It was around 5 am that the spicy sauce from the previous night’s chicken wings decided to return in a gaseous form and I woke wondering if someone had hidden an AK 47 under the blankets. After discovering that the sounds of automatic gun fire were in fact coming from my bottom, I tried to get back to sleep but it eluded me> I tried counting sheep, narrating the boat drill and even resorted to doing top ten lists………..you know……….cars……ports of call………fantasy women……….fantasy men………….fantasy sheep…………but alas I was wide awake.
I considered waking Heidi to tell her that I couldn’t sleep but that would have been a huge mistake and it would have been safer to be trapped in an elevator with a lion who has eaten nothing for a week than to wake Sleeping Beauty…………………so I laid there…………..alone……………in the darkness…………listening to the occasional sound of gunfire.
Later that morning at 7 am the alarm sounded. Heidi sets the alarm to a different tune on her Eye Pod thingy and this morning she awoke to George Michael singing Wake Me Up Before You Go Go………….I sat there listening to it thinking what a shame it was that nobody told George’s girlfriend to wake up and realize that unless she changed her name to Bob she was never going to make him happy.
Heidi has now become a packing Goddess and although I have fun with her on this blog thingy I know that without her I really could not do what I do and I mean that in so many ways. Anyway, this morning we awoke to a new challenge…………….The Cruise Directors Conference.
We had breakfast at the Intercontinental where we had been staying and to my utter joy I was told they had no All Bran…………what a shame………..I had a bagel and cream cheese and me and my digestive system were therefore in heaven. Then it was time to go downstairs where a bus was going to pick us and all the other CD’s up from various Miami hotels.
Now, I admit…………..I hate buses……………..I never get car, boat, ship, plane or train sick but for some reason I always feel queasy on a bus. I was therefore hoping it would be a new coach with hydraulic air suspension and all the trimmings but my hopes were slashed when it arrived. The bus looked old…………….they had tried to cover up its decay with a lick of paint here and there but none the less ………….it looked like it had just returned from a war zone. Anyway, we boarded and I decided to sit in the middle of the bus and hope for the best ……………… well …………….. it started OK but toward the middle of the journey there were moments I wondered if I would be re decorating the tired old beige seats with a new orange and green colour.
Of course the journey was made easier because of the folks onboard. The problem with working at sea for such a successful company is that some of the people you are friends with are friends you rarely see. This is the case with my fellow Cruise Directors some of which I trained and when it was time for them to leave the breast and go off to the big wide world I would never see them again.
So, it was wonderful to see friends and make new ones. I know many of you have cruised with these ladies and gents and many of you have told me how important they have been in making your cruise so special. I will slap on some photos later this week but here are the folks who are here………….see how many you recognize.
Steve Cassel
Lenny Haliday
Chris Roberts
George ( Hor Hay ) Solano
Todd Wittmer
Mark Price
Chris Jefferson
Wee Jimmy
Risa Barnes
Shawn Bussey
Goose Numan
Big Tex
Matt Ross
Steve Knisley
Tina Noble
Ryan Fitzgerald
Malcolm In The Middle
Brent Mitchell
Stuart Dunn
Jeff Bronson
Trevor Block
These people have been joined by Roger Blum, Chris Prideaux, Kerry Stables and many more folks from our Miami office. Putting all these people in one room will we hope lead to great things and of course means a lot of fun and joking is assured.
This afternoon’s session was chaired by Carnival’s Executive Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez and our Senior Vice President of Air/Sea and Corporate Training Roberta Jacoby. They unveiled some of the new and exciting strategies that will I am sure continue to keep Carnival ahead of this very completive industry. We spoke about many topics but the one I want to share with you and ask for your opinion on is something called ……………………Icons.
Now, obviously I have to keep some secrets but I can tell you that we discussed if having whether an Icon onboard was really important to guests in deciding what cruise line to spend their valuable vacation time with. Let’s clarify the word Icon………….for some ships it a wave machine or a wall with bits of rock sticking out of it. For some ships it’s a bowling alley and for some it’s wild adventure sports. …………….the question therefore is…………….do we at Carnival need our own ……………… Icons?………………….well………………………….do we?
I personally have always felt the crew and the Fun Ship experience have been our Icons, however are we living in the past? ……………..Should we start thinking about such things? Certainly, the addition of the hugely successful Carnival Water Works, Seaside Theatre Big Screens and Mini Golf Courses have become fantastic…………..but do we we need more.
