Goeie avond………………….as they say in Dutch which translates to …….good evening, which means of course that we are in Holland for the New Year. We took the over night ferry yesterday from Harwich which is in the south east of the UK and arrived at the Hoek van Holland this morning. The ferry which is called the Stena Britannica is a remarkable vessel. She carries up to 350 cars and 100 huge juggernauts as she powers her way across the English Channel.
Once you drive you car onboard and have made sure the brake is firmly on, you make your way up to your suite. Now, I use the word suite in the same way you would call KFC gourmet food. The cabin was only called a suite because instead of bunk beds we had a double bed and wait for it…………………….a chair…………….yep a chair. Now, you are only onboard for six hours but calling it a suite is like calling me a prime athlete………….it’s just bollocks.
Anyway, we explored the vessel and I must say there is little difference between their Promenade Deck and that of your 1990′s cruise ship. There are restaurants, bars, cinemas and the place most populated especially by the truckers was of course………..the casino.
As we walked around I realized that I was with out doubt, a proper cruise nerd…………..I looked at this and that and thought that’s good or that’s not and why don’t they do this or that’s a good idea and this was highlighted more than ever by the safety announcement. We are so used to long and specific instructions on what to do, what not to do and what you should do if you did in fact do something that you were not supposed to do. For all of us that have taken part in these drills we expect them to take anywhere from 20 – 30 minutes………..and of course they need to be………………….or do they?
On the Stena Britanica the 600 passengers were told what to do ……………..and the announcement took………3 minutes. There was no drill………………no trying on of life jackets…………..no list of rules ……………….it was just…………..this is the signal……………… put on your life jacket………………..go to the muster station……………….all other rules and regulations are written on your cabin door and posted around the vessel…………………make sure you read them as they can save your life…………………………That was it, and you know what…………I did read the notice and even though the announcement lasted just 3 minutes I was safe in the knowledge that I new exactly what to do in an emergency.
Now, I am not suggesting that the industry change their out look on the way we hold our boat drills but isn’t it interesting that Stena (under the strict laws of British and Dutch Coastguard I am sure) managed to get the point across in just 3 minutes and 600 guests did not have to do anything except listen and read.
There will be arguments for and against this from all of you and it will be interesting to hear your views for and against.
One more thing about the ship and this is some what embarrassing. I couldn’t fit in the shower……………….I could stand in it but only my left side got wet and as for soaping myself down, that was impossible. This of course led to much giggling from the Mrs. and led me to having a good wash in the sink………………..bugger.
So, here I am getting ready to celebrate New Years Eve in Holland where this tiny country of 16 million spend 8 million euros on …………………..fireworks. You have to see it. Every house………..I mean every house lets off a huge firework display at midnight and its something very, very special. Tonight, I took Heidi to her favorite Chinese restaurant called Dynasty as a preview to the New Year celebrations and I had something called Beggars Chicken. This is chicken that has been cooked in clay at high temperatures and then the clay is chipped off leaving the most tender meat I have ever tasted………………..it was truly historic and a wonderful night………………………..until the bill came ……………. please can someone do something with the US Dollar which is lower than a snakes thingy.
The reason I mention Heidi is I know New Year is always a difficult time for her as her dad loved the celebrations and always hosted a big party. It is therefore only right that I bring her home so she can look up at the host of fireworks that will illuminate the sky as far as the eye can see………………….and she can remember those wonderful times ……….. with Dad.
So, how are you spending New Year? I saw on the news today that the rich and tanned are all at the Caribbean Island of St. Barts eating octopus and soaking up those sundancer rays. …………………….I bet George Hamilton is there and has been in the Caribbean so long he probably has dreadlocks and is as we speak…………lying on a beach, drinking a Red Stripe and smoking a palm tree ( allegedly )………………………..lucky sod.
So, as I sit here in the Amstel Hotel typing away with just my underpants for company……..once again the bathrobe does not fit everyone…………I start to reflect on the last 12 months. There have been so many highlights. The delivery of the Carnival Freedom and sailing her to the Greek Islands and into Istanbul. Being invited to the naming ceremony of the now famous Queen Victoria and witnessing the most jaw dropping and emotional naming ceremony……………..in the world…………….ever. I got to meet Presidents of nearly all our sister companies and of course I got to interview one of my idols in Mr. John Cleese. However none of the above can compare to something simple……………at least it was when I started this blog thingy and here we are celebrating the birth of the new year having had close to 1.5 million slaps…………………who would have thunk it?
As 2008 heads our way I promise you that I will dedicate my spare time to keep blogging, to keep you informed of the daily happenings onboard and ashore and to show you the often good, the occasionally bad and of course with me here typing in my underpants………the ugly side of this wonderful world of life and cruising. The blog will develop further I am sure in many new ways such as more video streaming and using this forum to help all our sister companies in anyway I can.
