I cannot remember the last time I spent so much time sitting down and for the last three days from the hours of 8 am – 7 pm — that is exactly what I have been doing……………..sitting…………sitting and more sitting……………………and that is what I am doing now, sitting, at 6 am writing to all my friends in blog land. I am sorry that I did not slap on a full blog yesterday but we had some internet problems here which as you can see have been resolved. I left Heidi sleeping in the cabin making those strange purring noises occasionaly interupted by a lip smacking sound she does as if she is dreaming of eating a bowl of pasta.
For this blog I have come to the deck 9 area by the pool. I have a cup of monkey tea and as I look around the only other people I can see apart from the wonderful crew preparing for breakfast are two guests and I have a feeling that they have yet to go to bed. One of them just walked past me doing a Charlie Chaplin impression, staggering with legs apart clutching on for dear life to a bottle of beer as though it is made from pure gold. His friend is just behind him and he is walking like one of those creatures in a Zombie movie…………he though has lost his golden bottle and doesn’t look to happy about it.
Although I have not had much chance to see too much this cruise what I have seen has been amazing. This young chap and entrepenuer Andy Levine has produced a charter which has simply the best music variety I have ever seen…………..it’s incredible.
The people who are crusing here are die hard music fans and I congratulate Mr Levine in putting this great product together. He is discussing with our President Gerry and our Executive Vice President Ruben some great plans for 2009 …………..so, if you love live music and want a chance to sail with the stars check out www. sixthman.net……………………….
I am even thinking about putting a second bloggers cruise together for this event if I can. The atmosphere around the ship is incredible. It’s not just the stars that people come to hear…………tonight by the way there is a huge outdoor concert with Emmy Lou Harris and Lyle Lovett……………….but there is also live music everywhere.
This includes all the lounges featuring people like Earl Kluge and up-and-coming bands playing everything from Irish and Folk music to rock and country. It’s a real “crack ” as the Irish would say. It is also a great tribute to live music. These days music is often thought of something that comes out of an Eye Pod or Emm Pee 3 thingy………..this week is a great reminder that music is best heard live. This is something that Andy Levine believes in, the guests who are sailing this week believe in and of course it’s something that Carnival has and always will support as we provide great live music across our fleet.
Charlie Chaplin and Zombie man have left so right now it’s just me, my cup of tea and my lap dancer top computer. You know, sitting here watching the first whispers of daylight appear on the horizon I realise that this is probably the first time ever I have sat on lido deck and watched the sunrise in 20 years ……………… it gives a whole new dimension to the ship. It’s a shame the only people I have to share this emotion with are Charlie and the Zombie who judging by the state they are in won’t remember their cabin number let alone the beautiful Caribbean sunrise.
There are so many occasions that as a cruise director I don’t get to see such as moments like this and maybe rather than sit in my cabin at 6 am writing my daily blog I will instead come out here and enjoy the wonders of the world………………I am feeling very poetic this morning. I have put this down to the fact that I have stopped eating All Bran for breakfast and have changed to something called Shredded Wheat.
For those of you who have never eaten this it tastes like an old sock that has been soaked in yak poo and left to dry in the middle of the Sahara desert. However, it does have one thing going for it and that is it doesn’t take three years to come out again. Shredded Wheat makes an immediate appearance and doesn’t leave you with the feeling that you have just eaten a Lexus ……………..
I just realised that I started this blog writing about the sunrise and using words like emotion………….however I seem to have reverted to kind by discussing my bowel movements……………….sorry.
So, in order to get away from this let’s return to the Cruise Director conference. Yesterday we spent a long but productive day discussing further ways to enhance the guest experience and for me, yesterday I felt we accomplished more than ever before. Much of this is because the ideas were coming thick and fast and the Cruise Directors passion was matched by that of Gerry Cahill and his Executive Staff.
This was really refreshing and we finished the day in pure belief that many of the additions we want to make for you all will infact happen. Let me tell you about them but just to make sure that it remains just between me and you and the Cruise Director of the Thief Of The Seas happens to read it I will list the new things you can look forward to using Invisible Ink …………………..only guests loyal to Carnival Cruise Lines will know the chemical equation which if mixed correctly and poured over a printed copy of this will reveal the secrets.
So, it is my honour to reveal what you can look forward to on a Fun Ship near you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
I am shivering with excitement just thinking about these great ideas …….. especially numbers 1 and 4.
