So, there I was at the checkout thingy with Heidi at our local supermarket with me tasked to my usual job of taking the stuff out of the trolley and putting it on the counter. It should be noted that I am no longer allowed to pack the stuff into bags as I apparently am not aware of the scientific process of not putting certain objects in the same bag incase they cause an explosion………………..and you can bet your bottom that the words “be careful with the eggs” will be muttered every time by the wife. It’s a good thing she says that because otherwise I may start juggling with them.
Anyway, as I unpacked the bacon, the eggs, the toilet paper (luxury by the way) and various other household and food items my sixth sense took over.
Now, I do not have super powers although I wish I could be invisible………….I mean , I was invisible when I was a teenager…………certainly any girl I ever spoke to certainly thought I was……………but I have sometimes wished I was, really invisible. If I was, there are certain places I would to be invisible in. For example, Buckingham Palace to find out what the “Family” are like eating breakfast, watching TV, etc…………does The Queen eat ribs with her hands, does she ever enjoy a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken? …………. does she read my blog?
Then there is the White House Situation Room…………..just to see if it is anything like the one shown on my favorite program The West Wing. It would be amazing to see how emergency situations are dealt with……………..does President Bush read my blog………it would be great to see. I would also like to be invisible at the Playboy Mansion ………and it wouldn’t be to see if the girls read my blog.
Anyway, back to the supermarket and that sixth sense I was mentioning. In this case the sixth sense is being able to tell that someone is looking at me and talking about me which is something I have developed over the years and it was this “feeling” that washed over me as I removed the milk and hemorrhoid cream from the shopping cart. I heard my name from the checkout to my right ………….it was only a whisper but I had definitely heard my name mentioned by a female voice talking to someone else. Now, at the time two possibilities came to mind.
1. It was an ex girlfriend………………….that thought was over very quickly due to the fact that I had asked every girl in my home town out on a date and as none had even acknowledged me (see, I was invisible.)
2. Then of course there was the possibility that someone new me from the ship. I know of one wonderful family who live very near me and are regular blog readers but if it was them I know they would have just come over and said a big hello……………Hello by the way to my friends in Thorpe Bay ……………obviously it was not you.
So who was it? Well as I finished unpacking the cart I looked over to see two ladies waving and grinning at me as though they had just seen Brad Pitt…………….naked.
I did that thing where I look behind me thinking that their admirations were meant for someone else but of course I knew I had been “recognized.”
Now, what I am about to say I mean with the greatest respect but British people are a little more reserved than my friends from North America and if I had been in a Publix in Ohio these two ladies would have hurdled the counter, thrown me to the floor, ravished my body and then said ” hello.” Being British though all I was getting from these two middle-aged ladies were girly giggles and a polite wave. Heidi by the way was oblivious to all this as she made sure the sausages and dish washer fluid were not packed in the same bag incase they caused a nuclear reaction.
Realizing that the ladies were indeed waving at me as they packed their bags of shopping I decided to hasten this along a little by saying “hello ladies, how are you?” I was told they were both fine and then the obvious statement………..”We cruised with you twice on the Carnival Liberty and we read your blog everyday” ……………….now it should be noted that this statement was made by one of the ladies whose whisper before could hardly be heard in a big powerful voice which alerted Heidi, the check out cashiers at both aisles and other shoppers waiting their turn behind us.
The lady then continued, “We have booked a cruise in September on the Carnival Splendor with our families……….we are so excited.”
I returned her kindness with words of thanks and then the ladies turned their affection to Heidi and shouted across best wishes to her as well which Heidi returned. Then came the request………………………”can we have a photo with you, we think you are the funniest person we have ever met “………………..very un-Brit like……….yes of course I replied and I walked a few paces to stand next to them. Nowadays every mobile phone has a camera on it and the ladies took it in turns to stand next to me as they took photos and then one of Heidi and me together. As this was happening various shoppers and employees were looking at the “ugly bloke in jeans and a Miami Heat hat” trying to work out why he was having his photo taken.
So, after the photos came the goodbyes and the ladies left looking with huge smiles on their faces and I returned to the job of reloading the bags back into the trolley and paying for the items.
So, let me say as promised on the blog a big hello to Brenda and Samantha and family and thanks for the fun we had in the supermarket.
As I handed over my charge card ……………………you know what, let me return to the conclusion of this story in a moment.
First, lets congratulate Cunard who yesterday took official delivery of the Queen Victoria……..here is the press release for you to read.
Now, when you officially take delivery of a ship it’s a bit like renting or buying a car. You don’t sign for it and handover the money until you have had a good walk around the vehicle looking for any scratches, dents or bad workmanship. Now of course I am not suggesting that Mr. Arison and Ms. Marlow walk around the ship looking for scratches rand dents but each area of the ship, each stateroom, each entertainment area, every inch of the vessel is inspected by the Cunard and Carnival Corporation team before the keys are handed over. Once satisfied a special ceremony takes palace as the shipyard official delivers the vessel to her owners.
The Queen Victoria will shortly begin her journey to across to Southampton to prepare to meet her Royal Godmother and begin her historic life as one of the most famous and special ships in the world. I will join the ship for two nights on December 9 and you are all invited as my laptop and camera will be coming along so I can share with you all just what a special day her naming ceremony will be.
Let me answer a few questions from the blog called “Does This Dress me Me Look Fat.” I do not have time today to answer all 60 but have chosen ones that do have specific requests. To skip Q&A, click here.
BILL ZYDECOCRUISER – Hello mate and yes of course I can do as you requested. As you mentioned the Carnival Pride is going into dry dock soon and I will make sure we interview someone onboard for that period so we can see for ourselves what work is carried out. Hope you are enjoying your cookies and crumpets and it is great to hear from you.
