It’s been a long and emotional day. It is 9:05 pm and the captain just informed me that we have another medical emergency and that we are at full speed to return to Miami as soon as possible. We should arrive at 3:15 am.
The rest of the day has been filled with so much mixed emotion and as always I want to share these emotions with all of you.
Let’s start with ANGER.
No guesses where the anger is coming from. I promised yesterday not to mention Mrs. “You’re a list” but she was very much part of my day. After the debarkation talk which had ended with a HUGE standing ovation for all the crew and howls of laughter as we ran the highlights of the week video I hosted the usual Q and A session. Guess who was first ……… yep ………my nemesis.
This time her anger had reached a new level……………her chosen subject was last night’s show which was a tribute to the Beatles………….and she was about to give me a hard days night. The fact that we had paid tribute a “white” band had her raging and she screamed and spat abuse and as she did so I became fixated with her neck which took on a life of its own as it moved from side to side and back and forwards like a rabid turtle looking for a clump of lettuce……………
I explained that the Beatles music transcended generations and colors but she as usual had no intention of listening so I stood there watching the turtle and waiting for a chance to speak………………I never got it……………two other guests waiting behind her began telling her what they thought of her comments and the turtle turned on them ……………. this was getting out of hand so I intervened and asked the lady to please leave, calm down and I would speak to her later…………..she stormed away …………the turtle having one last look around the room.
I never saw her again…………I didn’t really try to…………I have nothing left to say……….she has made her mind up and that’s that. My biggest concern is tonight’s Carnival Legends show…………..the part of Aretha Franklin was won by a white lady…….don’t think the turtle will like that very much.
The next emotion I want to share is the joy and fun found in the young…………..IT’S TIME FOR SOME TEENAGE CHEEKINESS
Have a read of this letter.
Yep, that’s me Hotter than David Beckham……….the man who is paid a million dollars to pose in a pair of Italian underwear and point to some imaginary object in the distance. I am hotter than the man millions of girls have a poster of in their bedrooms. I am hotter than the man millions of men have a poster of in their bedrooms.
Of course by saying this Kim hinted that she would like free stuff and she got it……………..a photo of me in my underwear ……no……of course she didn’t but she did get a solid gold plastic trophy, a signed photo and a t shirt……….and fame on the blog. Today’s teenagers are never shy to ask for what they want…………….and it’s always fun to be around them when they do.
Armani should get rid of David and get someone else to advertise their underwear………..George Hamilton………now I can picture that.
Next up is the emotion GIVING.
Have a read of this.
I had seen the gentlemen in the strange red Fez-style hats walking around but it was only after reading this letter that I realized what incredible work they do. I had a chat with some of them during the afternoon show and the stories they told of how they raise money was wonderful to hear. I saluted them for all they have done and thanked them for reminding us that GIVING is a wonderful emotion to experience.
I have a few more emotions to share with you but first here are some photos.
OK, let’s press on with some Q and A…………….here we go.
TOM AND JANE……………..I do not know much about the plans for the Carnival Dream but I can tell you the public areas will be something very special. It was great to read that you and your friends feel the food on Carnival ships is the best………we certainly have come along way and we are not finished yet. Thanks as always and our best to you both.
LINDA THE MOUSE………….You asked for our current address Linda and it is;
JOHN HEALD
SENIOR CRUISE DIRECTOR
CARNIVAL FREEDOM
PO BOX 025472
MIAMI, FLORIDA
33102-5351
Please can you remind me two weeks before you sail on the Carnival Inspiration and I will arrange the book for you. Thanks Linda and my best to you and all the other mouses.
MARK……………..The urge was there but I remained calm. Thanks mate.
PAULMEDIK………….Congratulations, good choice and the category11 cabin will be the perfect way to enjoy your special cruise vacation. Let me know if I can help further. Cheers.
SHERYL…………..You asked about more cruising out of New York and I am sure for many people who like you are Carnival fans, this would something that you would really enjoy. I know we have seasonal sailings from the Big Apple and they are immensely popular. I have forwarded your comments to our new and shiny Senior Vice President Terry Thornton and it will be interesting to see what he has to say. Thanks for the suggestion and thank you so much for your loyalty.
CRUIZINSAL………..When someone says they are thinking of booking a cruise but only if I will be there it makes me feel all tingly……..is that a word? Anyway, I will indeed be on the Carnival Splendor in July and it would be an honour to have you sail. Let me know what you decide to do and thanks for taking the time to write.
PEANUTS………….That’s really weird………….I was taking a sip of monkey tea from my Detroit Pistons flask thingy and your name pops up on my list. Thanks for the flask again and thanks for all your kind words.
SHIRLEY CALES………………..My goodness you are indeed correct and the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen video I had a starring role in has indeed be renamed ……………..here it is
Please let me know what you think of my role. I tried to use the acting skills of Michael Caine and George Hamilton with a little bit of Brando thrown in……………….personally I thought it was an Oscar winning performance. What do you think? Cheers.
CHRIS AND JAMES…………Welcome to the blog and I am happy that you are enjoying reading it on a daily basis. In answer to your question your cabin is on deck 9 which is called Lido deck and it’s at the midship area. You have a full ceiling to floor window with a door leading to the balcony. It’s a fantastic cabin and you will have some great views as we enter port. I will see you in August mate and let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Cheers.
CINDY 56…………..I didn’t see the Celebrity ship in St. Thomas because they were docked on the other side of the island at the dock called Submarine Base. It was a beautiful day and just as the ships were leaving it started to rain. Hope that helps and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog thingy.
DAVE CARSON…………..Hello David and let me get straight into answering your questions. You will indeed be able to take the Rome at a Glance tour upon arrival and from there you will be taken directly to the ship. As you have an early flight on your return home I do suggest this so at least you can see some of the enchanting Rome. You then asked about debarkation and the flight you have will be easily made as we have transportation starting at 5:45 am. Let me know if you have any other questions as I am at your service. Cheers.
SAMANTHA LLOYD………….just wanted to say hi and thank you for those kind words……………..keep laughing.