Seriously though there are great things ahead and not just in the entertainment department. Many of you had expressed ideas through the blog and yesterday we discussed many of them. One hot topic was the purchasing, cost and availability of photos. I can tell you that all your ideas, suggestions and comments were discussed today and some instant reactions were made. These include a commitment to enhance digital photo publishing; coming up with a package deal on photo purchases and smaller photos that fit in the scrapbooks ………I understand that the current sizes are too big.
This is just one small example of how not only are we all bringing our ideas to the table but we are also listening to what you say as well. Please therefore keep your comments coming and I promise once these new and exciting ideas are ready to go that you will all be the first to know.
One thing we have to do better at is embarkation day. We suddenly realized that there is little going on the day you all arrive. You come onboard, try and find your cabin, get lost, eat, get lost, try and lose your wife, eat, get lost and wait for the signal for you to put that life jacket on and walk around like Robocop.
The casino is closed, the gift shops are closed, the music is usually restricted to the lido deck and lobby and I am not sure that’s a good impression ……………. most of us agreed. So, there are now plans in progress to change the whole atmosphere onboard and I think you will all appreciate these changes.
So, the day ended and I went down to try and sign on the internet. After 15 minutes of various signs popping up on the screen telling me that the satellite had buggered off on vacation and that therefore the signal was to weak I became really upset…………….I had promised you all a blog but I couldn’t slap it on. For some magical reason my raspberry was working but as the keys were smaller than the mole on Uma Thurman’s bottom (allegedly) I decided not to get too mad in case I turned green and my clothes all fell of ………….I would have become ………….the Incredible Bulk.
As you just saw I used the word allegedly…………………why?………………..well, I was talking to a lawyer yesterday in the cigar bar and we got into the conversation of what you can and cannot say without wondering if someone is going to sue you…….is that how you spell sue by the way?…………………anyway, he added that if you add the word allegedly to any statement you are covered and in the laws eyes nobody can take you to the cleaners……………..allegedly.
So, for example I was to say all Frenchmen smell of stale cheese and added the word allegedly to the statement………..Jean Pierre and his friends could not take me to Le Court and I would not be in La Merde. If this is true then I intend to use this word in every blog…………………..I now have a full security blanket ……………. nothing can stick…………….I am the Teflon CD………………..allegedly.
I thought you may like to see some photos of me surrounded by loads of other Cruise Directors all of which look like they have fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down………….allegedly.
The invasion of the blackberry
John and Wee Jimmy
Cruise Directors Chris Roberts and Big Tex with John
Chris Prideaux and several cruise directors
John and comedian Al Ernst
Heidi and Cruise Director Todd Wittmer
Cruise Directors Bix Tex, Tina Noble and Stuart Dunn
As much as I have been excited about this conference I am even more so about getting back to work. So, tomorrow I will fly from Ocho Rios at 3:30 pm back to Miami, spend two hours waiting for a somewhat flippant Immigration officer to decide if I am allowed into the States, spend another night in a hotel and listen to my wife moan about having to pack and unpack again and then on Saturday morning return home to the Carnival Freedom.
I am about to share something very private with you and when Mrs. Heald finds out I know I will be confined to the doghouse for the remainder of the year. As faithful bloggers may know and for all you newcomers Heidi and I have been trying to make a baby for a few months now but unfortunately the only bump visible will be the one on my forehead when Heidi reads this and gives me the good news with a frying pan.
Anyway, a few weeks ago Heidi informed me that she will be increasing our chances of being with child by her……………………ummm…………peeing on a stick. This magic twig can apparently tell Heidi when her eggs are in a good mood and therefore ready to be cooked. If this stick remains blank it means I get to read my book before going to sleep…………………..however if after Heidi has peed on a twig from Harry Potter’s broom stick and a smiley face appears…………well, that’s me putting my stud hat on.
We have been doing this for four weeks and quite frankly………………..I am exhausted. The smiley face can appear at any time………….morning, noon or night………….hopefully it will be worth it………….we shall see…………………however whoever decided that the signal to perform should be a smiley face must have been a woman…………there is nothing “smiley” about it………………….it should be a face with a look of “bloody hell not again”…………………or the Nike symbol with Michael Jordan leaping in the air holding a sign saying…….. Just do It.
I have to be strong…………….I can do this…………………I am George Hamilton …………….. I can perform on command………….allegedly.
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.