However the substance of the blog will not change. I will tell you when I mess up and what we can do better and of course I will keep you laughing if I can. Once back onboard the daily answers to each and every comment and question will return and I hope by this time in 2008 we will be celebrating 3 million readers………….that’s my goal.
I also hope that once we announce the 2009 bloggers cruise that all of you will come and join me……….maybe we will even do two…………..let’s see.
Right now plans on all the corporation’s vessels for a huge New Years Eve celebration are at their final stages and as the champagne corks pop and the bands play and people celebrate the chance of a new beginning I ask that you do me a favor………………….please remember just for a second the thousands of crew who have planned that party, are pouring the champagne and providing the music. Think of the officer on the bridge, the chef in the kitchen and the team who after you all go to bed exhausted from the celebrations of a new 365 days will clean up the discarded corks and the crumpled party hats so that when you wake the next morning the ship will be shiny and new once again. What do all these crew have in common?……………Well, they will not be with their families and the ones they love and although they will never show it ……………… they will miss them more than ever at midnight on December 31st ……………..so think of them ……….I will be.
I will also be thinking of my friends and bloggers who I know have sons and daughters in Iraq and Afghanistan and people like Sherriff Coltrane who on New Years Eve will be keeping the town safe…let’s remember them.
I will be thinking of all my colleagues and mates, PA 007, Roger, Chris, and of course, Roberto and his team who have made this year such an incomparable one……………..cheers.
………….I will be thinking of Alan and hoping that his remarkable recovery continues. I will be thinking of my Mum and Dad who have been such wonderful role models and who have read and saved every one of the blogs I have written.
Of course Heidi and I will be thinking of you all, the faithful readers of this blog thingy. Whether you read it once a week, once a year or everyday, Heidi and I wish you and those you love a wonderful, peaceful and fun 2008.
It’s been one I will never forget and one that as I look back on I realize how lucky I am……………………….not because of the blog, not because I am married to a gorgeous blond ………….I am so lucky…………..simply…………..because……………………….I am not French.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
see you in 2008
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.
John,
. Ok had to try. I will be thinking of everyone from the blog and of course saying a prayer for Alan’s recovery and for ED getting a robe that fits. Can’t wait to smoke a cigar with you some time soon and just enjoy life. Oh I’m looking into going to Italy (land sorry) in September 2008 any suggestions on hotels or restaurants in Venice (yes Harry’s but I would have to sell the Aston to eat there lol) and Rome even Florence. Let me know Cheers Best to Heidi.
Have a very happy and healthy new year and I look forward to seeing the information on the 2009 bloggers cruise. Maybe there should be a bloggers discount
Happy new years Roberto and PA007 who ever you are.
Kevin
John, luck is what you make it and you have certainly made your good fortune over this year and 20 plus with Carnival.
To you and more importantly to those you love and care for may the coming year bring greater happiness, less sorrow and more opportunity than those of past. That to you is my new years blessing
I think it is safe to assume that 99% of people would vote for a 3 minute safety drill. Unfortunately, its the 1% that didn’t listen and screw it up for the rest of us should something happen.
John, Happy Sailing in 2008! Keep up the blogging – love your self-effacing humor [humour for those of your who spell funny]!
Hello John, You have kept me company again. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep so I decided to check my computer for a new blog. There you were ready to make me chuckle and entertain me. Thank you.
I am sorry you feel our pain of the value of the American dollar. Maybe for your next contract you should ask to be paid in Euros.
New years here will be quiet. I am in planning mode for the Bloggers cruise in a few weeks. We have had snow and the weather is cold and miserable. I look foreword to sunny days, warm weather and being pampered on the beautiful Carnival Freedom. I will be happy to be at sea. You don’t even have to take me anywhere. See you soon my friend.
Jo Myerly
Dear John,
My husband says he feels your pain with regards to the tiny shower. He is about your size (you pulled him up in front of the audience for our welcome aboard show in June and called the two of you a pair of bookends!), and as we travel around Europe, we rate our hotels based on the size of the showers!
I have to tell you our story about New Year’s Eve (or Silvester as they call it in Germany). The Germans go crazy for fireworks also and my husband and I have spent the last two days reassuring our dog that everything is okay and she doesn’t really need to hide under the desk! Coming from America, where it has been drilled into us that fireworks are very dangerous and only for professionals, our first New Year’s in Germany was shocking. We had practically fallen asleep (yes, we’re a very exciting pair) when we thought we were being invaded! We ran up to our loft, stuck our heads out the windows and watched as the most mild mannered, subdued Germans who normally wouldn’t even acknowledge you on the street, set off dozens of fireworks in the middle of our street and behaved like children. Quite a few bounced off our roof, so we closed the windows and waited for the noise to die down. The next day, the whole neighborhood looked like a warzone! The next year we went outside to watch the festivities when our neighbors invited us in for a glass of sekt (German champagne) and we have been great friends ever since. I still haven’t gotten up the courage to buy my own set of fireworks, but we look forward to the display every year. Best wishes to you and Heidi for a healthy and happy new year!
