I was not built for heat……..especially wearing a woolen blazer and long heavy tousers. However, this is what I have just taken off having spent a day sweating in the sultry heat in Miami…………..it was not a good day to be my underwear.
So, good afternoon everyone and my apologies for the delay in writing but the last 48 hours have been a blur of meetings, more meetings and lots of handshaking and back slapping as I met old and new friends here at our Miami head office.
First of all let me ask if anyone has a cure for jet lag as since I arrived my head feels like Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton have just held a 24 hour drinking party in it and they are still there now and I think they have just opened another vat of wine…………I hate jet lag, not only the persistent headache but also the other effects it has on the body……….i will explain more later.
Well, yesterday, I spent the day in the company of all of Carnival Cruise Lines Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents , Eecutive Vice Presidents and Carnival’s President Gerry Cahill. We met for an all day discussion on the future of our company and all I can say for now is ………………………….WOW…………………..you are all so lucky………..I wish I could tell you more but for now…………..we are all sworn to secrecy and if I told you anything Gerry has threatened me with deportation to our office in Turkey and a close encounter with a plastic hose.
What I can tell you is that future is bright………….so bright that a good pair of sunglasses will be in order for future blogs when I reveal the amazing plans that will have you, your friends and people who have never cruised with us picking up the phone and screaming…….book me a cabin…………NOW.
The plans for our future are so exciting that I can tell you that before you consider what to do next year or the year after……………hold on………………..wait………………give us a few weeks and more will be revealed.
As I sat there amongst the great minds of cruising I wondered ………..what am I doing here………but I did offer my input as well as yours and I can tell you this…………many people including Mr.Cahill read this blog thingy and your opinions are respected and very much listened to……..so keep reading please and posting your thoughts.
Today, I met with Roberto castro for the first time. As we shook hands it was though I was shaking hands with an old mate. In the next few days we will post a short video we made of our round table discussion about the bloggers cruise which it appears we have 1000 guests signed up for…………..it is going to be fantastic.
Talking of the bloggers cruise, I wanted to see how you all would feel about having the second bloggers cruise for 2009 in February abaord the Carnival Inspiration. It would be a 5 day cruise and would be a wonderful oppertunity to see for ourselves the superb upgrades and inovations that have been placed aboard……………what do you think?Let me know please.
I just returned from dinner with my mate Roger Blum and his wonderful wife Marie and their dynamic and beautiful kids Max and Ashley……………..we went to a place called Lincoln Road which reminds me of my home town Southend On Sea but with the addition of heat, great food, palm trees and Ferraris as far as the eye could see. We had a wonderful night and it was just what I needed to relax a little, the first time I have been able to do this since I arrived here in Miami.
So, the future of Carnival cruise lines is in great hands and as soon as I can I will let you know just why I truly belive this ……………watch this space.
Before I head for bed though a further example of jet lag has just kicked in…….as at 12;17am I find myself heading for the bathroom.
I will write another blog over the weekend and once back in the UK I will start to answer your comments and questions again……………….please bear with me.
Heidi is not with me, I miss her very much and if she was here with me now she would be horrified. My hotel room is so untidy and………………as I head to the bathroom I intend to enjoy the only aspect of not having her with me………………..tonight……………..the toilet seat will be left up and there will be a pair of underwear on the bathroom floor……………I am king once again of all I survey.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Now I am all “giddy” with anticipation!!
(Like having several cruises already lined up isn’t enough to make one lose sleep at night with excitement.)
We look forward to your revelations of “things to come” !!!!
John,
. Feb 2009 sounds great I’m totally in for this one so please pick a date maybe early in the month. I’m not to sure if you have noticed it or not but we have started a John Heald Fan Club here on wordpress.com (Https://fansofjohnheald.wordpress.com)
. Chat with you soon.
