Good Evening everyone from my little office here in our apartment. The only noise you here are the sea and the occasional fox in the foraging for food in the bins. The nearest neighbours are 500 meters away and as I sit here on my own the ship and my job feel a million miles away. The only unfortunate thing is that my raspberry e-mail machine thingy still gets perfect reception…………bugger.
I forgot to tell you the other day about some exciting news for folks who will be sailing on the Carnival Victory. She has just returned from dry dock and has been refitted with some wonderful additions and upgrades. One of the most popular new features will be for sure the Carnivals’ Seaside Theatre LED screen. These are all ready in place as you know on the Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom and the same screen has been placed now on the Carnival Victory. Having seen the ship before I flew home I can report the screen looks even bigger on a Destiny class ship then it does on a Conquest class ship. The Carnival Victory has been rejuvenated and visiting her gave me the same feeling I always have when I walk on a brand new vessel……she looks brilliant.
Let me answer a few questions and comments. I see many of you have kept posting even though my blogs are less frequent at the moment. I also noticed many of you asking what the heck I was doing with a bottle of red wine which was spilled on the couch……. considering I don’t drink. Well, I decided to start drinking again and was entertaining a young lady who looked just like Catherine Zeta Jones. I had poured her a glass of 1964 Chateau Rothschild as her deep blue eyes undressed me. Her soft lilywhite Thighs …………… ok………back to reality. I was unpacking a box of groceries and transporting a bottle of Chateau La Cheapo from the bag to the wine rack when it slipped out of my hand, bounced of the wooden floor and that was the couch covered in cheap red wine.
Here are today’s Q and A.To skip the Q&A, click here.
JOE KYLE – Hello Joe and thanks for posting a comment. The issue of loyalty amongst the family companies within Carnival Corporation has been raised before. I guess what you are saying is that if you have cruised Carnival say 10 times and then decide to sail on a Princess ship that you should be entitled to some sort of benefit for sailing within the family rather than going say to another cruise line. You know what mate…..you are right……..maybe this is something we should look at, a Carnival Corporation loyalty program seems like it would benefit everyone especially if it means that you and many others will only think about a cruise within the family rather than vacation anywhere else. I know there are great minds that read this blog thingy and I expect one such great mind will read this and e mail me telling me why we cannot or, hopefully, that we can investigate this. Certainly in my humble and non important opinion, I think there can and should be more cross promotion within our sister companies and maybe that is something that in just a small way I can influence with this blog thing. Hang in there mate, don’t get frustrated and lets see what happens……..as soon as the “great mind” reads this and lets me know what’s what….I will let you know. Until then, happy cruising and my best to you and the family.
GREG BALDASARRI – Hello mate. I have tried stain remover and leather cleaner on the wine stain on the sofa but it now looks a deep brown leather sofa that has been used in a CSI program………I am in so much trouble. I have not told Heidi yet and hopefully she will be to busy with her Mum to read the blog. I thought about the blanket but living with Heidi is like living with Sherlock Holmes and she will deduce something is wrong immediately. Thanks for your praise of the Miami Heat although at 0 – 5 we need that little bit of luck, once we win one game I know we can start a run. I am also glad to hear you are interested in the 2009 bloggers cruise and very soon we shall finalize the dates etc. Thanks as always for your kind posting and our best to you and the family.
JTODDINMAN – One day………one fine day…….I will be able to shake your hand and say thank you in person for all your kindness and treat you like a rock star. Thanks again mate, you are one of a kind.
BIG ED – Touched a nerve did I with the suggestion of replacing a warming cake with a Spotted Dick? I can understand that you don’t like the idea but threatening me with being relived of my Small Ed is a bit extreme isn’t it. OK, the chocolate cake stays but I know people in the dining room so expect to find instead of the steak you ordered a large portion of Toad In The Hole.
LISA AND ELAINE – First of all thanks for all the kind words. Then as far as the future plans for Carnival following our meetings last week I can tell you that there is a new surge of commitment from us all to make sure we continue to be the best. I can’t say anything just yet though but as soon as I can I will let everyone know any news. The Bloggers Cruise plans are in full swing. We have chosen some gifts that each blogger will receive as well as some dining options with me and the schedule for private and exclusive events…it is going to be a blast. Hope all is well and we will see you very soon.
SHERYL PELTON – Thanks Sheryl and I am glad you are still finding the odd piece of mirth in my now very random thingies. I miss Heidi, she will be home a week on Monday and I am doing my Florence Nightingale bit in looking after Alan. Thanks again for all your kind words and our best to you all.
TORBELINOBLANCO – Do they make sugar free Funnel Cakes…..the sound delicious and many thanks for sharing something like this………can you mail me one or twenty?
RICH HUGHES – Hello mate. Glad you enjoyed the champagne and I hope you enjoyed your celebrations on the Carnival Freedom. I am afraid that as you and I and many others have found that flying out of Rome airport is as pleasant as sharing a confined space with a skunk. It smells and the people who work there all seem to have taken a course in how to say “NO” as rudely as possible. Anyway, thanks for reading the blog thingy and I truly hope you will continue to do so. Cheers mate.
