Good Evening everyone and as I have 40 minutes before my football game starts on TV I thought I would answer some of the questions and comments from the blog called The Rough and the Smooth. Lets get going.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO – Hello Paul and how wonderful to hear from you sir. First of all our sincere and greatful thanks for the gift that you sent us. We received the mail from Chris Prideaux yesterday (some of it anyway) and personal replies will be winging their way to each and every person who took their precious time to send us thoughts and gifts. Thank you for asking about Alan whom grows stronger each and every day ……….he has a long way to go but my mate is a true inspiration and his life values are a shinning example to us all. Please remind me again when and where you are cruising and I hope this blog thingy finds you and the family well and please know we send you all our warmest regards as always. See you soon…………..I truly hope that comes true.
GREG BALDASARRI – The sofa is still haunting me. The stain has been treated to more chemicals than Brittney Spears and although the stain has gone the stain has faded it has left a large dark circle on the brushed leather……..D Day is on Monday when the Eagle will land. Thank you mate for all the kind words and I am glad the addition of the Big Screen has been met with such great applause. Shortly, I will be interviewing someone from the Carnival Imagination as we discuss the recent refit. Thanks as always and thanks for mention the Heat who are playing The Supersonics tonight, I predict a 88 – 96 Heat win. Hope all is well and our finest wishes to you and the family mate.JOHN AND SUE IN FRSICO – I wanted to wish you a fantastic cruise on the Carnival Miracle. Can you post your sailing date and cabin to Roberto please. Cheers guys and have you seen my heart, I left it somewhere?
GIRLDOC – Of course………..what an idiot I am. I had totally forgotten the Carnival Splendor’s South American adventure. How the heck can we have a bloggers cruise in February…………answer we can not. Therefore, it will be in April or May…….sorry I scared you………..I need a doctor! Thanks for proving how thick I am and hope all is well. Cheers.
KATHIE – The sofa is stained and I ruined her favorite pan. There is underwear on the bathroom floor and a pile of washing the size of Everest waiting…….roses and Cartier me thinks……….I will advise you if indeed I sleep with the dogs on Monday. Thanks for the support Kathie and hope you are well.
RIKKI BOYCE – I am glad you experienced one of the very few guests who are never happy and answered his comments in such a cheerful and positive way….thanks for the support. People like that are I think only happy when they are ………..well………….unhappy and although they are a tiny minority they are usually the ones who speak the loudest………apart from the French. I am so glad you had a wonderful time on the Carnival Freedom and once again I am so sorry I could not be with you…..hopefully next time. All the best mate.
NICO R – Just a quick note to say thanks for the posting and I my comment about the climbing wall is another nail in the “I can never work for RCI” coffin……………….am I bothered though? Cheers Nico…………….wish that was my name it’s so cool and doesn’t mean toilet.
ROBIN IN NEW YORK – Wow, as a toilet paper connoisseur I never new that in America you cannot buy coloured paper. Here you can get Blue, White, Brown, Red and Pink although one of those colours is of course redundant. Strange world. Here I am typing this blog thingy at 7:00pm at night overlooking the Thames to someone I have never met in New York and we are talking about toilet paper………..strange world isn’t it.
THE CHADS – Yep, the world of cruising has stretched its tenticles (had to be careful there) the world over. I am sure the pessimists amongst you must have thought I was writing a work of fiction when I said my neighbours had been on a cruise……….but it is true and once again the world gets smaller. Thank you for mentioning all the Veterans …..sentiments that I echo. Hope you are all well and my best to the many Chads.
JO MYERLY – Before the couch Jo, let me refer you the earlier comments I made about my fopar with the 2009 Bloggers Cruise which will now be in April or May………….silly me. Thanks for the supportive suggestions for the couch. The leather is brushed and I guess the wine being cheap didn’t help. It is as good as it is going to get but I am sure the lady of the house will demand professional help……….bugger. How is Dave? I hope you are both doing well and as always I thank you both for your continuing friendship.
BIG ED – The wine was something from the great wine producing country of Spain and cost £4. I am looking forward to having dinner with you and all the bloggers, here is the confirmed menue. APPETIZER…….HAGIS IN A MAJONG SAUCE MAIN COURSE – TOAD IN THE HOLE WITH FATIMA PIPING DESERT………CHOCOLATE MELTING SPOTTED DICK
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm
See you soon mate.
PEANUTS – Obviously you wrote your posting before the Miami Heat’s glorious win of the Knicks and by the time you read this they will have beaten the Supersonics as well. Roberto will be sending you your trophy and medallion………display it proudly. Thanks again and please keep reading the blog thingy.
