I have not been to Nassau for many, many years. I used to come here twice a week for many years on the Carnivale and later on the Fantasy. I remember we used to stay overnight and many guests would purchase tickets to see the show at Carnival’s Crystal Palace Hotel and Casino. The show always sold out because of a magician who performed with black panthers and tigers…………..or maybe because it also featured topless dancers. There was a rumour that the penthouse of the hotel featured a robot who was programmed to serve drinks…………………..I of course never got to see the Penthouse but I do remember many fun nights spent in Nassau.
Probably most of you have been to the Bahamian capital before so I am not going to going to chat about Nassau too much. Heidi and I will see if we have time to go ashore today but first I want to praise other areas of the ship.
Before that I should tell you about last night. Following a fantastic day at Half Moon Cay, Heidi and I had dinner in the Spirit Dining Room and then I met up with my old mate Miles Willis the Hotel Director. Miles is as British as Benny Hill, Cricket, Are You being Served, Sherlock Holmes, Yorkshire Pudding and Spotted Dick.
(Jorge Solano, Jennifer De La Cruz, Miles Willis and Me)
We have not seen each other for some time and it was good to catch up. During our after dinner conversation at the cigar bar we were approached by two sets of guests. The first were two I immediately recognized as having sailed with me on the Carnival Liberty in 2006.
They actually were on the trans-Atlantic cruise which will unfortunately be remembered by those who were onboard as the cruise where many guests were sick with the dreaded Norwalk virus or similar like many ships that season.
They were very pleased to see me and I them and when they told me they were celebrating 51 years of marriage it gave me extra pleasure to see them again. They read the blog everyday and hopefully are reading this because I am so sorry but I woke up this morning and I cannot remember their names…………….
I am sorry but I am sure you will slap on a comment and remind me. Anyway, it was great to chat with them and both Miles and I were so happy to hear how they were having such a great time on the Carnival Imagination. They have a big family group booked on the Carnival Legend in April and I hope they will come and see me on the Carnival Splendor soon.
After the guests had left I could see Miles was felling pretty good about the comments he had just heard about his ship but, of course, it is sod’s law that someone was about to change that.
Now, I have to tell you that since I have been onboard I have heard very little in the way of negative comments but I was about to hear one now. It’s funny that after spending so long on ships I can now tell before a guest says anything if they we are going to have fun or if I should clench my bottom cheeks together and await for the inevitable.
As the man approached I could tell immediately that he would not be singing “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands” any time soon and even though I knew that the pending attack would be aimed at Miles and not me, my buttocks automatically closed together.
This chap was very upset because of …………………..television. The Carnival Imagination has lots of plasma televisions ……….they are behind the bars, in the lounges and along the Promenade and in other guest areas. They show shipboard entertainment, sports programming and news……………last night the Democratic Nominee Debate between Obama and Clinton was being shown and this lady was not happy…………..oh no………….he was Brahms and Listz (rhyming slang.) Apparently he felt that Carnival was pro Democrat (or Republican I cannot remember who is who but anyway he was furious that on his vacation he had to watch two ……… bleep ……………bleep………………bleep………….bleep……………bleep……………….bleep……………bleep……………idiots.
Miles, as always handled the situation in his typical way which is a cross between Dr.Phil and Basil Fawlty asking him first to please refrain from swearing. Miles then went on to explain that the debate was part of CNN’s programming. The guest continued to argue and wanted every TV turned to a different station ……………..Miles apologized but said that we could not do this on every TV but if he wanted to stay here in the Cigar Bar we could change the channel to what he wanted. The guest refused, swore some more and walked away.
The funny thing is that none of the TV’s have the volume up, just subtitles but even so this man had found someone in uniform to express his unhappiness at……………….that’s the rollercoaster ride that is working on a cruise ship.
However, as I mentioned his negativity was definitely unique as I continue to hear nothing but incredible amounts of praise and exuberance for the new Carnival Imagination. One of the areas receiving a large slice of this is “Serenity,” a tranquil retreat at the stern of the ship free of stress, noise, music and oh yes …………….. kids.
While many guests love having the family atmosphere that kids bring to our open decks there have been those who have been asking for a place reserved for adults only……………thus as always we listened and now you have the aptly named Serenity. As mentioned this is located over looking the stern and therefore you have wonderful views of the wake of the ship as you relax in one of the deep and luxurious sun beds.