John, you crack me up! I am sure all of your trying will pay off!
Dear John,
Mucho Success with Mr. Happy Face. Or is it Ms. Happy Face? Anyway, good luck.
First, thanks Susan B. for the info. and I can’t wait to go.
John, as a true-blue loyal Carnival-ite, thanks for the ideas you revealed. Especially 1 & 4 – how exciting. But what about the Extra-Medium Terry Robes? I thought they were supposed to be on the Bloggers cruise – what happened? Will we have to put in a request for them before we cruise?
Hope you post something else before I leave for the weekend, but if not, enjoy and I know you’re looking forward to being back on the Freedom (Home). Say hi to Heidi,
Carol
OK – there is a meeting going on in the next room and I am sitting here, looking at my computer, cracking up. They must think I am nuts. But, seriously…John and Heidi, I understand your frustration with the stick thingy and everything else that goes along with it as I have personally been there. This is supposed to be fun you say…well believe me when I say one day you WILL look back at this time and laugh. “Stick” with it.
You are too too much!
Hey, the secret is FROSTED Shredded Min-Wheats! Frosted with lots of sugar to give those little buggers lots of extra energy to swim upstream. Good luck!
I have a vision of John, Jr in second grade . . . entertaining his classmates to the dismay of the teacher.
John I can relate to your situation. I remember the day my better half decided that the sound of little feet was missing from our lives. After the first month failed to produce the desired results she really got down to business, she read the best way to raise the odds was to receive a donation 3 times a day everyday. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy a good snuggle but three times a day makes it a job.
But it worked, we are the proud parents of a 41/2
year old who will be going on his first cruise Feb. 23 on the Triumph and he cannot wait to go and neither can we.
Hi John and mr smikey face !
I have a question about Ken, on the Fredom. Which dining time does he have> I hope it’s 615.
See you March 22 !
John, if the event that you are working on with the yellow stained popsicle sticks happens around the end of October don’t look at me. The alleged rumors I had it in for you on the Bloggers Cruise are all lies. But Edward or Edwardian would be nice middle names.
Heidi, have you had a chance to use the picker upper gripper yet. Don’t show John our alleged special use we had for it.
BIG ED
John,
Wow, ideas 1&4 are spectacular. good luck with your baby endeavors.
_BigMike
john number three was the most exciting to me!!! i danced all around when i read this! can’t wait!
and good luck with the smiley stuff, i think…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hey John Go and perform your husbandry duties, GOOD LUCK WITH A LITTLE JOHN!! Have Fun!
Good luck with the happy face and that sign on there should just look like this $$ cause thats what it will be…Anyway Me and my wife are very excited that you will be back on Freedom we will be on her Mar.1st..Our last cruise director was the best ever (Valor on 5/6/07) and after reading some of your blogs this cruise will compare very well to that one…Carnival is the best cruise line around..And you cruise directors are a very huge part of that,Thank you!!!
Hi John,
Good luck & have fun ordering the baby!!
I had a dream about you last night………….my first dream ever about you. I dreamed that Carnival gave you a red Alfa Romero & when you accepted the keys you were wearing a long blonde wig. Don’t ask where that dream came from because I have no idea. Even though that isn’t the car that you “really” want, you wouldn’t be too disappointed with it, would you?
I love spoon size shredded wheat with bananas. I eat it all the time. The trick is to eat it in a hurry so that it doesn’t get soggy!! Good luck with your smiley sticks!!
Coming soon…
A” John and Heidi Heald Production”…
The Making of A New Cruise Director!
From “conception” to “production” to a new generation !
Opening in 9 months…..or so !!
Kathy and Paul
Keep on smiling!
John;
I wish you all the best with yours and Heidi’s efforts (???) to build a new little cruise director. With Heidi’s good looks and with your sense of humor I’m sure the little one will be a charmer!
I am THRILLED to hear that embarkation is getting a good looking at! While you’re at it would you consider bringing back the Sail Away parties? Unless one brings his/her own party there’s little to mark the occasion.
I disagree about #4 on the list, I find #6 far more interesting.
Keep up the great work and don’t forget the sail aways!
All my best to Heidi, Roberto, Stephanie and your mate, our friend, Alan.
Greg
John, Rock the Boat!
