It’s Wednesday and in between preparing for next week, scheduling and meeting with various folks I thought I would drop you all a line.We are in St. Maarten today along with the usual gaggle of cruise ships of all shapes and sizes. Even some of the private yachts that were with us in the Med last year have made it across to the Caribbean. It is very strange being here…………….I have not been in the Caribbean for three years and as I sit here typing on my balcony using the laptop thingy I am getting used to the beats of the islands again.
Although I have no time to go ashore I my vantage point from cabin 7369 allows me to see the thousands of guests from the ships head out on tours and of course to go shopping.
These two groups are easy to spot. The families going snorkeling or on adventure tours seem happy and bright and full of excitement, indeed, they are virtually skipping down the pier…………………..and then there are the ones who are going shopping………………these families are also easy to spot.
Out in front is the lady…………..her step full of purpose and meaning as they march to the promised land where the world of diamonds, jewelry watches and 30 t-shirts for $10 awaits.
Behind Staff Sergeant Mrs. Shopper is Private Husband whose step is more subdued. He has the look of someone marching into hell…………….and he is not alone. He will at some point of the day meet up with other men who are suffering from the same affliction and they will all hug each other in a wonderful show of togetherness. Meanwhile, Staff Sergeant Mrs. Shopper is now spending the kids’ inheritance on a diamond the size of a baked potato on steroids.
I should point out that the Caribbean still has some of the best deals on diamonds and jewelry and watches in the world. Up until a few years ago the Carnival cruise directors were responsible for the shopping ashore program and many of these shop owners became my friends. One reason their prices are so good is quite simple. They are prepared to take less of a profit on each piece than the bigger stores. Some even buy direct from the diamond mines.
Nowadays, we have Shopping Specialists on our ships. These young men and women are dedicated to finding you the best price and I encourage you to visit their seminars and chat with them personally to find out where you should and should not shop.
I say should not because there are still pirates in the Caribbean and these pirates are called Shop Keepers. If someone offers you a 5 carat diamond for $1000……………….then it probably is made from……….well…………………carrot……………….use the cruise lines’ recommended shops.
A few people think that we own these stores. Of course we do not, we do charge them a recommendation fee but the main reason we recommend them is that if you have any concerns or problems with your purchase the cruise line will stand alongside you and you will deal with them rather than try and contact the store which, by the time you do get hold of them has probably changed to a dry cleaning shop.
On the pier I can see three ladies offering something that has become somewhat of a tradition in the Caribbean…………………..having your hair braided. Now, I understand why this is so popular and I still remember my teenage years dreaming of Bo Derek running across the golden sands her huge beads bouncing up and down…………………………..her hair looked good as well.
The one thing I do not understand is that these ladies will braid dozens of people everyday using the same comb, the same braid stick thingy and the only form of sterilization they use is to hold the said braid stick thingy under their arms while they put on the beads hoping that the their body heat and sweat will kill Ivan the Insect and any other small creature who wants to live and feed on your head…………………….my advice…………………..take your own comb and stick thingy.
As I sit here I cannot help but admire what Carnival Corporation has done for St. Maarten and many other islands. I see guests from three of our brands ashore spending money and having fun………and of course the three thousand plus crewmembers who are also a huge source of revenue for the ports as well. The Caribbean is our bread and butter taking a cruise is surely the best way to experience the islands delight ………………… I love Europe………………but I have missed the Caribbean.
Last night after leaving St.Thomas Heidi and I walked the ship. More and more people stopped us who have read the blog and some who are sailing back to back ………..meaning this cruise and on the Bloggers cruise as well.
However, the majority of the guests just think I am a typical guest who has spent too much time grazing on Lido Deck ……………..oh, by the way……………before I continue I have to tell you about the new restaurant on Lido Deck here on the Carnival Freedom.
We have changed the Chinese section to a fantastic Mexican Cafe. This serves daily specials such as……..Fajitas, Enchiladas, Chips and Salsa, Jimmy Chungas and other Mexican delights. The Chinese selection was very similar to our very popular Mongolian selection and the change has been very well received.
Anyway, back to the subject of most guests not knowing me…………….. sorry I was distracted by food……….none of you are shocked I am sure……………..but here are three incidents that show what happens when a crew member is ingogneto ……….. incogneto ……….incogneato ……..bugger, I can’t spell that word………..so………….isn’t wearing any form of identification or uniform. Let’s start with a couple of negatives ………………………. how do you spell ingogneeto?
