If it was not for Heidi I would arrive in Miami tomorrow afternoon with no underwear and then be forced to wear Heidi’s…………….something I would hate to have to do ………again.
So, thanks to Heidi and her scientifically based formula on packing my underwear and I should arrive safely on American Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Miami on Thursday afternoon.
I am writing this from my Mum and Dads house and specifically from my Dad’s office (or shrine to Carnival Cruise Lines) as we are here to say goodbye to them for a few months. Saying “goodbye” to family has been and always will be the hardest fact to face about the life I lead and a huge sense of guilt washes over me as I do so. However, since a young, thin and somewhat handsome 22-year-old boarded an airplane 20 years ago they have been nothing but supportive in my chosen career………….however, saying goodbye gets harder each and every time.
Working for Carnival has enabled me though to look after them in special ways and they have enjoyed so many cruises in the past. These cruises, compared with family holidays of the past which were spent camping, sleeping on the floor and pooing in a bucket were pure luxury.
Let’s congratulate Carnival Cruise Entertainment Department under the masterful guidance of my mate Roger Blum. Their website www.carnivalentertainment.com recently revamped and re-launched has proven to be a huge and mighty success with a million hits. It us used as a portal to advertise our product, the award-winning shows and as the prime way for would be singers, dancers, technicians, musicians and entertainers to check out what we do and hopefully for them to apply to work within the best entertainment department at sea. Special congratulations to Kerry Stables our Director of Production Entertainment and Vance Gulliksen from Public Relations who along with others have made this site such a success.
You know, there are thousands and thousands of cruise ship entertainers working for all our sister companies. With the success of things like Face Book, My Space, Friends Reunited and Uglygirlswhodatedjohn.com I wonder if we could develop a site like these. Now, I have no idea how these things work but I do not that all the dancers, musicians and all the crew use these site thingies to contact friends and family. Therefore, a cruise ship employee thingy doing the same job would be great — we could call it Sea Book, Cabin Space or Crew Reunited.
Anyway, have a look at the web site and a huge standing ovation goes to Carnival’s Entertainment Department for yet again leading the way.
Now, I have to report that I have changed my allegiance. I have been raving about my girlfriend the Aston Martin for some years. She is beautiful, powerful and soulful but as out of sight as the planet Uranus. By the way, when I was a kid at school we were told the planet was called Uranus, pronounced Your Anus. Now though, it seems that political correctness has gone mad yet again and kids are being told to call it Ura Nus …..still I bet the mad scientist who discovered the planet has had years of merriment about his discover. All the other astrologists who discovered planets called them proper names like Saturn and Jupiter…………not mad old Professor Fonari who thought ………… mmmmmmmmmm ………..what shall I all it……….I know……….let’s call it “Uranus.” Maybe he was drunk, maybe he had hemorrhoids……….Anyway, he was brilliant and has given kids all over the world years of hysterical giggles.
What was I saying, oh yes, the Aston. Well, I got to drive a friend’s Bentley Continental GT yesterday and I am sorry to report Miss Aston that you are dumped and I am now officially in love with the Bentley……..oh and Uma Thurman……………back to her in a minute.
So, if there is a blogger who is reading this and just about to buy me an Aston, can I be rude and ask for a Bentley instead………..a black one………preferably the convertible GTC model.
Women…………….looking back over the last few months of the blog I have seen myself go from the stunning beauty and unpredictability of Angelina Jolie to the sophisticated gorgeousness that is Catherine Zeta Jones but again……….and my apologies to both ladies who I know will spend days locked in a dark room sobbing at this news …………… my heart now belongs to Uma. This has happened since I saw her advertise my new mobile phone and her raw beauty, lavish blonde hair and her leather pants have since been in the forefront of my mind. So, I am now going to ask Carnival to consider Uma as Godmother of the Carnival Splendor………………..what do you think?
Right now I should be answering the questions you have posted on the last few blogs but alas I cannot. Not only has time got the better of me but my printer has broken so I cannot print the out to answer them. However, I will do so very soon. I have once again read all the comments and all of you are to be thanked from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of my thingy.
