Comments on: The CD Conference Begins….You Gotta Lovett http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/ The official blog of Carnival Cruise Line's Sr. cruise director, John Heald Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:02:46 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Julie Grey http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-30834 Julie Grey Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:42:13 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-30834 Dear John You don't know me but I am fascinated by some of your blogs... I used to be engaged to Paul Santley and was surfing and found out he is working as a 'Cruise Director'. It is 28 years since i last seen Paul and was wondering what he is up to. Is their anyway I can get in touch for a chat.... He is probably happily married with 6 kids now and having a lovely life on the seven sea's.. He was a lovely man and have wonderful of happy memories of him in Whitley Bay on the North East Coast of England in 1980. Take Care Julie Grey Dear John

You don’t know me but I am fascinated by some of your blogs…

I used to be engaged to Paul Santley and was surfing and found out he is working as a ‘Cruise Director’.

It is 28 years since i last seen Paul and was wondering what he is up to. Is their anyway I can get in touch for a chat….

He is probably happily married with 6 kids now and having a lovely life on the seven sea’s..

He was a lovely man and have wonderful of happy memories of him in Whitley Bay on the North East Coast of England in 1980.

Take Care

Julie Grey

]]> By: Linda (Mom of DJ) http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29272 Linda (Mom of DJ) Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:54:06 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29272 John: As stated earlier, Carnival already has an Icon and it is you, Heidi and "The Blog". Where else can "every day" folks talk to the Senior Cruise Director ? And you do more than inform. You entertain. You also build cruising "families". People, who would have not even met under any other circumstances, come together on this blog with this common interest and form lasting friendships. The only thing I would suggest is that the "powers that be" do not allow Carnival to become "cheap". I would rather pay a little more and have the value we are used to. We must protect "value cruising" from becoming the nightmare that we face with the airlines when we fly. If Carnival were ever to become "cheap", it would not longer be the value that it is today! We loved the Adult Serenity area on the Imagination last week. However, signs are needed on the stairs doing down both sides of the area that say Adult Only and on both doors going from the Xanadu Lounge. Folks do not read their Capers that well and need signage that a blind person can read when their vacation brains are engaged. John:

As stated earlier, Carnival already has an Icon and it is you, Heidi and “The Blog”.

Where else can “every day” folks talk to the Senior Cruise Director ? And you do more than inform.

You entertain. You also build cruising “families”. People, who would have not even met under any other circumstances, come together on this blog with this common interest and form lasting friendships.

The only thing I would suggest is that the “powers that be” do not allow Carnival to become “cheap”. I would rather pay a little more and have the value we are used to. We must protect “value cruising” from becoming the nightmare that we face with the airlines when we fly. If Carnival were ever to become “cheap”, it would not longer be the value that it is today!

We loved the Adult Serenity area on the Imagination last week. However, signs are needed on the stairs doing down both sides of the area that say Adult Only and on both doors going from the Xanadu Lounge. Folks do not read their Capers that well and need signage that a blind person can read when their vacation brains are engaged.

]]> By: Jake S. http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29209 Jake S. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:35:02 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29209 Hey , John I knew about 30% of the cruise directors listed , and did Trever mension anything like that he knows me? Hey , John I knew about 30% of the cruise directors listed , and did Trever mension anything like that he knows me?

]]> By: Ray Czenszak http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29179 Ray Czenszak Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:18:42 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29179 Hi John As I have experienced in my years in corporate America. Today, in this world of lap top thingies cell phones and talking to in personal customer service reps from Tim-buck two are the utmost turn off’s for a customer. I can tell you when I talk to someone from Carnival Cruise lines it’s a nice feeling and the choices I have when picking the information on a future cruise is wonderful. I can call, Email, browse the web site, talk to my travel agent, Read your Blog Thingy and that is the best service not to mention the service once the choice is made. Personnel service is something different to everyone but each customer is important. Noticing what makes a customer choose a cruise line like Carnival and personalizing the Experience is Iconic even in some small way and will always keep that guest coming back again and again. I know Jeanne and I will and have. Regards Ray Czenszak Hi John
As I have experienced in my years in corporate America.
Today, in this world of lap top thingies cell phones and talking to in personal customer service reps from Tim-buck two are the utmost turn off’s for a customer.
I can tell you when I talk to someone from Carnival Cruise lines it’s a nice feeling and the choices I have when picking the information on a future cruise is wonderful.
I can call, Email, browse the web site, talk to my travel agent, Read your Blog Thingy and that is the best service not to mention the service once the choice is made.
Personnel service is something different to everyone but each customer is important.
Noticing what makes a customer choose a cruise line like Carnival and personalizing the
Experience is Iconic even in some small way and will always keep that guest coming back again and again. I know Jeanne and I will and have.
Regards
Ray Czenszak