LINDA MUM OF DJ – Hello Mum and hello DJ. How kind of DJ to think of us and the floods that were forecast to hit this area but thankful never did. You are raising a wonderful son and I know you are very proud of him. I truly hope I will get to meet him very soon. Please send DJ my best and please write soon.
MIKE L – Hello Big Mike, how are you. Yes, I though my neighbours were going to say they liked the ship with the baron climbing wall but of course they are Princess fans. I have since told my neighbours I work as an underwear model and you know what………I don’t think they believed me. Thanks mate and hope you are doing well. Cheers.
KUKI – Hello old friend. How are you. So, very soon you and the gang will be on the Carnival Freedom. Is there anything I can arrange for you before you go. Please send me your cabin number will you. I wish I could be there especially as the cabin toilet paper is so soft. However, as you said, your group will have a fantastic time with Todd and the crew. Have fun and please send us your reports as always. Heidi and I send our best to you and Mrs Kuki.
LV2CRUISE – How long does it take not to feel the sway of the ocean you ask? Well, living on land does not affect me that way but I still find myself thinking of little things like not putting anything to close to the edge of the shelves incase the apartment rocks and it falls off. I am sure I will be in and out of the doghouse many more times before the Bloggers Cruise where I look forward to seeing you all. Thanks again for your great posting and hope you are well. Cheers.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF – Thanks mate for the leather advice. The sofa is a light brown brushed leather and I did use a mild bleach which seems to have worked the stain away. Now though there is a big circle which may as well read ” John did this put him in the doghouse immediately.” I am still hoping Alan can come on the Bloggers cruise but I have to be honest and say the chances are slim as traveling 9 hours on a plane may not be what the doctor recommends………hope springs eternal though. Thanks again and as always it is so good to read your postings.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – They you are. Welcome home and most importantly, how do you feel after your 26 day adventure? I hope you and Charlie are well and how wonderful to hear you had such a great time. Let us know what you enjoyed and any comments you may have. Welcome Home to you both.
DWA76 – Hello mate and well done to your Cowboys. Do you think they can go all the way and win the World Superbowl thingy? More importantly is a big thank you for your continued thoughts for Alan and your kind words for Heidi and I. I will mail you some Porridge. Cheers mate.
NANETTE – Hello Nani. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel and I also know how the rest of your family must be depending on your strength and family values. Heidi and I will see you soon and I am excited to see this special Christmas Card. Mucho Hugos.
TOM AND JANE – Have fun on the Sensation and it looks like the favorite for the 2009 Bloggers cruise will be on the Carnival Inspiration in the spring. I will of course confirm everything asap. Bon voyage and tell us all about your cruise when you return.
LONGIN2CRUISE – Congratulations on booking that fabulous Spa cabin for the Carnival Splendor’s TA cruise and yes…………we will be there god willing with you. We will have a lot of fun, that’s of course if we can get you out of that amazing cabin you booked. See you soon.
SHELLYP – Thanks so much for thinking of me. I will unwind more when Heidi returns but I will find time to blog as much as I can. Thanks again for the kind words and Heidi and I send you our warmest regards.
DON AND LAURA – Thank you also for mentioning all the Veterans who we owe so much. I am sorry I cannot be with you in December and I hope to announce something very special for the Bloggers cruise in 09 and some other great news very soon. Have a wonderful time and I hope you and Don enjoy some memories that will be everlasting.
KAZ – Ask Norman Smith for my number and tell Helen I am coming for tea. When do you do your world cruise on the Queen Victoria Kazzie? Please send my best to all the Ferdinands and hope to see you soon.
JULIA BARNES – I had no idea that they made a chocolate version of Ready Brek……..however I would think the chocolate version may be a wee bit high in sugar for me. I am also a lover of Galaxy and I also have a friend who was born in the UK but has lived in America most of her life who loves dark chocolate Bounty Bars. I send her some all the time for which I receive randon bollockings as she says I am not helping her figure…………the fact that she could appear on the cover of any fashion and beauty magazine is by the way but I carry on sending them to her because its fun to see her get mad at me. I miss chocolate especially my all time favorite Curly Wurlies…….I wonder what my American and Canadian bloggers make of that? Thanks for the posting Julia and go and enjoy some chocolate heaven.