So, this time tomorrow I will be in Miami. I have a busy schedule of meetings on Thursday and Friday plus some time to visit friends. We were to join the Carnival Freedom in Miami on Saturday; however we will now fly to San Juan (the home of my great friend Nanni) on Monday and join the ship then. This will allow Heidi, Roberto and I to complete everything we have to do for the bloggers cruise.Oh, by the way, the tour to Dolphin Cove is going to be stunning. It’s an all day tour; however you can leave when ready as there is constant transportation back to the ship. Lunch is included as is Dunns River Falls and shopping if needed. I will be there and don’t let the thought of seeing me wander the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica in my G String (sponsored by Burger King, Home Of The Whopper) put you off from joining us. It will be an historic day.
I will write everyday from Miami and everyday next week from the ship. Don’t forget that on the 13th the three Queens will sail out of New York together. If you live in the area and you love ships I would line the shore to witness this incomparable event as Elizabeth, Mary and Victoria sail side by side.
OK, time to go. A big hello to you all and I know that over the last two months my blogging has been somewhat sporadic and maybe not in the format you all enjoy. However, I want to thank you for your understanding and support……..it really means the world to me.
However, duty calls and it is time to sit in my airplane seat for ten hours and like hundreds of passengers before me fart gently into the chair in the hope that nobody heard me. Like hundreds of passengers before me who fly trans-Atlantic I shall ignore my body’s demand to deposit the airplane food they served for lunch and wait to the plane lands. Like hundreds of passengers before me I shall pray that as the large man with thighs the size of a small Yak waddles down the aisle that he won’t be sitting next to me……………oh, hold on, I am that large man…………….bugger.
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.
ten days and counting john!!! hope your flight isn’t too bad, i just hate to fly any more. the weather here is lovely, you will enjoy it i am sure…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John and Heidi,
Welcome back to the States and the Freedom. Hope you had a great, at least uneventful, flight. Say Hello to Nanette for us when you get to San Juan.
Looking forward to having your blogs on a regular basis again. How is Alan doing? Hope he is doing good.
Enjoy the warm weather in Miami.
Linda and George
Hi John & Heidi,
Have a safe & happy flight to Miami (& then San Juan).
Didn’t I tell you months ago about the Bentley???? The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Condo towers that just opened a block from my office has them available for their guests to use. Next time you’re in the metro NY area, let me know and we’ll arrange it for you. The Bentley is more your style John (although personally I like Jaguars) – real class.
Uma, huh? Sorry, not impressed. I prefer Catherine. Doesn’t a decision have to be made soon? How do they do that?
Regards to all,
Carol
See ya next week! ::WINK!::
I always love those flights. It is always better if you are in first class but who wants to pay for it.
Do you need a ride home??
John, my friend.
How good to hear from you so soon! Here’s hoping that your flight on AA will be somewhat better than the flight on CheapAir. It can’t be worse.
Some how, I expect that Dunns will never be the same after the visit by 1000 wild eyed, slightly crazed bloggers! I hope Jamaica survives as I’ll be there a bit later in the year.
The Carnival entertainment site is very well done, indeed. I’ve looked at it several times and have been very impressed by the quality and thoroughness of the design. It was so good that I thought our friend Roberto must have had something to do with it!
I’m looking forward to the return of the daily blog. In particular, I’m looking forward to the wonderful stories about your unique methods of handling those passengers who believe that nothing is good enough for them. I have marveled at your ability to maintain your decorum in some of those situations.
Offer my thanks to Heidi for her organizational skills and my ‘howdies’ to the always reliable Roberto for all he does.
Regards,
Greg
PS… CD schedule for 2008??? Please???
Hi John:
I hope you dont mind, I copied the info about the “three Queens” sailing and forwarded it on to my daughter – who live in New York. I’ve asked her if she goes to take pictures and I will forward them on to you.
Have a safe flight – I look forward to sailing with you again.
Sue
What a delight to open my computer this am and the first thing that popped up was a new blog from you John! I am still laughing as I type this memo to you!! Your last paragraph is a gem.