KICKASKI – Hello George and hello Linda. It feels ages since I have written to you and even longer since we sailed together. I read your comments on choices for you and many others from Florida and they have been noted and passed to the folks who decide where our ships go. One thing that will be happening ion the future is Carnival’s commitment to discover new itineraries and to place our ships in the most convenient of homeports. Now, on to the 2009 Bloggers Cruise. Right now, the Inspiration is looking favorite for February of 2009. I do not have the exact details yet and I know you need to know as soon as possible as do many others. I will have the final details ASAP but I can promise you that there will be a 2009 Bloggers Cruise and 99% it will be a 5 day adventure sometime in January or February. I hope you are both well and thank you so much for your continued support of the blog. Our best to you both.
LINDA HERNACKI – not long now and you will be wearing your blogger shirts on the Carnival Freedom. Again, I wish I could be with you both but I am certain you will have the most wonderful time. We are both thinking of you and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
MISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISE – Hello Jon. Are you home now. I hear the crossing was fun although I also hear you had a few bumpy days at sea. I hope you will be sending in a full report. It was great meeting you even though it was a short relationship I feel we belong together…………don’t tell Heidi.
RAY – Thanks mate, hope you had fun in Orlando at the food festival……..was there any spotted dick?
LISA WIGGS – Todd has been warned of your pending arrival. My raspberry thing works everywhere and I was secretly hoping that it would not……oh well. Hope you have a fantastic time and let me know if there is anything I can do for you beforehand. Cheers.
DOUG – Goodness me, 1998, your Honeymoon cruise….I bet that feels like ages ago, not because you have been married for a long time or that you are not happy or that you are thinking what the heck was I doing…….ok, I am waffling now……what I meant was that it has been 10 years since we sailed together and that’s too long. I am sure you will have a good cruise with Micky and Donald but I am happy that showed some desire to return home to Carnival. Maybe I can persuade you to come and see me in March on the Carnival Freedom. If not, how about a Med cruise in the summer or maybe come on the Bloggers cruise in 2009…………the choices are many. One thing is for certain though and that is 10 years is to long and its time for a reunion……..what do you say?
MARK AND SHELLY – You asked if I do have any neighbours who are like some of our unreasonable guests…………ummmm……..yes…….funny you should mention that ………as you will see below. Best to you both, wish you were my neighbours.
KRISTEN L – Sorry your speaker was boring. Do you know that I was offered a job last year with a big company that is involved in teaching management techniques and self help, etc etc. I though hard about taking it, the money was amazing and the benefits as well. The main reason for not taking it was self doubt, I just couldn’t see myself standing in front of people talking about management techniques when mine are ……… ummmm ……….different. Maybe one day. Glad the Speedos made you laugh; I wish you could have seen me today trying to figure out the washing machine. There were too many settings and buttons so I choose the setting marked “ask Mum to do it.” Hope your day was better and keep smiling. All the best Kristen.
SUSAN B – Heidi never did get her coat back from the guest. She couldn’t be bothered and hopefully Heidi’s act of kindness will have had the guest walking off the vessel feeling that she has been treated in a very special way…………….and of course Heidi now has the excuse to go out and buy a new coat as well……..so everyone is a winner……except me………what a shocker. Thanks for all your kind words Susan and our best to you and the family.
BEV – Welcome back to Aussie and thanks for taking the time to fly for hours as you said to get to the Med and to the Carnival Spirit for your Alaska and Hawaii cruise. You are correct, its a long way to fly, if only they could move Australia and put it in the Caribbean. Seriously, don’t be surprised if one day you see the Carnival smokestack anchored next to the Sydney Opera House. You also mentioned your concern about the cigar bar being placed in front of the access point to the Internet Cafe. You are not the first and you will not be the last to mention this and even as a cigar smoker I realise this is a design mistake. We only have 4 smoking areas out of 15 public lounges and entertainment areas on the Conquest class ships but I agree it is not nice for people who do not smoke to have to walk through there to get online. It will be interesting to see where the industry as a whole places itself with regard to smoking……….we will see soon I am sure. Thanks for saying you missed me on the Carnival Spirit, I missed you too. Please keep reading the blog thingy and our best to you all down under.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – It’s not such a crazy idea that I am still in CD mode as you will discover shortly. Don’t worry too much about your forthcoming Carnival Imagination cruise. You will not forget anything, just don’t pack Slinky by mistake. Thanks for the kind words for Alan, Mum and Dad and Heidi and my best to you and Slinky………..can it go down stairs alone or in pairs?
CHRIS B – It’s brilliant that you posted on my thingy, thanks mate. You asked who the Cruise Director will be on your Carnival Legend cruise? The answer is Brent, a great and talented young man from Canada….eh? Now, as far as your juggler nephew is concerned. Can you tell me where he is based and something about him please and I will be able to point him in the right direction. Look forward to hearing from you.
PEANUTS – Can you send Roberto or I your address and the trophy will be on its way to you………thanks for the reminder as now I don’ have to wear Big Ed’s underwear as a hat. The Miami Heat are playing New York tonight…………this is a game they have to win. Cheers Peanuts……….two peanuts walking through Central Park……..one was asalted.
LUVCRUSIN – I can imagine how long it must have taken you to catch up on all the blog thingies so thank you so much for taking the time to do so. I hope you and Mum in Law had a fun vacation and I will try and post as many blogs as I can. It will not belong before you are walking up the gangway of the Carnival Freedom with your daughter for what is certain to be a very special cruise. Until then, please keep reading the blog thingy and our best to the whole family.
DWA76 – How are the Cowboys doing mate? Hope you are well and yes, try some porridge; it’s the best thing for a cold winter’s morning. Hope you are well mate and please write soon.