KRISTEN L – A very funny posting especially the toilet paper advice which I have noted. How wonderful that you are taking Mum on a cruise and to celebrate her 84th birthday…………you are a very special daughter for doing that and looking after her so well. While I cannot promise you any Chinese New Year celebrations I can tell you that there will be Mardi Gras parties onboard and you and Mum therefore will have such a brilliant time. We will provide the beads and I am sure Mum will have a birthday she will never forget. Thanks so much for all your thoughts and wishes of kindness and I promise I will stop thinking about Catherine Zeta Jones………..OK…….I have stopped……….right……….I didn’t think of her for 1 minute but admit I have started again. See you soon and my best to Mum.
TERRY DUNNING – Yep, here I am blogging again and sorry for the next few weeks when there may be a few days when I rest the fingers and the brain a bit. I will be on the Carnival Splendor on your cruise and had forgotten about that when I was considering the 2009 Bloggers cruise……….sorry I scared you. So, see you then and most importantly thanks again for thinking of Alan who is getting better every day. See you next year and please keep reading the blog thingy until then.
SHERYL PELTON – Very funny, I loved the “End” reference. Alan continues to do great and his positive outlook has amazed me so much. I pop and see him every day and even Alan is now calling me Florence……….joy. Heidi would love a dog, a German Shepherd to be exact but with all our traveling it would not be fair to the dog although at least two times a week I would have someone to sleep with. Thanks so much for being such a faithful blogger and our warmest wishes to you and the family.
CINDY 56 – Your posting was great to read but I want to concentrate on the fact that you are considering coming on the Bloggers cruise but so far you would be cruising alone. Well, maybe you will have nobody in the cabin with you but if there is one cruise you will not be alone on it will be the Bloggers Cruise…………have a think about that and I am sure there will many words of support coming your way…….right bloggers? Hope to hear from you soon and please let me know if I can persuade you gently to come with us. All the best.
MIKE BENSON – Great to hear from you Mike and glad the blog has you laughing. Hope you continue to chuckle and drop us a line every now and then. Cheers mate.
MICELLE MANN – Hello Michelle. Can you send Roberto your phone number please and put the kettle on. See you soon.
BILLYJO – Yes Bill, I will indeed be on the Carnival Freedom in February and March 2008, it would be an honour to sail with you again……..hint hint. Thanks for all the kind words and I hope truly we do see each other again very soon.
Well, that’s all folks and I will continue with replies to Chris, Linda,Carol, Teresa and Paul, Noreen and Jerri tomorrow.
OH, I can’t find spell check on my Yahoo thing which is what I am using so please forgive the mamy spalling misteaks ti blag haz.
Goatnight
yore fiends
Jan and Hidi
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.
Hi John,
Great seeing another blog thingy before I go home for the day. But you have made me extremely happy. I would much prefer the next bloggers cruise in April or May (No threat of snowstorms to cancel flight plans – I hope).
And I can’t wait until your interview with someone on the Imagination about the new look. I have less than 3 weeks before I sail. By the way, are there any other bloggers who will be on the December 3rd Imagination?
So have a great evening, my best to Alan and Heidi (who will be home soon).
Hugs,
Carol
John, you can’t have the 2nd Bloggers Cruise in April or May because the SPLENDOR will be in California by then. So back to the origanal date of January 24, 2009 the last Caribbean cruise before the “BIG” around the horn cruise.
John, don’t say that, Alan will be on the Bloggers Cruise because he’s got the power of all your bloggers behide him. Just look what we did for you.
“BIG” ED
T- 65 days and counting
PS; Maybe I should open a “Looking to share a cabin” section on my blog for the singles.
John, my friend!
Good to hear from you so soon!
Best of luck with 1) the return of the lovely Heidi and your impending visit to the DogHaus 2) the Heat. I see your prediction missed by a bit… Sonics 104 Heat 95. Keep on supporting them, my friend… They may still make a season of it. It’s still quite early.
Any word on BloggerFest ’09??? I’m ready for some news!!
Take good care of your mate, our friend, Alan.
God bless!
Greg
John,
You should have told them you model spandex, that’s what I tell stupid people when they ask what I do. Reply, “What’s spandex?”. Idiots. Or in the words of Peter Griffin “I’m a cowboy astronaut millionaire”.