Here you are thanking all of us, and it is we who should again thank you for continuing to blog to us while home on your vacation! I think I speak for all of us when I say that you have gone above and beyond with this blog thingy and we all truly appreciate you taking time away from Heidi and your family to send us moments of laughter and joy over the wonders of the computer!!! You are a true inspiration to all of us, and we can’t thank you enough! I wish you a safe flight, and thank goodness for American Airlines, that you will be flying on their wings and not those of “Easy Jet”. Welcome back to the USA!
Sheryl
JOHN AND HEIDI, HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY TO THE STATES AND HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON ON A CRUISE TO NOT SURE WHERE YET.
NELSON AND I WENT TO JAMAICA, BEAUTIFUL, NOT TO MENTION A GUY WITH A G-STRING SAT NEXT TO NELSON ON A SHORE EXCURSION BOAT , THE GUY WAS ALL OF 300 LBS. SO WEHRE DOES THAT LEAVE THE G-STRING, HIDING A QUESS!!! ….. AND I THOUGHT NELSON WAS TO HAVE A PITCH-FIT. HE KEPT RUBBING ELBOWS WITH NELSON AND I THOUGHT IF NELSON GIVES HIM A SHOT WITH HIS ELBOW, THE GUYS DEAD AND WE ARE IN JAMAICAN JAIL, TURNS OUT NELSON MDE IT TO SHORE WITH NO INCIDENTS, WHEW!!!! LOVE TO YOU AND HEIDI,
PAULA AND NELSON BAKER
***Please respond to this question***
John,
Just as a reminder, I’m sailing on the Carnival Valor on the 13, Sunday. This will be my first VIP/Platinum cruise. No one has been able to give me a clear answer yet on my baggage. Since I will have VIP baggage tags, do I still give my baggage to the porters at the dock or do I take them with me to check in OR now I’ve heard I can carry them all the way on the ship to the cabin? Do you know the best and correct answer to this?
Eric
GODSPEED
and welcome to MIAMI, ,
John, I just received some sad news. My son (SNOOPY in here) lost his Grandmother in law today. She will be buried on Monday. I request the prayers of all my blogger friends for her.
Thank You
BIG ED
Oh, my. John, you are a comedic genius! I don’t know how you do it…but you leave me in stitches every single time. Maybe if you are flying into San Juan, you will get to spend a few quick minutes with your friend Nanni. Have a great flight and I look forward to meeting you next week.
Hello, John!
It’s exciting to know you’re on your way back to the U.S. of A. Just in time to experience all the excitement of presidential campaigning on TV. Yippee!
About the Carnivalentertainment websit; I’ve checked it out before and it’s really cool. Also, I like the new TV ads. Hope they convert many new cruisers.
Now, as far as your new car fetish, I’ve always like the Bentley, so I’m all for it. Glad you let me know before I shipped the Aston, though! But, as to your new choice of “femme fatale” I’m truly disappointed. While I can sometimes see the beauty of Angie, I have always thought Catherine to be one of the most gorgeous women ever. Uma Thurman, though???? I’m baffled. Maybe it’s just a man versus woman mentality. Now, your wife is another story altogether. THERE is a beautiful woman!
By the way, during your long flight, I hope you remembered to get up and walk around a bit to keep your circulation going. There are, you know, real health issues associated with “sitting” for long periods of time, so take care.
Oh my word! I just had a vision of climbing up Dunns Creek Falls directly behind you and your g-string!
Wish I could be in NY to see the three Queens make their stately exit. It will be an historic event!
I’m sure your parents miss you as much as you miss them when you’re at sea. What a lovely, loving family you are. And I don’t think you ever need worry about anyone hoping you won’t sit next to them anywhere. Au contrair…you’re probably the one who’d like to escape once your seat mates discover you’re the Famous John Heald! I’m sure they’ll talk your ears off.
Welcome back to the daily fun and games,
Myra
Hello Sir John,
Happy New Year!! I know we are a little late withh that but……..still doing the happy dance………we were on the Carnival Pride over New Years…….this was our first cruise on the spirit class and I have to say……the ship was just beautiful! I also must say that it knocked us back down a bit too. You know that when you hit Platinum, you think you know it all, well, we felt like we were new cruisers again as the first few days on the ship we found ourselfs saying, “Now how do we get there?” “No its this way!” Anyways, what a great vacation and a beautiful ship. We are booked on the Spirit in April for the Hawaii cruise and I am more excited than ever. I also wanted to tell you that we met Jeff Brrronson….what a nice young man…were yours ears ringing??…..
