Back in the mid 1990s, I was chosen to be the first cruise director of the Imagination when it debuted in 1995. This would be my second new ship as cruise director following the delivery of her sister, the Sensation in 1994.
Back in those days, the ship would arrive in her homeport (Miami, in this case) and sit dockside for 10 days or so before her inaugural season began. This meant that myself and many of the staff would join the ship in Miami rather than in the shipyard as we do today.
I remember walking off the Sensation and my mate Gordon Buck, who is now vice president of Caribbean relations, gave me a lift down to the pier in his car with all my luggage. Of course, this was before dockside security was at the level we are at today.
I have to say that from the moment I walked on the ship, she instantly became my favorite ship…………and she still is. Why? Well, the crew, the captain, the decor, the guests (we called you passengers back then), the ambience, the ports and oh yes……..Heidi and I got engaged on that ship a few years later. Overall, it has something “unique” — something very special and it always has. Ask many of our crew what their favorite ship is and the answer will no doubt from many be the Imagination. And you know what? She just got better.
Following some time in dry dock, the ship has been….well, rather than me tell you let’s chat with someone who is there and was such an important part of the Carnival Imagination’s rebirth. We have been friends a long time. Like me, this young man is British — very British in fact — and can often be found wearing his favourite cricket jumper. He has been with us a long time and, therefore, let’s meet the man himself as he took time to answer some questions. Ladies and gents, please say hello to the hotel director of the Carnival Imagination, Mr. Miles Willis.
Miles, you have had an illustrious career with Carnival. Please tell us about your journey so far.
Thanks for the “illustrious” bit. I started in 1983 on the then flagship of the fleet, the Tropicale. I worked in the pursers’ office as a cadet purser; the duties are a lot different to what they are now. In 1990, I was promoted to executive chief purser (the title now is hotel director) and have served in this capacity on just about every Carnival “Fun Ship.”
So, before we talk about the new Carnival Imagination, let’s chat about the work. Where was the ship in dry dock and how many people were involved?
The Carnival Imagination is the second ship to undergo the complete “Evolutions of Fun” upgrade (with the Carnival Inspiration being the first – as covered in your blog!)
Overall, the Carnival Imagination was in dry dock for just over a month. The first two weeks were spent in Charleston, South Carolina. During this time, we were tied up and pretty much “gutting” the vessel to get it ready for the reconstruction work that the “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades entail.
Following our time in Charleston, the ship relocated to Freeport, where the work continued. Our total crew count was more than usual – 1,100 employees. Added to this, were 800 contractors, so as you can see, we had a lot of people onboard.
But it was certainly necessary considering the extensive refurbishments that the Carnival Imagination had to undergo – just about every part of the vessel was renovated in one form or another, from totally redesigned open decks to upgraded cabins, a totally redesigned spa, even new sound and lighting equipment for the various lounges and bars. It was a challenging process but the end result is certainly worth it.
What are the good and not so good points for the crew while in a dry dock…………be honest now.
For me the good points were the variety of construction projects – some areas are brand new, while others were refurbished to look new. Also, it’s very interesting to watch the ship undergo such a dramatic change from an engineering perspective. The crew loved attending their daily worship at the local Wal-Mart.
For the not-so-good category, I really can’t think of much – the refurb schedule was certainly ambitious but, in the end, everyone came together, worked hard and delivered a beautifully renovated ship for our guests to enjoy.
OK, here we go. Simple question……….what’s new?
A better question would be “what isn’t new?” As I mentioned before, “Evolutions of Fun” is quite extensive and involves upgrades to virtually every guest area. We renovated the ship’s staterooms and suites to give them a more contemporary décor and feel, added conference facilities, upgraded public bathrooms, and even built a new children’s play area from scratch. We also renovated the dining rooms and redesigned the spa.
But perhaps the most noticeable change is on the open decks which now feature the “Carnival WaterWorks” aqua park, “Serenity” adults only area and a new main pool area with a tropical design that features thatched huts, colorful umbrellas and more.
The ship just returned to service last Thursday and guest reaction to these new and expanded facilities has been nothing short of sensational. Everyone is raving about the “new” Carnival Imagination – and for good reason!
