I new I had messed up big time last night during the Talent Show………….It was while I was talking to one of the performers who had just sang “Love Me Tender” to his wife and then presented her with a dozen roses…………I was in the middle of praising him when I realized……………..I had nothing for Heidi. ……………….I was a dead man. It was 11:00pm and the only thing open were the bars so unless I was going to wake up tomorrow and say Hello Heidi, I Love You, Happy Valentines Day and present her with a can of Fanta, I would have to think of something………………and quick.
I spent the next 30 minutes performing the bed time story and I must admit even with the hectic goings on that usually happens during this event, my mind was focused on just one thing……………………..tomorrow morning, the look of disappointment, the sadness and, later the chance to let me know that I forgot this special day and that will be me………….back with the Spaniels again.
As we lay in bed last night, my mind was all a fluster. We were both reading as we always do before we go to sleep………..unless of course the Magic Stick dictates 4 minutes of exercise. I was pretending to read my current book which is a novel by my favorite author Chris Ryan, and even though the hero was about to be blown up by a load of C4 explosives that were tied to his……umm….meat and two veg, I had no time for him…………….I had to come up with a plan. Meanwhile, Heidi was reading some magazine and occasionally made some comment about Victoria Beckham and her new hairstyle…………….I pretend to care but really she could have done a Britney and gone bald……….I didn’t care…………I was deep in the stuff usually seen attached to a fan and unless I thought of a cunning plan, the morning was inevitably going to bring together my bottom and her foot.
Heidi spent the next 5 minutes passing on important news from Hello magazine which usually would have had me drifting off to the land of nod……….but not today.
It was as she was telling me that Angelina Jolie was about to adopt the whole of Africa that I had a brain wave………..I told Heidi that I had forgotten to send an important e mail but she was more interested in looking at photos of some rap star’s house complete with a bed the size of Rhode Island…… I walked to the computer………..sat down………..and the begging began.
I rejoined Heidi who had stopped reading and was already buried beneath the covers blissfully unaware that I was living on Panic Street……………………..would my plan work?
I will tell you later.
But first.
Our Eastern itinerary concludes with two days at sea. I really like this aspect because it gives me time to schedule loads of activities, matinee comedy shows and of course allows the guests to relax a little after their three straight days in port. It’s a little hard to predict at this stage having been away for so long but I truly think that everyone has had a great time. The only challenge has been the number of large groups on board. They have pretty much done their own thing with daily meetings and evening gatherings and I hope that they have found time to enjoy the entertainment we offer. With so many large groups comes the other challenge in that they have blocked many of our lounges, which has at times resulted in some activities being canceled or diminished. One such event has been Karaoke, which we have had to run on a reduced schedule. Group business is so important to us, however, it certainly puts a strain on what we can do when so many lounges are blocked for their meetings.
Having no lounge for karaoke has meant that I have used it more on Lido Deck projecting the singer and the words on to the Seaside Theatre Big Screen…………………..this has worked really well and guests seem to enjoy it immensely.
Here are today’s random photos.
Dancer Gabrielle preparing to go on stage
Good luck to the new addition to the cast
The DJ Shanon
The bartender in the 70′s dance club
The hardworking staff picking up the guest luggage in the corridors
Here then are some more of your questions answered. Again, due to having so many, I am just going to answer those that have specific………….well………you know.
Here we go.
Oh, just before I start I want to say a big hello to one of the people who have joined us on the blog in recent days. Her name is Francine and she used to be a Chief Purser with us for many years before returning to her native Canada. She was and still is a great friend and always checked my spelling in the Capers………….she is now doing the same for the blog. Welcome Francine.
Just before I start, I have my usual bottle of water here …………Evian…………..spelt backwards…………..is Naïve…………..mmmm, is that a hidden message?
PEANUTS……………..The lady you remember from the Miracle was called Dorothy. She is the “self proclaimed” ship’s mother and is a frequent cruiser. She befriends all the crew and is possibly one of the most unique ladies I have ever met. I am sure one day some of you will have the pleasure of sailing with her. Hope that answers your question Joan and hope you enjoy today’s blog.