Hey John: YEAH, a 3rd bloggers cruise in 2009 would be great, from Florida this time! Did you know Angelina Jolie is PG with twins? Invitro did it for her! If peeing on the stick doesn’t work, think invitro! I loved the 7 NEW ideas Carnival came up with, #4 was my favorite, I love BUY one Get one Free! So does that mean for all us Platinum members the 2 of us cruise for the price of 1? Fantastic, and #1-FREE pictures onboard is great too! Look forward to that too. Say hi to Wee Jimmy and Todd for me. Tell Todd I am the one that emailed him about the astrology book, and I finally ordered it and it is great! Happy weekend and Happy Baby Making! Linda & Mike
Hey John,
Can’t wait to hear all about the new & exciting things Carnival is cooking up. (Even though they are already the BEST and can’t imagine what they can do or add to make it better)!
Good luck to you & Heidi with the baby making with the stick thingy!
Take Care,
Inez
The directors gang’s really looks good fellas. when can I meet them .. just want to discuss how do I get overboard!
Nice pics though!
Nways keep inovating and me too wud like to hear from you some day. Berns.
John, don’t give up – just enjoy the ride.
Hope all is well with both of you. How is little Ralph? He looked particularly down in the picture, but I know how much he missed you and Heidi.
All your enhancements look terrific. With regard to #7 – I accept. Just name the date and I’ll be onboard. Best decision Mr. Cahill ever made.
Keep up the great work – our best to Alan – and to your lovely, long-suffering wife. You are a lucky man.
Rus Franklin
Good Afternoon John,
Good luck on the stick thingy. Hope you and Heidi have wonderful baby news soon!
Suggestions on embarkation…well we were on another cruise line, sorry
, and they would meet each and every guest with a tray of liquid refreshments. Which was fine as long as you’re not toting carry on’s and other stuff! The thing I noticed was the Lido deck bartenders, instead of smiling happy faces they looked like “oh no another group of them”. They were pleasant but as first impressions, a smile, conversation (small talk) would be a plus. Don’t take this wrong, Carnival’s crew has always been super but the guests are excited, some for the first, some for the 10th or 11thteenth and the crew should try to keep the excitement going! Our next cruise will be our 12th (10th with Carnival) and we’re just as excited when we board the ship now as we were the first time…what an exciting adventure, let’s get the FUN going! Oh how about a small bathrobe?? The one size fits most goes to the floor and I can wrap it around me twice! or maybe just have a half of robe for people my size ;D But seriously whatever you, the CD’s and Carnival decide to add to our cruise experience please don’t take away from other guest areas. Quite frankly I don’t know what else you could do for a better experience. More live music maybe with dancing, expand on your past guest programs. Whatever you do I can hardly wait to hear about it.
You take care,
Joan
PS When is Heidi going to do a blog thingy??
Hi John and Heidi, Many of us have been there with you….and you will laugh about the smiley face one day and wonder why you were soooo tired (especially during the early times when the baby doesn’t sleep through the night and you are soooo tired!!). Command performances are tough sometimes, but the patter of little feet is not to be missed if possible and sometimes Mother Nature needs a bit of help! I am so excited about #6—can you get that on the Freedom by our May 10th sailing?? The other changes sound awesome also …really looking forward to the (R)Evolution of Fun! Gloria
John, here I am with sore bruised kidneys and stomach and you make me laugh until everything hurts like @#@#. I guess laughter is good for what ails you, it sure doesn’t hurt………allegedly. I beg to differ right now though, it makes everything hurt.
Good luck on the baby endeavors, You 2 should make a handsome looking young man or a gorgeous little girl.
Don and Carolyn
Dear John:
You two deserve this so much!! You are going to be great parents. We want to hear good news soon I can imagine the blog telling us the good news.We are all going to be so happy!!
I understand why Heidi doesnt want you saying all this to everybody( Im with her, it puts extra pressure on us that we dont need) but this time I think it is a good idea.Now you have a bunch of bloogers praying for you and we are a strong group.We are very good at the it
Keep doing your part we will be praying.
Love;
Nanni
Hi John/Heidi:
I really enjoyed the blog today.
Its nice that you were able to appreciate the sunrise since you are usually not on deck at that hour. At least you are able to appreciate it while the masses sleep off the Budweiser and “Welcome Aboard” drinks.
I liked the cruise director picture with you guys standing around with your “Crackberries”. Pretty funny.
Good luck getting back over to the Freedom this weekend and look forward to catching up next week.