This was the topic of conversation for today and the Cruise Directors who more than most have the pulse of what guests want put forward their ideas. For now, I will have to keep these suggestions quiet as I know that the opposition read this blog thingy on occasions but I can tell you some of the ideas were excellent, some were not ………………. so…………………………what do you think?…………………I really would appreciate your input………………as would the Carnival executives. ………………………….let us know.
Then we spoke about something that I can tell you all about and that is Carnival’s investment in family cruising and in particular the brilliant new kids and teens programming. We used to know this as Camp Carnival but now it has become so much more. Here are the age breakdowns.
2 -4 – Camp Carnival
5 – 8 – Camp Carnival
9 – 11 Camp Carnival
12 – 14 – Circle C
15 – 17 – Club O2
This means we have dedicated areas for all ages. Before, we would have kids aged 12 in with the six year olds and while the younger kids wanted to decorate cookies and play with Barbie and Ken the 12year- olds wanted to watch Transformers and play wee video games where you can behead aliens from the planet Zog.
Now, they are separated and the teens in Circle C and Club O2 will have dedicated areas with cool furniture and a program specifically designed to their needs…………………For Mums and Dads the comfort of knowing the kids are having a safe and fun time is so important and now they can relax in the knowledge that this is certainly so and their kids will be part of the coolest program at sea………..It’s brilliant.
So, it was a very productive afternoon and Roger & Chris I know are very happy with the input the CD’s gave and so to I think were Ruben and Roberta. In the past, the folks in the office forgot to talk to the people at the sharp end……………..us here onboard……………however the new guard seems to have taken this to heart and it really is great to feel part of the future.
Talking of the future I spoke to you yesterday about our New Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services Lynn Torrent and how excited we are to welcome her aboard. I am excited to say that she has granted her first ever interview in her new position to our humble blog thingy………….so…………here she is.
JOHN HEALD’S BLOG – LYNN TORRENT ANSWERS
1. Lynn, we are all excited here at Carnival Cruise Lines as are all the millions of people who have sailed and who will sail with us that you are joining our family. What can you tell us about your experience in the industry we all love.
First, I can tell you that I, too, love the cruise industry. I have been in the industry for approximately 13 years. During that time, I have learned a great deal about how best to help and assist our travel agent partners to grow their businesses. Whether the focus is on how best to sell a cruise, how to develop joint marketing programs, or how we can best support our partners by providing better and more efficient service to them.
2. When you hear the words Carnival Cruise Lines what thoughts immediately come to mind.
Fun, family, friends…great times.
3. In your new position you will have projects coming at you thick and fast. What are your priorities and what challenge are you looking forward to the most.
My priorities will be to immediately visit many of our travel agent partners, along with our sales team. Getting to know partners, and to truly understand their needs, will help us identify opportunities for the future.
4. Carnival has a relationship with Travel Agents that is the envy of all. Do you have a message to our travel agent friends many of whom read this blog thingy?
My message to our travel agent partners is twofold – first, I am honored and thrilled to be part of the Carnival Sales team, who are here to support you. Secondly—I look forward to getting to know you, and to understanding your businesses and how we at Carnival can help you grow them.
5. I see your title also contains the words Guest Services. What will this involve an what in your opinion represent the core values of guest service?
Guest Services includes all of our call centers, our embarkation teams, as well as our CARE teams. Guest service is all about treating people RIGHT. Isn’t that how we all like to be treated? So, what does that mean? Treating people with respect, in a courteous and professional manner. In short, helping our travel agent partners and guests to have the very best experience with us!
6. Our company statement proudly states ” let the fun begin.” What plans do you have to make this happen?
We have a great sales team at Carnival. We will continue to work hard to support our travel agent partners, and we will certainly have fun along the way. This is a “people” business, in a fun and exciting industry. I am really looking forward to begin meeting, and really getting to know, all of our team members and partners and working together to help our travel agent partners grow their businesses. Who wouldn’t find that fun?
7. How does Lynn Torrent like to have fun?
Well, for me, work is truly fun!! I tend to work a lot, because I love what I do. I’m lucky to have found a career that makes me so happy. I also enjoy time with my husband of nearly 22 years, as well as through various forms of exercise, especially pilates. I believe there’s a true mind-body connection, and exercise keeps me focused and ready for whatever the day brings.