SHARON DOVER – Hello Sharon. You asked about the excursions for the Carnival Splendor. The shore excursion program will be ready very soon and as soon as it is I will of course post the highlights and then answer any questions you may have. I can tell you that the program is the most ambitious we have ever undertaken and some of the tours we are planning are going to be the best ever. Hope you are getting excited now and see you next year.
ROBERT – hello mate. I doubt I will be staying in a Penthouse cabin, more probably I will get a hammock in the engine room. You are correct, the Carnival Splendor will be here before you know it and before that I will see you and Suzann on the Bloggers Cruise…..can’t wait.
HEIDI, BETH AND KEVIN – hello you three, it’s great to hear from you all. How right you that that booking a cruise and the steps leading up to it are very exciting and I am sure you all will be feeling that excitement as you start to plan your next Carnival adventure. Congratulations on making your own clothes, you must be very excited. Can you make me a G String? A silk one please, gold in colour, I would be honoured to wear something from HB and K fashions. Hope you are all well and thanks for reading the blog.
CAROL SCHOENBERGER – I apologize Carol for the many gaps in posting the blogs but I am under strict orders from the Mrs. and from my friends at Carnival to relax a little hench the infrequency of the blogs. Normal service has been resumed though and please tell George a big hello from me and use his nickname which is Boogeraron.Have a wonderful time and I wish I could have been with you. Write when you get home and have fun.
KEVIN – How is the new car mate. I saw one yesterday and it looked great. Hope all is well and by the way had a wonderful dinner at a Gordon Ramsey hotel last week and it was amazing. Have you heard of him? Hope all is well mate.
PAUL P. PIETRANGELO – Hello Mr.Pietrangelo and as always a sense of friendship quivers at the end of my two typing fingers as I write your name. I hope you are having fun decorating the family mansion and you also asked about suggestions for your next cruise in 2009. I would hope you will consider a 2009 cruise with the bloggers which I am working on as I write. Also, how about a visit to the old country and see Italy and the other wonderful European ports. Just a few random thoughts there mate and of course I remain at your service should you wish my help. My best wishes to you and the family.
TERESA AND PAUL B – I also laughed at your Peacock reference and now have this image of Heidi strutting around like one. I do honestly do hate shopping in all its forms but as a duty bound husband I trot along like a faithful little puppy dog and wait for my next command. I hope you and Paul have many happy shopping trips together in the future and thanks as always for taking the time to read the blog thingy.
BIG ED – I have requested the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL bathrobes mate and I promise they will be ready for the bloggers cruise. I totally agree with your comments about smoking and freedom of choice is of course very important. I do think that we may have to look at the Internet cafe location on the Destiny and Conquest ships as I don’t think it’s correct that guests should have to walk through a smoking bar to get there. Just my opinion but one based on talking to so many guests about this over the years. Anyway, not long now and we shall shake hands for the first time and have fun in the sun. If it rains we can just invite the bloggers to (all 1,000 of them) to shelter under our bathrobes.
LINDA (THE MOUSE) – hello Linda, how are you. I will make sure I take lots of photos of Heidi and of course the dress on the Queen Victoria and will slap them on a special blog thingy. My Miami Heat beat the Cavs but we lost last night against Larry Bird and the Celtics……….it is already an up and down season and we will get our own back on the Magic. The hard thing is we don’t get live games here in England so I have to listen online or watch the highlights. Hope things are well with you and thanks for the parcel which I am so looking forward to receiving. My best to you and the family.
BLANCHE AND DAVE – What a wonderful posting and I thank you for your honest opinions. I know losing luggage is one of the worst feelings the world of vacations can offer but I hope there were some happier times onboard. As I just wrote smoking is indeed a choice and you are to be complimented that as a non smoker you also support the right of choice onboard. There are many non smoking areas and a few smoking areas on our ships and mostly I think we have it about right. Your comments on rude people being allowed to be………….well……….rude and nobody wishes more than me that I could change this fact but of course I cannot.
The most important note from your posting however is your wish to spend a wonderful family vacation together on one of our ships especially with your son returning from his service in Iraq………….nobody will deserve a vacation more than him. I therefore hope you do call and book a Carnival Freedom or Carnival Splendor cruise and we will once again be together and I can shake the hand of the son you must be so very proud of.
ANNE CAMPBELL – Hello Anne. It is so wonderful to hear from you and many congratulations on your blog – www.shipcriticblog.com. We are all looking forward to spending time with you on the Bloggers cruise and enjoying your insights to the cruising world we all love so much. One subject we will not be covering in our Q and A’s is shopping…..personally I would rather be stuck in a small room with a skunk than go shopping. Hope you are well and once again congratulations.
LINDA – MUM OF DJ – I received an e mail from PA 007 last week reiterating your comments Linda that I was spending too much time answering complaints. You are both correct of course and I guess I was trying to find some good in the comments……….I hate reading comments like “I will never cruise Carnival again” etc, etc and felt like I needed to champion the cause of getting them to rethink such comments. However, I am now back on course and thanks to PA and people like you that course is one of fun. Hope DJ is well and see you both very soon.
LISA AND ELAINE – OK, as requested here is the recipe from the archives for my famous British Bomber. Navy Rum, Baileys topped with 150 proof Rum and set on fire, served in a shot glass and within running distance of a toilet. Hope you have fun drinking that ………………..cheers.
RUS FRANKLIN – I was not sure how to respond to such a wonderful posting so all I am going to say is this. Your words of praise and admiration for Carnival and its employees have been forwarded by me to the very top and I have also sent them around the fleet to post on the crew boards. So on behalf of all of us we thank you and your family for all those brilliant words and I hope we can continue to provide you with more everlasting memories.
PEANUTS – Hello and once again sorry for the delay in sending a blog along. I do promise to post photos of the Queen Victoria ceremony which we are so proud to have been invited to. My best regards to you and Mr. Peanuts.