The first maybe just a small thing but worth telling, Heidi and I were in an elevator going from deck 10 to deck 4………..ok………..I know I should have taken the stairs…………..anyway, the elevator stopped on deck 9 and a couple got in………….they were probably in their early fifties.
The lady had obviously come straight from the pool and even though she had a towel wrapped round her waist she dripped water from her hair, her legs and other places all over the elevator floor………….she seemed not to understand my humour when I casually asked “Have you been swimming?”……………….I guess she had not thought of the hygiene issues and the poor sod who would have to clean the corridors and carpets as they follow her trail of water from the elevator back to her cabin.
Then, this morning at breakfast I was happily munching away on my bowl of fruit and muesli ……..yep………my diet has started three days ago and I am eating something called All Bran for breakfast…….it tastes of dried cardboard and this morning when I went to the toilet I noticed that the All Bran had formed itself into a long piece of rope ……………….. very strange.
Anyway, there I was eating my breakfast and listening to a conversation from the table behind me. Now, my guess judging from their accents was that they were from the Tri State area. and they were being vocal………….very vocal……………with the people they were eating breakfast with about a few things. the first, well maybe they have a point here. They were discussing San Juan and how they wished the ship had been in port earlier so they could see more in daylight………………true………..and if it were possible we would be there earlier but look at a map……………it is a long way from Miami and we are at full speed as it is.
Then, one of the ladies said something that nearly had me choking on my delicious spoonful of dried pomegranate…………………she said “Well, when we took a Princess cruise we left Miami and got to San Juan the next day at 9 am and we stayed overnight …………..”Carnival must be saving fuel because on Princess we left Miami and the following morning we were in San Juan.”……………….Now, I know I just repeated myself in the copying of her statement but that’s exactly what she did……………..repeated it and you know what………………..her friends believed her………………and returned statements like “Oh, that’s much better” and “We should have gone on the Princess ship.”
Now I love Princess Cruise lines, they are brilliant and when I visited the Emerald Princess I was amazed at the ship and her crew…………………it was outstanding and I for one want to experience a cruise with our beautiful sister……………………however, I am not aware that any of the Princess ships have been fitted with warp drive and that Captain Kirk is at this moment docking the Emerald Princess in Jamaica while using his photon torpedoes at the Klingon of the Seas.
I really wanted to go over and say something but the look I got from Heidi told me to ignore them and to get on with eating my cow fodder.
The best however was reserved for a few moments ago when myself, Dave the Musical Director and Heidi were sitting in the lobby having a chat about next week. Three older ladies sat close by and this was how their conversation went
“I really miss the Entertainment Director we had on the Liberty.”
“Who was he?”
“I don’t remember his name but he was very funny and he had a big stomach and I think he was Australian.”
By now, Heidi and Dave are laughing hysterically especially with the reference to my washboard stomach and me being from Down Under.
Leaning across to the ladies I said “I am sorry to drop in on your conversation but the name of the man you are talking about is John Heald.”
“Ooooooooohhhhhhhh, said the lady, yes that’s him, he was great and so funny ……………….what ship is he on?”
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship, Uma Thurman | Tagged: Splendor Godmother
Good Afternoon John and Heidi,
Hope you’re ready for “The Crew” on Saturday. Everyone is pumped up and ready to go! I want you to know I have packed and repacked a dozen time in the last week. I will be so glad when we head out for Miami tomorrow.
Princess is a wonderful cruise line but Carnival will always have my heart as far as cruising and fun goes.
You and Heidi take care and prepare yourself for Saturday;D
Joan
PS: My sympathy goes to you about the Miami Heat. So sad, you can tell DWade and Shaq are very frustrated . If it’s any comfort the Bulls would have to win every game from here on out to make it to the Playoffs. So Chicago is out of the running too (poor Ben Wallace)!
John, that was absolutely hilarious. I needed a good laugh today. I will be cruising for the very first time on Feb 23rd with my husband and I am looking very forward to meeting you. I have been reading your blogs for a couple of weeks now and enjoy them tremendously. We are sooooo excited and are counting the days till we arrive. We are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year and decided to do it on a Carnival Fun Ship. It sounds like we made a very smart decision. Till then……..
