It’s 7:05am and I just made my first announcement………….and I sounded like I had a clothes peg on my nose. You will be glad to know that I will not be moaning on and on about my cold today but I will just say that I sound dreadful on the PA system this morning………………if Heidi saw me writing this she would say “wind your neck in” that’s wind not wind which I also have plenty of as well.
Debarkation started at 7:05 am and normally here in Miami I can make the announcements from the pursers’ office which allows me to mince around the Lobby saying goodbye to everyone however considering I look like an extra from the movie Outbreak I thought it best to stay in the cabin.
I managed to sum up the energy to put the Dolly Parton dress on last night. You know, it doesn’t matter about sophisticated comedy, thinking of that one line that will bring the house down…………just stick a big bloke in a dress, give him a false pair of humongous thingies………….and that’s the audience rolling on the floor laughing hysterically……………..I really should consider wearing the damn thing all the time. Maybe I could have a special one made just for formal night.
Talking of formal night or elegant night as we are calling it at the moment I wanted to show you the information that is going into the guest cabins here. This is a trial basis, in fact this is the last week we will place this flyer in the cabins………….anyway……have a read and see for yourself.
dress-code-flyer-07-option-2_layout-1.pdf
Now, as mentioned yesterday the resulting change on formal night has been minimal and even on non-formal nights the number of guests choosing to wear “dress shorts” has been virtually none. Now, this may be a different scenario on the shorter cruises. For example on a three- or four-day cruise guests may take this opportunity however here, I have seen mostly everyone wanting to dress for dinner. Anyway, as always your feedback is appreciated and I look forward to reading it.
We have a big change over of crew today. Did you know that every week approximately 500 crew leave for vacations, vessel transfers and a few for other reasons. That means every week 500 crew joins our fleet. Hiring is a huge challenge and the rotation of crew requires expert planning from ordering airline tickets, hotels, transportation and making sure that when one position leaves that you have someone ready to fill it.
This is one of the industry’s biggest challenges and that’s why Carnival puts so much time and effort into picking the best of the best. One concern we all have at the moment is the weakness of the dollar …… especially to the Euro and Sterling. Before, the dollar was king of the currencies but now for European crew its worth much less. Therefore, hiring European crew is these days much more of a challenge.
However, the crew we do have are fantastic and through our onboard training staff they have the chance to learn so much more than just how to perform their own job. They have computer classes, language classes and of course specialist courses as well. For example, on March 25 we will have a very special group of people onboard…………actually………… a special group of dogs, as well. We will have 29 sight-impaired guests who will all have a Guide Dog……………now………….that’s what we call them in the UK, however I understand that in North America they are called service dogs.
Anyway, taking care of a sight-impaired guest needs special training so last year a friend of ours David who is sight impaired himself sailed with his beautiful Labrador Goldie. He prepared a “do’s and don’ts” presentation which the service staff will all watch before this group sails……….we want to give them the best possible service and this video will allow us to learn the best ways to do this.
Now, if I don’t answer this now I know I will get asked by many of you………………..where do the dogs……….go. Well, we have special areas reserved for this by the embarkation areas to the lifeboats………..it is usually called deck 4 but when the dogs sail we change the name to “The Poop Deck”…………..One good thing……..at least if Heidi puts me in the doghouse I will have plenty of company.
Well, it’s 8:18 am now and we already have 1,208 people off the ship which means we should be finished just before 10 am. This is so much better than those embarrassing days when we would finish at 11:30 am or later.
Heidi is busy doing what she does best…………organizing and I just organized a clean-up operation of the computer screen which has just been cluster bombed by a 1,000 pound snot bomb…………I seem to be sneezing every two minutes now and sometimes I cant get my handkerchief up to my face in time………….that’s probably because I have only one handkerchief and I have been sneezing and blowing into it since yesterday morning. Therefore it’s very heavy and overnight it seems to have become rock hard…..it’s like blowing your nose on Hulk Hogan’s jockstrap.
On that note I had better slap on a few random photos. Now I use the word random as that’s exactly what these photos are……..random. I know once we return to Europe we will structure them more around the tours and sights but for now these odds and ends seem to be popular with you all……………here then are some more.
Adele, one of the social hosts
Ketut and I Made get ready to vacuum the carpet
The bell on the bow of the ship
Let’s hope we never have to use this
As much as my two fingers are protesting I will ignore them and proceed with some Q and A…………..here we go.
GREG BALDASARRI……………It does not matter how many times I type in your name I always automatically spell it with two S’s and not two R’s and then I realize it……….swear…………and go back and change it. I am glad you liked the blog thingy about the Captains and it was good to be able to salute them. The CD schedule will be posted on Monday’s blog as Chris Prideaux is making the last changes to it over the weekend. Thanks for all the kind words and especially the regards you sent to Stephanie and Roberto who work so hard to keep pace with all the thingies I send them. Cheers mate.
JESSICA………..I will………..as requested there will be many more photos coming your way. Thanks Jessica and have a great weekend.
BIG ED………….You are correct of course. I do have a bathtub which on many occasions has magically become a Jacuzzi. I have often wished I had a Bidet but have reigns myself to just doing handstands in the shower. Have you tried that? My best to you, your crew and the very very lovely Mrs. Big Ed.
LINDA – MUM OF DJ…………..I looked at the list of ships that you have sailed on since 1998 and I was not aboard any of them at that time. I never served as CD on the Tropicale – in fact amazingly it’s the one ship in the fleet I have never been aboard …..actually that’s not true………..I have never been on the Carnival Elation either. Anyway, you mentioned Peter Gibbs who was a fantastic Cruise Director. He left us a few years ago and last I heard he was working in Africa raising money for various charities. Lenny Halliday is still with us and just left on vacation. He does a brilliant job and his Tom Jones impression is legendry. So, I guess the only time we have met was recently on the Carnival Imagination …………I hope we get to cruise with each other soon.
JULIE GANTT……………….Thanks for your posting and I have good news and bad news in answer to your questions. The British Cruise Director you referred to as Dave was in fact the one and only Dave Armor who sadly passed away two years ago. He was a great guy a great Cruise Director and more than anything he was a true gentleman…………we all miss him. The Captain you “fell in love with” Antonio Marcetti is now working as Master of the Carnival Spirit. Hope all is well with you Julie and thanks for reading the blog thingy so much.
CARY…………Your wish is my command…………….more photos are on the way.
MRANDMRSMISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISEBUTLOVEDTHESMOKEFREECARNIVALFREEDOMANDLOOKINGFORWARDTOTHE2009BLOGGERSCRUISE……………………I typed all of that and then realized you didn’t even have a question…………….bugger. Oh well, please give your lovely wife my regards and I think indeed as to avoid the early onset of arthritis I will indeed just call you “Jon.”
MIKE L………………”Why,” asks my chief security blog officer “Are all the Captains Italian?” Good question. Well, first of all they certainly are here at Carnival Cruise Lines. However, if you go back a few blogs you will see interviews with two British Captains who command the Queen Mary and Queen Victoria. Some Holland America ships have Dutch Captains and other lines will have a mixture of all the above plus a few Norwegians, Swedish and one or two other countries. Carnival has always had Italians. The country has a great tradition in maritime exploration and that tradition is handed down at some of the best nautical schools in the world which are to be found in places like Genoa, Venice and others. They also have wonderful flair and they are………like Ferrari says …………. The Ultimate Driving Machine. Hope that answers your question. You mentioned one of those voice activated things on computers ……………..I tried that you know…………..but the words would not come…………and when I read it back it lacked ……….. well ……………me. So here I sit typing away……………bugger.
Cheers mate and Heidi and I send you our best.
SHIRLEY CALES……………..Can you please send me your cabin number Shirley or a booking number and I will gladly do my best to fulfill your request. I know you and the family will have a wonderful time here and I look forward to being your host. Please write back and I will see what we can do. Cheers.
TXLADYDI……….I took the liberty of mailing you some fries as you said they looked so good. Anyway, before you know it the Bloggers 2009 cruise will be here. I am glad you found the blog uplifting yesterday and that in turn makes me feel good. Our best to you and your family and see you soon.
RBGATES………Stephanie…….there has been a request from RBGATES to set up a link on the thingy with my schedule on it. Can you do that?
There you go, I just asked Stephanie who can do wonders with the flick of a mouse so I am sure this will be done soon. OK, I may be a little thick but who the heck is Captain Schoonderbeek………does he have a blog? Anyway, let me know and I am so glad that you brought up this great suggestion as I am indeed asked for my schedule quite a bit. Cheers.
