give your group a big hello. See you soon and have a safe flight.
We now move onto one or two questions from the blog called the Royal Family.
GREG BALDASARRI – What a good question. What will the gifted people at Cunard do to top the soon to be launched magnificence that is Queen Victoria? Answer, I have no idea but it is going to be fun finding out. I wonder if this blog thingy will be around in 2010? Hope all is well with you mate and thanks as always for another great posting.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Ah, now I understand your previous posting. The Carnival Pride will indeed be going into drydock in December and although no major structural or design changes are going to be taking place, there will be essential maintenance carried out in all the public rooms and of course the engine and technical areas. Tell you what, if you remind me I will make sure we get plenty of photos sent over from the vessel to slap on the blog. The pre- inaugural sailing of the Carnival Splendor should now be on sale and it looks like a great trip. Are you ready for the fish and chips? Hope all is well mate, what did you have for dinner?
DWA 76 – Hello mate, just wanted to say hi and thank you for your compliments about the Queen Elizabeth………I think she is going to be rather special. Hope you and the family are well mate.
EBB TIDE – I am sorry you didn’t let me know it was your birthday. I would have loved to have sent you a card etc. Oh well, please except a happy birthday belated as it is. I am glad you are over your jet lag and also thank you so much for your compliments about your cruise here on the Carnival Freedom. I will have a look at your blog in a moment and I am sure it will be a great read. Please stay in touch through this blog thingy and send my best to your family.
KERSPLOTT – Welcome back from your Carnival Victory cruise. How is the weather in Alaska now? It sounds like the Concorde Effect was alive and well when you saw the Queen Mary 2 docked alongside and I have shared those goose bumps many times. I was so happy to hear that Malcolm took the time to promote the blog and I have just sent him a thank you e-mail. Thank you also for eating a doughnut from Tim Horton’s on my behalf, was it good? Your thoughts for Heidi and I are very kind and we return them to you and your family as well. Welcome back and see you next year.
MATT – I just had to say a big hello and thank you for your first ever posting mate. You asked about the Pinnacle project. This was a plan to possibly build a massive ship, possibly the biggest in the world but those plans are for now on hold. Instead, and in my opinion the good news, is that we are building two ships at 130,000 tons called the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Magic. I do not have many details on these vessels yet but PA 007 will be on the case and will let me know as soon as any news is about to break. I am really happy you have discovered the blog thingy and hope you continue to enjoy it. Cheers.
Thanks all for now, more tomorrow.
So, let’s talk about our Carnival Legends show.
This show is performed fleetwide. It was conceived by our brilliant director of Production Entertainment, Kerry Stables.
The show features 10 guests who have auditioned at previous karaoke events and have been chosen to perform by audience response. They are then given something called a PMS 3 player, so they can rehearse the song. They are then fitted with costumes and rehearse with our cast of 16 dancers and 2 singers along with the live 10-piece orchestra and all the bells and whistles that together make this a spectacular event. Just so you know the stars they perform as, here is the list:
JAMES BROWN
ARETHA FRANKLIN
ELTON JOHN
BRITNEY SPEARS
MADONNA
GARTH BROOKS
RICKY MARTIN
GLORIA ESTEFAN
ELVIS
FRANK SINATRA
There are also one or two special guest stars. During the last few days it has been reported to me by my fellow cruise directors that something strange was happening and today I saw it for myself here on the Carnival Freedom.
Can you guess what I am going to say? We had big problems with ……….. Britney Spears.
Now, on this ship, at this time of year, with the average age on board the ship being what it is most people think Britney Spears is a type of plant or a fishing and hunting supply shop in Georgia.
Nope, that wasn’t the problem. When we announced the auditions for Britney, we had three ladies sign up. Each one sang and each one was booed and jeered by the 300 or so people who were watching. Now, I don’t quite understand why, I do not watch or read the gossip stations and magazines. These magazines are littered all over the cabin and the only time I find them useful is if we run out of toilet paper………………..that’s me in the doghouse.
Heidi has explained to me that Britney is in a world of trouble at the moment and has just lost the custody of her two boys.
This has obviously had an effect on the nation as we also received four written comments that we should not have Britney in the show……….I am shocked. I had no idea people took this so seriously and not just on this ship.
The guests who auditioned for Britney were so upset at the way they were received at the auditions that all three of them had refused a chance to perform, therefore Britney will not be appearing in the show this evening.
I thought about making her spot a “comedy highlight” and having a male guest perform the number but judging from the current climate, it seems that may not be a good idea.
When the show was conceived Britney was on the top of her game and was heading to be a true legend. That is now obviously not the case. It will be interesting therefore to find out from some of you who you would like to see added to the Legends list. Remember, it needs to be someone who is popular to as many generations as possible or whose music is internationally known.
Let me know who you think fits that bill and I will pass your suggestions along should a change be needed.
I hope Britney sorts her life out and I wonder if she knew the reaction she was getting here, I wonder if that would be a wake up call for her.
Anyway, Heidi has just read the comment about the gossip magazines and I had better say goodnight before she hits me Baby One More Time….
Goodnight,
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
My friend John,
You said that summer had left but I didn’t suspect that it left in a huff!! 8 degrees? I jest, certainly a typo but I couldn’t resist… along with the remarkable resemblance of the Freedom to a Venetian Mask Shop! You have to forgive me, your blog is so wonderfully accurate that even a minor slip up parades itself about in grand fashion!
It’s unfortunate that you couldn’t have lowered a boat and paddled over to the ‘Ridiculously Complaining Idiots’ vessel and marked it so on the stern. I wonder how long it would have taken them to notice??? Stuffy, self important people have always put me off…
I might suggest Cher as a substitute for the poor, confused Ms. Spears. As her facial features are a bit out of the ordinary a make up artist might be required but I can visualize some wonderfully silly moments. You might even drum up a Sonny to be a foil to Legends Cher!
As my poor feeble brain is now completely exhausted form the effort of remembering names of female singers, I’ll sign off.
As always, my regards to Heidi and my best to Roberto, master of HTML code!
Regards,
Greg
Please, good sir, an update on our friend, Alan. Thank you.
Hmmm…
Legends…
Must it be a woman to replace Britney? Then how about Janis Joplin? Janet Jackson as long as there is no ‘wardrobe malfunction’? Carly ‘You’re so Vain’ Simon?