John,
Please forgive me when I say this, but it is so good to have you back on board. I thoroughly enjoy these stories. Don’t get me wrong, enjoyed reading your vacation blogs,but these just “cut the cheese”. Hope your having a wonderful time in the Caribbean! BTW: Miami 93 – BULLS 123.
John, you’ve done it again. You had me laughing like a fool. You certainly are back in Cruise Director mode.
The Mexican Café sounds fantastic. We pretty much live on Mexican food in Texas so I sure can understand your enthusiasm. By the way, I am a HUGE fan of Jimmy Chungas. Wasn’t he a second baseman for the Houston Astros???
So sorry to hear about your new diet and its interesting results. If fact, you have NO IDEA how sorry I was to hear about it!
Didn’t you get the memo about the new modifications Princess made to their propulsion system? They installed go-fast bars and roll-over cams! Yep! The new system pushes the ships along at about 40 kts! backwards!!! The backwards part is very important. Should they go forward the ships are so fast they would get there before they left. Technology… ain’t it grand???
A few other things… first, how it your mate and our friend Alan doing? We haven’t heard much recently so I trust and pray that he is well. Second, have you managed to locate a copy of the 2008 Cruise Director schedule?
I envy the 1000 or so bloggers joining you on the Freedom next week. I wish my plans had allowed me to be there. Rest assured, I’ll be on the ‘09 cruise!!!
Take care, offer my best howdies to Heidi and the Famous Roberto!!
Greg
John: That last story was precious beyond words.
I am sure that (on the rare occasion that your celebrity status goes to your head) Heidi will have this conversation printed out….just for “review”!
OMG! Those ladies didn’t!
::Lois’ jaw drops in surprise::
Too funny!
John,
Isn’t it great that you make such an impression on the guests that they can pick you out of the crowd! LOL! Still rolling on the floor laughing! When you see Mr. Spock, please relay this for Loretta and I…”Live Long and Prosper!” Enjoy your cow fodder! Maybe we can share some next week! Sounds great!
See you on Saturday! Can’t hardly wait!
Mike
They remember you so well that they didnt recognize you? How could they?? It didnt happen to me in the 15 years in between my cruises with you. You are unforgetable. LOL Maybe it was because I have video and pictures of you.You didnt tell them
John, Have you seen Lori (catmama)?
it was you? So now you have chimichangas available on the Lido?? I love them!! Can I have one when I come to visit?
Say Hi to Heidi from me ok?
See you soon my friend!!!
Nanni
John,
I believe Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best:
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and consciencious stupidity.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Congratulations on surviving another brush with danger.
Rus Franklin
Hi John,
I am sitting at my desk laughing, working overtime just to comment on this blog thingy. I’m so glad you’re back in good old form.
I’m gonna miss my bus – I’ll write again first thing in the morning.
Have a great night (or day) back in my favorite Eastern Caribbean (and I had the braid thingys too in St. Maarten – ouch).
Hugs,
Carol
well….. what ship IS he on??? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha….. that was so funny!
see you saturday mate!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John, I have to comment, I haven’t and have been enjoying your blogs for months now.! YOU ARE HYSTERICAL! I have had you for a cruise director on Triumph with Wee Jimmy / I could just see you talking to those ladies TOO FUNNY!! And the bran being rope. oh my god !!! You mentioned Princess, Mike and I are going on Costa this year for our yearly cruise, what have you heard about them, I know they are another sister company with Carnival, but now getting nervous if we should have stayed with our TRIED AND TRUE CARNIVAL!! Can you put my mind at ease?/ WISH I WERE THERE WITH YOU ALL THIS WEEK< We are going to San Juan, St Thomas La Romana ( ? HUH? ) and Grand Turks, we are going to do the zip line in the turks and the dune buggy thingy in LaRomana (?) Mike has some what of a bad back but hoping its not too bad for him. Any information? I tried calling Costa and they don’t know anything??!!! I wish we would stay with you! Please can you put my mind at ease with Costa/??
Thanks for the wonderful blog, you make me even more excited to be on the Blogger’s Cruise. Today has been a very good turn for the better. One day closer to the Freedom. And my teeth just got out of jail. Now weigh in is tonight as a Weight Watcher Member. My goal was to lose 20 bu the cruise. Two weeks ago, I was at 16 pounds down. Tonight? Well aren’t the braces worth about five pounds??? Chocolate melting cake and dried pomegranate? that go together? Thanks for bring so much joy to Nani. We love her so.