LV2CRUISE…………..I see you regret never working on a cruise ship. I regret never becoming an International Playboy and Underwear model………….still………….as you said…………..life is too short to carry regrets around with you. I am happy though that you are enjoying all the photos and I will make sure we continue to provide them for you. Thanks as always and all the best.
RICK…….Oh, Richard. After reading your kind words I feel so guilty that I will not be here for your cruise. It would have been so nice to have met you. I am so glad you have enjoyed the blog and I hope that will continue for many more months. Please send my kindest regards to your wife and maybe next time I will be lucky enough to meet you onboard.
KERSPLOTT……………..Captain Scala is indeed one of a kind. I have never had the privilege of working with him but I do know that he is a great Captain and a great entertainer as well. Thanks for the information and it won’t be long until we see each other again.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF…………….Goodness me. I think you must have been the first ever blogger to slap on a very important history lesson for us all to enjoy. I never new Columbus was stranded in Jamaica and the Mark Twain information was very interesting indeed. I can see why you would use him as your screen name although there was no mention of his other half.
Thanks again for sharing this great post and I think we all appreciated it very much. Cheers mate and my best to your other half.
RUTH JAMISON…………….Good question and I love the “fiercely loyal to Carnival” statement in your posting. I think an overnight in Istanbul would be amazing and to see the Blue Mosque and the other highlights at night would be simply stunning. Then you asked about Egypt …………mmmmm………well………..I have not heard of any plans to visit this sometimes unstable country however the Pyramids is something everyone should see if they can. I have forwarded your question to the office and I will let you now what is said. Thanks Ruth and we appreciate your fierce loyalty very very much. Heidi and I send our best to you as always.
DWA76…………..The eye wash stations are so important and are actually now required to be stationed all over the ship. The crew is constantly working with cleaning chemicals and paint and although they wear safety glasses splash injuries can happen. These eye wash stations are therefore positioned all over the vessel and thank goodness thanks to the safety training the crew has injuries are scarce at best. I am very happy that you are enjoying the photos and the blogs and as always its great to write back to you mate. Cheers.
NANNI…………….Can you please come to the ship at 6 pm. Heidi will meet you and bring you onboard and then we will have an hour or so together for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. I have a meeting at 7:30 pm so I hope 6 pm is ok for you. See you soon and don’t forget you all need photo ID por favor.
TOM AND JANE………….I got your post Tom and Jane……….is there something you need from me? Let me know as I am at your service.
MYRA BUSHNELL……….Wearing a see through nightie in the main theatre will indeed get you noticed however there really isn’t any need to take that drastic action to get involved in one of our activities. If you would like you and your hubby to take part in something during the trans-Atlantic cruise just let me know and I shall make it so. Maybe we can put him in a nightie.I am glad you are enjoying the blogs and the random photos. See you soon and bring your nightie just incase.
OK, to keep this in timeline so you can see when I am writing this its now 10 pm and I have to get ready for the welcome aboard show ……….let’s hope I have a vat of adrenalin because I feel pretty errrrrrr …………..back soon.
Here I am and thank goodness that I had a pint of adrenalin in me as the show actually went well and as normal there were lots of characters. I have just returned and am going to say goodnight and take a shower as I am soaking wet and Heidi has just informed me I smell like a pair of marathon runners socks…………….so, I shall boldly go where no Frenchmen has gone before and take a shower and hopefully feel better in the morning
Goodnight.
Good morning……Bugger……..I feel the same and I guess its time to go and see the Doctor and get some medicine. Oh well, the show must go on. Therefore, please allow me to continue answering some of your questions.
SUZANN…………..I am glad you liked the photo of Captain Los and yes he is indeed still with Carnival and currently serving on the Carnival Triumph. I spoke to him today actually. I know you both had a great time with him. I will see you next week. Cheers.
KEVIN……….Your continuing concern for PA 007 and Alan is very kind. Both are great friends and both are doing very well……our Super Spy will be back to full revealing mode very soon. Always great to hear from you mate.
MARY ROSS…………What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing and give Chi a cuddle for us.
MARGIE TRACY………I suggest that you forget about a roll call on the first day as everyone arrives at different times and what with unpacking, boat drill etc I would wait until the first sea day. How about 2 pm on the first sea day. If this is OK, let me know, I will reserve a room and the Capers will say “Cruise Critic Roll Call ” and advertise when and when. Let me know if this is OK and see you soon.
OLD YEOMAN……….I may have mentioned this before but one of the nicest things about writing this blog is that every now and then people who used to work with us onboard discover it and write in…………..as you did. I remember the old position of Yeoman very well, it doesn’t exist anymore but I do remember our Yeoman being great characters………you had to be to do what you did. The people you refer to as onboard colleagues are now Vice Presidents and, in the case of Natko, a Senior Vice President. It would be great if you could reveal your secret identity and even greater if you would as suggested send me a photo of Roger Blum from the old days. I am so happy you are enjoying my thingy and I hope you will maybe treat us to some memories of the good old days. Cheers.
SUSAN B………….I got the photo but no raise…………..maybe next time. Thanks Susan and the photo will be added to my scrapbook. Heidi and I send you our kind regards.
SUZANNE…………I see that you are married to a Brit and that he is indeed correct that although British breakfasts will never be found on the Heart Foundation menu they are fantastic. You asked where you may find a good Dutch breakfast in St. Martin. Well, personally I think Dutch breakfasts are pretty boring. It’s bread and cheese mostly and they have this strange thing about pouring chocolate sprinkles over bread ………… for breakfast! Anyway, I have never eaten breakfast in St. Martin but I do know of a place that serves great Dutch food. It’s called Holland House Hotel and it is right on the waterfront. Hope this helps and please say a special hello to your husband……..where is he from?
CRUISIN SUE……………Who will be the Cruise Director on the Triumph for your cruise was your question. The answer will be Matt Ross. He has been with us for quite some time and is a firm favorite with many guests and I am sure he will be with you as well. Please let me know if there is any other information you need and until then I hope you continue to enjoy the blog thingy.
SUSAN V………….. I read with interest that after posting my offer to arrange Cruise Critic meetings onboard you said you received some “smart a$#$ responses” What were they ?
Anyway, all you have to do is have someone from CC write a posting on the blog and I will arrange for you. Please make sure you give me two weeks notice that’s all. I am happy to read that you found the St.Thomas information useful and say “Ciao” to your Italian husband for me. Please write soon.
JO ANNE P………………I love the way people say they have been “lurking” in the background and not posting and then eventually they are brave enough to come out and say ” Hello, my name is Jo Anne and I like John’s thingy.”……..so……….welcome Jo Anne it’s an honour to have you with us. You asked about Heidi and I. We have been married for 4 years and we met in Holland 12 years ago. Back then Heidi had never heard of Carnival or what a Cruise Director was and had never been on a ship. I am very lucky to have met her and also very lucky that so far today ………….its 8:40am………….I am yet to banished to the doghouse.
I see that you have never cruised on Carnival but you have with other lines………that’s OK………….and I just saw that you have booked the Bloggers Cruise for 2009 and that just made me very happy. Usually when I hear news like this I tend to run around the cabin in my underwear singing Queen’s “We are the Champions” but my cold has got the better of me today. Anyway, thank you for making your first Carnival cruise the Bloggers one and I have a feeling that after that you may be hooked. Great to have you with us and our best regards to you and the family.
OK, its morning show time………..back soon.
Here I am. I went to see the doctor after the Morning Show and he has given me some Ibuprofen which are huge and have to be taken with food……..which is the good news of course. I am now off to tell everyone about the ports of call and will write more this afternoon.
It’s afternoon………Heidi has told me to go to bed and rest but I ignored her and sat down here to get this blog posted. Let me continue therefore with the last few bits of Q and A.
JUSTJONNOTMISSINGTHESMOKEFREEPARADISEBUTLOOKINGFORWARDTOTHENEARLEYSMOKEFREECARNIVALFREEDOMSCREENNAMEANYMORE………………….I tried typing “Just Jon” but it didn’t feel right somehow. Anyway, I was sorry to read that you may not be joining us on the Carnival Splendor. Is there anything I can do to change your mind mate? Let me know and send my best to MRSMISSINGTH……….my fingers refuse to type it…………your wife……….send my best to your lovely wife.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO…………..I certainly new that you would enjoy Mr. Antonioni’s interview. I am excited about the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Magic and I am sure in some way I will be onboard both these great ships. I will keep you updated as to the news on the grab handles you suggested and as I always say when I write to you that I hope we will be together one day soon. Cheers Paul and best from us both.