DEBS ROSATO……………..Chocolate cake is on the menu………let the fun begin! There is no news on the 2010 European season yet but I know PA 007 will let me know as and when they hear anything and the same goes for Baltimore. I know the Carnival Miracle sailings were very popular from there so I wouldn’t be surprised if one day the future brings some more of those. Thanks Debs and all the best.
RUTH JAMISON………………we will indeed have an Inaugural bloggers party………….red or white wine?
JERRI GREEN………….ah, the fantastic cave tubing tour in Belize. It is the thing to do there without a doubt. The current moves you along at a serene pace and occasionally you need to give yourself a little shove. Make sure that your bottom doesn’t pick up anything from the river bed along the way. Anyone can do this and it is something I really recommend. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers.
JENNIFER HAMMOND…………….Sailing on a Princess cruise out of Tahiti………wow…………..please send us your report………it sounds amazing.
DEMOS……………….Beautiful words and thank you for sharing them with us all. I am glad you appreciate the Supper Club booking system. I wanted to do this and thanks to Roberto and Stephanie and their magic stuff that they can do with computers my wish has been granted. Thanks again Mary and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog thingy for many days to come.
RICKMTL – AKA SEANCONNERYLOOKALIKE…………….Do you look like him………..if you do I am sure many ladies will be swooning right now. Anyway, if you do how about a photo? In answer to your question I am sorry but Marcus will not be on the cruise during the March 29 cruise however you will have some fantastic entertainment which will have you and Miss Moneypenny standing and cheering. Hope the all nighter went well……….you must be exhausted………….just say Dr.No. Cheers mate.
SHERRIF ROSCO P COLTRANE………………I have passed your demands on to the Captain of the Carnival Glory and he has agreed that you can arrest anyone not conforming to the Sheriff’s regulations………….what’s a trailer park?
LEASA……………….I did see the post on the dolphin swim and for many this is something that is a must do. I was sorry to hear you will not be with us next year but your Carnival Miracle cruise will be so much fun and the ports are brilliant. I highly recommend the Golden Eagle Catamaran tour in St. Martin. The snorkeling is some of the best in the world and the boat itself and its crew are just brilliant. I have never been to St.Kitts or St.Lucia so I sent this across to one of my colleagues for their advice. Stand by for that and thanks for the kind words for the guest who was taken off the vessel. Heidi and I send you our best regards.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO…………Good morning Paul. Unfortunately the facilities at Costa Maya are not yet ready so your son and daughter in law will not be calling there on their honeymoon cruise. I understand instead they will be calling at Cozumel as well as Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Please will remind me the week before they sail so I can send them a little gift. Thanks Paul and as always our kindest regards to you.
JOHN H…………..Great initials by the way…………and you are correct ………as was Mark above you in his posting. Healthy competition is always good. Thanks mate.
JOE KYLE…………..I read your posting and I had to laugh……….a lot. Why on the first night would a cruise director spend time advertising another cruise line and at the same time upset many people with his parody of Carnival Cruise Lines and saying that CARNIVAL GUESTS EAT WITH THEIR HANDS………that’s a CD with very little material. Oh well………….I guess I am not one to talk as although I have never ever mentioned them or any other non-family line on stage, I do occasionally have a little fun with them here on my blog thingy. I want to thank you for letting me know about this situation and I would write more but its time for breakfast so me and the guests are going down to rummage through the trash cans and see what’s on the menu. Until the next time you post (and I hope you will) many thanks for your words of support.
BELLE907………….Of course we can show the naming ceremony on your cruise………….however………….don’t tell anyone but we are hoping to have a live feed of the ceremony on the blog thingy…….sssssshhhhh.
BARBARA BUTLER……………………….I cannot thank you enough for this very important information. I will be sharing it with all the staff here and also sending it out fleet wide so everyone has it. There are some great points that maybe we may have overlooked especially with regard to the welfare of the dogs themselves. I thank you so very much and your information will really help make this a special cruise for everyone. Heidi and I send our best to you and big hug for Valentine.
SHELLY…………I totally agree that you and I should be able to get a Sea Miles credit card but at this moment its only for U.S. Citizens. However, I am informed that this Summer the program will be rolled out for Canadians as well so look out for that. As soon as I get the exact date that this will happen I will let you know. Thanks for the kind words and see you soon.
RUS AND NINA FRANKLIN……………….I just looked at Google Earth and you are right……..wow………that looks amazing. You were right also about the doghouse mate…………..I should have seen that one coming. I hope you dream of back to back cruises in South America happens as you both deserve to live your dreams. Cheers and please keep posting.
JOHN………….No mate, you were right to bring the subject up and I was mad at myself that I may have upset a loyal RCI fan. One thing is for sure…………this industry is very competitive and there is room for friendly banter………certainly her on the blog but I have instructed all of our Cruise Directors never to make fun of them or their customers on stage. Anyway, hope all is well with you mate and this blog is all about discussion which is what we have had thanks to your comments. Cheers and hope to hear from you soon.
BILL – ZYDECOCRUISE…………..mate, nearer the time we will slap on a registration form for a Bloggers party on the Carnival Splendor and yes………….there will be food.
GIRLDOC……………..The latest news on the guest we disembarked in St.Thomas is that he remains in a stable condition in the ICU ward. My thanks to you and the bloggers who have sent their thoughts and best wishes for the family.
PETER JUDGE……………….I hope you are able to come and join us on the Carnival Splendor Peter and if you do I promise you a wonderful time. I wish I was able to open the naming ceremony up to visitors but unfortunately I am not permitted to do so. However as I just mentioned there will be a live feed of the ceremony on the blog so hopefully you will see me and our Godmother perform this special ceremony. Thanks mate……….where in London do you live?
TOM AND JANE………………that just made me laugh!
CRUISE MOM FROM MA…………………..How kind to write such wonderful words about me. Yes, I will be the cruise director for your Carnival Splendor cruise in August. If you or the family have any questions please let me know. It will be wonderful to sail with you all again and until then check in at the blog every now and then. Our best to you all.
VICKI ……………can you send me your last name and cabin number please. Cheers.
GREG BALDASSARI………….Probably spelt it wrong again and as you are now writing Greg B I have no way of checking……bugger.
Just wanted to say thanks for your continuing support and great postings mate. Cheers.