Take care,
David
Hang in there John,,,
I liked #14,,,the one that said Gerry,,is going to buy you that New Black Aston Martin
just for being the best EVER CD.
for fun when getting onboard,,,,
a ships boat horn battle,,,,
carnival would kick _ss
hugs
tom & jane
John,
I really enjoyed your details about the sunrise on the Caribbean. Last summer on the Freedom, I was so excited about going to Pompei, I actually got up before it was daylight also. Sunrise on the ocean is breathtaking. Unfortunately, most people miss it because they had too much fun the night before.
You were talking about trying to improve the atmosphere on embarkation day. Well, my family is contented with it as it is. We board the ship, head to the Lido to eat, and then the grandkids go to the pool. I guess that is just us!
Ruth
Peamuts
I have an Idea. Since mine has always been to small. John said he would help make it larger but it fell flat. Yours is to big and can’t be sewed up to make it tighter. I think we should just put our’s together. Then just put it on together. What do you think?
BIG ED
John,
While everyone else seemed to like #4 the best, I think #3 is wonderful! Free drinks on the 1st day of the cruise can’t be beat!
Good luck to you and Heidi! I’ll keep you in my prayers!
elaine
I love the pic of you and Wee Jimmy – it looks like you were just told that the two of you had won a four hour special couples session with Fatima the Turk and her Wonder Hose!
John:
What the heck is “monkey tea”?
Please answer!
Sue
I saw an ACTUAL televsion commercial for those things. I fell on the floor when they said… and this is a quote…
“the most technilogically advanced devise you will ever pee on”.
Just to prove them wrong I peed on my laptop
(ok that part isn’t true).
Regards,
Kuki
John:
We wish you and Heidi the best of luck! We have family dealing with the same thing and it’s very hard on them so I understand your situation. Maybe the two of you need to take a cruise! LOL I am sorry, I couldn’t resist. I know there have been a lot of kids conceived on the Carnival cruise ships.
I am happy to hear that you are looking at the photography on the ship. I love the pictures and would buy more, but it can add up very quickly to be more than the bar bill (we are not extremely heavy drinkers).
I like the idea of more on Embarkation day. It is kind of boring, if they would have promotions around the ship to plug different things (casino – have drawings for free play) the gift shop promoting products that are new and offer coupons on a product when the shops open. Have the golf pro promoting the program. I know the spa is operated by a private company but if you offer bonuses to book before sailing, more people would schedule their appointments. These are just a few of the ideas I came up with, but with all of you, I am sure you have a lot more!
Guess they didn’t get you new chairs for the next day. I am sure you will recover!
Personally, I get up early on the ship just to watch the sun rise. We have a balcony for upcoming cruise on the Valor and I plan on catching as many as possible on our trip (7 would be nice!)
I know that you work very long hours but take the time once in a while to enjoy the beauty of a sun rise and maybe catch a sunset with Heidi sometime soon!
Enjoy your day off the ship and relax. I am sure the staff and passengers of the Freedom are excited to have you return.
I hope you post more pics of the CD’s. I can finally put faces with those I haven’t had the pleasure to sail with.
BTW, there are all different flavors of Shredded Wheat. You may want to check them out. I am not sure of the sugar content, but I do know they offer one with Cinnamon.
Thank you for taking the time to keep us up to speed on everything!
Susan
Hi John / Heidi,
You do make me laugh out load….
I have to admit, I love Shredded Wheat – I like the mini wheats with honey – add some fresh fruit and yummmm.
A baby cruise director – what could be better!! It’s a tough job, but I know you and Heidi will be sucessful and make wonderful parents!
Best of luck to you both!!
John -
I am disappointed in #2 – I would think that Carnival could do better than a as a limo for Platinum members. At the very least, consider a , if not a .
As for #4, I am indifferent.
However, I totally agree with #7. As Rus & Nina have already stated, best decision Mr. Cahill could have made.
Now, onto the more important issues. Does the face look like
or 
when Heidi comes a calling? Also, if you having issues meeting the challenge, I get numerous emails everyday advertising cheap assistive drugs – would you like me to forward one or two?
Peace and happiness – and our best to Todd.
Jon & Kathy
Hey , John
Jake her I am loving the pictures of the cruise directers!
I good to see all there smiling faces together!
So hows the Victory?
which i will be sailing on for this years spring break.
Todd looks the same as a few months ago.
Also Roberts does as well.
I bealive Chris Roberts is from England , because assistant cruise director David told me that they are friends.