-BigMike
We are getting ready for thanksgiving, next week. After that we are leaving on the 28th for Orlando to see some freinds, Then on 12/1 we are on the Glory for seven days of fun. Hope everything is good with you, say Hi to Alan and family, Heidi, your mum and dad. Relax and have fun on your holidays. The Bears Carl & Barb
Good evening Mr. Heald. It was nice of you to reply to me and the others. I wasn’t expecting one since you are on your vacation. I appreciate it very much. I hope that you are resting and spending time with your friend Alan. I’m very happy that he is improving. I know it takes time. I wanted to move quickly after my stroke but I immediately found out that it’s impossible. You just have to let things take time. Alan with improve but it does take time. It must be difficult for you without Heidi. I hope she arrives soon into the arms of one who loves her so dearly. That’s you Mr. Heald. I know when my wife MaryLou is gone for a period of time I miss her a great deal. By the way, What is that meal with the toad. I really want to know. My wife and I are very happy that you both enjoyed our gift. Finally it arrived, thank God. I will let you know when my cruise on the Freedom approaches. I’m getting very excited. Well continue to enjoy yourself on your vacation. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, you never responded to my query. Here’s what I wrote:
I want to take a guess on the the future of Carnival Cruise lines. You don’t have to tell me if I’m right or wrong but perhaps you could tell me if I’m hot or cold. I heard rumors a few years back that Carnival may be one of the first cruise lines to get into the “durigable” sector. I know an American company has designed a ultra modern durigable that they were going try to sell to cruise lines. They envisioned grand observation decks and even swimming pools. Instead of docking in difference countries, you’d actually fly over them at low altitudes and see first hand the rain forests, mountaines, etc. Am I hot or cold with this guess?
Eric
Dear Sir,
I see you are (or were) senior cruise director to Carnival, and I have an important question to make:
Have you ever know CD Gil Sevil? I’m trying to find out where he is working at present (last I knew was in Oceanbreeze, New York-Canada-New York.
Thank you very much!
what a pleasure to read your blog, we leave for the freedom right after Thanksgivng, the 24, so sorry you won’t be there. But we are doing the 50 day on the Splendor so excited have heard you will be there. hugs Judy
Hello John and Heidi,
John glad you are enjoying your well deserved vacation, That is until Heidi gets home Monday:).
Did I just read you will be on the Freedom in Feb and March, if it is true we look forward to meeting
you on The Freedom Feb 23.
Our best to Alan our prayers are with him, thanks again for all your hard work
Papanh
Hello John minus Heidi,
We had a great time reading your blog today and do miss the frequent updates onboard the ship. We are so looking forward to seeing you and all the other bloggers during this special cruise. John, I am a graphic artist by career, but I am also an amateur filmmaker with a short subject, 2 music videos and a feature length historical documentary under my belt (so far!)
I am currently involved in producing and directing a documentary on an historic theatre here in New Bedford. The Orpheum theatre was part of a national chain that comprised hundreds of these grand ladies, that were built as Vaudeville theaters for the masses. I am currently involved in the pre-production research on the history of Vaudeville, as well as the impact of the theatre itself on our city. Remembering our fateful cruise with you as director, 10 years ago and reading the humour you use (notice I’m using British spelling) not only on your stage shows, but when posting your blog, you are very much a modern day Vaudevillian. Your timing, subject matter, humour, delivery and routines are reminiscent of the original kings and queens of comedy and entertainment. My father and aunt performed on the Vaudeville circuit with a song and dance routine when they were 7 years old.
Your country’s own king of modern day Vaudeville, Benny Hill, made a career out of the many routines that were the staple of the American Vaudeville circuit. It’s no wonder that I find your sense of humour so appealing. I was always a fan of the early Vaudeville acts, that later became national sensations: The Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, The Ritz Brothers, The Three Stooges (who were billed as Ted Healy and His Stooges) and the list goes on and on. It is this style of humour that you bring back. It is timeless. It will always make people laugh because it touches on a common thread in their lives. It is a gift. Keep up the great work, as well as the blogs. We promise to keep laughing!!
Your friends, Lance & Ilda
Dear John, It is so good to “hear your voice” over the internet! Glad Alan is doing as well as he is. Too bad Re the couch.
We are looking forward to our TA and med cruises in April ’08, and are looking forward to seeing you and the lovely Hiede.
All our best, Marilyn
Dear Jan and Hidi…..
We found your heart….it was Deep in the “Heart” of Texas. We live in a small town just North of Dallas called…..wait for it…….Frisco! Sorry for the confusion. We are counting the days until our cruise on the Miracle. Upon our return, we will then begin to count down to our cruise in the Med on the Freedom in May. We are so happy you are enjoying your vacation and know that the return of Heidi will certainly make your day. Please continue to keep us informed as the health of Alan. We pray for his return to great health. We will let you know how the Miracle Cruise was. Take great care friends…..
