There is wind everywhere…………..no…………..not where you think and not provided by sugar free jellybeans but by Mother Nature.
Good Morning from Dubrovnik where the weather is overcast but thank goodness……so far ……….dry. The last two nights though as we sailed into and out of Venice the ship has been battling against 40 – 50 knots of wind but Captain D’Aita has kept the vessel on a true course and despite difficult conditions this morning we arrived ahead of schedule in this historic port of call.
Today, there is a special barbecue for the crew. This is held by the local crew center here in Dubrovnik. A crew center is a place where you can use the internet, telephones and mostly, a place for the crew just to “hang out” and today there will be some complimentary local cuisine. I am going to say a quick thank you to all the wonderful crew for a fabulous season and their continuing hard work.
Back soon.
Here I am. ………………it’s cold outside and just like the Floridian guests our crew from places like the Caribbean and the Philippines are wrapped with layers of clothing. The party for the crew is in full swing and we have scheduled every crew member some time to attend ……………….judging by what I saw they were indeed having a lot of fun.
Yesterday, we held one last event before my vacation and it was incredible yet again. We raised $6,000 and over 500 people contributed. Here are two photos for you and you can just make out one of the original bloggers Southern Dreams at the front left in her wheelchair. She is a cancer survivor herself of course and I know the event meant so much to this wonderful lady. You can also see Cynthia (from yesterday’s blog) on the far right at the front.
It was a special event and I truly hope the money and awareness raised will one day find a cure for Breast Cancer.
Here are some wonderful photos for you all to enjoy.
The Carnival Freedom at night
The Carnival Flag in Venice
Good Bye to Venice
Sunset
San Marco Piazza
The bridge Of Sighs
Today’s In Their Own Words Section
Today’s joke of the day.
What’s the difference between boogers and broccoli?
Kids won’t eat broccoli
I have been reading all the postings you have made with your top reasons you love Carnival, the top three areas you think we need improving and your dream scenarios ………………………….they are fascinating. I will wait for the next batch to be posted and then I will comment on them. Once they are all posted I will pass them up the ladder to Mr. Cahill and his team not just to read………………………………but to act upon. The blog is getting well known now and I know that the powers that be at Carnival will respect each of your comments and suggestions.
It’s getting to the time when we need to start thinking about packing and I know this because Heidi has started throwing things away. It is amazing what you accumulate on a cruise ship in nine months and this means that a lot of stuff heads for the charity bags. This became obvious today when I saw a bag of clothes and odds and ends heading out of the cabin to disembark for a charity in Dubrovnik. Amongst the discarded items I noticed my favorite T-Shirt which I was informed…………..was too big for me and looked like a dress………………………….I tried to argue that it was comfortable but was met with silence. So, somewhere in Dubrovnik the Salvation Army will be handing out clothes to the needful. They will hope for a nice warm and fluffy shirt or a nice coat but instead they will receive a T- Shirt That says “I have seen John’s Thingy”…………………………….what’s “thingy” in Croatian?
The following press release shows yet again that Carnival is one heck of a special company.
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Veteran’s Day Promotion Provides Discounted Rates to Military Personnel and Their Families
10/19/2007
MIAMI (October 19, 2007) – In honor of Veteran’s Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout the month of November that allows active and retired military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms for themselves and their friends and family members at special discounted rates, starting at low as $189 per person.Reservations must be made between Nov. 1-30, 2007, to qualify for this promotion, which is available in conjunction with a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” departures through Dec. 31, 2008.
Rates start at $189 per person for three-day cruises from Miami, Fla., and four-day cruises from Long Beach, Calif.; $249 per person for five-day cruises from Mobile, Ala., and Jacksonville, Fla.; $279 per person for four and five day cruises from San Diego, Calif.; and $399 per person for seven-day cruises from Miami.
“Veteran’s Day is a time that our country honors the sacrifice and service of our military personnel and Carnival is doing its part by providing exceptionally attractive rates to our men and women in uniform,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president sales and guest services.
The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, capacity controlled and not applicable with any other discount offer. Fare code CPM1 must be requested during the reservations process and military personnel must provide proof of service. Certain other restrictions apply.
Carnival is the world’s most popular cruise line, with a fleet of 22 “Fun Ships” operating three- to 16-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Greek Isles and South America. The line currently has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
We continue to prepare for the crossing although Todd the Cruise Director for this sailing does not arrive until Barcelona and may wish to change everything of course. One thing I have left him is a supply of T-Shirts for the last of the On the Deck For The cure event.
I advised the guests this morning that due to the wind factor it would feel rather cool and it was interesting watching peoples perception of cool as they walked off the vessel. Some had light jackets and sweaters on, some still wore shorts and the people from Florida were dressed up as though they were about to explore the Northwest Passage
I think the guests are as well despite the cooler weather; however ……………there is always one exception.