MYRA BUSHNELL……………Ah yes, I did say that we had three groups on board, the Isuzu and Polka groups and you are right I forgot the third. They are a group of people who love the organ…………..yes……………the organ. We have 170 people who listen and play this instrument and they have been enjoying concerts by world class players. We brought on 5 huge organs worth thousands of dollars and although I have not had time to listen to any of the concerts, the one we did for all guests to attend proved very popular. Thanks for all the kind words for Alan and as always your posting was a great read. All the best from us both.
MELODY……………I see that you have big plans for the second Bloggers cruise and yes, I will be there to attend your pajama party although sometimes I put them on the wrong way and the flap ends up on the front instead of the back……….oops. It sounds like you are all excited and I look forward to welcoming the Cruisemates friends and everyone aboard for what will be a great cruise vacation.
MARGIENJI……………I have good news. You asked if I will be on board for your March 15th cruise and the answer is indeed yes. It will be my last one before I board the Emerald Princess to explore all she has to offer. I promise you and your family will have a great time and please leave me a note at the Information Desk when you arrive so I can give you a call. I am glad you are enjoying my thingy and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. See you soon.
CYNTHIA IN BAMA……………Go Bama Go………….I remember that from a movie called Crimson Tide. Anyway, you asked about making PA announcements inside the cabin as they are sometimes difficult to hear in the corridors. For every one person who requests this we have a dozen more who, if we do indeed make announcements inside the cabin, will be very vocal in their comments. However, you are indeed correct when you say that we need to utilize the TV’s more and have a dedicated channel for the Capers. Also, if there was a way the announcements could be displayed on the TV, like close captioning, then this also would be brilliant. I will discuss these ideas with everyone in the office and thank you so much for the pointers. Please keep reading the blog thingy and all the best.
MIKE L…………..You seemed surprised that we did not have any negative comments following the little hiccup with the computer that resulted in the General Emergency Alarm being sounded………………and I have to say nobody is more amazed than me. I expected to be a human pinjada, pinyada, pinyardha………..you know the things kids hit with sticks and presents fall out……….but miracles do happen because we got none…………………amazing. You are right, it could have been much worse and I may have needed Big Mike to protect me. Cheers.
CRUISIN GRANDMA………..I can’t call you grandma now I know how young you are. I pictured you in a rocking chair crutchating and drinking lemonade when all the time you are a young grandma sitting in a chair listening to Pee Daddy and drinking tequila. You asked how you slap on a photo of you and send it to me………..well………….let me ask Stephanie………………..STEPHANIE…HELP.
I look forward to seeing the photos soon. Have another tequila and see you soon.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO…………I did indeed get the pins, Paul, and I shall treasure them always. You asked about the Carnival Splendor. Well, the delivery date or the date when we take the keys is scheduled around the 27th of June. Then around July 1st we will sail from Genoa to Dover in the U.K. We then have a three-day cruise to Amsterdam followed by our European season. Following the TransAtlantic crossing we will end up in Fort Lauderdale for some Caribbean cruising and then it will be the long and exciting voyage to California. I do hope that on one of those cruises our paths will finally cross. Until then, Heidi and I continue to send our best wishes to you.
THE PLAZ………………Indeed Michael we are all very excited about Circle C and I will be happy to give you some more details. Circle C will be the newly formed entertainment club for kids aged 12-14…………..actually I guess I should call them young people or teens rather than kids. This will be a separate program from Camp Carnival with dedicated staff members and a newly designed program with some brilliant new fun. Dependent on the class of vessel, these areas will be held in areas previously used as juice bars, card rooms and other lounges and you will see this program launched fleetwide in the very near future. I am going to be talking more about this soon with some of the folks in charge and we will take photos of some of the areas in question. Thanks for asking and thanks, as always, Michael for taking the time to read the blog thingy.
KRISTEN L……………..I wanted to say thanks for the great review of the Ecstasy and especially Captain Scala who is indeed one of a kind. I will make sure, as you mentioned Kirk, pass on how much you enjoyed him to Roger and Chris in the office. Welcome back and it’s great to hear that you had such a wonderful time.
LOIS DANCEAPOLKASKIWITHJOHNSKI……………….You asked if we are related……………well……….we are now. It was great to meet you and I look forward very much to our next adventure together.