John & Susan from Frisco
P.S. ROBERTO….we are sailing from Ft. Lauderdale on November 23rd and our cabin number is 6264. Any other bloggers on the cruise …please look us up.
Hello, old mate -
It has seem like forever since we embraced after our oh so short opportunity to become acquainted, only to have you feel the need to leave – ostensibly to take a vacation, but, in reality to attend a secret conference of Carnival executives, attend a Miami Heat game, cavort with the likes of Shaq (is it true you sat with CZJ?) and enjoying the amenities of British Airways, all the while leaving us mere bloggers to galavant around the Med, through the Straits of Gibralter and across the Atlantic by ourselves. Woe be us!!
I have to say that the Mrs & I had a wonderful cruise, despite some pitfalls along the way. My not being able to get to Pisa was one of them.
Another was something that Carnival can not control without banning smoking in its entirety. The cabin we were assigned (8418) was flanked by two smoke factories – it was so bad that simply entering the hallway was nauseating, and not just to the Mrs & I. Others who came down the hallway made the same comment. The problem was so bad that I was wondering why I even ponied up for the expense of a balcony.
The good news – the Mrs. went down to the Purser’s desk on Sunday and they were able to move our cabin to the other side of the same deck. We checked with the room stewards and neither neighbor was a smoker, so we jumped on the offer and were able to enjoy the balcony during the crossing. The Pursers were absolutely wonderful in their treatment of our issue, continually checking on us to be sure the resolution was acceptable.
On the issue of the cruise director – in my opinion, Todd & Noortje did an admirable job filling your shoes, John. You can feel very comfortable leaving your charges in their capable hands. The Mrs. & I had a great time interacting with them – they continually adjusted activities to meet the requests of the passengers, although I am still waiting for my meeting of the “Friends of George B.”, a group dedicated to the recovery from addiction to Warm Melting Chocolate Cake.
Now, I must figure out how to pay off this cruise and afford my next adventure. It may not be until Mr. Heald’s 2009 Blogger’s Cruise, although I would love to figure out a way to afford the Baltic itinerary on the Splendor. Can the Cruise Director invite special guests at a significant discount?
I will even volunteer to serve as Assistant Cruise Director, but will demand a guest cabin.
Until later,
Jon
hello mate! i had a lovely nap today just as if i was on the ship! perfectly civilized. now if i just had a cabin boy! ha ha
see you in january!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
My dear friend John,
Have you ever thought about maybe decorating the dog house, keeping a supply of diet coke and diet root beer, jelly beans, maybe a tv, your computer…ah, just move in…you will be there for a long time when the eagle lands. I wish you luck, but if we don’t hear from you we will all know you are in the dog house.
I am glad to hear Alan is slowly getting better.
I have a question for you…I am going to be using my scooter on the cruise, but it doesn’t fold up so I can’t take it when we tender. Is that right? I have an electric wheelchair that does fold up, but it is a hassle because you have to take the battery out first and then fold it up. Just wondering what most people do in my case when we tender.
Maybe Hedi will be soooooooo happy to see you again she won’t notice the couch, or the underwear on the floor, or the pile of laundry waiting for her…yeah, go ahead and get in the doghouse!! LOL.
Susan
God Bless you, John… You’ve answer our queries and still have a cheery heart able to make us laugh at the end! You are a gift to us!
Is ‘not cruising’ a vacation for you? That even is hard to ask… But it does seem like you’re enjoying being home. Cruising is our vacation, our relaxation, our refueling of energy and spirit. I was writing tonight about how much I love the sea and sunrises and sunsets and the stars! And looking out and seeing nothing but sea or sky. How magnificent! It really is a great way to refuel our soul.
And of course, meeting new friends, and learning new things, and laughing and relaxing and eating and eating and trying new foods and desserts….
Thank you for keeping us in a ‘cruising attitude!’
Hello to Heidi and best wishes to Alan!
Regards, KirstenL
John,
Nice to see your answering questions and comments when you have a chance. Any idea about the 2009 bloggers cruise you know it’s never to early to well book and save and start to plan it out. Please I know your working on it still but all we need right now are dates and the ship. And once again thank you for the great basket on the Miracle it was a really surprise. And Todd was rather nice also.
Kevin
John,
What in the world are “Curly Wurlies”? Obviously some type of chocolate candy, but we folks in the states have never heard of them. Probably just mentioning them brings back fun memories for you from when you were younger. You don’t even have to “write” a blog to all of us, just answering peoples questions and your comments get us laughing. I keep re-listening to the podcast to hear your laugh which is very infectious!