Yours,
Kathie
John,
First of all All Bran is made from Bran what is bran you might be thinking well it’s simple After the cut down trees the stuff left on the ground the scoop up press it together and color it a darker brown to cover up the dirt there you go bran. Why did it link up I don’t feel like going to right now but lets just say Fatimia is probally a expert in that department. You know I was thinking the same thing when I took my first cruise to San Juan why is it the ship gets in so late what is there going to be to do there. Well if you have happened to look at my blog or even Big Ed’s photo gallery you will see the 4 ladies I meet on the triumph from mexico (seat covers is what I think ED refered to them as) Well we had a great time took a private tour me and the four ladies who were on a bachlorette cruise for on of them. Yes my skills at making friends is great. Anyway we took a private tour on a bus $20 I think was the cost and we had a great time We diden’t get to see too much of the island and well San Juan after dark can be well a tad scary even for me and I live in New York. Small dark streets never bode well. Anyway we had a great time and I remember saying to friends I think I’ll just hang out on the ship in San Juan and not bother. Well I’m glad I got off and went out to explore we even made our way to a great local restaurant about 10 blocks from the Pier. Sorry no Senior Frogs, place is nice but why go on a cruise to these great places to go to a chain bar. Thats like coming to NYC and getting a pizza from Domino’s. I just don’t understand people sometimes. But we did walk past it and we saw every person on the ship between 21 and 30 there maybe they figured their Sail and Sign cards worked there also. Not a bad idea if you ask me either hmm. Anyway I loved San Juan and now that I know nanette I can’t wait to go back and finally visit her in her town. As you might remember I have sailed on Princess two times, once before the Carnival Purchase of the line and once after and i do have to say this on a sadder note. They did away with many things people use to enjoy, table side cooking, is for sure one of the biggest that people miss. When I sailed on Diamond Princess though I have to say the ship was great, mainly with the 4 specialty restaurants that at the time were not a extra charge. Great food. But now that I am a loyal Carnival Cruiser and have sailed on Triumph one of your favorite ships and mine and Miracle a ship that was nice but nothing compared in my opinion to Triumph, that ship just felt like you were at home on her compared to miracle, just my opinion.Wow this is a long long note sorry. Any way I’m glad you are enjoying seeing what people have to say and drip all over the ship. Nothing will beat the story I heard from a friend on a elevator about a lady dragging a lounge chair from the lido deck back to her cabin so she wouldn’t have to look for one later. Or the person who wanted to go fishing off their aft balcony. Have a great time on the bloggers cruise and I can’t wait to hear about 2009.
Cheers and best to Heidi of course
Kevin
You are back. Yay. I am so jealous about not being able to be sailing with you next week with all the bloggers. I just need to get through with the treatments and kick this “C” in the ass. 4 weeks 6 days and counting. I will be on the next one.
I have a question for any blogger who knows. How do I get a picture on my comments?
I love seeing everyones picture so that I will know you when we sail together. Also how to I get pictures to you John? I know someone told us how before but I can’t remember.
I have to go now but will talk again later.
CarolAnn
G’day mate!
I must say I am looking forward to a bonzer cruise with you and your lovely sheila. In fact, I’m bouncier than a ‘roo on top of Ayers rock in January!
Aussie, aussie, aussie, oy, oy, oy!
P.S.
Can you get me Crocodile Dundee’s autograph?
Hello John and Heidi,
This blog today gave me such a laugh. Especially since I am recovering from a nasty cold that I have had since Christmas. It is truly amazing the things you hear aboard a cruise ship. It is 52 days till we are on the Crown Princess out of San Juan. When Gary and I stroll the Lido deck in the evening, we will think of you and Heidi.
Cheers from very cold Michigan
John,
Your “view from the window” is GREAT!! Funny, interesting, and insightful! I just wonder what Goose will think as Mom powerchairs off the ship on our upcoming cruise, and I walk behind her, in search of the best deal on Amythests and Emeralds!!! With no…. how did you word it… “Private Husband whose step is more subdued. He has the look of someone marching into hell…” since we’re both widows… I think I’ll ask Goose if he would accomodate us and carry our purchases. No, I won’t make him pay for them! (CD’s ARE suppose to do everything they can to make us enjoy our cruise, right??? Well having him trail behind would put great smiles on our faces… May I tell him you said, He must!!!???)