SHELLY P………………Hello Shelly. Your question about Key West and the new alleged Customs and Border Protection Laws are news to me. I have asked someone in our PR department for clarification and certainly it is news to me. I can tell you that Carnival Corporation will not want to lose Key West as a port of call as it is so very popular. However, please allow me some time to investigate this and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Until then please keep reading the blog and my best regards to you.
RUTH JAMISON………….I am sorry that your previous comments have been lost in blogspace and sorry to also to hear about your loss of power although the way you described the resulting efforts with the grandkids sounded quite lovely………especially the muffin! Anyway, you asked about the shore excursions for the Carnival Splendor in the Baltic…………I was wondering when someone would ask that. Well, on April 4th I will be flying to Europe to view all the tours we will offer and, during this, I will be sending daily blogs and photos so you can all see for yourself what to do. I do know that there will be some amazing things to see and, as always, our tours will be the best and safest way to see them. So, I will be honoured to be your guide and look forward to sharing these experiences with you all. Best regards, Ruth, to you and the family.
EVA……………..Loved the edit………..cheers.
LUCKY COP………….Another apology to someone who has not had their questions answered so let me get to it. Firstly, congratulations on your forthcoming marriage which will take place in St.Thomas during your Carnival Freedom cruise in April.
You asked about having your hair done in the salon and what the earliest appointment is. Well, that’s up to you. Please tell me via my thingy what time you would like your hair done and I will make the appointment for you…..it is that simple. I see you asked for 7:30am and if that’s what you want just let me know. I am sure this will be a very special day for you and if there is anything else I can do to make it so, please let me know.
NANETTE…………..I got the names, Nani, and I will arrange the passes for you. See you soon.
STEVE…………Before I answer your question about what to do in Naples, may I officially welcome you from RCI to your newfound love of everything Carnival. I read your posting with a big smile similar to the final scene from Star Wars where Luke Skywalker is reunited with his Dad……….Darph Vader………….I’m Luke by the way just in case you wondered.
Anyway, back to Naples and what to do. Well, having done Pompeii, Capri and Vesuvius, I think it is time you tried Amalfi. It is one of those towns that dreams are made of as the multi-coloured houses cascade down the hillside. The shopping is wonderful and the food is incredible. Maybe you should add Sorrento to this as well…………they are both what Italy is all about. If you want something more challenging, you can take part in our new Garbage Collection Tour. This involves wandering around the suburbs of Naples and collecting the rubbish that has piled up during the rubbish collectors strike which has now been going many months.
So, the choice is yours…………..a visit to the romance of Amalfi or picking up 6 months worth of rotten pasta.
Regardless, it is great to have you with us and welcome home………………….use the force…………..not the climbing wall.
My goodness, I just saw the time and there is no way that this blog is going to get posted on Friday………….bugger. I am so sorry and will make sure I post more over the weekend including answering more questions.
I have noted that, for the most part, the feeling is that you are happy that I should not be the Cruise Director for the Bloggers cruise. Well, I have noted this and I promise I will not be. However, I do have a cunning plan to make this cruise even more special and which will allow me to spend every minute of the day with you…………….my friends.
So, what happened on Thursday morning? Ok, let me tell you.
I had set the alarm for 7:30am telling Heidi that I needed to get up early to complete some paper work. Well, when the alarm went off I was once again in the land of dreams without a care in the world. I was dreaming of George Hamilton and for some reason Chris Tucker the comedian………….I had watched a bit of Rush Hour 3 today so that’s why I guess…………anyway, they were having screwdrivers when for some reason they were arrested and had to complete community service painting our house in the UK……………….I think I need help analyzing these dreams you know………..why can’t I dream about Jessica Simpson?
Anyway, I left George and Chris slapping on the first coat of paint and, trying desperately not to wake sleeping beauty, I got dressed and went into the living room. I sat quietly by the computer reading the news on the BBC website and hoped that my friends would come through for me. Then, at 8:05am there was a knock on the door………………I answered and there was my friend Ken the maitre D and one of his assistants………………they had done it!