From: FREEDOM PURSERS
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 3:09 PM
To: FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM PURSERS; FREEDOM CHIEF PURSER
Subject: ____- Unhappy with the weatherGood Morning John
please be advised that Mrs. ____ from cabin ____would like to speak to you. She is upset that the weather is so cold and that she did not bring a warm coat. She states that on another ship that each passenger would be given a waterproof coat at each port. I explained that the weather was normal for this port and that we did not provide a service of free coats but she insists on talking to you. Please call her when you canThank you in advance,
Daniela
Purser’s Office
Oh Joy.
So, I have just spoken to Mrs. Weatherchannel and I have to say I really had to dig deep……………………really deep into my bag of sympathy and kindness because she was not nice to me at all. I asked her if she had researched the cruise weather wise and she said that she had bee told by her travel agent that it would be hot in every port…………………………………I would like to meet this agent so he/she can arrange a White Christmas for me in England.
She also said……………………………….and this was where I had to go to the bottom of my bag of “bite your tongue” as she told me that on another cruise line ( she can’t remember which one ) but when cruising to Alaska they gave each guest a big, thick coat to wear ……………………has anyone heard of this? I offered her one of our Carnival water-proof garbage bin liner thingies that I know a lot of lines (us included) have in stock………………………….but she wanted a big, heavy coat. After explaining that she could buy one in the gift shop I was subjected to a barrage of abuse on how we make so much money and she is a guest etc etc etc etc etc etc.
So, I breathed………………counted to 100 ………………………and decided to be nice and asked Heidi to lend her a warm waterproof coat she has spare.
Heidi took the coat to her cabin (we checked on the size) and she came back with smoke coming out of her ears and you could tell she was not a happy bunny.
For a minute I thought I had left my underwear on the bathroom floor again but this time her anger was reserved for Mrs. Weatherchannel……………….whom she had given the coat to and advised that she would pick the coat up after sailing from the last port …………………Mrs.Weatherchannel said “you mean, I can’t keep it?”……………Heidi said that it was her coat…………………………..to which she snatched the coat from Heidi and closed the cabin door in her face.
I have decided to make sure she stays warm and while Mrs. Weatherchannel is at dinner I have moved her entire belongings…………………………………to the sauna.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
What? You mean I’m not going to be receiving a fluffy Russian ear muff hat next year when we sail to St. Petersburg from Carnival? What am I to do?
I shall start growing my hair today to a desirable length that will allow me to wrap myself with it when needed for my own coat of warmth.
Mrs Weatherchannel, go change your channel.
You should give her an escorted visit to the Sauna and ask if she needs a wool coat or fleece something while cooking in there. Then kick her in the kaboose, get Heidi’s coat back and maybe you’ll be outta the doghouse sooner than expected.
Good luck, be sure to have Todd take notes of what his actions to these crazy Purser issues are and how he handles them differently than you. It will be interesting to see how you guys work differently.
Matt & Arte
I wish Heidi good luck getting her coat back. It might be difficult.
I’m going to throw some more things out there for your meeting.
I don’t get things like the ice skating rinks, climbing walls, even the miniature golf. People aren’t clamouring for them in advance. They just sound big and cool.
You hear the same complaints over and over on Cruise Critic, no matter what line they’re sailing with — lounge chair savers, out of control kids, and all those little extra charges for things.
Of course, the way to avoid kids is to sail when school is in session. But I think it would be better for a cruise line to address those other issues instead of adding bowling alleys or baseball diamonds.
The lounge chair issue means there needs to be more outdoor areas for lounge chairs. Duh.
The add-on charges issue could be addressed more by perception than reality.
Small kiosks that serve some of the same food things as you might normally find elsewhere but in a more boutique setting and free of charge might feel like a bonus.
Cheaper photos would sell more — and since all the unsold ones are thrown away, wouldn’t that be more environmentally correct?
Another thought.It would be nice if among the boutiques there was an area that sold arts and crafts typical of the area being cruised. Even if it was just a corner, By patronizing local artists, you could strengthen your relationship with your ports. Plus, people like me who prefer to buy locally made, intersting things, will actually buy something onboard. Want to make it even cooler? Have a local artist on board doing demonstrations or even commissions for the length of the cruise. Change the artist frequently (every cruise?). When we were on a river boat cruise in China they had an artist on board and I bought something he did just because it means something to actual talk (barely) to the artist.
As you can tell, I am very opinionated. But, I work in advertising. You might want to bring my two mantras to the table:
Who cares? (courtesy of Charles Schultz — this is what this is what the consumer is saying to everything. This is what you must overcome.)