I am a loyal reader since you stated you blog thingy, an read it every day, even if I don’t leave a reply every day. I am a Princess Cruiser and have tried to book a Carnival twice, ( one being the 2008 blogger cruise) however, somthing always seems to come up.
I think I am a person who has a sense of humor, even if I am not always showing it, after reading todays blog, I cracked up and fell off my chair LOL ( if that is the internet term)
One question I have is how do you keep all of these talented CD’s happy away from their families for such al long time ( they have no Heidi’s). Carnival is truly amazing.
I loved your segment on utube wi Al Ernst, angin I cracked up. Hope to meet you all somday.
Oh John!!! I am sitting here laughing my a– off and Nelson shouted from the next room, YOU MUST BE READING JOHN’S BLOG!! See, he knows….. Well, I hope that simely face turns a bright blue or pink soon!! GOOD LUCK!!
Love ya guys, Paula and Nelson Baker
See you in Europe AGAIN!!! and maybe will get to see a little bambino!!!
John,
I like #7…you know, last but not least. Can’t wait to see it put into effect!
And remember, when you smile the whole world smiles with you.
Bon Chance!
Myra
I don’t know John, this has to be a first. A man complaining about having to do it. (Especially with the beautiful Heidi!). I don’t hear HER complaining.
Seriously though, I hear ya. Went through the infertility fun years ago, wound up adopting.
Good Luck,
Julie
Hi again John, Yes, I agree with Nanette, if all us bloggers pray for you to conceive it will happen in no time. Only sad regret is I THINK when you become parents you will definitely leave Carnival to be a stay at home dad, if that does happen, I HOPE you will keep up your blog from the UK, with pictures etc. of the new little one. I know there have been rumors of your retirement in a year or two and that will probably be due to you two becoming parents. Good luck you two! Linda
Out of the 7 GREAT new ideas I really am looking forward to the 2 for 1 cruises for the Platinum card members.
I see a Discovery show in the making “Cruise Director From Conception To Actuality”, should be a ratings smash.
Thanks for posting the pictures of the Cruise Directors. Is that a new game pull my ear instead of pull my finger?
Keep up the GREAT work John, Heidi, Roberto, Stephanie, and all of the Carnival Crew onboard and ashore.
HI JOHN, SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS BEEN A VERY PRODUCTIVE CONFERENCE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE . KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. CAN NOT REMEMBER THE COUPLE NAME FROM THE BLOGGERS CRUISE THAT WERE MARRIED FOR I THINK 58 YEARS [ THE (YOUNG)MAN WITH THE ARM WHICH WAS BLEEDING ] JUST REMEMBER HIS RESPONES, YES DEAR, YOU ARE RIGHT DEAR, AND I LOVE YOU DEAR. THE END RESULTS OF ALL EFFORTS WILL BE WORTH IT.HOPFULLY THE STAY IN THE DOGHOUSE WILL NOT BE AS LONG AS YOU FEAR. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND HEIDI ON THIS NEW ADVENTURE OF LIFE !!!! (HEIDI BE EASY ON JOHN ABOUT TELLING EVERYONE . HE IS REALLY JUST EXCITED !!!!) BEST WISHES, TONY AND KELLEY VANCE
Hello John!
I am so excited…. A second bloggers cruise event and with stars!!! I am all for it… in fact… I have stars in my eyes! And then you top it off with a list of 7 wonderful additions! And your right… 1 and 4 are fantastic, but like Southern Dreams I was dancing around the kitchen when Carl told me about # 3 and I have to admit # 7 is the best idea Mr. Cahill could have ever come up with.
I do have to ask… has Heidi got you doing the ritual? You know, the one…. Down on one knee… I need you…. I want you…. and tonight, it’s going to be….. ahhaaa haa haa….! That might help that smiley face appear a little faster! 9 out of 10 cruisers agree (alledgedly)!
One more question…. why does Wee Jimmy look so down, did you hide his favorite Teddy Bear? Maybe if you shared your Spotted Dick with him he would cheer up! Tell him Hello from the Bears!
We really enjoyed him last December! He’s our #2 favorite CD.
Good Luck to you and Heidi! We will keep you in our prayers!
Barb
John & Heidi
Best of luck with your Harry Potter magic twig endeavors. Keep plugging away ….err bad use of terms…. anywhoooo…… My parents to nearly to the point of adoption after 13 years of waiting when yours truly made his appearance. Good things come to those with patience………
Nowadays (is that really a word?) they have these fancy shmancy Voldemortish thingys that give you 5, 6, or 7 at a pop……ouch…..
