Ouch………….that really hurt. Yesterday I was doing my job as a man and taking the rubbish (garbage) bags out to the yard when I slipped on the ice that had formed on the decking and that was me on my bottom and I appear to have sprained my ankle which when I put weight on it going down stairs feels like tiny insects are munching on the bone………….and do you know whose fault it was that I slipped and now look like I am 90 years old when I walk down stairs……………………..do you know who is to blame ………………its The Duchess Of Cornwall…………………Camilla……………..the bottle didn’t break when she christened the Queen Victoria………………I was there ………….. therefore ……………..its the curse of Camilla.
Good morning and of course it has nothing to do with the Duchess that I fell but as she is being blamed by my friends in the British press for 80 people becoming sick with Norwalk or a similar virus onboard the Queen Victoria the Daily Mail decided to blame Camilla and call it “her curse” ………………because the bottle did not break. Now, how about writing that the ship has been welcomed in every port like the Royalty she is or that on the same day the National Health Service here in the UK informed everyone to wash their hands after visiting public places.
Oh well, next time I see Camilla I shall blame her for my swollen ankle. Seriously, I thought she did a wonderful job and let’s blame her also for the obvious success that the Queen Victoria has had and will continue to have for what will be a long and historic life.
Heidi and I returned last night from Holland after a wonderful visit. We spend some valuable time with her family and New Year’s Eve was memorable for the thick blanket of smoke which covered the country as every household fired a volley of fireworks on the stroke of midnight. The following day Heidi and I went for a drive and a walk to see two incredible dykes.
As you know, Holland lies below sea level and serious flooding as in 1953 when thousands of people died is a constant danger. These two dykes have been built to stop the flooding and as the water of the North Sea gently kisses the dykes, Holland can rest easy in the knowledge that these amazing feats of engineering will protect them. I have heard lots about these dykes from a friend of mine who I spoke to on New Year’s Eve and who said: “You must see them.” I am glad I took his advice. Heidi and I had a wonderful walk on top of the dykes listening to our iPod thingies and with the sun high in the winter sky and the crisp cold air felt so good. We were listening to our iPod thingies and while Heidi listened to her Poof Daddy and her Beeoncea, I had Billy Joel and Bon Jovi singing me in to the New Year.
What a way to welcome in 2008, beat that George Hamilton.
Here are some photos of our time in Holland. Unfortunately, the ones I took of the dykes are blurred and that’s me in the doghouse.
Today, Heidi and I finished the schedule for the Bloggers Cruise activities, this is the first time we have hosted a cruise like this and I am sure it will be a learning curve for the cruise in 2009. I have tried to include as many Meet and Greet gatherings as possible and still allow me to be the Cruise Director. We have over 1,000 people registered as Bloggers and I am so humbled that so many people have given up their valuable time and hard earned vacation to cruise with me. I promise it will the best cruise………ever.
Look out for these forthcoming interviews.
1. AIDA – We will interview one of the top executives of our sister company and find out what makes this cruise line so wunderbar.
2. HOW IT IS BUILT – I will be interviewing a top executive from the world’s premier ship builder Fincantieri. Rather than me post the questions, I thought it might be good to give you the chance to ask how, when and why ships are built at the yards across Italy. If you have a question please submit it via the blog with the heading “FINCANTIERI QUESTION” by January 12th and I will choose a dozen or so questions to put to the ship yard.
3. INVESTING IN THE WORLD’S LEADING CRUISE LINES - Find out from one of our experts why this year could be the one where you decide to invest in Carnival Corporation and become part owner……..and my boss!
4. CREW MEMBER INTERVIEWS – These were very popular so look out for more personal interviews with some of the best crew in the world.
I have read all of your comments and will spend Monday answering any that I have not replied to yet. If you feel that I have yet to reply to an important question or comment, please resend starting your posting with those immortal words “JOHN PLEASE REPLY.”
I will reply to them all on Monday as I will be banished from 90% of the house as Heidi begins the packing process for our return to the U.S.
It has been three years since Heidi and I cruised the Caribbean and although our hearts belong in Europe we are both excited to revisit the great ports and see old friends. Heidi is looking forward to some sun while I am looking forward to some fajitas, jerk pork and other delights.
Thank you all for your New Year’s wishes and I have yet to say Thank You to the many hundreds of you who have send cards and gifts to us over the last few weeks. Your kindness and thoughtfulness is remarkable and a big thank you also from Alan for all the Get Well cards. We will hopefully be able to say thank you in person to many of you this year as you cruise with us and that opportunity will give us both great joy.