Sorry to hear the heat in Miami is bothering you so, but no worries soon you will be back in the UK wearing a winter coat
I would love to hold a interview with you where each of the fans can ask a question along with a few stock ones we all love. Glad to hear your having a great time, and I’m looking forward to you unveiling the future of cruising with carnival. Oh the Aston is driving great, I did have to buy a few new tires for her though, I guess spinning the wheels that much isn’t good for tires
Kevin
hey john
we are all for blog cruise feb 08,,,the
CARNIVAL INSPIRATION,,,,,but its a little far to drive,,,,,like 20 minutes,,,
have fun in MIAMI,,,,,
did you get to drive that ASTON MARTIN,,,
gerry should buy you one,,,,,hell they are cheaper
than a cruise ship….
have a safe trip home,,,
take good care of ALAN,,,,,
our prayers are with him,,,,,
regards
tom& jane
Hi John, I am glad to hear from you. We heard some Miami police reports about a rather large man with a strange accent being accused of taking off in an Astin Martin yelling it’s mine all mine. LOL
Anyway about a February 09 bloggers cruise. The Inspiration sounds good but we are going to be in South America on the Carnival Splendor the whole month of February. I hope you’ll be there with us.
Jo and Dave
Hello, my friend!
So good to hear from you again. I’m sorry to hear about the problems jet lag is causing you and I understand totally.
You’ve got me beside myself with anticipation!! TELL ME MORE, MORE, MORE!!! I just booked a sailing on the Splendor for 2009 and now I’m wondering if I was premature!
As to a bloggers cruise on the Carnival Inspiration my vote is a resounding YES!! I’ve sailed her in the past and will sail her again early next year so please, please put that plan into action. I LOVE the Fantasy class ships and the Inspiration has a very warm spot in my heart.
So sorry about the Heat. Shaq… well… Shaq was uhhhh… he was…. big! That’s what he was! BIG!! Not terribly good but quite big by any standards…
Thanks for taking the time to drop us a note. I’m looking forward to future installments.
Please pass along my thoughts and good wishes to you mate, our friend, Alan.
Let Heidi know I said ‘Howdy’ and thank Roberto in my name for the amazing job he does here. He helps make thousands of people very happy.
As always, my regards.
Greg
John, If your suffering jet lag your post must be coming by way of the FREEDOM out in the Atlantic someplace. Your Friday Post did not come up till around noon on Sunday. That’s why I’ve have been asking is everything Ok. Nothing got updated for a couple days not even the comments. I thought you and PA-007 were both shipped off to Turkey.
For the next Bloggers Cruise how about whatever FANTASY class ship has just got finished. The Carnival Inspiration will out of dry dock almost a year and a half by they. We like new even if it is a redo. The 5 day CARNIVAL ELATON looks good too. Never been to those ports, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos and Half Moon Cay. A BTB on that would be a nice 9 days cruise
“BIG” ED
76 Days till the FIRST BLOGGERS CRUISE
PS. Final payments due tomorrow the 5th
PSS. Cancell the Amber Alert John found
Hi John,
Enjoy your royal status…. soon you will be iwth Heidi and she will reign again!!! (And you will love it!) Glad to read you did get in some time to relax even if the heat was unpleasant for you. Try and get a little more R & R in before you return home.
The meetings sound like they have been very exciting for you (and soon us)! Can’t wait to hear all the news. Hope you can break it to us soon!!! We’ll all be on the edge of our seats until then.
2009 on the Carnival Inspiration sounds Great!
Thanks for taking time for us!
Barb & Carl
Correction to previous comment – Goofy
Tom was so excited about a Bloggers Cruise on the Inspiration, he thought it was for 2008. I casually informed him it was for 2009. What was he thinking? Obviously not much !!
Anyway, it’s a yes for 2009 too !!!!!! A 20 min. drive to the port is just what we like. Actually, we’ll be going on the Inspiration with the 2 Grandkids during spring break 2008, so we’ll let you know how it is.
Sorry to post twice in one blog…not my usual thing…
I have another “suggestion”.
Since the colorful, elastic luggage tags are soon to be a thing of the past….
we Platinum members would like a new Logo item.
A Platinum colored (probably adorned) luggage tag leather holder for our luggage tags.
One that we could fold and slip our printed out tags into!!!
Thanks!!
Hola John!!