BIG ED………..Hello mate. I know you and your crew and many others are anxiously waiting for news on the pre 2009 Bloggers cruise. I am working hard on this with Stephanie and Roberto and we will make sure you all know everything soon. I guess following your article in the Houston newspaper you can get a free meal in any restaurant in town…………lucky sod. My best as always to you and Mrs. Big Ed.
RUTH JAMISON………………Unfortunately the naming ceremony Ruth will be just for guests who are invited and the guests sailing on the vessel. You will be able to watch it on line though. Now, Scotland. You asked if you can do a day trip from London……….nope. Scotland by train is 6 hours and 9 hours by coach and when you get to Edinburgh you need at least two days to see everything. It’s a shame because Scotland is stunning. What is more accessible is the Cotswold’s or Shakespeare country as it’s called. This area is just beautiful and I really recommend this postcard perfect area. Let me know if you have any other questions Ruth or need further information. Cheers.
That’s all for today. I know I am way behind in answering comments and questions and I will hopefully catch up over the weekend.
Let’s continue with our Emotion blog. The next Emotion I want to cover is FULFILMENT.
Read this.
I had the two ladies as guests on the Morning Show and the first thing I asked was “What is a bucket list?” Well, apparently this refers to a movie starring Jack Nicholson about a chap who wants to fulfill his dreams before he dies…………..and he does…………and so are these ladies …………. aged in their 60′s ………..who this week went Parasailing and Jet Skiing. Next up they said was learning to scuba dive and then a parachute jump.
This got me thinking……………what’s on my bucket list …………… mmmmmmmmmm…………..my top 5 are
1. Drive an Aston Martin convertible down Miami’s Ocean Drive.
2. Accidentally press the “empty toilet sewage” button while flying in a 747 over France
3. Sail on the RCI ship where the Cruise Director said Carnival Guests eat with their hands…………..and at dinner………eat with my hands
4. Host a 2010 bloggers cruise on the Queen Mary 2
5. Meet each and every person who reads the blog thingy.
Anyway, these two ladies were living their dreams and the fulfillment they got from their adventures was plain for all to see.
Next up…………the emotion of Tears………..TEARS OF JOY AND TEARS OF SADNESS
Here is the letter.
A letter full of mixed emotion. I gave Joanne a copy of the Bedtime Story DVD so if she is having a bad day following her chemo treatments that maybe, just maybe some of the laughter she enjoyed here on board will help her get through the tough times ahead. Letters like this make you realize how important laughter is. We spoke, we hugged and I realized also that this job I am so fortunate to have can occasionally make such a difference to people’s lives.
And finally……………THE EMOTION OF GRATITUDE AND LOVE
Here is the letter
I sent a copy of this letter to everyone onboard………….further words are not needed……….the letter says it all.
It has been a week full of emotion ranging from anger, to sadness and most of all fun and laughter. Oh, just before I go…….one more thing.
Last night I was invited to the renewal of marriage vowels of Ann and David Martin. This lovely couple from Baltimore has been married for 40 years and had arranged to have Captain D’Aita renew their vows and they asked if I would stand as a witness. It was a beautiful ceremony and Heidi and I stood and listened to the Captain recite the same vows they had promised to uphold 40 years ago.
After the service I held Heidi’s hand in one of those rare moments of public displays of affection that washes over me every time Mars is in line with Uranus. Heidi asked me if I remembered our vows and immediately I knew that I was in trouble because I hadn’t a clue. I know we spent time writing them together but I had no idea…………I can receipt the lifeboat drill……….
I can remember the name of the girl who threw up while my mate Alan was kissing her 24 years ago (Penny Long)…….but could I remember our wedding vows………………nope. Now, I know there are many women reading this who are thinking “How could you forget?” ……….some of the more radical readers are trying to decide if they should use a chain saw or a blunt spoon to cut the off……………but hold on…………..can your husband remember his………….go on…………ask them…………..there may be a lot of men speaking in a higher voice tonight.
Anyway, after the love moment had packed its bags and gone skiing we walked back to the cabin…………trying to rescue something from the night I asked Heidi if one day she would like to renew our vows ………….. she said nothing for a moment and then said these exact words ………..”Yes”………..but I need to change them too………….
“Heidi, do you promise to love him, honour him, cook for him, clean up for him, pick his dirty underwear of the floor, give up the right to the remote control, wipe pee of the toilet seat and live in a permanent cloud of flatulent gas for as long as you both shall live?”………………………..
Now those are vows I would never forget.
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 john! same stuff, different day mate! ha ha ha
so sorry that woman was so nasty. i thought the beatles show transended all ages, races, religions, political parties, and nationalities. too bad for her. her loss for sure, it is my all time favorite show! and it is much better on the freedom than on the miracle. (just so you know!) ha ha ha
hugs to heidi…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
The letter you shared about the lady with cancer inspired me to finally comment and let you know about my Carnival experience.
My parents are avid followers of beach music and shag dancing (not the same “shag” as is slang for the horizontal activity – hee) and for the last 6 years, they have gone on the “Fun Blues Cruise”, all on Carnival ships. They grew to LOVE cruising and added another cruise to their travel itinerary in January ’07, traveling with the Craig Woolard Band. They enjoyed that cruise so much, they booked again for this year. My dad looked forward to the cruises so much and nothing – not even two knee replacements – could stop him from going and enjoying himself.
After the 2nd knee replacement, his cancer (lymphoma) came out of remission and he had to start treatments in May. Despite a valiant effort, they just couldn’t get a hold on it and it spread to his neck. He had radiation and chemotherapy, which left him completely lethargic and wore him down terribly. He lost 80 lbs in 3 months and deteriorated rapidly. All through these treatments, he had his eye on one thing – the Fun Blues Cruise scheduled to embark on October 13. I am not sure if he would have kept fighting without knowing he had that to look forward to.
He went into the hospital in late September, and sadly, the cancer spread into his lungs and he died the same day the Cruise began. We like to say he is on the “cruise of a lifetime” now.
The point of this long story (sorry about that) is to say that my mom asked me to go on the cruise they had booked for this past January, in his place (with the Craig Woolard Band, again – on the Inspiration). It was my first time cruising, but it won’t be my last. I’m sorry it took my dad’s death to get me on a cruise, and my only regret is that I never got to enjoy one with him.