That’s it for now, I hope you enjoy the photos from Holland.
Heidi is telling me now that I have to go to the ER about my ankle as it is quite swollen. I have told her “No” as I hate hospitals and there is obviously very little they can do.
My dislike of hospitals goes back to my first medical in 1987 when I arrived in Miami. During the medical one of the first examples of English being different to American was evident when the nurse came into the cubicle where I sat waiting and asked me for a stool.
I stood up and offered her the chair I was sitting on thinking she wanted to rest her legs………..she was not amused and explained a stool was……………..well……………you know. I had never heard that word before and thought I was being a proper gentleman offering her my chair. The medical then got worse as I told her that nobody had told me I would need to poo on command and that I doubted I could go.
She then gave me a supasatory, probably spelt that wrong but you know……..the thing that……well………..you put up…. anyway, she handed me one the size of a pizza box along with a cup the size of something an Espresso coffee is served in to deposit my sample…………………….I remember saying something about the cup being too small and needing a bucket instead but Nurse Kranky continued to be not amused.
I remember sharing this experience with a chap called Brynn Roberts who was on the same flight as me and shared the hotel room and the medical experiences I am describing. Brynn went on to the Holiday as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and had a successful career with us for many years. I remember him returning to the waiting room in the hospital looking pale and ashen faced. I asked him what was wrong but this young man from the valleys of Wales just shook his head and I thought he was going to cry. It can’t be that bad I thought and when my name was called I entered the room thinking what a big baby he was.
I rejoined Brynn a few moments later as pale as he and with tears in my eyes trying to shut out memories of the last few minutes when Nurse Kranky and her rubber glove had gone where no man had gone before. It was amazing that after that experience we didn’t just get on a plane and fly home………………..but we didn’t…………………..however, since that day I have a hatred of hospitals and anytime I have to go to one I stick a sign on my bottom that says “exit only.”
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.
The sluices in Rotterdam are really cool. I took a tour of that area. I’d like to go back with hubby. With him being an engineer, I think he’d be in what we call in the south as “hawg heaven.” That’s a good thing being in hawg heaven…
The waterworks is fascinating, isn’t it?
Hope your ankle feels better soon. You’ll need it to run from us evil bloggers! (did I just say that?)
See ya soon!
John, sorry to hear about your little slip and your BIG ankle. I sure hope it don’t slow you down you maybe doing a lot of running away from MY EVIL CREW
on the Bloggers Cruise. To bad you forgot that sign when in Turkey visiting Fatima.
Nice pictures of Holland I will add then to your vacation album. As often I see you with a cigar in your hand in pictures I can see smoking will be safe on Carnival ships somewhere for awaile.
BIG ED
ONLY 15 MORE DAYS
Have a safe TRIP, ROFLMAO
GOD SPEED on coming to Miami too
John, do you want to be well for the Bloogers cruise?? Go to the hospital!! Listen to your wife and dont take a chance, take care ok?
The pictures of Holland are beautiful I hope one day I can visit and see the beauty of Holland.
Welcome back to the Caribbean John and Heidi!
See you soon (January 14 si ?)
Nanette
Hello John & Heidi:
I am so glad that you are having a great time on your vacation. Love the pics from Holland! Post some more, please! Cannot wait for more crew interviews!
Have a safe trip!
John,
You never cease to delight me!!! Even in your pain and struggles, you have a joyous sense of humor! What a blessing you must be as a CD!!!! (I hope to experience it on the ’09 Blogger’s cruise — hint, hint!)
Your gift to turn any situation or happenstance into a laugh to share is WONDERFUL!!! Thank you. All of us know, when they come to your blog, they’re in for a chuckle, smile, and outright belly-laugh!!!
Now: I’m off on the Ecstasy in exactly one month! 2-4-08. It’s Mom’s 83rd Birthday and I wonder if you know who is the CD?? I read and this past week re-read your blog on Goose, and wonder if he is still there? He would be a HOOT and would enjoy his cruise very much… But I don’t know how often the CDs change.
I’d love to know something about the CD on our cruise, some little secret I could make a joke about…
I know it will be a great cruise, no matter what!!! It’s all in the atitude and the smiles!!
I pray your ankle is only a sprain and that it heals QUICKLY! Please let us know!!