Any problem that has been solved can be solved again in a better way. (So true — if it ain’t broke, break it)
John, I really enjoy the blog and wish we could join the Bloggers cruise in Jan. but we are returning from another cruise out of Tampa on Jan. 6th and think that would be a bit too soon. Of course, the other cruise in with Carnival – our 19th. Our son, John, said go for it and will “critter it” our one horse, two dogs, and three cats. You won’t remember but we’re the couple who wanted a doggy bag in Mederia to smuggle a cute dog on the ship. You definately advised against this! We were then celebrating our 50th wedding anniversity with the Med. cruise and the TransAtlantic. One of those was with “Wild Willy” whom we were able to avoid along with avoiding the virus. (Which would have been worse?) We had a fantastic time and you were greatly responsible. I don’t know how you deal with all the unreasonable people and still stay so positive and upbeat. Thanks for the good memories. Larry and Jeri Green, Punta Gorda,FL
John,
Somehow I can’t help but feel that the crazies are going to dog you until the last day, the last minute before your vacation. Perhaps we’ll have to send the Marines in to retrieve Heidi’s coat from Mrs. Weatherchannel. Are you sure that she’s a ‘Mrs’?? One would have to wonder what variety of man, or saint perhaps, could remain married to such an ‘interesting’ individual.
You mentioned that you left Todd a box of T-shirts for ‘the last of the On Deck for the Cure’ events’. Please don’t tell me that these are over! Should that be the case we must all petition Carnival to continue. The cause is too worthy to give up this soon.
Once again, the pictures are gorgeous. The Freedom at night is fantastic! How impressive she is! The pictures of Venice impart the sense of cold that’s been haunting you these past few days… the water looks chilled.
Please say hello to SouthernDreams and hubby for me and wish her well.
Now, get busy and get packing young man! It’s near time for vacation… well, vacation and assaulting the Carnival brass with the wants and wishes of thousands of rabid bloggers!!!
Tell Heidi that I hope she manages to reclaim her coat and I hope that nothing foul comes with it! Tell Roberto ‘howdy’ for me.
Thanks again.
Greg
John,
We did a cruise about 3 years ago and you we are cruise director. I never forgot you and I always wanted to sail with you again. We have done 3 cruises and none measure up to yours. I was on the cruise where a black female chased you around the stage and your pants fell off. I know you remember this memorable moment. In any event, my husband just mentioned to me that he wants to do another cruise and I want to cruise with you. We live in Tampa and your Cruise Director of the year award appeared in the Tampa Tribune on 10/20/07 and I know you are on the freedom. What is your cruise schedule so we can plan accordingly.
Your #1 Tampa fan.
Gloria Casanova.
Unbelievable – is it possible for you to get through a cruise without some ridiculous complaint? And, for Mrs. Weatherchannel to get on Heidi for lending her own clothes??
I think your time would be well spent writing a “Dummies that Cruise Directors have to deal with book”. You could give it a yellow and black cover just like the “[Name your software] for Dummies” books.
Hearing that you and Heidi are packing saddens me – the Mrs. & I will soon be packing as well, but, alas, we shall pass in the night [ok, we do get a chance to meet briefly, but you know what I mean].
We have so looked forward to a cruise hosted by the infamous John Heald, but will have to settle for the merely famous Todd Wittmer. Of course, Todd does not have a gorgeous wife (that I know of), but we do have the experience of actually having met him before (Carnival Liberty in January 2007).
So good to see that Southern Dreams is enjoying her cruise. As I recall, she is one of the B2Bers that you have on this cruise – I am looking forward to seeing her.
See you (briefly) soon,
Jon
TA minus 6 days
john lol i feel for u and heidi. man i hate to say it their is always a dumb butt . hows ur fingers and ur friend. i hope she gives heidi her coat back. every time i cruise i go to weather .com and check the weather. i never go any where with out being perpaird xspecialy with a 2 year old. well gl have a good. love your stories.
Hello John and Heidi,
Time sure passes quickly, a couple of busy weeks with work and family I found myself far behind reading the thingy but lurking in the background enjoying each one. I haven’t posted lately, well I’ve been behind and noticed often you were too, and since I didn’t have any direct questions or something important to contribute, I simply read and smile. As you’re disembarking soon I did want to chime in with one overdue comment and a few others.
First and most important my thoughts and prayers have and continue to be with Alan and his family for his successful recovery. Having said that, kudos to you for the decision to be with Alan and forego the TA, there will be other TA’s. As I look at the shorter side of the time I have remaining, those decisions come easily, made a few regretful ones earlier in life. In closing, I wish you and Heidi some R&R, safe travel to Miami, I look forward to your reports and I am eager for January 19 when again we will share some laughter helping repair the spirit.