MARSHA BREEN – I am sorry I cannot be with you on the Carnival Miracle but I promise your Cruise Director Brent will host a very memorable week for you. I am so glad you are enjoying the blog thingy and I hope you have a fantastic vacation.
KATHIE – Lord Flatbottom………..very funny and Heidi is indeed now calling me that…………..thanks.
Look out for a full blog on the Queen Victoria and my best to you and the family.
BRIAN – Great posting Brian and welcome to the Carnival family. I remember that Carnival Liberty cruise so very well. The ship lost power and the lights went off all over the vessel. I was on the bridge and was making an announcement around the vessel explaining that there had been a technical fault and there was nothing to worry about at all when suddenly a very loud alarm went off on the bridge and was clearly heard around the vessel. Of course, once power was restored and I walked around the ship the fact that I had said there was nothing to worry about and then alarms sounded provided many moments of ridicule and merriment. So, you have left Coca Cola and are working for us, may I ask in what department? Welcome aboard and I wish you happiness and success.
MYRA BUSHNELL – The letters and packages everyone has sent to Chris Prideaux for me has been mailed and is on its way to me here in the UK. Thank you so much for whatever it is you have sent me and I am very excited to be receiving it. I am trying to rest and still find time to blog as much as possible. Thank you so much for all your kind words of support and I will keep writing as much as possible.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISER – Good questions. Due to the popularity of the Carnival Splendor we have added a cruise from the shipyard in Genoa to Dover, a three night cruise to Amsterdam and then the official Inaugural cruise on the 13th. If you are there we can discover so many wonderful fish and chip shops together mate as well as great food in Amsterdam. Have you booked?
CATMAMA0044 – Thanks to you and so many others for your continuing best wishes for Alan. I think your prayers and positive thoughts have helped because he continues to do so well and continues his treatments. His own positive outlook on life is helping him through the treatment and I know he is so thankful that so many people are thinking of him. Heidi will look the queen of the Queen Victoria I am sure but the process of shopping for the right dress and accessories is pure hell………….I would rather have hemorrhoids than go shopping. Anyway, thanks for all the kind words and please keep reading the blog thingy.
SOUTHERNDREAMS – Hello Bonnie…………..hope all is well with you and Charlie. Seeing how much Charlie cares for you and loves you…well…….lets just say you are both wonderful role models.
IVANA – I was so sorry to read about the accident and please send your husband our kindest wishes from everyone here on the blog thingy for a speedy recovery. It must have been a shock but hopefully he is on the road to fitness again. Once again my thoughts are with you both.
DWA 76 – Yep, I see have brothers in arms when it comes to shopping. I normally refuse to go with Heidi but as this was a special dress I had to go. I would rather have a tattoo of Britney Spears on my bottom than go shopping. Thanks as always mate for your comments and hope we see each other soon.
JENNIFER HAMMOND – Sorry to worry you with my gap in posting but here I am and all is well. I hope all is well with you and I will do my best to post more often. Cheers.
NANI – Heidi and I send our sincerest wishes to you and the family and especially Dad who I hope is feeling better and home with you son. Muchos hugos para everyone and a special Hugo for you .
GREG BALDASARRI – Heidi has decided to go without the hat and I was hoping that would save me some money but the dress was as expensive as a hundred hats…………………….bugger.
I will be posting information on the 2009 bloggers cruise ASAP but you will be glad to hear that the Carnival Inspiration is looking favorite at the moment. I have not heard anything about Freestyle but I will keep mine and PA 007′s ears to the ground and we will let you know if we hear anything. I will keep posting as much as I can mate so please keep reading. I will also let you have the 2008 CD schedule as well. Cheers
JERI GREEN – I remember our brief encounter in Portugal so very well. Thank you so much by choosing to book your cruise with Heidi and I on the carnival Imagination and we will be honoured to help celebrate your special 51st anniversary with you. The champagne is on me. See you soon.
MARK – You are correct of course mate. the Carnival Sensation and Carnival Fantasy did swap home ports, many thanks for pointing out my mistake. I hope all is well and thanks again for your support of my thingy.
LINDA HERNACKI – I am worried about your eyesight Linda as you mentioned Todd was handsome…………….please have your eyes tested. Todd is though a brilliant Cruise Director whom I admire very much. I will promise to post many photos from our two nights on the Queen Victoria. You also asked where Heidi and I will be in April 2008 and May 2008. The answer will be that we will be preparing the shore excursions in April and then the Carnival Splendor before the first cruise. I am so happy you had such a great time on the Carnival Freedom and hopefully you and Mike will be able to be with us in 2009. Heidi and I send you our warmest regards.
JULIA BARNES – It seems you are so very excited about your first ever cruise which will be here before you know it. If I can be of any help or if you have any questions please let me know and I will be happy to help. One thing is for certain. Many people will tell you that their first cruise is their best and I know that the Carnival Freedom crew will make this a very special vacation for you and your family.
LOOKINGFORWARDTOTHESMOKEFREECARNIVALSPLENDOR - hello Jon, how are you and Mrs. MTSFCP? You asked about the 8 day Carnival Splendor from Genoa to Dover. While I have not started preparation on specifics I can tell you that the ports are very special and it will be an honour to have you onboard. Heidi will be honoured as well to tell you all the great things that make her home town of Amsterdam so special.
Your thoughts on smoking are all correct and this is a conversation that will go on and on and it’s our job to try and find a happy medium to please everyone and we will carry on doing this I promise. It was great to see you and the thought of being with you for eight days is fantastic. let me know what you decide and best to you both.
RICH HUGHES – You asked about when the upgrades are due for Carnival Sensation. I am not sure as I write to you now but I will ask Roger Blum to let me know ASAP and then slap on the answer. She will be having the upgrades and as you have seen from the carnival Imagination and the carnival Inspiration they are stunning. Your comments on chairs for people who are “extra medium” are well noted and I will make sure we do something about this. You are correct that on the carnival imagination the arms in the dining room chairs have been removed and I will ask if we can do the same as you requested on Lido Deck. Thanks for this and I will keep you informed. Sorry about the bruises and leave this one with me. Cheers.
