Its 7:30am and even though I am typing this blog through squinting eyes after having just had 6 hours sleep I must say that yesterday, the first day of the Bloggers Cruise, went really well…………….I think.
So, good morning everyone from the Carnival Freedom as we head to Cozumel. The weather though looks to be a bit grey and overcast and little white horses are strutting their stuff atop of the waves ………….. ahhhhhhhhhh. I hope the weather gets better, I know so many people have come from cold and miserable weather hoping for some Caribbean sun……….fingers crossed then.
So, what happened yesterday? Well the fun started during embarkation and as I went down to the lobby bar about 2 pm for a coffee I was attacked by a hoard of screaming fans who were kissing me, hugging me, ripping at my clothes and trying to drag me back to their cabin …………..and that’s just Big Ed ! ……………….OK, I drifted off into the realms of fantasy then but it was quite extraordinary as dozens of people approached me, most wearing T-shirts advertising they had seen my thingy.
After meeting some of my friends I returned to the cabin to prepare for boat drill. Now, I have to explain that when you have not spoken in public or performed for two months .well…..like anything else that you don’t do for a long time your first attempt may not be so good ……………. just ask Heidi.
This was the case for boat drill, when, for the first time in two months I spoke in public and used a microphone and of course I slipped over a few words…………the best being instead of saying “lifejackets are stored in the closet in your cabin.” I said ” Lifejackets are stored in the COLDEST in your cabin”…………………bugger.
Anyway, once boat drill was over I went straight to the Bloggers Welcome Party to meet everyone………….well, nearly everyone as due to some bad weather in Baltimore some guests did indeed miss the ship and are currently en route to join us in Cozumel tomorrow.
The complimentary drinks were ready, the snacks in place ready to nibbled at and we opened the doors. The music was playing as the Entertainment Staff welcomed each blogger to the lounge. I had decided not to stand at the door for two reasons. There are 6 entrances to the lounge and I was concerned that if I stood to welcome each Blogger the line would be too long and the party would be over before everyone got inside.
So, the doors opened at 5 pm and by 5:20pm we had over 500 people eating, drinking and meeting new friends. So, it was time for my entrance, James, one of the staff introduced me and I walked out on stage. Now, usually when a CD walks out for the first show of the cruise the audience will welcome them with polite applause, I call it “golf applause”………the same applause if a golfer misses a putt……..polite applause. However, there was no polite applause for me here………..they stood and they cheered as though I had just hit a hole in one at the Masters using a small mamster as a club………………it was overwhelming and so very kind and I will never forget that moment…………..I felt like I was George Hamilton.
At the party we had some fun, I introduced Roberto , Stephanie, Big Ed, Robert Schneider, Kuki and, of course, Heidi who also was greeted by the men as though Jessica Simpson had walked out on stage wearing nothing but a small fig leaf…………she told me afterwards that it was an incredible feeling”…………it reminded her of Thursdays.
Then, after chatting about what fun events we had planned we officially announced the 2009 Bloggers Cruise.
This in the beginning was a difficult choice. We had spoken about the Carnival Inspiration and the Carnival Imagination, even the Carnival Spirit in Alaska. However, in the end, the choice was simple; we had a chance to celebrate rejuvenation, not only of a ship but of a port of call as well.
Therefore, it gives me huge and sincere pleasure to announce that the 2009 Bloggers Cruise will be on February 7 (please note this is a correction. There was a typo, but the correct date is the 7th) sailing out of New Orleans aboard the Carnival Fantasy.
The Carnival Fantasy was the first ever ship of what became one of the most popular and successful class of ships ever when she was launched back in 1990. In fact, I had the pleasure of being a young, handsome and very sexy Social Host during the start up and eventually returned as a Cruise Director for two exciting years. The Carnival Fantasy as she will be known after her extensive dry dock and refit will be reborn with the addition of the Evolutions Of Fun. Including the water park and all the interior upgrades that we spent millions of dollars on………….the ship will be reborn.