It all sounds great and exciting.I figure that they wouldnt let you talk. ahhhhhh!! Anyway we are all dying to know.About the Inspiration, even if I
allready went on the Inspiration I would love to see it all new but in February ….. I cant , teachers have to work.Did you talk some of spanish that I taught you (yeah sure LOL) with Roberto?? Im happy that you finally meet. We have missed you a lot.But having fun in our new fan club.Big Ed declare and Amber alert LOL. Please tell us about the meetings as soon as you can. Muchos huggos
Nanette
John,
Thanks for the post…I’ve been checking in and eager to hear from you. I’m anxious to hear all about what awaits us. Please share my thanks to the brass for caring about what we customers think. Not a common trait among many businesses these days. Guess this is one of the reasons Carnival is so successful.
Sorry no magic cure for jet lag…but anxious to hear what others find that work.
Lastly, it is clear a man’s kingdom is in the eyes of the beholder (My husband’s idea of a wild weekend when I am away is not shaving). I will say, however, that this is what makes men like you and my DH very good husbands:-).
Have a safe trip home.
Barb
I vote for a bloggers cruise later in the year of 2009 since the poet an I will be on the South America ’round the horn’ festivities!
I will be anxiously waiting to hear what the new itineraries are…hint?
Wow – you sure have our interests heightened on what new things might be coming !! We can’t wait to found out. We love Carnival and will continue to sail her ships exclusively, so we look forward to hearing about any new innovations.
We would love to sail on the Inspiration for the 2009 bloggers cruise . We have been thinking about checking out the improvements made to the Fantasy class ships.
We look forward to your next installation
John,
Can’t wait to hear/read about Carnival’s plans.
Regarding jetlag, I travel a lot around the U.S. for my work. I have to traverse timezones (only a couple at a time) and keep alert enough to work long hours.
I find, counter-intuitive as it may seem, the the urge to go and go is caused somewhat by dehydration. So, I drink lots and lots of tea (hot or iced) to get back to normal. Seems to work, and the caffeine (in lesser quantities with high volumes of tea than coffee) at the right times (no later than four hours before sleep time) helps me get on track with whichever timezone I’m in.
Also, my husband works locally now, but he’s no stranger to working on the road. You and Heidi both work on the “road”, so there’s no misunderstanding how difficult it is to be apart. But, it does make homecomings ever so sweet!
See you next year.
Suzanne
What are the ports for the 2009 Inspiration?
Hey John,
Well, you have done it again. Heidi-Beth’s Atcocs just kicked up a couple of notches at the thought of a blogger’s cruise on the Inspiration. We loved that ship the last time we were on it. She is really wanting to go on it again. The fact that we are ninety minutes away from the port in Tampa is a major plus. We are all for it. Make it a done deal and we will book. No pressure.
Glad to see you are enjoying our Florida winter. I have been here for fifteen years, and still am not used to it. We are closer to Orlando, and it is bad enough here. Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here.
All the best
Kevin
John,
OH MY!! GREAT to have you back in the blogging world!! We’ve missed you and all your stories!! Didn’t anyone warn you about the muggy warm weather in Miami? (Maybe you should ask for your money back since no one told you what to expect–like the lady expecting Carnival to compensate her because it was raining, etc., etc. For jet lag I take 2 Benadryl before going to bed, you get a great nights sleep, and usually the headache is gone when you get up. So glad you finally got to meet the famous Roberto–can’t wait to see the video. It sounds like there is alot in store for Carnival in the near future–BUT WHERE IS YOUR ASTON MARTIN?????? What’s wrong with Carnival–they need to get their priorities straight! You are more important to us than anyone else at Carnival so they need to keep you happy so we all stay happy!!! If you are happy and make us happy we all cruise more and therefore, “they”, make more money. As far as the Blogger’s Cruise in 2009, where would it go? I personally prefer a longer cruise, especially if we are flying across the US to get to the port–if we are spending 5 hours to get there it would be nice to be onboard for at least 7-9 days. To me, 5 days is just a tease! As for the bathroom in your hotel room–did the concierge forget to tell you that Fatima’s family own the hotel, and at 2 am every night she makes personal visits to all rooms where the toilet seat is left up, and she comes bearing a 50 foot fireman’s hose?!! I’m sure you will be happy to get home to Heidi, and will gladly put the seat down. Enjoy, and thanks for representing all of us at the meetings! For some reason this blog didn’t show up till Sunday. Have a safe flight home tomorrow, and be extra strong for Alan, knowing that we are all there with you, and him, in spirit. Tuesday will be a very trying day for all of you! My best to all! Sheryl
John,
It has been a long time since I have been able to
respond to your blog. I am not able to pull the blog up since your address changed.Hubby pulls it up at work and prints out copies to keep me informed about what is going on.