Hi John!
As one of the “newbies” reading your blog, just had to tell you how much I enjoy reading it daily! And can totally understand the issues with some passengers, being in the hospitality industry for all my working years, up till 6 years ago….former pastry chef. Wanted to also comment that last year we cruised on the Conquest and really loved Marc Price! But dont see any pics of him
We still do his little thing “Marc says hi”…funny! This is from a year ago!
Looking forward the the 2nd Bloggers Cruise!
Elaina
Greetings John & Heidi,
My reply is late because as I read your thingy earlier today, at first glance I’m thought hmm…..re-read and thought John’s being funny, typed my first reply and said Heidi won’t find this humorous at all so I hit delete. Then to my surprise, I received an email at work from my better half and John let me now say ‘our very best to you both on plans to begin a family’… it’s cold here in the northeast I did not want to sleep on a couch tonight…humor may work for you…BUT
P.S. We both agreed that number 1 & 4 will propel Carnival to the top in guest satisfaction and we are particularly excited by number six as so many others will too.
P.S.S. John I’d like to recommend given your blog comments today that you replace Shredded Wheat with ‘Wheaties” the breakfast of Champions, this will give you the added energy required to make the stick smile.
Cheers, ray
Congratulations John and Heidi ! Best of luck…this event and new addition will certainly provide you with Sooooo much new material…we cant wait to hear all about parenthood stuff…You are so good with our kids (Catie especially) that we know you will BOTH be a great mum (as you call it)and daddio…now off you go..use the “seas are rough”joke on yourself tonight !!Good night John Boy !!
Mark Amanda Catie from Alabama
Good Luck with the smiley face!!!
Just found your blog, how did I miss this? We’ve been on 6 cruises in the last 3 years, three Carnival. Anyway….
1- Seeing a picture of Wee Jimmy cracked me up. He was with us on our Feb. 2006 Virgin Island Cruise, taking over for our sick cruise director (whose name I can’t remember) and he was the best ever!! Back on the Glory 9 months later and was sad he had moved on.
2- Mention of cruise photos. My husband has always said there should be some way to purchase those from your room like you do shore excursions. Or… put them on some sort of card, like they do at Disney World, and you can order them online when you get home. Just a thought.
I’ve been MIA in my comments, but still faithfully reading your blog, John.
Since in today’s blog you have requested we “keep the comments coming” and I haven’t read a reply from you regarding one I made back in December (I’m not complaining, I just hope you did read it), I’ll repeat it.
We had a very nice weekend cruise on the Paradise the weekend before Christmas (returning on Christmas Eve)…We had high praise for piano bar entertainer (Barry Miller), but great disappointment that we were told that there was a “new policy” that passengers could not use their own karaoke discs in the Karaoke Lounge! There is a thread on CruiseCritic.com about it, and it was unanimous among karaoke enthusiasts that this was a really negative thing. Since karaoke is one of the main shipboard activities that Larry and I enjoy, this had quite a negative impact on our cruise experience.
We did go to the Cruise Director (Mr. Halliday) to ask about it, so we learned the reasoning behind the decision, but are dissatisfied that the solution was anything more than the easiest and most expedient for Carnival without taking into consideration any other possible resolutions that would not spoil the activity for those that participate. A simple one would be to have passengers sign a waiver regarding possible damage to personal disc (covering one reason given), and to allow passengers to use personal discs during Adults Only Karaoke (covering the other reason given).
We truly hope this will be given due consideration. Perhaps you read my post back in December and remembered it, but I’m reiterating it just in case it fell between the cracks!
We are booked on the Spirit for September of this year, from Vancouver to the Hawaiian islands. 5 consecutive sea days. I hope we are able to enjoy karaoke for those days, as we were unable to do on the Paradise.
Terri
P.S. This is no reflection on the Paradise’s karaoke hostess, Misty — she is great, but had to follow policy.
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!! We had some friends that went through the whole infertility thing, testing, peeing, etc, etc. They now have to wonderful little boys. One of whom we are the godparents of. We wish you the best of luck.
Me I think #1 is the best. But #4 is a close second.
The bloggers cruise on the Freedom was our first cruise ever and it was awesome. We are already booked on the Triumph next year for the Eastern Caibbean and then either later that year or the next we will try to get on the Splendor for a European cruise.