I vote for shorter(less sweaty) , Princess style (in the lounge) Life boat drills. I suggested this on the Holland America chat board on “cruise critic”, and was shouted down!
Happy New Year!! Happy 2008…
You are a gracious and wonderful person. You have such a gift and talent that brightens everyone who comes close to you or reads your blogs! Thank you!
For New Year’s Eve — at midnight — I will volunteer on the Train. I will read the safety information as we pull out of the station at 10:00. (It takes about 5 minutes, but I get audience participation. I ask questions. …I’ll mention you tonight and life boat drills… No life vests, we’re only over water for a short minute… But I make sure they have fun while they learn the rules of walking, no smoking, hands and head inside the car, be careful when walking between cars, etc…) I’ll point out sights of interest. I’ll be sure each and everyone of the travelers gets a fair share of the Prime Rib and champagne… And hopefully be home by 2:00. Maybe I’ll find a stray kiss around midnight, but I’ll demand hugs and wishes of Good Luck for 2008!
When I get home, I’ll toast the moon and be sure Mom and Daughter are safely in their beds, or if they are awake, we toast the moon together!
I will cruise in 2008. I hope to meet you in 2009 on a bloggers’ cruise. You would make it a memory of all memories, I know. I only wish I’d learned about the cruising style long ago! I’ve hooked my daughter early, and Mom will come with me as long as she’s able.
My thoughts and prayers will be be with you and the crews of all the ships. My thankfulness for their work and effort to make each and every one of us experience a pleasant and carefree vacation. They create a safe and inviting place that lets us lower our guards and just enjoy, thoroughly enjoy, the ocean, the laughter, the fun, the food, the service, our fellow passengers, the entertainment, and even the solitude when we want it!!!
God Bless you and all you do for all of us!
Happy 2008!
May all our cruises come true!!!
Kirsten
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
We go some friends and play cards till midnight, and EAT.
Danny booked us on the Tahitian Princess for Apr,8th out of Tahiti. I sure hope Princess is as good as Carnival because after 15 cruises on Carnival this is our first on another line. The flight there costs more then the cruise.
Really can’t wait till Aug. when we are on the Splendor with you.
We had snow here last night in Maryland, not much just enough to make things white.
Enjoy the fireworks.
Tell Heidi Happy New year.
Jennifer and Danny
John,
For many reasons, this has not been a good year for me. But you and your blog have been one of the few shining monuments of this year. Not only your humor (spelt correctly) and your insight, but the fact that you have brought so many together that we have become like family. For that, I will be eternally greatful.
May you and Heidi, Roberto, Alan and family and the entire “evil crew” have a safe and prosperous New Year.
Elaine
p.s 3 minute emergency announcement gets my vote!
Happy New Year John & Heidi: Wonderful BLOG thingy John, as usual! I decided to end 2007 by booking a cruise for 2008 and am waiting to hear from my NEW cruise planner named Laurie, from Carnival. She was highly recommended to me by Big Ed, and I have been emailing back and forth to her the past few days, today she goes into work and will call me with all the details. I am very excited. Mike & I will cruise on the Liberty on 4/20/08 for 6 days to Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Of cause you and Heidi won’t be on that ship, but hopefully the next bloggers cruise in 2009 we will see you again. Glad to hear you will be on the 2/2/08 Freedom cruise and Paul P. will finally get to meet you two. And, I am anxious to see all the pictures from the bloggers cruise coming up in a few weeks, as I am sure you and Big Ed will post many pictures. Hope you and Heidi have a wonderful celebration in Holland for New Years. I know what you mean about Heidi’s dad, my dad died 30 years ago 12/27 and on that day I woke up and decided to take all my Christmas decorations down, I was overcome with emotion missing my dad so much, that I couldn’t look at the decorations any longer. Mike & I will have a quiet New Years Eve tonight, will wait for the New Year to come in and go to bed, we aren’t night owls anymore. But I don’t like to go to bed till we welcome in the new year, and pray for a better 2008 for everyone! God Bless all my blogger friends and Goeie Avond to Heidi! Your friends in blogland, Linda & Mike
Have fun celebrating the new year in, and think of the ones of us who are probably going to be snoring at midnight when the old year turns into new. We have chosen to stay at home for the first time since we married 12 years ago. We have spent so much money on cruising the last 4 months that we thought we would save a few dollars by staying home tonight.