The last blog I actually read was after your horrible flight home. It sounded like a real nightnmare. It seems things always go crazy in that Rome airport.
I hope your dad had a great birthday. I am sure he was glad to have the two of you join him. I have learned from previous experience that you need to try to make each birthday special-even if it means eating Italian cuisine again.
Sounds like Carnival is really coming up with some good ideas for the future. I can not wait to hear what is in store for committed Carnival customers.
I am going to try to start turning on my computer at home when I first get home. It may be up and running by the time I finish fixing dinner if I am lucky. It is extremely slow!
Give my best to Heidi and to Alan. I will be lifting him up in prayer on Monday and Tuesday.
Hopefully, I will be able to keep up with the blog through hubby next week.
It’s Good To Be King !
Enjoy it while it lasts! Heidi is reading this blog!
I had a terrible case of jet lag when we came home from the Freedom to LA. Lasted almost 10 days , but it was well worth it !
Kathy and Paul
HELLO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,HELLO
Hi John,
So good to hear from you again! Glad to hear you made it over the pond ok…sorry about the heat, but if you wait another month, it may drop another 5 degrees. Were you met at the airport with an Aston Martin?
Looking forward to hearing about the future of Carnival. Hope Heidi is having a good time with her Mum.
Can’t wait for your next blog! Safe travels home and the best to Alan!
Elaine
Good evening John,
Glad the meetings went well. I sure hope one of the new ships is going to the far east because we will be on her. Put George and me down for the Feb. 2009 Inspiration cruise. We will be the first ones signed up. Just let us know the date.
I am so anxious to hear about the new things coming from Carnival. First let us know what your schedule will be.
Have a safe trip home and I know you’re anxious to see Heidi and Alan too. Good luck to him for his surgery and let us know any updates you can.
Talk with you soon.
Linda and George
John,
I thought you were being optimistic on your last post when you thought you’d be writing a blog the same evening. I guess you don’t get too much jet lag the way you usually travel… 22 knots gives you lots of time to adjust to new time zones
I’d love to go on a blogger’s cruise someday, but my wife’s work schedule won’t ever allow her to go during the January – April time frame. So if you ever offer one past those months I would certainly be interested.
Since you mentioned that some of the big wigs are reading this blog, I’ll try a little subliminal message. John deserves a raise! Well maybe that wasn’t too subliminal. An any case take care and enjoy your visit.
Glad your meetings are so productive and will be news worthy. I had hoped the bloggers cruise in 2009 was to Alaska. Also, we can only afford one vacation per year and would want at least 7 days and a different itinerary (have done Eastern and Western Caribbean). Even if my husband and I can’t do the bloggers cruise we will continue to enjoy the blog and Carnival.
Hope you and Heidi get some good R&R. I am saying a prayer for Alan. I guess once you know he is in good shape you will truly be able to relax.
Kind regards.
Mary
Good to hear from you Mr. Heald. I’m enthusiastcally waiting in anticipation for the new words about cruising with Carnival. I’m trying to plan a new cruise at least a year ahead if possible. I’m glad that everyone in Carnival is working towards the success of each other while listening to the words of everyone. I hope you have enjoyed your visit but I’m sure you can’t wait to return home see Heidi again and really begin your vacation. I do hope that Alan is doing well. Well that’s it for now my friend. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Thanks for the update John. Can’t wait to hear about the upcoming plans for the future. Tell Todd that we will see him in 8 days as we sail from Miami! (Sorry about the basketball game.)
Oh the heat of Miami! I also, do not appreciate the heat in Miami. So humid! I can hardly wait to hear the changes and additions to Carnival in the future. Hopefully there will be more exciting cruises to exotic places. I myself, can hardly wait until we go to Russia this next summer. I was raised in the era of the cold war and can remember our drills in school concerning if we were attacked by Russia! It is great to think that we will be traveling there and that our relationship with Russia has improved so greatly. I hope that you are able to get back to UK soon and Heidi gets back from Holland soon as I know how difficult it can be when a couple are apart. I know that you would be more than willing to put down the toilet lid and pick up your underwear if she was around. Have you heard anymore about how Alan is doing? Sorry you do not have to answer these questions until after your vacation but we would like to know that he is doing okay. Best to you on your trip to Miami. It could be worst! There could be a hurricane. Catherine
2009 Bloggers Cruise – I don’t care what ship it’s on, I’m more interested in the ports.
Julie Gantt
Hello from the transatlantic – one day out of the Madeira Islands. Seas are a bit rough, but what the hey. Its a cruise.