Friend :
Ahhh!! Another blog master piece Bravo!! Job well done as always because you do it with your heart. Those letter are precious gifts.
What a week ! Count four more in the list of people that you did make the difference this week.Everybody who saw all my pictures of my visit to the ship made the comment that we all look so happy.Im glad we got to share with you and Heidi bit of this week. What a blessing!
We love you John!!!!!
Nanni , Eugenio, Viviana and Cristian
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog. Will u be cd on The Freedom for the June 3rd cruise departing from Rome? If you are I will have to take in your shows.
John….read your bloggy thingy all the time and not sure how to send a message, but heeere goes. In your HUMBLE opinion can a couple 70 year olds handle a back to back, We’re considering the Spendor in Oct. Maybe with your support on board we could get through it. What do you think????????
John, PLEASE ANSWER
Esther said it all in her letter to you! Like I’ve said before, you don’t even begin to realize what a huge impact you have on all of us! And I don’t mean just us, your faithful bloggers. It is so good to sit and listen to you, enjoy your infectious laugh, and leave all of your cares and worries behind. You make all of us forget our troubles, problems, etc. and have us LIVING IN THE MOMENT!! I continue to read your blog every time a new one comes out and in my mind I can see your face, hear your laughter and feel your pain for some people and situations. You are PRICELESS at what you do for everyone–even those who don’t realize it at the time, like your guest this week. Hopefully when she gets home and thinks about the cruise she will realize what a prejudiced person she herself was. By the way, would you like any more sugar free jelly beans from the Jelly Belly Factory to fill up your jelly belly machine? Also, did you ever receive the remote controlled fart machine I sent you? Our family has had soooo much fun with ours. I even had it on the Freedom with us when we sailed last September and a gentleman I met from New York took it around the ship and had a great time with it. It certainly is an “ice breaker”. Well, I hope this post finds you and Heidi totally well and happy!! Thanks again for all you do for us–WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Sheryl
Dear, John
Hello, I have just came of the phone whith my grandmother who has sailed on over 90 cruises.
We both cannot decide if the passport is madatory to board the ship.
We will be going to Sanjuan,St.martin,St.thomas.
I have been on 5 cruises and dont remember if the passport is madatory.
do you know if if we need my passport.
i have a birth certificit, and a passport but im not sure…….
so
PLEAS REPLY , PAL ( :
John,
Yet again, a wonderfully touching blog. Thank you for your help with my ring. It is beautiful, just the way I remembered it was when I purchased it.
As to the bucket list, while I have too many to write here, 1 of my top 5 would be…
See John and Big Ed on the Lido deck in thongs.
Tell Heidi I said Hi!
elaine
Hi John and Heidi ,
Hope the person and family with the emergency will be alright. We will pray for them. How does the ship make for the lost time to get back on schedule ? ( please answer )
I like the way you broke the blog down into emotional segments . It really puts into prospective what you encounter daily and your approach to it.
We will pray for Joanne with her battle with cancer . Sounds like for a week in her life during this battle and with recent lost of her soulmate ,that she was able to laugh and enjoy herself !!!!
On the bloggers cruise from THE BIG EASY you said you tring to arrange hotels for an event the day before departure. Have your people check in Slidell, La – 30 minutes or less from the dock and FRENCH QUARTERS . I was born and raised in the New Orleans area.
All Bloggers on this cruise must set aside time before or after to do the French Quarters .
John tell your soulmate a special I LOVE YOU tonite for forgetting those special vows !!!!
Keep up the great work ,mate!!!!
Tony and Kelley Vance
Hi John,
I love each and everyone of your blogs, but this one is exceptional. Those letters, really touched my heart. It’s true, you and all the staff make a difference each and everyday in the lives of all the guests as well as your blogging friends.
As far as those vows John…. I was so nervous, I can’t remember mine either! (I didn’t feel so bad about it after Carl confided in me, that he was nervous and can’t remember his either! LOL)
Hello to Heidi!
Barb
Well, my friend…
You’ve taken me for out loud laughter to tears with today’s blog. Isn’t it amazing, and heart warming, the variety of stories that play out on each and every cruise? Mrs. Youracistyou must now be a distant and unimportant memory as the wonderful words of the other guests linger in your mind. God bless them all and in particular Joanne Kyle.
Please allow me to echo Ester Vallins’ remarks. Never once have I encountered a crew member of a Carnival vessel who didn’t smile, didn’t go out of his/her way to do whatever was necessary to make my voyage memorable. There is NO doubt that Carnival has the friendliest staff on the sea… end of discussion…
The idea of a Blogger’s cruise onboard the QM2 is wonderfully tasty!! PLEASE give me plenty of advance warning as I believe I need to purchase a new wardrobe!!! ( I actually think I look rather good in a tux…
)
When you finally manage to extract yourself from the dog house could you please provide us with an update on your mate, our friend, Alan? It’s been a number of blogs since we’ve heard and I’m sure everyone is interested.
Please send my compliments to the most lovely Heidi, the Famous Roberto and the astoundingly busy and wonderful Stephanie!!!
Ciao, mate!!!
GregB
PS… you did misspell it… B A L D A S A R R I…
John, I hope if that woman jumped you about a white Aretha Franklin you told her that she was selected by the passengers that attended the try-outs. And if she was there with her big mouth to cheer for a black contestant that person would surely have won.
BIG ED
PS. My Evil Crew cheered three of our Crew into the Legends show during the Bloggers Cruise.
Hi John. I’m in a bit of a quandry here–and I’d appreciate it if you’d respond to this. In your “Q&A” of 2/29, you wrote to a CruiseCritic member named “Cheri” concerning the 11/08 Freedom Transatlantic…and you asked her to contact you at a later date concerning a “meeting place”. That’s not the problem. But I–as well as others–are scheduled for that cruise. And, to the best of my [and others'] knowledge, none of them are named “Cheri”. Did you make an error in the dates…or is there something we should know about. I don’t want multiple people making a “meet place” request early this Fall. Thank you.
John,
You are still “King of The Blogs” and a Saint with handling people and problems.
I think I would have asked the Captain to leave the woman on a pier someplace with her bags, the one who was giving you a hard time.