JAMIE………………just typing the words “Turkish Bath Experience ” makes my bottom cheeks close together like a clam on steroids. However my horror of that day and the same horror that you encountered was quickly forgotten when I read the news that you returned from the cruise with an extra souvenir your new baby daughter Gabriella. I hope by the time you are reading this reply that she will be out of hospital and that you have her home with you. I am sure having been born early that the last few weeks have been hard for you and Kevin and knowing that the blog has provided you with some much-needed laughter makes me feel very honoured. Please will you keep in touch with us and let us know how little Gabriella is and until then we all send our warmest regards to you and the family.
RIKKI BOYCE…………..I am trying the smarter than a 5th grader thingy tomorrow afternoon mate………..I will send you a full report. I didn’t get to do it last week but with the extra sea day time on the Eastern Caribbean cruise I can finally give it a go. Cheers.
MYRA BUSHNELL………….I see we have another big fan of Corrado Antonin’s interview………….that’s great to hear. He is a true gentleman and spends his life flying all over the world. It was a true honour to meet him and he left quite an impression on me. I have never been to the ship yard in Genoa and therefore I am uncertain of it’s demographics however I will be visiting it shortly and will of course send in a full report.
Your information on the Contemporary resort made for great reading as your postings always do and therefore I encourage you to please keep writing. Thanks for your kind words and hopefully I will start to feel better. Our best to you and the family.
JONAH……………….Why, you asked is the signage on the side of the Carnival Splendor (the lit up signage on deck 5 in all capital letters ……………What a great question and you know what……………I had no idea. So, I thought this would be the perfect time to unleash our Super Spy………the dashing and brave PA 007.
This is what he sent me.
Hello everyone, it is nice to be back in blog land with you all. It was a bit scary back in November when my boss “M” became suspicious of me so I have had to lay low. Things have cooled off now and I can return to passing hot information to you via John’s Blog.
The question you asked Jonah was an excellent one and myself and other lower management I asked had no clue. I therefore had a quick look at the Carnival Splendor plans in M’s office and I found this quote from the top brass at Carnival.
SPLENDOR should be in all CAPS as the present lettering when a letter needs to go below the line like the “p” in Triumph looks something like the Triumph. This looks much grander and much nicer.
CARNIVAL SPLENDOR
So, there you go. The order was given and not that anyone takes notice of my opinion but I agree ………..it looks much grander and makes sense. Time to go, I must turn the light switch off in M’s office as I never turn lights off and I have become well known for this in the office. PA 007 is back and my ear is to the ground looking for more hot topics to tell you about. For now it’s back to my cubicle. Over and Out.
Thanks 007………..it’s great to have you back with us but please be careful.
OK, that’s all the Q and A for now. If for some reason I have forgotten or missed an important question you may have please send it again and I promise to answer it this time. It is always helpful if you add the words “PLEASE REPLY ” to your posting as well.
Thanks as always to you all for writing in.
Yesterday I posted this marvelous interview with The Chairman of Fincantieri Mr. Corrado Antonini. He spoke of his relationship with the visionary that was Ted Arison and how that relationship has continued with his son Micky Arison. This relationship has resulted in Carnival Corporation & plc building many of their new vessels in the Fincantieri shipyards. One such vessel is Holland America Lines new EURODAM.
Many of you have been reading the Eurodam Blog which has given a new and exciting insight into the birth of a cruise vessel. Having read Mr. Antonini’s interview I thought it may be interesting to follow it up with a similar interview about ship building but this time from the Corporation’s point of view. Therefore let’s have a chat with someone from Holland America who is very much involved with the birth of the Eurodam. Please welcome the Vice President of New Ship Building Pieter Rijkaart.
Pıeter, can you tell us your background and what your current position is with Holland America Line?
I started as an assistant engineer with HAL in Sept. 1963. My first ship that time was the ms “Soestdijk” one the about 35 freighters HAL had in that time, next to their passenger fleet of 6 ships, as I remember well. After one trip on the Soestdijk I was placed on the Old Nieuw Amsterdam and that was my first experience of being on a passenger ship. I did both trans-Atlantic crossings with her as well as Caribbean Cruises. I sailed further on various passenger vessels, but mainly on the Rotterdam 5 for a total of 9 years on which ship I served in all engineering ranks and finally Chief Engineer.
In 1976 I came ashore for the first time as technical superintendent with HAL while our main office was still located in New York City. In 1979 I went back to sea as Chief Engineer. In 1983 I became involved in the New Building of our last “Nieuw Amsterdam” in France and took her out as Chief Engineer.
I became very interested in Shipbuilding and as part of our education was naval architecture I concentrated on that. In 1988 I was approached by the vice President new building and was offered to join their new building which directly worked under Nico van der Vorm, the owner of HAL. I was involved in the development of 2 new to be built ships for HAL and in the acquisition of the 2 ships from home lines. My first major job was the lengthening of the Westerdam (former Home Lines Homeric. During that period of lengthening, HAL was sold to Carnival. After that job was successfully finished I moved to the HAL main office in Seattle and started with the development of the first new build (Statendam) together with the Carnival team. Soon I was promoted to Director of New Builds and have been overseeing all our New builds since.
We are going to be talking about the art of ship building so before we do can you tell us what curent project you are working on and some facts and figures about this exciting new build?
At present I am working on the 13th New Build project since the Statendam.
She is the first of a new series of ships after the 4 Vista class ships have been finished.
We call this the Signature Class ships, although they are quite similar as the Vista class, they are slightly larger, hold more passengers and more cabins and public areas.
The Eurodam is an incredible project to be involved in. What exactly are your responsibilities?
My responsibilities include the total overview of the project from the HAL side, starting with the development to the finish of the ship. Further I keep constant contact with all the various departments in our Seattle office and provide them with all the information needed to market, sell and operate the vessel.
There are many milestones in the building of a new ship starting with the first weld. What are the stages of the building that are considered milestones?
A: Cutting of first piece of steel. B: Starting of erection of the first segment. C: Keel laying ceremony. D: Mast- stepping, Christening and floating out ceremony. E: Sea trials. F: Delivery ceremony. G: Naming Ceremony
At the time of writing, what is happening onboard? At what stage here in the middle of February is the vessel at and what major tasks are still to be completed.
At the moment the ship is located at the so-called outfitting dock, floating in the water and the various sub-contractors are busy with outfitting of cabins, Public areas, service areas, decks and technical and nautical equipment.
The yard is also preparing the ship for the sea trials, which start March 28 and end April 9.
What in your opinion is the biggest challenge in building a modern cruise ship such as Eurodam.
Our biggest challenge is always to have the ship properly finished at the date of delivery to receive our guests.
I see that you are one of the many success stories of Holland America Line and that you worked as a Chief Engineer aboard many of the their ships. Do you miss your days at sea and maybe you could share your most favorite sea going story.
I do not miss my days at sea, in fact I still have plenty of opportunities to be on ships.
Having sailed on ships my self is an enormous advantage in my job compared to colleagues who never had this experience. To give you just one example: We are planning on our next ship to place cabanas on the open decks. My plan is to bolt these solidly to the deck, while other ask me why do we need to do this, you see them everywhere at the hotels nowadays.
Forgetting that even with no head wind and doing a speed of 22 knots you have a 25 mile wind blowing over the deck.
With a headwind of 25 miles the wind on the deck is a near gale force of 50 miles per hour.
One of my favorite stories is from the time that I was Chief Engineer on the old Veendam (The old SS Argentina).
We were doing Bermuda cruises from New York and stayed moored for 5 days in the port of Hamilton at front street.
I was a fanatic Windsurfer at my younger age and traveled with my windsurfer all the time.
In every port where there was an opportunity I would get on it.
Being in the port of Hamilton for such a long time was always a great opportunity and I used it a lot, together with several other officers who had windsurfers on board. We got of course noticed by the passengers and one day during a cocktail party it was brought up by some of the passengers. Bragging that I really never fell of my board, they challenged me to go windsurfing in my uniform. Well that challenge I took up with my colleague surfers the next day and we gave a great show in full uniform, uniform shoes and cap. There was a big audience of guests watching from the deck and shooting pictures.
They started challenging my colleagues to run me over, but they never managed to do this, instead they fell and got soaking, but I stayed dry.