JTODINMAN - You have once again outdone yourself with this another fantastic poem about Heidi and her dress. I just read it to her and she was very happy to see that you dedicated a poem to her and the art of shopping. I know these poems take a lot of your time but please know we all enjoy them so very much. By the way, have a look at this photo of the rack my Dad built for the baseball bat.
Thanks for everything again and I hope you are very well. Cheers mate.
MIKE L – Thanks mate and I will send a full report about the naming ceremony. Cheers.
THE BEARS – CARL AND BARB – How wonderful to write your names again and I am sorry I have not been in touch recently. Heidi does indeed deserve the dress as she has worked very hard not just in her job but in looking after me as well. Have a wonderful time on the Carnival Glory and please tell my mate wee Jimmy a big hello ……………. you will love him. I will see you very soon and Heidi sends her warmest regards to you both as of course do I.
TERRI 910 – it is great to hear from you Terri and to read that someone else does not enjoying shopping means that I have some support and I hope Larry realizes how lucky he is. I am glad that you are enjoying the blog so much and it is always great to hear from my “regulars ” which you are certainly one of. My best to you both.
JIMNI – I will be on the crossing so don’t worry. Todd will be the CD but I will be there to help him on the crossing and the first of the European cruises. I actually join the ship in the first European port which I understand will be Malaga so we will indeed get to be together soon. I will be here should you have any other questions and see you soon.
UNCLE DOUG – Congratulations on booking your platinum cruise on the Carnival Elation. I think Goose is the CD on the ship but will check and get back to you before you sail. Wow, the Rodeo finals sound fantastic. We should get one of those bucking bulls on the ship although our health and safety people may have something to say about that. The raspberry is indeed causing some concern to Heidi but now I have it on vibrate so mostly she has no idea when it goes off. I am trying to rest as much as I can and all is well. have a wonderful cruise Uncle with the family and all the best.
SUSAN B – Heidi also has puppy dog eyes which can change without notice to Tasmanian devil eyes as well. Thanks for all your kind comments and thanks for your continuing thoughts for Alan. Hope all is well with you and please keep reading the blog thingy.
OK, HAVE TO STOP THERE AS DINNER WILL BE READY IN A MINUTE. HEIDI HAS COOKED SCALLOPS WITH STIR FRIED VEGETABLES……………..MMMMMMM. I WILL START WITH TOM AND JANES QUESTIONS TOMORROW.
So the holiday season is nearly here and you can hear Perry Como dreaming of a White Christmas in all the shops. Carnival is also having a holiday sale as Roberto will now tell you.
Hi Everyone, Roberto here. Today begins the 12 Fun Days of Christmas! Visit www.carnival.com/12days to see our daily offers and our extra special bonus offers of the day. Don’t forget to sign up to receive daily reminders. You can also send ecards to your friends from the site as well. Visit it today!
So, nearly time for scallops and I have to go. Before I do let us return to the supermarket where the scallops were purchased. I had my photo taken and obviously the check out lady wanted to know “are you famous …………..are you on the Tele?” she wanted to know. Now, Heidi was wanting to go and the man behind me could not have cared less if it was Tom Cruise standing there, he just wanted to pay for his Corn Flakes. So rather than explain why the ladies new me and wanted a photo I just said “I am a sex object.” The check out lady laughed and I left to load the shopping in the car.
Actually, when I was in my early twenties I was indeed a sex object………………..I asked many girls for sex……………………and they would object.
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.
Haven’t read the blog!
Just wanted to send my regards and to wish John & Heidi a Happy Holiday from Morgan and Adam and their Dad.
jb
Today two ladies in the market. Tomorrow a pack of rabid paparazzi. What hast thou wrought?
Will fame destroy John Heald? Will we soon see gossip magazines speculating on possible relationships with Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina Jolie, or even Brad Pitt?
Start investing in disguises now. Tomorrow may be too late.
Fantastic to hear from you. It’s been too long. Looking forward to hearing about the Queen. Hope you are enjoying your time at home, and keep us posted on Alan.
hello mate! i am praying for a sunny jan 19th because the thought of having to be under those robes with you and big ed has made me shiver! ha ha
we leave two weeks from today for the family christmas cruise on the miracle. actually we return christmas eve, but it is our gift to the family each year. the past two have been cruises, before that a land vacation (disney world). they ALL like the cruises better and it is actually much cheaper too (trying to feed 7 teens is horrifying if you are paying by the meal! ha ha).
now i have to go call my pvp and see what this 12 days of christmas holds in store for me!
see y’all in january!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Dear John:
Please do not think I was disappointed at you for wanting to resolve complaints. My comments were made in the hopes of directing bloggers to use Guest Relations for this purpose, so that we could leave more of this Blog for its purpose…wonderful banter and wit!!
You are by far the best spokes person for any cruise line (or any company for that matter) that I have ever seen. Your willingness to share yourself and Heidi’s willingness to share your time together with us is rare these days. And it is greatly appreciated.
I just hope that we can keep it as fun for you as you have made it for us. That was truly the goal of my comments.
Now I have to go pack…there is a cruise ship with my name on it that sails Saturday and it is going to be one wonderful Holiday!!!
I can’t wait to hear all about The Queen Victoria when we return.
Oh, my….you have out-done yourself AGAIN, John. The grocery story is the best. I’m sure the cashier couldn’t wait to repeat that story to her family/friends. We are looking forward to the “Queen” pictures. Thank you for including your cyber friends in this monumental event. Take care,
Lori (and Tom)
John, Mrs. Big Ed says your mind must be going to think your a “sex object”. To tell the truth I think Alan must be the real sex object. Of the 27,000 hits on my blog http://www.ekonefe.wordpress.com 6,600 were to view Alan’s picture http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2007/06/04/wanted-for-impersonating-algelina-jolie/ . I can just imagine the hits he will get when I finally get a good photo of him posted.