You also have whirlpools where you have no chance of finding Junior and the gang splashing around. I particularly enjoyed the quite sanctuary this area provides. I asked Miles the Hotel Director about this. He told me had had tried classical, jazz, easy listening and heavy metal music but at the end of the day…………no music seemed to provide the most relaxing ambience……………….and I think he is right.
So, the Carnival Inspiration and now the Carnival Imagination have adults-only areas…………….this for some people will be worth the price of admission on its own.
I decided that this blog would not be written with my usual poor attempt at humour…………..which is a shame because today I thought of some hilarious things to write but they will have to wait…………………..why?
Well, I wanted the emphasis of this blog to be on the ship …………….. nothing else…………….the ship. I have been conscious as the blog grows in popularity that sometimes people reading it for the first time may think the fun is only to be found on the ship I am currently writing from. This is why I was so honoured (spelt correctly) when Carnival asked me to sail here and write about the Evolutions of Fun, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and the Carnival Imagination and her crew.
The Carnival Imagination has always had a special place in my heart and having watched and listened to 2,500 people these last five days I know they feel the same. I know this from the constant sounds of laughter and screams of delight as young and old explore the outrageous Carnival WaterWorks.
The sounds of WOW when people open their cabin door. The sound of…………..peace and relaxation …………..from the Serenity Deck and the sounds of families and friends having the best five or four day vacations of their lives.
The Carnival Imagination was born nearly thirteen years ago …………….. walk onboard…………….and you will find that impossible to believe.
New Spa Relaxation Room on the Imagination
New pedicure chairs on the Imagination
New ladies shower room on the Imagination
New ladies changing room on the Imagination
New couples massage room on the Imagination
New beauty salon on the Imagination
New gym on the Imagination
Sometimes you here companies have spent millions of dollars on this and millions of dollars on that and sometimes its hard to see where the money has gone. Not so here, the millions of dollars Carnival has spent is plain for all to see from the Spa to the Water Works and from the upgraded cabins and corridors to the sushi bar and the adults-only Serenity deck and much much more. Add paradise to the menu in the form of Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk ……………….and you have the best four- or five-day vacation……………………….in the world.
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.
Sorry John, I have to disagree.Marta and I have just been on the best 5 day vacation. We just returned home from our sailing on the Fantasy and were pleasantly surprised on how much the ship had improved from our sailing 9 years ago. The Cruise Director Li’l Tex told everyone on the last evening that despite her age and lack of megaship amenities he hoped the staff had made up for it in the quality of service which they delivered. The quality of food and service was exceptional – something we would expected from Holland America or Princess. The only thing that could have made it more enjoyable would have been a stop at Half Moon Cay, which has always been a favorite of ours….and John, don’t forget Princess Cay. We haven’t been there for awhile but it was also a memorable place. When anchored at HMC – you can see Princess Cay from the top decks of the ship. BTW, I called the cruise director Li’l Tex inspite of his moniker “Big Tex” because… because despite his rather large “size” (which I assume MUST be a Carnival REQUIREMENT for Cruise Directors), he was just too young to pull off being “BIG” Tex…maybe in a few more years. He’s a good one though – hope Carnival keeps him around. Think this trip confirmed that we will see you next Feb on the Bloggers Cruise. Can’t wait to see the grand lady of the Fantasy class all spiffed up with new makeup. Is she undergoing major interior refurbishment as well as hull and water park addition?
John,
OUTSTANDING! Both your word and the photos!
Just an outstanding ship, outstanding upgrades, and outstanding ambience!! Carnival has topped itself with the upgrades!! How does one improve on perfection? Carnival has found the secret!
Carnival has shown that the classic ships still have a lot of life in them! Just give her some tender, loving care, polish her up, and add some changes… Voila — she’s a gem waiting to be discovered and to share her joy!!!
Thank you!!! OUSTANDING!!
Kirsten
OK, John… please tell me that the Imagination is a twin of the Carnival Inspiration. PLEASE!!! I sail on her in just over five weeks and I want the same experience you had, minus the deleted explatives…
Did you have your spa experience? Tell us… how was it? I fear I’d feel like a cattle being readied for… God knows what!!!
Wonderful job!
Thanks so much!
Greg
Ahh yes, the Carnival’s Crystal Palace Hotel and Casino, I remember it well. The show was great, the dancers with the body paint and bouncing eye balls. Brings back great memories. I guess the hotel is still there (seen it along the beach last cruise) but no longer owned by Carnival?