You must be very excited about all the new attributes that make the Carnival Imagination a must see vessel. Is there one particular area or redesign that has become a personal favorite?
Has to be “Carnival WaterWorks” aqua park. We now have three slides — one is a 300-foot-long tube that has many curves before it deposits riders in a run-off chute; the other two are 82-foot-long straight-away racing slides for the “not so daring.” The entrance to the “curly wurly” slide is at the top of a high tower which is almost as high as the smoke stack! It is fantastic and you can see it from miles around.
I remember when we delivered the Carnival Imagination. It had a “special ” feel about it which is why I have written many times that it is one of my favorite ships. Do you think it has that special feeling today and if so……….why is it so many crew members’ favorite?
That’s a very difficult question to answer as I think you will agree. Some ships resonate personally with you and some don’t. And the ships that “have it” always do, doesn’t matter where they sail out of or the itinerary or the ever-changing crew. The Carnival Imagination has always been one of my favourite ships and always will be.
Tell us about the Carnival Imagination’s itinerary and any particular favorite ports of call you may have.
Carnival Imagination operates four- and five-day cruises out of Miami (although we will be switching to the ever-popular three- and four-day cruises from Miami next year).
Our four-day cruise schedule departs every other Thursday and includes a visit to Key West followed by Calica, Mexico, a “fun day” at sea then back to Miami.
There are two different five-day itineraries, one departing alternate Mondays and the other on alternate Saturdays.
The Monday departures include three ports (rare for a short duration cruise). The cruise starts off with a sea day, then visits beautiful unspoiled Grand Turk, then a day-long call at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, followed by Nassau and then finally back to Miami. The five-day itinerary starts off with a sea day, followed by spectacular Grand Cayman (home to the famous Stingray City), then Ocho Rios (your favorite John, with the unbelievable Dunn’s River Falls), then another sea day before we head back to Miami.
The Carnival Imagination’s excellent combination of ports on three distinctly different itineraries can’t be beat. My favourite port of call has to be Half Moon Cay, our private Bahamian island. This crescent-shaped beauty is really an island paradise. It is a truly beautiful, superbly developed facility for our guests.
Finally, I know you have a love of flying. What can you tell us about this aspect of your life?
I started flying gliders at 16, got my powered license at 20. Have flown a variety of aircraft, the most fun/challenging being the Pitts S2B – what a ride. I learned competition- style aerobatics in Florida flying this aircraft. The pinnacle has to be flying a Supermarine Spitfire MK VIIII from Goodwood in England, although, sadly a couple of years later it was destroyed in an accident on landing.
Favorite all time aircraft?
As above, the Spitfire. I have a picture taken in Hong Kong when the family used to live there with my Dad standing next to a Spitfire on display. I was 4 years old. Have never been the same since I first saw one.
Finally, you get to fly a private jet to any destination in the world. Where are you going and which six famous people are you taking with you? Please fill in the blanks.
Let’s go to Tibet.
SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH
Paul MertonFAVORITE ACTOR
Ralph FiennesPOLITICIAN
No Politician would ever get on any private jet with me.SPORTS STAR
David BeckhamSINGER OR BAND
The PoliceONE BEAUTIFUL LADY
My fiancé Jana
Thanks, Miles, for that special insight into why the reborn Carnival Imagination is now the perfect ship to experience just why Carnival continues to be The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line.
Actually, just between me and you, I just booked a cruise on the Carnival Imagination for Heidi and I. We will be sailing directly after the Bloggers Cruise on January 28 – a five-day cruise….anyone fancy joining us?
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Evolutions of Fun, Tales from the Ship
Loved the no arm chairs, fat people like myself, now don’t have to be worried whether they will fit. Now if you had big man recliners in the staterooms I would definitley take that Alaska cruise.
loved the ship/mangement in general; looking forward to a 3rd sailing on her soon; perhaps next month when taking a short break from the Pacific NorthWest winter.
Curious about finding the previously gaudy buffet dining room carpet replaced by a more subdued, classy one? That was my only reservation about the ‘old’ Imagination.