CINDY 56~~~I am also thinking of going on the Blogger’s cruise and at this point don’t have a roommate. If you’d like, email me at spelton@hannacenter.org and we can talk about the possibility of rooming together.
Heidi,
Welcome home to you on Monday! I’m sure that you had a wonderful time with your mum! Now it’s back to work at home. I’m sure John’s first wish will be for you to fill up the fridge with tasty treats. We will look forward to hearing a few words from you once you get settled in at home.
Well, my best to you both and of course to Alan and his family. Hopefully Alan will be well enough to travel so he can be on the blogger’s cruise–so many people are looking forward to meeting him and wishing him well. Remember that I am a nurse and would be happy to help him in any way if I am there. Sheryl
Well John, we leave in the morning for our cruise, so won’t see any blogs from you for a week! Hope Alan is doing ok, and I will be anxious to catch up on the blog in a week to see how you made out with Heidi when she saw the couch! Linda & Mike
Please tell me when you serve that dinner on the Blogger’s cruise you and Big Ed won’t be wearing a thong…. The menus is not exactly a visual………Kap
Hi John,
I know you are looking forward to Heidi coming home. Hopefully she will be so glad to see you that she will forget about the sofa stain. But be ready to spend some Euros so you will not have to stay in the doghouse too long. In reference to those Cowboys, we think they can go all the way this year. They are playing as a “team” this year, and what a difference in the score board. If we win the NFC Championship, or should I say when we win, we bring you a souvenir when we sail on the Bloggers Cruise in January. We wish you and Heidi the best for the Holidays, see you in January.
Travis and Mary
Wow!! Did I sure have a lot of catching up to do with all these blogs!! 31 days on vacation and quickly back to reality with a BAM!!! I will try and make this short…ha ha….first of all, we were extremely saddened by missing your small party before the end of the Oct 16th sailing…apparently we both had water build up in our ears…..:( secondly…..I think there are several airports that could run for the “Golden rude sarcastic award” and probably win!!!! Third…NO NO NO… to freestyle dining!! Those waiters are the best and they truly take pride in being able to know you so well that they really don’t need to give you the menu by the 3rd night….they just know what you want. We are very happy to know that Alan is doing well….our prayers are with you all. We are not sure when we will sail with you personnally again however we would like to tell you that we truly have been blessed being able to share the last three years in Europe with you…….you and Hiedi truly are an inspiration to all!!!! Take care and “Thanks for all the Memories!!”
Blanche & Dave
Hey John,
How about them Celtics…… 7-0 first time in almost 20 yrs…. we play your Maimi Heat tonight and hopefully it will be 8-0
just ahd to say something because I know you like the Heat.
Take care old friend and have a great Holiday. (vacation)
Capt Bill
I have decided that your Carnival Legends Show should come with a warning…
WARNING: Participation in this show may leave your brain permanently impressed with a lousy song that will continue to run rampant through your memory and sometimes even cause you to burst out with spontaneous singing. Particularly if you “do” Britney Spears.
Usually I use the theme song to The Patty Duke Show to dislodge persistent melodies. But poor Patty is no match for the ubiquitous Britney.
Save me!
Full Story of “The John”
Hi John -
All this talk about toilet paper and ‘the john’ provoked me to share a fact with you from the near-by city of Saint John, New Brunswick (a Carnival destination).
Thomas Stewart invented the vortex flushing toilet and obtained patent # CA 108, 017 on October 15, 1907. The invention has been popular and originating from Saint John, became nicknamed ‘The John’.
Thought you needed to know this.
Also of note, in Nearby Rothesay, New Brunswick, Mr. Turnbull invented and patented the variable pitch propeller, widely used on cruise ships, in 1922.
(reference “Great Maritime Inventions” by Mario Theriault)
Thank you for a fantastic cruise (October 16 Grand Med) and for the goodies you sent to my wife and I. A job well done by the Carnival team. You’ve got a great product that is always improving.
Hi John:
On Yahoo, spell check is up on top of the toolbar – you’ll see “abc” and a checkmark with the word “Check” next to it.
I know you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over there but here’s wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy holiday season.
Sue
John,
Hi, long time no write here. Been busy with finals studying, woo hoo. So which football game are you watching that’s on a Thursday night? Aren’t the club football teams on international break? Or are you watching American football.
Yeah, I know I’m an Anglophile when I have to ask which football people are talking about.