And your “voices from the other table,” ahhh, how hard did you bite your tongue?? I am so proud of you, but attribute your manners to Heidi’s prompting…. however, I think a stray comment to Heidi, in a little louder than normal voice, that it’s too bad Carnival’s warp drive is down and the fuel injectors broken, would have been wonderful!!!
John, I envy your next cruise… The Blogger’s cruise — I want to be there, but I will wait and I will anticipate, and I will fantasize, and I will plan — I will see you in 2009!!!
Until your next post!!!
Regards,
Kirsten
As I recall, we had to FLY to San Juan from Miami to board a Princess ship…Dawn Princess, I believe. Maybe the lady thought she was on a ship instead of an airplane?
I know you are all going to have such a wonderful time on the blogger’s cruise. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Bon voyage,
Myra
Well John, You had me in stitches with this blog. Now for a SPELLING lesson. I-N-C-O-G-N-I-T-O! Also, C-H-I-M-I-C-H-A-N-G-A. You are hysterical! I loved the story about the ladies who didn’t recognize you! You should have told them you were John Heald’s TWIN brother DON (Don Juan)! HA! HA! Maybe on the Eastern cruises San Juan could be a stop on the way back from other ports of call and could be in San Juan during the day! I too would love to be there during the day, as there really isn’t that much to do at night, it is really just a waste of time to get there that late. We went to a nightclub show, I believe his name was Juan Carlos- A Las Vegas type show that was in a small room with folding chairs, not a nightclub setting, and to me was a waste of money. So being there during the day, people could sightsee, as you can’t see much at night, and shop till we drop! Can’t wait to hear all the EVIL doings from Big Ed and the Gang next week! Also, can’t wait to hear when the next bloggers cruise will be! Happy Sailings! Linda & Mike
Well hello mate!! Mama Sheriff and I are BOOKED on the Carnival Glory for May. Who is the cruise director on the ship? Can’t wait to get to St. Maartin and my favorite beach! Don’t be a stranger and write back!!!
Remember…….my jail is always open!!! No reservations required!! Not to worry….my Chief Deputy Bubba will be running the jail while I am on the high seas! Handcuffs to all!
Rosco P. Coltrane
Sheriff
Hi John,
Sounds like you are fully in CD mode now. Already for next week? I hope so! The bloggers are all pumped up and ready for FUN! FUN! FUN! with thier favorite Cruise Director – John Heald! And what ship is he on??? To funny!!!
You know I was wondering what happened to Captain Kirk since he retired from the Enterprise. I had no idea he was now on Princess Cruise Lines. Do you suppose Scotty and Spock and maybe the rest of the crew are with him as well? Might have to sail with Princess one more time just to find out. Problem is I like my cruise to last…. so maybe warp speed isn’t all that great. Guess I’ll stick to Fun! Fun! Fun!
See you Saturday!
Barb
Good evening Mr. Heald. I’m so glad that you are back blogging what you always due well, and that is you. The ending was hilarious. Australian, give me a break. Enjoy the bloggers cruise and say hi to Big Ed. I think he’s really looking forward to spending time with you. I am also looking forward to meeting you during the cruise February 2nd – 9th. Say hello to Heidi. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
That last story has to be the funniest story you have told to date. I have a feeling you will have a lot more funny stories to share next week.
See you the day after tomorrow!
elaine
Hey John,
I need help with this accursed ATCOCS. It seems that we are all infected. HELP!!!!!!!
I found relief. We just booked on the Leg-End for November 30. We are determined to get to Belize yet. If the Glory could not get me there, then maybe this will work. And it will get us out or our anniversary again, even if we do have to spend it in Grand Cayman. When we get some more info, we will let you know the details. And if past history holds, we will probably change the booking a half dozen times before we go.
We will also be looking for any info and advice that you will have on this ship and itinerary. When you get time, we still have ten months.
Till later
Kevin
Hi John and Heidi
I am sure glad to see you back in your normal state of mind!! How can anyone not recognize you from a previous cruise? I remember you from the Triumph years ago, as well as the Liberty and Freedom.
I am preparing for my cruise next week on the Pride. I sure wish I had known about the blogger cruise, for I would surely have booked that instead of the Pride. This has been sort of a zero week for me in getting prepared. Lots of errands and making sure things are in order. Although, this zero week is much more exciting than the zero weeks I had when I was in the Army and preparing to move out on a mission. I do hope to have a zero week on next year’s blogger cruise. Please keep us all updated on the date.
