Once upon a time on an Island far far away there lived a few hundred people who spent their days fishing, growing fruit spending their evenings drinking Tequila and enjoying the music of the Mariachi band………..El Locos. There were white sandy beaches where people would frolic naked in the deep blue water and occasionally, just occasionally a tourist would venture to this paradise to stay in the only hotel on the island Las Motelo Sixo.One day a young man called Jose A was fishing with his brother from their small boat. It was a beautiful day, the sun was sitting high in the sky radiating the crystal sea. Jose A had already caught enough fish for supper that night and was just thinking about rowing back to shore when he saw something on the horizon. At first he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him and he cupped his hand over them to get a better look……………..no………….there was something there.
Jose A watched as the object got closer. It was huge………..white and shining…………..he could not believe his eyes ………….it was a ship………a huge white ship and it was heading straight for them.
Jose A, woke his brother Jose B who had been enjoying a siesta at the back of the boat oblivious to the fact that while he had been asleep Jose had slipped a crab down his shorts……………he had been dreaming about his senjorita but awoke now in both shock and pain as Carlos the Crab tried to become friends with his nachos ……………….. owwwwwwwwwo…………screamed Jose B……………”nevero mindo thato ” said Jose A……….looko at thato.” he said with disbelief in his voice.
Jose B looked at the huge ship that was getting ever closer and immediately forgot the fact that Colin the Crab having finished nibbling at the nachos was now moving on to his burrito.
Both brothers stood in their small boat and watched…………as the massive vessel got closer they began to hear music, people’s voices and the sound of laughter.
Eventually the ship was close enough to read the name at the side of the ship…………….Jose A read it out slowly…………..”Maaaaaaaar Deeeee Grasss.”
The ship was now in full view and sailed directly passed them. They marveled at the sight of hundreds of Gringos dancing, eating and having fun. Jose A and Jose B rowed back as quickly as they could to their seaside hut to tell the rest of the family what they had seen…………..a ship called the El Mardi Gras was heading to their small insignificant island…………….little did they know that their beautiful home of Cozumel would never be the same.
In 1987 I arrived in Cozumel as a bar waiter onboard the M/S Holiday. My early recollection of the island was a few shops, maybe a dozen or so, unspoiled beaches and one or two nightclubs and restaurants where you could buy a 2 lb lobster dinner for $10 and a bottle of Corona beer was the same price as a rap singer ……………………………………..50 cents.
Over the years I watched Cozumel change before my eyes. The dozen or so shops became 200 or 300 shops some even located in an American style shopping mall. The local restaurants gave way to McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut and the bars gave way to Carlos and Charlies and a Hard Rock Cafe serving drinks and food. Still, who am I to mock the march of progress? I understand the island like so many have reacted to the need of the cruise ship consumer and the millions of dollars they bring ashore each and every year.
It was therefore that today I was really looking forward to seeing a new addition to our ports of call…………….Grand Turk……………and as soon as I went ashore there were reminders of the Cozumel of old.
Before we discuss that however let’s remind ourselves that it is once again thanks to a huge investment from Carnival Corporation that we have this new and exciting place to visit, with Carnival and other ships calling at this island paradise.
The ships dock, no tendering here and as you walk of the vessel the British Union Jack and the Grand Turk flag flutter in the wind standing guard over the flag in the middle spot………….the Carnival flag.
Walking through a shopping area you immediately notice something that reminded me of the old days. Yes, there were modern shops selling jewelry and clothing but there were no young men outside telling you aggressively to come inside and that everything is nearly free. These people are called “barkers” and are now a part of life in Cozumel, St. Maarten and many other places. If one more “barker” in Cozumel tells me “we have T-shirts your size big man” I will introduce Pepe to my big show which he will find hanging from El Buttocks.
Here in Grand Turk there were none of these……no barkers …………..just a dozen or so shops quietly selling their products just as it should be.
Right next to the ship is a beautiful stunning beach. It has gorgeous clear water and there must have been 1,000 sun beds ready for the Carnival Imagination guests to turn into George Hamilton. Heidi and I walked along the beach and marveled at what was missing ………… nobody asking to braid your hair…………nobody selling you anything ………just, peace and quiet. I tried so hard to look for a piece of garbage…………….nothing……………uniformed workmen were there making sure that remained so.
Many guests had taken the chance to go snorkeling, swim with stingrays and enjoy a tour as we did around the island. Carnival has an extensive shore excursion program here and the reports from the guests I spoke to were that the snorkeling was some of the very best they had ever done……..anywhere.