8. I am sure you must have cruised with Costa to many exciting ports of call. Looking at our ships which one would you be most excited about seeing for yourself?
Actually, there are several! However, Recife, Brazil comes to mind first. I’ve heard such great things about this destination.
9. Have you ever written a blog and do you read any on a regular basis?
I have never written a blog, but I’ll certainly be reading yours on a regular basis!
10. Finally, and in tradition with this blog, please can you fill in the blanks.
Favorite Movie
Tough question…there are so many! When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorites.
I love to read…The Agony and the Ecstasy has always been a favorite.
Favorite Food
Those who know me well might laugh at this because I eat pretty healthy, but I must say I do love Italian food, especially il formaggio!
Who makes you laugh?
Another tough one…there are many things that make me laugh! My husband, myself, great comedians like Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.
If you could be invisible for 24 hours what would you do?
Get lost in the mountains with my husband…however, a good masseuse would need to be waiting in the hills.
Thank you Lynn. Those were not easy questions to answer at this early stage but it is obvious straight away that we have great things to look forward to together and I know that we all wish her well in her new position…………….cheers Linda and welcome aboard.
Oh, just before I move on I want to tell you about The Queen ……………well……………….not the real Queen but someone who played her in a movie………played her so well in fact that the real Queen Elizabeth invited her to tea at Buckingham Palace. We are of course talking about Dame Helen Mirren who has been chosen to be the Godmother of one of the most eagerly anticipated new ship launches this year ………….P & O’s Ventura. She will be christened in April and in Dame Helen Mirren the ship has a Godmother who will do the ship and her crew proud. Congratulations Dame Helen……………………I hope to be invited to the ceremony and share the experience with you all.
Usually we have our CD conference on land however we are able to come here to the Carnival Victory thanks to a few open cabins and the cooperation of one particular man who has chartered this vessel ……………………..his name is Andy Levine. Before we talk about him I should tell you that Charters are rare things these days.
This is where one company or organization will pay a huge amount of money for the entire ship. They can chose the itinerary, the entertainment and what happens in general onboard…………….it is in fact………….their ship. I remember the days when Charters were commonplace with companies like State Farm, IBM, MTV, Coca Cola etc regularly chartering the ships.
Andy Levine is an incomparable business man and he has put some great charters together. Tell you what, rather than me waffle on about this have a look at what he does on www.sixthman.net.
While I sit here in a deserted cigar bar blogging away my fellow CD’s and all the guests are in the main lounge watching a live performance by Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt. In recent weeks guests have enjoyed performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd and even Motley Crue. I expect Mr.Lovett is “rocking the house”……………meanwhile I am here with just a cold cappuccino and Heidi for company. Heidi by the way is taking the minutes for the conference and is on another lap dance top computer typing away………………….can we have some sympathy please.
Anyway, it will be a very interesting cruise and through the blog I hope to share it all with each and every one of you. It seems that the blogs about our trip on the Carnival Imagination were very popular with thousands of you reading them every day…………..50,000 plus actually in one week.
Seeing all my old friends means of course that some of us who have been around a long time are bound to talk about the “good old days.” I was talking to Lenny Haliday this evening and he reminded me of an old Cruise Director called Kenny Day. The incident I am about to share with you happened in 1985 aboard the Mardi Gras. Kenny was a great guy and his vocal/comedy act was legendary. Anyway, following his introduction Kenny always came on stage singing the same song……………….Take The Ribbons From My Hair……………….oh yes………………I forgot to mention Kenny was bald…………….he had not one hair on his head. This alone had the audience laughing as he stood on the stage, the spotlight focused tight on his shiny head as he sang about wanting someone to remove the ribbons.
Now, the Mardi Gras stage was one of those proper theatrical ones built very high so the audience could see. Well, on this occasion Kenny came out on stage and walked forward, the band played ……………Kenny walked on to the stage…………….waiting for the spotlight to pick him up………….unfortunately the spot light bulb had blown……………Kenny kept walking……………..the stage was dark ………………..he sang Take The Ribbons From My Haiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr and fell of the stage…….landing on the guests four feet below………………….he was now lying half on the floor and half on one of the tables…………….he was covered in beer and other cocktails………………..but like a true professional ………….. he kept on singing.
There are many more of these stories from the old days and I will share as many as I can with you all.