Your right on about the shaking hands when we meet for that first time on the Bloggers Cruise. Our arms aren’t long enough to hug each other. There are people with international cell phones that are planning on sending that moment to all those who can’t make the Bloggers Cruise. They will have it on U-tube before the ship sails. So I got to be the first person on the ship that day so send me a VIP pass OK.
“BIG” ED
47 more days and counting down
I hope you enjoyed your dinner, I love scallops, however Kevin dose not like them so I don’t get them often… and on top of that they are not as good here in the south as they were in New England, same thing with lobster too it is so much better from Maine…. Oh well the trade off for no snow.
Oh and I am a seamstress there for I only make clothes for women, ONLY, you will need a tailor for your request.
And I must agree with the answer you gave to Big Ed on the Glory it was annoying to have to go through the cigar lounge to get to the internet cafe, so all we did is get the info there and I took my laptop to the atrium, that was one of my favorite places too because it was so pretty and the music was peacful too. (I do not smoke and do not like smoke, as long term smoke makes me a little sick, but I do not expect the rest of the world to quit, however I do enjoy the smoke free places, I enjoy breathing fresh air and that is on of the best parts of being on deck, the ocean smells so fresh.)
Well anyway, that was an interesting expiriance you had in the store, and it dose seems a little “un-Brit like” as you put it, but I am just another American too and I know I would never behave as you discribed of a Pubix in Ohio, but maybe they are a little wild in that part of the country rather than in central Florida…… ok maybe not…….. I know how I behave is in some way on the reserved side (in some ways)
looking foward to the next post….. but remember you are on vacation first so don’t forget to relax and maybe treat Heidi to a day at a spa, maybe just before The Queen Victoria’s naming ceremony…… us Heidi’s have to stick together
……
Best wishes to you both
Heidi-Beth
John,
Even when not on a ship, you have the most amazing experiences…you really should consider writing a book. Glad you’re back to blogging again..I thought I was going to need CPR if I didn’t get a blog fix soon.
Thank you for the ingredients for the drink…I will try that and see how close one must be to a bathroom to drink it.
Speaking of drinks, I would like to purchase some liquor either on board the ship or while we are in the Carribbean. However, I would rather not have to schlep it off the ship. Can liquor be shipped from the ship or a shop in the islands?
How is Alan doing? Will he still be able to join us on the cruise!
Best to you and Heidi!
47 days and counting…
Elaine
Hi John and Heidi
I am glad you are enjoying your vacation. It seems you have become a bit of a world Icon. And to think, I have your autograph!!
I hope Alan is recovering rapidly. Give my best to him and his family.
We are cruising on the Pride on January 27th. Is there anyway you can tell me who the CD will be? Jeff was there last August. We would love to know if he is still there or someone else.
I hope you have the best Holidays ever. Give big hugs to Heidi. Until next time take care of one another and try to stay out of trouble.
Re: Handover of the new Cunard ship Queen Victoria.
John,
While reading your blog, a thought occurred to me.
Do large cruise ships have “keys” to operate the ship. You mentioned handing over the “keys” so to speak. I worked in a nuclear power plant as an Operatiosn Supervisor (now retired) and we did indeed have keys (many of them) for starting/controlling many sustems.
Mark
I think your doing a great job on the blog and I was wanting to know if you could tell me when are the renovations on the ships that leave out of Mobile and New Orleans set to be done? We’re looking at taking a cruise from either or both places and was just wondering how cool it would be to go on a bascially new ship. Thanks and keep up the good job.
Hey, John!
How do you like this?
“If they could see me now” the old song goes.
And, oh, it’s true as John well knows.
He’s famous now and all those chicks
Who looked “through” him to get their kicks
Wish now they’d thought ahead to see
Just where John Heald might some day be.
Well, John’s arrived, known near and far,
As recognized as any star
Of film or stage or sport or song.
And, yes, you know it won’t be long
‘Til his life’s story we’ll all see
In glorious color on TV.
Why, John can hardly shop these days
For food or drink lest someone gaze
Upon his handsome, manly form
And round his person start a swarm
Of fans who know without a doubt
That John’s a man with lots of clout!
Sex object, yes, but so much more!
CD that all his fans adore,
Honest, loyal, brave and true,
And there is little John won’t do
To make sure guests who sail the seas
Will always find the things that please
Them on the ships he loves so well.
And that is why John does compel
All those who see or hear his words
To flock to him like homing birds.
And when he says “Sail Carnival”
There’s nothing more to say, at all!
Hope you enjoy your time on the Queen Victoria and am looking forward to your most knowledgeable review!
Best Wishes to you both,
Myra
Now we really are looking forward to seeing you and Heidi on the Imagination – Champagne or not!
In fact, we’ve encouraged Larry’s brother and his wife to join us on their first Carnival cruise. He was in the navy and tried to convince us he’d been at sea enough. His wife overruled that objection -and we’re sure he’ll have a great time. Have a fantastic time on the new ship and take lots of photos to share with all your blog readers.
Hey Buddy!
Who would have thunk that I share comments with a British celebrity. I am in awe.
Now if I could just get that autographed picture.
I really like the rack your father built for the baseball bat. It looks very nice against the vessel pictures on the wall.
Looking forward to seeing your Queen Victoria pictures/blogs.
Thanks for the blog today and have fun!
David
YOU ARE STILL A SEX OBJECT!!! SORRY HEIDI, HAD TO LET IT OUT!! Love to you both, See you soon, Happy Holidays, Paula
John, my good friend, what a pleasure to hear from you again. You’re in fine form!
Was there any doubt that you would be famous??? With well over a million folks reading this blog thingy how can you not be?