Downtown is about 10 minutes from where the ship docks and most guests take the island hopper bus tour as we did and then return to that beautiful beach. The locals have that wonderful charm and island easiness about them. This charm has somewhat disappeared from many ports of call, a cruise ship calling is a regular occurrence and somewhat taken for granted ………………not here in Grand Turk …………..its a big thing and the people are making sure that their happy and easy going hospitality is something that will have the guests wanting to return again and again.
Now, there is one small interruption to this peace and tranquility and it comes in the shape of something called Margaritaville. For those who have seen the ones that are dotted all over the Caribbean you will know that they provide loud music, good food and this one has a huge pool which is also complimentary to use.
Their drinks are famous as well for being the size of gold fish tanks. Don’t worry about Mosquitos either; order something called a Bushwacker and if Morris the Mosquito flies over the drink towards you he will die instantly from alcohol poisoning. There were a few people who had obviously enjoyed a few of these and were now explaining to their partners how much they loved them and that they were going to swim back to the ship. ……………
However, that’s it……………the area around the ship and the downtown area is how it used to be in Cozumel, St.Thomas and so many more islands. I hope they hold out as long as they can and keep the place just as it is…………………..perfect.
So, Grand Turk is now experiencing the cruise ship guest for themselves. Congratulations to Grand Turk and congratulations to Carnival for introducing this new and stunning addition to us all. I wonder what it will be like in 15 years time?
Oh, by the way Jose A and Jose B quit the fishing trade after seeing the Mardeeee Grasssss arrive in port. They now own a chain of shops selling silver which magically turns from silver to green in just one week.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Evolutions of Fun
Hi John!
Don’t you just love Grand Turk?! I knew you would like it. Love your photos!
Hope you and Heidi are enjoying the cruise. Again, thanks for the incredible hospitality on the Freedom for the “Bloggers Cruise” — really fun time. Hope to see you soon!
Best,
Anita
Linda and I absolutely love Grand Turk. Walking along Queen St and Front St very nice. Astronaut John Glenn splashed down near there. You’re so right it is a nice island to visit.
Enjoy
Hi John , Heidi , and fellow bloggers,
First may I tell you all that if you missed the first bloggers cruise you really missed some great fun. The entire trip, plus the bash was spectacular. It’s hard to believe that John can top it for the second bloggers cruise, but I’m sure he will. I’m glad he decided to be the CD on the cruise. His humor is so great that we would really have missed him on the stage. The laughter from the lounge was so loud that I’m surprised it did not rock the ship.
I told John that when we got home I would post my hubby, Don’s, compliments on the blog. I wanted all of our fellow bloggers to read them when I told John what he said.
What is so great about Don’s compliments? Well we have been married for 12 years and during that time he never fails to tell me at least a half dozen times a day he loves me, BUT in that length of time he has never complimented me. I think a compliment to me would reap him a lot more rewards than they would to John………..giggle
This is how it went.
We were coming down the elevator with a guy, and as usual I started a conversation with him that went something like, are you a blogger and how many cruises have you been on, etc. He told us this was his first cruise…….ever.
Don said, “Well you could not have picked a better cruise for your first cruise.” The fellow wanted to know why. That is when this came out of Don’s mouth…….. a compliment you would not believe……..
He said, “Because John is the cruise director. We have been on 7 cruises and on those 7 cruises this is the second cruise we have been on with John. Of the 7 cruises we have taken, I could not tell you the name of a single cruise director, except John’s. I could not tell you a single thing they have ever said or done on the stage, but I CAN tell you of all of the memories we have from the first cruise we went on with John about 3 years ago. His interaction with the passengers is hilarious. His humor is the best we have ever experienced on a cruise and is defintely something to remember. . In my opinion he is the best cruise director we have ever had on a cruise. Now that you have cruised with John, I doubt that it will be your last, because you will definitely want to experience all of the fun and laughter you have on this cruise with John again. ” This came from my hubby who never compliments anyone………
I agreed with Don…… wholeheartedly. John is THE best and Heidi is the sweetest person you would ever want to meet. They are so lucky that they found each other.
We will definitely be on the second bloggers cruise. We hope to see all of the fellow bloggers that we met on this cruise. Big Ed , his wife and all of the others that I can not name because I’m not good at names, plus the ones that did not make this cruise.