What Dutch traditions can still be found on Holland America Line? Are there any Dutch treats on the food menu and does the country itself still feel proud that your ships bear their proud name
We still offer a so-called Dutch night with a few traditional Dutch food items on the menu. Many Dutch people are still very proud to see that our ships still carry the Dutch flag and the home port of Rotterdam.
I remember when we sailed for the first time with the Oosterdam in to the waterweg on our way to the port of Rotterdam where see was going to be christened, both sides of the waterway were crowded with spectators all the way for miles.
Finally as always in this blog a personal question ………….and with you it is your ……….. Snor ……………. or Mustache in British. You have a fine example of one as your photo shows. How long have you had such a grand Snor and what care and dedication goes into maintaining it.
I am sorry to disappoint you, but I do not carry that snor anymore, you must have seen old pictures of me.
However I carried that snor for more than 35 years, never shaved it off.
It was indeed a lot of work particular in the morning after waking up and I was copied by several persons in our fleet.
Now I have a small and manageable snor.
Thank you Pieter or as you say in Heidiland……….Hartelijk dank. Congratulations also on getting married just last week in Thailand to the beautiful lady in the photo.
Remember to keep up with the latest news on the Eurodam by visiting www.eurodamnews.com
So, that’s about it. I am indeed going to take Heidi’s advice and rest before the Elegant Night festivities begin. Before I do however I want to say thank you for all the post I received yesterday. I got a big box with 78 letters and cards, a huge bag of jelly beans (thanks Kev) and two more baseball caps. Here are a few photos of said items.
Boston Celtics and Red Sox caps – LET’S GO HEAT!
Now, the last item I photographed was sent to me by Nanci Nurse a regular blog reader………….and I have to say I was intrigued by this little blue pot called DROP AND GO. Apparently you are supposed to sprinkle one of the packets into the toilet before you drop the kids off ………….. well, this is something new to me so I tried it. ……………..and Nanci, as much as I appreciate the thought …………….it was a dreadful experience.
The sweet flowery smell was so strong it made me feel ill and I found myself for the first ever time in history ignoring my magazine and hurrying up with the job in hand…………..honestly it smelt like a thousand roses had been planted in the toilet and that’s not what a toilet is supposed to smell like………….I prefer the good old fashioned honest smell…………………. of ham.
Anyway, this product should be banned…………its not natural ……….we should gather up every box of DROP AND GO and drop it from a great height over some place that needs this product to hide the most disgusting of smells………………………………..Paris perhaps?
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship
John, I’m so proud today. My little blog has just hit 50,000 hits. I never in my life thought people would come to it 50,000 times. So I can just imagine how you feel as your blog nears 2,000,000 slaps on your thingy. Here is the very first post I put on my blog.
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March 21, 2007…11:16 am
CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP
If your looking for a great blog on cruising go to “JOHN HEALD” “Tales for the ship” he’s the cruise director on the CARNIVAL FREEDOM. He writes about the different ports on call and fun things that happened that day.
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Since that very first post till this very day almost all my post have been about You, Carnival or cruising on Carnival. So John I thank you for giving me the chance to have this, to me, a very proud day. A day that without your blog thingy would have never happened. Before John Heald’s Blog blog was just a word I heard on TV. Now I read them and in my small way try to write one. But I’m not the only person who through you became Bloggers. John I THANK YOU for this day and that you consider me your Mate I also THANK YOU.
BIG ED
In response to your dress code flyer. I don’t have a problem with dress codes but I do have a problem with the lack of enforcement of rules. If the rules are not going to be enforced, don’t publish the dress code. Suggestions can be made, but when it says “… will not be permitted” it gets people all in a tis! I could care less what my fellow passenger is wearing to dinner. I am going to dress by the suggestions and if someone is coming in jeans or shorts, its not going to change my dining experience!
Just my $0.02!
Have a wonderful days…hope your cold gets better soon.
Hi again John,
I sure hope you are feeling better. I had that same cold in January and it was not fun. So my sympathies are with you. A cruise critic meeting would be great on the first sea day. I imagine 2:00 will be just fine as long as we don’t miss the Hairy Chest Contest. That’s like a high light of our cruise….some real “hotties” enter. We are really getting excited now. I really can’t wait to me you and Heidi. I’ve only been on your bloggy thingy a short time but already feel like I’ve made a friend. Feel better, get some sleep.
Margie Tracy
John, Mrs. Big Ed thanks you so much for the very kind words. She also wanted to relay to you something she heard on the tellie. During the news there was this warning that men should not carry their cell phones in their pants pocket. The reason for this was that it kills those little spermie things that you really need right now.
John, I’m sure Heidi loved the DROP AND GO as it made it possible for her to enter the bathroom much sooner then usual since you didn’t do “the job in hand”.
BIG ED
John:
Hope you are feeling better! Rest and horsepills will make a world of difference.
I just went back to my posting on CC and pulled a few of the comments for you. When I read them, I just rolled my eyes and thought theres one in every group that can’t take an offer and be thankful it was actually offered.
1.
My guess is he has someone to hand this off to…………….
Now theres your busy “person”
2.
We always have our own parties… there is no organized CC party and I am not sure if John spoke out of turn or not, but I would guess this thread might disappear…
3.
I know HAL does it for free for anyone that asks them to. They even serve snacks.
There are plenty of empty spaces on the ships during the day, I don’t see why they can’t do it.
I did have several that were thrilled with the offer for a meeting place so I want to thank you!
I guess I better get my group in early so have the staff of the Valor save a place for us on the September 7th cruise. We would like free drinks, the Captain and if you could fly in for the meeting, it’s the least you could do for a passenger that paid so much just to grace your ship. Gotcha!!!!! I couldn’t resist! I would be very thankful if you would just have a space for us to meet for our CC group on the Valor 9/7.
I hope you and Heidi have a wonderful time and try and get off the ship in St. Thomas and enjoy the beauty of the island!
Thanks again,
Susan
John, please reply!!!
Several months ago, Larry & I booked the Carnival Spirit 12-night cruise out of Vancouver, B.C. to the Hawaiian Islands (departs September 24, 2008). I have just read a rumor at cruisecritic.com that this particular cruise will not be taking place because the Spirit will be in dry dock! Could you please find out the credibility of this rumor and let me know? We have heard NOTHING about this from Carnival (we booked directly with Carnival, not through a Travel Agent).
Please tell me that Carnival would let it’s booked passengers know as soon as possible if there was to be a cancellation or change such as this.
Terri
I love elegant night any thing that keeps me out of a tie and jacket is great! I say adopt it full time!
John,
What a great blog!! Thanks. I didn’t realize the change in crew is so large. Amazing, the success Carnival has with recruiting and training and retention! I have never run into a crew member that disappointed me and mostly I see those who EXCEED expectations in MANY WAYS!!!
Also, I am always learning from your interviews… My last cruise on the Ecstsacy, Capt Scala said we had 35 mph head winds. Hearing what Pieter Rijkaart said about that lets me understand why I was hanging on to the railing for dear life, as I stood on the bow on the Verandah deck, watching the stars… I LOVE the wind in my face and the feeling of flying… but it was breezing by fast that night…
John, keep up the great blogs and I pray your cold is gone soon!!!
Regards to all…
Lambie
Hi John,
Hope you are feeling better. A cold is no fun. Take care of yourself and feel better soon.
I took the time to read the dress code flyer. I agree with Girldoc. It doesn’t really matter how other passengers dress, it doesn’t change my dining experience. I agree though that if there is a dress code and it says some things are not permitted in the dining room, then it should be enforced. There is always the Lido deck for those who do don’t want to dress up.
My family looks at formal night as part of the cruise experience and we enjoy it. Dressing in a smart casual or business casual the other nights is fine. The only night we don’t dress up is usually the day we embark and that is because we don’t always have our luggage in time since we do the early seating. But we make sure we wear something that will be appropiate for the dining room.
Have a good cruise this week. Keep the pictures coming. I really do enjoy them and the blog.
John,
First of all I am sorry to hear you have a cold. According to CNN and SKYnews the CD on the Freedom now sounds like donald duck after sucking on helium? Any ideas on that one mate ? PA007 your alive thank god, and M for not finding you. Ahh the Beans made it there finally, there should have been a few other treats in the box besides just some beans. heidi I’m so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
“carnival is the best cruise line ever…”
sorry for sending more jet fuel. I hope you will still talk to me. Have fun with nani tomorrow I know she is dying to see you both. Best to Roberto and Stephany.
Kevin
JOHN AND BIG ED MAKE NEWS
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/shattuck/5562223.html
John,
On the photo captioned, “Lets hope we dont have to use this”. Are you referring to the stairs or the life ring? Hope you get over the cold.