I quietly thanked them avoiding a right hook from Ken when I tried to tip him.
Once they left I added something to the delivery and went back into the bedroom. Usually I wake Heidi up in the most annoying way I can. This involves splashing cold water on her, dropping one of my discarded socks from the night before on her head or, if I really am feeling brave, she gets upgraded from sock class to underpants class and the smell of a sugar free jelly bean explosion, but this morning, however, it was slightly more pleasant.
I awoke with a gentle kiss on the cheek and then another. She half opened her eyes and was about to brace herself for incoming water, socks or a pair of boxer shorts when she saw her Valentine’s Day surprise.
On the tray was her favorite breakfast of croissants, and a Swiss cheese omelet. The smell of fresh coffee filled the bedroom and there on the tray sat a homemade card that I made on the computer the night before.
Now, breakfast in bed may not seem much to some but considering that we never have time to eat breakfast normally on board this was a very a special treat and I was Heidi’s superhero. Of course I took full advantage of the situation and instead of eating a bowl of Shredded Wheat, I had ordered eggs and bacon for myself……………and we sat in bed eating breakfast and for about 30 minutes all was wonderful. Then the phone rang, then it rang again and then someone knocked on the door and then I farted………..everything was back to normal.
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.
Hi CruisinGrandma,
If you want to send a picture to John please email it to me at socialnetworking@carnival.com.
Feel free to email me any additional questions
Stephanie
I hope Heidi can’t read, otherwise you are a dead man. You are in fact a hero, you saved the day. Miss Southern Dreams got a dozen long stem red roses and some chocolates, she was impressed.
John, Your so lucky that Ken came to your rescue. If Ken didn’t save the morning Heidi’s planned trip to the stick may have been aimed at you instead.
BIG ED
Hi John,
Here are links to lots of pics from my recent voyage on Carnival Pride.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/pride_08/pride_map.htm
Even saw some whales and these weren’t in the buffet line.
I’m not sure if the Rotisserie on Carnival Splendor is going to be like the Rotisserie on Carnival Pride, but it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. They did offer ribs one day and tasty fried chicken once or twice. One day they even offered what I thought was exceptional fish and chips! Of course they served your personal favorite – baked beans!
Here are some of the menus from the Pride Rotisserie:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/pride_08/ship/shp_1/IMG_0578.JPG
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/pride_08/ship/shp_3/IMG_0859.JPG
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/pride_08/ship/shp_4/IMG_1033.JPG
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/pride_08/ship/misc/IMG_2626.JPG
Good Afternoon John and Heidi,
Thank you. Dorothy was such a sweet woman and so much fun. Jack and I would watch for her every time we were out and about.
Slick save for Valentines Day. You deserve an “ATTA BOY”. You have yourself a very special lady and you’re pretty special too!
PLEASE REPLY:
With the new renovations to the Fantasy Class ship will there be a Supper Club on them now?? Hope so.
You have a great weekend, take care
Joan
Good Afternoon again John,
The picture of the bartender in the 70′s Club is exactly what we missed with the Lido deck bartenders. When we were on the Miracle in 04 the Lobby bartender was a young woman by the name of Claudia. What a great bartender! She would have people stacked up two deep at the bar and everyone was laughing and having a great time. She knew you by name by the second time she waited on you. Her wait staff was Mario and Dejon. They were wonderful too. Matter of fact Dejon was on the Freedom when we were. He’s one of the bartenders for the Show Lounge. Exceptional crew!.
Take care and keep smiling (it makes people wonder what you are up to)
Joan
Sounds like you wont be on the March 22 cruise then ? Waaaaaa !
So glad Heidi enjoyed her Valentine surprise.
John, I have a question, does your dog house have flotation devices on it, I sure would hate to find that it got pushed over board and sank……… giggle
Now I told you that Don and I were going to have a cook out while we were in Daytona,and then show the DVD’s of our favorite CD . You were the main feature….
In a campground, quiet time begins at 10PM. We were so lucky that we got to show both of the DVD’s before the quiet time, and twice as lucky that we didn’t have a camper parked next to us.
Our RV shook with laughter and they had to be able to hear us roaring all the way up to the campground office. You were, which goes without saying, the hit of the cookout.