JOHN N – as requested, here is the return of the
JOKE OF THE DAY………TAKEN FROM E BAY
FOR SALE BY OWNER
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45 volumes.
Excellent condition.
$1,000.00 or best offer.
No longer needed. Got married last weekend. Wife knows everything.
Hope you enjoyed that one mate and I will remember to post more soon. Cheers.
ANNE E – Thanks for asking about the floods. Luckily, all the fears came to nothing as the winds eased and the tide did not surge as expected. In fact, the only flooding was caused by my accident with the red wine bottle. Thanks for your concern though Ann. I hope all is well with you and your family and please write soon.
CAPTAIN CHUCK – Ahhhhhh, the intruder excuse…..that’s a good one but unfortunately Heidi has a sixth sense that allows her to immediately know when I am telling porky pies (that’s rhyming slang for lies.) This ability usually results in a nervous reaction where her foot raises up and swiftly connects with my bottom…………I therefore fear my fate is sealed………..its doghouse time. Great to hear from you Captain and I hope you are well.
NANI – How are you?
JERI GREEN – I wish I could influence the experiences that make Rome airport such negative ones. Honestly, a herd of Buffalo could do a better job of organizing things there. Anyway, it looks like booking the 28-day cruise has meant that you do not have to deal with Mr and Mrs Rudeacino and their many friends at the airport. I hope you have many happy memories of your time on the Carnival Liberty and I hope I get to sail with you very soon.
That’s all for today and once again, if anyone has anything they would like me to reply to please can you slap it on this blog and I will respond the next time I write.
You know, I was just talking about flooding. The south east of the UK was under a flood watch and although we were all a little nervous anytime you mention the word flood you immediately think of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans and the area. I wonder how things are going down there, I wonder how the people and the port are rising to meet and beat the slings and arrows that have been fired upon them. I know, lets ask. I am going to send a series of questions to the Port Director of New Orleans and ask him how life is and about the rejuvenation of this great city………watch out for that interview on a blog thing soon.
Oh yes, my neighbour. Our apartment block sits on the sea front in Southend and has five floors. We are on the fourth floor and the people above us in the Penthouse are a couple my age. I have not got to know them very well but I do know he is a vet (as in animals, sorry but I couldn’t spell veterinarian) and she owns a restaurant in town.
Anyway, this morning as I went to my car that they were getting out of theirs and she had a Costa Cruises sweatshirt on. Trying to make small talk I said how nice it was to be back (I don’t think they had noticed the apartment had been empty for 9 months) and “OH, I see you went on a cruise, did you have a good time?”………what followed was 10 minutes of how Costa was not as good as the other cruise line they had sailed on and the food and the entertainment and the passengers who were not friendly etc…….they finished with ……we are going back to our favorite cruise line……………oh what’s that I asked………”Princess” …………..I just smiled and after a few moments got into the car and thanked the boss upstairs for them not asking me if I have ever cruised or what I did for a living Now the reason I was getting in the car was I was going shopping.
As I have written recently, I hate shopping and the fact that I decided to go must tell you that it was only because there was nothing in the house……….nothing. The fridge, which when Heidi is here magically fills itself up with milk and things is emptier than a Royal Caribbean climbing wall……….and disaster…………I had run out of toilet paper and short of using the shower curtain I new that was the final straw……..I had to go shopping.
So, off I went to our local supermarket which is something called Waitrose. This is like a Publix except there are no Twinkies or Diet Root Beer…….shame. Anyway, as I was pushing the trolley around I was deep in thought……should I get the blue toilet paper by Andrex or the supermarkets own brand which was £2 cheaper……….if I did would it be soft enough or would it be like using sandpaper……so deep in thought was I that somehow my brain thought I was on the ship and that I was a CD again………this was not a good thing for the poor lady and her husband who as they passed me and the toilet paper were asked by a complete stranger”
Hello, how are you. “Now, an American or Canadian may have stopped and said ‘fine thanks, how are you’”” but us Brits are too stuffy for that and the husband just stared at me and ushered his wife away from the potential axe wielding maniac who had dared to ask them how they were.
By the way, that was the second mistake I made as I bought the cheap toilet paper ………. ouch ……going shopping tomorrow for better toilet paper and a new shower curtain.
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.
Good morning Mr. Heald. It has been some time that I have had the chance to once again converse with you. I hope that you are enjoying your vacation and most of all, resting. How has Alan been? Is he getting stronger? I really enjoyed your video while you were in Miami. Did Roberto explain to you that there are two different universities, Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators. I thought that was so funny. It would be advantages to buy a more expensive toilet paper if you know what I mean. My wife tried to be more frugal with the toilet paper and we both know what happened with that idea. Now we buy a better and more expensive one. It helps with my skin thank God. I hate to repeat something again but I wanted to know if you and Heidi had received my gift. I keep trying to find out if it was even sent over the ocean. I will no longer ask you again. I’m sorry for asking this time. Are you getting that feeling of getting back on to one of the Carnival ships? I’m getting that feeling. My cruise is coming soon and I getting excited. I still feel sad that I won’t be having the opportunity of meeting you. Maybe someday. Well I guess it’s time to stop. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hello, John, my friend!!
Good to hear from you again and what a shame that the wine refused to depart from your sofa. I suspect that you’ll have to face the music at some point in time. Does Harrod’s sell sofas as well as hats??? I expect that you have more shopping in your future.
The Seaside Theatre LCD screen on the Victory has been the topic of much discussion at CruiseCritic. I’m so glad that they got that done. I’m looking forward to seeing the same improvements on the Conquest next fall after her dry dock.