Don and Carolyn
we were in grand turk the week before christmas on the miracle and loved it!!! carnival did a wonderful job there. hope the rest of the ships don’t find out! ha ha
smiles, bonnie
aka the empress bee (of the high sea)
John,
I love Grand Turk it has to be one of my favorite Islands. It is one of those special places that at times i feel sad about because it has developed so much into a tourist needing port. Sometimes I wish we didsen’t go to these islands with thousands of people and make them millionaires with all our money we spend on color changing jewerly. But it’s too late for that now isn’t it. Great pictures of you and Heidi.
Kevin
Hi John & Heidi,
The pictures of Grand Turk are gorgeous. I am thinking of going on a cruise for New Years’ and the Destiny is going to Grand Turk so I’ve made up my mind that’s where I want to be for New Years Day. Thanks so much. I hope you are enjoying your “vacation” aboard the Imagination but I’m sure you can’t wait to get back to the Freedom next week and back to work. I hope to meet you and Heidi one day soon. Enjoy!
Cindy
Hi John! The description you just gave of Grand Turk & the beautiful pictures makes me want to book another cruise right now…lol We cruised with you the week of Jan 19th-26th. The Bloggers Cruise. I had heard a little about your blogs prior to us sailing with you…Now I am hooked. Since we have been back I have been checking in daily to read your interesting, heartwarming blogs. I especially enjoyed reading the blogs on the days that we sailed. We had an absolute amazing time. Everything was fantastic. This was only our 2nd cruise. We sailed in April of 2006 on Carnival Victory (for our honeymoon). Needless to say we had a great time on that cruise also. But, I have to say you are by far our favorite cruise director! We attended & enjoyed every show…you had all of us laughing so hard. It feels good to laugh…especially when you are on vacation. We had so much fun! We will never forget “Michigan”, Yu Poo, “Mary”….oh my! I could go on & on! Oh yea! Carnival Legends show where you were dressed up as Madonna! Priceless! You have a special gift…you were always smiling & making people laugh. Thank you so much for making our cruise unforgettable. We are so ready to book another one. So, hopefully we will be cruising with you again! Hope you have a fantastic day!
P.S. We love the ice cream…no complaints here.
Hi John,
I was so excited to see that you are the CD for the Freedom. I was on the Liberty in 2006 & you were an absolute riot! I see that you are on the Imagination at present. Any chance of you being back on the Freedom for the Feb. 9th, 2008 cruise? Hope to see you there!
John,
You’re still batting 1000!! Great blog! And the photos… blue sky, big ship, beaches, and fun… what more could one wish??? Hummmm! I’ll only see Progreso and Cozumel — but, HEAVEN!!!
I’d like to compliment Carnival special needs group. They discovered a problem with our booking (for Feb 4th — next Monday), before we boarded and before we complained, and solved it. They had us in a cabin where Mom would not have been able to use the loo (the steward would have been mopping a lot). A keen eye saw her limited mobility, and asked if she could negotiate a three inch step… NO… so we’re in another cabin, same deck – just aft. Not as great from a view standpoint and much farther from the action, and not really what we wanted — but the Carnival staff handled it well and professionally! My thanks to all!!!! I’d love to send a compliment for Zoey!!! If you would pass it on!!
Now, off to dream about the sand, surf, ocean, and sunsets/sunrises!!! Oh, did I mention the fun, frolicking, and parties??? Those too!
Best Regards,
Kirsten
Wow John,
Two blogs from you in one day! I can tell that you are on vacation! Do many people on the Imagination recognize you and Heidi, or are you pretty much able to be incognito and enjoy yourselves? I certainly hope so, however, you do have such a following and ANYONE who has ever heard you either talk or laugh would know immediately who you are–even if they were blindfolded! You have such an infectious laugh–it makes me laugh just remembering it! Thanks for the pictures of Grand Turk–it looks beautiful! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Sheryl
John,
I’ve not visited Grand Turk but now it’s on my to do list. I’d like to get Jose A’s autograph now that he and his brother have been immortalized in your blog!
Lovely pictures and the Imagination looks quite imposing there at the dock. I wish we had a few more pics of the island but I’m sure they’ll be showing up in droves on sites like Cruise Critic.
Once again, thank you for a glimpse at one of Carnival’s wonderful ports of call.
Howdies to all the crew and my best to your mate, and our friend, Alan!
Regards,
Greg
Hi John & Heidi (Fellow Grand Turk lovers),
Great photos and description of Grand Turk. And it definitely reminded me of the Cozumel of old. I love peaceful islands like this. Wait until you see Half Moon Cay.
Have you met my favorite waitress yet?
I agree with Linda H. – another, longer blogger cruise in 2009 would be great.