For men, Van Morrison? Warren “Werewolves of London” Zevon? Bruce Springsteen?
Those are a few that popped into my head.
Oh by the way, for your astronomy minded passengers: The next meteor shower is the Orionids on October 21. The gibbous Moon sets by 1 or 2 a.m., providing several good hours to watch the shower. Some experts predict that the Orionids could be better than average this year, with perhaps a score of meteors per hour visible at their peak.
Just a heads up as you count down your sleeps until your departure.
John has asked about Brittany Spears
And the subsequent booing of three volunteers
During the auditions she got no cheers
She has lost her luster it certainly appears
In the past her voice has been music to many ears
But now it appears she’s had one too many beers….
snitch of the seas! LOVE IT!
so funny!
Hope you day was well. Looks like after the pride in january i will indeed be on the freedom next july. very excited!
Hope all is well,
Nico R
John,
Glad the car pictures cheered you up a bit. Big Ed took the time to americanise my aston, he has since been assassinated ( on not assassinated but slapped around). As far as needing to remove Brittney from the legends show just add christina agulera and keep the costume just make it a bit more, well sorry folks, slutty. See saves money for carnival no need for new costume. For that I think carnival should upgrade me from my cabin next to the engines to the penthouse on the miracle. Ok I had to try, John is there some kind of inside joke I can use on the CD on the miracle, let me know if I can give him any messages for you (dead fish in a newspaper, horse heads, jelly beans, ) you get the jist. Best to Heidi, and Alan I guess he really is ugly if they locked him in a blackout room.
Cheers Mate
Kevin
(New top speed 197mph with room to grow)
John,
Forgot to mention we have dispatched mines to take care of that Really Crumby Idiot ship that almost got you arrested. So please return the volume back to the normal settings
Good evening Mr. Heald. One character who would be great on the Carnival Legends show is Tom Jones. He’s still enjoyed my many people especially the women. He’d be great and he’s, I think English or Welsh. Thank you for thinking of putting the Carnival ships on your blog. I’ll be looking forward to the pictures. I know how Alan must feel. When they closed up my head , they stitched me up with 87 stitches. After I had both of my brain operations, when I first opened my eyes it was very difficult. The lights were always overally bright so that the lights were usually off and the window shades closed. Please let him know that I feel I’m with him at all times knowing what he probably is going through. It will take time but just knowing he has a friend like you he will get better.I do believe that you really do need a vacation. The first two sentences of your comment to me were the same from the last comment. What wanted to laugh because you’ve already stated that you’ve been on the ship far to long. Please my friend, rest,rest and have more rest. You’ve worked far to long. With your normal job it must be very difficult and you have added to this the blog. You are a superman. Last but not least the jokes have been enjoyable and very laughable. Ciao my friend and I’m in spirit with Alan
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Instead of Britney, why not go with Michael Jackson. Now sure there is plenty of controversy about him/her as well,. However much of the early Jackson Five tunes would fit the bill of the evening. Should a guest choose to perform one of MJ’s later hits it could easily be played off as a joke just as your suggested intention of Britney.
As for CNN, I must admit that I am not a fan of CNN. It is my opinion that CNN is the worst place learn of the latest ‘news’ as they fill there on air programming with non sense and plenty of un-confirmed facts. Not to mention the way CNN will cover one ‘news’ story non stop until the next big headliner comes along. They might as well flog a dead horse..that may just get better ratings in some parts of the country. lol
Perhaps a light hearted morning news show would be better appreciated by the many guests and crew. For example Good Morning America, Regis, or Canada A.M. (if you want true International News not just American “international” ‘news’.)
Cheers
Hi John
I vote No CNN
If i want to see the news I can see it in my cabin besides BBC America beats CNN hands down
John, Heidi, Roberto and all my bloggers friends:
Thank you all for your kind words. They mean a lot to us.Finally tomorrow she will be at the funeral home its going to be a long and hard day. We are finally understanding that it was Gods will and that even at this difficult time we are a blessed family, strong and united as she always wanted us to be.You know John, she was with us when we meet you the first time at the Ecstasy it was her first cruise and she love it , of course we had the best CD
Alan hang in there!! We are here for you!
God bless you all!!
Love and muchos huggos for you all!!!
Nanette
PS – For the Legends show, How about Shakira??
O Great One:
I am sorry. I can’t give you an opinion on WideScreenNews.
Formal Night, yes, everynight should be formal night. Everybody all dolled up and pretty. Well, not the first night, the luggage may not be in the room yet.
Dance music at your parties, lots of shorter songs, yes.
News? If I am not in the mood to listen to the news, then I don’t listen to it. Same with golf, tennis, basketball, commercials… And, I am either going off shopping, dancing, eating, or resting up to go off shopping, dancing, or eating again when we have a vacation by sea. Breakfast (and a highlighter with the Capers) is for plotting the order of shopping, dancing and eating.
We should not, however, embrace ignorance of current events.
It’s not like a national newspaper is going to have a delivery truck drop off a paper for each of your hotel rooms, like they do in the US hotels and motels.
Paper free news. In a modest dose. How very modern and commendable. Quite in the spirit of Public Service.
Oh, a Respectable Lady Legend? In the Making?
Miss Carrie Underwood. Beautiful, just absolutely disgustingly blonde and beautiful, but we can’t hate her, she is just good. It will, however, unlike the lately lamentable Miss Jeers, take a true talent to adequately represent Miss Underwood.
As far as the costuming in your concerts: Aren’t these, like, ancient artifacts? If you don’t want to watch, take one of the seats with obscured sight lines and leave the good seats to somebody who will appreciate it. Or close your eyes. Or sit behind a tall person with big hair and a hat. Or, didn’t you KNOW that was what Tina Turner wore, or almost wore, for concerts and such?
I almost got you a dvd at the dollar store today. George Hamilton portrayed Evil Knievel. Wasn’t sure if it would work in your British player, you have different electricity!