To all the bloggers who are cruising next week: Have a big drink for me and for certain, have a great time.
Give my best to Heidi and give each other hugs for me….until we meet again, take care and try to stay out of trouble!!
Sue
rain/snow in miami cant wait to get into miami …great stuff john amazing what people will do and say….by the way it only been about two years since the carb….last time was liberty april 06..but it does seems a lot longer, see you on saturday
Jimmy Chonga – didn’t we have lunch with him in Costa Maya?
Hilarious as usual. Now, if you can only spend next week incognito.
Please give Todd and Noortje a big hug for Kathy & I. Tell Noortje that Coco still pines for her attention and looks forward to the day that the two of them are reunited.
Love, hugs and kisses -
Jon and Kathy
Hi John and Heidi,
The bags are in the back of the truck (covered bed of course) and all is ready to make the trip to Miami. We are leaving in the morning.
I just wanted to wish a speedy and safe journey to all of our fellow bloggers. May God keep us all safe as we find our way to Miami to cruise with our favorite CD.
John we have looked forward to another cruise with you as CD ever since we were on the Glory with you a few years ago. Like I have told you, we have great memories of that cruise and feel thankful that we are able to make this cruise with you and add to those memories.
Hope your diet will allow you to have sugar free jelly. I stopped at the store and picked up some for you. Now to get it there without it breaking…… I don’t think a chiffon outfit with jam all over it would go to well at the captains cocktail party………..Oh well I can always rinse it out in the kitchen sink that Don swears that I have packed…….. giggle
See you in a couple of days
John & Heidi,
Ah, the things you hear when you haven’t got your gun! (Wonderful phrase, not quite sure what it means, but heard it a lot on “Are You Being Served?” reruns.)
Lovely story about the ladies reminiscing about the Liberty entertainment director. We have always had EXTREMELY fond memories of the Cruise Director we had on our first cruise, aboard the Triumph. He was ever so funny — especially the way he reacted to the line “Who’s Your Daddy?” — and we always said we’d love to be on a ship with him again.
And we shall, in less than two days!
Take care, and see you soon
J&K watts
Yes, that’s your name…John Heald !
You two are having way too much fun ! I can’t believe the “Blogger’s Cruise ” is almost here. We’ll be thinking about you all and then start counting the 177 days ’til our Splendor Cruise. Hope the stock market doesn’t drop too much further or we’ll be in the “dingy” next to the Splendor !!!!
Kathy and Paul
Good morning John,
Now that I am at my desk again having my Friday-ritual Sausage & egg on a roll, I can really comment on this blog thingy.
When you said Tri-State area, I assume you mean the NY Metropolitan tri-state area, as opposed to any other tri-states like Nevada, Arizona & New Mexico for instance????? Fuhgetaboutit.
INCOGNITO.
I love the Eastern Caribbean itineraries the best – it’s the shopper chromosome. The beaches too. My neighbor will be on the Emerald Princess next week. I’ll ask her if it has warp capabilities. I’ve heard that comment about getting into San Juan too late to do anything. After all the times I’ve been there, I don’t think there’s that much more to do. Thanks Linda H. for the heads-up on the Juan Carlos show – I was thinking about it for my next trip there. Now, not so much. I remember other night shows in the past though. To one of the big hotels (Hilton, I think) for a nightclub show (w/2 drinks). How many times can you take a city tour and go to the same places? And I don’t jewelry shop in San Juan – I wait for St. Thomas. So, and no offense Nanette, but I wouldn’t mind if someplace else was substituted for San Juan (how about going back to St. Croix, like the Destiny used to?).
Like I said before I had my hair braided on the beach in St. Maarten. I told the woman just a few and wound up with half my head covered in braids – very tight braids. They charge by the braid. Verrrrry difficult removing. My hair stylist was not too thrilled to see the damage I did to remove them. Never again (well, maybe).
You mentioned the Carnival Shopping Specialists and that reminded me about the shops on the Imagination. The Jewelry shop has been expanded to at least twice what it was, at the expense of clothing though. But I was so very impressed by the quality of the jewelry being offered. There were always nice pieces – gold, some diamonds & other precious gems, but now truly excellent pieces. Diamonds, blue diamonds, canary diamonds, tanzanite, colored sapphires, etc. But besides the quantity, the quality is the best. I looked at a pair of diamond earrings. Not only was the price very good, but I was told what the clarity of the diamonds were. If I had known, I would have brought more money to put on my Sign/Sail. Have all the ships upgraded their jewelry selections?