Talk to you when we get back.
Mr & Mrs MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF
Regarding your question on a bloggers cruise on the Inspiration, my vote would be a cruise on a Spirit class ship. They really are special.
With the future so bright, I might need some welding googles to cut down on the glare.
Don’t get to comfortable being the King. The Queen will be back in the picture soon.
I think the Carnival Inspiration would be a good choice.
Unfortunately I don’t have any remedies for jet lag.
Take care,
Scott
Hello John, Welcome to our Florida weather! We are from the Tampa Bay area so I know what you mean about the heat! We are looking forward to the new thing’s that Carnival has planned. More destinations out of Tampa would be great! Would love to eliminate to airline portion of our trips! I’m ready to book another family cruise for June and really don’t want to do Italy again because of the Dollar/ Euro mess. Hope you have a safe trip back home and enjoy your time of rest. Mark & Shelly
HI John, it is sooo good to hear from you again. I think we all probably thought the mob might have gotten to you since we haven’t heard anything since you left for the airport in the UK.
Fla. is not not favorite place bacause of the heat and humidity so I know how you feel.
Can’t wait to hear all the things Carnival has planned.
I bet Heidi misses you too. Don’t get to comfortably with the toliet seat being up.
Till we hear more, enjoy.
Jennifer
John,
Well, if it is any comfort, it is hot in Texas too. The holidays are not the same when the temperature is so high.
Your question about the 2009 bloggers cruise on the Inspiration; won’t there be a lot more updated ships by then? Whenever it is, hopefully will be able to go. My sister is actually going to retire about 13 years early when we return from the Splendor in August so we can go more.
Can’t wait to hear what is coming for Carnival! Is it anything that we are wishing for or is it something that will totally surprise us?
Enjoy your “kingdom” while you can. I am sure Heidi will be so glad to finally be able to spend time with you away from work she’ll let you “have your way”.
Sharon
great hearing from you john, cant wait to hear what carnvial is doing next year and years to come.
2nd blog on inspiration that would be different, not big fan of 5 day cruises, longer cruises are lot better
Hello King John,
I’ll won’t tell Hedi how you are living…I’m just glad to hear from you.
Ok…now I can’t wait to hear the news about Carnival…but I say where ever the next blogger’s cruise is..sign the four of us up! I’m so excited about seeing that ship after you posted all those pictures of it.
Sorry that Miami heat is getting to you (lol..no pun intended) but you could come up to Springfield, IL where the low for tonight is going to be 26 degrees…brrrrrr….
I bet Hedi is enjoying herself with a clean room and no seat left up or other things to pick up.
Tell Carnival they better take good care of you or all 1000 of us will stomp into their offices before our cruise.
Hope Alan is ok…he’s still in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a great holiday, and we will be here waiting to hear all the news!
Susan
John,
Welcome again to the States! I’d drive down to Miami, but six hours is a long drive for me.
That, and I don’t have a car right now to begin with.
Can’t wait to hear the news about Carnival’s future! You’ve built up some good suspense…
Great to hear from you John and that things are going so well in Miami. It’s also great to see that the Miami heat hasn’t made you lose your sense of humor! Can’t wait to hear more, and safe trip home : )
John, it was soooo good to hear from you. Can’t wait to hear what Carnival has in store for all of us addicted cruisers. Sounds like the meeting are going great. Sorry about the swealtering heat in Miami, I don’t do well with the heat either!
I know you’re anxious to get home to some cooler weather and of course to finally start enjoying your and Heidi’s time off.
On your question about the second bloggers cruise being in Feb. 2009, won’t that be around the same time the Carnival Splendor will be going to South America. I will check later on the exact dates but I’m thinking it departs on Jan. 31, 2009. We’re booked on the first leg of that cruise, I probably should check the exact dates!!!