I’ve had my share of people with racist attitudes especially in business. Some believe the world owes them everything at the expense of everyone else and every person not of their own ethnic background is a racist and out to get them.
By the way what changes have been made in the photography business and activities on the ships?
Dave
Hi John,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog thingy. I have been reading for several months now and haven’t written to you. Your blogs always put a smile on my face. I’m addicted!! You were the CD on a ship that I can’t remember that I was on back in 1995 or 1996. The Destiny was just about to come out. I have been on 8 Carnival cruises, and you are absolutly the best CD. My husband remembered you as mis pronouncing “crochet” as “crotcheed (sp?). I will be sailing on the Victory on Thanksgiving week this year. Do you have any idea who will be the CD?
Take care and God Bless!
Dear John
This very morning before I read your Blog I thought about the movie the Bucket List.
Jeanne and I loved it.
Thoughts of how Carnival has fore filled some of my things to do in life.
See the Caribbean, Rome, the Mediterranean , cross the Atlantic, Alaska, stand before a Glacier and watch an Eagle fly feet away from me while floating in a kyak.
The Greek Isles, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Istanbul Turkey, Athens the Acropolis just awsome.
This year will surly be Splendid on Splendor. Northern Europe we can’t wait.
Especially doing all these things with the one I love Jeanne Marie our family and friends.
We have spent two of those wonderful times with you and a third to come thanks Mate for all you do and the smile on my face as I write this. The Bucket is filling with special memories due to Carnival and hopefully many many more to come.
All the Best to you and Heidi
Ray
Well, I asked hubby if he remembered our vows, and after reading your new vows, all he could say was “John’s a man’s man”…nuff said! I feel for ya Heidi!
John,
If you are a miserable, paranoid person with a chip on your shoulder when you board the ship……you will probably be a miserable paranoid person with a chip on your shoulder when you leave the ship!
Some folks act the way that lady has acted as if it is their profession. Nothing you could say or do will change her mind. She was miserable when she got their and she will be miserable when she leaves. How would you like to go through life always in turmoil.
On to better things….you once again have made us smile and brought your usual cheer to our day.
Cheers…
John & Susan in Frisco
Hi John,
My son and daughter-in-law have been talking about taking a cruise to celebrate their 25th wedding anniverary ,which is May 20th. Well after hearing us tell all about the fun we have when we cruise with you, they have decided to postpone their celebration until next Feb. So it is official , they will join us on the bloggers cruise.
I am so glad they made this decision. I want their first cruise to be the very best time in their lives and what better way than to cruise with you.
Carolyn
John–that woman who constantly complains with ridiculous issues obviously has some sort of emotional problem. I think you’re dealing with her the best you can, but I just bet you want to take a golf club and drive her overboard. The letters you posted here and the reaction you get from your other guests should make you forget about her. Send her to New York–we know how to take care of her kind here!
I agree with Esther. Thank you and your collegues for many many wonderful memories.
See John, you made another 3,000+ people happy this week along with all of us….your bloggers. So don’t let one miserable passenger get you down because you do make a difference in all our lives. I agree 100% with Sheryl, we appreciate you, John.
I hope I have the opportunity to sail with you and Heidi one day soon.
Cheers,
Cindy
People such as that woman need to be blindfolded and go around for a day. She would probably be surprised but what happened. There are so many entertainers and people out there that transend race, color and creed. After her day she would hopefully realize what an uncaring and racist person is herself. Sad, very sad………
PLEASE REPLY: At this point we are going on the Triumph on January 18th, 2009 to that Eastern Caribbean and I have tried to find out who the cruise director will be to no avail. Perhaps Lenny Halliday? I read somewhere that the CD’s are set for like almost a year. Is that true, and do they know at this point who will be the CD for that cruise? If it is Lenny, do you know much of him? Has anyone on this Blog ever sailed with him?
I have decided that when we do Europe in late 09 or 2010 that I will have to get your schedule and make sure you will be the CD
We are actually thinking we will get a suite to share.
And I still have to get Michele to get her pictures to you (and I think Heidi) with the glasses on. (Big nose with shaggy eyebrows and mustache) She wanted to get on the blog and post them for you but she has a tendency to get overwhelmed with other aspects of her life
Me; I have a lot going on but I like your blog so I have made a point to stay fairly current with it.
You are the best and you are a celebrity in your own right. But I think that you a lot more caring then some of them. Keep up the good work!
I hope that the passenger that you are turning around for everything turns out ok and for the gentleman in ICU. With all the people that are praying and keeping them in their thoughts things should be well.
On a side note we are picking up 3 ferrets next Saturday from a local shelter. We can’t wait, they are such fun animals!
Good night and best wishes,
Deanna
John,
Your Bucket List… #4… DO IT!!! I’ll go!!!! It’s on my Bucket List too!!! A Cunard Voyage! With all the pomp and circumstance it can muster!! I really want it!!! I’m a Texas Gal, born in California, but really, REALLY want to sail Cunard. BUT, I don’t want to make a faux pas… so with you and a bunch of Bloggers, I couldn’t be singled out… You’d be showing us exactly what IS the proper way to eat with our hands in the dining room! PLEASE!!!!
What a wonderful blog… the range of emotions… yep, cruising is life as it happens. It just magnifies all the feelings and heightens one’s sense of awareness. At least for me, it intensifies all the feelings, all the pleasures, all the desires — and satifies them at the same time.
Best regards to you, to your Lovely Wife Heidi (who is a smart woman keeping you sharp and witty) Roberto (who keeps your organized from our point of view) and Alan (who is always in our prayers)…
Lambie
Hi John,
We will be sailing on the Freedom on May 10th were so hoping you would be the Cruise Director on that sailing. We sailed with you on the Liberty on September 05 and I truly understand that you just can’t be everywhere at once. but we had so much fun on that cruise. Since we missed you in May we just signed up for the next Blogger’s cruise and Big Ed’s Evil Crew so we will see you then.
I have one question if you have a minute to respond. What is the best tour to take in Athens? I have decided everything except Athens. I am hoping you can make a suggestion from your experiences.
Thanks so much!