We had taken a taxi over to the hotel for $10 pp and when we went to return it was $20 pp. So a local said to ride the bus back to the port for $1 pp. Now this turned into a real adventure, if you never been on a public bus in Nassau you don’t know what to expect. They would give the drivers in Jamiaca a fun for the money.
One has to ask what was John doing taking photos in the ladies room and locker room.
John -
Several observations on the pictures:
1. You should be using the Men’s shower room, not the Women’s (Heidi, the doghouse is NOT sufficient for this violation).
2. What the heck were you doing in the exercise area and, more importantly, have you recovered yet?
Actually, the answer to #2 for myself is that I have started to work out again. My weight has continued to creep up and I have now been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.
Now, the latter could seem to be negative news, but I am actually very happy. For the last year (every day but the six days spent on the Carnival Liberty and the 14 days spend on the Carnival Freedom, for some reason), I have been sleeping horribly. We now know why and can do something about it.
Now, I never commented on the Formal Nights question, so I had better slap my two cents on here – I personally like the formal nights and hope that they continue.
Jon
We love your reports from other ships. I am looking forward to your cruise (and report) on Princess very much.
The pictures are great! Makes me want to take a cruise on Imagination.
You brought up the subject of politics & I have to tell you that I would not like to be a cruise director on November 4th, election day for the US. It seems like most people here have very very definite opinions on the different politicians & there are bound to be LOTS & LOTS of unhappy people regardless of the election results. I’ll be with you & Heidi on the Splendor transatlantic on election day. If you need any help in case of a mutiny, I’ll be available.
John,
I think I remember posting this on a previous blog, but I don’t know why some people are so concerned with TV when they are on a cruise. Nevertheless, I am sure some people were watching that debate as it is a big part of America’s future. You should have told him that if he did not like it to gi back to his cabin and put on whatever he wanted. My two cents.
_BigMike
John, To jog your memory the couple who were celebrating 51 years of marriage, who were with you on the Liberty 4 times, who met with you at the Cigar Bar — Larry and Jeri Green. It was great fun visiting with you and we will certainly let you know before we sail again with the family on May 18th. (As you suggested) Thanks for being such a great CD and the marvelous blog. Jeri
Formal night should be optional!
What is the age requirement for “adult” only areas as I will not book a cruise on any of the ships that have “common areas” off limits We’ve been on many cruises and my 16 and 14 year old even when they were 10 and 12 showed more common sense and more appropriate than some of the adults.
No, formal night should stay the way it is.
Hello, John and Heidi….I (Debbie) am now hooked on your blog, having met you on the Freedom the week of Jan 19, during your first ever, blogger’s cruise. I was the one who sent you the “John, Swimming with the sharks” picture…(made from your calendar!)…you were in the swimsuit and goggles…with the massive shark about to make you Sushi!
We had sailed on Imagination, 5 Day Eastern(Excellent cruise if you are looking for less Retail and more beautiful beaches) the week before on Jan 13….Then, we got off ship. on Saturday morning, Jan 19, and walked down the pier (in hindesight, a cab would have been a Really good idea)….to the other end of the wonderful, new Carnival Terminal, (in Miami)and hopped on the Freedom for a 7 day cruise to Western Caribbean!(this is a good cruise for those wanting to shop!)
Our first cruise was last Jan 07 and now, we have 3 under our belts and plan to have many, many more…..(Glory, Imagination, Freedom)
Our cruise experiences have been excellent. We are totally impressed with Carnival and plan to bring our 3 of 4 children (13,10 and 9 years old)with us next time(our oldest , who is 19, is heading for training with the RCMP)
May I make a few suggestions?
1)Keep doing the excellent LIVE, morning show on the Big Screen/stateroom TV’s-(Freedom)…totally the best thing I have ever experienced…You, John, have the ability to take 3000 strangers and bring them together….that is a gift….and people know your are authentic…that makes you very special.Michigan!!! Dick Little!
2) Please do something for the Disco Generation….How about a deck disco party mid afternoon? We could have a BeeGees concert (you already have that, but it is only on as we embark and we miss it, pretty much)on the Big Screen…disco dance classes…all sorts of tie-ins with foolish 70′s outfits…..big hair contests……it would be a hoot! People from the Disco era love to dance…Please, we are also in our late 40′s and a disco that opens at 10:30 just doesn’t work for us! I do believe that there was one opportunity at 7pm-ish one night…that is good…it’s just not frequent enough…Many of the cruisers felt the same way we do…so, please do some checking into this….It doen’t have to be dark and very late,to dance!That’s for the 20 year olds! and we can outdance that bunch (if we are awake!)