Did the “Fascination’s” first run after refurbishing, – and another run 4 month later – a spendid ship – well revived.
As a valued past guest of Carnival Cruise Lines my last Crouse was a great disappointment, first I was not invited to the past guest cocktail (although it was my forth Crouse with carnival), second, it seamed that carnival cruse line did not put affords in entertainment – is was poor entertainment’ almost nothing. I plan a fun Crouse and got a great disappointment.
As a valued past guest of Carnival Cruise Lines my last Crouse was a great disappointment, first I was not invited to the past guest cocktail (although it was my forth Crouse with carnival), second, it seamed that carnival cruse line did not put affords in entertainment – is was poor entertainment’ almost nothing. I plan a fun Crouse and got a great disappointment
WELCOME TO STRIPES DISCO …….. Yo John its Jose in Dallas Texas, the Ex DJ from Carnivals Ecstasy (1992-93) … Wow your still with Carnival, thats great .. I always thought about going back and still do as the lifestyle, friendships (and cheap booze) temp me every time i see a Carnival commercial … Oh and all the hot women in Puerto Rico (damn) … Im still in Dallas and have talked numerous times with ex staff members and current ones like Rachel … I also talked briefly to Roger some time back … I might go on the Ecstasy as a Cone Head, as its based here in Texas (i think) … I love to watch all my Home Vids of my time on the ship … wow that was an amazing time that i will never forget … Take care and email me back if you like & feel free to forward my email to past staff that i might have worked with (except Chaka, lol). Take care …… Jose in Dallas
If you really wanted to make your ship an attraction you would no allow smoking in the entertainment areas. Why you cater to a smal percentage of the passenger is beyond me. It is a sever health and safety hazard and uncomfortable to smell the fowl tobacco smoke.
YOu should not advertize that Carnival cares if you don’t accomodate all the passengers. It can not be a fun cruise if you can not enjoy the entertainment supplied aboard ship. I would hope you have a separate entrance to the internet lounge. The cruise I took you had to go through the smoky cigar lounge to get to it. That has to be the stupidest thing any one has ever done. It must be a Farkas.
First things first. Accomodate the needs of your passengers. 70% of the people do not smoke so you are cateering to a small minority.
And please don’t tell me it is legal. This does not make it right.
I didn’t see anything about the Gambling Facilities which we all enjoyed on my Sister and Brother-n-Law’s 40th Anniv several years ago. You do still have gambling right? Thanks
I cruised on carnival destiny in 99. Come march 2nd of 08 i will be cruising on the diamond princess ship to hawaii on a 15 day cruise. I was under the impression if i was a repeat cruiser i would get special treatment. I also was told that carnival owns princess as well so what are the perks or are there none. it is our 40th anniversary so wanted to celebrate it in style.
Having just read the info about the new and improved
Carnival Imagination, I am very excited about the changes.
The ship looks all grown up!!! Though I must say that having been a travel agent when
this series of ships was being introduced, I was always fascinated by the interiors. Not all of them were a hit, but they were always intersting and eyecatching.
I am almost inspired to go on the ships that arent refurbished yet to see the comparason. While I often hate change, it looks like this is a change that will bring the Fantasy Class ships
into the next phase of their careers as fresh and revitalized members of the Carnival Fleet..
John,
The Imagination is a very special ship to me as well. Every year my girlfriends and I would have our get a way mini vacation on a cruise. The Ecstacy and the Imagination were always our two favorite ships. Matter of fact that’s where I first saw you as Cruise Director. Thanks for the interview and especially the pictures. She looks beautiful. I can’t wait to get back on her. By the way, You had told me a few years ago that you purchased Heidi’s engagement ring at a store called Colors (I can’t remember the spelling) in Ocho Rios. Well I can see why, my husband purchased me the most beautiful diamond ring made by a famous Italian designer from them and I love it. They were wonderful.