Ciao, Ray
My favorite thing about the Carnival Freedom was John Heald. My favorite thing about Carnival in general, is that everything is shiny and clean and polished.
My least favorite thing was the dinner buffet. We came back late one night and had to eat on Lido deck. The food was disgusting. The raw broccoli had seen better days(all yellow and mushy) and it appeared that all the leftovers from the last week were served on that buffet in a different arrangement.
Cindy Bruce
Buffalo, N.Y.
Alaska!
We had to go buy a warm coat out here in Southern California. Our Carnival Spirit Alaskan cruise wasn’t ’til May of ‘06, so we started looking for a coat in December ‘05 !!!
Found them, had a great, toasty cruise! And yes,
“Desktop Weather” and the Weather Channel are a must!
Hello to Southern Dreams ! I bet she and her husband are having a great time!
Don’t forget to mention our name to the “Carnival Suits”, I’m sure by now they’ve heard it mentioned !!! Ha! Ha!
Kathy and Paul ( Splendor bound!! )
Hi, John!
Boy, can I relate to your comments about Floridians and their “cool weather” garb! If the temperature is below 75 F it’s cold!
I can’t believe Mrs. Weatherchannel…well, yes I can. Where do they get this stuff about what “other cruise lines” do. Yeah, right…I’m sure they hand out free coats! Not.
So…packing time. Don’t forget your computer! And Heidi’s t-shirt.
Good Night,
Myra
Dear John,
John,
Great photos here and great to see that the On Deck for the Cure event went great…
In response to the homework assignment:
A. Three Reasons why Carnival is Loved
1) The vacation for the value
2) The food. (All of it) As a side note, the warm melting chocolate cake is addicting.
3) The entertainment. (All of it) As a side note, the Legends show is great because you can actually meet and greet the all the performers.
B. Three Areas to Improve
1) Maybe scheduling of scattered onboard events during the Fun Days at Sea. There’s a lot of things to do onboard, and sometimes schedule conflicts occur because two things occur at the same time. This seems kinda impossible to solve because everyone has specific hours at work, so yeah, we just gotta make decisions.
2) The library always seems closed whenever I show up, so I can’t read some of the stuff in the shelves. I dunno why I would read on a cruise, but I’ve done that the last three I’ve been on
3) I can’t think of anything
What would be a dream to see onboard
1) Oh man, I don’t know. I’m easy to please. I’ll get back to you on this later.
By the way, did you ever get my letter? I’m not even sure I mailed it to the right address, or even if it left the mailbox at the university I used. Meh, if not, I can just resend it to the new address in Miami; it might be easier that way.
Cheers.
Please keep us on your mailing list…particularly for European cruises. I am sorry I missed some of the funny events that I read about on this blog. Our trip was uneventful–very relaxing…just fun.
Thanks,
Janice
Hi John,
Thanks for your blog – It was a great way to get in to the mindset for our recent cruise. (Triumph on 9/29). It also is a great reminder of all of our memories from our previous CCL cruises. I do need you help. I have been trying to get ahold of CCL customer service for the past week. I have an outstanding issue from our cruise. We have sent emails via the website but gotten no answer. Thanks for your help and hope you see you on a cruise soon !
John,
I just have to share this bit of information, since the Freedom is in Croatia. Just this afternoon, I went to see a concert. My church presented Tajci (Tatjana Matejas). She was a superstar in Central Europe; born and raised in Croatia. Now she lives in the US and her concerts are about her faith and spiritual journey. Oh my goodness, the voice on this woman was exceptional. Definitely a gift from God. I was blessed to hear her story about the struggles during the time of communism and I was blessed to experienc Croatia in a state of Freedom!!
John,
. Sad to hear your favorite t-shirt is now being donated to the salvation army. Why is it women decide what we can keep and what must go. I love this one pair of jeans, they are perfect yes they are a bit tone by the ankles, but they are just so perfect, soft, and broken in. My girlfriend tossed em last week into a donation bag, but they somehow never made it out of the house but did land in the trunk of my car 
. How is Alan doing ? best to Southerndreams and her husband. And of course to the beautiful Heidi. Talk to you soon
Some people are just totally stupid. I’m sorry it’s October and it gets cold in October. I think Heidi is way too nice to lead this woman her jacket, Mrs. weatherchannel better give it back or else I would have the purser’s desk add it onto her S&S bill. Glad you enjoyed reading out comments on the 3 things and our dream for carnival. I look forward to being invited to a meeting with Mr. Cahill one day to let him ask me my total feelings on cruising, It could happen. Then again carnival could also let me sail free for life too. What one do you think will happen first ?