For now though it is time to rest my two fingers and go for dinner and then bed………………….tomorrow should be another productive day.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship, Uma Thurman
John,
As to the “icons:”
Maybe Carnival can expand and add some new features (the waterparks are great… an icerink… maybe larger pools and a rockwall… and maybe even some new amenities that don’t exist yet on ships)… BUT only if it will not affect what we already have.
Other cruise lines are making cutbacks in the food and entertainment. One line that has a rockwall and ice rink has decided to get rid of the midnight buffet and get rid of the poolside reggaie band and other entertainment. As a result, we are less likely to sail on that line – even with all the amenities.
So… everything that Carnival has now is great… the staff, the food, the pool bands and other bands, the entertainment… if Carnival could expand without going overboard and taking away what we love about cruising – then that be even better.
Have fun with all the cruise directors this week.
-Matt
Hi John/Heidi:
I enjoyed reading about the Mardi Gras story with Kenny Day as well as the interview with Lynn Torrent. Obviously this blog continues to grow in popularity since you are the first person she is speaking to.
I can’t believe the list of all these CDs who are participating in the meetings this week. Whow is taking over as CD on their ships as they are gone this week?
I think CCL should leave things the way they are. Why is it necessary to be like all the other companies and have a “hook” to get guests? I think that is silly and takes away from the company focus of “The Fun Ships”. Just my 2 cents.
Hope you’re doing well and looking forward to catching up soon!
David
Hi John,
When chosing a cruise for my family I look first at the itinerary and second the ship. We have cruised on Carnival and the line that offers icons. The kids had a blast with the icons and we did them all but service was greatly lacking so I would not cruise with them again. I think Carnivals icon is the water slide which the kids had an equally great time on. So I do not think you need any other icons. I like the idea of other bloggers of having some sort of classes like celeberty chef or scrapbooking or yoga on deck or something to that effect. I LOVE the idea of the age breakdowns for the kids clubs…The last cruise we were on had 13-17 and I wouldnt let my 13 year old in because it was mostly 16 and 17 year olds that were not on the same maturity level.
Keep up you GREAT service and exciting itineraries and fun. That is why we cruise with you.
Enjoy your cruise.
Kim Parker
John,
You ARE the Carnival Icon! How about a special room dedicated to showing John Heald’s “funniest videos” or some such, and including live blogging from each ship to wherever you are at the time? Otherwise, I like the Serenity thingy.
Cheerio,
Myra
Hola John!!
Today I experienced for the first time the perils of eating while reading your blog.I was eating potato ships(error) and when I got to the part of
so I laid there…………..alone……………in the darkness…………listening to the occasional sound of gunfire. I almost chocked but a potato chip.Im not doing it again, no ,no, no. LOL
Icon????? Nah! you dont need it. Fun ships thats the icon we need. It all depends on what each individual is looking for but I dont need , rock climbing or ice or in line skating.I have told you this before, I want what you deliver, the personal touch, the being available, good service,making your guest feel important not part of a mass, the FUN!! (and I love the big screen)
Muchos huggos my friend!! Say Hi to Heidi ok??
Nanni
John
About the Icon thingy….. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Cheers
Jim
John,
Right now I am wishing the Splendor had a Serenity area on it. When we look for a ship for our next family vacation, it will need to have a Serenity area. I love my grandchildren very much, but there comes a time when I want to escape.
Camp Carnival is wonderful and they do a marvelous job, however, I want to be completely away from the sound of children to enjoy a regular, uninterrupted conversation with my husband or even to just sit beside him and enjoy the solace!
I hope Carnival will consider putting the Serenity areas on all their ships!
Ruth
Hi John, I have a question for you and the powers that be at Carnival. Carnival is very generous with the qualifications for a military discount. As long as you can prove you were honorably discharged from the service you can get the discount. But if you use the discount you can’t use the Sea and Air department to plan your flights. This doesn’t seem fair and I don’t understand the reasonning behind it. Arranging flights to some parts of the world like South America can be difficult especially when you are flying into one city and out of another. If you get a chance please ask about this.
Jo Myerly
John,
I am so glad that they have decided to split the kids up like that, on our first cruise Nicole (then 5) had some what of a hard time because the older children were with her group. And Amanda (then 12) was upset because there were younger kids in her group. Splitting them up like that is great, I know that both of the girls are really looking forward to the 2nd Annual Bloggers cruise.
Of course I have Peanuts (mom) and dad to thank for the cruise, they are the greatest and I have heard so many things about you, I just can’t wait to meet you and all the other bloggers.