Thanks John for being so great about my Group — as if you have nothing better to do!!!!! By the way I WILL NOT BE THERE ON THE CRUISE WITH THE GROUP!!! — remember, I’m gonna be reading the blog thingy every day WISHING I were there. I couldn’t make it onto the ship this year, due to obligations at home. I sent someone else in my place, her name is Loretta. I get depressed just thinking about it!!!! Oh well, onto another topic…….. You want a LEGEND huh? Hmmm……. I would have suggested Michael Jackson — but then again you got passengers booing over Britney and racey provocative dancers on the Big Screen!!!! Who knows what’ll happen if they put Mr. Jackson on the Bill??!! haha…… So to avoid an angry mob, I am gonna put my vote in for TWO awesome women: LIZA MINELLI and TINA TURNER……. they are both LEGENDS, and they’re very energetic on stage — so it would make for a GREAT show!!!!!!!!!!! Cheers!
EsmeeK
Hi John,
As far as the CNN news on the big screen, I would not play it there. It is always available on the TV’s in the cabin and could be broadcast on a TV in the lounges if a guest wanted to see it while in there. Some parents may want to sheild their children from some of the images the news broadcasts, and I personally would not want to be watching/listening to something gross or upsetting while eating. One parent could be in the room with the kids, the other could grab a cup of coffee in the lounge and see the news if they didn’t want to expose the kids to it.
The Britney thing, take her out. Put in John Denver. He spans the generations and his music can be sung by both men and women.
Blog comments…..I don’t think you should feel that you need to reply or comment on every one you get. You are so considerate to take the time to answer everyone’s questions and help with their dinner reservations, etc. Eventually it will be impossible to keep up. Just enjoy!
Aston Martin. I, for one, would love to see you have the car of your dreams. I think you and Heidi should have matching Martins. I was thinking, if each blogger sent in $1.00, that already you’d have nearly a quarter of a million dollars. How many Aston Martins would that buy? I have no idea how much they cost. Make it happen! Give everyone an address to send $1.00 to, just for fun. See how much you get.
Julie Gantt
Hi John and Heidi, Hope you are well. As we sailed with you in June, at the beginning of the extreme heatwave, it was a nice break from cool and damp Heidelberg, where we had almost no summer to speak of. It sounds like Europe below the Alps is starting to catch up with the rest of us. I enjoyed having the news on during breakfast. Though my husband and I are news addicts anyway. I really enjoyed the afternoon concerts that you showed on the big screen. Though I think Britney could be a great comedy act, it’s probably better to drop it. I, for one, am sick of hearing about her and the other pop-tarts (Lohan, Hilton, Richie, etc). How about Celine Dion or Whitney Houston? Or a guests’ choice of someone who isn’t on the list? I bet on some sailings, you’ll have someone who can do a great Ertha Kitt or Judy Garland, and then on another it might be someone totally different.
Personally,I would prefer FOX news and the Sky
channel to the Communist News Network.
I guess someone in Miami has a love for CNN as it’s on all your ships.
Maybe they could contract for both channels?
Good morning dear John & Heidi,
Thank you soooo much for that lovely description of the breakfast being consumed on the Lido Deck. It really made me enjoy my bowl of oatmeal even more (yeah right). I’m going downstairs after I finish this and get a bagel, and it’s all your fault.
Anyway, your question was about the CNN News. Personally, I don’t mind 2 hours of news in the morning. I always felt cut off from the world on the first few cruises I was on, not knowing what was going on. So my vote is to keep it.
Yesterday I re-read your first 2 blog entries from March and the first time I saw a reply from Big Ed. We’ve come a long way baby.
Who should be added to the Legends show? How about Tina Turner, Barry Manilow, Dean Martin, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett & Sammy Davis?
Give my best to Alan,
Regards,
Carol
Nice blog today John. All our best to Alan and I hope and pray his headaches go away and the next surgery in 3 weeks or less is a total success and he is back on the mend. He is lucky to have such a great friend in you. So, tell me is it a jealousy thing? I mean you calling him ugly? He must be one heck of a handsome guy if you keep calling him ugly. Jealousy, that’s all it is, I suppose. Hopefully, you will post a picture of him from the Bloggers cruise. He is still going isn’t he?
Anyway yes, I will be mailing a package off to you early next week as I NEVER go to the post office on Friday (the lines are always so long). And Saturday the P.O. is only open till noon. Tomorrow being Saturday I have to take one of my dogs for grooming. I have 2 dachshunds-a long haired named Rascal, so he gets groomed, the other is a miniature dachshund named Lily Belle. She is short haired so we groom her at home, but Rascal’s hair sheds so we have him shaved about once every 3 months. Rascal is 9 years old and Lily is going on 3 years old. They both sleep with us on our king sized bed and Lily just l0ves to cuddle. She is all of 9 lbs. if that much, Rascal is a BIG dachshund (around 24lbs). Well, I hope you two have a wonderful weekend, all our love and prayers to Alan and family. I can tell you are ready to go on holiday (vacation) because you sound so happy, although I know you are worried about Alan, I know you are looking forward to going home for awhile too. Before you go please give me a hint of where you will be in April/May so Mike and I can start thinking about our next cruise. Your friends, Linda & Mike
My Dearest John I miss your regular visits at the House of Hoses. Please tell your friend Alan thank you for bringing you to me that first time and to have a speedy recovery. John I keep your usual bed and favorite hose ready, you know the big blue one. Since I can’t post a picture card here I put a Happy Halloween card on your friend “BIG” ED’s blog site just for you. I can’t wait to be a service to you again the back door is always open.
Yours Always Fatima
Since you asked:
I think CNN on the big screen may be a bit too much. Having it available in the cabins is great for those who want to keep in touch. But, since part of the idea of a cruise vacation is, “to get away from it all,” the big screen puts “the real world” too much in your face.
If however, an historic news event occurs, then you should put it on the big screen, even to the point of interrupting normal programming.
Thanks for asking. I appreciate your sensitivity.
bg
I think that BArry White should be added.
In your opinion, what do you feel is the most beautifully decorated ship in the fleet? I have always loved the decor on the ships that Ive been on (Glory, Legend, Triumph, valor, victory and soon to be triumph again).
Cold in Buffalo also, had to turn on the furnace last night!
Lindsey
Hi John, as requested here is my take on the CNN issue. When I was on the Carnival Liberty, the big screen showed CNN in the mornings. I have a wonderful gift of being able to “tune things out” which I did because I just didn’t care. There were other who did and watched and listened intently. The other beautiful thing about the cruise ship is that on the Lido deck there is more than one place to sit….either within eyesight or earshot of the big screen or not. In addition, for those who didn’t realize, there is a dining room that plays soft easy listening music….If you don’t like CNN on the big screen go somewhere else!!! Keep the funny stuff coming….and I do find the idiotic comments from current guests funny!