While reading your stories about the notorious resolutions to …lose weight…quit smoking…make more money…etc. etc. I found myself remembering a conversation I had with my sister on Christmas day….this new years to just be happy and have fun. Funny how you think so differently as you get older. And yes as you mentioned, at midnight Dec 31st, our thoughts were with all those people you mentioned, the hard working crew and staff, the family and new friends we met in 2007, the deployed servicemen and women in iraq & afghanastan…Thomas……it really is a time for reflecting back isn’t it. Anyways, this will be longer than your blog but last let me say this…
Thank you for what you do on the ships and in this blog. Dave and I have truly been blessed to have crossed paths with you in this life. We look forward to sailing with you again sometime in the future. Have a safe flight to the US and have a blast on the bloggers cruise!!!
Blanche & Dave
John,
Well, the two of you have certainly been in my thoughts lately. I realized that your time of rest was quickly coming to a close. I hope your flight to Miami will be good. My husband is not big on flying and is always a little apprehensive. I, on the other hand, just get right on that big bird because I know something exciting is going to be the end result.
Yes, it is hard when you have to say goodbye to family. You just cherish those quality times that you have shared together. From reading your Christmas post, I know you had a marvelous Christmas with them.
Hearing you talk about the details of the bloggers cruise makes me wish more than ever that Jim and I were going. We will,however, take it vicariously through the blog entries.
Enjoy your flight and enjoy sunny Miami.
Ruth
John:
Your parents sound like mine been through that with my sister who used to work for the other cruise line. Parents are happy is their sons and daughters are happy, it doesnt matter where in the world they are. I always tell that to mine. I just want them to fullfill their dreams doesnt matter where that is.
Hi John/Heidi:
Hope your journey across the pond is going well and welcome back to the States. Great to have you here.
Good luck with your meetings this week and looking forward to reading more regular blogs with you.
Question: Will Cunard/Carnival be on hand to take many pictures of the momentous occasion that the 3 Qs are together? I was hoping to have a picture of this (since i’m in Dallas) and have it framed for future keepsake?
Thanks and can’t wait to hear from you!
David
Dear John & Heidi:
Have a safe flight and see you soon. You are right about goodbyes, we hate it when we have to say goodbye to you and Heidi each time we see you.
John,
You should have flown with Lufthansa (I think that’s how it’s spelled) They have free booze. Leave it to the Germans to know how to fly, it really made up for their sardine mentality. Make sure drug yourself with sleeping pills when you get on the plane so that jackass Jet Lag does not creep up and bite you. Have a good run on this side of the pond.
Til’ next Blog,
BigMike
I’m confused…The Freedom doesn’t stop in San Juan on the Bloggers Cruise. I must be missing something. Are you going to be on the 1/19/08 cruise out of Miami???
Is the excursion out of Jamaica for the Bloggers cruise members suitable for kids??? My grandkids (all boys) are 6, 9 and 11. They want to do the Falls. My son and his S.O. haven’t done it before and grandma and grandpa have, but rather not babysit in port. Any suggestions???
Safe trip to both of you.My husband H. short for Harold will let you drive his bentley next month. He just had his 5th spinal surgey and he will be on the blue bentley with only 3 wheels oh but it did come with a trunk. Ha . see you both again on the feb 9th sailing.H and Deb.
Your blog may have been sporapic but interesting anyway. I look for it everyday. I am sorry I will not be able to be on the bloggers cruise, it sounds like a lot of fun.
Keep up the good work, however I don’t know how you find the time or engery.
Julian
John,
Would really like to know if you and Heidi will be on the Freedom April 2008 for the transatlantic to Rome from Miami. Would love to but you and Heidi a drink if you are. There will be 10 of us traveling together. Yes, all family. I’ll need drinks. Anyway I’ve told them all about the blog thingy and they are hooked. Please let me know if you will be on board the Freedom.
Thanks,
Michelle
I think Uma would be a good choice.