So in just a few hours it will be Jan 2008 and we can really count the days until the bloggers cruise and we can meet you and Heidi.
Happy New Year
John and Heidi, Happy New Year My friends, I hope it will be as good as the yr before. To answer Johns Queation about the 3 min. boat drill, here in the US on the small Passanger Ferries that I have worked on here in the North East (New England) the Drill, if you can call it that, more of an instruction, is all of about 1 or 2 mins long. they tell you that by Coast Guard Regulations they must tell you the locations of the life Jackets, and other safety equipment (life rafts etc) areon board the vessel. They tell you the proper use of these are listed on the walls through out the vessel. in case of an emergncy you will be instructed how to use them by a crew member. then they go into the speal about what other amenities there are on the boat, such as snack bar, what tours are avail. etc.
Oh by the way this only happens if the trip is longer than 10 or 15 mins. any shorter and your on your own.
Good luck with the new year, and I hope to be able to cruise with you again soon,
CAPT BILL
Just wanted to wish you and Heidi a Happy New Year!
CarolAnn
Hi John, Heidi, Roberto and the yet to be named PA007,
Thank you all for a wonderful year of blogging. I have enjoyed keeping in touch with you all over 2007 and look forward to even more fun in 2008.
I hope you all have a great “Blogger’s Cruise” in a few weeks and look forward to knowing what 2009 will bring for the future ” Blogger’s Cruise”.
We are very excited about 2008 as we open our first business, watch our two grandsons grow up and enjoy all that life has to bring us. We are truly blessed.
Donna and I wish everyone on the BLOG a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2008 and maybe one day our paths will cross and we can cruise with
John and Heidi and the gang.
That’s all from snowy Canada……smooth sailing to all in 2008!!!
B&D from Canada
HAPPY NEW YEAR
I wish everyone a Happy New Year
especially MY CREW I hold so dear.
The evil they plan on him who likes root beer
makes me laugh so hard my eyes just tear.
The evil they plan on one I so revere
they stand in line just to volunteer.
From the very first minute on the pier
all the evil they plan you should fear.
This warning to you I make very clear
because the day of revenge is so near.
John, you poor boy the robe don’t fit but I know my robe will fit on the Bloggers Cruise, RIGHT?
Hope you and Heidi enjoy your visit in Holland.
“BIG” ED
Only 19 days to go
Happy New Year John and Heidi!
Hope you have a great visit with Heidi’s mom and enjoy the celebrations. We will be working at Disney tonight handing out hats and horns. I’m sure it will be very loud and crazy but that’s New Year’s Eve. It’s more the drive home that could be scary but at least we’re not too far from there now.
It’s funny because this morning I was just thinking of the crew and Christmas and New Year’s. I know it’s hard for them to be away from home anytime but especially for the holidays. We do appreciate them and hope they can have fun with their new friends – all of us.
Soon you’ll be in Miami and your vacation will be over. Hope you can have another one before the Splendor starts sailing.
Happy New Year!
George and Linda
happy new year john and heidi! see you in twenty days mates! all the best for 2008…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Good Monday morning Mr. Heald. Your words the day before New Years express the feelings of many of us waiting for 2008. I’ve been reading this blog since March, 2007 and it has given me a greater awareness of the many different people in this world. Because of you, I’ve met through this blog many different special people like Big Ed, Linda, Nanette, Kevin, and Bee. It’s as if I’ve known these people for years and yet I’ve never met them. You my friend is what you’ve done. Created a very positive world of happy people even though we’ve had some serious situations in our world. You have given us the opportunity to enjoy what’s there. Thank you Mr. Heald for all what you have done for us. I hope that 2008 will be better than last year. I know that mine will be. I will finally get a chance to meet you in February and thank you personally. You and Heidi have a great New Years Eve in Holland. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Yes, it definitly was a very good year & my Freedom cruise in April was the greatest hi-lite of all!! And your blog makes me feel like I’m still cruising although I’m sitting here in north Texas.
Your description of Dutch fireworks sounds absolutely wonderful & makes me a little sad & jealous. For some unknown reason, Americans see fireworks as dangerous & usually only allow them to be set off by professionals. To my way of thinking (as a kid who grew up with fireworks 60 years ago) the only thing dangerous is our attitude that ignores personal responsibility in the use of fireworks. If people now days were taught to be responsible, there would be very little danger from fireworks & many other things as well. Guess my “old fogey” attitude is showing.
Wishing you, Heidi, & your families a very Happy New Year & I look forward to seeing you on the new Carnival Splendor trans-atlantic.