Still keeping Alan in our thoughts and prayers, especially during his up-coming surgery.
Take care and try not to get to use to leaving the SEAT UP!
Johnny, me boy -
Greetings from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, where we are a rockin’ and a rollin’.
Nice weather, but windy – they advise me that it is going to be like this weather the entire crossing. It is so windy, they have closed the front observation deck!!!!
Now, stupid me, I went up to the bow this morning to take some pictures of the sunrise, only to discover that we are sailing WEST (I am a stupid, young man after < four hours sleep and no coffee).
Anyway, we will catch up after we get back – I have been printing your blogs for the various bloggers to read. BTW – still no luggage for either blogger who is missing their luggage.
Love from the middle of the Atlantic
Jonny
Hi John,
It was really great to hear from you. I’m not trying to put a guilt trip on you, but I sure do miss you when you’re too busy to blog. Will be anxiously awaiting the news on Carnival’s plans for the future. I’m especially glad to hear that the Carnival executives read this blog. They can learn a lot by reading various concerns & comments of us “common people”. Sorry I can’t help you out with the problem of jet lag…………it’s really a killer. You have my deepest sympathy.
Good Morning John,
Ahh……………….to be KING once again………the freedoom, the lack of responsibility, the terror of knowing that it only lasts a few fleeting moments!
Back to reality now……………great job at the meeting. Can’t wait to hear of some of the news about crusing in 08 and beyond.
Wondering if you heard whether the Fascination will be completely refitted by April 08 with the new pools and adult area? Any news would be appreciated.
Well John…………..the Cowboys made quick work of the Eagles last night and we are now 7-1 and have the biggest game of the season next week against the GIANTS from NY! They are 6-2 and the winner will have bragging rights for first place with more than half the season finished.
I hope you have a wonderful trip back to jolly old England and say HI to Heidi and enjoy all of the things that you miss while on board.
Keep blogging my friend and all the best to Alan.
PS………..Hi Roberto!…………..maybe you know about the status of the Fascination?
Later,
B&D from Canada
Good morning dear John,
It’s good to hear from you again. But John, did you not complain to the powers that be that they did not tell you what kind of weather to expect? You should get some kind of compensation or refund , or perhaps new underwear?
I’m sure you’ll tell us what happened at the meetings as soon as you can, but a couple of hints here and there would be appreciated.
As for February 2009 on the Inspiration – sounds good even though I’m not crazy about February and I want a balcony cabin, but it’s ok.
Less than a month until my cruise on the Imagination and I am definitely getting antsy.
So enjoy what’s left of your trip to the Colonies, your last days of bathroom freedom, and wish Heidi and Alan my best.
Hugs,
Carol
Good Morning John,
I’m in for the Blogger cruise for 2009. When will you give us the pricing for this cruise?
Did you by chance see the Piston/Heat game? The Piston/Magic game was even better. Although we did attend our season opener at the Palace of Auburn Hills last night and that was a nail biter. The “Boys” took it by one point. This is going to be a really great season for both teams.
I can hardly wait for the announcements about the new “things” Carnival has in store for us. I am looking forward to our 1st Annual Bloggers cruise but the next one is going to be amazing to see all the new improvements Carnival has made to the Fantasy Class ships. Now I have to count days for two cruises.
You take care and see you soon
Joan
Tell me will have a ship in Boston and you will make my day.
I hope you wore your Salem witch tee shirt and hat last week. That should tell you when we met; Freedom, 9/10 in the Med. I had the group of 50 and Lenny and Freda that became engaged in Venice. Remember???
Miami Heat! Spent this weekend in Jacksonville and it was a lovely 73 degrees. Can’t wait to feel the weather this January in Miami. Hope it’s warm and wonderful. Tampa in February 08? Still want to go to Brazil.But if there are no fun tickets I’ll jump on board!