Cheers,
Bryan
lookingforwardtothenearlysmokefreecarnivalfreedom
You can’t have that job. I’m already the Official Assistant to the Cruise Director. Plus the cabin I paid for it. Maybe the title comes with an upgrade. The last time I looked there are suites that are open on both parts of my BTB.
“BIG” ED
64 days to the BLOGGERS CRUISE
71 days to the REST FROM THE BLOGGERS CRUISE
Mmmmmmmmm…. Curly Wurlies…. now you’ve got me dwelling on chocolate. I love chocolate. I love the candy bars I can get across the pond. I was in London in November of 2001 visiting a friend when I discovered the superiority of English made candy bars. As a result, I ended up coming home from that trip with a backpack, literally filled with chocolate. Curly Wurlies, Toffee Crisps, Lion Bars, Flake Bars, Aero Bars, Fuse Bars, Crunchies and assorted others…. mmmmmm… (that’s me wiping the drool off my chin.) Being as this was close on the heels of 9/11 and airport security was very strict, it made for an amusing bag search.
My personal favorites are the Aero Bars, followed closely by the Crunchies and the Flake. Fortunately you can find them in some stores around the NYC area. My boyfriend’s favorite were the Fuse bars, those are harder to find.
Things at my job have gone all topsy turvy at the moment, but I’m pretty certain it won’t interfere with the Blogger’s Cruise. I won’t let it. I need that week away.
Glad you are enjoying your time away, even if you haven’t turned off the cruise director part of you brain completely. Best to Heidi and Alan.
Cheers,
Laura
PS – A couple blogs back you mentioned Kevin Costner’s accent in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” I had to laugh. We always refer to that movie as “Robin of Iowa”. In fact on that same trip to London, I met Alan Rickman (whom I adore), in the alley behind the theater where he was performing. I told him I was a big fan of all his work, including “Robin of Iowa”. He looked at me questioningly for a moment and then I said the real title and he started laughing. It was a happy moment for me!
Hi John
The TA was absolutely wonderful and one I will repeat. I wanted to thank you and Heidi for meeting with us and for the beautiful gift you sent to our cabins. I really apprecited it as did my roomies…..Also wanted to comment on the fantastic job Todd W. did in your absence…I hope one day to actually sail with you but for now I will sit back and read your blogs.
Hugs
~millie
Send my best to Alan… Hope you get to see your sweetie soon. I know how lost I feel without my Hank.
Take care of yourself!
Nooooo – not April or May for the 2009 blogger’s cruise! I second Big Ed’s recommendation for January before the Splendor sails for CA. We wanted to join the upcoming trip but already had our 2007 and 2008 cruises booked when it was announced and really hope to join you in 09 – alas, hubby can’t take time off work between about mid-March and mid-July. But if not, we understand and hope to be able to sail another journey with you sometime or other.
Hope you are having a wonderful vacation and thanks for continuing to blog for us.
I would like to say that we just got back from a fabulous trip on the Liberty a few weeks ago and never understood just the difference a great cruise director could make until that trip. Although he said he’s new at the job, “Karl with a K” was truly outstanding and made our trip all that much more memorable. Don’t know if you can pass the word on to whoever is in charge of you CD’s or not but Karl was everywhere and a delightful host and I think he may become one of your star CD’s one day.
just one more thought about the next blogger’s cruise…PLEASE don’t make it in May…I have 2 children graduating in May of 2009, one from college, one from high school. And I will be to busy doing a happy dance (aka very poor but empty nest) dance!
Hey John
there is one thing i see that has slipped by here is that some one just had a birthday on the 12th and can any one guess who it is posted somewhere
on one of your faitfull followers site??????
Mr. Heald -
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/automobiles/autoreviews/18BLOCK.html
Enjoy
JK
Hi John!
Glad you and Heidi are doing well. All this talk of food has me hungry!!
I have a question for you: Do you know of any good places to eat in Manchester, UK?
The hubby has layovers there in December and January. Also, any “British” entree ideas? Bangers and mash with a pint is always good. Any ideas would be most appreciated. Take care and see you soon!
Best,
Anita
Hey John,
Just happend to be thinking of you today and google searched you ,and here I am writing to you my friend. I know you have only ever had 1 Golf Pro on your ship named “Radio”. Live in Cabo san Lucas, Mexico now with my Wife Violetta (She was the violinist on the Triumph) beautiful little Polish gal. I work at Cabo del Sol golf resort, and Vee is playing the violin every night and riding horses every day on the beach. Please tell Heidi we said hello, and if you happen to get this, we would love you hear from you! Let me know if your stopping here in Cabo on a canal run or something, cause we would love you come and see you guys! Cheers,
Radio (Your Golf Professional)
We were fortunate enough to enjoy you and your lovely wife on the last Med cruise this year. We find your love of life and humor enchanting!!