John and Heidi,
You are coming down the home stretch approaching your time of R and R. I could not help but laugh at the comment that you made about disturbing the basket weaving classes on the other cruise line.
The pictures of Venice were beautiful. What a lovely city. I hope I will get to return there one day.
John, your description of the people on deck eating their wonderful breakfast was great. I remember those mornings on the Freedom. In fact, I remember watching your show the first morning at sea and going back to the cabin and telling hubby about the fantastic cruise director who did these wonderful shows. It is only 275 days until the Splendor- so I know those leisurely days will in fact come again.
I hope Alan will have a better day. I am sure you are very concerned about him.
Dear John:
OMG that was a funny blog; I now have the image of you singing Baby Hit Me One More Time to Heidi ~ the only thing that would make it better is having Big Ed, Roberto and Alan as your back up singers!!! Think of that show !!!
Thanks for the laugh to start my Friday ~ as since it has been a sports blog lately I think it is only appropriate for me to plug my team ~
GO BUCS ~ GO OSU ~ GO BUCKEYES!
John and Heidi – we still miss you and read your blog daily. Here are my suggestions:
1. Show CNN. Reality will win out and you won’t feel so lost when you get home.
2. Glad you dumped Britney. Add Buddy Holly or Rod Stewart.
We are thinking of going on our free cruise in March on the Freedom. Will you be there?
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Alan. Hopefully they will be as successful for him as yours were for me!!! Our wishes for you are for a relaxing, family time off. Be sure to do something special for Heidi as her dedication and love for you should be rewarded regularly!!!
John:
I have performed in 2 Legends shows. The first time I was Aretha. On the Victory last week, I was Gloria Estefan.
As someone who sang in a band years ago ~ when Moby Dick was a tadpole ~ I can tell you this is by far the most fun I have had in years. The dancers, performance staff and tech staff are first rate. They truly give you 110% to make you feel like a star.
Now I do karaoke to be able to continue to do what I love (sing). But I only get to sing on the cruise ships, because the places around where we live, that have karaoke, are not safe and certainly not smoke free. Carnival gives me 4 hours a day of both safe and smokefree!! On the Cruise Critic board, I am known as the “karaoke queen” under my signature.
Rehearsal on the Victory took 2 hours. They do everything they can to make you feel as comfortable as they can. I wanted to bring the leather jacket from Gloria’s costume home!! Loved it!!! The only down side is that you can only do the arrangement in their key since the production music is canned. I actually sing both songs 2 keys lower. As a perfectionist when it comes to singing, I did not feel like I did either song to my usual standards. But hey, still had a great time.
I understand about Britney. I have never considered her a “Legend”. I suggest they replace her with Tina Turner!!! (Proud Mary) Hope your guest who complained about Tina never attends the karaoke session where I do her Proud Mary…. I am afraid they would be “offended” by the fanny shaking part!!!
We took some great pictures of DJ and Ria and I will include them as soon as that roll is developed.
BTW< hubby and I spent our 2 week honeymoon in Italy almost 20 years ago. Thanks for the pictures to remind me of this wonderful trip!!
We head out on the Holiday~ which we have sailed many times (to say goodbye to her before she goes to Spain) ~ on December 8th. Can’t wait!!!!!
Hi John,
As sad as I am I won’t cruising with you next month, I’m sure you’ve left me and my girlfriend in capable hands.
Any chance of getting the laser tag on board that I heard is on the Liberty??
When it comes to CNN and to the Legends show. Keep the CNN because they do show sports highlights and I’m sure all the sports fans on the ship missing all the games appreciate the scores.
And when it comes to the Legends show, why not bring in someone who IS a true legend and they’re songs are loved by many, a couple of suggestions for you:
Axel Rose from Guns N Roses
James Hetfield from Mettalica
Curt Cobain from Nirvana
If you see my pattern maybe get a modern day rock legend in there, besides Brittney “no clue” Spears, every other singer plays more for an older crowd and it would be awesome if you replaced a modern singer with another modern singer.
Whaddaya Think??
-MarcG
John -
A legend to replace Britney Spears? Might I suggest that you include and highlight members the wonderful Carnival Freedom Orchestra in the show – the clarinet player can be Benny Goodman, complete with glasses and a period appropriate suite. The trombone player can be Glenn Miller.
Seriously, can you find a Louis Armstrong or Nat King Cloe? Now, these truly are legends, in my mind.
Or, maybe find a Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. to go with your Frank Sinatra and have them be the Rat Pack again.
Or, find a Fatima – oops, you wanted a Legend of Song, not a Legend of Blog. Never mind. [BTW - I see Fatima has found you. I suspect she is channeling a certain thonger who shall remain nameless
]
I like the other suggestions of Tom Jones or Cher, as well.
Regarding CNN – I am shocked at you for choosing this channel. How can you NOT choose the BBC?
Now, on to TA business – tell Todd we have a cigar date. I will buy the cigars and the snifter of brandy too. We can sit, listen to good jazz and reminisce about our January cruise on the Carnival Liberty.
TA minus 16 days
Good Morning John,
It rained cats and dogs here in NYC yesterday too. Just in time for the evening commute. I was drenched when I got home to Hoboken. Yes, fall has definitely arrived.
I have to come down on the side of less CNN. When I am on vacation, I really don’t want to think that much about what is going on in the world. If I’m that interested, I can watch it my room, or check the headlines on line. Unless it’s a world changing event, I’d rather remain clueless until I get home. That’s part of what I like about cruises, being out of touch for a while.
Hmmmm who to replace Britney in the Legends show? Well, I think you should stick with a female singer since you already have a male heavy roster. Cher was good suggestion and Barbra Streisand too. But my vote would have to go with Diana Ross, because really, who doesn’t love Motown? Or if you wanted to go with a current artist, Gwen Stefani. She’s talented, distinctive and relatively scandal free.
I’m sure you are counting the days until your vacation as anxiously as I’m counting the days until the Bloggers’ cruise. We’re finally down to double digits! 99 days left! Hooray!
My best to Heidi and Alan, oh and you too. Take care.
Cheers mate,
Laura
I prefer Speedo and make sure it has a badge attached that reads “Big John’s Big Security”, you can never use the word big enough times while wearing a Speedo.