Then there is New Orleans. It just seemed right to have the guests fly into and sail out of the Big Easy. The city needs all of our help and support and flying the Carnival flag (and the Bloggers flag………can I have a flag made please?) gives us a chance to celebrate.
I would also like to try and get as many people to fly in the day before the five-day cruise. I want to try and set something up with one of the organizations who are involved with the rebuilding. I think it would be marvelous if we could all get together and do something to help.
I know a few people will be disappointed that I choose this particular cruise because they do not like to fly and I apologize so sincerely for this. Hopefully you will find a way to get there and that you will understand. A friend of mine summed this up best when he said “Sailing the NEW Carnival Fantasy and an opportunity to highlight the resurgence of New Orleans……….what could be better?”
So, very simply, book now, there is a special fare code and there will be lots of surprises, gifts, special shows and so much more. This cruise was organized at pace and we could have done some things better. However, the 2009 cruise will give me more time to make it even more special …………….. and I promise it will be. Will you be there with me?
One group of people I know will be there will my friends from the Bentley of Cruise Boards, The George Hamilton of Cruise Ship Information ……………my friends from Cruise Critic. I am sure one of their hosts like Randy will be putting together the biggest ever group for the 2009 Bloggers cruise. I also want to thank Cruise Critic and its editor and my friend Carolyn for allowing valuable space on their site to promote the blog and this cruise in particular. I am honoured to be associated with Cruise Critic and I hope that this relationship continues for a long time. I send my best regards to all the readers of this brilliant site……..even the one who recently posted that he found my “fake Robin Leach voice annoying and that I was the worst cruise director he had ever experienced”………I wish him champagne wishes and caviar dreams.
If you are reading this and have never visited I invite you to point to go to www.cruisecritic.com
This morning I completed my adventure talk for Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. I have not done this particular talk for a long time, probably four years actually, and obviously I was a little concerned. However, once I started everything came back to me and before I knew it the words were flowing. However, after talking about the history and culture of Italy and Istanbul, etc., it did seem a little strange to be talking about snorkeling and beach tours again. Still, I think it went well. I am also used to having 1,500 people plus in the lounge for the European talks and was a little taken back when I discovered only 500 guests waiting for the information. This could also have been because of the movement of the ship. Even now at 2:30pm the ship is still moving and swaying as she ploughs throw the rougher than normal seas.
One thing I know will be popular is the world championship football games we are showing on the big screen. As I have mentioned before on a past blog my knowledge of American football is about the same as Paris Hilton’s knowledge of ….well…….anything. However, it appears that everyone onboard wants to watch the Giants, the San Diego something’s, the English patriots and the Green Bay Packers……………by the way, some of the names are great and images of the Giants, Patriots, Chargers conjure up huge hulks of men blessed with the strength of Hercules himself……………names that breed fear into their opponents. However………the Packers……………..what the heck is that? ………………Did they run of names?………..was it the only one left? I mean, it doesn’t have the same ferocity as the Giants, etc…………..who are you playing today……………….oh…….the Packers…….I mean that gives me images of my wife and my friend Emm who spend their entire life………..Packing…………..are they now playing for Green Bay. Anyway, the games are on and despite the weather I am sure many will be watching the game, munching on a hot dog and drinking a beer. I am hoping the Packers win………..they have the worst name and therefore are my tip to win the World Championship of Football Bowl thingy.
Actually, I was just thinking, I have never watched a whole Super Bowl game…………and I am off the ship on the day its being played. This means I shall find a place to watch it and cheer my wife and friend on as they and the other Packers win the game.
In 20 minutes I will be hosting another bloggers event………The Game Show and then it’s a quick change into the tuxedo and then formal photos with the bloggers in the lobby. Then we have two shows and late night drinks with Big Ed and the gang.
My biggest wish is for sunshine tomorrow in Cozumel…………..everyone deserves this after the weather we have today.
As I mentioned I have not been on stage for some time and as busy and as crazy as the last two days have been, as untidy as my office is with gifts from my blogging friends splattered all over the place, as tired as I am with so little sleep…………you know what………I realize once again how much I love my job and what a lucky man I am.