Dave
A reply would be most appreciated.
Hi John,,,was just wondering if you received the picture I sent via Stephanie of me wearing my blog thingy shirt last month on the Miracle? Since our cruise had already been booked as the same time as the Blogger’s Cruise, we just spread the word on the Miracle. Thanks…
Hi John,
Sorry to read that you’ve been suffering with that cold for the past few days. I had one of those UGLY ones on the Freedom when we sailed Thanksgiving. Sorry…. didn’t mean to leave the germs on the ship for you. Hope what the Doc gave you helps clear it up quickly.
That change is dress code is interesting. Now that you’ve fooled with it, is that going to be the “accepted dress code” fleetwide? Our CruiseMates group sailing the transatlantic crossing would probably like it… less clothing to pack for a jaunt to Europe.
The only thing that I was really quite surprised to see is allowing shorts in the dining room. Some people might think clean underwear qualifies as dress shorts
I’d bet the unnoticeable change in what people wore to the dining room had a lot to do with them packing for what they expected the dress code to be. And that would change some if that policy became known.
I’m personally not stuck on having a formal night. I’ve sailed on another line who had “formal wear optional nights” ( I liked the terminology.. simple and descriptive), and rather enjoyed packing less…. particularly with the luggage weight restrictions the airlines are imposing.
I’d be happy with casual every night, but my own thoughts run sort of inline with Girldoc’s response…. whatever dress codes the line decides on should be enforced. Particularly the men in sleeveless shirts, and people wearing ball caps in the dining room! … which I have to say I’ve seen on more than one occassion.
If I were “making the call” I’d still not allow shorts in the dining room, and as I said , the sleevless shirts, and ball caps would be a no no. And I would direct the staff to turn guests dressed inappropriately away, and aim them to Lido Deck. There’s just something not right about the wait staff being better dressed than the passengers in a dining room.
It’s going to be interesting to see the reaction to this from all the bloggers. I’m going to run it by the visitors to our web site and see what they think about it all.
But regardless… I think you dressed as Dolly Parton each week at the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Party could be a big draw.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
I see you have some real fans here (pro and con):
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=721980
The Cons are a real piece of work.
Hi John.
I’m wearing a mask while I type this so I don’t catch your cold….. at least I think you mentioned once, in passing, that you had a cold…..
I’m typing while the staff are working outside, it’s 2 degrees C, and they’re laying turf outside a new caravan. I’m sat almost on top of a fan heater to thaw my feet out.
On the bright side, the new drinks machine came, and it’s now set up in Reception. It’s one of those where all the ingredients are already in a plastic cup… the coffee is fairly ordinary instant coffee, but the tea uses real Tetley tea bags and is pretty good, and the Bovril is absolutely wonderful in this cold weather. (Do you get Bovril in the USA?) It’s certainly something that should be served on all the Alaska cruises.
I’ve just read your new experimental dress code advice …. it looks great to me. I’d be the one in black dress slacks, and a black long sleeved shirt with silver flecks. Maybe I’d put cuff links on for the “dressy” bit. (Do you do Fun Ship Freddy cuff links?) I guess it’s now down to the passengers’ reactions… please give it a fair trial and don’t get discouraged by the first few remarks.
If I were you, I would also disregard any written complaints in crayon, or with more than 3 exclamation points… but that’s just me.
Hopefully I won’t catch your cold because it’s just ONE WEEK TO GO!!! and as long as BA pilots aren’t on strike, I’ll be flying out to Miami next Monday.
Ten days of Caribbean sunshine on one of your “Sisters”… Emerald Princess. And a balcony too! I’ll be looking out for Carnival Freedom in case we are in the same port, but I’ll not come too near…. I don’t want to catch your cold….
Do you have a cold still? I think you might have mentioned it once or twice…….
Right. I think the staff are due another brew. Hopefully I won’t catch a cold taking it out to them.
(Did I mention that I don’t want to catch a cold because I’m off to the Caribbean next Monday?)
It’s a shame the dress code is being changed to accomodate the few. You would have thought Carnival would have taken care of the many.
I would also imagine that unless the pax are notified prior to their cruise, they would be wearing exactly what they packed.
And SHORTS!!???
Good gravy Marie. Carnival has become a follower.
Hello, my friend!!
I’m glad, that despite your malady, you were able to turn on the magic and enthrall the audience during your performances. That, sir, is being a trooper! Bravo!
I love the Elegant Evening idea. I wish that the Maitre d’ or someone would make sure that people respect it or whatever dress code happens to exist. I understand that some folks don’t want to go on vacation to dress but I suspect it’s a small minority. I’ve heard the question asked, why can’t the same menu be available on the Lido Deck as in main dining. I expect it would be a logistics problem but it’s still a valid question. Perhaps if not the entire menu then highlights from it. Just a thought…
Thank you so much for making the Cruise Director schedule available for us! There are literally hundreds of folks waiting to see it!
Keep those random photos coming! I especially enjoy the rather candid shots of the staff at work. God bless them… I am always amazed at how hard they work.
Regarding my last name… you aren’t the only one who has problems with the ‘two s one r’ v. ‘one s two r’s’ Therefore, from this day forth I shall be GregB! That will eliminate the ’s v. r’ problem and save you considerable time typing in the long run!
Thanks so much for all your time and effort, John. It means a great deal to many, many people. Also, many thanks to everyone who dashes about behind the scenes to make your blog work. Of course, I mean the Famous Roberto and the Superior Stephanie!!!
Offer my regards to the always lovely Heidi and thank her for the great pics!!
Cheers!!
GregB
Hi John & Heidi,
John, I’m so sorry to hear about your cold – take care of yourself.
Last Friday was a messy snow & ice storm in the NY area so I stayed home and I am now very far behind in reading your last few blogs & comments. I just skimmed over the interview about Fincantieri – thank you, very interesting. I really like their ship layouts. Question: Who built the Spirit Class ships?
Got to catch up on my work now, but I’ll check back later in the day. Say hello to Nanette for me please.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John, hope this finds you feeling lots better. Don always comes home with the creeping crud after doing a cruise out of Miami. I can’t convince him that even though he washed his hands before we left our cabin, he has touched things such as the rails in the hallway, etc. before we got to the dining room. As such he still needs to use the hand sanitizer before he eats. But as usual he turns a deaf ear to what I say. Typical male. Do you think he needs to be put in the doghouse, too? lol
About the dress code. I think it is fine. Of course I have voted for formal/elegant night from the first. I only get to dress formal on New Year’s Eve and I enjoy having other occasions to look spiffy. If it weren’t for formal night, we would probably never have our pictures made on the ship either.
I wanted to find a cruise, sometime this year, on which you were going to be the CD . But as I read your schedule it appears that after the March cruise you will no longer be on a cruise going out of the states. Do I understand the schedule right? We do NOT fly. so unless a cruise goes out of the states we can not join you until the bloogers cruise next year…BUGGER
Take care of that cold, you don’t want it turning into something worse such as pneumonia.
Get well soon
Carolyn and Don
Greeting John,
I hope that your recent cold is finally getting better. I started following your blog last summer while waiting for our October cruise of the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Liberty. Your advice and insight were very helpful in making the cruise a grand success. This was the first cruise that I was able to convince my wife to go on after a disaster on another cruise line some 22 years prior. Riding out a hurricane some 50 miles North of Aruba was interesting to say the least.
We are currently booked on the Freedom (4WX290) for departure on June 15, 2008. I am hopeful that we will have the pleasure of your presence as our Cruise Director for this voyage.
Bob & Nimia, Miami, Fl.
Hi John!
Please do answer!
I am one of the readers of the blog I bumped into it checking about the Splendor in july 2007 and reading all of them, not posting too many comments, because my English still needs improvement.
I am looking forward comming back on the Freedom again on April 12 going to Rome on May 10 (Carnival Cruises 10 -12 ). We met on the Freedom on the day you and Heidi left the ship me going TA. My question: I am booked on an eastern caribbean cruise visiting Cozumel on April 12. As I read on carnival news in July 2007 Carnival is offering shore excusions going to Chichen Itza. I tried booking trough carnival in advance beeing unavailable getting, but are you offering these excursions at all?? Booking onboard ???
I would like a reservation for going there again after almost 20 years (at that time GE-Airforce AD trainee US/TX). Cabin No 2211 so please I am asking for a reservation, if possible.
As I am chasing you off the Freedom again before TA in April, I am looking foreward seeing you going TA on Splendor in October.