Ahhhh… the hapless Heat. Finally, they won one. With any luck this will be the start of a winning season for them. Just as long as they don’t beat the Spurs. There’s a remarkable amount of talent with the Heat. I’m still amazed that it took them this long to put one in the ‘win’ column.
Please keep us apprised any news regarding the 2009 blogger’s cruise. I’ll be standing in line to book as soon as the word comes down!
How is your mate and our friend Alan doing? Haven’t heard much regarding him recently. I pray that he’s doing better.
Please pass along my ‘howdies’ to the lovely, investigative Heidi and the amazing Roberto!
Take care of yourself, my friend.
Regards,
Greg
Dear John….
Thanks once again for letting us share in your adventures! We hope Alan is doing well. Hope Heidi is enjoying her time with her mum. We are looking forward to going on the Carnival Miracle the day after Thanksgiving out of Ft. Lauderdale.
It will be our tenth cruise on Carnival! Please keep us informed on the 2nd bloggers cruise! We will book as soon as it becomes available.
John & Susan
Hi John, I don’t see how you will be able to be on the inspiration in Feb 09 as we are expecting you on the South America Cruise!!
Hi, John!
Love the fact that Carnival is investing in the older ships. It’s making some of the shorter voyages more attractive….Suggestions on getting out of the doghouse………
Red roses go with red wine…even if the wine is on the sofa. Add a bottle of the premier old cheepo…along with jewelry and a nice designer coat…..Did I mention chocolate?
Thanks for todays laugh. It feels so good. Glad Alan has you to cheer him on.. and his family… Take good care.
Kathie
Hope you got my post on your last blog entry — it was rather late as we were coming home from the Freedom.
Just so you know that cruisers haven’t changed… Todd as giving his “gettin off the ship” talk (never can rememer the proper name) and talking about the new terminal with the numbers and carousels and all; explaining in detail how to handle your luggage. One man asked, “How do I get my bags off the carousel?” Ta-dum.
I have to tell you — I was so worried about feeling crowded on the Freedom because it carries about half again a many passengers as any other cruise we’ve taken (except one that was the reason for my fears). I worried for naught! There were always lounge chairs where ever and whenever I wanted. I never once felt crowded. It was fantastic!
At least I thought so, but let me recount a conversation I had at lunch in the Posh dining room one day with someone who wasn’t so happy.
He: “This ship is an engineering nightmare. If there were an emergency, it would be pure panic around the elevators.”
Me: “But you’re not supposed to take the elevators in an emergency.”
He: “But we would be trapped here. It would be terrible.”
Me (sweetly): “But we’re on the third deck — exactly where we’re supposed to go in an emergency, all we have to do is walk out the doors.”
Well, he went on in negative mode. I returned to enjoying my amazing baked scrod (How is it Carnival does fish so well? It’s the hardest protein to do right.).
This guy as looking for something to complain about, so I decided to let him enjoy himself in his own way.
Enjoy your break while you can.
“is emptier than a Royal Caribbean climbing wall”
brilliant!
Hope your enjoying your time off the ship, and hope is well over the pond! Are you missing the Carnival Freedom still? Hope all is well!
PS- Only 233 days till the Inaugural sailing of the Splendor!
John–your blogs never fail to amuse me! Is it totally weird for you to be alone after being amongst hundreds of people for months on end? Must be a very odd experience. One thing I noted about this recent blog–you mentioned buying the softer, blue toilet paper. Just had this discussion with friends. Although you can still buy colored tissues in the US, colored toilet paper no longer seems to be available–I remember in my childhood blue, pink, beige, prints of various colors. Well, apparently now the paper makers have decided that we don’t want dye touching our–delicate cheeks and nether regions?–that it might irritate us, and at least in my region of the country, all you find is white toilet paper. And that’s my useless bit of information for today.
Hi John,
Ahh yes, the great toilet paper debate. I’m finally winning that one in our house. You’re doing the right thing. Go back and buy the better stuff. Heidi and your bottom will thank you!
That’s a riot about the couple from you building. That could’ve been really awkward for you and embarassing for them if they had asked what you did. Too funny. Thank goodness for small favors.
Thanks for the blog and for making me laugh!
Smiles, Mary C.
PS Happy Veterens Day to all Veterens. We thank you and remember you in our prayers especially today!
Hi John, I have a suggestion about the leather couch. You need to talk to a leather person, someone who repairs or cleans leather for a living. Look in the phone book or talk to someone who sells leather furniture. You could even talk to someone at a car dealership that sells fancy cars. I have seen leather seats repaired and look brand new. An expert might be able to dye the couch back to the original color. Do it now. For heavens sake save yourself man.
My big question you haven’t answered is are you going to be on the Splendors South American sailings. We are going to be on the Splendor the whole month of February in 2009. Even you can’t be in two places at one time. Will it be South America or Bloggers cruise?
I hope the 2009 Bloggers cruise will be at least 7 days long. I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on airfare for a short cruise.
Jo
John that sounds great. A meal for the bloggers with your Mum doing the menu and suppling the receipts. Better yet your Mum and Dad on the ship as guest Chef and Maitre D’ for the day.
Is “Chateau La Cheapo” anything like our TWO BUCK CHUCK?
“BIG” ED
68 days
Good Afternoon John,
I can imagine you are really looking forward to Heidi coming home. Aren’t wives wonderful creatures…..shopping (buying “the good stuff”), cooking, cleaning ;D
I will be sending my address to you by mail unless you want me to email it. If so, email me with Roberto’s or your email. I have just the right place for my trophy (be nice now).