Kay
John,
I was disappointed to find out that you will not be the CD on our March 22 cruise. This will be my 17th Carnival cruise and I have yet to sail with you as the CD! Will Ken be the maitre’d on our sailing? If so is there any way to make sure we are in his dining room?
Pam
John,
From What you have said I would call our friend a mix between a turtle and a whale… a twhale if you will. If you throw this twhale overboard she will feel as though she is in her natural habitat, so feel free and try it. There is only one other place where a twhale will feel at home, that’s in the brig of the Carnival Freedom. You have an obligation to this creature to send her back to her natural environment, either choice one or two. If you need help, give me a ring, you can consider it training. See if you can convince Carnival to buy you a private helicopter so you can fly home on embarkation day, I’m sure that will go over well! As far as your top five goes, I believe you would be a poser if you tried number 2, it’s already been done countless times. I think I’ll join you on the RCI ship and eat with my hands, what shall we eat… Caviar?
_BigMike
_BigMike
Hello John,
Please reply
Hello John, I am an avid reader of your blog this is my first time posting. My husband (Tom) and I have had the privilege of sailing with you on two different occasions. (I am the lady who’s husband left my luggage home when we were on the Liberty in April 2006.) Talk about being in the doghouse. Not sure if you will remember us as you see thousands of people every week, but you made us feel as we are friends.
We are sailing the Freedom on March 22 and were saddened to learn you will not be our CD. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday. This cruise is a celebration cruise on my husbands retirement, and hoping for many more as we begin our new journey in our lives together.
I have two questions and hope you can answer them. First, you mentioned that there would be some changes made on day of embark. Can you tell me what has been added? Second, we would like to request a table for two for our dinner. We are platinum guests hoping that helps for our request. Is there someone we can email and ask this before we cruise or do we just wait until we board?
We wish you and Heidi smooth seas on your cruise in March. Keep up the great work on the blog.
Michelle & Tom
Keep up the good work John; I have sailed with you as CD 3 times and have the good fortune of sailing with you again on the Splendor in July. I know you have a very difficult job dealing with the public; but you handle it like a professional that you truly are.
Bravo John!!
John,
It does not matter what ship you sail on….for us It is always remembered by the people and mostly crew members we meet that touch and often change our lives…Thank you for passing that letter on to all the crew as ANY one of them could be the one who makes the difference.We have fond memories and often try to explain to others why we keep coming back to CARNIVAL and you know…Its the SPIRIT and Caring attitudes that make our weeks so personal and wonderful. I’m sure the crew you lead cant wait for you and Heidi to return to your ship when you go away for a few weeks ….Its why the hundred’s want to always know your Itenerary so we can also be a part of the “Genuineness” you both give…not to sound Corny..but THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU from our family to..Miles,Fuat,Ken,Alan,Roberto,Stephanie,Frank,Beans,and you two as well….
Mark,Amanda and Catie
John,
You never cease to amaze me with your writing. Thanks you so much for today’s Blog. I smiled as I read and then I realized that one small tear was making it’s way down my cheek as I read about Joanne Kyle. Truly emotional!
Thanks you also for responding to my question about the July Splendor sailing. Yes having you as my CD would seal the deal for me but we are already booked on the Victory sailing to Canada at the end of July and DH is wondering how we would work out the logistics. I am doing the “Quietly nudging with pointy elbows” wife thingy for him to work his magic.
Please send my best to Heidi and please always know that what Ester wrote to you and all the crew is so very “right on”. You all are miracle workers.
Sallie
Hey, John – it’s Esther from Toronto! I’m glad you enjoyed the letter (it was originally longer, but I remembered you saying something about only 15 lines). Either way, I really do mean what I said.
We met briefly before the Legends show (which I had such a great time being a part of, so thanks!) also at the beginning of the week, not sure if you remember, I told you it was my birthday, and realized my Dad grew up not far from you in Barkingside, Essex.
I am so sorry to hear you had a lady acting that way toward you during our cruise this week. On our 11-hour travel home yesterday, I compiled a list of words and phrases that I shall never hold sacred again, so here they are, and hopefully when you think of that week on the Carnival Freedom, it’ll bring a smile to your face.
1. Viagra
2. Yabba Dabba Dooo
3. The number “31″
4. The names “Bob” and “Diane”
5. The names “Dick Little” and “Anita Little”
6. The song “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
7. The song “You Can’t Touch This”
8. Venom
9. The Mexican Hat Dance
And finally,
10. Hey, who’s your Daddy?
…We hope it won’t be long before we see you again. All the best!
Esther Vallins.
Please reply
Wonderful blog, as usual. Did you get any report on the person who was rushed back to Miami? My 85 year old aunt had to be airlifted by helecopter off a cruise,spend some time in the hospital and then enjoyed talking about how the basket lifting her on board keep going around and around. She rather enjoyed the experience!
Could you let “Wil de beast” know that they will love the back to back cruise? We’re in our 70′s and did that a year ago and it was great. In fact we’re doing a back to back on the Freedom in Oct./Nov. Can hardly wait. Jeri
Hey John,
You said you meet some shriners on board the ship this week, I am glad you got to meet them. They arer some of the most caring people. To be A Shriner you must first start as a Mason. This is truely a great orginization that spans the world. If at some point you decide you would like more information, please fell free to let me know. I think you would enjoy the brotherhood of masonary and everything about it. You would be surprized of some of the people who are and where masons. it is truely a world wide orginization.
I love reading your bolg daily. Please, don’t let the people who feel they have to complain about life drag you down, I know for people like you and me it can be tough. but remember for every 1 complainer there are hundreds who’s day you have made and brought a smile to there face.
Take care mate,
your friend,
Capt Bill
hi john and heidi. sorry to here about that nasty lady its a shame that people can be that way
a fter all u try ur best to please everyone and u cant but u do a good job keep up the goodwork. someday again we will get to cruise with u again.
i enjoy ur blogs.
and to Jake Silverberg
yes u need a passport
Thanks, John—cabin 6414, last name is Ryder. March 22.
Sorry you had to encounter such a hateful woman.
John:
My Dad was a Shriner. This was many years ago. (If he was still living, he would be 102.)
We sailed with a group of Shriners in Sept/Oct on the Victory and I had the pleasure of talking to their director one afternoon. Dad passed away when I was 27. Talking with this gentleman brought back many wonderful memories.
