Comments on: Happy New Year! http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/ The official blog of Carnival Cruise Line's Sr. cruise director, John Heald Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:52:46 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Sonja Dowling http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27409 Sonja Dowling Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:13:01 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27409 Enjoyed reading the blogs...keep up the good work. I will be cruising the Conquest on Feb. 3rd 2008 and our group is already excited! This will be my second cruise on the Conquest the first was out of New Orleans in 2003 (before Katrina) and this time we are departing from Galveston, TX. We have had several other cruise experiences but none of the dining even came close to the quality we experienced on the Conquest. Any new delights on board since our last Conquest cruise? Enjoyed reading the blogs…keep up the good work.
I will be cruising the Conquest on Feb. 3rd 2008 and our group is already excited! This will be my second cruise on the Conquest the first was out of New Orleans in 2003 (before Katrina) and this time we are departing from Galveston, TX. We have had several other cruise experiences but none of the dining even came close to the quality we experienced on the Conquest. Any new delights on board since our last Conquest cruise?

]]> By: Timothy Croker http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27033 Timothy Croker Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:24:21 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27033 My very cruise was in 1995. My friend’s father and mother were booked on this 19 bow and arrow year, 14000 GRT cruise ship. Now his father got sick, sick enough for him not to travel out of the country, but not enough for the mother to stay home. So mother and son went on the trip, but the son did not want to go unless he had a friend on the ship. This is where I came in. We boarded the ship, and soon found out the average age was passed deceased. We ran around this old Greek liner as if we owned it, and made the best out of our situation. By the end of the first night we loved the idea for cruising. The concept of being in the middle of nowhere, but having every little thing you may want right there! On the morning of day two, we got up early, and watched our ship cruise into the Port of San Juan. Feeling on top of the world and just fishing our breakfast on Lido, we cruise passed the fort, and headed towards the piers. It was then we were gob-smacked! Our 14000 GRT, pulled close to the near new 70 000 GRT Carnival Fascination, and another Real Crappy Cruise Line. Our mouths dropped, and we promised “that is what we are going on next!”. Much later that same night, we watched the fun ship Fascination sail away to music pumping, lights flashing, and guests dancing on deck. Sadly, once the Fascination faded out over the dark horizon, we turn back and looked at our deck. It was empty, not a single person about – and it was only 10:30 pm.! Well a year later, Dec 14, 1996 I sail on the Fascination – Wow! My wife to be did a couple of cruises on some Northern Crap Line, mainly because we were with other couples who booked the trips. By this time I have heard of this “John Heald”, manly because of the coverage of the Destiny. The Learning Channel show, “big stuff” did a featured of the ship, no, not you John. “and your 7 day vacation starts Now!” In 1998 we traveled on the Grand Princess, and 1999 on the Sea Princess with CD Alastair Greener, that was a treat. With my love of ships, as my grandfather Harry worked at Temple Thomson & Clark, steamship Brokers, # 4 Lloyd;s Avenue, London, it was a real to sail on the Carnival Paradise in early 2000. Joe did a great job with all the greatest liner names aboard. Then Married life and Children were my focus for the near future. In February 2007 my wife, 2 daughters age 2 & 4, and I finally got back to cruising on the Carnival Valor. This year we are on the February 2nd sailing on the Freedom. At the time of booking, I knew you were planning your vacation, so I had not thought it be possible that you would be my CD. Then in one of the latest blogs, you gave me great pleasure informing me that this will be your return to the Freedom until the end of March!!!! I have been reading your blog since May, and have enjoyed it very much! Thought it was neat to hear about Southend so much, because as a Kid I often travel there. My Grandmother lived in Rayleigh, and the short trip to the pebbly beach was a treat. I was last in Southend over the Easter Monday Bank Holiday, 20 and sunny the first weekend of April. A small block of flats, to the west on the town near The Leas & Crowstone Ave reminded me of a cruise ship. Its blue and gray motive, and windows had a art deco theme, or so I thought. Keep up the great job, and looking forward to see you both in February. Timothy Croker Barrie, Canada StateRoom 2408 My very cruise was in 1995. My friend’s father and mother were booked on this 19 bow and arrow year, 14000 GRT cruise ship. Now his father got sick, sick enough for him not to travel out of the country, but not enough for the mother to stay home. So mother and son went on the trip, but the son did not want to go unless he had a friend on the ship. This is where I came in.

We boarded the ship, and soon found out the average age was passed deceased. We ran around this old Greek liner as if we owned it, and made the best out of our situation. By the end of the first night we loved the idea for cruising. The concept of being in the middle of nowhere, but having every little thing you may want right there!

On the morning of day two, we got up early, and watched our ship cruise into the Port of San Juan. Feeling on top of the world and just fishing our breakfast on Lido, we cruise passed the fort, and headed towards the piers.

It was then we were gob-smacked!