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.
Hey John,
Glad to see you are getting back into the swing of things so well. The idea of the Fantasty is a great one. That was the first ship that we sailed on out of Port Canaveral three years ago. We are still booked on the Legend in November, and unfortunately, February is not a good time for us, but we will see what happens. We are waiting to see the pics of this cruise. We hope that everything goes great for you guys this week. Waiting anxiously for the next update.
Till next time
Kevin
John, my friend…
Thanks so much for the information about the 2009 Blogger’s Cruise. As you know, I was pulling for the Inspiration but the Fantasy will be fine. I love New Orleans and it will be good to get back there.
When will a link be up for the sailing on the Fantasy? I wanted to book it now but there is no fare code or any such thing. Will the Famous Roberto be changing the current blogger’s cruise link to reflect the 2009 cruise?
You must feel quite like a rock star with all of those wild-eyed bloggers cheering for you… gotta feel wonderful!
Thanks for the nice words about Cruise Critic. It really is a wonderful site full of enthusiastic, knowledgeable folks.
MORE DETAILS… MORE DETAILS!!!
Congrats to you, the lovely Heidi, the Always Amazing Roberto and the whole team for pulling off such a fantastic feat!!!
Regards,
Greg
Darn it John, looks like we are going to miss you by a year – we sail on the Fantasy in 6 days (sailed on her 9 years ago too). Hmmmm is 2 sailings on the same ship within a year weird?
God Bless You – and all that you do for your fans!
John
I am booking tommrow morning Let us know the promo code maybe a cat 11 or 12 for this one. Any one want to share.
Kevin
Good Morning John and Heidi
I am disappointed this morning after reading the announcement of the 2009 Bloggers Cruise on Feb 9 aboard the Fantasy………..guess that means you won’t be with us cruising around South America on the Splendor.
Have always wanted to play Dolly Parton so can I understudy you during the July 13 cruise and fill in for you while journeying around South America?
Continue to have a great time on Bloggers Cruise.
Kersplott
John: You asked the question, will you be there with me? Well unfortunately the answer is NO. As I have said before and will say again I do not fly, and driving that far is also out of the question, so I am afraid I for one will not be at the 2nd bloggers cruise. Nanette and Paul P. say they will not either, it’s too bad so many of us bloggers who have come to know each other will never get to meet. It is also a shame that the ship Inspiration that you so talked about will not be the setting for the next bloggers cruise. In fact, I just booked a cruise for April 2008 on the Liberty only because I figured the Inspiration would be the next cruise we would take in 2009, otherwise I would have booked that ship. Oh well! I am happy to hear this bloggers cruise is going so well. I guess it was just not meant to be, as Paul and Nanette said to me earlier today. We correspond with each other regularly. Glad you are back, wonder if we will have the pleasure of you being the CD on any future cruises for us? I know you will meet Paul on the 2/2/08 cruise, glad for that, and Nanette will hopefully see you in P.R. soon too. Say Hi to Heidi for me, guess I won’t be meeting her anytime soon. Your friends, Linda & Mike
Good night John—sleep well! Again, I was wondering if there are blog get togethers on each cruise or only on the blogger’s cruises?
Marilyn
Hello , John
It is Jake
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
i was just cruising by port of miami yesterday ( satarday ) so im on biscayn blvd. coming home from a day at south beach , and I see the departure of the Triumph , and then later on there goes the Freedom so i have a LARGE bannar that says , ”have fun on the bloggers cruise of 08 ”
and some of the gust oboard wher waving and giving me the thums up!
I am watching the ships web-cam verly closlly , and the weather looks intimitading , and scary , however i hope that you and the bloggers (especialy BIG ED ) have fun and did cozumel open the new dock?
and Hows the carnival Victory.
I was on the triumph as ia said , and i dont remeber like the joe farcuse kinda u know style interior so i know that there is some slight differences on conquest class such as the lenght and the atrium , so if you could tell me that would be exelent and do you know who is the current cruise dirrector aboard?
from , Jake S.