John,
Thank you for taking time to do the blog today. It was a nice suprise! I hope Hedi and you enjoy the fireworks.
I will be by myself tonight for New Year’s Eve, because Mr. Cheap is working the night shift tonight…extra pay plus overtime.
Speaking of the life boat drill, where should I go since I can not do stairs and will be on my scooter?
What a year you have had John…hope 2008 is even better for you and Hedi!
Looking forward to finally meeting both of you in less than 3 weeks!
Susan
To John and Heidi,Happy New Year ! and to all the Blogger’s and Cruiser’s we have met through the Carnival Freedom and John’s Blog Thingy, the crew, our soldiers who are reading this and those sons and daughters we know who are serving. Peace on Earth this evening to all who celebrate life. As for safety, the 30 minutes spent explaining, is really to inform the children who will absorb the safety drill and teach the parents who have ignored the drill just how to go about saving their lives……….it’s worth it for the kids….Thanks for this interesting new habit in my life. Keeping up with the Blog thingy, the laughter, the introspective. Bless your family and Alan’s in the New Year and all the Blogger’s and cruisers.
Yours,
Kap ( Kathie)
Dear John:
Although I have never posted a reply before, I have been reading your blog for months and have enjoyed it very much. Although we have taken many cruises, my wife and I have never sailed on Carnival, but we have sailed many times on Princess. If all of the Carnival cruise directors are as funny and talented as you are, we may sail with you some day.
I could not help but post when I again laughed at your assertion that the best thing about life is that you are not French. I agree completely!
Have a happy new year.
Happy NEW YEAR John(please keep us laughing), your wife and all your colleagues at Carnival!
See you in 195 days.
Hi John and Heidi, Happy New Year to you both and to all our blogger friends! Just got caught up on the blog after getting home from our Christmas cruise on the Carnival Glory. Your old friend Wee Jimmy asked me to say hello (I met him when he was at the coffee bar Creams buying some sugar free soya chai tea) and to pass on his regards to you two. He told us of his fond memories of going to your Mom and Dad’s for cakes all the time and putting a dent in your Mercedes. There was also something about a Mr Robinson that I missed! He apparently has also lost 30 pounds in the last few months. Maybe you 2 should compare notes! He was a riot as the Cruise Director–we really enjoyed his humor and I’m not sure if I preferred him in his kilt or all Dolled up Working 9 to 5 in the Legends show. Either way, I have some good photos and great memories. BTW the scrap booking accessories on the ship are amazing. I happily forked out over $50 for the photo album and 2 sticker sets. I’m keen to get my pics from the cruise mounted and decorated in the album…just waiting for the 1 hour place to finish them. And I bought extra so that when I get home from our 2nd Carnival Freedom cruise this May (we’re doing the Greece/Turkey cruise this year, last year was the Italy/Spain/France cruise) I will use the rest of the stickers. I knew you’d be on to the Splendor by then (will Todd be on the Freedom?), and some of those itineraries look marvelous, but we want to start with some of the “classic” places we’ve always wanted to visit before moving on to other areas. I’ve enjoyed your recent interviews, especially about working with locals to improve the cruising experience for both locals and travelers and developing new areas. Makes you stop and think about all the planning that goes into each cruise itinerary! Looking forward to hearing about the bloggers cruise…wish we could be there but will continue cruising vacariously through your blogs. Love ya! Gloria
Happy New Year John and Heidi. Here’s to a terrific 2008 filled with much laughter, good times and plenty of jelly beans! (well, okay, maybe not so many jelly beans)
Barb
Happy New Year’s Eve day !
Our plans are set–a party at a friends house and yes there will be fireworks ! We are planning on staying over as I am sooo paranoid on NYE.
May you and Heidi have a grat time as well. BTW I love Amsterdam !
See you in March
Hi John and Heidi,
I hope the 2 of you have the best New Year ever. I just want to thank you for all the laughter you have brought to my life this year. I also want to thank you and Heidi for all the kindnesses you have shown this year. We’ve never met but as many of us have said, we’re like family. I’m sorry Geoff and I won’t get a chance to visit with you in Feb. but I’m looking forward to the 2009 bloggers cruise. We’re going to try to be there. Happy New Year to all my blogger friends. I wish for all of you a very wonderful year.
Leasa
Thank you for a wonderful year!
John;
All of us in Covington, Ga. are hoping Heidi and you have a great New Years, and we will continue to read each and every blog. Thanks for all the good fun this year both on the ship and off.
Bob
Happy New Year !
John, Heidi and Roberto !
Looking forward to the Splendor in July! Loved cruising into Istanbul on the Freedom and Venice on the Liberty !
See you” pretty” soon…….!!!