Hey there John,
I don’t mind CNN, it’s nice to have a bit of what’s going on. A new legend…Celine Dion came to mind but her singing “The Theme from the Titanic” might disturb a few guests. Cher would definitely be recognizable and showy. All our best to Alan and we are still praying for him! TA is almost here baby!
John,
.
I prefer a Speedo, but make sure it has a badge attached that reads “Big Freedom’s Big John’s Big Speedo Patrol”, you can never use the word big to much while wearing a Speedo, especially around the ladies
Great post, John. While it is truly a shame that at least one of the guests did not agree to play the “pop tart,” perhaps it is time for her to “shuffle off to Buffalo,” so to speak. My vote for a replacement would be one of two people who are truly legends, and whose music has been appreciated by every generation since their debut–Tina Turner and/or Tony Bennett. If only one, then definitely Tina. She is so vivacious, beautiful, and if I do say so myself, SEXY! It might be difficult to find a person to do her justice, but it would make for an exhilarating show.
We sailed on the Pride back in July, ‘05, and it is truly a magnificent ship. The decor is best described as “renaissance” as it relies heavily on wall-sized reproductions of old masters’ paintings. Biggest challenge – many are nudes, tastefully done, but very detailed. Might be a challenge, or an education, if you bring kids, as did we. As the late-night comedian stated – “You keep the kids out of my R-rated show, but the entire ship is X-rated!” Even so, for those of us who appreciate the gentle curve of a shoulder or a hoo-ha as portrayed in the brush strokes of a Raphael or a Rembrandt, it is a beautiful ship.
As far as CNN on the screen in the morning, while I might not need to follow the day’s doings of the outside world every day, when you are cruising, if totally anesthetized to the world around you, you can become totally lost, not knowing what day it is, or what part of the world you are in, especially on sea days. To quote Spock, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” If the majority of people need CNN, give it to them. If the majority need John Heald, well, you know the rest. Maybe it’s time to make another clone, like Wee Jimmy. With him onboard doing your schtick, though not quite as well, we didn’t miss you quite as much.
Much love to you and Heidi–we are so excited that you are going to get off the ship and onto dry land (if you can call England dry) for some R&R. John, make it a true vacation. No CNN, no worries, just plop down in a pub for a pint, and start telling your sailor stories. Should be good for free drinks all night.
We’ll keep your mate, Alan, in our prayers.
Rus & Nina Franklin
Thanks for the weather up date as I am now packing to fly out tomorrow.
I think Cher is a true legend and a wonderful singer, she puts on one heck of a concert too!
See ya Tuesday!
I’d vote for Tina Turner to replace Britney Spears in the Legends Show. A short little sequined dress and one very distinctive wig is all the costume you would need!
But whatever you do, pleeeeease, no Bruce Springsteen!!
John, I do not know if your friend Alan is religious, but I hope he will not mind if I light a candle for him and include him specifically in my special intentions at Mass.
Terri
CNN really isn’t appropriate for a playful place like the Lido. Let guests watch it in their room if they must. We don’t even watch televised news at home — it’s 5% news, and 95% speculation. It’s actually bad for us as citizens because it turns news into entertainment (all those graphics and music, etc.). Television news is all about creating fear. Do you really want that on your big screen?
Britney must go! She’s a disgrace in every way and doesn’t belong with the rest. Replace her with Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, or Dolly Parton. If you need someone younger — Gwen Stephani, Jewel, or that Hannah Montana kid (not her real name, but she’s huge with young girls). Where’s Barbra Streisand and Nat King Cole, by the way? I know some of these folks are older (or dead) but it takes time to become a legend.
I’m glad to hear the weather is cooling. Until this week, highs have still be in the 90s F here in Memphis. I’m tired of sweating!
You’re so sweet to be working on the TA stuff even though you won’t be there. Just make sure the trivia answers are right. When we were on a “Ridiculously Complaining Idiots” TA cruise, a fair number of the answers were wrong and the staff wouldn’t correct them. Like “who won an oscar for best actor for portraying Patton in the 1970 movie?” They said Michael Douglas, who was only 26 at the time BTW, instead of the correct answer of George C. Scott. Thing is, they wouldn’t make the correction for the next cruise. It made for some rather raucaus trivia games, let me tell you.
BTW, why does Carnival do individual trivia instead of team like other lines? We both treasure our ships on sticks, but enjoy getting to know fellow passengers through the team trivia. Of course these other lines (HAL, Princess and you-know-who) did give team members prizes (teams were limited to 6 people) but they were things like luggage tags as a rule. Not that the prize matters (the HAL staff said they didn’t give any prize on the Alaska cruises). Who needs all those luggage tags? But it is more fun to win in a group.
Just a thought.
Tom Jones!
Great idea Paul P. ! I loved Tom Jones in the 60’s and I love Tom Jones now! I was thrilled to find out the choreographer of “Hallelujah Hollywood” at the original MGM Grand in Vegas was going to be Norman Maen, Tom Jone’s UK TV show choreographer. Working with him was “next best” to working with Tom . We started rehearsal’s in Nov. ‘73 a month before the hotel actually opened.
Tom came to see the show once our show was
finished. All the older”then living”. MGM stars came to the Hotel’s opening as well…..really cool!!!
See you on the Splendor Ruth !
Kathy and Paul
John such a good name how about Johnny Cash to replace Britney. Or just have one spot open for, “NOT ONE OF THE ABOVE” no costumes provided. Those in this group go up against each other. The best of the group moves on.
As for a CNN replacement FOX NEWS is news with a little humour rolled in when possible. It’s more casual delivery is easier to take in the AM.
“BIG” ED
99 days we are down to two digits finally
My, my, my…where did the summer go? Fall is definitely here with a vengence.
Let’s see: for the Legends show, I would vote for either Cher or Liza Minelli. Love them both. Would NEVER vote for Celine.
As far as CNN goes, I love to watch the news in the morning. I vote YES. As stately previously, there are other options for those people who prefer not to keep in touch with the real world for a few days.
It was very good to hear Alan’s first surgery went well. Please continue to update your blogging friends and we will continue to keep him, his family, and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
Hi again John,
I see some agree with me about Tina Turner replacing Brittney. (I still don’t see how Brittney can be considered a “Legend”). But Cher is an excellent idea too.