Wish we were there!
Y’all have fun and good luck with the weather. The next blogger cruise sounds great but we’ll have to miss it, too. We are booked for a family cruise the month before.
We finally made it to Cozumel and we’re waiting very (im)patiently for the Freedom to arrive in the morning. We can’t wait to join what sounds like the greatest of times!
Til then,
Lisa K
John – Here’s what you need to know about the Packers:
1. They’re the only publicly owned football team in the USA.
2. Green Bay is the smallest city to host a major league sports franchise – any sport, not just football.
3. They play at Lambeau Field. No domes, retracting roofs, etc. Very cold. The way football is supposed to be played.
4. Fans are known as “cheeseheads.” Wisconsin is well known for really good cheese. (My late mother-in-law was originally from Wisconsin.)
I hope you and all the bloggers aboard are having a great time! I’d love to join you on the Fantasy next year, but our available vacation time is the following week. Bugger, as you’d say.
Sounds like great fun John, I really do wish I was there with you all. I’ll be there in spirit if not in person.
By the way, the name Packers doesn’t sound bad at all to me. When I was in a 2 year college, the college president was anti-competitive sports so he wanted to have a very passive name. So our teams including the basketball team I was on were the “Snowflakes”…. pretty intimidating huh?
Here’s hoping for great weather, great adventures, and great fun for you and your guests!
Oh, yes – regarding the Packers – (Im originally from Wisconsin) The team was founded in 1919 and bankrolled by the Indian Packing Company (hence the name). They are the last “small town” team and the only community owned non-profit team in the league.
Oh my gosh John! I’m sooooooooo excited! I live in the North West corner of FL and New Orleans is only a 4 hour drive for geoff and I! I’m gonna call my Carnival cruise planner tomorrow and book! Sounds like you guys are having a wonderful time! Tell Big Ed Hi and the rest of the gang Hi for me. Have a wonderful rest of the cruise with them. I wish I was there but next year! I’ve been reading all the blogs and you are once again cracking me up every day. Only 13 days until the Carnival Liberty! Yea! Great big hugs to you, Heidi, Roberto, and all my blogger friends.
Leasa
John and Heidi -
Pleased to hear that the first day of the Blogger’s cruise has gone well. I am certain that Big Ed and his band of troublemakers are set to keep you on your toes – by the end of this cruise, I believe you will be a ballerina (what a picture that is).
As far as the New Orleans point of debarkation, I applaud Carnival’s decision. The Cresent City certainly needs our support and I can think of no better way to provide such support than to have the 2009 Bloggers Cruise depart from such a location.
As for the “something to do” as a group before the Cruise, I suggest the idea of Habitat for Humanity. If you are not familiar with this group, they build or rebuild homes for those individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford one. A great organization and cause.
Now, I return to watching my Giants (or the Jints as they are sometimes called) beat the Packers. Incidently, the Packers were named for their original funding source, the Indian Packing Company, who provided $500 funding to Curly Lambeau (the namesake of Lambeau Field, where Green Bay plays). The Packers are also the only non-profit, community owned major professional sports franchise in the United States (that’s the rebellious colonies to you).
Looking forward to your upcoming blog and, most importantly, the pictures of the appearance of Thong Man and his sidekick, Big Thong Man.
Sleep well, my friends
Jon
What fun it sounds like y’all have been having, just sitting here at the computer turning a deeper shade of green with envy! You’ve been hitting “holes in one” nearly every day for nearly a year – of course there was thunderous applause.
The Miami terminal is gorgeous. More pics, please, especially of you and the bloggers. Mucho huggo’s to everyone.
Carnival Fantasy out of New Orleans, what a surprise, but it’s closer for us Texans. I’m waiting for that special code to book it.
Love Cruise Critic, and Kuki’s site Cruise Mates – both loads of helpful info when choosing a ship.
There’s always next year,
Diane from Texas
Hey John, just went to the Carnival website – and they show no Feb 9 sailing for the Fantasy – only the 2nd, 7th, and 12th…
Dear John:
We will be there!!