Our 14000 GRT, pulled close to the near new 70 000 GRT Carnival Fascination, and another Real Crappy Cruise Line. Our mouths dropped, and we promised “that is what we are going on next!”. Much later that same night, we watched the fun ship Fascination sail away to music pumping, lights flashing, and guests dancing on deck. Sadly, once the Fascination faded out over the dark horizon, we turn back and looked at our deck. It was empty, not a single person about – and it was only 10:30 pm.!

Well a year later, Dec 14, 1996 I sail on the Fascination – Wow!

My wife to be did a couple of cruises on some Northern Crap Line, mainly because we were with other couples who booked the trips. By this time I have heard of this “John Heald”, manly because of the coverage of the Destiny. The Learning Channel show, “big stuff” did a featured of the ship, no, not you John.
“and your 7 day vacation starts Now!”

In 1998 we traveled on the Grand Princess, and 1999 on the Sea Princess with CD Alastair Greener, that was a treat. With my love of ships, as my grandfather Harry worked at Temple Thomson & Clark, steamship Brokers, # 4 Lloyd;s Avenue, London, it was a real to sail on the Carnival Paradise in early 2000. Joe did a great job with all the greatest liner names aboard.

Then Married life and Children were my focus for the near future. In February 2007 my wife, 2 daughters age 2 & 4, and I finally got back to cruising on the Carnival Valor. This year we are on the February 2nd sailing on the Freedom. At the time of booking, I knew you were planning your vacation, so I had not thought it be possible that you would be my CD. Then in one of the latest blogs, you gave me great pleasure informing me that this will be your return to the Freedom until the end of March!!!!

I have been reading your blog since May, and have enjoyed it very much! Thought it was neat to hear about Southend so much, because as a Kid I often travel there. My Grandmother lived in Rayleigh, and the short trip to the pebbly beach was a treat. I was last in Southend over the Easter Monday Bank Holiday, 20 and sunny the first weekend of April. A small block of flats, to the west on the town near The Leas & Crowstone Ave reminded me of a cruise ship. Its blue and gray motive, and windows had a art deco theme, or so I thought.

Keep up the great job, and looking forward to see you both in February.

Timothy Croker
Barrie, Canada
StateRoom 2408

]]> By: Heidi-Beth (& Kevin) http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27020 Heidi-Beth (& Kevin) Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:41:56 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27020 Hope everyone had a Happy and safe New Year! :D Heidi-Beth Hope everyone had a Happy and safe New Year!

:D
Heidi-Beth

]]> By: Ruth Jamison http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27002 Ruth Jamison Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:31:19 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-27002 Cheri, I was just reading your question about the passport. It is my understanding that everyone who travels to the Caribbean, Canada, etc. needs a valid passport. Yes, it is taking some time to get them issued. I had a friend who had planned a trip to Europe last summer. The departure date was rapidly approaching and she had no passport. There is an address through a government website where you can e-mail questions. They are good about getting back to you. Basically, you have to be within 40 days of the trip before they get really antsy. So, go ahead and take care of the paperwork. The website address is identified on the passport documents. I hope that will help! Cheri,
I was just reading your question about the passport. It is my understanding that everyone who travels to the Caribbean, Canada, etc. needs a valid passport. Yes, it is taking some time to get them issued. I had a friend who had planned a trip to Europe last summer. The departure date was rapidly approaching and she had no passport. There is an address through a government website where you can e-mail questions. They are good about getting back to you. Basically, you have to be within 40 days of the trip before they get really antsy. So, go ahead and take care of the paperwork. The website address is identified on the passport documents. I hope that will help!

]]> By: Jane Reif http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26990 Jane Reif Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:40:03 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26990 Happy New Year John!!! Just wanted to thank you for the great time we had on the Freedom in July. You really made the cruise for my family. You may remember my son became a "teenager in Turkey". You were terrific, you called him during your morning show to wish him a Happy Birthday and sent some things to the room for him to remember his day. You even recommended a great tour for the day. I never realized how much a Cruise Director can make or break a cruise. That cruise was #24 for me and NEVER has there been a diector like you!! We are booked again on the Freedom in June and are hoping against hope that you will be there. We know you were to go on the Splendor. We are also booking on the Freedom in March, in the Caribbean. That will be three Freedom cruises in a year. We love you John!! Jane Reif Happy New Year John!!!
Just wanted to thank you for the great time we had on the Freedom in July. You really made the cruise for my family. You may remember my son became a “teenager in Turkey”. You were terrific, you called him during your morning show to wish him a Happy Birthday and sent some things to the room for him to remember his day. You even recommended a great tour for the day.

I never realized how much a Cruise Director can make or break a cruise.
That cruise was #24 for me and NEVER has there been a diector like you!!
We are booked again on the Freedom in June and are hoping against hope that you will be there. We know you were to go on the Splendor. We are also booking on the Freedom in March, in the Caribbean. That will be three Freedom cruises in a year.
We love you John!!