Best Regards!
Kirsten
Thanks again for the laughs John!! The pictures of you two and of Holland are great. Holland is one of the places I have always wanted to visit. I am listening to the wind howl and the rain right now appears to be going sideways as the wind is so strong here in Northern Calif. We currently have flash flood warnings and high wind warnings. A little unnerving, but, hopefully none of the trees fall and cause damage. I am amazed that we still have electricity but am glad as I was able to open your blog and get a few laughs in! You and Fatima and you and nurse Kranky–both of those women seem to want to get you “in the end”!! Hope your ankle feels better soon–elevate and ice it if you don’t go to the doctor to get it checked. Sprains take longer to heel than a break so be “patient”. Happy packing to Heidi!
Sheryl
John, reply at your convenence.
Would you know who will be the cd on the Spirit when we sail her on January 25th? I hate we are missing your Bloggers cruise but I’m looking forward to reading your updates (and Big Ed’s) while we enjoy our own fun ship experience on the Mexican Riviera.
Safe Travels!
tell heidi i love her hair like that! very nice indeed. see you both soon! hope your ankle is okay.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John, I was just showing the pictures to Pat and something hit me. Those cigars in your hand aren’t Cuban are they? Like the CDs say at the debarkation talk “remember your getting off the ship in Miami”. So the same goes for you your next stop is Miami or do you plan on hiding them in the “exit only” place.
Pat says the fireplace is a good start. She also wants to know if you can roast a whole pig in the big old fireplace. Now for pictures of the rest of the house.
“BIG” ED & Pat too
Dear John: Hope the ankle heals quickly. I know Heidi is taking wonderful care of you. I look forward to the Fincantieri blog.
My Dad was a Marine Surveyor. He was 76 when he passed away over 25 years ago. He built his last boat in 1960 and I just recently found it on
http://www.boatinfoworld.com/registration.asp?vn=253349
It is still in operation. He started at what was called Alabama Drydock (near where the Holiday docks now) in Mobile working on ships, but found his true love to be building towing vessels that more the barges up and down the Mississippi River.
That was what the manufacturing company, he started, built. The Yazoo was hailed as the most fuel and time efficient boat on the river, because due to its design… it left no wake.
And he did all of this without blueprints. He would just mark it out, cut it out and put it together. He used no computer generated lathes for the precision cut back then.
I have memories of climbing up into the wheel house and having my picture taken before it was launched.
My first “cruise” was on a pontoon houseboat that Dad built…complete with kitchen and bath (about the same size shower as we enjoy on Carnival now)
that we enjoyed on weekend getaways 40 years ago. Knowing the way Dad built things, it is probably still floating somewhere as well!
“Mr. Heald Please Reply”. Didn’t write John as I said before, I will say and write your name John only when I see you personally for the first time and I hope that will happen when I meet you on my cruise in February 2nd. I’m looking forward to it. Earlier in the year 2007, you said that when I’m on board the ship to write a note with my name and the word blogger on it. That note is ready. So as soon as I get on board the Freedom, I’ll go to the pursor and give it to that person. Hopefully, that way I’ll have the chance to meet you. I’m so surprised to hear that bloggers such as Nanette and Linda are excited for me to meet you. Well, I am too. I hope that your ankle will be OK when I see you. Also, How has Alan been? We haven’t heard a great deal about him. My thoughts are on him many times. So far my health is great, My prostate test and my colonoscopy test have shown that everything is fine for now. Well, looking forward to the cruise and meeting you. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Thank you for sharing the pictures. Wow, what a treat it would be to be there. Beautiful!
John, listen to Heidi. So sorry to hear about your ankle, but you need to go to the hospital and have an x-ray. You could be making it worse and prolonging your recovery time. Go, John.
Take care and have a safe trip.
The photos of Holland are beautiful, and I must admit that Heidi decorates the scenery quite well. She looks so “at home” in Holland!
Sorry to hear about the ankle–hope you get to feeling better soon, at least before 1/19!
Take care, John, and we’ll see you both soon.
Rus Franklin
Ouch! My ribs hurt! Thanks for the giggles. But get your ankle checked. We need you well on your first ever Blogger’s Cruise! Holland is so pretty. Those tulips! Yours, Kathie
JOHN PLEASE REPLY. Just kidding, needed to get your attention. Oh, John….a sprained ankle….how awful. But, you really SHOULD go to the hospital, just to be sure. The pictures of Holland are amazing. How wonderful that you rang in the New Year in such amazing fashion. We are looking forward to the future interviews. (I refuse to comment on the “supasatory” – laughing/crying to hard to comment.) Thanks for once again sharing your life. Again, our prayers to Alan and family. See you in 8 days!!!