Isn’t that nice, Fatima sent you a card. She misses you John.
I want to pass along a favorite recipe of mine (since everyone else has).
Cocoa Cappucino Mousse:
Ingredients: 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk.
1/3 cup Cocoa powder
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 teaspoons powdered espresso dissolved in 2 teaspoons hot water
2 cups (1 pint) cold whipping cream
Combine condensed milk, cocoa, butter and coffee in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Cool.
Beat whipping cream in large bowl until stiff. Gradually fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Spoon into individual dessert dishes. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Garnish as desired. This makes about 8 servings.
So enjoy – it’s really easy to make and looks very special.
Regards for now,
Carol
For most of us, not having CNN wouldn’t be a problem. But, for the one whose country or state is affected it’s a big deal. Can you imagine how New Yorkers would have felt on 9/11 without CNN?
Hello John,
Unfournately the New York Yankees were knocked out in first round by believe it or not, you caught FLAK for before: The CLEVELAND Indians!!:)
Last night was the first game in the National League championship series and Colorado Rockies beat Arizona Diamondbacks and lead series 1-0 in best of 7..
Having cruised a few times with Carnival, yes, PLEASE change some (if not all)of the acts in the legends show, not just Britney Spears, but the entire show could be revamped (it’s getting a little tired). I think Carly Simon is a great choice. What about Bette Midler? Faith Hill? Shania Twain? Christina Aguilera? Blondie? What about allowing for groups, not just solo acts (maybe ABBA, Beatles, The Supremes, etc.).
Hi John and Heidi,
I think the news should be aired for a certain amount of time per day on the ship. Many people like a quick little touch with reality in the morning then BAM back to vacation and the reason you chose to go on vacation to get away from it all. Once again you cant please all of the people all of the time.
About this Brittney Spears thing…………My daughter was Britney on the Carnival Liberty last summer and it was a great show…She had fun and I bought the DVD which we watch often.But since then the girl (Britney) has turned into a train wreck and is setting a very poor example for young girls. My daughters are 10,12 and 21 so I worry about what role models they are looking at. I think it would be good idea to cancel the Britney thing. What about Sheryl Crowe or Jessica Simpson or Gwen Sefani???
One last thought to the people who complained about Tina Turner, if their bodies looked like that at her age they would not be complaining.
Our prayers are still with Alan and his family everyday.
The Parker Family
I prefer BBC or SKY News myself.
John:
CNN yes. A male doing Britney, bald head and all, yes. To Vikki:
Go Spartans! Go MSU! Go Green! (What’s a buckeye?) – Happy anniversary honey…John, hopefully that saves me from joining you in the dog house. Mat.
Hello, John!
I agree with BlueMaxBob about the CNN solution. It’s nice not knowing what’s going on sometimes unless it’s truly earthshaking news. And if it’s on in the cabins…have room service with your news.
Suggestions for Britney replacements: On the Glory, there was a crew segment with Sonny and Cher, so two Chers might be too much. Otherwise, I really like Tina Turner, Liza Minelli or Eartha Kitt, but Tina would probably appeal to a broader audience. But then Judy Garland might appeal to Friends of Dorothy:) I like her too, but for much different reasons!
The note from Fatima (thinly disguised though “he” is) was cute. If you guys are really going to appear in thongs I guess I’d better make my Blogger’s Cruise reservations. Will cameras be allowed for your performance?
Tonight Scott and I along with one of our daughters, a grandson and his friend are going to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. It’s supposed to be a truly scary event. If I survive the terror I’ll be back tomorrow to read the blog. Then tomorrow night it’s Mouseland for Food and Wine…yuuuum.
Oh, and I’d like to add my favorite NFL team to the mix…go Jacksonville Jaguars!!!
More prayers for Alan, hello to Heidi and best wishes to you all,
Myra
Hi John,
I’m in agreement with everyone – - Cher is the perfect choice. She is the “Queen of the Divas” and a legend in her own right! Not to mention a unique sense of fashion to make the karoke a memory. HA!! I can’t wait to see this on our cruise. I love to sing but don’t have the guts to get on stage and perform. I’ll just enjoy watching!
As for Britney, she has serious issues and definitely not a legend compared to the ones you listed.
I’m counting down the days!!!! It’s not here fast enough, but we will keep busy this winter and dream of the tropics!
Dear John,
James Bond is too loud and there is too much bad news on CNN. You just can’t please everyone. It always amazes me that people will vehemently complain about everything. What happens when they have something very serious to be upset about? Are they just practicing? Actually, I think it is a quest for power and a stroke to the ego to complain to someone about little things. Also, I am convinced that complaining and being angry about things is habit forming. Some people thrive on it.
Anyway, the countdown is on for you and Heidi and I hope you have a wonderful and rejuvenating time away from the ship. Give my best to your best mate Alan and his family. He is in our prayers.
No need to reply. I just wanted to send you my thoughts. As for CNN on the Lido deck, we enjoyed it on our voyage, and we never watch it at home.
John,
Forgot to mention it’s “fall” here in Clermont (Orlando) as well. Our temperature dropped all the way down to 64 overnight and it’s currently only 82. Break out the coats!
Keep warm,
Myra
john please tell me that 8 degrees is C and not F. please??? and the 67 is F and not C?? i am trying to pack here honey and this is confusing me all to heck. i have put back some short sleeved stuff and gotten out some warmer stuff. is this right? thanks!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
I’m back! Tired and got some European cold bug too, but had a really great time. I missed you all. I am trying to catch up on blogs, so here are few comments:
1. My thoughts are with Alan & Nani. Alan – get well soon and ready for round two. Nani – I am so sorry for your loss.
2. Great news from Mr. Pietrangelo – I am happy for you.
3. 8 degrees must have been in Celsius (not Fehrenheit as somebody else thought), Czech Republic was pretty cold for this time of year, too.
4. Britney should be replaced by Tina Turner, Cher or Celine Dion.
5. As I was just away from US TV for more then a week: Some kind of world news should be available every day (as long as it is in each room, there is no need to have it on the big TV).
6. Go Tribe! Go Pats!
7. John, Roberto (great interview – hope your dreams will come true – you deserve it for all your hard work) how can I send you few pictures via this blog thingy?
Good night, my friends.