]]> By: M.s. http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29167 M.s. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:25:45 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29167 ******* Peanuts ******** Was that lady called "mama" cuban??? ******* Peanuts ********

Was that lady called “mama” cuban???

]]> By: Capt Bill http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29145 Capt Bill Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:24:23 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29145 Hey John, After reading some of the comments left here, one that really strikes me, is what Kuki had to say about head waiters.... I remember cruising back a number of years ago, ( Back when you where skinny and the largest ship was a Fantisy class, there where head waters always bouncing around to check on everyone, they made sure you had no complaints, you where well taken care of. If there was a problem they took care of it or went to the Maitre'D and it got taken care of. on my last cruise ( 5 years ago) we had a problem and only had the Maitre 'D, and while he helped correct the issue, it could have been handled quicker if there was a Head waiter around. (BTW it was not a problem with a guest or the ship it was what my TA did not do. she never told the cruise line it was my Honeymoon, and I wanted to make my wife's first cruise a memorable one.) I say handled quicker because the Mairte 'D was very busy with a large dinning room. Take care and enjoy the rest of your cruise, Capt Bill Hey John,
After reading some of the comments left here, one that really strikes me, is what Kuki had to say about head waiters…. I remember cruising back a number of years ago, ( Back when you where skinny and the largest ship was a Fantisy class, there where head waters always bouncing around to check on everyone, they made sure you had no complaints, you where well taken care of. If there was a problem they took care of it or went to the Maitre’D and it got taken care of. on my last cruise ( 5 years ago) we had a problem and only had the Maitre ‘D, and while he helped correct the issue, it could have been handled quicker if there was a Head waiter around. (BTW it was not a problem with a guest or the ship it was what my TA did not do. she never told the cruise line it was my Honeymoon, and I wanted to make my wife’s first cruise a memorable one.) I say handled quicker because the Mairte ‘D was very busy with a large dinning room.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your cruise,

Capt Bill

]]> By: Mike http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29125 Mike Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:03:57 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29125 John, My wife and I have been on 27 Cruises, and about to take our 17th cruise on the Triumph this Saturday (both age 48, no kids, married 27 years). As far as an ICON for Carnival....the Funnel is IT!..No need for anything more...... As a frequent cruiser....I would like to offer the following observations and suggestions that we feel there is room for improvement within the Carnival experience: 1.) Casino - Carnival has the "Ocean Players Club", however, the benefits and the definition of what benefits are available to a gambling cruiser is VERY ambiguous.....I know for a fact that many people would become more loyal to a particular cruise line if they were provided with tangible rewards from the OPC that are CLEARLY DEFINED....definition is something that seems very much missing from this program......the OPC program has a lot of room for improvement. 2.) The Frequent Guest Rewards Program - the "Platinum" status is a good start, however, again it seems that many of the benefits associated with the program are "hit and miss". For example, one IMPORTANT benefit to me is the "Guaranteed Dining Time"....however, on our last cruise (Liberty, 10/07), my wife and I had requested 8:00pm seating, which was clearly stated on our cruise document....when we boarded the ship, we found that we were given 8:30pm seating....and were told that there was no room for us at the 8:00pm seating....what is the point in providing a benefit of a guarantee if it can't be provided? This also happened on the Glory....however, we were switched to the correct seating.....but it is annoying to bbe offered a guarantee and find something other than what you requested when boarding.... 3.) I realize Carnival appeals to many types of cruisers, including those with children. A seperate area on the ship for adults to lounge during the day is an excellent idea. I can't wait to see the Serenity area on the Fantasy class ships....consideration for an area such as this on the newer ships would be great! 4.) Speaking of the Fantasy class ships, we love what we are reading about the improvements....in fact, we love the fantasy class ship the best!! Just the right size ship and layout in my opinion! My suggestion here would be to utilize a ship or two of that vintage to do 7 day (or even longer) cruises. many people must travel to take a cruise, and a 3,4 or 5 day cruise is not enough time to make the travel worthwhile....I realize we could do a back to back on these ships, however, we tried that and the hassle of getting off and back on was just not worthwhile.....I vote for Fantasy class 7 day cruises! 5.) Speaking of 7 day cruises.....how about planning longer than 7 day cruises on a regular basis! I remember taking a trip on the Jubilee back in 1999 on an 11 night cruise....it was wonderfull!! 6.) Love the new TV spots....and marketings choice of using the Queen song is perfect to attract the baby boomers!! Just the song alone brings into focus many memories and inspires the message of FUN! Thank you for your Blog John....it is very entertaining and I wish you continued success! Mike & Julie John,