John,
The pictures are absolutely stunning! Please listen to Heidi and have your ankle checked out.
15 more days… but who’s counting.
elaine
Ahhh, John…
I can sympathize. I’ve had any number of USAF medical exams and those flight docs are, shall we say, thorough.
Here’s hoping that your ankle is improving. I’ve heard it’s easier to recover from a broken ankle than it is a sprain. Just what you wanted to hear, eh?
The pictures of Holland are wonderful in particular the shot of you holding two boxes of Cuban cigars. Would you mind letting us in on what your choice was?
I’m betting the Blogger’s Cruise will be a fantastic hit. Over 1,000 bloggers! You’ll have to spread yourself thin, indeed, as both Cruise Director and host! Best of luck and tell each and every blogger I said ‘howdy’!!!
Don’t you find the media distressing? The Curse of Camilla, indeed. I’m impressed that the Noro was limited to less than 80 passengers! That is an accomplishment in itself.
Time for me to simulate working and sign off for now. I’m looking forward to a stream of blogs and photos from the upcoming cruise.
Offer my ‘howdies’ to the always lovely Heidi and the most amazing Roberto!
Regards,
Greg
Good Afternoon John and Heidi,
Happy New Year!
Go to the hospital as your wife has “suggested” or all the women coming on the Bloggers Cruise will stalk you until you do. Not a pleasant thought (Huh?). Jack broke his hand one year on the 23rd of Dec and guess what he did. Yup went to the hospital as his “darling wife” suggested. He said it wasn’t broke. So much for his logic.
Counting down the days until the cruise. After all the snow we’ve had here we can hardly wait.
Safe trip and take care
Joan
Dear John: Sorry about your ankle, but please get it checked or else you might be spending all your time in a wheelchair during the bloggers cruise, or worse yet, be laid up and not be able to attend! I have been home with food poisoning for 3 days (not fun), will see the dr. on Monday for blood tests, and am waiting for a prescription to be called in for the nausea (also not fun). I will miss my grandson’s 3rd birthday party tomorrow, it is a jinx I think, as I was sick last year with a very bad cold and missed his 2nd birthday party! Awful, huh? Hope Carter understands that his grandma really wanted to be there! I HATE being sick! It is doubly worse being sick and diabetic, because you don’t want to eat anything, and still have to take your medication, so I have been sipping on water and eating plain crackers, which is the only thing that stays down.
I am so glad Paul P. will be meeting you in February. And Nanette will see you on 1/14 too. Now John if you have time to answer this, who is the CD on the Liberty on 4/20/08? I will await your reply! Your friend, Linda
Hi John/Heidi:
Hope the ankle is doing somewhat better. I know how painful those things can be. Just take it easy and try to not walk a lot.
I really enjoyed your Holland pictures. Lot of detail in them. Nicely done. Thanks.
Sad that i can’t join you on the bloggers cruise but hope to be there for the ’09 version. I look forward to reading everyone’s comments.
Travel safely across the pond and we’ll chat soon.
David
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY
What a wonderful read! And the pictures are great. I have a question. Do the coffee shops in Amsterdam still have “menus” containing samples of a certain “organic” item they sell (or at least did in the ’80s)? The Bulldog comes to mind, for one. And are the women still “in the windows”? Amsterdam was a very interesting place for a naive little southern gal to visit. Also, very beautiful. Loved the flower markets and the paddleboat rides on the canals. Is the “cat” houseboat still there? No, seriously, the actual animal…there was a houseboat just teeming with cats. Oh, and we have some great pictures of bicyles in various stages of vandalism, chained to the railings around the canals. Some were merely the one wheel that had been chained…everything else was gone! I see the bikes in your picture are still intact. Scott and I truly loved Amsterdam (we visited other cities as well, including Den Haag where we saw Madurodam, and on the coast, the levees…I mean, dykes you spoke of), but Amsterdam remains our favorite. It was a fairly short drive from Paris, so we visited several times with friends and family. There were a zillion restaurants in the “Centrum.” Anything you could imagine to eat could be had there.