Kevin
It never ceases to amaze me the stupidity of some people! And, why do they all think that YOU can do things like change the weather, move the Vatican, etc.? John and Heidi, you need a vacation if for no other reason than to not have to deal with some of these crazies! Do people not understand that you need to make the most of every day that you wake up, and not always be finding a reason to complain? Especially when you are on vacation!! The pictures are awesome as usual, and it is great to see Southern Dreams and Cynthia in the front row for the cancer walk. The Walk On Board For The Cure was one of the highlights of our cruise last month! Get packing–only a week to go for you guys! You will be missed!
Dear John & Heidi,
If on the 28th we don’t see you or Heidi before you leave the “Freedom”, we will deposit the gifts that we brought for you & Heidi at the Purser’s desk. Hope you would like them.
Based on our itinerary, our plane will land at FCO at 9:30 am and our shuttle, we were told, should be leaving the airport at 11:00 am. If this schedule holds, we should be boarding at, the latest, 1:00 pm.
My wife, Lou and I look forward to meeting you and Heidi in person. Have a “blast” (Shawn Bussey’s favorite expression) on your vacation. May it be free from negative characters you’ve encountered on your sailings.
Amor
Hi John and Heidi
It will not be long now and you will be eating some home cooking. John – you look so sad with your finger. Here are our responses to the three questions you asked us to address.
1) Mike loves Carnival because it has a good reputation, good value for our dollar and no surprises. I love Carnival because the larger ships have wrap-around balconies; Carnival is always trying to improve their product and welcomes suggestions and tries to please the customer. Lastly the new concierge program ROCKS!
2) Areas of improvement. Mike’s suggestions: The Skippers Club. It is not the same in each port. Some ports such as San Diego do little if nothing at all and opening more spaces on tours and Lynn’s less round tables in the main dinning room – it’s a night mare for left hand people. Lynn’s suggestions: Air and Sea pre/post cruise program is no longer available to folks who use any discount on their cabin such as the military discount. We will be taking our 15th cruise with Carnival and have always used this program but were told we could not use it any longer unless we pay the full price of the cabin. The shopper program should be expanded beyond just knowing the location of the approved shops. Lastly more itineraries with more sea days (for example 4 sea days is great).
3) Mike’s dream is to have part of the casino smoke free. Lynn’s dream is to explore the southern Caribbean island with lots of sea days.Thank you for asking. The Sagara’s
Dear John and Heidi, Thank you for the WONDERFUL CRUISE ON OCTOBER 4th! We miss all of you already and hope to book our same two suites for the Caribbean season 2008. See you next year!!
Have a safe journey home and our thoughts and prayers our with your friend for a speedy recovery.
Nelson will “rap” for you under the palm trees next year!! HA HA HA HA – missed him “rappin” this cruise, we will nab him the next one!!
Your the best, Paula and Nelson Baker
Hi John,
Just think, if it weren’t for unreasonable guests and Heidi’s razors, what would you write about?? Just to keep you updated, there is another Red Sox Championship hat being added to your collection. We beat the Cleveland Indians and are heading to the World Series. We’ll keep you posted. As always, our best to Alan and his family.
Smooth seas, calm winds, yada, yada, yada
Alan & Chris
John, Fatima left a message for you on my blog. Just click on my name at the top of this comment to see it.
“BIG ED
T-89 days to blast off party time
John and Heidi,
Thanks for the pictures. The pictures from the walk were especially meaningful. I had just gotten off the phone with my church where I had added a friend’s name to the All Saint’s Day list for next Sunday. She passed away on Sunday, August 12 after a long struggle with breast cancer. She was the second most courageous person I have ever known. The most courageous person I have ever known also was taken by cancer in January of 2007. When you look at these individuals and see how they have such a positive outlook even through adversity, it really makes one stop and think about their own outlook on life.
The project you have established on the vessel is wonderful.
I also wanted to let you know that I have a very close friend who has promised she also will light a special candle for Alan on November 5th. I told her I wanted those prayers to be lifted up in plenty of time.
The sunset picture was beautiful. It must be very bittersweet as you sail out of the ports this time. You have wonderful memories of things that have taken place, but yet the two of you are very eager to have some time away together.
Just remember what I told you last week- do what you can before you leave. Once you walk off that ship- delete, delete, delete! (I use that a lot with hubby when he starts to worry about issues that are beyond his control!)
John and Heidi,
You were “too nice” to Mrs. Weatherchannel! She deserved to be cold since it’s obvious her heart is cold also, when she can be so mean to another person. I wouldn’t want that coat back. You really should charge it to her bill and get Heidi a nice new one!!!