ICONS,
Not needed as far as we are concerned. We pick a cruise 1. for the Itinerary, 2. the Ship, 3. Somtimes the other people we expect to be with and above all it is a bonus if it is John and Heidi.
The other things (Icons/Amenities) are nice but you do not need them and we believe the ships are already too large and we liked the smaller ships of the past where 800 to 1200 people sailed to ports and places most larger ships can’t or won’t go.
Jo and Dave
Hi John,
To be quite honest with you, when you first wrote the word “Icon” it brought to mind of what Mickey is to Disney or even the Simpsons to Fox. These days you need an icon so people can associate you with your product. If you mention a mouse with red pants and walks around say “Oh Boy!” only one comes to mind. You scream the phrase “Doh!” only one yellow cartoon character comes to mind. We need an “icon” in order for people to associate something to use, now its honestly not Freddy, and its not the Waterworks, Serenity, or any of the new innovations that are being put on the ships. To be quite honest, we need to be able to associate “FUN” to Carnival. So when a family is at home planning a vacation and they say “What would be a FUN vacation?” everyone says “Carnival.” Now whether we use a character, or a theme on the ship, or something along those lines. In the 80′s there was Kathy Lee and the Carnival song, you heard it you know what it stood for. I like the new commercials, but it just shows everything that is known about Carnival already, if you get my drift. It needs something to catch peoples attention, and also these commercials need to be put in a more prime time spotlight too instead of just the Travel Channel. I’m talking about a spot on Fox during American Idol or ABC during Lost. I know I’m rambling on and on, but I have a lot of ideas of things that can be done.
-Marc
Hello John
Been following the blog and your americanization with football etc. , the Giants & Miami Experience, to answer your question re Icon I consider you and Ken Bynes and Blaze, & Wee Jimmy are the Carnival Icons, so I guess I agree with you your exempliary staff & service become the Icons that bring us back for more…..WE don’t need no stinkin alleys & ledgees to climb…… we need the memories of fun , song & laughter……
Your new New Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services is one beautiful lady, on the outside and I hope she is the same from the inside as well and does Carnival proud.
Tell Heidi hello for us ,enjoy your conference, hard to beleive you are only 4 hours away…
Take care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Carnival ship are just fine the way they are BUT….. please help convince the “powers that be” that many of us adults would like adults only areas (that are enforced). Some of us cruisers like to have an area that they can get away from the kiddies and have some quiet time. Also, please start enforcing your rules. Why have them if they aren’t enforced????
We love Carnival and will continue to sail but would really like to see some of these things happen. Keep up the good work, John! By the way….we really loved Josh, the Asst. CD on the Miracle. I hope he gets a ship of his own some day!!!
Hi John & Heidi,
Hope you’re enjoying the Victory. I’m sorry I haven’t sailed on her (yet).
I agree with the previous comments. What icon could you possibly come up with (besides the Serenity areas and Waterworks) that would be unique and not have others (cruise lines?) saying Carnival was just imitating them? Carnival is all about the fun and good times that its passengers have, not about rocks or ice-skating rinks or bowling alleys. I love watching Carnival commercials on tv because they always leave me with a smile on my face and good memories. Can’t say that about any other cruise line.
So enjoy your time with your fellow CDs and keep us informed.
Hugs always,
Carol
Does Carnival need an Icon? I don’t think so. I don’t take a cruise so I can “do” a certain activity…wait a minute, I do, lay on a chaise, sip an umbrella drink, get waited on by very nice people who remember my name, take a nap, and enjoy the folks in the casino…
An Icon? I think not. As you stated, your employees are your icons!
John,
Again, I’m glad I don’t have smell-o-vision on my computer, but you did make me laugh. As for Icons, please don’t try to copy RCL or NCL. Keep the brand pure.
Carnival Icon? The experience, the ships, the exciting ports, the crew, the fun…… In my opinion you don’t need a bowling alley, wave pool, ice skating rink or rock monolith bolted to the deck to serve as an ICON.
ICON…..A sign, word or graphic symbol whose form suggests its meaning…..
Actually you already have one….a readily identifiable icon that is one of the most photographed elements on all Carnival ships. An icon synonymous to FUN and every nuance of the cruise experience….the Whale Fin Funnel…. Who came up with that ingenious idea of turning the normal boring funnel into a symbol of fun? I think it started with the Tropicale and has been a part of the fun ships ever since.
