It’s Thursday afternoon and I am sitting in the cigar bar and having had a very busy morning I thought I would say a quick hello to you all. Although it has been very productive few days and very necessary both Heidi and I cannot wait until Saturday for many reasons. Before I mention the obvious there is the little fact of living out of suitcases since we arrived in Miami. We stayed in a hotel for 5 days; we are now in our cabin until Saturdaywhen we will move again into the Cruise Directors cabin.
All this moving has led to a bit of stress in the Heald household. As frequent blog readers know my wife runs a clean, neat and tidy house/ship and living out of three suitcases and packing and unpacking has left her in a pretty bad mood. Now, where as normally I live in a state of mess and confusion it has actually gotten too much for me as well. it’s hard to find things and this morning (and I promise this to be true) I woke to find I had run out of clean underwear……………………………..usually Heidi has my three pairs in rotation but thanks to the constant moving all three pairs were at the laundry………….bugger.
So, here I sit patiently waiting for the laundry to return my underwear and until then I am ……………ummmmm……………..as they say…………………going commando. By the way, where does that come from………….going commando………………..do commandos not wear underwear?…………………if they are in a tough battle and call on the radio to base for support does this mean they are calling for a pair of Fruit of the Loom to be helicoptered in? Of course, I am also looking forward to Saturday because I finally get chance to meet some of the wonderful 1.4 million readers and also get back on stage again. It’s been some time since I was on stage and I cannot wait to perform again. I also want to get back into the cabin so I can have regular internet use and a printer. I can then print off the comments and questions and can get back to answering all your questions and comments………………………I feel so guilty that I have not been able to do this for some time now………………….sorry. I have had the pleasure of seeing an old mate of mine this week, Mark Jones. Mark or scouse git as I have always called him used to work with me as a Social Host and then as a backstage manager. He now works with the fantastic team of Mike and Jack who own Scenery First. This company designs and builds all the incomparable scenery you see on all of our ships during our lavish shows. This team are so talented and Mike reminds me of Norm from New Yankee Workshop except he is more talented and doesn’t wear ugly plaid shirts…………….his shirts are still ugly…..just not plaid. Anyway Mark is onboard to help repair a major piece of scenery from our Beatles tribute show called Ticket to Ride. I remember the days when a scenery change meant someone pulling on a rope and a new backdrop would inch slowly onto the stage. Nowadays, each huge piece of exotic scenery is maneuvered by computer and where you have computers you are guaranteed problems and that’s why Scouse Git is here………………it is great to see him and let’s publicly applaud the Scenery First team whose work I know all of you appreciate so very much. Before I continue I have to say I am getting to like this Commando thingy ………………. there is a cool breeze! Last night I watched Todd’s deck party which he and his team hosted. It was brilliant and so different to the ones I am used to in Europe. There, by midnight, half the ship is asleep after all day exploring the magnificent ports of call. However, it is good to see a Caribbean deck party again where so many people are ready to let their hair down. This season, in Europe, I am going to try and plan earlier parties and encourage more people to come………………..I did not do a good enough job with that last season …………………. although the Venetian Mask sail away party was fantastic. As I right this bit I am on hold…………..calling the office in Miami and I am listening to a lady tell us about the Carnival Splendor………………..and I was thinking …………….I should record a “on hold message “…………..that might be fun………………I could talk about the Blog , Evolutions of Fun etc…………..mmmmmmmmm…………..something to think about. I see a lot of you liked the latest video so I will try and post more of those over the next few months. So, by the time this blog thingy is up it will be Friday which means tomorrow will be the start of the Bloggers Cruise. I plan to post lots of blogs during the next seven days and lots of photos as well so we can all share in the fun. Being “invisible” as I mentioned yesterday is fantastic and allows me to hear and see so much that normally in my role as Cruise Director I am unable to do. I gave you a few examples of this yesterday and wanted to share one more gem with you now. This cruise there is a group of 40 something people who are members of a Chevrolet Corvette Car Club. They are very passionate about this particular car