Maybe Roberto can get a hold of some footage of the three Queens leaving New York and slap it on as a link or video. Some pictures too would be great.
I’ve checked out the Carnival entertainment site and it looks and sounds pretty good.
Getting closer the the blogger cruise. You must be walking around pretty good I don’t recall it being mentioned recently.
What Easy Jet doesn’t do trans Atlantic
John,
Wondering if you can shoot me an email – I have a business issue I’d like to discuss. Was on a Carnival Cruise over Christmas out of Miami and Chris Jefferson suggested I contact you.
Many thanks in advance
Greetings to John in Miami!! Your hop across the pond was much faster than the tandem crossing, but not as spectacular!! Oh, wouldn’t it be fun to do a crossing??!!
You have much on your plate between now and the blogger’s cruise, keep up your strength so you can accomplish everything! I only wish I had learned about your site soon enough to have planned to be with you… BUT, it just didn’t fit in Jan 08 for me… Cruising on 2/4/08, for Mom’s Ecstasy birthday is too important, and I knew asking for another week off two weeks before wouldn’t have had a warm reception at work! So, instead, I’ll be reading your blogs, watching for pictures, and waiting for reviews as bloggers return! I’ll be cruising vicariously in spirit, not in person!!
I must compliment the PVPs at Carnival!! My PVP called me on New Year’s Day. He knew I wanted a cruise for my birthday in May ’09 and found a great one for me. I was very impressed that he would work on a holiday and remember my request!!! The wonderful people who help us need to be recognized!!! Thank you Carnival for hiring Tim and his OUTSTANDING care and service!! (Please pass that on to the brass @ Carnival and all the PVPs you may see!! We love them and know how hard they work for us!!)
Also, know how much we care about you and Heidi and Roberto and Alan!
Best Regards,
Kirsten
Hi John,
Well, it’s only 10 days until the bloggers cruise and it can’t come fast enough for me. I have our bags packed with the exception of those little last minute things and reservations are made to drop off Mr. Bear (our Chocolate Lab) at the Puppy Dog Hotel. We are looking forward to all the fun in the Caribbean, with our new blogging family.
Hello to Heidi! See you soon!
Barb
come on John – you put yourself out there as the funny “fat” guy but Carnival continues with their ultimate “yuppie yoga family” advertising. When are they going to “see the light” and advertise what the real cruising population looks like??????
P.S. You are the MAN!!!!!
ROBERTO…NOT FOR PUBLICATION
It was recommended to contact you this way regarding our reservation I made online for Nick and Nora’s on the Miracle. I booked almost a month ago and have yet to receive a confirmation. Our booking number is 9Q0B92 and we sail on 1/18/08. Our cabin number is 4228. I had requested 1/22 at 6 PM I believe. Is it possible for you to check on this for me? I know you’re busy wrapping stuff up with John. We are leaving home this coming Wednesday and flying into FLL on Thursday. I will definitely be wearing my blogger’s shirt when I board the Miracle. Got to get a plug in for John! I sure appreciate your help, as always! Thanks again…Ellen McKirgan
OK I have to tell you a funny story about our most unfortunately named planet.
I am a grade school teacher, and while at school learning my profession I had the great fortune to meet some wonderful people who made sure that my education was rounded out to include not just studying and writing reports, but drinking to all hours and taking short cuts. One such friend happened to be an astronomer. As I had just been assigned some kind of presentation for my planetary sciences class I asked my friend if he had some kind of activity that I could use for my class…so that I could ruthlessly plagiarize it while nursing a hangover. He presented me with “The Toilet Paper Universe”. The idea is that each sheet of toilet paper represents 1 asronomical unit and as you unroll the paper from “the sun” you have people stand at intervals along the roll to represent the position of the planets. It was set up to work that after you located neptune you would then ask the last participant to walk for about another 10 minutes and that would be where Pluto was. It sounded like just the thing to impress a professor and for that matter a class of 5th graders. I wrote up my own version of his notes and set off to class.