(So what if we cruised the Fantasy 3 times in 8 months in 2006-7!!!)
David (hubby) worked for 2 weeks in New Orleans the December after Katrina hit. He grew up about 2 hours away on the Mississippi Gulf Coast which was leveled as well.
My brother -in -law owned Broussard’s in the French Quarter, when I was growing up. Mardi Gras balls for a Mississippi teenage girl was “big stuff” back then.
My first time back was for our Dec 06 Fantasy cruise over a year later. It still broke my heart.
We have seen things slowly improve as we sailed out of the port again in March and August this year.
We LOVE the new Erato terminal !!
Dear John:
. Teachers cant travel in February. So my hopes are all in seeing you soon here in PR.I cant wait so have a long conversation with you. I cant get used to the idea of not going on a cruise with you as CD anymore.Lets see…. I know my friends are having a great time on the cruise and Im soooo excited for them. Its almost like Im there.
Nanni
Im afraid im not goin to make 2009 bloogers cruise either
Im happy that they are giving you and Heidi so much love you deserve it.
Looking forward to giving you another huggo soon
That CruiseCritic comment is pretty funny. I guess this person has never been to the UK as most people across the pond speak like you. You’ll have to get some good gumbo in New Orleans next year with all the bloggers.
-BigMike
I would like to suggest you make
Cruise Critic’s
“COMMITTED CONQUEST CRAZIES” group cruise
sailing on September 20, 2009 one of your bloggers cruises.
…grab your straitjacket, book a padded cabin and join us!
Thank you John! I’m wearing quite a grin.
It is terrific that some people who might not otherwise travel to New Orleans will get the opportunity to fall in love with the city!
From a personal standpoint, I must confess some mixed feelings. I am currently signed up for Splendor Round the Horn cruise Feb 17-Mar 3, 2009, but God willing, I’ll find a way to do both cruises. I’d hate to have to flip a coin between the two. They are both that important to me.
Something that would be very cool – Costa Maya is supposed to open earlier than scheduled – perhaps this summer. Carnival had released a statement earlier that they wouldn’t return to Costa Maya until Spring, 2009. I know Carnival will be returning earlier than that – perhaps Fantasy will return as well.
Three areas devastated by recent hurricanes -
New Orleans – Hurricane Katrina – 2005
Cozumel – Hurricane Wilma – 2005
Costa Maya – Hurricane Dean – 2007
I’m thinking this cruise is providence.
Thanks again!
Best Regards,
bill
Thank you John! I’m wearing quite a grin.
It is terrific that some people who might not otherwise travel to New Orleans will get the opportunity to fall in love with the city!
From a personal standpoint, I must confess some mixed feelings. I am currently signed up for Splendor Round the Horn cruise Feb 17-Mar 3, 2009, but God willing, I’ll find a way to do both cruises. I’d hate to have to flip a coin between the two. They are both that important to me.
Something that would be very cool – Costa Maya is supposed to open earlier than scheduled – perhaps this summer. Carnival had released a statement earlier that they wouldn’t return to Costa Maya until Spring, 2009. I know Carnival will be returning earlier than that – perhaps Fantasy will return as well.
Three areas devastated by recent hurricanes -
New Orleans – Hurricane Katrina – 2005
Cozumel – Hurricane Wilma – 2005
Costa Maya – Hurricane Dean – 2007
I’m thinking this cruise is providence.
Thanks again!!@
Best Regards,
bill
john
dont feel bad about the weather it is -4 F in green bay and here in big eds home town it is 6 f hope all are having a great time .
Well, count in two very happy New Yorkers here as the NY Giants are now in the Super Bowl! Thanks for getting that team name right! I’ll have to look into the 2009 bloggers cruise, need to know the promo code! Because it sure sounds like you are having fun, we have never been to NO, and JetBlue flies right there from JFK. BTW, you will be able to find us on Imagination next week because Bruce has big honker Mardi Gras beads with a Giants logo on it!