All of our friends have cruised with Carnival, but none with you as CD. I think we have converted some of them and when EL CHEAPO friend decides that he will spend the money they may join us on the blogger’s cruise.
Now a lot of our other friends have found out we showed the DVD’s while in Daytona and are wanting equal time. . So we have been requested to host a Carnival Cruise party with you as the mail feature. Of course it goes without saying, you and Heidi have special invitations.
Will Ken be the maitre D on the fantasy cruise?
Carolyn and Don
John, from this woman’s point of view, that last minute brain-storm of yours was just great. Better than flowers that will wilt, better than chocolate that puts on pounds; your gift showed caring and love. Heidi is, indeed, lucky to have you; and you are very lucky to have her.
Hugs,
Diane from Texas
John,
You are a lucky man indeed! As a newly single person….I had the great privilege of surprising myself with a Valentine! I was completely surprised and taken aback as I opened my brand new Blackberry! It was just what I wanted! It didn’t top my wonderful Christmas gift…..a new car! Wow! This single thing is working quite well for me!
Yes, we have some remarkable things planned for the bloggers cruise! I am so excited to be able to meet so many of the people I “chat” with at one time. Then I get to introduce them to the friends and complete strangers I’ve drafted onboard! I went to a restaurant the other night to pick up dinner for a sick friend. It was happy hour and the chocolate martinis were calling my name, so I sat at the bar bending my elbow, while I waited for my order. There were a few people at the bar and we began to chat. I think at least two of them went home to check out the message boards at cruisemates.com! I’m sure this will be a blast! I do want to know if you can arrange some time for kite flying onboard. If you can, I have the perfect kite picked out on a website! Also, since we are assured a visit from Sir John….maybe you can get a few local musicians onboard. There is a great Elvis impersonator in Ponchatoula, LA named Brandon Bennett….and my high school friend from New Orleans (or his brothers) would be a good addition! I’m talking about Aaron Neville. So get to work and make my dreams come true! Also, I need to be seated with Kuki (his southern nickname is Kooter!) for dinner at least one night! Plus I need a photo of me sitting on the Captain’s lap! Those are my assignments from my Cruisemates friends! As you can tell, we are a lively group! So get your best Chippendales dance routine together so you can perform for the ladies at the slumber party!
We can’t wait! I can be found on the Chit Chat board at Cruisemates.com….specifically under the Cruisin Club thread! I invite all of John’s posters to stop by for a chat!
Melody
John, what a great way to start Valentines day. You could have had Ken sing for Heidi. He sings so beatutiful. Really enjoyed him on our cruise.
Jennifer and Danny
Very nice canine abode avoidance …..30 minutes of breakfast in bed bliss….…much better than a can of Fanta.
Roses are a nice touch but don’t last long enough to justify the outrageous amounts that florists charge for them this time of year.
Hubby Hank gave me a cold for Valentine’s day….LOL…. achoo!
You can be quite cheeky — you little devil! (grin) You did a good job planning that breakfast. Last minute or not, it’s really the thought that counts!
Ah, John! How quick your mind is when faced with imminent doom! Wonderful recovery, my friend! Just one question… does Heidi read the blog and is she now aware of how you managed to recover from your faux pas??? None the none all is well and you’ve avoided the kennel, at least for the moment.
Not to dredge up bad memories but how did Mr. Keg o’Bud and his wife manage? I said a prayer for them but I fear that it wasn’t sufficient.
Just a few hours ago, as I wandered through the grocery store picking up all sorts of wonderful things for dinner, I saw a woman and her daughter. The young girl couldn’t have been more than ten or twelve. She had no hair and wore one of those little surgical type masks for folks with compromised immune systems… tell tale signs of serious brush with cancer. My heart went out to her and I said a quick prayer that she may be well some day soon. I thought how fortunate I am, healthy, happy and able to sail several times a year. I also thought how wonderful it is of all the folks who participate in the On Deck for the Cure campaign to take time from their vacation to do something to assist those who need our help. My thanks go out to Carnival and all of those who take part. God bless you all.
Wonderful pictures, my friend! Thank you for those.