Thanks so much for the update on the 09 blogger’s cruise. It sounds like good news!
How is your mate, and our friend, Alan doing? Well, I hope or at least as well as he can be, considering the ordeal he has endured.
Will your two days on the Queen Victoria be at sea or in port for the naming ceremony? Either way, you make me tremendously jealous!! Say hi to the Royals for me!!
Good to hear from you again and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Offer my ‘howdies’ to the lovely hatless Heidi and the Always Amazing Roberto!!
Regards,
Greg
Hi John:
I can not tell you how thrilled I am that you are on vacation. Your vacation has brought less blogging. You ask why am I thrilled…..well, my internet at home when out and we’ve been unable to fix it therefore I’m way behind, but I noticed there isn’t much to catch up on. I’m going on 3 weeks, so I’m taking a little break from work to read what’s new. I’m glad to see you’re enjoying every minute of your vacation and enjoying your “star”dom. You’re recognized wherever you go. You just can’t get away. Say hi to Heidi for me and I hope to get my internet up and running. What would you recommend for a New Year cruise? I’m considering one for next year. Take care.
John, I adore your quick wit! Look out People Magazine’s Sexiest men list…Here comes John!
Dinner sounds great… I’ll bring the wine…
Enjoy your moment of fame.
)
Hugs!
John,
FAME… I believe you have achieved more than the 15 minutes that Andy Warhol credited to any of us… You ARE a STAR!! And there is just nothing you can do about it! You have a grand following and are blessed with recognition and idol worship… no that’s not ‘idle’ worship… and it is well deserved! You and Heidi and Roberto keep us posted with news, entertained by stories and humor, and in the cruising spirit. (I still think you’re evil and a tease… But that’s only because we can’t all cruise all the time, and that’s what we want to be doing!!)
Thank you for keeping our excitement alive and giving us our needed fix of cruise news until we once again can feel the moving deck beneath our feet, smell the fresh sea air around us, watch those infinite waves as we daydream and meditate, stay entertained with the activities planned to keep us all feeling young, and being on the receiving end of the pampering that Carnival does so well!
Aaaahh, I’m content! And I’ll be watching those 12 fun days of Carnival’s Christmas, so I can book my next treat! (I can always fit in one more cruise…)
Regards,
Kirsten
John -
The Genoa cruise gets more intriguing by the minute. It appears that our daughter, Little Miss Never Been On a Cruise Ship but Want to Go with Mommy and Papa (LMNBOACSBWTGWMAP) will be aboard as well. At least, that’s the plan – truth be told, it ain’t cheap.
A bit of counsel regarding the shore excursions – please have someone who is not a world ranked triathlete rate the physical aspect of the tours. One major complaint that I had was that the Exclusive Tour of the Vatican (worth every penny) was rated as an easy walk, but left me in such pain that I missed out on Florence/Pisa the next day. Whomever thought it was an easy walk probably was named Phidippides.
Anyway, we look forward to your ongoing reports, but please make them infrequent enough that you actually get some time off. Looking back at the picture of you from the get together, you could tell how much you needed the rest. Spend some time with your loving bride and remember to say “Yes, dear” often.
BTW – it was MY Celtics who beat your Heat the other night.
Jon
Good evening Mr. Heald. I do hope that you enjoyed your dinner of scallops and veggies. Now you can go and sit and rest from your very exciting day from your fans. I knew that you were famous. The ending of your post was little do I say, humorous, a sex object. I wonder what Heidi said about that. Thank you for your ideas about cruises in the year 2009. If the bloggers cruise fits into the schedule that my wife’s vacation time does, we definitely will take it. Other than that, I’m looking at either the 17 day cruise to South America or the Trans- Atlantic cruise. If not a different Caribbean cruise. Since I began blogging with you I decided to have my own weblog. It was an opportunity to get back to writing again and expressings my thoughts in cruising as well as many different ideas. If you would like to find it, it is found in the following,
retirementman.wordpress.com
Well, enjoy the rest of your vacation and as I always say, someday we will meet and sit and drink some tea and discuss about your many facets of being a Cruise Director. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hello John and Heidi!
Although I don’t think we have Publix in Ohio, we’re pretty darn friendly! And now that the Ohio State Buckeyes are playing for the national championship in college football, that makes us all the more friendly! I must admit though, I haven’t hurdled a counter and ravaged anyone in ages, it sounds like a plan!
We’re busy getting ready for our cruise on the Miracle in about 40 days, and can’t wait. We both need it bad! I must remember to tell hubby about your sex object status~ So good to hear from you again…keep ‘em coming! Our best to you both!
John – I think now the time has come for Carnival to put you in their commercials instead of all those Barbie and Kens running around! The real face of cruising.
Myra Bushnell — what excellent poetry
John — now you even have poets writing about you. What’s next?????
Bob and Emily
Good news John, I may have a friend to go on the Jan. 28 cruise on the Imagination with me. She lives in another province but is from this area originally. She is going to talk it over with her husband (actually she’s just going to tell him she’s going with me). We have been friends for 33 years and always have a good time together. Hopefully I will be able to book it soon. Hope you and Heidi are enjoying your holiday and all your shopping (?) trips together. Don’t spend your money all at once…….glad to hear Alan is doing well.
Cheers mate,
Cindy
John,
I originally was going to write how lucky your father was to have you as a son, but in all honesty, it should be how lucky you are to have him as a father. I have realized the same in the past several years and consider myself blessed to have such a loving family.
There is no doubt he is extremely proud of you and your accomplishments (based upon your writings and the shrine he has made in your honour (sp?)
Now on to business. You’ve interviewed Presidents, Commodores, Exec. Vice Presidents and almost every Cruise Director in the fleet, how about the most important people in your life (besides Heidi) Mum and Dad? What a wonderful tribute while your home to capture some thoughts from them. I can only imagine the John Boy stories they could share and how proud they must be of their son.