I hope the Heat beats NY. It would be nice to see them up there with the Pistons. I still think My Boys and Your Boys are a good match up and I love watching them play. I know it’s early in the season but so far the Pistons and the new boys they signed last summer are looking reallllllll promising.
Take care
Joan
I hate to admit that I was not aware of the floods in the UK until DJ asked me if I knew “exactly” where they had happened. I told him I did not know and asked him “why do you ask?”
He said that Ria was on her vacation at home(being from England) and he was concerned about her when he heard about the floods.
I assured him that she was probably just fine, but I would drop her an email (she gave us her home email address) just to double check!!
She heads out on the Spirit for her next contract and DJ wants us to book a cruise on the Spirit just so he can sail with her again!!
That’s what you wonderful folks do to us…you make us feel so at home on these ships…that we never want to leave!!!
John,
What DO you do for a living? Hey at least they said they preferred Princess instead of ECW, International (Empty Climbing Wall). What ever happened to the sofa?
Later,
BM
Hi John,
Nice to hear you’ve settled into “mundane” life like the rest of us, enjoying the family, ruining the furniture, and enduring the trials and tribulations of shopping.
I learned long ago that I had to buy the better toilet paper. To save money Mrs. Kuki makes me buy the cheaper underwear. She’s fine with the plush paper while I get chapped wearing the cheap Fruit of the Loo . (it’s much cheaper without the M).
Sure it’s taken some adjustments to not have Heidi with you everyday after 9 months together onboard. When does she come home, and force you to keep the toilet lid down?
We’ve begun our packing process as we head to Freedom this weekend for our CruiseMates group cruise. Everyone was disappointed when I told them you wouldn’t be our Cruise Director, but I assured them that since I’ve cruised with Todd before, though he isn’t you, they’ll enjoy him. And also told them if they want to cruise with you there’s still a few cabins left for the Bloggers Cruise.
Hope you continue to enjoy your time with your family, and wishing Allen the very best!
Won’t be long until we get to cruise with you again for the Bloggers cruise. My birthday is in Jan., as I believe yours is. Wonder if we’re the same sign? Mrs. Kuki tells me my sign is STOP! And her’s isn’t Yield!
John
Glad to hear from you again. I’m curious, how long does it take after you’ve left the ship to not feel the sway of the ocean? After just a week, I feel it for a few days, can’t imagine how long it takes after 9 months.
Glad you are home and have time to enjoy the mundane activities of life. Do you need to go shopping for a new coat for Heidi or did she get it back from the cranky passenger?
Barb
Hi John,
I’m glad you are finally relaxing. Have you had a chance to go to the pub yet?
About the stained leather – I do a bit of leatherwork as a hobby, and I am kind of surprised the wine has stained. Most smooth leathers have a lot of waxes and oils or acrylics applied to them which should make water-based liquids like wine just bead up so you can just wipe it away. Anyway, it sounds like you need a mild bleach. You might try hydrogen peroxide (it should be available at a chemist’s shop). Here in the states there is a product called OxyClean. I don’t know if they sell it in the UK, but it advertises itself as being particularly good at removing wine stains from cloth. Leather, of course, is different but the dyes used on leather should be unaffected by bleaching action. As always, test anything you use on an inconspicuous area first. Hope this helps you.
Say hi to Alan for me, and tell him I want to buy him a beer on the Blogger’s cruise, so he’d better get healthy soon.
funny post john! we had a great time on the 26 days we were aboard your lovely ship! and we loved the bloggers we met too, they were top rate for sure… now we are home and back to doing normal things, i bought toilet paper today too, and i must say it is softer than what is onboard! ha ha ha
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
Pretty funny when you mention that porridge would be good on a cool day. I’m in Dallas, TX so i’m thinking like once a year it might be a good breakfast
Cowboys won yesterday beating the dreaded, hated NY Giants. Our record is now 8-1, so we are doing extremely well.
Glad that you were able to avoid most of the bad weather. Stay dry.
And please, don’t skimp on the cost of decent toilet paper. Your little friend back there will thank you immensely if you splurge every now and then
Thinking of you and Alan,
David
Good Afternoon again John,
Have you tried white wine to take the red wine stain out? That’s suppose to work, I’ve never tried it but what have you got to lose? I really hope you are out of the dog house before our Bloggy Thingy Cruise (snicker).
Joan
P.S. Okay what the heck is “Toad in the Hole”?
Hi John,
Welcome back! It’s so nice to hear from you again. Your adventures in shopping is so entertaining…however did you manage to get along without Heidi? Thankfully, you will never have to worry about that again.
I would like to send you and Heidi something for the holidays…how long do you think it will take to get from Miami to you? How is Alan doing? Please let him know our thoughts and prayers are with him always.
Looking forward to getting more details about the Blogger’s Cruise…the anticipation is killing me…and Lisa too!
Elaine
Dear friend;
Me? Im ok, with my ups and downs but I think thats normal.Us mothers and wifes and now as daughter have to be there strong for our families.Im fighting, my friend.Fear ? a bit, buried deep down but there. I know better times are just around the block so im hanging in there.
Thanks for asking and listening.
Now on other things I found the perfect Christmas card to send you!! You are going to smile when you see it. Toilet paper…. my husband is an expert you should hear his reasons for choosing one brand or the other. I cant put them here too graphic. He takes good care,He is very exclusive and he has different reasons for choosing or not different brands.