The three years we lived in Paris were beyond words! We traveled extensively throughout France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and even England. Never in my life had I expected to have such experiences. It was thanks to Scott’s job that we were able to enjoy Europe. We share your love of it, but still feel blessed to have been born American. As Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home!”.
Get your ankle looked at! A wife always knows best when it comes to health issues.
Fond regards to both you and Heidi,
Myra
Hope your ankle is improving. I absolutely hate walking on ice! In fact, I do not walk on ice.
The pictures from Holland were incredible. Seeing those tulip blossoms reminded me of two things.
First of all, I really should have planted the tulip bulbs that I bought last fall. Secondly, it will not be long until Spring. I will be very glad to see warm weather. We have been in the midst of a cold snap lately and I do not like it one bit.
I am looking forward to hearing all about the bloggers cruise. Wish my husband and I could go with you. Well, maybe some other timel
Ruth
John Please Reply
Are blog thingy tee shirts still available? My husband wants me to get two more- one for our daughter and one for her boyfriend. They will be on the Splendor with us in July!
Thank you!
Ruth
John -
Do what you are told to do. It will be hard to keep up with all of us on the cruise if your ankle hurts.
By the way some time ago we wrote about our son’s suitcase was lost when he went to the Congo 4 months ago – well it came home yesterday with everything in it. Yes 4 months later. See you soon Lynn and Mike
John Please Reply at your convenience…
Loving the blog as always. Hope you are still enjoying your vacation.
We are considering a family cruise on the Liberty for mid February (I read that it might be before a possible drydock). We have several concerns. Even though we would sail before the drydock, I assume that everything is still in good condition? Since we are traveling with two teenagers, will there be a lot for them to do on the Liberty? I assume we will experience all of the normal pool games, nighttime entertainment, etc?
We haven’t cruised with Carnival in several years, but I assume that we will find all of the great varied entertainment (possibly comedians, magicians, etc. and late night comedy sometimes)? Since on the 8-night there are more sea days than usual, I assume there are more onboard activities? And lastly, I hope Carnival does not have any plans on making cutbacks on the poolside bands, because we read other lines might, and one thing we love about cruising is laying by the pool and listening to the Caribbean/reggae bands. (sorry for all the questions) This isn’t true, right? Also, does Carnival plan on continuing with the midnight beffet?
Thanks for your help; as always, it’s greatly appreciated. Oh yea… one last question – a while ago I had asked you about our waiter from the Triumph Roberto Dejesus… he was one of the best staffmembers we have ever encountered on a cruise, and we would love to see him aboard again. Unfortunately, we misplaced his contact info. I know last he was on the Victory, but do you know where he is now (and hopefully in Feb.) Any chance the Liberty?
Thanks again, and enjoy the last weeks of your vacation. Have a happy/healthy New Year.
-Matt
Hi John and Heidi,
John, you need to understand how this works. Repeat after me….”WIVES ALWAYS KNOW BEST”!!!! So please listen to Heidi and go have that ankle taken care of , it might be broken. We want you well for the bloggers cruise. Did I say that right, Heidi? Us women have to stick together you know….giggle
On a more serious note, not that your ankle isn’t serious. On behalf of all of the breast cancer survivors as well as the ones who have lost loved ones to this dreaded disease, I want to thank Carnival for their On Deck for the Cure.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago this month. I hope and pray that a cure will be discovered before many more women and men die from this disease.
Now I must start the packing for the cruise. If I start now I might be able to fit everything into the luggage including the kitchen sink………grin….. Well Don says I pack everything including that.
So glad you had a nice vacation in Holland and with the loved ones for Christmas and New Years. Family and friends, that’s what it is all about.
See you in 2 weeks…….
Hello John!
Please…. go get that ankle checked!!! We need you in top form for the “First Annual Bloggers Cruise”! You need to take care of yourself and Heidi knows best in this case so listen to her!
Thanks for sharing those pictures! Holland is beautiful and those tulips are a breath of fresh air! I especially love getting tulips in late January and around my birthday (early February), because they make it feel like spring and I hate winter! Even more this year with all the piles of snow around here. (In other words… “I am sick of hibernating”)
How is Alan and his family doing? Will they be on the bloggers cruise?
Looking forward to seeing you and Heidi in 15 days!
Now quit reading and get that ankle checked!
Barb
First item – Thanks, Roberto. I believe I am finally officially on the BC list. Whoo Hoo!