Enjoy the cruise.
Hugs,
Carol
Goodmorning John: Yes, Grand Turk is beautiful – we were there about a year ago I guess. Very unspoiled, and as you said NO ONE bothers you, trying to sell their trinkets. But like you said in about 5 years it will be another Cozumel. I love Cozumel for the shopping, but don’t like the people who stand on the corners pushing their junk jewelry. Sounds like you are having a great well deserved vacation on the Imagination. Say hi to Heidi for me. Hope you will start answering emails soon, we all miss that! Linda & Mike
You are a funny funny man John, Grand Turk is one of our favorite ports of call.
Prince Charlie
Grand Turk sounds fantastic! Maybe next year…
Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Wow! We need to get to Grand Turk. It is so beautiful. You know, John, you mentioned the way Cozumel used to be. My husband and I honeymooned in St. Thomas thirty-four years ago. It was nothing like it is now. I really think I liked the slower pace better!
Great pictures! Thanks for introducing us to the island.
Ruth
Good morning Mr. Heald & Heidi. I’m so happy that the both of you are enjoying the vacation that you justly deserve. The pictures are just beautiful and it just tells me that Grand Turk is the place for me. By the way who is that man with that beautiful woman standing next to the ship? Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John and Heidi,
First of all thank you for the great pictures aboard the Imagination and of Grand Turk. I will be sailing on the Inspiration on 4/17 and look forward to seeing the improvements made aboard her sister vessel as well. I had to chuckle at the picture of the girl on the miniature golf course…looks like she is wearing a Minnie Mouse backpack!!!
So John what happened to your team, the Miami Heat last night??? My Orlando Magic beat them 107-91.
Heidi, looks like “your man” Todd English was going to appear on the Today Show this morning…I caught a glimpse of him as I was ready to leave the house…would have been a good excuse to come into work late I guess…he looked as good as ever!!!
Enjoy the rest of your cruise….
Linda
Hi John we are going to Grand Turk with your sister Costa, the first week of March. We are doing the dune buggy adventure. Cool, that the beach is right there We will be there before and after the dune buggy. Thanks for sharing John, Want to do the 2nd anual blog cruise You are the best CD!!
John,
Just to let you know; I use to go to Vegas 2-3 times a year – went on a cruise on the Freedom – then the Liberty – now waiting to go on the Splendor – I stopped going to Vegas and just do the cruise (with you). Some do not understand why I have given up on Vegas; I just say I love cruising better then Vegas!!!! I have not done a cruise in the Caribbean but hope to do it soon – it looks great!! Carnival keeps building these new and wonderful ships and I need to go on those also!! See you on 7-13-08 WOOO HOOO Have you heard if the ceremonies for the Splendor will be in Dover?
Hi John and Heidi !
We also loved Grand Turk—I went on a Carnival reef and ray excursion, one of the BEST ! We are going back in Nov on the Splendor.
Glad you enjoyed that beautiful little island.
Never been to grand turk but it looks pretty nice.
_BigMike
John,
I was SO IMPRESSED with your command of Grando Turko Spanisho. Made me feel like I was there in the boat with Jose A and Jose B!
Gotta love those white sandy beach islands!
I have to agree with everyone when they say John is the best cruise director ever.He was on one of our first cruises.We have now taken over 20 and he is still at the top of the list. There is only one to come close,and he was another “brit”. can’t remember his name he was on Dawn Princess in 1998 and the only name we do remember is John’s.I think a lot of it is the British sense of humor and their quick wit. Hope to be on another cruise with you one day.
Good Afternoon John and Heidi,
The Turks and Caico’s is somewhere still on my list of islands to see. Now I want to see them even more. I loved St. Kitts when we were there. It was so unspoiled and “native”. That’s still on my list of things to do again. I was hoping that the Fantasy in Feb 09 was going there but no….that’s OK because it will be on the top of my cruise list!! Sounds like you are having a great time. Keep the pictures coming love them. Thank you again for a wonderful fun filled cruise. Can’t wait until next year.
Take care (Pistons play the Lakers tonight :O)
Joan
Hi John/Heidi:
Great pictures in the blog today. Brings back many memories from several years ago. I sure hope that this area isn’t taken over by hawkers.
I really enjoyed your descriptions of the area.
Amazing how much things change over 20 years.
Thank you for a great blog and I hope you enjoy the rest of your little vacation.
Hope all else is going fine.