John , some advice here, forget you are in the cruise business while on vacation.Simply dont ask
anything about any cruise line, nada.
Love you!!
Send a huggo for Heidi from me.
Nani
hey john
any word on the 2009 blog cruise???
we leave sunday on the Carnival Sensation
for a short cruise to Freeport & Nassau,,,
have fun on your vacation,,,,drink a pint or two.
see you soon in Miami,
your freinds
tom and jane
Hi John,
Welcome back!
I just booked the Splendor’s transatlantic cruise in Oct. 2008. I waited so long to book that my only choices for a cabin were Panorama & Spa decks. It looks like my cat. 8P cabin is included in the Spa category, so guess I’ll be traveling in style. Will you & Heidi still be onboard Splendor for the TA? Or, is that one of the Carnival secrets that you can’t tell us about? Do hope to see both of you on that cruise.
Hello John,
Glad you are settling into your home routine. Thanks for keeping up with the blog, but don’t forget to unwind and enjoy yourself while you are not working!
Thank you also for the updates on Alan. We wish him the very best.
Have a good day.
The Paratores
Hi John, I’m glad you are enjoying your “vacation” but I know Don and I will miss meeting you on the Freedom Dec 15th! He asked me yesterday about booking our next cruise and I told him to wait because I want to hear about your news first…we’re anxiously waiting!
I also wanted to say Happy Veterans Day to fellow vets out there. Thank you for all you do and have done for our great nation.
Laura, USAF
Hey John
Hope you are enjoying your time back home. So… what’s your schedule like… busy? Hel and I want to know if you’re up for a cuppa or something like an Indian if you have the time.
Are you able to access my email address from here?
Kazzie
Hi John,
Ah! you brought back memories of “Readybrek” My personal favourite was the chocolate variety. I used to get a “care pack” sent to Aussie – lincoln biscuits, readybrek and galaxy chocolate – oh the things we miss!! I still get the galaxy sent even after 30 years here.
Please pass our warmest regards to Heidi and our thoughts and prayers are with Alan and his family.
Julia
Greetings John –
I’m sure you would be a great management trainer! I can understand how you’d be offered the job. You’re great with story telling and motivation. You understand people’s needs and desires and you are honest. The world needs more managers with these traits! But, Praise God you didn’t take it! We would be lost sheep with out our shepherd and leader!!! And, we would have fewer smiles and giggles.
As for the toilet paper controversy… It isn’t the color or cost, it’s how you put it on the spindle. Is it up and over or down and under? Here is where marriages break!
I’ll be cruising on the Ecstasy, leaving 2/4/08. I’m taking Mom, in a wheelchair, so we picked a 5 day cruise to make sure she can keep her energy up. Plus, her 84th birthday is the 6th. My question is: Do you know what celebration there will be for Mardi Gras or Chinese New Year? If any?? I was quite disappointed this year on another cruise line (I’m sorry, I let a TA tell me I’d have more fun on the competitor… I proved her wrong! Never again, never, ever again…) they didn’t acknowledge Mardi Gras — and if it weren’t for a Family Reunion out of Louisiana, and a gracious invite to join the 70+ of them, I would have just sat down and cried!!! (And now I book directly with my Carnival PVP.) I’m singing the song now… That’s not me, that’s the TV. Would you believe they just had the Carnival commercial, and I thought I was learning how to fry a turkey on the Food Channel..
So, my beads ready to be packed and my crazy outfit and hat ready to put on… Will there be a place for me on Mardi Gras night??? Of course the answer is yes, even if I have to make my own craziness! Mom will be asleep, so who will know…
John, Heidi will be back to you soon, be good — no more Catherine Zeta Jones fantasies… Well, if you must…
Regards,
Kirsten
Hi John:
I kept checking everyday for a new post and was getting worried for a moment. But glad to see that you are back with us. I’m a little confused regarding the bloggers cruise for 2009. On my last post to you, you said that you would be our CD on our January 10, 2009 cruise celebrating Dotty & Bob’s 50th anniversary on the Splendor. Please don’t disappoint us. They already have 48 people coming and are looking forward to meeting you and Heidi.
How is Alan doing? I pray every night that he will be getting stronger and stronger.
My best to you and Heidi.
Terry Dunning
Well John, you never stop amazing me with your humor! As for the TP, always go with the better stuff, a little more expensive, but well worth it in the “end”!! As for the crabby idiots in the super market, I don’t think it’s in you to not be polite and greet people you see. Maybe they had just been to see Fatima??? Especially if you ran into them in the toilet paper aisle. Well, I’m glad you are doing your Florence Nightengale best for Alan. The nurse in me is very proud of you!! By the way, did you take him out for a decent breakfast? How is he doing with the radiation treatments? I’m sure that Heidi is loving being with her mom, but missing you at the same time. She will be home in a week–did you ever think of getting a dog so that there wouldn’t be room in the “doghouse” for you? Give it a thought–then when you go back on board it could be considered a therapy dog and therefore able to go aboard and keep you safe there also. Did you receive the remote control toy that I sent you yet? I have one and it always brings laughs whenever I use it. Take care, and I’ll be looking forward to your next blog! Thanks so much for taking time to remember all of your forever faithful blogger friends! Sheryl
Hi John,
Thought I’d throw my 2 cents worth in too so you won’t be in the doghouse with Heidi next week. Club Soda is a very good product to get out stains in just about anything. Give it a try…..it probably won’t hurt.