wearing Corvette clothing and meeting each day to discuss their love of this car. Anyway, not having an office yet has led me to work in any spare corner of the ship I can find and that corner was the Swingtime Lounge. As I worked on my laptop thingy a few of these chaps came in and then some more and I realized they must be having a group meeting there. So, being polite I started packing up my laptop thingy and my paper work to leave the lounge…………………..obviously this was not done quickly enough as one of the chaps came to me and said “We have this room reserved for a meeting, you will have to leave.” “I am leaving and sorry for disturbing you,” I said to the man wearing a sweatshirt with a Corvette proudly displayed on it and a baseball cap also festooned with the logo of this obviously special car……………………………then trying to be nice I said “So, what’s your favorite Corvette model and year?”…………………he said. “Are you British?” ………………. ”Yes,” I said……………”Well, then you wouldn’t understand.” ……………………..he turned his back and walked away. Wow, what had I done to deserve that………………….I admit, I have never sat in or driven a Corvette but that’s a bit harsh wasn’t it? I wonder if he would have spoken to me like that if he knew I worked onboard………………………………..probably I was about to pull my pants down to show Mr. Corvette my underwear that has a picture of an Aston Martin on it……………but then I realised I was a commando and instead of a sleek Aston Martin he would have seen a pink VW Beetle, the small key drooping from the ignition, two very flat tires and a noisy exhaust system. GoodnightYour friendsJohn 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.
Dear John:
Just wondering, where will Todd and his crew go for this week???
Vikki
John, my friend!
I’m not sure where the term ‘going commando’ came from but I first recall hearing it on the TV series ‘Friends.’ Dunno if they invented it, I doubt it.
Few folks appreciate the level of effort that goes on behind the scenes, as it were, for shows the level that we consistently see on Carnival vessels. It’s an immense amount of work. Those guys deserve as standing ovation! Thanks for recognizing them.
Corvette guys… there often seems to be the perception amongst Vette folks that all Brits drive Jaguars and can’t appreciate the raw power of a Corvette, at least that’s the way it was when I was in college more years ago than I have fingers… and toes… Vettes are wonderful roaring packages of torque and horsepower wrapped in sex. Vettes aren’t subtle, they’re in your face and scream American muscle.
Best of luck on the Blogger’s Cruise, my friend! I’m sure it will be one for the books! I’m looking forward to the pictures and perhaps a video or two, please???
Thanks so much!
Howdies go out to the tolerant and lovely Heidi and the amazing and Famous Roberto!!!
Greg
Hope you all have a great time on the Bloggers Cruise! Hope to see you again in July.
My very first car was a ’67 MGB-GT and I loved it! We have an old Jag Sovereign right now along with several other newer cars, but my husband won’t part with that Jaguar !!! It’s like taking a kids “blanket” away !! A very long time ago we had a classic Bentley ’54 R Type right hand drive. We love British cars…..they don’t like LA and Vegas heat however!!!!
Sail on John…….
Kathy and Paul
Oooooooh! Corvette guy must work for the US Customs Department!
Sorry, couldn’t resist. But it’s amazing how quick we are to “brush off” someone we don’t know. Corvette guy is the type of American I would apologize for. Part of a clique (?) that thinks it’s so special that no one else even has a life. So rude. And sooooo deluded. I so hope he finds out (or already did) who you are! Why can’t people just be nice to each other???
I’m very envious (also not a good condition) of you guys going on the Bloggers’ Cruise. Wish I could be there. Is everyone going to wear their blogger t-shirts the first day? Somebody have a pina colada for me!
Bon voyage,
Myra
oh john, you’ve still got it mate! ha ha ha
see you tomorrow!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Please get a word of ‘Hello’ to all of the bloggers for me! Especially Bonnie and Big Ed
Good morning Mr. Heald. It seemed that the Corvette imbecile gave you a moment of smelly gas coming out of his exhaust pipe.What a jerk. He could have more respectful of the
situation.Unfortunately there are many very rude people in our world. I was just wondering, will there be an evening where we can wear masks on my cruise? Watching the past photos in the blog were very interesting. Well, There is not much more that can be said. Tomorrow begins the Bloggers Cruise. Good luck, have fun, enjoy the bloggers especially Big Ed and I’m looking forward to the blog entries. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
My mom and I really enjoyed the Venetian Mask sail away party last October when we sailed with you..