Hi John: Glad to hear from you. I am at work so I will check out your video blog at home. I LOVE the idea of a 5 day Inspiration Bloggers cruise for the 2nd bloggers cruise next Feb. 2009 out of Tampa, that is perfect! Plus the fact it is the month of my birthday which is 2/18. Anytime in Feb. would be great, please keep us posted, as soon as you know the date, I will be booking it! Can’t wait to hear all the new changes Carnival has in store for us! I am so excited! We are getting close to our cruise in less than 2 weeks, wish we could see you, will look for the book you promised. Hope you got the package we sent! Can’t wait to see the Freedom. My girlfriend just got back from the Liberty-8 days to Panama and Costa Rica, etc. She loved the ship! Hope Carnival brings a new ship to Port Canaveral in 2008 so we can take another ship from here, since I have been on the Glory 3 times already. Tampa is only 2 hrs. away from us, so we want to do the Inspiration and see the new upgrades but will save that for the Bloggers cruise in 2009 if you can find out when that will definitely be taking place. Will wait to hear from you soon. Your friends, Linda & Mike (the handyman)!
John,
Sounds like you have great meetings lined up. It is so nice to see you (or anyone) excited about their job and product.
Feb. ’09 sounds great! It’s Jim’s 50th birthday so what a great way to celebrate! Too bad the cruise is not longer, though.
Have a great day and good luck with the jet lag. By the time you adjust, you’ll be back home.
Glad to hear of Alan, please keep us posted. we are all praying for him.
Being away from your wife will make the reunion sweeter. You will both appreciate each other more when you are reunited and being alone every now and again reminds one of the blessings of finding a soul mate.
Hi, John,
Good to hear from you. Looking forward to all the new stuff you have to tell us. Sorry you don’t enjoy the heat in Florida, but it’s the reason I live here. I don’t do cold! Speaking of which, here in Clermont (near Orlando) this morning it was only 48 degrees on my back porch. Bring back the summer!
Got to check out the video now.
Best Wishes,
Myra
Welcome to America! Long time, no write. I am sure you are enjoying your time off the ship although it sounds busy, busy for a while. We will be unable to go on the 2008 Bloggers cruise but Feb. 2009 sounds good. That will be our 29th anniversary on Feb. 9th so that sounds like a good thing to do to celebrate tolerating one another for that long! We are still revisiting our trip on the Freedom earlier this summer and tell everyone we speak to that they “must” do this in their lifetime.
Take care y’all!
I can’t wait to go home today and watch the video at home so Paul can see it also. It’s going to be fun hearing a voice to the many pictures we have seen of you.
After we complete our first cruise in April, I’m pretty sure that we will want to attend the next Bloggers cruise. Give us anywhere other than the snow, gloomy skies, and cold and we will be there!!! It just looks like cruises are such an affordable way to see the places we have only seen on television and wished we could be there. 5 months to go!!!
Give Alan our best and bring Heidi a wonderful gift from the USA!! Maybe even include a picture of your “rebellious” messing up of the bathroom.
Dear John
Wonderful to see your blogs while you’re so busy. I caught a comment about the color luggage tags- are they leaving us cruisers soon?? Also a bloggers cruise in Feb 2009 would be great, I’m assuming we leave from Florida- give us more info later and hope you & Heidi are together soon.
John, welcome to the “good ole US of A.” I’d like to pity you in the heat, but unfortunately I just can’t find a way. We have been experiencing record high October temps in Phoenix ourselves–high 80s to mid-90s. However, please try to remember that in Istanbul, you paid to sweat like this.
John, I see that you want to be on the Inspiration in February ’09. Does this mean that you will not be going ” round the Horn” on the Splendor that month? I was looking forward to the opportunity to torment you for 49 days! I kind of see us like the two lawyers on Boston Legal, sitting on a balcony discussing the day, while cigar smoke wafts into the air, although for us, it would be green jellybean clouds.
Keep up the good work, and please, John, promise that you will try to relax!
Rus Franklin
John the date has been set for months for the next bloggers cruise is 1/24/2009 on the Splendor the last cruise before the around the horn cruise. Also our next anniversary cruise. The date was picked the day Splendor came on-line. We called it a BTBTBTB Bloggers Cruise.
“BIG” ED
Hey buddy!
Great to hear from you and glad you got to the states safely. Nice hearing that the meetings are going so well with upper mgmt and everyone is excited.
Glad you are able to be “Master of your Domain” without Heidi around for a couple of days, but i know it will be nice when you guys see each other soon.
Thanks for thinking of us and posting.
Looking forward to catching up soon!