Sorry to hear that Heidi didn’t get her coat back from that miserable lady. The gall of her keeping it after Heidi was gracious enough to lend it to her. Oh well, I guess you will just have to buy Heidi a new coat.
How is Alan doing? I’m sure he feels better knowing that you are back and a good support system for him. Please give him my best.
I’m curious too about your “sea legs”. Like everyone else has said, I feel the ship moving for several days after I get back from a cruise. It sure helps me to sleep at night……all that rocking……..
I still hope to cruise again soon…maybe even the bloggers cruise. I have checked carnival’s website and there’s still room. Now all I have to do is find someone to go with me……no, I don’t want to go alone…..it would feel funny. If not the bloggers cruise, for sure in March.
I’ll let you go now so you can buy that toilet paper………
Hope you are enjoying your vacation!
Cindy
I don’t know what’s more enjoyable to hear about…John’s life on the ship or John’s life back home (and without Heidi). The great toilet paper debate had me rolling! I only hope Heidi gets home soon so that you can have a fully stocked fridge and soft toilet paper!
Ok, Joan beat me to it…I was going to tell you to just go on and get in the doghouse as soon as Hedi returns.
Keeping Alan in my thoughts and prayers..
You know, that’s not a bad idea, why don’t you invite your mum and dad, and Hedi’s mum to join all of us on the blogger’s cruise?
Now tell the truth…was PA007 in your video you put on the blog? Will he/she be on the blogger’s cruise?? Inquiring minds want to know!
Enjoy your time off, because we want you in fine shape for our cruise!
Susan
Hi John:
I don’t Write much But I read you blog. And I had to comment about your fridge being as empty as a rock climbing wall (I fell out of my chair laughing so hard) keep em coming!
Mike in San Antonio.
Hi John
Welcome home, as you can see not much happening in Thorpe bay, cold and grey! Hope you are enjoying being home and catching up with friends and family. A friend of mine called the other day (see lives next door to your apartment) and is joining us on our Freedom cruise over christmas, its not long now, looking forward to our cruise on imagination the week before freedom and seeing all the changes on board and then just walking off and stepping onto the freedom as a platium holder! Yippee. Anyway kettle is on, you and heidi are welcome, but please excuse the decor have moved recently and need to spend some money on house instead of cruises. Take care, off to Asda , Michelle
John, Will you ever be CD on a ship based in the US again? Sailed with you on the Glory, your the best.
We are sailing on the Freedom in Nov ’08.
All the best to you and Heidi.
Bill
Thanks so much for your reply!! We’re looking forward to our first cruise in Dec. and we’ll tell Brent that we will report to you!! My nephew is in Florida right now and his website is http://www.nonamejugglers.com. Thanks for your time and attention!! Funny that people have things to say about buying toilet paper!! Chris
Hi John, I see where Angelina Jolie was in London on Sunday with Brad for the British premier of her new movie Beowulf, they were in Leicester Square. Did you go and see her? You could’ve asked her in person to be the Godmother of the Splendor! Don’t know how far London is from where you live in the UK, and don’t know if you even knew she was in London, but thought I would share this info. with you, it was in our newspaper today. 4 Days till Mike and I leave on our cruise! Can’t wait! I NEED this vacation more than I can say. Have some health issues to deal with once we get back, so the R & R will be much needed. I will keep reading the blog thru Friday night to see if you post one again this week, then it will be a week till I get back and see what has been happening on the blog the week we are gone. Your friends, Linda & Mike
Good morning dear John,
Good to hear you’re well. And yes, Slinky does go downstairs alone.
Another rule – never buy cheap toilet paper – you will suffer in the end!!!!!
Robin – I never thought about the different colors like when I was a kid – but you’re right – at least in NY.
The Heat should always play the Knicks – they’ll win every time.
I did buy a new suitcase and of course Slinky has made herself at home on top of it – it’s too big to put in the closet. As soon as I open a zipper, she sticks her nose in there. I have to find an enormous piece of plastic to wrap it in until I start packing.
Thanks for the info on the Victory – I may take the 4-day cruise to Canada and then the 2009 bloggers cruise. We’ll see how the finances work out Is George Solano still the CD on the Imagination?
Probably will check back later, until then,
Regards to you and Roberto,
Carol
John and Heidi,
First of all I can’t wait to hear what you have planned for the 2009 bloggers cruise because I can go on that one. Second how much longer are you going to keep us waiting for the future plans of carnival? How is the sofa doing now any luck getting it cleaned ? And correct me if i’m wrong isn’t toad in a hole a egg cooked in the middle of a slice of bread that has had a hole cut into it ? Still wondering what your plans are for 2009 like how long you will be on the splendor and so on. Especially with the new Carnival Dream coming out some time around 2009. Please let us know. Best to everyone especially Heidi.
Kevin
PS Heidi please don’t put John in the dog house for too long over the wine.
Hi John,
It would have been fun to see your neighbor’s reaction if you told them you work for Carnival, especially after they mentioned their favorite cruise line. I could just hear them choking and coming up with something pleasant to say. HA!
If you think toilet paper for the house is bad, the stuff we buy for our travel trailer is even worse. It is so thin and it is “very” biodegradable. FAST! Yipes!!
Paul and I saw an ad for Carnival Cruises on the television last night and he says, “That’s going to be us soon”. It sure made us excited for these 5 months to go by. No snow yet in the valley where we live but the mountains are getting it so it will be soon. ICK!! I’ll just keep a picture of the tropical setting in site to keep my spirits up.