It’s their turn to shine (if they are willing) and let us all say thanks for helping bring you into our lives…..
Hi John, Thanks for the latest posting! We will be leaving soon for the New years cruise out of our homeport of Tampa on the Legend, We can’t wait! Have you found the God Mother for the Splendor yet? I have Shelly on standby if you need her, but she’s probably going to want a new dress…..And maybe a coat she could give away to some pour soul that Carnival neglects to tell to bring one. Have a great rest, but we sure do miss the wonderful shipboard stories! Mark & Shelly
Hi John & Heidi: Glad to hear Chris Prideaux is sending off packages to you in the U.K. Perhaps you will get ours BEFORE Christmas then. Hope so! Glad to hear Alan is doing so well, send him our best regards. Yes, I hope we can go on the 2009 bloggers cruise with you, as soon as you finalize that we can book. So far we haven’t decided where we want to go in 2008 so we haven’t booked our next cruise for April or May yet, and as you won’t be on any ship we would be sailing on we MAY try the Imagination. Since the Inspiration is going to be the bloggers cruise for 2009. Or maybe the Liberty, that is supposed to be another beautiful ship, my friend just got back from it. What did Heidi say about the leather couch when she got home? Glad she got the dress she wanted, at least you saved on the hat. Todd is very nice, I emailed him to find out about an astrology book he was reading from onboard, and he emailed me the title of the book and author, and I was able to order it directly thru Amazon, it came yesterday, I LOVE that book. I also am so thankful for the book and pictures he had sent to us in the stateroom from you John, I figured you had forgotten. Nanette tells me she will meet you in January and that you invited her for a look see on the Freedom when it docks in P.R. She and I were supposed to meet in P.R. on Monday 11/19 but it was raining and I didn’t see her, she says on her blog site that she saw me, I wish she had come over to me, by the time we were going back onboard it was raining hard, so we didn’t stop to look for her. The ship docked early so when we got off the ship at 3pm she wasn’t there, she got there at 4:30 when we were supposed to dock, so we missed eachother. Hopefully she will be on the 2009 bloggers cruise so we can meet in person. This blog site is great, we get to meet all sorts of people, I have checked out Paul Pietrangelo’s blog as well as Big Ed’s and we have conversed as well. Take care you two, hope you are enjoying your time off! Your friends, Mike & Linda
Going “Hollywood” !!
That was a great blog John! You’ll need your agent (Heidi) handing out 8×10 ‘s ! Heidi, you’ll want more than 10 % and a cut in the action with “points” up front if there’s a movie!! Don’t forget the “bodyguards……..
Kathy and Paul
John,
I always knew you would become famous! It’s obvious by the increase of your readers and the comments added to everyone.
We enjoyed a show about the Cunard Cruise Line and would like to try a cruise on one of those ships someday but it’s getting closer to our first cruise and absolutely can not wait!!! You two have a wonderful time on the Queen Victoria and don’t forget to “strut”. Your famous now, remember?
John, how could you not be famous? You’re the most popular cruise director in the industry. In fact people take Carnival cruises just because you’ll be aboard! I’ve heard Carnival pays you a salary of $2 million per year because you generate a huge amount of repeat business. You are indeed a star!
John,
please say a prayer for my mom. She has glacoma and went in for eye surgery yesterday. We thought she was ok until this morning and she is blind in that eye now. She sees a specialist tomorrow and we are hoping there is something they can do.
Thanks
Susan
Popcorngal – nice to see another Ohio/Buckeye fan on-line. True, we – Ohio folks – are very nice; and I don’t think we have any Publix here either.
Have a great cruise. We sail on The Carnival Freedom in 39 days!
Sorry, Big Ed: GO BUCKS!!!!!
Lori (and Tom)
We are not surprised if people think you are a sex symbol, isn’t that why Heidi married you?
It must be a time thingy but we see all the comments to your latest blog already posted before we get to read it? Glad to hear that Carnival Splendor shore excursions will be posted soon, really looking forward to seeing what is available and what sailing dates will be available going forward before we make the big decision.
We have loved every shore excursion we have done on our two trips and if there may have been one that wasn’t quite up to standard, we aren’t complaining, life is too short to stand at the customer service desk for a whinge. Looking forward to your next instalment.
Suzanne & Lisa
Hi John and Heidi,
Just wrote a long comment but it went away in cyberspace somewhere. Here is a short recap.
Greetings from the Carnival Glory. The weather is great and we’re have a good time. It’s so nice to see so many familiar faces among the crew. We’ve also met a lot more than will also be on the Splendor so that really will be like going home.
I knew that Barb and Carl were going to be on this cruise too but didn’t know how I’d find them. Well we were talking to Ralph “Wee Jimmy” and they were standing right next to him. We told Ralph that you said Hi. Anybody else you want us to say Hi to?
Glad to hear that Alan is doing well and we’re hoping for a full recovery soon.
Can’t wait to see pictures of the new “Queen” and of course you and Heidi (in her new dress).
Looking forward to hearing about more Carnival ships, changes, itineraries, etc.
Enjoy your vacation and talk with you soon.
George and Linda
Hi John and Heidi,
I haven’t posted in a while but I’ve been reading each and every blog. John, don’t worry about posting a lot because after all, this is your vacation. I do have 1 question for you. Do you know yet if you’ll be on the Carnival during the first 2 weeks in Feb.? I have something you might find interesting. I got an upgrade to my screen reading program and the best feature is, it now has the capability to allow me to choose different human voices to read to me. In the past, I only had a computer sounding voice but now I have a choice. Even though the voice doesn’t sound exactly like yours, I have a British male voice to read the blog! There are other choices but I like it best! Anyway I hope the 2 of you are finding time to just relax. I’m still praying for Alan and hope all is still going well. Tell Heidi hello for me as well. Big hugs to both of you.