I wish I could let you know what we think about the best part of Carnival, etc. but haven’t had that wonderful pleasure yet. Soon though!!! Take care and have a wonderful vacation. You SOOOOOOO Deserve IT!!
Homework assignment -
Love about Carnival:
1. Value for money
2. Carnival comfort beds make the cabin a home away from home.
3. Lots of fun activities to enjoy. It’s impossible to be bored on a Carnival cruise.
Could improve:
1. Need an area of the casino that is smoke free. This would increase your revenue also.
2. Need to keep children out of adults only pools and spas.
3. Need to allow gifts from the Bon Voyage department to be ordered for home delivery. Carnival fans would like to buy items even after we are home.
Future dreams:
1. Need more specialty restaurants. Future ships should have several smaller restaurants, rather than a few large ones.
2. Need more adults only areas and activities. Maybe a Camp Solitude, lol.
3. Need to change up or add ports. Frequent cruisers need variety in ports to keep them coming back. Lisa
Mrs. Weatherchannel should really have done her homework, but so should her Travel Agent.
I can only imagine what will happen to that agent when she gets back.
I have been quite fortunate to sail with you when you were on the Legend and what a wonderful time that was.
I am wondering what is your next ship that you will be on?
We have been on the Spirit in Alaska…no coats.
In-laws were on the Princess in Alaska…no coats.
Best friends were on HAL in Alaska…no coats.
We have friends who have sailed every “other” cruise line that services Alaska…no coats.
Now she probably did get a coat, because she pitched such a fit like she did this time. How sad that people are so rude.
Btw, my “survey” is very detailed (a polite way of saying LONG) so if your folks can’t post it, I completely understand. So long as it gets added to the list and sent to Mr. Cahill…that is fine!!!
In regards to your “Ms. Weatherchannel”…people can be so rude…I commend you and Heidi in both keeping your cool as I am not sure I could had bitten my tongue…..
John,
Mrs. Weatherchannel, Mrs. KneeHigh, Mr. Brooklyn, Cruella, and those other rude people too many to mention should of course be compensated for their inconveniences – - with a certificate for a free deluxe treatment from Fatima.
It was great to see the picture with Southern Dreams and the wonderful turnout for the On Deck for the Cure event. I hope there are enough t-shirts for those of us who will participate during the TA.
It is true – - my Cleveland Indians aren’t going to the World Series. But, there’s always next year. Will we be able to watch the Series on board? It starts Wednesday.
See you soon, hopefully arriving on time and with our luggage.
And my prayers are with Alan.
Sue (and Jennifer and Karen)
Hi John
Hope you get chance to enjoy your last few days on the Freedom we had a great time in August and hope to meet you again some time. Thank you so much for the Blog I have really enjoyed reading it and it has enabled me to check Gary is alive and well more than once. Have a great break, Heidi needs her coat back it is suddenly freezing over here!
Hi,
I was just reminded what my husband, mom, and dad hate about dinnertime. Eating a nice dinner in a beautiful dinning room and then in the middle hearing annoucements; especially the red/white/blue games. They hate them. Then I hear the rest of the dinner how they think that is a dumb game. It changes the mood of the dinner. They continue to talk about how they hate it until the show starts.
I think Mrs. Weatherchannel is part of Murphy’s law. Is she traveling alone? hehe
Great pictures, glad to see Southern Dreams!
How’s Alan?
About packing…leave the doghouse on the ship and have a great vacation!
I have one last dream: All blogger’s get free blogger’s cruises for free…I think we should be the new faces of Carnival on their commericals, so we then would deserve a free cruise. I mean, who knows Carnival better? Who loves Carnival more? Who’s going to have the most fun on a cruise? Us blogger’s!!!!
I’m going to have to take Hedi’s side on the shirt. If she didn’t make you get rid of it, how long would you keep it? Better reason, should you have kept it knowing she doesn’t like it? Just think of it as making your life easier in the long run…hehe
Safe trip home,
Susan
Hi John and Heidi,
Ooooooh! You guys sooooo need to get to your vacation! Heidi, how sweet and kind to loan Mrs. Weather channel your coat. I know she was rude and mean but you did the right thing. God will bless you for it. As for her, she must be a very sad person to treat such kindness with such disdain. John, just blow her off and keep your eye on the goal. Take care you two. Much love and great big hugs to you both.
Leasa
Hi John…
What has happened to people being responsible for their own actions? When we cruised with you in May we were online all the time to get info on things such as the weather, in other words we did our HOMEWORK. We asked questions and more questions. If your spending a lot of money for a cruise, you want it to be fun and easy going. We had the perfect cruise.
Hi John/Heidi:
Once again, you are way too nice going out of your way for Mrs. Weatherchannel, but I guess it comes with the territory. I am extremely impressed in how you handled the situation.