John,
Oh you HAVE to go to the hospital. Just think how cool it would be if you had a cast on your leg that all us bloggers could sign! But make sure you have enough room for all 1000 signatures – better ask for a full body cast.
People who blame poor Camilla for the unbroken bottle haven’t considered the deep international ramifications. It’s obvious she was given an unbreakable bottle as part of a conspiracy to embarrass the British Monarchy. After all, where does champagne come from?
See you and Heidi in 2 more weeks!!!!
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John and Heidi, Thanks so much for the great pics from Holland. Will add them to our Freedom Europe Cruise album.
Hope you ankle comes off it’s high horse and treats you with some respect!!! GET WELL FOR THAT BLOGGERS CRUISE!!!
We are sorry to miss the First Bloggers cruise, but will make sure we find the one for 2009. See you then, Paula and Nelson Baker
John & Heidi -
Glad to hear that your New Years celebration was so enjoyable and that you enjoyed your visit to Holland.
I do have to agree with a number of the respondents and express my concern that you get the ankle looked at. Your description of insects munching on the bone is disturbing to this health care professional.
I look forward to your responses.
Jon
GO SEE A DOCTOR it could be dislocated,healing time is quite a while,I know it has happened to me,the more you walk on it the worse it will be,Love U guys…. not trying to nag just know its very painful and do not want you feeling blue bye for now from snowy NB Canada,workin on my 4th cruise with Carnival,(the older ships all need to be fitted out with the LCD large Movie Screens like the Freedom,Liberty and the Splender)
-Sandra
Happy New Year John and Heidi!
My sympathies for your ankle troubles. I hope it feels better before your flight to Miami.
Today, I booked another cruise on the Freedom as a surprise for my family. I am very excited but can’t talk to anyone, because it is a surprise for next Christmas. This excitement will keep me motivated through the next year.
Thanks so much for the blog and all of the personal time you spend enriching others’ lives with your stories and humour (spelt that way just for you).
John, so sorry to hear about your ankle. I do hope you’ll get better soon and nevertheless enjoy the bloggers cruise.
The photos look lovely and I cannot wait to visit Amsterdam in July on the Splendor. Will you be preparing a “list of to see” for us newbies to the country?? Will there be tulips in July? Dying to know some information regarding the Northern Europe sailings. Anywhere I can get some insight?
Once again have a nice trip and if you have time to answer some of these questions it would be great.
Thanks
Eva
John,
Writing from sunny Arizona to you, out here with my family and seeing my mum who is finished with kemo and radiation for her breast cancer. The aston is in the gararge all alone I’ll tell you where the keys are if youw ant to go for a ride. Sorry to hear about the ankle and very sad to be missing the Bloggers cruise in less than 15 days with you all. Ed and crew know this more than well that they took up a collection I belive for me to attend. How arr things with Alan going ? And your mum and dad? and of course Heidi’s mum ? Have a great cruise best to everyone 007, Roberto and so on.
Kevin
Visiting Arizona for another 6 days
FINCANTIERI QUESTION
When Building a ship in these modern days how do you keep track of wiring and plumbing along with all other facalities that are needed. It must take 10 people with maps and ledgends to figure out that wire 304532a goes to the fan in John’s Bathroom and wire 304532b also goes there as a ememgerancy backup system. So how do you do it ?
The pictures are beautiful!
Sorry to hear about the ankle though. Isn’t there someplace else to get an xray to make sure it isn’t broken? Doctor’s office or clinic? That way you know it’s okay without going to the hospital. We want you ship shape for the best cruise ever!!
Our best to Heidi and well wishes to Alan.
Mary & Randy C
You had better get back a ship quick so you don’t have any ice to slip on. Sorry to hear about your ankle, better listen to Heidi and go get it looked at.
Jennifer and Danny
loved the photos!! brings back great memories of my visit to Amsterdam during Dec 2006! Anxious to visit again next July via the Carnival Splendor!
we are so sad to miss the first bloggers cruise and hope we can make the 2009 trip!
kathie (kap), give John & Heidi an extra hug from me please !!
listen to the boss’s (and the dr’s) orders and take care of your ankle!
Happy New Year!!
Sorry to hear about your nasty fall. I hope your ankle gets back to feeling normal soon. Also thanks very much for sharing the photos of Holland…..very very nice. I must get over there one of these days to check out the land of my ancestors.