Hello Mate,
I do not know if an Icon is required but I can tell you having cruised on that big ship with both a rock thingy and water park thingys that they are very popular with children of all ages.
I am not sure if the younglings in Camp Carnival ever have an opportunity to eat with their other campers while the parents are having fun too, but I noticed on one of those ships with er, um…rodent ears a disturbing trend. When they would eat together there was an over abundance of starch, no meat and certainly no vegetables. Now I know that is all many children eat, but having no balance was pretty disappointing. With obesity rising in America at an alarming rate, healthy alternatives are far better than nuggets, mac and cheese and french fries only!
I digressed, so sorry, but it was just a pet peeve. We still cannot wait until the stars align until it is time to cruise with carnival.
Best,
PS: How is your best mate Alan fairing?
Icons… I, much like you, believe that the atmosphere, the FUN SHIP atmosphere, is the icon. I can’t imagine what else Carnival could in that arena. Perhaps adding more giant screen TVs throughout the fleet… adding a second at the aft Lido deck location on the Conquest, Destiny, Triumph and Splendor classes… I know everyone raves about those.
Just a quick point regarding the Camp Carnival/Club 02, etc thingy… I’ve read a number of posts online by folks who were upset with how rigid the staff was about the age ranges. One, in particular, comes to mind… a child who had a very close bond to his slightly older brother and was not allowed to participate in activities with him because he was just a few weeks away from the required age… Certainly, I don’t know the ins and outs of Carnival policy but perhaps a bit of flexibility there might go a long way to smoothing ruffled feathers…
Keep the fun going and I’m looking forward to more slightly insider news from the CD conference!!
Offer my howdies to Heidi, the Famous Roberto and the rest of the blogging staff!!
Cheers!!
Greg
I think icons are a bit of a desperate marketing effort.
While it makes for good conversation to talk about a ship with a climbing wall, skating rink or whatever the latest gimmick is, the fact is that guests do not make good utilization of these facilities and they simply become gimmicks that take up valuable space on the ship.
I have been more impressed with improvements that have a broader, more sustainable appeal. For example, the big screen TV at the pool, the special dining rooms and the affordable balcony rooms.
If Carnival feels the need to play the gimmick game, why not target something that does not involve major rebuilding of the ship; something like a big name entertainment act, a celebrity chef, a theme cruise or an exclusive port of call.
Good Morning John and Heidi,
The Icon Thingy….well I would say it has to be the Carnival Tail Fin/Funnel. It’s unmistakable, you know it’s a Carnival ship when you see that and the Red, White and Blue. Takes your breath away if you’re a “cruise junkie” like me.
PLEASE REPLY:
John, question when we were on the Miracle in 04, there was a woman we saw and spoke with and she went by Mama. I’ll never forget how she was so warm, knowledgable and fun to talk to. Why doesn’t Carnival have someone like that on each ship? Or do they and we’ve never see her. Even her employee pin said “Mama”. Is she still with Carnival?
Tomorrow night the Heat get to visit Detroit. We’ve ordered snow just for them :O hope they enjoy our wonderful Michigan weather…today it’s raining and gray!
Take care, GO PISTONS!
Joan
John,
To Answer your pole question, I think the ships themselves are Icon enough. I think what Carnival has done with the Fantasy class ships is even better. keep it like it is……
Capt Bill
Hi John, I’m glad that both of you even though working, are always having fun. I recognise at least 2 names, but what ever happened to MR Paul Santley, I think that’s how you spell his last name, he was such a talented CD we met him onboard the Fantasy. We shared a couple of cold ones a few nights. If you see him give him a hug for us, he gave us a great cruise to remember and he is the one that keeps us going back to Carnival. Thanks
I have never picked a cruise based on an “icon” as timing, location, value are much more important. But if you need one, consider “Serenity” as there are many adults who think that Carnival is just for kids so they don’t even try it. By the way thanks again for the heads up on the Panama Canal cruise!!!
Dear John,
You are such a tease. I would give my right arm to be on that ship, right now. Not to see you of course… LOL! Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt are two parts of my personal music trinity. I saw that cruise, but I had already committed to the Bloggers Cruise so I couldn’t swing it.
I hope you are having a good time with your fellow CDs. I’m working on those questions and I’m going to hold you to the promise you made me on the Bloggers Cruise (and back in July) about that interview. LOL!
Cheerios (not All Bran) mate,
Laura