I’m looking forward to the next installment!
All the best to the Lovely Heidi, the Famous Roberto and the Spectacular Stephanie!!
Ciao!!
Greg
John:
I am sure this meant more to Heidi then any diamonds you could give her! When a guy puts thought and love into a gift, it means so much.
I hope you and Heidi had a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
If you plan another bloggers for next year, there is a fantastic comedian that we met on the Carnival Celebration that is great and would be excellent entertainment for the second bloggers cruise. Her name is Kim Harrison and of all the comedians I have seen on the ships, she was by far the funniest! I only say the second one since I can’t make the first one and would love to see her again in it. (I know, I am selfish but really enjoyed her!).
I like the idea of karaoke on the lido deck. I bet you had a great turn out too!
I have been on numerous cruises when groups are on board and it’s more difficult as they do try and take over and make other guest feel left out of “their fun”. I wish there was a way to know when a large group has booked most of the ship so you can opt for a different ship or date. I have found some information through our Cruise Critics!
Speaking of Cruise Critics, it would be great if Carnival would offer a location on each ship for the CC to get together. I have set up meetings on several of our cruises and it can be difficult when there are so many people in an area that you can’t determine who the CC are or not. It has happened on several occasions that we couldn’t connect on board because of the crowds. I know some other cruise lines offer a meet and would love to see Carnival offer it also.
I hope the two of you enjoy your sea days which by the time you read this, you will have a new group joining you!
Susan
John,
Only 4 minutes of work…my you work fast!
Very romantic idea regarding breakfast in bed in such a short span of time..I’m very impressed. I received a dozen roses from Big Ed..it was the best gift ever!
It’s official…I am booked for the next Blogger’s Cruise…I will be rooming with divetrash…so, as I’ve told the evil crew, I will tell you…Be afraid, be very afraid!
Will Roberto and Stephanie be joining us again?
Please tell Heidi and Alan I said Hi.
elaine
John,
You are the most romantic……errrrr….
Awww heck, you are just toooooo cute and I almost felll off my chair laughing as you closed with you farting. Reminded me of home and my Michael.
Nice save with the breakfast.
Sallie
Good man, John…you did indeed save the day (and, I think, your skin). You are a quick thinking guy, and it’s fortunate you have such understanding friends, eh?
For Valentine Day, I got a new watch with hearts and pearls on the band, a huge box of chocolates, a stuffed Mickey Mouse and a Mickey coffee mug. (I love the mouse…I think I may have mentioned this before.) I gave Scott an all over massage (and stuff), his favorite breakfast, a DVD, a book about John Adams (Scott loves history), and a pair of “Grumpy” sleeping boxers (he has ordered the grandchildren to call him Grumpy). And that night we went for dinner…well, I already told you about that. What a great day!!!
I really would like to do the TA from Citivecchia (or whatever) to Ft. Lauderdale on the Splendor (I found availabiliy at a vacation website), but can’t decide if we should spend that much money. The price I saw is not bad, but there’s still air fare to Rome (Scott may have enough air miles to cover that), then a rental car to get from Ft. L. to Orlando. Plus, I’d have to leave my poor pets for weeks. Oh, what to do, what to do????
What’s the weather usually like crossing at that time of year? It IS the middle of hurricane season, right? I hate making decisions. Maybe I’ll win the lottery tonight and that would make it easier to decide.
Oops, Scott just informed me I have 10 minutes to get ready for a movie. Got to go!!!
Cheers,
Myra
Hi John
Your suprise is sweet!{and you and Ken saved you another night out of the doghouse.}
After having several Valentines suprises of flowers or candies, I told the MR I did’t want anything this year because he had allowed me to get a very expensive doll for my collection a few days before. Well I GOT him. I ordered and HAD deliver to him a full fruit basket with a heart shaped box of candy and a valentines balloon.. He had never received a valentines suprise before to my knowledge in the 9 yrs we have been together and we have always shared a card and I usually get him a movie / DVD or something “masculine” He was totally shocked. I loved it. It was good to be on the Giving side.
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
John,
Forgot to ask…please reply. Will the Fantasy just be coming out of dry dock for the Blogger’s Cruise v2.0 or will she have been at sea for a few months/weeks?