There are two things that important to know about my University…
1) The only space long enough to carry out my demonstration was the front foyer. Outside was out of the question…Canada, Winter
2)The dean’s office is in the foyer
As I began my presentation there were several things stacked against me…I had not really accounted for where my audience would stand…it was afterall to be a very long (distance) presentation, so we all clumped together and as the paper unfurled we had to spread out so I had to raise my voice…quite a lot.
I started my presentation from the entrance to the foyer working towards the deans office…so as we went, I had to raise my voice as I got closer to the busy offices.
I did not memorize the order of the planets and had to work off my notes.
The night that I had copied the information down and asked if there were any special instructions, he neglected to mention that I should buy a DOUBLE ROLL of toilet paper for the presentation to go as planned.
Now picture this…I am a little nervous…somewhat ill prepared…reading off my notes…loudly and realizing as I get closer with the passing of each planet that I am bellowing just outside the dean’s office and I suddenly realize that there is NO WAY that I have enough toilet paper to do what I had mentally rehearsed. I am fumbling for a new way to end my presentation far earlier than I had planned and still not remembering the order of the planets and shouted at the top of my lungs…(wait fot it)
“See this is how big the Solar system is…we’ve run out of toilet paper and we havn’t even reached (pause to check notes for planet name…bellow as loud as possible to ensure the “sun” heard me) Uranus!”
Cue deep red blush.
Cue dean to poke his head from his office and snicker at me.
Cue mad hysterical laughter from the entire class…except the professor…who gave me a B.
Damn.
Have a good trip and enjoy the blogger’s cruise…I wish we were there with you…but alas…duty calls.
Jenn
John,
Safe travel. I hope you have an uneventful trip. We too will be in Florida Thursday as we are boarding the Miracle on the 10th. I can’t wait! Give my thanks to everyone at HQ as I know our cruise will be terrific thanks to the hard work of everyone on the Miracle and at Carnival.
Barb
John & Heidi,
Only 10 more days until we rejoin you in Miami. It is due to your outstanding shows and service on the Liberty in Europe that we have sailed again on the Liberty and are joining you on the Freedom on the 19th. Look forward to seeing you and enjoying another wonderful cruise with you!
Mike
Dear Big Ed, by way of John’s blog thingie…
Our thoughts and prayers are with your son and his in laws. Losing anyone is hard, but some how many grandmothers have very special places in our hearts. It will be a difficult time. I hope they can draw strength from our thoughts and prayers.
Lord be with this family in their time of sorrow. Let them know how You are there with loving arms to hold and cradle them, and how You send others to be with them and provide for them at this hard time in their lives. God Bless them!
Thank you Big Ed for asking and thank you John for being there in this forum!
Kirsten
Hi John & Heidi,
Welcome back to the Colonies.
Big Ed – Please convey my condolences and prayers to your son.
Eric – Yes, give your VIP tagged luggage to the porters and then go to the VIP check-in lounge after going through security. I don’t know if you can carry the bags on with you.
John, please say Hi to Nanette for me. Hopefully we’ll all get to meet on next year’s blogger’s cruise.
Hope to have more blog thingys from you soon.
Hugs,
Carol
John – you are so right about saying goodbye to loved ones and people you genuinely care about, we still get very emotional when we have to say goodbye to you and Heidi, can’t wait to see the two of you.
Hi John,
I wanted to ask you if you could tell me a bit about the carnival liberty, as I will be sailing on it this coming august. We were supposed to go on the Triumph again, but ended up changing it. Also, we are sailing with a total of 17 people. Do you know if there is any way that we can push tables together in the dining room so that we can all sit together?
Have a great cruise, I hope you have time to enjoy yourself!
Lindsey
Hi John,
Welcome back to the States! We’re glad you’re here and can’t wait to see you in just 9 days!
elaine
“it is time to sit in my airplane seat for ten hours and like hundreds of passengers before me fart gently into the chair in the hope that nobody heard me”
John–so you know my husband, do you?
See you on Imagination–toilet paper at the ready…..