I love the pictures…Especially the Freedom at night. So pretty. And the Walk pictures at the top of the blog need no words. Simply amazing.
Sorry you lost your favorite t-shirt to charity, but just think that with your weight loss and diet, you’ll be able to find many new favorite shirts.
Great to hear from you today and good luck packing.
Thinking of you,
David
Hi John and Heidi:
Had a WONDERFUL time on the October 4th sailing, sorry we did not get to meet. I did see you and Heidi with the entertainment staff at the supper club on the 15th but I was too shy to come over and say hi and I didn’t want to interrupt your evening. Have a restful and well deserved vacation. Hope to sail with you again. Blessing to you both and your families and to Alan and his family. I know that you are very busy now but if in the future you are able to give me the second verse of the booger in the sugar song (something about a bunch for lunch… neither my husband or I can remember the words) I would appreciate it we want to teach it to our 4 yr. old nephew (he loves stuff like that!) It was hilarious!
Hello John & Heidi
Thanks for the Wonderful Pictures
The nighttime shot of the ship is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!
Hope the fingers are healing well,
We are trying to pack for our departure and
Yes I have checked the weather channel
And I am packing a raincoat because there is 3 days of 50-60%
Chance of rain for our pre-cruise destination
DUH! How dumb of a bunny can Mrs. Weatherchannel be? OMG
I have been on 10 cruises and I have NEVAH heard of them giving away coats!
Except for those yellow raincoats that you wear under Niagara Falls
(and I have never been there) just heard about it)
I cannot believe the gall of some of these people you have to deal with
May I never be one of these people! AS I GROW OLDER!
Thank the Lord Neptune you have only 6 more days till your well deserved Vacation…
I agree with the others, since you can write this blog
You should really consider writing a book about cruising and the people you have met
Sort of like (now I am going to date myself here) Art linkletter used to have “Kids say the darndest thing”
Guests Expect the Darndest things” something like that….
Hope to see you soon, even for the briefest of times
Hope Alan is doing well as can be expected.
The Tuckers
P. S. Great Work on the Cancer Walk.
as You can see I know about the big C.
Elizabeth Tucker,LPN,CMAS
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and
Research Institute
Hi John,
It is not easy to satisfy seven Southern Ladies but Carnival succeeded! We had a wonderful cruise and exciting shore excursions. All of our guides were fun and informative. Our only regret was that we did not have a visit with the Cruise Director!!!!!! We are now sorting through 4 thousand digital pictures—-I would love to send you a group shot but I forgot your email address. My husbands surgery went well– the 3:30 am phone call was not welcomed by him. Ha!
Heidi always did her job very well and even kept smiling with all the questions from the guest—–
Thank you from the YaYa’s for an unforgettable Cruise. We savored the moments and banked the memories! Pauline from North Carolina
More homework thoughts -
Regarding changing up the ports, it would be great to alternate between two itineraries. Such as Montego Bay one week and Ocho Rios the next week for the same ship. And Tortola one week and St. Maarten the next week for one ship. (This would also add Tortola to your 7 night cruises, which are now only on your 8 night cruises.)
You might consider offering both set dining times and anytime dining so guests could choose which they prefer. (Princess has perfected this system.)
I have lots of opinions, just give the Carnival executives my email address, lol. Lisa
Lisa Wiggs:
I Love It!
I would say instead of Camp Solitude that it would be Camp Escape! But yours is probably a bit more classy.
It isn’t that we want Adults Only it’s that we want KID FREE. A water slide wouldn’t be unwelcome!
Hi John, this is your last week on board. Well, I haven’t checked the blog in 2 days because I was in the hospital, I developed a Kidney infection and they still don’t know what the blood cultures will find, but I got out of the hospital and feel better, just waiting for the results, I CAN’T get sick now, since we leave on 11/17 on our cruise! DAMN! I hope the tests come out ok with the blood work up. I will make drs. appts. for next week for the results. Your friends Linda, and Mike (MR. Handyman)
Hi John, I’m writing to ask for your assistance. Please bear with me as I am utilizing a friend as an interpreter. So forgive our spelling if incorrect. I resently was on a trip on the Freedom. My sister and her family paid for me to come along with them. I have a neice who I love dearly and only wish the best to her. She meet a man on your ship, which we encourage to get to know and she did. The problem is (we thing is a problem) he works on the ship. Any way we can conect them? My neice does not know I am doing this. Neither she or he have made contact. My neice was talking to me about this meeting place, and being the nice man you are I hoped you good help!! From an aunt to a neice.
John,
You and Heidi are a blessing and Mrs. Weatherchannel is a nut.