Kathy and Paul
Happy New Year John and Heidi, Roberto and all blogger Friends!!
Im at Boqueron Beach, Cabo Rojo with my Family.I hope this year brings us all many blessings and I hope to get to see all my new Friends one way or another. You are First John, see you soon.
Huggos For all!!
Nanette
John, just wanted to take a moment to wish you and Heidi a happy new year! As a reader of every blog entry since the beginning I have to admit to being addicted to your daily reports, in fact it’s the only blog I read.
Just got back from the “Spirit” in Manzanillo Mexico having performed for the 340th time as “Carnival’s Ambassador of Swing.” Every week I meet fellow readers of the blog, we talk about you as if you were in our family, your adventures have given people a true human perspective to what goes on behind the scenes, you’ve created a bridge of understanding and insight. Looking forward to 2008 and more adventures! Thanks for a great blog thingy!
Have a wonderful New Year, my friend.
You summed up my feelings well so all I’ll add is that I will mark 2007 as the year that I happened upon your blog and made a very special friend.
God bless.
Greg
Happy New Year John, Heidi, Roberto, Alan and all the bloggers!!!! And all the ships captains, crew and staff.
Myra
John and Heidi,
Our wish for you and all those you love and care for is that the New Year will make all your dreams and wishes come true.
Happiness always dear friends,
See you in 19 days!
Barb and Carl
PS…. now pop open a bag of RS SF Jelly Beans and watch the fireworks!!!
)
Hi John/Heidi:
Happy New Year to you and your family, friends, fellow bloggers, etc. My thoughts are still with Alan as he goes through the recovery process.
I am thinking of all those people who are employed by Carnival that are unable to spend time with their friends and family.
Thank you for a wonderful year of blogging and can’t wait to read more in 2008. 3 million slaps is an easy goal. Make 4 million your target.
Your buddy,
David
John–As I celebrate New Year’s Eve, I shall think of you not fitting into the shower and have a toast to you. You poor thing–but the visual in my mind was hysterical! And then not fitting in the bathrobe–it’s just too boggling for my mind to handle. The fireworks sound quite lovely–what a nice way to usher in 2008, and for Heidi it should be a soothing, sentimental experience. You have improved the quality of life for many of us this year with your hilarious and informative blog. Best wishes and see you on Inspiration next month!
Happy New Year John and Heidi!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to your and yours!
Hi John and Heidi
A very Happy New Year to you both. John, I hope you are feeling much better, and enjoying the cooler weather in Holland, at this moment England at this time of the year (winter) looks good – not just for family which is course is very important but for the weather! Melbourne on New Year’s eve reached 42 degrees celsius and did not drop below 30 during the night although this did not slow down the revellers, the ambulence people were busy but not with drunkeness but treating heat exhaustion! The fireworks still looked good – and today it will reach 37 degrees according to the weather channel.
Again Have a really good New Year and give our regards to Alan and his family. Take care and be safe.
John and Heidi -
A happy and healthy New Year to you and to all of our blogger friends – especially those bloggers we met on the TA cruise.
Here in NE Maryland, I don’t even expect to make it to midnight, but do expect to be awaken by the favorite fireworks that all the neighbors will certainly be firing off, much to my chagrin.
I, like many others, question the wisdom of untrained individuals firing off these explosive – I have, in my days of working in healthcare, seen more than one example of the impact of these items not being used properly. The number of people getting by without thumbs, fingers or (god forbid) sight are far too many for my taste.
My next year starts off with a job interview – Wednesday, I will be interviewing for an Assoc VP of Finance job at another hospital in Pennsylvania. Everyone, keep your fingers crossed.
In the next year, we hope to be able to enjoy the wonders of the Almost Completely Smoke-free Carnival Splendor on its inaugural cruise from Genoa to Dover, along with our daughter and one of her friends.
Looking forward to 2008, we are
The Ketchams
HAPPY NEW YEAR John, Heidi and all my blogger buddies!
I am at work, an answering service, hoping for a quiet night, since
New Year’s Eve morning was one from phone hell. I wish all of you a
happy, safe and healthy 2008 and hope to meet many of you on the 2009 bloggers cruise.
John, I vote for the short version of the safety drill. I always lock myself
in the bathroom in my cabin and remain very quiet until it’s over. I make
sure I know where my muster station is and I know how to put on my life jacket…..period.
I envy all of you looking forward to the bloggers cruise later this month. You’ll be warm and wonderful while I’m freezing my butt off here in Wisconsin USA.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
JULIE GANTT
John and Heidi
My best wishes for a wonderful 2008 to the both of you and yours.