Hi Everyone,
Stephanie here, please note that there was a typo in the original post. The correct date for the 2009 blogger’s cruise is Feb. 7th. If you have any questions just submit a post to the attention of Robert or Stephanie and we’ll try to respond asap.
Just a curious word not that the date is out. For those of us booked on the South American voyages via Splendor, what will your schedule be?
Granted, we hated we are booked on the Spirit this coming week (we hated is a harsh word, it is a cruise isn’t it?) and missing the Bloggers cruise, it seems like a double whammy now. Missing the bloggers cruise and then missing you in 09.
Stephanie and RobertO
Thanks for all your help in clearing this up. Please were starting to get scared. Well ok I was but I’m cool now. Thought I was having a Senior moment and I’m not even a senior.
Kevin
Hi John and all
It sounds like everyone is and will be having a great time on this cruise. I am at work at 3am and jealous as always. I leave for my cruise on the Pride in 6 days. I know it will be fun, as always, but I wish I could be there with the other bloggers.
It is strange that you should choose the Feb 7, 09 Fantasy for the blogger’s cruise. I am already booked on that cruise for hubby’s birthday celebration. Do I need to rebook with the blogger’s code or can I just notify someone that I am a blogger? We take advantage of the Military discounted rates since hubby and I are retired Army. Also, I would love to meet all the others that spend as much time or more on this blog as I do. I check it everyday for the latest update and a good laugh.
Please let me know if I need to rebook or just notify someone. In the meantime, take care and we all are anxiously waiting for the thong and bathrobe pics. That would surely get you a standing ovation!! Take care and give my best to Heidi!
John, how terrific! I just sailed on the Fantasy Jan. 12th and won the Bingo cruise. I was trying to decide what 5 day cruise to pick and lo and behold here you are telling me that the next Bloggers cruise will be on the Fantasy in 2009. Yay!!! NOLA is a beautiful city. We had a great time there and now I have an even better reason to return.
See you next January.
Sallie
Hi John,
We haven’t posted in a while but we have been reading every day. We’re glad the 1st Annual Bloggers Cruise is off to such a success. It must feel good to be back onboard. You are in your element. Just shake off the cobwebs, it’s like riding a bicycle…..or Thursday nights. You never forget how to do it.
I know its still early in the cruise, and a cruise with a lot of bloggers on it, but we can’t wait for the daily edition of “Stupid Guest Complaints”. It’s probably aggravating for you but its entertaining for us.
Whenever you invite guests on board the first day, you always say “Welcome home”. Well John, to you and Heidi, Welcome Home Mates.
Alan & Chris
ps. How about those New England Patriots! Another Boston team in a Championship game. We’ll make a Boston sports fan out of you yet!
John,
I forgot to ask. Did you get a bathrobe for Big Ed??
Bummer – just when I decided as a Caribbean cruiser that I did not need to see Cozumel yet one more time……
The New Orleans part is great but……
I say the blogger pirates should take over the ship and take it on a secret voyage!
Hopeful that you will consider a 2nd one for 2009.
John….
HOORAY!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!! 2009!!!
Wow!! ’09 will be my year for group cruises!!! The Blogger’s cruise will be my third cruise to book for ’09!!! And my second group cruise!!
You planned it perfectly — as if we’d expect anything less!! The week after Super Bowl and a few weeks before Mardi Gras!! New Orleans will be great!!! Let us know!!! You’ve opened the flood gates of that serach for information!!!
You all sound like you’re having a BLAST!!! Just keep practicing for the ’09 Bloggers cruise!! No, I mean have a great time and smooth seas and lots of fun on the ’08 Blogger’s cruise!!!!
02/07/ 09… it’s a date!!!!
Best Regards!
Kirsten
John (reply needed)
It has been brought to my attention, by a fellow Cruise Critic member on our Roll Call, that on the second part of our B2B (Feb 2-7) … there will be FOUR holidays.
Feb. 2nd – Ground Hog’s Day
Feb. 3rd – Super Bowl
Feb. 5th – Mardi Gras
Feb. 6th – Ash Wednesday
The only one I have a question about is Feb. 2nd – Ground Hog’s Day. If Pete (the name of the Ground hog) sees his shadow….does that mean we get to stay on the ship 6 more weeks????