It gave us an excuse to shop around at the little markets around Venice more than we probably would have to find the perfect mask.. it was one of our highlights on the cruise
John,
Sometimes in life some people should just be caned and thats about it. I bet that guy who was so rude to you was probably somewhere from the tri-state area also. Thats one of the biggest problems with living in New York the people who are well lets just say Mr and Mrs. Fugghetbautit. Well that really bring the rest of us normal polite people down. Anyway once again mate have a great cruise with the crew of bloggers some more evil than others it seems.
Is Alan going on the cruise you never told us what was going on with him.
Cheers and of course best to Heidi
Kevin
About the “commando” thing (or should it be thingy?):
I think it was just a thing they came up with to differentiate themselves from “ordinary” soldiers (as if a soldier is ever ordinary). That kind of stuff always happens. Think of the Dirty Dozen not bathing or shaving, or the chopper crews in Apocalypse Now who sat on their helmets.
Now, about the Corvette Cur:
I’m so sorry one of my countrymen was so rude to you. I’d call him the Ugly American but I think he’s overqualified.
Oh well, on to happier things: I’m going to see you and Heidi tomorrow!!! Whoo Hooo!!
John – there used to be a show on TV called Art Linkletter’s Kids Say the Darndest Things – now it seems that some of those kids have grown into Adults Say the Stupidest(is that a word) Things!! Can’t wait until the daily blogs – a good laugh a day keeps the doctor away. Waiting to hear the 2009 date…..
Have a fantastic bloggers cruise!!!! It sounds like everyone is in for an awesome experience…. I wish I was able to join you and all the readers of this here blog thingy. Next time(ala Bloggers Cruise 2009) I will make it a point to get booked on that one.
As far as the rude Mr. Corvette what a jerkweed!!!…..there was no reason to be such an arrogant pompous buffoon. I hope his prized Vette blows it transmission the next time he fires up that gas guzzler.
Hi John, We are in final packing mode for the bloggers cruise. I just took a break and found the new blog. My friend you have done it again. You had me with the first line. The vision of you sitting at your computer going commando cracks me up. Where is Heidi and her camera. We need evidence. LOL
See you tomorrow. It will be wonderful to be at sea with you again.
Jo Myerly (and Dave too)
“key drooping..two flat tires” — you do know how to paint a picture, don’t you!?
I’m in stitches -
would love to be on the blogger cruise w/you & Heidi and all -
Pero…….. John! That last piece was brilliant!
Ahh that man(Corvette one) sometimes people are just plain stupid…
John Im not going to lie I miss the Q&A, I miss “talking to you” now is a one way conversation.I hope you read my comment on the blog that you wrote about our meeting( back in the saddle) because I said some things that I didnt had the chance to tell you in person.
And to you and to all my dear friends meeting tomorrow On the Freedom:
Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you!
Nanni
I figure in about 20 hours we’ll be in a good place for a week, looking forward to it.
Be careful you don’t enjoy the commando style too long. I seem to remember around Thanksgiving you went back to briefs instead of boxers. Freedom and Liberty of movement don’t forget about the Miracle of going back use your Imagination if you have to.
The scenery and changes in the shows have been impressive.
Take care
John,
This is my first response to your blog, but I have been a faithful reader from its inception. I cruised on the Freedom last October 16th, for my very first trip across the pond! Of course, my sister & I had a fabulous time, and have a store of “fun” memories we will cherish a lifetime. I’m planning a July trip on the Splendor with my best friend, which will be another first for me to see that part of the world. And, I’m taking my niece to the Bahamas on the Sensation for spring break March 30th, which will be her & her mom’s first cruise. Needless to say, I have become addicted to Carnival cruising, and am doing my best to share, and spread, THE FUN !! Thanks for your humor!