We are looking forward to our cruise on the Pride on Jan. 27th, but would love to have been on the blogger’s cruise. Hopefully we can fit one in in 2009. If not, we are booked on the Northern Europe itinerary for August 2009. Hopefully you will be there. If not, hopefully someday we will see you again.
Give our best to Alan and his family. I hope his recovery is going well.
I am wishing you a prosperous and joyful 2008. Give Heidi hugs for us and take care of one another.
Cheers!
Linda Hernacki,
I’m glad my Carnival PVP, Laurie Panzik at 1-800-819-3902 ext85877, was able to help you and get you booked on your next cruise. She has always been very helpful to me in getting my bookings.
Sorry I won’t get to meet you on the 2008 Bloggers Cruise maybe on the 2009 BC.
“BIG” ED
Hello from California to John and Heidi,
We have taken Carnival cruises only out of Long Beach, Los Angeles and San Diego to Mexican ports of call, so far. We’re sailing on the transatlantic in April, and of course, we’re very excited.
In our experience, the safety drills have varied from very well organized, efficient and informative, to near total mayhem with visible passenger attention deficit. On shorter cruises, passengers seemed to be preoccupied with getting the bothersome drill out of the way, so they could maximize their fun time. Fair enough on wanting to get to the fun part, but not at the cost of not knowing what to do in an emergency, or possibly endangering other passengers and crew. I suppose the same could be said for the airline safety briefings that we all ignore these days while tucking in to a crossword or paperback. So, perhaps in some cases, a somewhat shorter, concisely informative drill, could be just as effective.
Have a great ’08!
Suzanne
Happy New Year to you and Heidi and thank you for this wonderful blog thingy. It has been a great way to hear about your life at sea and for us to meet other cruise enthusiasts. Wishing you only the best in 2008. See you in 11 days.
John, We sure enjoyed the Carnival Freedom on our October Anniversary Cruise. If everything else fails, just go to John’s Bloggy Thing and you will laugh, cry, refelct back, think ahead and only sail with John and Heidi.
Hope to see you soon on our next cruise,
Paula and Nelson Baker (one of these cruises Nelson will rap for you!! and you will be in stitches!!!)
John & Heidi
Your blogs have been such a joy. Your bloggers are a true community. I had a great time on our Sept 10th cruise with you two.
Wishing you a GREAT 2008.
Mary
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY MR. ENGLAND,
It’s your girl from chicago, I had the best time of my life sailing with you for 12 days. I met over 3000 people due to you. I won lovely gifts because of maurice. What more could I ask for in life. I miss you sooo much and I can’t wait to sail with you again. I have the picture of us and I would like send it to you. How is Alan? If you get a chance, send me a note via email. Enjoy your vacation with your lovely wife Heidi. It is cold as heck in Illinois. Just to answer the most popular question asked of me is “Did He Propose To Me”. The answer is HECK NO. I am not sad , because I knew he wouldn’t. I will talk to you later. What ship are you rocking this year? I need to book my cabin.
John – I’m so glad you took Heidi home for the New Year’s celebration. I know how it is to lose your parents around the holidays (both mine died within days of each other in early January) and this is always such a rough time of year emotionally for me. That is part of the reason why my hubby and I cruise every January with Carnival for our wedding anniversary. We get to do something fun and it somewhat takes my mind off of the thoughts and bad memories of when I lost Mom and Dad. In fact, we are cruising the Miracle on January 10th and that will help get me through another rough January. You are a good husband to Heidi to be so thoughtful and I’m sure that Heidi really appreciates the love and support you give her. I look forward to another year of great posts on your blog – you brighten my days! Thanks John!
John & Heidi – may 2008 bring you nothing but good health and happiness, you are two very special friends that we hold dearly. Keep up the great work on the Blog, I love reading it.
P.S. See the two of you soon and yes you will have some root beer.
A Happy, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW Year to you and family. A few months ago we sailed with you on the Freedom to Italy, Greece and Turkey oh it was a wonderful trip. We would have loved to meet Mr. A…… who always manage to keep us waiting . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK extend our regards to the entire crew of the FREEDOM.
Hello John,
Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed your stay in Holland. Holland is one of my favorite countries to visit.
Sharon and I just returned from another cruise on the Liberty. It was the 8 day trip over Christmas down to Panama. Not quite what he had expected… Costa Maya was cancelled because of damage from a hurricane. So we went to Cozumel instead. Most of the land tours in Limon, Costa Rica (including ours) were cancelled because of damage from rains and they didn’t want us to leave the ship because of recent crime activity ashore. Panama was OK, but we really appreciated our two European cruises with you on the Liberty and Freedom. It’s astounding how much the character of a ship changes with the people that are on board. That goes for both passengers and crew. Back in Europe we felt so comfortable and privileged to be there — not so much this time. To be honest, one of the key ingredients that was missing was you. You are in a class by yourself, there’s no doubt about that. By a stroke of incredible luck, we met our waitress from the Freedom (Zhasmina from Bulgaria) again this time on the Liberty. She wasn’t originally assigned to the Liberty, but she had asked for a transfer because her assigned ship had gone into dry dock. She is an amazing individual: friendly, outgoing, affectionate, and always positive – an example of a person you would want to have as a friend.