My wife and I have been on 27 Cruises, and about to take our 17th cruise on the Triumph this Saturday (both age 48, no kids, married 27 years).

As far as an ICON for Carnival….the Funnel is IT!..No need for anything more……

As a frequent cruiser….I would like to offer the following observations and suggestions that we feel there is room for improvement within the Carnival experience:

1.) Casino – Carnival has the “Ocean Players Club”, however, the benefits and the definition of what benefits are available to a gambling cruiser is VERY ambiguous…..I know for a fact that many people would become more loyal to a particular cruise line if they were provided with tangible rewards from the OPC that are CLEARLY DEFINED….definition is something that seems very much missing from this program……the OPC program has a lot of room for improvement.

2.) The Frequent Guest Rewards Program – the “Platinum” status is a good start, however, again it seems that many of the benefits associated with the program are “hit and miss”. For example, one IMPORTANT benefit to me is the “Guaranteed Dining Time”….however, on our last cruise (Liberty, 10/07), my wife and I had requested 8:00pm seating, which was clearly stated on our cruise document….when we boarded the ship, we found that we were given 8:30pm seating….and were told that there was no room for us at the 8:00pm seating….what is the point in providing a benefit of a guarantee if it can’t be provided? This also happened on the Glory….however, we were switched to the correct seating…..but it is annoying to bbe offered a guarantee and find something other than what you requested when boarding….

3.) I realize Carnival appeals to many types of cruisers, including those with children. A seperate area on the ship for adults to lounge during the day is an excellent idea. I can’t wait to see the Serenity area on the Fantasy class ships….consideration for an area such as this on the newer ships would be great!

4.) Speaking of the Fantasy class ships, we love what we are reading about the improvements….in fact, we love the fantasy class ship the best!! Just the right size ship and layout in my opinion! My suggestion here would be to utilize a ship or two of that vintage to do 7 day (or even longer) cruises. many people must travel to take a cruise, and a 3,4 or 5 day cruise is not enough time to make the travel worthwhile….I realize we could do a back to back on these ships, however, we tried that and the hassle of getting off and back on was just not worthwhile…..I vote for Fantasy class 7 day cruises!

5.) Speaking of 7 day cruises…..how about planning longer than 7 day cruises on a regular basis! I remember taking a trip on the Jubilee back in 1999 on an 11 night cruise….it was wonderfull!!

6.) Love the new TV spots….and marketings choice of using the Queen song is perfect to attract the baby boomers!! Just the song alone brings into focus many memories and inspires the message of FUN!

Thank you for your Blog John….it is very entertaining and I wish you continued success!