Tell Heidi ….Greetings from Holland….. (the one in Michigan)
Does Heidi have a pair of wooden shoes?
Oh no my Mr. England is hurt. Make sure you get that checked out. I don’t think they ask for poop when they check an ankle sprain. However, the pain from them touching it just may make you poop in your pants. I am in the process of checking out what cruise I am going to take this year. I will look for your schedule to make sure I choose the correct one. Peace be with you. Love Miss America.
A little late – but Happy New Year to John and Heidi!!
I’m excited about the Northern European cruise in August. Only 223 days left!
I’d love to be on the bloggers cruise, but don’t have enough time from work for that and the Splendor. I’m retiring this year at the end of September and hope to make a bloggers cruise in 2009. It would make my blogging sister very happy!
Take care and have a great bloggers cruise.
I hope to blog more in 2008!
Hi John & Heidi,
I’m excited to know that both(?) of you will be on Carnival Splendor. You did a fantastic job on Freedom last Spring. I was wondering though, if you are going to directing the Northern Europe destinations from the Port of Dover? I was looking through the excursions posted on the carnival website, and noticed to my horror that the cruise sailing August 6, which I am going to be on, has several St.Petersburg excursions unavailable on the 10th and 11th!! Please, tell me, that there are more positive news/plans to deal with these multiple unavailiabities of the longer Russian tours. Thanks very much.
Happy New Year to John, Heidi and all the bloggers!
John, sounds like you and Heidi had quite a wonderful vacation, and entertaining (at least to us). I must say, in the pictures you and Heidi look well rested, happy, and terrific!
I’m sure it’s hard to get used to the vacation coming to an end. The rest of us however are delighted to see you heading back to work.
Two weeks from today we’ll be onboard starting the fun… and we can’t wait! I’m thinking you could add a suppository for everyone to the list of giftys to all the bloggers. That would start the cruise running. LOL
I’ve made cabin door magnets for everyone in our group that we’ll definitely bring one along for you.
http://www.cruisemates.com/gallery/galleries/4054/69443.jpg
I’m going to be sending back daily reports for CruiseMates during the Blogger’s Cruise, and have no doubt you’re going to supply us with lots of fun to talk about .
We’re actually sailing on another Carnival Corp. ship (Holland America’s Zuierdam) the week prior, then down to Miami to board the Freedom.
Transitioning from Holland America to the Bloggers Cruise should be interesting.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Hi John- new visitor to your blog, and really enjoying reading through. I love to take cruises! Wish I could join you onthe January blogger cruise…but maybe next time.
stop by and say hi sometime.
Hi john & heidi
Happy new year to you both from us here in cold Thorpe Bay.
just to say had a fantastic two weeks aboard the Imagination and Freedom over christmas, the food, staff and ports were all excellent.
Love the improvements on the imagination, adults and kids area fantastic, great shame these things are not on the bigger ships. Also outside the casino on imagination it would be better to have some comfy chairs/sofas instead of table and chairs (you will see when you have a look in Jan)
Ivor our waiter on freedom, excellent waiter, guy from england derby on entertainment staff (jason?) young,blonde and very funny who will one day make a great CD, and all the bar staff really looked after us. Only one thing in miami at the vip check in please make it known it is 10 cruises not 11 that you get platinum card as I had three girls telling me I was wrong in front of other vip passengers that I did not get my platinum card until my 11th cruise! They really should no better that sometimes the customer is right!
Soon got it sorted at the purser’s desk but not a good start.
SO anyway back to normal now, have a great trip away and enjoy the sun, missing it already.
safe trip
michelle
Hi John
My book about my life working aboard the M.S. Ecstasy and for Carnival Cruise Lines has been published. Permanent Passenger: My Life on a Cruise Ship is getting great reviews. The book chronicles my wacky job search, working for a wonderful Cruise Director named John Heald, and some really zany fun stories. You will receive a copy in the mail, but for others interested check out:www.lulu.com/content/1082309
Happy New Year to all and enjoy your cruising.
Micha Berman
former Social Host and servant of John Heald on the M.S. Ecstasy
OMG, I’m laughing so hard I have tears running down my face. John, you really are a character. Heidi, is he always this funny???? He must be a riot to be married to!!!