Hi John,
Lisa and I have travelled from Melbourne Australia last 2 years to Rome and cruised on Liberty then Freedom and while we were aware of your blog this is first time we have seen it. We are looking at flying to London next year to travel on Splendor. Imagination looks gorgeous but a long way to travel for only 4 or 5 day cruises for us. Will you be joining Splendor next year? We send everybody at home our travelogue as we cruise and have them in hysterics over some of your antics, however do you think we could get a new bedtime story and get rid of Willie Banger next year? For the record we just adore everything about our Carnival cruises and the effort that goes into scouting out the best day trips is fantastic. We are waiting to see what dates cruises are from late August onwards before doing our bookings so hoping to see those on the site soon.
The truth is I am very impressed by the new upgrades however I regret to inform you that my last trip on the Imagination was just that.Unfortunately based on my last experience I must call to judjement the fact that the Imagination needs an overhaul on its crew more so than its ammeneties,what good is an upgraded stateroom if you are going to be treated like just another client.Captain H. There’s no doubt in my mine that your new ship is aa jewel in the sea but please keep in mind that even the most beutiful of pearl necklaces are only as beutiful as the dullest of its pearls. Sincerly, David Caban
We have just received a Carnival E-mail regarding the “new” Imagination. It said something about a BLOG ! I clicked on and was directed to you! I was pleasantly surprised to be in familiar territory !!The photos look great of the ship!
Kathy and Paul
( Happy Thanksgiving to all us Yanks! )
Dear John,
I very much fancy the thought of joining you and Hedi on the Carnvial Imagination. The only problem is…my pocketbook, purse, wallet, checkbook, however you want to say it…is running low…don’t think I could even afford a two liter bottle of water after the blogger’s cruise. I have always wanted to do a b2b cruise…maybe someday.
I’m so happy for you that Hedi is with you! You just didn’t sound like yourself without her.
The news about Alan just keeps getting better! I know he will be on the blogger’s cruise with us!
Enjoy your holiday, Happy Thanksgiving from us Americans, and let’s not forget on Thanksgiving to remember our troops!
Susan
John,
Thanks for the update on the Imagination. We are sailing on the Imagination July14-19, 2008. We are looking forward to our cruise on the Imagination.
Hope you are enjoying your vacation. Glad to hear that Alan is continuing to improve.
Have a good day.
Hi John, I’ve sailed on many Carnival cruise ships with you as the director. The last one was on the Freedom–you had a couple interesting experiences on that cruise of July 24th. Happy Thanksgiving.
Why don’t you have a 7 day cruise out of New Orleans any more? I loved the Conquest when it was there!!
Please bring back a 7 day cruise from New Orleans!!!
We just went on the Imagination not even a year ago. A little disappointed to find out it has been renovated and we missed the new additions, but the older ship was fabulous also! We loved it!
Looks like you all did a fantastic job, kudos.
John did you notice in the dinning room something very important. NO armed chairs they are all “One Size Fits All”.
“BIG” ED
[...] John Heald, Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director, shares some details and pictures on his blog. I’d love to spend an afternoon in the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat area with a great book [...]
i wanted to know how long the bloggers cruise was. and if i went could i bring the baby(2 yrs) and hubby. is it 4 day or 7 and jimaca didnt like it lol
my first cruise was the imagination i loved it alway remember ur first cruise.
John–I am SOOOOOOOOO excited. The January 28 cruise on Imagination is the one I am going on! I will bring you some nice soft American toilet paper and we can discuss the differences between British and American types. This is great–I so look forward to meeting you and Heidi–I grab dibs on having dinner with you one evening if we can. There’s a whole bunch of us on a roll call for this cruise and another member just announced you’d be joining us!
John,
Thanks for the glimpse at the new Carnival Imagination! She certainly did come out right.
On the topic of refurbished vessels… when will we get word regarding the next Blogger’s Cruise… on the Carnival Inspiration… hummmmm???
Great interview, lovely ship.
Thanks.
Greg
John – I understand your love for the Imagination. We have sailed her twice and look forward to doing so again in the near future. The refurbishments are icing on the cake for what was already a special ship. Wish we could join you and Heidi in January. We will have to be content to travel with you the week before. I’m thinking the bloggers cruise will be busy enough for you and Heidi, that you will need a week to replenish your energy stores, and just enjoy some together time .