Hi John,
It never ceases to amaze me how some people can go through life being miserable ALL OF THE TIME. Your encounter with the lady during the show is just an example of a guest who should stick to land based vacations. Her lack of class to interupt your show and the fact that other passengers started to heckle her is proof that you and the entire crew of the FREEDOM are doing the best job possible. You have gone above and beyond to appease this woman and then she pulls a stunt like that?
I, for one salute you for your patience and I would suggest that you keep a stress ball in your pocket and just give it a real hard squeeze when you run into ……..and believe me you will run into another passenger just like her. Once that is done….you will feel much better and avoid making the mistake of saying something that you might regret.
I don’t know how you do it John……I’d be so tempted sometimes when we hear the things that you have to deal with.
On a bright note……………our business opened on Friday and our new customers are really happy to have our new shoppe opened in Stratford.
How can you not be happy going for ice cream eh?
My pleasure will come from seeing both the young and old enjoying a nice cold treat.
Keep up the great job my friend and I hope someday to shake your hand when Donna and I join you and Heidi on a wonderful voyage with Carnival.
All the best to the best crew afloat!
B&D from Canada.
John
Hope all is well today.
Don’t feel to bad about remembering your wedding vows. My husband of almost 20 years can’t remember ours, Sometimes, he can’t even remember the date. But, I do give him reminders, sometimes, He also shows me every day how much he loves me. He does small things, that really count,
We have our own plumbing company, so he stays busy with the business, I am a nurse & work long hours, so does he, but he finds the time to have dinner ready when I get home, fix my coffee & bagel for the next morning, & always surprizes me with little gifts. He is wonderful & my other half.
If you can, may I have a little insight & info on debark/ embark for a B2B cruise. We sail out of Ft Lauderdale on 11/30/08 for the first leg & 12/6/08 for the second half on the Freedom
Thank you for all that you do for all the guest. The cruise Director I feel make the Cruise.
Have a good day
Cheri
hi john
that nasty lady,,,,,,send her to RCCL,,,,,
or you could make her walk the plank,,,,
sweet.
if your reading this NASTY lady
get—a—life
john ,I dont know how you keep your cool,,,,
but the good,,,,way out numbers the bad….
hang in there,,,,and see you in NOLA
tom and jane
we sail on the INSPIRATION,,,
in 27 days
Hi John and Heidi,
Declan here from Bacup, England.
We cruised the med with you back in August (same time as your mate Alan) and had a wonderful time.
I just had to write in support of the letter you printed from Esther.
She is so right and it is a great testimonial to the hard work put in by all the crew to who keep us entertained, fed and watered, and safe whilst on what for many of us is probably a once in a lifetime vacation.
Your blog has been a daily ritual for almost a year now and long may it continue!!!
Best regards,
The Wade family.
Good morning my fantastic friend, Mr. Heald. This blog transcends anything that you have done. The gambit of words ANGER, TEENAGE CHEEKINESS, GIVING, FULFILMENT, SADNESS,
and especially,GRATITUDE AND LOVE give hope to everyone that reads your blog. When I began reading your blog it was for interest but no longer is it just interest. I look forward to LEARN as much as I can from you and believe it or not, I have grown as a person. I have already arranged for another cruise next year with Carnival and it is because first of all YOU, Mr. Heald and second, what the final letter says about all the people who work on a Carnival cruise ship and how great they are dealing with those on a cruise. I commend all of you and I will continue to cruise with all my friends on Carnival. Ciao my great friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
john, john, john!!!!! This is your “friend” who wrote to tell you of her “bucket list”. I have left the ship (as you know), arrived back home with my sea-legs still attached and could not wait to write this short message.
Sorry to hear of your unfortunate encounter with an ungrateful, disrespectful, obnoxious, arrogant, etc. guest. Pretty sad to hear of that sort of behavior to another person when you are precisely that,,,,,”GUEST” in someones home. Too bad for her,,,,she really missed the “boat”.
Having been my first Carnival cruise, I look forward to booking more in the near future. I want to “thank” my dear and most loyal friend, Kathleen, for showing me the way and sticking with me during my most unpleasurable times. We have so much more to do,,,,,laugh til we cry, have more fun and enjoy life to the fullest. We here for such a short time,,,,,,,,,,,make the best of what you have and the time your given.
Thank you, John. Hope we made your day!
Jeanette
Bucket List Lady
John;
You know it is such a shame too spend so much money on a cruse to relax and enjoy yourself and then be so filled with hate that you ruin it for yourself and your family, which I am sure she did. Well mate better her than us.
The Shrine and Shriner”s do outstanding work for many very find people. I only hope they can continue for many more years.
John,
I’m very upset that Carnival is called a rasist. By the way I’m originally from PA. when I would ask my parents what nationality I was the would say Heinz 57. In checking into this matter I have found that I’m German, Irish, English, American Indian and Scottish. (No French) If you have a chance to tell her that one of the best senior cruise director other than you is Malcolm in the Middle. I first meet Malcolm when he as an assistant cruise director and when I filled out my comment card I advised them that he should be made a cruise director because he was great. I did not say this because he was black, yellow, white, etc. It was because he was great. So If you have a chance please tell this lady. Not to just look at color.
Debby from PA (Heinz 57)
Sorry that Mrs. “You’re on a list” could not/will not see her error in reasoning. I believe that if she looks very hard in the mirror she may find she is looking at part of her problem….possibly an instance of projectionism in that she is attributing her own thoughts/feelings/behaviours to you….
Words from… Imagine
John Lennon
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world…
You may say i’m a dreamer
But i’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Hi John,
Please reply. We sent a comment on Feb 28, but did not indicate we wanted a reply. We can’t wait for our 7/13 sailing on the Splendor. What I want for you to comment on is any changes made to the way guests are sent off to excursions. What we experienced during our March ’07 cruise on the Freedom was not what I expected from the best cruise line in the world. there must be a better, more efficient way.