Yours
Ralf
Good Morning John and Heidi!
John, I hope you are recovering from your cold. Those ailments can certainly make you feel miserable.
Thanks for passing along my question about Istanbul. My husband really enjoyed that city when we were there on the Freedom. He is definately interested in returning.
I had another question about the SPLENDOR- We had a waitress at our table on the Freedom. Her name was Agatha and she was from Poland. She was a beautiful tall blonde who wore glasses. Her personality was wonderful. Our daughter enjoyed talking with her when we came to dinner at night. We were wondering if she was going over to the Splendor. Is there any way you can find out?
I would appreciate it. If you find her, please let her know that we are sending her our best.
Thanks!
Ruth
Hope this dress change is made permenant
John, why are people so quick to say they can always eat on the Lido deck. The cruisers that eat all their meals in the dinning room except on formal nights are those that maybe scraped for years to afford that cruise but there budget didn’t allow for a suit or a fancy dress. It would be so easy to add one more questions to the booking form, Cruise Casual or Formal/Elegant. Then when the computer spits out the table assignments it could match up like requests to table or even area of the dinning room. Don’t make somebody that paid for that dinning room and the service that comes with it feel like they don’t belong in there.
Just my thoughts as it makes no difference to me.
Captain Ed
of The Evil Crew
I was so happy to see the picture of Adele. We gave her such grief about her accent during the games on our TA. She was such a doll! You have an awesome staff.
Formal shorts? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Ban the shorts for dinner! The rest, though, sounds just fine.
Bob & Nimia, Miami, Fl.
I read your comment/question above, and regret to tell you that John will be joining the Carnival Splendor on June 1, 2008. He gave his schedule on an earlier blog post and I kept a copy.
Myra
John, thanks for your prompt response. We are in cabins 1321, 1325, 1337, and 9202. If Freedom is as nice as Liberty (and I’m sure she is), then I know we will have a great time.
I also want to thank you for offering to set up a meeting for our cruisecritics group (with Margie). We’ve been saying nice things about you and Carnival.
And don’t forget my birthday.
John, Please Answer,
I’ve noticed that several bloggers, including Ralf above, will be on the Splendor TA in October. I’m wondering if somewhere there could be a link that would list all bloggers who will be on that cruise (if they WANT to be listed)? Do you have any “meet and greet” gatherings for bloggers on regular cruises? If not, could there be one arranged if there’s any interest? Just curious. I know we can all wear our “John’s Blogger Thingy” shirts, but it’s not very likely we’d ever encounter each other among so many passengers. (Is it?)
Hope you’re feeling better!
Best Wishes to you and Heidi (soon to be Mom, hopefully),
Myra
Hi John,
You need lots of vitamin C and rest! You’ll feel better soon enough.
I am happy the letter is now being given to the guests about the dress code. I really hope it helps.
Tammie
John and Heidi, We will once again be sailing with you on the February 2009 Blog Cruise. We will be with our family the Schneiders. Be well and get rid of that cold!
Jim Fasano
John & Heidi, Let me try this again! We will be joining you again for another cruise, the Blog Cruise 2009. We enjoyed our Freedom Cruise out of Italy and will once again be traveling with our family the Schneiders. Get rid of the cold and both be well.
Jim and Mary Fasano
hi John,
as a moderator for the Cruise Fashion Boards on C ruise Critic, dining room attire is a major contention between casual dressers and fashionistas… there are ladies who enjoy wearing formal (read ball gowns) and ‘dressing up’ for dinner.. we have many posts from Carnival pax asking if they can wear jeans in the dining room and we have had many debates (think Hillary and Obama).. referees have been called in and boxing gloves removed.. ‘formal nite’ is a great money maker for the ship’s photo department and there certainly are a lot of folks who view this photo op as an integral part of their cruise.. yet others feel vacations, especially in the caribbean call for dressing like they are on a caribbean vacation :0.. whatever is decided , I agree with Kuki (ok CC and CM agree on something).. the dress code needs to be enforced for certain standards,, such as baseball caps, tank tops on men, and shorts in the dining room.. hope the cold is better.. see you in April on the TA
Ohhhh, what a good idea Myra. Now to expand on that thought. Not just that one but other cruises. So bloggers would be able to hook up with other bloggers. You could have mini bloggers cruises all the time.
Good afternoon Mr. Heald. Would you please thank Stephanie for me because I forgot to thank her for sending my note to you about the situation about the safety handles in the bathrooms. She was very nice to me when she sent an e-mail informing me that you would receive my note. Thank you again Stephanie and you, Mr Heald.
Caio.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Congratulations to “Big” Ed for his publicity coup in the Houston Chronicle!
Thank you so much for your kind consideration of my request for a link to your schedule. In answer to your question about Captain Schoonderbeek: he is the captain of Holland America Line’s SS Veendam and writes a daily blog while on board. He is currently on vacation until April 2.
He is an accomplished writer, having co-authored the official company history, published to mark 125 years of Holland America Line in 1998. He also writes articles for the magazine Avid Cruiser. His blog is at http://www.captainalbert.com.
He naturally writes from the perspective as master of the vessel and gives very interesting information about the ship, the ports and procedures which the average guest would never know anything about. He certainly has a following of loyal HAL cruisers.
I do hope you are feeling better and can take a moment sometime to read Captain Albert’s blog.
John,
You just go ahead and whine (or should I say, “whinge”?) about your cold. Colds are no big deal when you can snuggle under your blankets and watch movies all day, and I wouldn’t give you much sympathy if you could do that. But having to work your long hours while carrying a snootful of alien mucus is no fun at all. Get well soon!
Loved the pic of Adele. She was Trivia-Meister for me several times, and she was great fun. I even won two solid-gold plastic trophies from her which are proudly displayed in my cubicle at work.
Is there really a guy named “I Made” on the ship? Is that for real, or is it a nickname? If a nickname, how did he get it?
About that pic of the bell – what is that thing wrapped in a blue tarp? It looks suspiciously like a body. Could it be that a certain French-Canadian woman has celebrated her last birthday?
Hope your cold gets better soon !
Again, sorry to miss you on the March 22 cruise.
BIG ED!!!
Wow, great article in the Houston Chronicle. Congratulations to you and John. I haven’t had the chance to get over to your blog and hit the roll call sheet, but I am signed up, paid and ready to go on the 2009 Bloggers cruise. I can’t wait to meet you and Mrs. BE. I am working my marathon week which allows just about enough time for working and sleeping, but next week I am off and I should get caught up on my blogging and reading.
JOHN,
I sincerely hope you are feeling better and know that my earlier suggestions about your cold were all in fun. (Did that shot in the butt help?)
Take care and don’t over due it.
Big hug from Julie
ooops, a hug for Big Ed too!
Juls
John,
Lemon Juice, Brandy and 2 Aspirin add some hot water, jump into bed, and sweat that old cold out.
Hope you feel better really soon. Re the dress code, we love to dress up for dinner each night but it is a challenge to bring clothes that we can subtly change to look different due to luggage restrictions (after all we need room to buy things) and we are only allowed one suitcase per person. We don’t have a problem if some people don’t dress for dinner but it is lovely to see everybody looking “grand”.
Cheers Suzanne & Lisa
John, why is the Sheriff being ignored when he writes????? Big Ed (aka wanted person) gets a post everyday????
Oh well……only 75 days until the Glory. What are the dress up nights?
Deputy Fred
Public Information Officer for Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane
Hi John and Heidi,
Sorry we haven’t written for a while but there has been a lot going on. My Mom had lung cancer surgery and had a tough time with it. Then when we returned home we found that our hot water heater had been leaking for days all ove r our house. The insurance is paying for the cleanup/repair but things are moving slowly. They should be finished with the final touch ups this week.
I have been reading the blog but just not writing, but today I had to give my comments. About the dining room. I am very disappointed in the direction Carnival is going. Instead of opting to enforce rules in place they have decide to placate the few whiners and make the dining room into a five and dime cafe. The dining has always been compared to a 4 star establishment which would never allow the kind of attire as described in your attachment. When I was younger I worked at a place that wasn’t even 4 star and you had to have a jacket to enter. Many times I saw folks with reservations turned away for not having the proper attire. Some folks on places like Cruise Critic say what others wear doesn’t effect their dining experience, but I’m not one of them. That is why we stopped even considering other lines that have free style dining. I sure hope Carnival will rethink this policy and change it back. It seems like it would set a precedent to relax other policies ( like no chair saving).