Mike & Julie

]]> By: Susan V http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29124 Susan V Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:49:01 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29124 Being an avid fan of Carnival, the only icon that you need is Carnival it's self. The staff on every ship we have been on are wonderful and the service is some of the best. If there is an improvement that could be made it would be more training for the staff. The only problem we have ever had was communication issues with some staff. There seems to be a language barrier more on some ships than on others. I personally have never had the pleasure of having you as our CD but want you to know, you have some of the best ones! I took my mother on a cruise right after 9/11 (BTW we were on the Destiny with Troy Linton when 9/11 happened) and met Chris Jefferson. He was a wonderful young man and a great social host. I kept in touch with him for a few years but lost touch. We have booked the Valor for 9/7 (our 20th anniversary and our 10th cruise with Carnival - Platinum finally!) and would love to see him again as the CD of our cruise! I hope you don't move him to another ship before then! John, you don't know how much us "Carnival Junkies" enjoy your daily blog and I hope to one day soon we have the honor to actually have you as our CD on a cruise! You have a wonderful wife and are very blessed! Being an avid fan of Carnival, the only icon that you need is Carnival it’s self. The staff on every ship we have been on are wonderful and the service is some of the best. If there is an improvement that could be made it would be more training for the staff. The only problem we have ever had was communication issues with some staff. There seems to be a language barrier more on some ships than on others.

I personally have never had the pleasure of having you as our CD but want you to know, you have some of the best ones! I took my mother on a cruise right after 9/11 (BTW we were on the Destiny with Troy Linton when 9/11 happened) and met Chris Jefferson. He was a wonderful young man and a great social host. I kept in touch with him for a few years but lost touch. We have booked the Valor for 9/7 (our 20th anniversary and our 10th cruise with Carnival – Platinum finally!) and would love to see him again as the CD of our cruise! I hope you don’t move him to another ship before then!

John, you don’t know how much us “Carnival Junkies” enjoy your daily blog and I hope to one day soon we have the honor to actually have you as our CD on a cruise!

You have a wonderful wife and are very blessed!

]]> By: MSQPON - JO MYERLY http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29123 MSQPON - JO MYERLY Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:07:32 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29123 I would like to see a movey shown in the main theater every afternoon. Sometimes when it rains John will take pity on us and show a movie in the show lounge. We always go. Some ports we have been to many times and we don't bother to get off the ship. Show us a movie. Port days can be really boring if you aren't interested in the port. Nothing is open. Show me a movie. We have never gone to the Sea Side movie on the big screen. Usually there aren't any chairs. I hate the chaise lounges. The sound is difficult to hear. Show me a movie indoors on the big screen. Every day if you can. Jo amd Dave Myerly I would like to see a movey shown in the main theater every afternoon. Sometimes when it rains John will take pity on us and show a movie in the show lounge. We always go. Some ports we have been to many times and we don’t bother to get off the ship. Show us a movie. Port days can be really boring if you aren’t interested in the port. Nothing is open. Show me a movie. We have never gone to the Sea Side movie on the big screen. Usually there aren’t any chairs. I hate the chaise lounges. The sound is difficult to hear. Show me a movie indoors on the big screen. Every day if you can.

Jo amd Dave Myerly

]]> By: Sheree http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/02/05/the-cd-conference-beginsyou-gotta-lovett/#comment-29122 Sheree Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:05:44 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=2152#comment-29122 Hi John, It has been a while. My daughter & I were on the Freedom last summer. I am so sick of the freaking snow we keep getting in Wisconsin. Every other day we have snow and it has been very cold. Last week we even had a temperature of 15 BELOW 0. Also last week my mom broke her leg and this morning we had no hot water. But there is good news. My daughter, now that she graduated and is gainfully employed, gave me a mini cruise for my birthday. We are leaving tomorrow for Miami and will be on the Carnival Fascination on Friday. We more than need the get away. It won't quite be like two weeks with you & Heidi in Europe but it will do. Hope the Fascination's cruise director is half as much fun as you. (No one could be as insane as John) I am looking forward to sailing with you again in the near future on the Splendor. Hope all is well with you and Heidi. Sheree Hi John,

It has been a while. My daughter & I were on the Freedom last summer. I am so sick of the freaking snow we keep getting in Wisconsin. Every other day we have snow and it has been very cold. Last week we even had a temperature of 15 BELOW 0. Also last week my mom broke her leg and this morning we had no hot water. But there is good news. My daughter, now that she graduated and is gainfully employed, gave me a mini cruise for my birthday. We are leaving tomorrow for Miami and will be on the Carnival Fascination on Friday. We more than need the get away. It won’t quite be like two weeks with you & Heidi in Europe but it will do. Hope the Fascination’s cruise director is half as much fun as you. (No one could be as insane as John) I am looking forward to sailing with you again in the near future on the Splendor. Hope all is well with you and Heidi. Sheree

]]>