Princess Elaine
John,
You couldn’t have done better with many hours, days, or weeks of planning!!! Homemade, heartfelt things are WONDERFUL!!! They are from the heart!!
And you got to spoil yourself too!!! How sneaky of you!
I’ve crusied when large groups have used a lounge and it is frustrating for the passengers – but it sounds like you came up with an answer for Karaoke… maybe a new tradition?! There are so many that enjoy performing… You may have had a mutiny if you had to cancel it!
Ahhh, keep up the great work!!
Regards,
Lambie
Daytona 500 and Valentines Day 2009 Makes BTB Bloggers Cruise Sound Great
I’ve just been looking at a 2009 calendar and noticed some very interesting things. If you do a Back To Back the week following the Bloggers Cruise you will be on the Carnival Fantasy for Valentines Day and the Daytona 500. Plus all the other races of speed week.
What better place to be but on a Carnival “FUNSHIP” for Valentines Day. Boy did I luck out I didn’t even realize that when I booked the BTB. Only thing better would be if John Heald stayed on for the BTB.
The Daytona 500 is on the Sunday the 15th. The last full day of the cruise. I don’t know if the Carnival Fantasy is getting the Big screen TV on the Lido deck during it’s renovation but even so there are plenty of places to have a good race party. If were lucky they will even have all the other Speed Week races on the TVs.
So all you Lovers and Lovers of NASCAR think about doing a BTB. What better way to rest up after the 2009 Bloggers Cruise.
BIG ED
John, I apologize if you have answered this question already, but do you know when Carnival will resume its visits to Costa Maya?
Still enjoying your blogs…you make me laugh out loud!!!
Oh does that story bring back memories….
Picture this….
it is the night before our FIRST anniversary.
It is 11:30pm. We just crawled into bed. It had been a long day and we were tired. I quietly slipped his FIRST anniversary card out of the drawer and laid it on the nightstand, so that I could give it to him when we awoke in the morning.
A few minutes passed and I heard “I will be right back”. He got up….got dressed…and walked out to the car. He then started the car and spent the next hour searching for SOMETHING that was open. This was 16 years ago in a small town….not good odds.
He had completely forgotten. He finally found a drugstore in the next town open until 1am.
Came back home, got back in bed and went to sleep….(with the card safely laid on the nightstand on his side).
Yes, this was a sign of things to come. Let’s just say it would be a waste of time for me to enter the “most romantic story to win a cruise contest”.
OK, I have to admit that my Granddaughter is turning 20 years old in July. I also have Grandsons who are 17, 5 and 4 year old. I don’t sit in a rocking chair and I don’t listen to Pee Diddy either, but I do enjoy the tequila. My favorite drink on Carnival is “A Kiss On The Lips”. I don’t know what is in them but they are great. So please call me Grandma. In October I will be celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary, and as soon as Stephanie tells us how to get those picture on I will send you a picture of myself and my husband.
I love your blog and hope to see you again soon.
CarolAnn
Thanks for answering my question John, and I love reading your blog – it’s the most open Corporate-style blog anywhere. The blog is a great way for you and Carnival to communicate with your loyal guests in a way free of homogenized press statements. In fact, I would be more likely to consider Carnival if I knew more about Camp C then just reading the press statements and looking at smiling pictures of kids taken from press statements. While this type of advertising might be necessary for the public press; people will be glad to hear that Camp C is more than just a sign on the door. When I just see what your provided in the press statements and paragraph on y0ur website it actually seems like you are hiding the fact that you aren’t really changing anything – just adding a new sign on the door. Keep up the good work -Michael
Dear John,
Oh that sounds bad, like a see you later buddy letter. You can’t even believe how excited my kids, okay, me too, got when they saw your response to our first blog posting. You made us feel real special. We really cannot wait to meet you.
I just wanted to let you know how Carnival has helped us as a family. We lost a daughter in Julu of 2003 at the age of 17 in a car accident. My husband suggested that we go away to regroup as a family. He came up with the idea of a cruise. We sailed on the Victory in March of 2004 and have gone every year since. Carnival has helped us to learn to enjoy our time together as a family. We recommend it to everyone. We are now working on getting to Platinum so we can be VIP’s. Your response just proves even more that Carnival is part of our family now. A Big thank you and we can’t wait to meet you and Heidi.