I hate to sound so negative but Barb and I really like the dining experience on a cruise and it looks to be going down hill.
New subject, we just finished paying for our November Freedom TA. Is Todd going to be the CD again? This time we will be able to bring Barbs service dog Valentine since we are not flying thru the UK. BA will only accept training from certain schools and hers wasn’t one of them so we had to leave her home last year. You will know all about service dogs after the upcoming traing session you mentioned.
Well better finish up for now. We hope you and Heidi enjoy your Princess cruise and aggange some fantastic European tours. By the way why don’t you offer any scuba tours in Europe. Well get over yor cold and we will be reading as always.
Dave (and Barb)
John,
Sincerely hope you are feeling better. If laughter is the best medicine, just keep up with the latest antics of the French President. He’s a real credit to his nation.
We love the candid photos! And as always we enjoy your blog.
John,
For your response:
I wrote to you about a month or so ago and you didn’t respond yet. I basically asked if any conclusions have come up regarding the replacing of Britney Spears in the Carnival Legends show with anyone? She is by no means a musical legend and I can think of many other music stars out there that would deserve to be represented on the ship instead of her.
Wouldn’t it be funny if you put Gene Simmons as a legend then whoever the winner is better have a long enough tongue to pull it off, LOL.
Also any idea when the fleetwide implementation of the laser tag system will happen? I was a bit disappointed in November when I went on the Freedom hoping to play it.
-Marc G
John,
Going to put myself in the minority by suggesting that jeans and shorts are inappropriate for adults in a dining room. Would prefer to see suit and ties on formal night, but I can understand that the now casual nature of life means that many men don’t own a suit. Please do ensure that there is enforcement of the standards, it would be a great loss to lose formal nights altogether.
Rest and get well.
John
John,
Maybe you should try and become a captain, you could change you name to John Healdoneolini (mamma mia, das a long last name). As far as the dress code I wear a polo, khaki’s and black shoes every night to dinner and I think it is a fine look (that’s the most I ever dress up for dinner with the exception of dates). I come from Illinois (currently snowing) and it is hard enough to pack without having to worry about a sport coat or a tux. Nobody has ever said a word to me, but I can see why the basic policy is in place. You don’t want Cletus walking around in a tuxedo t-shirt. I’ve never used one of the talk-to-type things, but I can imagine having to distinguish the difference between typing and talking.
Signed,
Captain BigMikeatoni
also blog security master
John, I really like the new Elegant Night dress code. I’m with the rest, I don’t really care what other people wear, but the swimsuits/flip-flops and men in sleeveless shirts at dinner – well….. um…… that’s not really appetizing. Maybe you can seat them at someone else’s table?
I like getting dressed up, and a photo with my husband in a suit is great – a cruise is the only time I see him this dressed up.
Hope the computer monitor hasn’t caught your virus – after that large snot bomb! I was laughing out loud. Please use tissues, so that you can throw them away after just ONE use. Re-using a cloth hankerchief will not help you get better, and besides that stiff cloth will just irritate your nose further. Red nose does not go well with Dolly Pardon dress.
YIPEE, thanks for sending that order of fries!
All my best to you.
Heidi, Roberto and Stephanie: stay well, and thanks for all you do for John and us.
Diane from Texas
I hope you had a fun visit with Nanette and her family! I am so glad she is able to come aboard the Freedom in P.R., nice of Heidi to meet them and bring them on board. I am awaiting pictures of your visit, as Nanette said she will post them. My daughter and I had a fabulous weekend, in Ft. Lauderdale and at the Barry Manilow concert! It was wonderful! Linda P.S. Mike stayed home with our puppies.
Hi John,
I think the way that the “formal nights issue” was addressed was very appropriate. I really enjoy formal nights and dressing up for dinner and I really don’t want to see them go.
–Amy B
Hey John,
My thoughts on dining are that we eat in the dining room every time it is open. I am on vacation to be taken care of, not to go to Golden Corral. On the Glory, I had no problem with wearing jeans and a button down shirt in the dining room. On formal night, I did have a brown suit, but every other night, I was more casual. I think that this is the way that it ought to be. I think that the guidelines you showed are very appropriate.
I still need your help to get my wife to make the drive to New Orleans. We just need to give her a little nudge, and she will teeter over the edge and cave in to the pressure. We just need for her to get over not cruising on our anniversary.
Hope you are feeling better john. Is Heidi taking good care of you lol. Shame you wouldnt be aboard for the dogs that are coming aboard in March, will there be room in the dog house
John -
Well, we have one more month plus a few days to make our decision on the Genoa to Dover cruise – I really would like to go, but have to see how the budget looks.
Keep the faith and kleenex near. Get well soon.
BTW – time to come up with a new screen name. Funny, no one is posting as John Heald’s Conscience yet. HMMMMM – Oh, wait. That’s Big Ed.
John,
I am sorry to hear that you have a terrible cold. It has been going around. You might want to try some of that Airbourne. I have been using it for about a month (thanks Peanuts(Mom)) and everyone at work has that terrible cold but I don’t.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Lori
Hi John,
Just booked another cruise today on the Carnival Valor for Jan 18, 2009. Since we will be celebrating our 10th year wedding aniversary, we looked at possibly booking a balcony cabin but our frugalness got in the way and we opted to use some of our Carnival Seamiles points so we could afford an Ocean View Cabin. Our Family Cruise plans fell through so it will just be my wife and I sailing. We are looking forward to the destinations on that intinerary that we have not stopped at before (e.g. Roatan Island, Belize City). We were told when we sailed on the Valor last month that it was going to dry dock. Do you know if they installed one of those big screen TVs up on the deck? We really missed watching movies out there. When will you be able to tell us the “secrets” of the big meeting you had in Miami after coming back from Europe?
John – Posters on cruise critic suggested I share with you a letter my son asked me to send to CArnival. We are booked on the Freedom over Thanksgiving – sorry I missed you, but happy to have found your blog – Lisa
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are a family of five currently planning our second Carnival Cruise. My oldest son asks that I contact you with a request that he has. Our first Carnival Cruise was this past November onboard the Valor to the Western Caribbean. We were assigned the early dining time in the Washington Dining Room and were completely taken by our two servers, Rolando (of Honduras) and Edwin (of Guatemala). These two servers made our cruise the most enjoyable vacation we have ever experienced. They went out of their way to treat my sons to an experience of a lifetime. Rolando would talk of monkeys under the table that had my four year old son Jason giggling the night away. Then to try to expand Jason’s dining experience, when he would order a hotdog, Rolando would holler off – “Chef – Jason wants hot dog… What’s that, no hot dog… Ah Jason, Chef say ‘No hotdog’ ”. Jason would giggle and then order something else. To this day when we are dining out, we use Rolando’s words on Jason. In return, Jason always talks of getting a monkey and sending it to Rolando on the big ship.
Additionally, Rolando and Edwin would entertain the boys throughout dinner with their antics and wisdom. My older two sons were always able to participate in the dining room activities and were treated like royalty by Edwin. Edwin had their drinks waiting for them, their steak cut and their hotdogs covered with just the right amount of ketchup. Prior to our departure, we completed comment cards for them to express our pleasure of having them as servers.
As we prepare for our next cruise, my oldest son Jared asked that I contact Carnival to see if by chance Edwin and/or Rolando will be on the Freedom this fall. As this is probably not likely, Jared’s second request would be for servers just as nice, special and fun as Rolando and Edwin were. I told him that I would pass this on to Carnival for their consideration.
We are all exciting about our next cruise. I do believe Carnival has found a lifetime customer.
Hey Marktwain and ahalf, you mentioned Imade as someone on the ship. Our room steward last year on the Liberty was named I made. Wonder is that’s the same person….can’t be sure with these foreign names. Sorry to hijack your blog John. I just get excited when I see something I recognize.
Margie Tracy
Hi John,
Hope your feeling better now. It’s awful trying to work when you aren’t feeling good. Glad you went to the doctor.
Welcome back PA007… we have missed you!!!
Now about the dress code flyer…. It all sounds great with the exception of the shorts! Everyone has a different idea about what dressy casual is and somehow, shorts are going to get the wrong idea. They just don’t belong in the dining room. I agree, that the wait staff should not appear more dressed up than the guests they are serving.
Take care John and hello to Heidi!
Barb
John,
Please see Big Ed’s comment right before mine. He read my mind about the dress code. We are country people with 2 college kids and one high schooler. We are lucky to have the money to cruise. Mr. Cheap would never spend the money to buy a suit to wear once on a cruise ship when the price of a suit would buy books for one kid’s college semster. So why should we miss out on the really good food because we put our kids first??