I wish we could be with y’all on the Bloggers cruise but we’re taking a Christmas cruise on the Conquest (leaving ON our 30th anniversary) and we just can’t swing a second cruise a week later.
Thank you for the blog, I love reading about your adventures in cruising and in marriage.
Tell Heidi my husband leaves his underwear in the floor, too. I think it is a genetic defect.
Kathy
john,
we disembarked a month ago today and i am reading your blog from time to time. you are still hilariously funny even though you are miles and miles away. have a great vacation and keep heidi happy! you have no idea how blessed you are to have someone like that to put up with your… cut fingers!
cioa
karen
Heidi was too nice to the woman. Sometimes you have to tell them the truth, Lady your an idiot and no cruise lines give out warm coats for you to keep. Buy yourself a sweatshirt like everyone else would do. I am alwasy amazed at the stupidity of some people and at the care and tact which you apply to help these people. You are Saint John the CD.
THINGS I LIKE:
1. The value is about the best however I believe other cruise lines are starting to see this and are beginning to match your prices but they don’t have the people nor the ships to fully take us Carnival Cruisers away.
2. Most staterooms are usually pleasant and people are great. The Food is fine but sometimes a little too gourmet for my taste especially in the dining room so we go to the Lido. One of the ships had a special country dinner nite (German, Japanese, American etc) each night and that was nice and well done. However sometimes the Lido needs a kick in the but to make changes as well.
3. Ship choices and iteneraries are pretty good but could use a yearly shake up. Most go the same places and it is boring. We like new small areas to visit, How about Crete? Or Belieze, or Colon Panama
THINGS TO IMPROVE:
1. Some checkin facilities are a mess. Ugly and too many people trying to comply with last minute things and not enough bodies to handle it. No seats or drinks usually and I like most people do not like to stand in a line for an hour or more to check in especially since it was all pre arranged and paid for. It should take less then 15 min from the time I arrive until I am walking on the ship on the way to my stateroom. You already have my reservation and paperwork but maybe you do not need to do more things your doing at check in time but do more before the guests arrive at the pier.
2. I don’t want to be near anyplace that smoking is going on. It makes me gag so I just leave. I do not go into the casinos because of this and as a result do not lose at the machines or the tables. SO a smoke free ship would be welcomed.
3. We have been on many cruise lines big and small and many cruises around the world. Not many places we have not visited over 30 years. I think in general tours are overpriced and run somewhat haphazardly by the people on the buses once your off the ship. Once your out there and under their control watch out for its another ball game. SOmetimes you are walked to death on a tour that says minor activity becasue the Europeans think of it as little walking. Sometimes you just have to have a bathroom and the Europeans have few available to use and your left to find an alley or a tree. This is a criticle area to check for your customers.
4. All sodas should be free for every cruise. Charging agravates people. Does Carnival really need money that bad. Give us a break and make them free. The drinks and beer are way over priced. You do not have to charge $4-5 for a beer and $5-6.50 or more for a mixed drink.
Changes I would make
Formal nights are outmoded and should be removed . You should look no more then business casual. Clean and neat only required.
Do away with charging for SAIL AWAY DRINKS. This always seems like a contest to see which waiter can sell the most drinks. And at $7.50 each no less + 15%. It is a slap in the face especially as you first board the ship and find this out.
Supply much more shady areas and many more SEATS for people to sit on deck instead of in the sun.
Wines – While I do not drink a lot of wine I wish there would be complimentary bottle or two on every table each night of a table dinner wine to taste so we may try new wines and see if we like them.
Captains and other parties – ALWAYS HAVE SODA
as the drinks and Hor Dors are going around – Don’t make people ask for it and have to wait. If a waiter can have a hard liqour drink on a tray they can also carry sodas (COKE – PEPSI AND GINGER ALE at the same time
AND FOR GODS SAKE AND THE REST OF US GET PEPSI AND PEPSI PRODUCTS ON YOUR SHIPS.
Those are my thoughts for today
Dave
I first met you in 1991 aboard the Fantasy. I was on the bridge for the sailing, and took video of you giving the sail away announcements. My fiancee was a senior Deck officer, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I cared for him throughout his illness, and held him as he died.
Since his death I have continued to sail on Carnival with the memories of our love renewed each time I sail.
It is where I know he is close to me; the sea was his life.
My god-child and I sailed with you on the Inaugural sailing of the Liberty last summer, so also witnessed Willy Banger and the Bedtime Story when you were jumped by “big” Mary, and lost your pants, suspenders, and your shoe in the collision.
My wish for you is a safe, restful vacation with Heidi.
God bless you!
PERSONAL FOR JOHN
Hi John,
Not to be a nudge, but I’ve also been asked for the Miracle piano bar player as well.
Thanks,
Laura
Great post, thanks for the info