To the famous John Heald, known worldwide for his wit, humor, humility (?), love of good food, good cigars & good cars, to his lovely & talented wife Heidi, to Big Ed and his Evil Crew, may your Bloggers Cruise have fair weather and calm seas. Enjoy yourselves everyone. I wish I was there and don’t forget to let us know about the next one (late April-May would be good – no Spring Break kids ).
So hugs to all,
Carol
Have a grand time everybody & bon voyage!
Roberto,
How could I forget you? Bon Voyage and enjoy yourself.
Carol
Just wondering when Carnival will be installing the newest innovation in cruise ship technologies the aquawarp propulsion system l that Princess seemingly already has…. Perhaps the next ship ….. Carnival Enterprise ?
Blissfully ignorant people abound everywhere I guess….they purport to know everything about everything but are usually just full of hot air and like hearing themselves talk.
“I am not aware that any of the Princess ships have been fitted with warp drive and that Captain Kirk is at this moment docking the Emerald Princess in Jamaica while using his photon torpedoes at the Klingon of the Seas.”–This, John, has been your best Star Trek reference to date. I’m sitting here doubled over my computer in hysterics!
John, that entry was a riot! I too spend a lot of time on the ship with no I.D., one of the perks of being a “Fly-on.” The comments about my show always present a fun opportunity to expose my true identity, shocking passengers who only think of me as a singing tuxedo. Glad to hear my pal Dave is doing well, just had to comment on this one. Cheers!——-Ned
To CRUISINGRANDMA: Sorry, I couldn’t email you directly. But to answer your question, anything that shows up on your screen can be saved by using this key combination:
Hold the “Alt” key then hit the “Print Scrn” key.
That captures the screen shot, then you should open a wordprocessing program (like Word), or graphics program (Powerpoint), or an email; then hit “Ctrl” V to paste it into the document.
This works on a PC, not sure about an Apple system.
Hope this helps,
Diane from Texas
John,
It is great to be seeing more frequent additions to the blog thingy! I must say, I was a little envious when you were talking about sitting on your balcony composing the blog!
I would actually like to see Carnival add two things to their ships. One would be the super engine that could get you to the ports more quickly. Apparently, Princess already has that. But the other thing is much more critical to us. That would be a machine that could make time stand still- freeze you at that point in time. My family always has such a wonderful time on the Carnival cruises. It is quality time together as a family without the hustle and bustle of daily routine. We cherish those experiences each year. I just wish there were someway we could make those wonderful days last forever. It is almost one of those “Hallmark” events. You just want it to last forever!
I know that Carnival works very hard to ensure that passengers have those magical experiences.
They do such a wonderful job! I guess that is why as a family we sail exclusively with Carnival!
Ruth
Dear John and Heidi
OMG
That was too funny!
INCOGNITO CAN BE FUN!
I did not know that Princess the love boat could go Klingon “warp speed” to San Juan no less…
then to declare a loveable Brit an Aussie
God save the Queen and get Heidi some depends cos she had to be laughing all the way to the potty!
Hi John,
I have to start as so many other saying I never read a blog, wrote in a blog thingy or anything like that and now you have me hooked on this one.
I bumped into you blog by accident, my son started working with CCL in November and since I never been on cruise I went to the web site to learn about his ship(Victory). I read your blog thingy and I enjoyed and laughed so much that I been reading it ever since (I get RSS feeds when you post a new one). Since I’m in Miami I get to see my son every Sunday and I tell him all about what you’re doing and where you are. Thank you for taking us the readers (specially the never been on a cruise ones)on your trips and adventures and doing in such a fun way.
I told my son and 2 other crew members that came home with him (the Shopping Specialist and the Show director)about what you said about how the crew on your New Year’s blog, that really hit home thanks.
Regards,
The old lady didn’t mix you up with someone else did she. John Heald, Cruise Director or John Heald, Director of Princesses, you tell me which sounds better.
All for now,
BigMike
What ship is John on now?
That’s funny…
Sorry I am catching up. Been out of touch the past few days but glad you are having fun on the Bloggers cruise.
Great seeing so many posts from you. Just like old times again.
Nice to hear from you!
David