We paid the same as everybody else…why can’t we have the same food??
Just a thought.
Hi John – We disembarked from Valor yesterday, and I enjoyed catching up on your blog. We went past Freedom (along with Triumph and Imagination) a couple of times while driving over the MacArthur Causeway on 2/16 – hopefully our photos will turn out. Some random thoughts from our cruise, based on some of your blogs from the past week:
- Taxis in Cozumel: We went to Paradise Beach, and on the return ended up in this tiny cab (5 of us, not including the driver) with no exhaust system. We found out why there was no exhaust system – the driver bottomed out on every speed bump!
- The eclipse on 2/20: This was also our youngest son’s 8th birthday. As luck would have it, the movie on the Lido screen was “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” a favorite. We got to sit out on deck and watch both the movie and the eclipse – it was great!
- Dress codes in the dining room: I’ve never allowed other folks’ dress to either enhance or ruin my dining experience; however, last week I pointed out two men seated a couple of tables over from us who were wearing shorts, tees, and baseball caps with sunglasses perched on their visors and informed my oldest son that if he ever came dressed for dinner like that on a cruise we wouldn’t let him sit at the table with us!
- Kids on board during President’s Week: There are larger numbers of kids on board than other weeks in the January/February period, since a number of schools have a break for the week (our kids included). Certainly on Valor I never saw out-of-control kids – maybe a few running when they should have been walking, but nothing that would merit any complaints.
Finally, I wanted to let you know what a great time we had on Valor; our only regret was that we didn’t have enough “ship time,” given the four ports of call. We especially liked “Super Trivia” with Lauren, one of the social hosts; she told us that it’s a different version of trivia that Chris and his staff developed for Valor, with participants divided into teams and the contest going over three days. It was probably the best trivia game I’ve experienced on any of our (7) Carnival cruises. If you have a chance, please let Chris and Lauren know that “Non Compis Mentis,” aka the Baxter family, had an absolutely great time and says “Thank You.” (And Steven – our 8 year old – is still talking about the medal he won!)
Hi John
Sorry to hear you’re a bit under the weather. I am home from work for 4 days with a nasty cold also.
I hope you feel better soon
I took time to read the dress code and it makes me happy that the Elegant night code is less strict about wearing the Formal wear. My hubby and I have, many times, gone to dinner on “Formal night” in nice casual clothing and have never been refused seating in the dining room. After 21 yrs in the military and being told what to wear, he becomes a bit of a rebel over dress codes. Just wanted to let you know that you have at least 2 supporters of the new dress code guidelines.
Take care, feel better and give Heidi our best!!
Hi John,
Is it safe to assume you will not be on board Carnival Splendor for any of the South American cruises?
I do think it is safe to say you won’t make the first leg.
bill
I’m glad I found this blog. I’m looking forward to sailing on Carnival for the 1st time in June for a 4 day to Canada (a surprise for daughter) and then on 7/13 on the SPLENDOR. I’m hoping that will be a special cruise even tho 2 shorter cruises have been added before the ‘inaugural’ cruise.
Hi John, I think Greg and Big Ed’s ideas about making some of the dining room menu items available on the Lido deck and the different dining/table assignments for Dress Casual/Formal are great. Also expanding Room Service to make some of the items available at the time of the meal would be fantastic. I don’t care for the formal attire, but I love the wonderful Carnival food.
John,
Any chance you could have 007 aquire some pictures of Valor’s new balcony cabins on Spa Deck? We’re deciding between Valor Spa Balcony & Legend Cat 11 Aft Wrap for April 12, 2009 and would love to see some pics to make our decision. So far I haven’t had any luck with my fellow Cruise Critic members.
I realize it’s over a year away and there’ll be plenty of pics between now and then, but we like to book early….and obviously book often! The sooner we get to see some pics, the sooner we’ll be calling our PVP Lynn Crowfoot to book.
Speaking of PVPs, wouldn’t it be nice if we get to sail with our PVPs after X number of bookings with them? That would be a nice perk not just for us, but for the PVP as well…. or maybe it would be more like work for them….. I know there are many others with more bookings than we have who would more easily meet the X criteria, but it sure would be nice to meet the folks who are so patient with us.
If you have a Q & A session with PVPs, can you start with Lynn Crowfoot so we can see who helps us so much? She changed our Freedom booking quite a few times last year to get it right for us and made arrangements for quite a few friends of ours sailing with us in June on Liberty. Her work on that cruise isn’t done yet because I have to change a few names and add a few as well as add another cabin. Or should I say; Lynn has to make those changes!
Thank you for keeping us informed and entertained. Keep up the good work!
John: If you a feeling up to it PLEASE REPLY
I am Back from the Dark Side. I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past 9 months, I have been lurking in the shadows laughing and remembering… It all started in 1988 on the Celebration, and I WAS HOOKED.. Like your Post about Grand Turk I do remeber how Cozmel was back in the day, The Men’s Lingerie Contest, Which I have won, it seems so long ago. Eddie Capone was my First CD.. Fort the first 5 years I would travel with the Boys from Boston every St Pats day. I met my wife on the 2nd Holiday cruise and 2 years later we were married. I believe we met you on the Ecstasty,Imiagination, and Destiny (which you saw me in the cigar bar by myself enjoying a nice MC #4 and invited me to sit with you for a nice conversation), and you by far are the BEST EVER. I have sailed on Carnival 14 times, and never have I had a bad cruise, always great. But I did Stray to RCCL We have been on 7 RCCL and again they have been good/great. I did start to come back last year as we went on the Caribbean Princess. This year we took a 4 Day RCCL cruise for my wife Masters Graduation present, While On board we Booked a cruise for 2009……. Which Brings up my 2 Sons 8-10 We tooked the youngest on his first cruise at 8 months and have been taking them since (And like their parents they are Hooked). Both of them for the past few years keep asking when are we going to take a Carnival ship it looks like Fun, and I would reply, they are alot of fun, and again the my boys would say Well let go on one. Which bring me back to my opening line, We are Offically back from the Dark Side. I cancelled the RCCL cruise and Booked the Freedom April 09. My guess is you won’t be there, because I would love my boys to see the Bed Time story, I have such fond memories of it. Sorry for the long Post but I figured you would like to hear about someone coming back from the dark side…. and my memories of the Fun, Freindships, and Service from Carnival has never left me. I hope you are feeling better best wishes to you and Hedi…..
Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane aka Deputy Fred:
Glad someone finally said it! I’m good enough to book with Carnival ~ but just not good enough to for anything else … who cares that I have booked three cruises this year ~ one wasn’t the bloggers cruise so I am just a nobody!!!
Tips for staying out of the dog house!
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you
are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and
arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the
meaning of nothing.)
(6) That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long
and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you’re welcome. (I want to add in a clause here – This is
true, unless she says “Thanks a lot” – that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say “you ‘re welcome” …
that will bring on a “whatever”).
(8) Whatever: Is a women’s way of saying @*!% YOU!
(9) Don’t worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several
times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking
“What’s wrong?” For the woman’s response refer to # 3.
Hi John/Heidi:
Great interview with Pieter today. The building of vessels has always fascinated me and once again he has showed me why it is such an interesting job that he has.
Great pictures today. The Just Drop & Go is hilarious. I think my wife would like me to invest in some.
Hope the medicine is working and you’re starting to feel better.
Keep in touch!
David
Caryn,
Loved your tips for staying out of the Doghouse. I understood every one
of them perfectly.
John, I hope you’re feeling better!
Julie
Dear John,
I heard from Cruise Critic Boards, that you can supply a room for a meet and greet, I have a Cruise Critic group cruise going on the Liberty, 7/26/2008 . At this time we have sold around 45 cabins, 90 people. I am the group leader and would love to have a room for our meet and greet. Please respond on a location and time…
Thank you, Barbara ( screen name Pugs).
Hi John,
As you can see, I am waaaaaay behind on my blogging. So, please forgive me if I ask questions that have been asked. I’m aware of the amount of staff that leave for vacation or transfer to another boat. Is there any easy way to find one of those “500″? I hope you and Heidi are doing well.
How often do you yourself Windsurf or do you just write about it?
Can I ask though – how did you get this picked up and into google news?
Very impressive that this blog is syndicated through Google and is it something that is just up to Google or you actively created?
Obviously this is a popular blog with great data so well done on your seo success..
Windsurfing greats you should write about next.