David
For BIG ED, there never was a date picked for the 2nd bloggers cruise as far as I know, I too would like to go on the Splendor but if it is to be on the Inspiration in Feb. 2009 that is fine with me too. I guess we will just have to wait and see! Linda
I am enjoying your blog…GREATLY! I’ve done a fair amount of cruising, but only one on Carnival. Have to say our cruise in September on the Miracle was the best I’ve ever done.
As to your ‘question’ about a Blogger Cruise in February, 09 — YES!!! We’d love to go.
I love the idea of another Blogger’s Cruise since I can’t go on the first one, but it has to be summer or Christmas. My job does not permit me to travel at any other time. Is there any way a blogger’s cruise would be at either of these times?
Sewing Nut
Linda Hernacki,
You said ” there never was a date picked for the 2nd bloggers cruise as far as I know” well read this comment you put on my April 29 post on April 30.
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Linda Hernacki
April 30th, 2007 at 6:14 pm ·
Hi Big Ed, I have been reading John’s blog and your comments since he started it, I too am not going to be able to make that date, as we will be on the Freedom the end of November, but the 2nd bloggers cruise date of 1/24/09 sounds great, and you can count me in, now get John to agree to that too ok? I really didn’t want to go on the Freedom just 2 mos. later anyway. But I definitely want to go on the Splendor and 1/24/09 would be GREAT! So, start a new bloggers cruise sign up and put us at the top of that list! Linda & Mike
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If you go to my post on my blog of April 30 you will see the list I started just for you and your right on top number 1. Pat and I are number 2. On John’s blog that day I commented and so did you.
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“BIG” ED
April 30th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
John, The Splendor is here. The date is picked and I’ve been asked to start a sign-up list for those that want the 2nd ANNUAL BLOGGERS CRUISE, January 24, 2009 on the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR. Now just to see if it will have JOHN HEALD aboard. Do I add your name to the title John?
“BIG” ED
Linda Hernacki
April 30th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Hi John: Can’t make the January 2008 Bloggers cruise, just too close to our Freedom cruise in November, but I agree with Big ED, and I have emailed him that I want to be on the top of the list for a bloggers cruise on the Splendor on 1/24/09-will you be on the Splendor then? Hope so! So, while you are planning the first bloggers cruise Ed is planning the 2nd and Mike and I are the first to sign up ————–
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So now you remember? I know that was a long time ago I even forgot about that list. Will see you on the second one wherevere it is as long as it’s not Alaska.
“BIG” ED
Welcome to the USA and Miami Heat…. errr… that’s a sports team I think…. A name so apropos….. Anyway one would say I am now anxious for the exciting upcoming details on Carnival’s future plans. Needless to say I will be staying tuned to learn more.
Yes!! Yes!! to the Inspiration Blogger Cruise. I could not make it for the first but I will be there for the second. It’s more than a year away and I am already excited. We have enjoyed 6 cruises with Carnival, 3 with you as Director.
Hope that Alan is doing well. Having you there for support will help him greatly. Even though we don’t know him personally, I think we have all grown to know him through you, and we keep him in our prayers.
WELCOME TO MIAMI BIG GUY!!
WEW!!! NELSON AND I WHERE READY TO BOOK ANOTHER CRUISE TO THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN, BUT NOW THAT YOU SAID KEEP CHECKING BACK, WE JUST CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR WAHTS IN STORE, WE ARE READY TO BOOK AS LONG AS YOU WILL BE WITH US!!
HAVE A SAFE TRIP BACK HOME AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALAN AND A BIG HUG TO HEIDI. YOUR FREINDS, PAULA AND NELSON
John:
Well….old saying is true. You don’t truly appreciate something (or someone) until they are not there. Your witty charm has been missed!
We finally got the picture of DJ and Ria back from Walmart. It can be seen at the website posted above.
John,
I fear that the five-day cruise on Carnival Inspiration leaves something to be desired. The U.S. covers a lot of territory and many American & Canadian bloggers would be reluctant to fly very far for a cruise of this length. When one adds thc cost of a flight (and possibly a hotel night) to the cruise fare, the apportioned cost-per-day becomes rather high. Additionally, many prefer Spirit and Conquest-Class ships.
See you on January 19.
~ Dave