Carnival started a new thing called, “Self-Assist Disembarkation”. I wish they hadn’t done that. It’s a joke… people overestimate their ability to handle their luggage safely. So they stream out into the corridors and elevators dragging all but the kitchen sink with them, trying to get off the ship faster. As a result, they create a giant log jam and no one gets off the ship faster.
We can’t wait to see you and Zhasmina again next September aboard the Splendor.
John and Heidi,
Well, 2007 was not a very good year for me. I lost two very good friends. One of them was my professional mentor and I still have difficulty dealing with that loss. Out of a difficult year, however, came my discovery of your blog. It has brightened my day on many occasions. The beautiful sunset photographs have been the source of relaxation after a very stressful day. I am truly glad we found the two of you as friends.
We are so looking forward to seeing you again on the Splendor. Godspeed,my friends, as you embark on a new year full of many adventures.
Thank you so much for creating this blog and keeping us connected to the most wonderful cruise line -Carnival of course!
Happy New Year John & Heidi,
We’re going on the Bloggers cruise on the 19th. This will be our (Doug & Me) second time on the Freedom. We did the Med on 10/16/07. This time around we’re going with the fam damily instead of the Cruise Critic group. We got three grandkid, 5, 9 and 11, plus my son and his lady, and my mom who’s 85. Three generations who have never cruised together before. Hopefully we’ll still be talking to each other on 1/26/08. Any suggestions for multi generational excursions would be wonderful. Looking forward to meeting you in person at one of the Bloggers get togethers. Your blogs are very enjoyable. See you soon. Have a great 2008!
Nicki G
Hello John
I did read your blog with big interest. i am originally from Holland and also know about the showers. When I grew up in holland, nobody had a shower, that was only for the well to do people. showers came in after the war.
I would love to make a cruise with your organisation. I used to cruise with my husband and we loved it.
However… Now I have a problem.
My husband passed unexpected away in jan 2007. I would love to make a cruise again, but am unable to share a cabin with a compleet stranger. I am a very shy and modest person. I am not a rich person and am not able to pay a double price for one cabin. All I would like to ask you is there such a thing as a single cabin.
I wish you well, and hopefully will be able to take a cruise with one of your groups.
Rita
Dear , John
The Carrnival Fascination was fun filled!
I my mother , mom, and sister had a great time!
On spring break I will be going aboard the Carnival Victory.
As I told you before I have been aboard the Carnival Truimph.
They are sister , and the Destiny has a slight difference on the lido deck.
There has been rumers of a sea side theater on the victory is that true?
from,Jake
BIG ED: Great PLUG for Laurie, anyone out there looking to book a cruise Laurie is the ONE to speak with at Carnival, she is so professional, yet she makes you feel so at ease, answers all your questions, gives you great insight into what to expect (for those of you who are NEW to cruising), and she doesn’t forget about you once you have booked your cruise, I have gotten emails from her every day since I booked with reminders to complete the FUN PASS to booking shore excursions etc. She is a delight! Thanks again Ed! Yes, I hope we do get to meet in 2009 – if only John would let us know the details of the next bloggers cruise, but I guess he wants to wait till the 2008 bloggers cruise is over with first. I can’t wait to read all about it! Happy New Year, Ed! Your new blogger friend, Linda P.S. Hi to Pat as well.
Now, on to John, I guess you are getting ready to close up your apt. soon and heading back to work. I am assuming Heidi is going with you as your assistant on your new cruise schedule. Can you please post the CD schedule for the other ships, I am anxious to know who the CD will be on the Liberty the week of 4/20/08. Thanks! Linda & Mike
Hello John I took my first carnival cruisein 1994 on board the sensation.I will be taking my 6th cruise on march1 2008 all of them on carnival.You were the cruise director on my first cruise have never forgotton you.I have enjoyed all the cruise directors and staff on all my cruises.But by far you have always been my favorite.I hope you will still be on freedom march1.I have really enjoyed all the blogs makes me feel like I am there.I really hope to see you in march.
I understand that you are going to aboard the Imagination on the January 28 cruise. We are also going to be on the ship. My friend, Terry Dunning, has been on many of your cruises and has told me wonderful things about you. My husband and I are looking forward to meeting you. We have cruised with Carvival many times and are looking forward to our January 28 cruise.