Take care of that ankle, John, you need to be in tiptop shape for Jan. 19. Oh, how I wish I could be on the cruise but alas, I still haven’t got anybody to go with me. Remember, too I had considered the Jan 28 on the Imagination but as a single the price is just too much on my own. Hopefully I can go on the bloggers cruise in 2009. Please give us another update on Alan, it’s been too long……
All the best for a wonderful 2008, Cindy
John, please reply when possible
This is not exactly a response to any of your trials & tribulations, although I do sympathise (Sp?) with your ankle sprain.
Larry & I are on the last night of our cruise on the Legend and wondered if you had heard about our ship saving twenty two Cuban refugees. They were adrift in the sea and had been without food or water for a couple of days. Some seemed to be in very bad shape. Larry had just called me to the balcony to see what he felt was something wrong when The Legend saw the boat and two or three people in the water and made a U turn to go to the rescue. Later we heard the men got in the water so the ship would have to help them. Some kind of maritime law? Anyway we got them on board and the Coast Guard was to pick them up but had machanical problems -it was New Yea’s Eve – couldn’t make it. So we had them on board until 4:45 pm today. It seemed like the entire ship’s passengers and crew were out to watch the transfer from the Legend to the CG cutter. We did get lots of pictures and there’s more to the story but my internet time is about to run out. We all hope the Cubans will be able to stay in our country and never have to return to Cuba and prison.
Happy New Year and looking forward to seeing you on the Imagination. Jeri
Well I am glad you and Heidi enjoyed New Years. The picture are great love the tulips. And sorry to hear about you ankle and I would not go for just that either, just bandage it up and don’t walk on it…. well maybe not the best advice but that is what I would do anyway….
Wish you a speedy (hospital free) recovery
the one and only one
Heidi-Beth
Dear John: This is my second try at leaving a comment, and I have a couple of questions for you. But first want to say that I’m a BIG fan of your blog, and I’m also a diabetic(type 1, for almost 31 of my 44years). Mything is SFchocolate though, not jellybeans (love them too though!) Being back on Insulin stinks, but Tell you about that another time. Anyway my comment/question is…My husband, Ted was diagnosed about a year ago with Celiac disease. He can’t have anything with gluten or wheat products (no bread, no pasta, barley, cakes, pastries, etc.) It is becoming a more widely diagnosed disease. I wanted to know if the chefs on CCL ever include any gluten free dishes on the menu? If not, I would like to officially ask that Carnival consider adding some gluten free(gf) items to the menu. They have done a great job adding some delicious sugar free and diabetic friendly items to the menu, and I thought that it would really make the growing number of “celiacs” (like my hubby) happy. The food on Carnival has been great on every one of our cruises (4 and counting) and since my first cruise in 1988, the food and the choices for people that need to try to be “watchful?!” has definetely improved alot. Actually, my first couple of cruises on Carnival I conveniently, and completely “forgot” that I was diabetic. Any way John, Happy N ew Year to you and Heidi and I really hope your ankle heals ok and quickly. Wish we could make it for the Bloggers Cruise, but maybe next year…Iffa God wants (as my wonderful nana used to say). I know everyone is going to have a wonderful time with you as their almighty Leader. By the way, I looked,and maybe I just missed it, but I never saw my other comments posted on this blog thingy … I hope this time I get lucky…Thanks in advance for the reply…JOHN PLEASE REPLY!!!!!
Sue frm Narrowsburg
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
Iwas just looking at the latest pictures that you posted and was wondering if the picture of that wonderful fireplace and woodstove was taken in your home? It is so beautiful, and I have been trying to get my husband to build me one almost exactly like it for years , in our kitchen. But I keep hearing all this baloney about how our house is over 154 years old, and he would have to shore up the floor underneath the new fireplace, and how much the brick would cost, and how much work it would be, yada, yada, yada…but I keep hoping…someday !!! Holland looks like a beautiful place,by the way.
John,
Looks like a good cigar you are holding there. That’s all I have to say for today.
-BigMike
Hi John and Heidi,
It still amazes me that whenever I read your blog thingy that I end up with a big smile on my face no matter what is happening in my life. John you always make everything better.
How is your ankle? Once again I say “Listen to Heidi”. If she says go to the hospital, then “Make it So!” If you can’t make it to the Bloggers Cruise I guess it will be Camilla’s fault too. So what’s new on the next Bloggers Cruise? I’m getting that old ” wanna book a cruise” itch. Tell us soon, please.
Take care of yourself, and by the way, great photos of Holland. Heidi you look terrific.
Hugs,
Carol