David
Hi John and Heidi,
We are definitely rookies on cruises. If we had known Grand Turk was like that we would have booked that one. Still, the one we will be on soon will be a good experience for our first cruise and Grand Turk will absolutely be our next one. That’s what the tropics are for, pure rest and relaxation on a beach!!! The pictures were awesome. I wanted to be there right this minute instead of in this office and the winter wonderland we live in. I know – - – we will be in that type of weather very soon. Come on April 12th!
John,
Although this is our first response to your blog thingy, we have been reading your informative, entertaining and hysterical accounts of your escapades ever since you started this. I could see a comic strip or cartoon series coming from your expressive self.
My wife, Diane and I have sailed with you but once. It was a Med cruise on the Liberty in October of ‘06. This was a cruise that had the ship stopping in the middle of the Adriatic to assist an Albanian in a small rubber boat, miles from shore and without power. We stood by until the Italian Coast Guard came along to help.
We are sorry that we missed the bolggers cruise. We will, however, be sailing on the Destiny this coming Sunday, Feb. 2. We wish you were aboard.
You’ve raised the standards to which other CD’s must aspire. Carnival has to be very proud of your service to them. You are a unique talent.
Looking forward to sailing with you again on the Splendor this coming October. By the way, John, I had suggested that a life-size mounted photo of you be made available at the various photo spots on board so that those who’d like to have their picture taken with you could do so without you actually being there. Did that ever become a reality? If not, it should become one.
One more thing, John, does Carnival require Skip Lyons to read your stuff?
Best regards,
Diane and Rich Sexton
John:
You sure know how to move the masses.LOL
Now you have a page on Facebook and everybody is opening a facebook account.Many of my blooger friends are opening their own and joining the club John Heald is the best cruise director in the world.
So people come on join us !!!!!!There are other cruise directors on facebook help make John’s page also #1 because he is truly the Best CD the others are just cheap imitations.
Hi john & Heidi
How does it feel to be on a Fun ship,,and not be the C.D.,,,,I bet you and Heidi are on cloud 9
or maybe even 10.
we had a super time on the blog cruise,
everyone was so nice,,sept that pain in the arse,
that bitched about the free bees,,,
there is one in every croud. did i spell that rite,,,,
if not,,,Jane will be on my _ss,
we got that Carnival Mastercard on board,,,
if we spend $25.000.00 we get a drink of the day
and we can keep the glass,,,,,,plastic that is.
did you say we can get Spotted Dick at Publics???
is there a Aston Martin dealer in grand tuck???
maybe you could get a test drive.
hugs from your
buds
tom & jane
p.s. what TIME is it?????
Dear John & Heidi: Oh, those pictures of Grand Turk are fantastic. Can’t wait to go. Just got off the Miracle and had a great time. Looking forward to our cruise next January on the Splendor with both of you. Our friends Edwina & Barry Burnett are on the Imagination with you this week. I know they are having a great time. Have a wonderful well-deserved vacation.
Regards,
Terry Dunning
We spent a week on Grand Turk about a decade ago. Some of the best diving in the Caribbean is in the Turks and Caicos.
It was so quiet, we didn’t see another tourist for three days. The closest thing to a tourist shop was a single counter in our hotel (the BIG one with about 39 rooms — the other two were converted houses) which mixed sundries with postcards.
The food was fantastic everywhere because of a Frenchman with a roving eye. Seems he would take up with a lady, open a restaurant in her home, teach her to cook, then get distracted by some other young lady. He got kicked out but the restaurant remained. Repeat this scenario several times. We’d be the only people in this place with three tables where the food was cooked from scratch after ordering — so it took a while — but it was always stunning.
The prison then (I believe this has changed) was in the center of town, surrounded by a wall with broken bottles on the top. We were told that people often escaped, but just went home, where they were picked up again. After all, it is an island. where would you go?
One last story… about donkeys. Where we were there, the island was practically overrun with wild donkeys. The first thing we saw walking out of the airport was a pair “doing it” right in front.
At one point, they had rounded up most of the donkeys, loaded them on a barge, and took them to another island in the chain — one with water but no people. One oversight — there was no dock to unload the donkeys. So… they pushed them in the water, figuring they would go to the nearby island.
Nope, those donkeys turned tail and swam back to Grand Turk.
A true story.
How right you are about Grand Turk. It is so pristine and relaxing. We were there on the Miracle in December and enjoyed our snorkeling trip with the baracudas!!! Later on we just enjoyed walking around the area and thanked Carnival for making such a wonderful “port of call” for us to enjoy. Glad you had a great trip. We shall see you in July on the Splendor.
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.