John:
May the “Blue Bird of Happiness” leave an ample “present” on this moron’s Corvette every day for a week!!!
Here in the States, we ladies always say a shiny fast car can be to make up for “shortcomings” in his “manhood” ! Considering the rudeness of this clod…I would guess that this assumption is correct!!
As a former Corvette owner (2), my apologies for the rude, arrogant Corvette person. I think I can safely say that not all Corvette aficionados are like that. I may not comment much, but I’m still reading, smiling, learning and laughing! Rock on John!
John,
You’re just downright rude!! I had to run to the loo laughing so hard!!! Just rude!! And so darn descriptive! What do we have left to the imagination??? That last paragraph… because you were “commando…” Hummmm…
Have great fun on the Blogger’s Cruise!! I’m sitting here in 34F degree weather… in Central Texas… just waiting for two more weeks to be in Ecstasy… (sorry I live to cruise… It’s always on my mind!)
Chalk up the ‘Vette guy’s comment to being in some altered mental state as a result of your WONDERFUL cruise… No, you know passengers can be rude… BUT, it’s your attitude that decides how it affects you! You let it roll off you back and keep smiling!!! PERFECT!!!
Best regards to you and Heidi.
My thoughts and prayers are still with Alan.
My thanks and awe goes to WONDERFUL Roberto!!
Kirsten
John -
Corvettes (or most of them, anyway) are dogmeat, IMO. I used to go to the races out in California (Sears Point & Laguna Seca) and would scream DOGMEAT at the Corvettes that were battling the Porsche teams, the Group 44 Jag-u-ar team and all the other great, non-american teams.
The early ‘vettes are OK and even the newest ones (the C6 model) I can deal with. But the Corvettes made in the ’70s and ’80s were overweight, underpowered slugs.
Of course, that is just my opinion. Personally, I am a Morris Garage man. Give me an MGB (pre-emissions, of course). I owned a ’68 for many years and loved it.
Enjoy the cruise.
Jon
Hi John and Heidi – As I write this I am a very sad and teary-eyed woman because as of 5 p.m. today we had to cancel our long awaited cruise with you. I have an acute upper respiration infection with dehydration and was in the ER for 2 bags of fluid, pills etc. Our friends are still coming and have never seen you “in action” so I know they will love you. This is their first cruise. By the time they meet you your underwear will be dry but not my eyes. I’ll keep tuned in here to read about the trip from you point of view. I’m so-o-o-o disappointed. Jan Johnson
John
Too elequent for words..
how rude of the vette fellows I bet if he knew who he was talking to (CD) he might have not have been so rude(but then again maybe he would be a rude snot no matter what. I apologize for the American sod!
Take Care
Arnold & Elizabeth Tucker
John, I have been a lurker on your blog for several months now. This is my first comment. As an avid American cruiser, I want to apologize to you for the very nasty Corvette person you spoke to in the lounge. He sounds like the proverbial “ugly American”. I am sorry you were treated so rudely. He was a jerk. M
hi john, will you be cd in feb.2008on freedom,we cruise on the 16.of feb. annie
Hi John,
As a 1964 Corvette owner (and driver), let me assure you some of us are quite fun and polite!!! Vettes are pretty cool and fun to drive, but jeez owning one doesn’t entitle a person to snobbery!!
You know I’ve heard the wind blows smoother when going commando, you should have left some behind!!
Hi John and Heidi:
The Venetian Mask party was one of my most special moments from our Aug. 07 cruise. The party atmosphere, masks, best mask contest etc. were fabulous. I had a picture taken with Fun Ship Freddy and it is at my desk at work- it always gets a look from those who stop by to see me.
I am sure you have taken the information from past cruisers to improve but still pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
SewingNut
Hi John,
Some people are just rude. What can you do?
I had the same issue not too long ago on one of your competitors vessels.
Hope your hours of commando time weren’t too uncomfy.
What a thought!
David