Thanks!
Linda
Hello , John
I hope you and the bloggers are having a good time , and i just saw a picture of you , and big ed!
Any way looking at the web-cam I see the the ship has been docked in cozumel , and there seems to be another fun ship beside the freedom and looking at the liberty web-cam that is possibly the liberty even though through my coculations she should be in costamaya , and cozumel and costamaya docks look so simular but i dont know.
I am know checking the blog 3 times a day for further updates!
Jake S.
Hooray for New Orleans!
For once, we won’t have to fly, as Memphis is not so far away. And, I adore the idea of doing something for that community. I’ve met a number of displaced Orleanians (?) and their bravery, etc. is impressive.
One woman worked hard in Memphis with Habitat for Humanity (they build homes for people) so she would have the skills to rebuild her own half destroyed home in N.O. Now that’s one super chick!
See you in 09 (if not before).
Say John,
Not sure if anyone has asked, but can we get the special fare code?
On my Fantasy Christmas cruise I noticed Carnival had already been added to the name.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_c_07/coz1/coz7/IMG_9355.JPG
After the drydock, many may not recognize the ship, so if any are interested in tons of before pictures, I have some from two Fantasy cruises last year:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_07/fantasy_map.htm
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_c_07/fantasy_map.htm
– bill
Say John,
Not sure if anyone has asked, but can we get the special fare code?
On my Fantasy Christmas cruise I noticed Carnival had already been added to the name.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_c_07/coz1/coz7/IMG_9355.JPG
After the drydock, many may not recognize the ship, so if any are interested in tons of before pictures, I have some from two Fantasy cruises last year:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_07/fantasy_map.htm
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/fantasy_c_07/fantasy_map.htm
- bill
John,
Oh, no! I don’t like flying the winter (too many snow possibilities). Right now I’m not sure if I will be on that cruise either. But when you get the codes, I’ll check out the fares, etc. What happened to May????
Carol
I sure hope we can be a part of the ’09 Bloggers voyage since we are not very far from New Orleans.
Great idea and I applaud you for your efforts.
Thanks for a great post today!
David
Wooooo Hooooo! New Orleans! Been a while since I’ve been there! Love those beignets, yummy! I’m planning on being there!
Linda Hernacki, how far are you from New Orleans? Can you use an alternate form of transportation like the bus or Amtrack? You don’t want to miss out on the fun and us other bloggers want to meet you. Also, I’ve sailed on the Liberty and she is a beautiful ship, and huge. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful cruise on her.
Roberto, I was just curious, who is the Captain right now on the Freedom and do you have any idea who will be at the helm of the Fantasy for the 2009 bloggers cruise? I sailed her a few years ago for a short Bahama’s trip and I was just curious.
Party on all! Hugs to Big Ed. Did they get those extra large robes and chairs we asked for?
See you next year!
Julie Gantt
I was going to echo that for those who don’t want to fly the train is a possibility.
Relive the Arlo Guthrie days and catch the City of New Orleans from Chicago or points in between. Or there are other options from other regions.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&cid=1081256321831&c=am2Route&ssid=136
Arlo did in fact come to New Orleans more than once post-Katrina and was even there for New Years Eve, 2005!
WHOO HOO
Thanks John
I am the only one in my family who never made it to New Orleans
I agre with Jon K, Habitat for Humanity would be a great thing for a few hundred bloggers to build a house in one day
was going to take some time off at Christmas, will save it for the cruise now!
Best Wishes
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
Hey John,
I’m a group leader on an upcoming Cruise Critic cruise and was told you could arrange a “meeting place” for my cc group on embarkation day. Can you tell me how to get that going? I appreciate your assistance. We are cruising on the Carnival Freedom on April 19, 2008. I have 64 cabins booked so I’m not sure how many will show up for the meet and greet but am planning on at least 75 people. Thank you so much and I have really enjoyed having you as a CD!
Tammy