Heidi,
Happy Valentines day hope you had a good one, well a good half hour at least it seems.
John,
So did you receive my package today or did the security team ban it from boarding the ship for the large quantities of explosives well explosive gas that it causes you? Hope I sent enough variety to you should keep you well stocked along with what the bloggers brought you. Glad to ehar your not going to be the CD for 2009 but I am wondering about your cunning plan and how that is going to work, seems that the entire ship is going to be bloggers at this rate and if not i feel bad for those who are on board and have no clue. How is alan and roberto doing we haven’t heard much about or from either of them in so long.
Have a great cruise
Kevin
John -
Gotta admit you saved the day – I dub thee SuperCD, the new superhero whose role is to save humanity from itself through educational means, by demonstrating to all of us that quick thinking, friends and an understanding wife will always result in a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Of course, tomorrow’s blog may bring a different answer.
Now, at the moment, I am in the doghouse, but not because I forgot Valentine’s Day (which, I did by the way). She is s-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o sick of me at the moment because I am going through a change of life – a liberation, in fact.
I was recently diagnosed with a serious, but completely treatable problem. The treatment has been working fine, but in treating one problem, another problem, lifelong issue has been unmasked.
It seems that I probably have a childhood malady resurfacing – you know, the one that some people claim is “over diagnosed”, although it appears to have been under diagnosed in my case. Of course, fifty years ago, the whole idea of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was not even known and – in hindsight, I think it fair to say that the diagnosis was missed in me.
Anyway, I have been a complete – well, let me just say that the word I am avoiding is a euphemism for the exit of your issue with sugar-free jelly beans – the last couple of days because one of my medications has sent me into hyperdrive, but at the same time it has brought more clarity to my thinking and awareness of my behavior than I have ever experienced.
So now, I am off of work for who knows how long (hopefully, not too long because I used up most of my vacation bank last year) until we can get this condition in check. Right now, I have no concept of the passage of time – everything has slowed down and I feel like singing.
In fact, I can describe my week in three lines from different songs.
Wednesday morning was “I didn’t get to sleep at all last night”.
Thursday morning was “I want to Rock and Roll all night and party everyday”.
Friday morning “I can see clearly now, the fog is gone”
OK, for the last line, I took some literary license with Jimmy Clift’s lyrics.
Now, if that is not a roller coaster, I do not know what is.
My best – and I will let you know what artist I choose for the walls of my doghouse. I am thinking of a poker theme in honor of Sarge Charlie
Jon
i agree 100 per cent with susan v posting about cruise critic
Speaking of Cruise Critics, it would be great if Carnival would offer a location on each ship for the CC to get together. I have set up meetings on several of our cruises and it can be difficult when there are so many people in an area that you can’t determine who the CC are or not. It has happened on several occasions that we couldn’t connect on board because of the crowds. I know some other cruise lines offer a meet and would love to see Carnival offer it also.
cruise critic fans have been big supporters of carnival and john heald over the years going back to the days when ann campbell formed cruise critic and now she is a big part of cruise mates with kuki who also have been big supporters and huge fans. Carnival should have a get together like rccl and ncl does on the first sea day during the morning hours with juices and goodies for both cruise critic and cruisemates members.
John suzann wanted something different this year for valentine day she wanted a arragement of tulips, so i got her one with red and white tulips she loved them, they look great, then we went out and had steak and shrimp combo dinner.
See you mate on the march 8 sailing
Hi John/Heidi:
Nice job coming through in the clutch.
Little more romantic than what i did for the wife, but whatever makes them happy.
Great hearing from you.
Thanks again!
David
Hi John,
Just cruised w/ you on 3/8/08.Our 9th. cruise & 3rd. w/ you a the best cruise director.Sorry about your Bell’s Palsy & hope soon you’ll be fine.Your in my prayer’s.Depite the problem you did a FANTASTIC job as always.
The shows were great,so much talent & colors so pretty.
Take care & get well,
Betty