John in Feb of 2006 we sailed with you on the Liberty(wonderful ship)
the following yr we sailed another cruise line..you know the one..eat and dine on your schedule not the ships (NCL).
I don’t get all gussied up very often but found I really enjoyed our nightly dinner and having the same guest or extended family you might say at least for dinner.
I’m happy to tell you we’re sailing again this yr in feb, again on carnival; the Miracle.
We really enjoyed carnival and so when it came to our 08 cruise hands down it was going to be on a carnival ship.
Wish you could be on the ship as we loved you on Liberty.
Enjoy your rest then get the heck back to work..somepeople are missing out on you.
Noreen
John,
I wonder how your English shoppers would react to a “high five” when you find a bargain. You probably should not try that idea.
Larry and I don’t know how New Orleans is getting along after Katrina, but we have recovered from Charlie here in Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte. We were still trying to get things back together from our storm of 2004, but decided we were lucky after what Katrina did to our neighboring states. Since Charlie hit us instead of Tampa – where it was expected to go- the cruises from there were not bothered. Nice for us since we usually sail from there.
Stay out of trouble – Heidi will be home soon.
Jeri and Larry
Dear John we were lucky enough to voyage with you on the 7/04/2007 Med cruise(cruise ref) 3N3J77 and had an excellant trip.I did however book a table for two for out upcoming two week cruise from the 22/12/2007(cruise ref 2PN834/845) with the great Ken.I tried to confirm this via carnival customer services but they know nothing of the reservation ,which was confirmed whilst dining one evening by the tall oriental young lady in a smart black uniform.Can you shed any light before our departure if you have the time.Thanks for the blog ,keeps the good memories alive till we return.
Hello again John,
Was the mention of a Carnival ship at the Sydney Opera House in Australia a subtle hint as to where one of our new ships is going?
Can’t wait to hear all the juicy details when you can tell us.
How is Alan doing? It must help knowing that he has such a good friend with him.
Heidi will be home soon and then you can enjoy the rest of your vacation. When are you both coming back to Miami?
Talk with you soon.
Linda & George
Hi John (and Heidi)
Glad to see you blogging again. Was beginning to think you ran away before Heidi came home and saw the sofa.. ha ha
I wanted to say again that we enjoyed meeting you on the Freedom in October and thank you once again for the goodies you sent.
We are going on the Pride (again that will be 43 Carnival cruises) at the end of January 08 and I am just curious if you can tell me who the CD of that cruise will be? That is the reason we could not do the blogger’s cruise. We are also interested in the 09 blogger cruise, so any info will be helpful.
I know you will be happy when Heidi comes home, as it is difficult to make friends in the toilet paper aisle of the supermarket.
Give hugs to Heidi and my best to Alan. I hope he is recovering hastily. Until next time take care and no red wine on the doggy’s sofa. You don’t want to get tossed out of the doghouse too!!
Sue
Hi John,
I just wanted to say hello and how are you? How is Alan? Did you get the stain out of the couch? Anyway I just wanted to say thanks for another laugh. Have you gotten your February schedule yet? Big hugs,
Leasa
Hi mate
Now you’re back in blighty, we really must meet up – give me a buzz and we’ll fix a date.
Curry, Chinese, Fish & Chips – whatever you fancy, my treat!
You could even brave a SUFC home game!
Take care
Garry
Hello John —(Missing Heidi)
Glad You made it home safe and sound
Hard to take care of ones-self after being one a ship for so long
I feel like I forgotten how to cook!
It was wonderful to see you again however so brief it was.
Appreciate the time you spent with us bloggers.
and the bloggers It was great to meet some of those wonderful people, esp Jon & Kathy, Prince Charlie & Bonnie. You should have sen Jon & Arnold take a spin in the Swingtime, that was priceless..!
I have to tell you if you keep buying the el cheapo TP you are going to need to break open your “Turkish Bath Survival Kit”. Go get the soft good soft stuff…
.
Oh John I saw someone on the Freedom who was looking for you. “Mary” the lovely little black lady who wouldn’t die in the bedtime story on the TA Legend Crossing and broke your suspenders and “whose your Daddy”,and knee-ed you in the bread basket. recognized her at the atrium Lift and she told me how she was so looking forward to seeing you again & sailing with you again. If I had known that I would have had to get you a “mary Survival Kit”… She has not changed in the 5 years since we have seen her, she could not believe that I recognized her, as you have always said some people you just cannot forget.
She was one of those people.:)
Take Care. Love & Hugs to Alan from Florida
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
Hi John,
I have just returned from a cruise on the Pride. It is a beautiful ship. I am writing this to ask if you are going to be on any ship in the future, and if yes, which one? We love Carnival and had a wonderful time with you on the Triumph. Please let me know where you will be and when.
A big fan,
Karen
p.s. Jeff Bronson was good but not as good as you.
Hi John,
I cut my cruising teeth on the Triumph in 1999 and the addiction to cruising has not let up since. We have tried NCL and one other over niter to the Bahamas, and oh yes quite a few Carnival ships. None compares to my virgin or was that maiden voyage with you on the Triumph. I don’t believe any of the other cruise directors of any line, including yours, holds a candle to you. We had a ball and I am thankful my first cruise experience was a great one. Keep it up and maybe we’ll cross paths in the future. Good Luck to you and yours from the Show-Me State!