Leasa
I was thinking that “delusions of grandeur” may be present. I hear that the Queen and the POTUS call one another daily to discuss the blog!
from suzanne not your sister!
John–It must have been fabulous being recognized. Perhaps it was the lovely Heidi at your side that did it. It always amazes me that as a Brit, you truly recognize the way Americans would have behaved, but you make it so funny. Even more important, I am so glad you got luxury toilet paper and hemmorhoid (however do you spell that?) cream. Your “bum” deserves pampering as well as the rest of you. Again, I am looking forward (with my husband Bruce) to meeting you on our Imagination cruise. I know you have the bloggers cruise right before but hope you have some energy left to meet or eat with us; Linda (mom of DJ) and I often discuss how hilarious you are! I am still anxiously awaiting my cabin assignment, as I booked a guarantee–but it puts me on the Carnival website daily!
Hopefully Santa Prideaux will be sending often. Think my bundle may not have made it to Miami before today.
Dear John And Heidi
We were very disappointed in not making your cocktail party on the Freedom 28 October but a series of disasters prevented us from attending.
No.1 Our early morning flight from Manchester to Gatwick was delayed 2 and 1/2 hours technical problem? which resulted in missing our connection to Rome.
No.2We arrived at the Port around 8 o’clock
minus our luggage which did turn up next day 1 hour before sailing to Livorno.
No.3 The ship was moved further along the quay thus preventing us from boarding until approx. 9 o’clock. By then it was too late i guess.
Anyway enough moaning.
We had a great cruise and stayed on in Virginia where we have a married daughter, hence the lateness in informing you of our dilema.
I’m glad that you mentioned Publix as that is my favourite supermarket in Florida.
Have a great Christmas and New Year and take care of each other.
I hope that we will meet some day.
Best Wishes
Harry and Philippa
Interesting new “banner” at the top of the blog, John!!
It’s eye-catching, but I must admit I’d prefer to be able to make out your faces a bit better!
Something special for the “Happy Holidays” I guess! Well, a merry Christmas to you and yours, John & Heidi, from Terri & Larry!
Hello John and Heidi!
I hope this finds the two of you continuing to enjoy your time away from the ship. It sounds like you are having some wonderful experiences in the neighborhood.
Like so many others, I hope Alan is continuing to improve. There have been a lot of people lifting him up in their thoughts and prayers.
I was just scrolling back and looking at some of the comments. I am also glad we will soon be able to see the types of excursions that will be offered on the Splendor. Believe me, that maiden voyage is seeing us through some stressful times. I keep telling my husband to think about the Splendor.
I am sure the two of you are caught up in the craziness of Christmas. It is unreal how such a beautiful time of year can become so stressful.
Take care and give our best to Alan.
John!
I love the new ‘Happy Holidays’ graphic at the head of the blog! I’m sure that we have the Amazing Roberto to thank for that… so, thanks, Roberto!
Looks great!
Keep up the wonderful work!
Greg
Hi John/Heidi! Greetings from Midtown Manhattan! We didn’t need those women @ the checkout counter to verify your stardom…you have a tremendous following whether you like it or not! In the future as your popularity surges we ask that you just don’t go nuts or shave your head! Your blogs never cease to amaze me & I check back constantly for more…cant get enough. Please post a pix of Heidi in her new hat which she wore for that ceremony…Also, I would like to borrow it when Queenie knights you! Heidi/John You are both stars! Move over Brangelina!(Angela’s mommy – Freedomlicious)
Hi John..just got of the Legend and our 10th Carnival cruise. What a time we had. I also want to say that the “perks” we got for finally making it to platinum status was fantastic. We felt like royalty! I especially liked the freebie laundry service. Also want to comment on Isla Roatan. It was wonderful everyone was so eager to please. If anyone is looking for a tour with excitement, do the zip line or better known as the canopy tour. What a rush!
Great Happy Holidays greeting at the top of the blog! Did Roberto have a hand in placing Santa Caps on your heads? Probably! Hopefully you are enjoying your precious time together! The weeks of your vacation will fly by I’m sure! Vacation never seems to last long enough! Thanks for taking the time to blog! When are you going to post some pictures from home? We are patiently waiting. It was good to laugh with you again via the blog thingy! Happy shopping! Sheryl
I noticed that in the photo of your bat stand, there are various pictures of a myriad of Carnival ships. One of which apparently was in some rather nasty weather. Sources on various websites say that was the Carnival Triumph…..Just wondering if that is accurate….. Coincidently my first cruise was aboard her and while we did have a couple of windy days on that cruise …. It was nothing quite like what that photo depicts…. (although I admit the first night my thoughts envisioned that type of weather going on outside) …..and no I didn’t need to wear those patches under my ears.
95 days and counting to cruise #2 …..oh and I am still eagerly awaiting exciting Carnival details promised after your Miami meetings …..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year John and Heidi from Iraq,
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season and that you are blessed richly throughout the 2008!! Take care!
James
John,
This is from Mr. Cheap not me….when he read your story about the puppy dog eyes changing….Mr. Cheap said…I feel his pain….
hum…maybe I should put Mr. Cheap in the dog house for a little bit!
Susan
Hello John,
When I last sailed with you I certainly had no idea I was sailing with
a sex object. I’ll have to add you to the list of all the Italian officers
I drool over!
MYRA, LOVED YOUR POEM!
Merry Christmas to you John and Heidi and all my blogging buddies,
Julie Gantt
Susan B,
Praying for you mom,
Juls
If you could possibly email me at bonnie_pilon@yahoo.com. Would just like to confirm that you and Heidi are going to be on the “Imagination” January 28th. Reason is that our Carnival agent has it mixed up with the “bloogers cruise” I had assured her that you and Heidi were also going on the cruise to Grand Turk, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. We want to finalize any or all of our reservations which are just tentative right now. Cheers. Bonnie
my email is better as I can’t get on this site sometimes from the office…lol.