We didn’t get to met you personally but our friend Michele did 3 times so that made up for it and hopefully on some other cruise we will get to.
Thanks for this blog it is appreciated that you take the time for it. Good luck with the bambino!
Deanna
Johny, you are too funny. Good luck with the smiley face stick and few extra Thursdays. You can do it!
John & Heidi,
My mother always said relax and enjoy. A good meal a glass of wine and you will be fine. I agree with nanni that we will all pray for you two it sure helped me, and I will start knitting a special blanket.
Will write later.
CarolAnn
Hey! Would Carnival PLEASE explain, more clearly, about these past guest…Platinium levels! Seriously….I did my homework last year preparing to go on the Glory with hubby…our first cruise…I read internet sites, blogs…searched out the islands…had a 149 page, cut ‘n pasted binder…We were totally prepared to board the Glory for our very first cruise! and I can tell you, that I found zero…I repeat, zero direct information about past guest, platinium or anything else that announced to me that if….I chose to be a regular guest…and make Carnival, my cruise ships of choice, I would be rewarded for my loyalty…..This information should be shouted fromt he mountain tops….I should not have find out that there is “something” out there in Carnival cruise land that may interest me in becoming a re-tournee……
So, how about something on the CArnival.com site….It’s a selling oint…a win-win…
My hubby and I were thrilled to find an invitation on our beds, to a past guest get together, for that evening…..Good marketing practise would have me knowing about this , at least, on my first cruise….by way of a flyer in our stateroom, a few days before disembarkation…thanking us for choosing Carnival, and inviting us back…and here are the perks for your loyalty:…etc, etc…This could come as a note, signed by the captain! Why not? He needs to be profiled more…this is a great way, without taking up his valuable time….Anybody else out there in blog land have suggestions?
Missing that great weather…we’re scheduled for 100 cm on snow in the next 3 days!!!!
Deb in Atlantic Canada
John, forget the Shreddies…
go for the Fruitloops!!!!
OMG JOHN!
TALK ABOUT BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS! NO WONDER YOU ARE EXHAUSTED! BUT YOU HAVE TO ADMIT ITS FUN TRYING!
SHREDDED WHEAT IS GOOD STUFF I LIKE IT A LOT BETTER THAN BRAN, BUT RICHARD D HAS TO REMEBER YOU HAVE TO WATCH YOUR SUGAR BEFORE I HAD TO WATCH MY SUGAR I USED TO SNACK ON THE FROSTED SHREDDED WHEATS! BETTER THAN CHIPS… LESS FAT…
rE YOU CONFERENCE, LOVED THE PICTURES. & YOUR LIST… I LIKED NUMBER FOUR ON THE LIST AND WAS LEANING TOWARD # 2 AS WELL.. CAN’T WAIT!
THE NEW ALLEDGED CONVERSATIONS ON THE PICTURES ARE SOUNDING GREAT AS WELL, AND HEIDI PLEASE DON’T KEEP JOHN IN THE DOGHOUSE FOR SHARING THE STICK NEWS” WITH US..
TAKE CARE IN YOUR “MOVING OF SUITCASES”
THE TUCKERS
ELIZABETH & ARNOLD
HI ,,,
# 9 WAS MY FAVORITE,,,,BUT #11 IS GOOD TO,,,
ITS SAYS GERRY WILL BUY JOHN THAT BLACK
ASTON MARTIN,,WHICH HE TRULY NEEDS.
KEEP BLOGGIN,,,,WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM
YOU,,,CANT WAIT TIL # 2 IN NOLA.
CAN YOU USE A POPCICLE STICK FOR A PEE STICK?
WE MISS YOU GUYS
HUGS
TOM AND JANE
Hello John~ while on the cruise i had only one complaint. I am an exercise addict and was greatly disappointed when the fitness center was only open 6- 8 or 10pm…….. you can eat 24 hours, find almost anything to do 24 hours, yet I couldn’t work out 24 hours. Ya, Ya i know there is the track on deck, but I have pretty bad knees so walking in a circle for 5 hours (which is about how long it would take me to burn as many calories on the ellipical for 1 hour) is not my idea of fun. I hope that perhaps someone else has brought this up. I don’t see how it can be a liability because there are many hotels that I have stayed at that have it open and unsupervised. Just my suggestion! Thanks Deanna