I have been watching your blog and understand that you will be the cruise director on the Spendor when it sails the South American tour. We had already booked the north Europe cruise in August and I am hoping that you will be aboard. Am I going to be lucky?
Best of everything to you and your family.
Kittie Lea
Hello John and Hiedi,
How are you both doing? I will try this for a third time. It seems that my messages are not getting through but it could be from my side in Iraq. We have been having problems with our computers for a month or so. Things here have been quite but I do not like to say that word to loud!!! Hope that you both are enjoying your vacation. It is nice to have free time to just sit and relax and take in the calmness of life!! My years contract will end at the end of December. I do plan on staying but will probably move to another area of the company I am with. I have enjoyed doing what I am doing but it is time for a change. Our Old Unit will be leaving in a few days after spending 15 months here and our New Unit is here and ready to take over!! Other than that I am about like you nothing to really report!! I will be going to the U.S. the end of December for 13 days and then spend 8 days in Dubai before I come back for my second year. Well you two take care and I will blog you again soon.
James
John,
I happened to read Jon’s posting about Todd and Noortje. I can’t imagine your shoe size to be filled by two people, lol. Of course, you are the Senior CD.
Lou and I hope that this posting will reach Jon and Kathy who were very supportive of, and sympathetic to, us for the loss of Lou’s luggage. Just want to thank this couple and to let them know that we got the last piece of luggage when we got to Miami.
Hey buddy…
Some of that porridge would have been nice this past weekend as i was up in the frozen tundra of New Jersey.
A nice time was had by all at a wedding. Unfortunately, i met my friend Chivas Regal and he got the best of me.
My little Cowboys keep on winning, but I don’t think they can keep up with the dreaded New England Patriots.
Great to hear from you!
Thanks,
David
dwa76
Pat, my wife found him on a cruise. First night out on the cruise she meet him and couldn’t find her way back to the cabin. Had to call me to come get her to show her the way home.
BIG ED
Hi John,
Our group (4 couples) from down under (Australia) were with Carnival Freedom on its cruise to Med on 29 Aug. Although we did not have the opportunity to meet you personally, we enjoyed your show and how you handled it. My hubby and I were in two previous cruises to Alaska and Scandinavia & Baltic, (unfortunately not with Carnival) and we found you to be an outstanding cruise director as compared to the others we had been with. I read in your blog about the South American cruise, could you be able to tell us when it will be and if you will be the CD their? We are looking for a great cruise again, and we just couldn’t decide . Maybe you can help us.
Thank you and we hope to hear from you. regards to Heidi.
leon & fely
we did our first carnival cruise on the 22/09/07 in the med on freedom and was disappointed in the buffet lunch if your taste was not spicey food your choice was very limited and a lack of potaoes made it worse, and breakfast it would have been nice to see grilled tomatoes and beans we have cruised on smaller ships and had far more selection at these times, other than that we had a great time your shows were much better than royal carribean
regards robin sheila @freinds
I want to know on the price list is for one or two people???????????????
on the cruise price list is it for two or one person seems like I can’t get a answer on this can you help????
My wife and I took a trip to western Caribbean on the Inspiration in Feb 2005. It was a nice ship then.
I have just read a posting by Mike on Nov 22 that says he “can see the Inspiration now from my office in downtown Tampa.”
Your itenerary indicated a departure from Miami.
Could you be wrong, or is it possible to see all the way to Miami from Tampa?
This is important to us. We are looking for something from Tampa in January or February next, preferably a week or a little longer.
Whats going on with Carnival,,I have sailed with you for 12 cruises,,booked our cruise in June of 07 for sailing date of 2/4/08, paid it in full,,,now get hit for the surcharge, what good did it do us to pay that far in advance, then get hit for an extra 50 bucks, called customer service but all I got was I am sorry,, not a good way to treat GOOD customers,,,right. may have to look at RC really close after this cruise
John,
I am fixing to book a cruise on the 2-23-08 FREEDOM sailing. Will you still be on that ship on that date? You may email me PRIVATE if you want to. I MUST go on another of your cruises- they’re the BEST!!!
PLEASE RESPOND ASAP…
Thank You!
Hi John,
Just looking at your site, I took a cruise a few months ago and think I left my wallet in the cabin? thankfully I had a friend with me with his and we managed to still get by. How would I go about finding it?