Hi John,
Thanks for sharing with us the carnivalentertainment.com link. That reminded me of the time back in October 2006 when most of us stood up on the Panorama deck of the Liberty as she moved slowly through the Lido di Venezia. You were pointing out the famous sites ashore and then Pavarotti appeared on the large screen and sang Nessun Dorma, causing quite a few eyes to become moist. Carnival does know how to entertain! When Pavarotti left us, I felt sad that this great voice was gone. But then Paul Potts appeared out of nowhere, magically evoking that special feeling again. Perhaps Carnival Entertainment could obtain a set of videos that trace Paul’s rise from the first audition on BGT to the performance before the Queen and then play it on the big screen when we sail on the Splendor this year. Or better yet, fly him in for a concert in the auditorium.
Good morning Mr. Heald and welcome back to North America. When you get to San Juan remember to contact Nanette. She has been a very great friend since she and I began to email each other and she has been telling me great things about you. She felt very positive about me finally meeting you in February. My wife and I are getting very excited about our cruise. See you then. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, I like your blog! I have a question that I’m having difficulty getting answered. Not sure if this is the appropriate forum but I’ll ask anyway. Can I rent snorkel gear for the week aboard the Freedom? Thanks for your help. See you in March. Do you still work with Wee Jimmy and Willy Banger?
John & Heidi,
We can’t wait to board the Freedom 1/19/08. This will be our 4th Carnival cruise. We have booked the Jamacian Bash and can’t wait to share that time with you! Have a safe trip and see you in a few days!
Cindy & Kevin
Big Ed, our prayers are with your son and his wife’s family.
John and Heidi, have a safe, speedy flight. Sure wish I was going with you on the joggers cruise. But, I am looking forward to meeting you both when you join the Trans-Atlantic.
Would like to share our good news with all my blog thingy friends. We have a wonderful new addition to our family. A beautiful, healthy grandson, born January 5th.
John and Hedi,
I am so excited about the blogger’s cruise…it’s really hard to pack short sleeve shirts when they are calling for snow here this weekend.
Still hoping Alan gets to come on the blogger’s cruise…I need to go pack, then unpack some clothes, and then pack some other clothes…it could take me several days to pack…LOL
Susan
Hi John and Heidi,
Hope you had a good flight. I have been reading your blog from the beginning and have not posted before but do enjoy all of your comments and info. We are only 3 weeks away from sailing on the Freedom and was very glad to see that you will CD on the 02/02/08 cruise of the Freedom. There are 16 of us that will be in our group and I am looking forward to having a great time and meeting you and Heidi. It seems like a long time since we booked last Feb but soon will be on our way for a nice warm break from the cold and snow here in Canada. Thanks for all you do to keep this Blog Thingy going!!!
See you soon,
Mike and Michelle Murphy
TO: Eric R Thayer
I hope you read this before Sunday. Since I don’t know when John will be blogging again, I can answer your question.
Place your VIP tags on your luggage and give them to the porters as you have done on all your other cruises. The luggage at embarkation is handled the exact same way it has been for all your other cruises.
The only bags you can carry on the ship yourself are those that are small enough to fit through the Security Scanner (like at the airports).
Have a wonderful cruise on the Valor!!!
Hi John and Heidi,
I’ve been out of the loop for a couple weeks from surgery on my foot so I had a lot of catching up on reading to do.
Our cruise is getting so close we can’t stand it, the snow is piling up and we watch shows about cruises to get our mood back up. I read your schedule and it looked like you will be on the Freedom to the end of March. Does that mean you won’t be on it during our cruise on April 12th? I sure hope you two will be there, it would be so fun to meet you. Not to mention I can get you those brochures for Glacier Park and our area. I’ll cross my fingers.
I’m going back to work next week but still have a cast on the foot to protect the surgery so that should be interesting. I’ll definitely be glad when they allow me to walk on it. Crutches are the pits!
Take care and the count down is happening in this house!
We will just have to come cruise with you to meet you; I can see this coming. Welcome back to the US, and thank you for blogging.
John, “Please Reply”
Hope you and Heidi had a smooth trip over the pond and are now enjoying the Florida sun.
Three questions:
Will there be a wine tasting on this cruise?
Will the Chef offer any classes, talks, cookbook signings and/or demonstrations?
Is Richards Black Coral Jewelry still located across the street from the tender pier?
My family is so ready for the bloggers cruise.
Let The Fun Begin!
Maxine