I.
hi john how depressing to hear about the heavy rains across the pond its pouring in new york city also. we will try to wish the bad stuff away for next week!! anyhow thanks for the reply on ships tours ,i was thinking the bridge, engineering spaces(i was a retired engine room mate USN but i am aware this is a post 9/11 world and fully agree on security concerns,i thought id ask anyhow thank you and see you soon. rgds, kevin/robin
Hi John. On whether to show CNN on deck – I’m a news junkie, so I do watch the news during our cruise. I can’t stand being completely out of touch. Two years ago on Conquest, we were able to follow the London bombing story, followed by the stories on Hurricane Dennis (which affected our sailing). My most “surreal” news story? This past February on Carnival Liberty. We were on the sailing with the group of passengers who were the victims of an attempted hold-up in Costa Rica, where one of the passengers in the group put one of the robbers in a headlock that resulted in the robber’s death. There we were in our cabin Saturday morning – the last full day – watching file footage of Carnival Liberty and listening to a report about the attempted hold-up! Strange to watch a story about your cruise while you’re still on the cruise!
Having said that, I would prefer to keep news to the cabin TV, not on the Lido deck big screen. CNN repeats enough during the day that those among us who are news junkies can get our fix any time of the day in our cabins. It would also help my husband. He turns the TV off when I get annoyed at the news and start yelling at the TV set, and he wouldn’t be able to do that with the big screen.
Hi John/Heidi/Everyone:
I never thought i’d see the day that you would mention Britney Spears in a blog. In fact, I did a double check when i read the article to make sure I wasn’t crazy.
I guess one can never expect what they will read on the blog.
Nice pictures today even though the “Idiot ship” is in the background.
Thinking of Alan and his wife as he sits in the dark room.
Wife and I wish everyone a nice, happy weekend!
David
Loved your description of the ship that complained !!…Hope things are looking up for Alan.I know your time on the ship is becoming very busy & limited- but I’m still hoping you found the xmas tree ornament of the Freedom. I booked a quickie weekend cruise to Ensenada for Jan- I hope the weather is OK- There are 2 wineries there to taste at- the last I went there was one small one… So wineries area a good tour everywhere it seems. I am referring to your trip you took there in Italy for next year’s itineraries and Il Poggio I visited this year. Anyways hope you have a wonderful vacation and enjoy the much needed time off.
Hi John, Yes definitely Barry Manilow and Barbra Streisand on the Legends show, I agree with Carol S. they both would be great and a nice change from Brittney Boozer (I mean Spears)! OOPS! Have a great weekend, Your friends Linda & Mike
Hi John,
Why don’t you add that group from England what was their names…oh that’s right John, Paul, George and Ringo.
We are thinking of Alan, and hope he will be feeling better very soon.
Terri
Hi John,
Time off the ship is getting closer. Be with your mate Alan and family. Take time with Heidi. Don’t even think about ship board life. You need to decompress.
Real Churlish Imbeciles
Simpletons of the Seas
Anyways, how about Celine, Cher(two for one a male or female could star) has a big fan base. CNN or another news service is good, I like the opportunity to keep up if I want, maybe not on the big screen though, TV’s in the Freedom restaurant. Either way wouldn’t bother me to tune it out.
Thongs and things,
John and Big Ed,
Here are several sites from a Google search on mens underware that come up when I researched this for you. This will allow you time to make the best choices and select the appropriate thongs for your walk around the Freedom decks on the January bloggers cruise.
Remember we will need many photos of the event so all may see that you properly ful”filled” your pledge.
While visiting these sites please allow Heidi to check out the briefs and boxers. The styles go from Ho Hum to Oh My, How can they wear that?
Dave (Jo and Dave)
http://www.freshpair.com/mens/underwear/thongs.html
http://www.freshpair.com/mens/underwear/briefs.html
http://www.wickedtemptations.com/menswear-categories-thongs.html?gclid=CPGj44yzio8CFQRuZQod3jnAvA
http://www.hunkwear.com/mens_thongs_g-strings.php
http://www.bizrate.com/mensunderwear/
John
Glad you avoided the long arm of the law. Here are my “votes” : CNN yes…gotta stay in touch. Possible substitutes for Britney: Cher, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers.
Cheers
Barb
Hi,
Holy Canolli, Sorry for such a long letter, but hey, enjoy it while on the John, John… or while running on the treadmill. haha, send a photo!
It was great meeting you in person. We will see you soon enough again on next years Splendor back-to-back cruise. Get some good shore excursions setup and keep us informed. Hope you still have the offer of fish & chips at the Frying Pan on the table for us. You fly, I’ll buy…
Our sincere wishes go out to your friend Alan, his family, you and Heidi. I understand the difficult times and wish you well while away. You are a good man and a true example of great friendship.
As you requested, we have sent this letter as a ‘Hi, we got home safe, etc…’ we made a stop for a few days in Amsterdam and had a wonderful time. I got a photo of myself in a size 205ish inch wooden shoe. I swear you could kayak down a river in this thing… it was crazy.
Couple of things for you question wise:
1 – Hope you received our gift basket we left for you at the Pursers Desk. It had your items from Arizona in it you wanted, plus a few other things. Please let us know if or not you did in fact get it.
2 – Talent show wise, I’d have to vote for Tom Jones… that would get the place hoppin. Unless of course, you could get Dolly Parton in there… I hear she’s a riot! (haha) If not, you yourself should pull a Britney. You’ve got the moves, if you don’t feel like dancing, just have your dance guys lift you up and run around with you. They do a good job I hear…
3 – With the issues going as they currently are in Turkey, how is that going to effect the cruise industry/tourism of that port? I hear there were problems in Istanbul recently. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to visit the place already, but was curious how that port will be handled, if at all?
4 – You wanna talk loud complaints with the big screen and the other ship in Venice? You should have just put the band out there on Lido and had them play their music. It was so loudly distorted the whole time it felt as if my ears would start bleeding. I did notice that towards the end of the cruise, they had ‘lowered the volume’ a bit… I’m not complaining, just throwing out an observation.
5 – As for CNN, put that purple Barney or something stupid on for a day, see if that gets attention. I do recall going out late at night on the Lido to find it just tuned to static… now that would be a good one to run… ‘Ah, its just one of our Alaskan Ships webcam images, they must be going through a snowstorm. Enjoy the movie!’ CNN or ESPN would be good to alternate between.