3) The adults-only hot tub is not enforced and it should not be left to the guests to police this….I watched parents tell their kids that it was ok to be there, after the kids pointed out the Adults Only sign to the parent!…a parent who has this kind of attitude should not be dealt with by a passenger, but by someone with an air of autority on the Carnival staff….I have noticed that this is a frequent complaint in the various blogs…for all cruise lines. For many of us, we appreciate the break from our children (hence-a holiday) We did go to the new tranquility deck on the Imagination…we stumbled upon it…it was not Give more cooking demos in the Supper Club….Hey, I went to the only one held on the Freedom and ended up buying all their cookbooks! It’s a win-win to do this, more frequently….and will certainly bring in more guests to this restaurant–that no one sees, unless they really make an effort to find it……Many people go on cruises for the great food. That means that they will respond well to demos…and ultimately to decfiding to attend the Supper Club….I’m in marketing and if you want people to buy your product, you must show it to them!!!….you must get people in the door…….the demos will do that…it’s a win-win situation…..and your cookbook sales will go up! I am alsousing the cookbooks to show my friends, etc. what a Carnival meal, buffet, menu looks like…a picture is worth a thousand words! So, it’s free advertising, too!!!
7) The website for Carnival is excellent and has improved since last year, when I first began looking at it….Please make sure that the site has frequent updates or you will lose your regulars(me)…especially photos and videos of food/restaurant and menus ) When the menu changes, the site should change, too.
I am disappointed that they removed the hot tub from the Spa on the Imagination…Why would they do that? Also, on the Freedom, the tub was not on when we went to use it…just stagnant water…and none too warm…They said that it isn’t on all the time….because it is on a timer…luck of the draw, to get the bubbles!….I guess…Inconsistancy is not good.
9) One final comment….The staff on all 3 of our cruises were exceptional….simply perfect….That really says something about Carnival…You must have a great training program.
10) Ok, one more! We are very interested in sailing again…as mentioned, earlier…but, now that we have experienced the gifted-ness of CD John, we would like to book when you are on board….How will we know, say a year in advance, what ship and dates you will be sailing as CD? We will be sailing with the children in Jan or Feb 2010.
Thank You, John, for making our cruise vacation absolutely, totally 100%. Carnival needs to give you a raise…who do I write to?!
Peter and Debbie Korotkov
Eastern (burr-r-r) Canada
Good morning, we would like to get in touch with Ms. Debbie Korotkov, to submit an interview request for our program, Second Regard, on CBC French TV (Radio-Canada Télévision).
Thank you !
Claude Labbe
Journalist researcher
Radio-Canada (télévision)
418-656-8598 (office)
hi there! I am replying to your email (above) please email me at my hotmail address…I am sorry that I haven’t replied sooner…just noticed this!! deb
The Serenity area looks wonderful! I can’t wait to experience it for myself.
Pat
Hi John/Heidi:
Great pics of the rooms and spa today onboard the Imagination. Very pretty.
Big article in today’s USA Today discussing the adults-only area trend aboard cruise ships right now.
Thank you for another wonderful blog today.
David
My wife, Diane, and I were on your bloggers cruise Jan 19. This was the best of the 9 cruises we have ever taken. We laughed for 7 days.
We are ready to book our next cruise and would like to know if you have a schedule of which ship you are going to be on in the next 6-12 months.
Please e-mail me with any info you have.
John,
Thanks for the photos of the new adults only areas as well as some of the other ship upgrades. My wife and I recently sailed on the Fantasy from New Orleans and I’m looking forward to sailing on the Fantasy after she receives similar upgrades this fall.
By the way, we will be taking the kids and enjoying time with them; however, we’ll look forward to some adults only time too…
Hi John,
I come from a slightly angle than your other responses.
My son is one of the fitness team on Carnival Imagination, on his first contract, and as yet he has not sent any photos home of his “workplace”. So it is just marvellous to see the beautiful surrounding where he is located, thanks to your great photos.
As a mum, and being so far away, down here in Australia, it certainly helps seeing the Spa and Gym, and can only hope to have the chance to try them out one of these days.
what are you doing