Jane Reif

]]> By: luvcruisin http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26970 luvcruisin Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:17:43 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26970 Hi John and Heidi, Hello from Maine. As I have mentioned before I am taking my daughter on a cruise in April on the Freedom as a high school graduation gift. One thing she wants to do is swim with the dolphins. Your suggestion was to do that in Jamaica combined with the Dunns River Falls so that we can do the Jeep tour in Cozumel. I have searched those Jeep excursions and it seems there are quite a few. Can you or anyone out there tell me which of these two would you recommend and why: The Caverns by Jeep and Beach Combo or Exploring Cozumel by Jeep with snorkel. We can't decide. I'm also confused about this passport thing. I have my but my daughter does not. Will she need one? I think if she does I will have to do an expedited request because it sounds like they are taking a long time to come in. Thanks for all of your help. Cheri Hi John and Heidi,
Hello from Maine. As I have mentioned before I am taking my daughter on a cruise in April on the Freedom as a high school graduation gift. One thing she wants to do is swim with the dolphins. Your suggestion was to do that in Jamaica combined with the Dunns River Falls so that we can do the Jeep tour in Cozumel. I have searched those Jeep excursions and it seems there are quite a few. Can you or anyone out there tell me which of these two would you recommend and why: The Caverns by Jeep and Beach Combo or Exploring Cozumel by Jeep with snorkel. We can’t decide. I’m also confused about this passport thing. I have my but my daughter does not. Will she need one? I think if she does I will have to do an expedited request because it sounds like they are taking a long time to come in. Thanks for all of your help.
Cheri

]]> By: JULIE GANTT http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26956 JULIE GANTT Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:01:41 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26956 HEY TOMP! You're not the only one with the gluteus maximus problem. Big Ed and I have been requesting sturdy armless chairs, especially on the Lido deck, and Big Ed has been pushing for super sized robes. I think Carnival is listening, because I am under the impression robes should be available for the upcoming bloggers cruise. (Wish I could be there). I also requested sturdy and higher off the ground lounge chairs to enjoy on deck. I've never had any problems being accommodated in the fancy dining rooms as I call the matri de when I get on board and tell him my situation and a sturdy armless chair is waiting for me each evening at diinner. I do hope Carnival becomes more accommodating on the Lido deck though, especially for the buffet eating area. I think it helps that our favorite crusie director, John, is a person of size as he understands the issues we face. Happy Cruising, Julie Gantt - A Supersized BBW HEY TOMP!

You’re not the only one with the gluteus maximus problem. Big Ed and I have been requesting sturdy armless chairs, especially on the Lido deck, and Big Ed has been pushing for super sized robes. I think Carnival
is listening, because I am under the impression robes should be available
for the upcoming bloggers cruise. (Wish I could be there). I also requested
sturdy and higher off the ground lounge chairs to enjoy on deck. I’ve never
had any problems being accommodated in the fancy dining rooms as I call the matri de when I get on board and tell him my situation and a sturdy armless chair is waiting for me each evening at diinner. I do hope Carnival
becomes more accommodating on the Lido deck though, especially for the buffet eating area. I think it helps that our favorite crusie director, John, is a person of size as he understands the issues we face.

Happy Cruising,

Julie Gantt – A Supersized BBW

]]> By: LisaK http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26954 LisaK Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:08:31 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26954 Hi Roberto, I noticed on one of Big Ed's notes that John will be hosting a table at dinner 3 nights on the blogger's cruise. Is there anyway to get on a list to join his table one night? I know he can't host everyone, but wasn't sure if there would be a way to sign up or not. Thanks, Lisa Hi Roberto,

I noticed on one of Big Ed’s notes that John will be hosting a table at dinner 3 nights on the blogger’s cruise. Is there anyway to get on a list to join his table one night?

I know he can’t host everyone, but wasn’t sure if there would be a way to sign up or not.

Thanks,

Lisa

]]> By: KirstenL http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26942 KirstenL Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:19:21 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26942 John, Heidi, Roberto, and Alan... May God Bless you each and every day in 2008. And to all the Bloggers: Happy 2008 to all of us!! May all our cruises come true! Best Regards, Kirsten John, Heidi, Roberto, and Alan…
May God Bless you each and every day in 2008.

And to all the Bloggers:
Happy 2008 to all of us!!
May all our cruises come true!

Best Regards,
Kirsten

]]> By: The Bears - Barb & Carl http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26936 The Bears - Barb & Carl Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:54:33 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/01/01/happy-new-year/#comment-26936 To all our Blogging Friends: Wishing all of you, Good Health, Good Friends, Prosperity, Love and Happiness in the New Year! Barb & Carl To all our Blogging Friends:

Wishing all of you, Good Health, Good Friends, Prosperity, Love and Happiness in the New Year!

Barb & Carl

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