That’s it for now, hope all is well for your next few weeks and then your time off. Take care, we wish you guys well. In the name of food, give Mr. Dino our wishes from table 350… he took good care of us.
PS – Say Hi to Harry in cabin 1331, I think he did the back to back and should still be on the ship, so if you get this in time, give him a hello from us. Tell him we’ll see him next year on the Splendor.
Matt & Arte Holden
9-22 Sailing, cabin 7211
John , you continue to keep me in thoroughly entertained with this Blog. I don’t post as often as I would like to , but I am reading your blog every day. Sounds about as cold where you are as it has been around here lately(East Coast Canada)
It is now 480 days until our Carnival Splendor adventure to South America.
Have you received confirmation of your sailing on this wonderful adventure. Perhaps you posted that but I missed it.
Your friend Alan is in our thoughts.
Cheers to you and Heidi.
Sharon and Jeff
Hi John, Heidi and Bloggers:
Good mid October to you all: In Canada the weather is getting colder now. Not too long and we will have ‘it’ – yes – SNOW!
John: I sailed Aug. 17. You did say you would send me the link for our son’s drawing posted on the blog since we could never find it. You showed in on the morning show going in to Venice so it should be around Aug. 22 or 23.
How long can we send mail to Italy address?
SewingNut
Yes we will be on another Carnival Cruise – it will be the Liberty Jan 5 – 13-08.
30 of us are all going to be travelling together.
Most of them will be first-time cruisers, so I know what a thrill they are in for.
Looking forward in the Dining Room for the “Hey Baby” to be sung by the waiters. My brother was with us last January on the “Glory” & he thought this was the greatest. Enjoyed it this last time on the Freedom. This really makes passengers feel good being aboard.
Hope to see you soon.
John & Heidi,
OOP’s we did it again…..
It has been a month now that we have returned home and everything is almost back to normal, well almost…I have not seen too much on this subject and I hope you can help…We are starting to plan our next holiday and have made our booking…Could you please tell me if the CD for the Carnival Splendor is Funny and Good Looking (Mrs. FrankC input)? It would be the greatest think if they were just like you…It seams we have booked the Splendor for the 30th of Aug. 2008….Our cabin is the same we had on the Freedom, 7248 which was perfect..We are planning to get to London a few days early to rent a car and drive to the country side on the wrong side of the road…It’s just crazy to do that on purpose…Besides who the CD is, is there any recommendations you could make on what sites to see and places to eat before we get to the Ship…
Best wishes to Alan…
Back in New Orleans,
Your Friends,
JenniferC & FrankC
Again, Dan and I laughed way to loud at your comments on the snitch. Also, I can see you in 2010 on the Queen Elizabeth. Tell Alan I am sorry he is having headaches. Soon he will be better and work at giving you one with wit at your expence. dan’s Birthday is the day you begin your vacation. Woo Hoo! Obligation day! No headaches on that day!
Take good care,
Kathie
Dear John, about CNN, please don’t take it off the big screen because of one complaint. My husband and I will be travelling on the Freedom in November from Miami. Everyday, with our early morning coffee we look forward to watching CNN in our stateroom, but the thought that we can go up on deck and watch it in the lovely carribean breezes is something we have really looked forward to. So PLEASE restore CNN in the morning. Also I have a challenging question for you, can you find out what time zone the major networks on tv are shown from when the ship is on the carribean routes. e.g. the Triumph shows the networks from Denver, while the Victory shows them from the time zone we are in, eastern – from New York and Miami. I’m hoping for the eastern time zone again. Anyway if you could find this answer out for me you’ll be my hero forever. By the way we will miss seeing you and Heidi very much. Best regards.
Hi John
Jeanne and I just had an awsome time with the friends we met on our Transatlantic voyage on Liberty at the Legends show.
One of our friends, Miguel, was Ricky Martin in the show. I remember Brittney was well received then but time changes everything. We both were thinking this morning who we think might be a replacement for Ms. Spears and the outcome was Cilene Dion. What do you think?
I am a Jackson Browne Fan but do not think everyone would know him.
Carnival Legends show I’m sure gives your guests great memories no matter who you add to the line up. Thanks for the memories.
Ray and Jeanne
I vote no Cnn. ( but then, I don’t have to watch it now do I?) My cruise is all about Freedom, Miracle, and the Glory !
Hey John, Just wanted to let Alan and his family know they are in my prayers. Judi
hello john
i was reading the sunday paper,,,with my coffee,,,the travel section,,in the ST.PETERSBURG TIMES,,,,it has a CRUISE EDITION,,,,,and there is a pic of you,,,,and a story about your life with
CARNIVAL,,,,i will save it,and bring it to you in
MIAMI,,,,you can read it with your aston martin
coffee mug,,,,
regards
tom
Dear John…I was so sorry to read that you and Heidi will be leaving the ship before I arrive! I have followed your exploits for the last several months and I feel as though you and Heidi are friends…maybe I will meet you on another cruise! My husband and I are celebrating our Honeymoon and 1st Anniversary when we sail on the Freedom Dec. 8, 2007
Try to stay out of the doghouse…and may the snitch of the seas be nowhere near the Freedom again! mk
OOPS! We did it again !
Can’t seem to find the comment I left regarding
Legends Show….hummm?
I vote for Tom Jones
Kathy and Paul
Hey,
Did my comment get forgotten about..? It shows its ’still awaiting moderation’, but its been days and others have shown up since.
Thanks,
Matt & Arte
Hi John Hiedi and all, I am not a big fan of CNN. In the stone age of cruising, there was no news, no papers, and it was wonderful. I prefer MSNBC.
As far as the Legends replacement—-I like the music of Manilow but the moves of Tom Jones. I also vote for Cher.
Marilyn
A replacement for the Legends…
What about Reba McEntire…
hello john
I miss the “Fish & Chips” place,,,you need to go up there and pig out for me,,,,,get two of everything,,,
and as you yum that down,,,,,say,,,,,,tom,,,,wish you were here,,,,,and so do I……tell them to load up
for the blog cruise,,,,cause im wearing my spandex
draws,,,that way I can really get down ,,,,opps
Im slobering on the keyboard,,,,me be hungry,,,,
only 94 days til pig out,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
alan——————–godspeed
wish the Sensation had a chips place
your buds
tom and jane