Hi John: As usual, another great blog! Don’t let that lady get you down, she herself is the racist! I hope you and Heidi have many happy years together and maybe the next time you say your vows you will remember them too! HA! HA! As for my bucket list here goes:
1. I want to see my 4 grandsons grow up
2. I want to see them all go to college and make lots of money and become successful
3. See them all get married and have children of their own.
4. Have them take their grandma and grandpa on a world cruise after they become successful
5. But most of all, sail with you again John! YOU ARE THE GREATEST! Keep up the good work! Hi to Heidi from us too! Linda & Mike (the handyman)
Well, maybe or maybe not you are as hot as Beckham. But, definitely and positively Heidi is far hotter than his Posh wife!
Are you still including Britney Spears in your legend show? (I had the dubious honor of filling that role) I didn’t see a person in that costume in the pictures.
Hello John and Heidi,
Just a word to say thank you for a great cruise
this past week. John you are the best in the business period.
As you know we celebrated our 40th with our kids on board, and our son, who is a executive chef in Washington DC thought the food was exceptional
he knows what it takes to feed 3200 guests 3 times a day and kudos go to your food staff.
The whole staff was great always a smile and a hello.
We made all the shows John and your my daddy,
YABA DABA DO
papanh
John -
I googled “John Heald’s Wedding Vows” and got 776 hits in 0.25 seconds, with this blog being #1 on the list. Still, I have found what appears to be your original vows:
“Do you John take this woman Heidi to be your beloved wife, to have and to hold in Harrods or Gucci, to occupy the maison de chien as commanded, to produce offspring at the appearance of a smilie face, to suffer the humility of one too many suitcases, till cruise line do you part?”
————-
[The following opinions are solely the responsibility of this poster. Any resemblance of a sane individual is purely coincidental]
Now, onto the issue of Little Miss One Issue.
If there is one thing that never ceases to amaze me, it is the myopic view of so many Americans (I can’t speak for residents of other countries, because I live in the good old USA) that one issue can so occupy their thought process to the complete ignorance of all other issues.
Little Miss One Issue is as myopic as someone who determines who to vote for based solely on one issue. Life is not so simple that one issue alone can be the determinant of so important a duty.
Affirmative action was clearly an indicated program when it was originally developed, but this country has changed and, in fact, African Americans are no longer even the largest ethnic group in this country. In fact, I question why we have to refer to someone as African American, Mexican American, Asian American or whatever – we are all Americans, period.
This country will never, IMO, get past its racial biases until the various races get past their own desire to have a unique identity in this smorgasbord we call the United States of America.
Little Miss One Issue has, IMO, increased racial tension in this country, not decreased it, by being so myopic.
You, my friend, have nothing to feel guilty about. The problem is not yours – it is hers. She needs to get her head out of the sand and realize that the world is constantly changing.
Thus ends my political discussion. If I have offended any individual, I hereby apologize to you specifically.
We now return you back to your regular blog.
JustJon
John, please reply
Is it possible to have a bloggers gathering with you when you join the ship on the crossing, this April?
As for, Ms angry. Perhaps everyone could say a prayer for her, I just did. It must be hard going through life that way.
A friend of mine was accused of being prejudice because she was from the south. Her answer was one of the best I have ever heard (she knew she would never convince the accuser otherwise). She said, “I am not prejudice, I hate everyone!”. And, that was then end of that discussion. I know you don’t have that kind of freedom but do hope that you know that you did all that you could and there was nothing that you could say that would have persuaded her otherwise.
Heidi, I am sure my husband does not remember exactly what our vows were, and I don’t either. And we just used the normal vows. But, the meaning behind them is still with us 34 years later and I am sure it is with John. Of course, if it is really important to you that he remember, just have him repeat them at each newlywed/not so newlywed show. Then eventually he will have it memorized like he does the lifeboat drill! Sorry, John.
The Carnival guests eat with their hands comment…………. just paints a picture of their guests eatting like a pig or perhaps with their feet? I always eat with my hands, usually may be holding utensils, but still I have to use my hands! Glad I am a Carnival guest!
I cannot wait to meet the wonderful crew on the Freedom.
Ann
Hello John & Heidi,
Please Reply
Are you mad at me? Just because I am not what you pictured as a little old lady with white hair (all though that part is true I refuse to let it show) sitting in a rocking chair doing nothing but knitting. I sent Stephanie a picture. My granddaughter will turn 20 in July of this year, and in October I will be celebrating my 40th anniversary with the man of my dream and on the same day my 60th birthday. This will be on a Carnival cruise of course. We are hoping to have the whole family with us again for their second cruise. We were all together on the Glory in October of 2004 western for their first. It was a great trip with you as the CD.
I have a cruise already booked for May 19th to celebrate getting through all my cancer treatments. And I agree that sometimes the only thing to help me get through some of the bad times is reading your blog thingy and all the comments from the other bloggers. Laughter is a great healer.
I will end now, the fatigue is the worst side effect.
CarolAnn
Hi John, This is the first time I have participated in your blog, however, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying your daily entries and your faithful follower’s comments for the last 5 months! You crack me up! (I’m sure you’ll have a good comeback for that one) Anyway, I couldn’t hold off contacting you any longer as next Saturday (3/8)we will be joining you and the beautiful Heidi for our 9th Carnival Cruise. This will be the 3rd time you will be our CD which will make this trip all that more special. I hope the “powers that be” truly understand what a following you have and what a terrific asset you are to their company. I sing your praises all the time even though we have never met. If I am able to catch you at a moment when you are not too busy, I will introduce myself, in the meantime, I just wanted you to know that you are loved my millions. See you next week! Patti
John,
What a wonderful way you have with words. I have just recently started reading your blogs and I love the way you care so much for all the passengers. Its nice to know that Carnival takes such good care of people in their time of need.
I have just recently gotten back into cruising after several years. We will be going on the Fascination May 5 to celebrate my birthday. We are also bringing my sister-in-law and husband with us (it will be their 1st cruise). The 4 of us will belatedly celebrating our 40th anniversarys. We got married 2 days apart. We are planning on making many memories and I hope to make it an annual tradition. I know Carnival will not disappoint us.
MDL
Evans, GA
Dear John and Heidi,
I don’t think either of us can remeber our vows either. T
Dear John & Heidi,
We can’t remember our vows either. When you’ve been happily married for 27 years, I guess it doesn’t really matter! John, this woman must have brought back bad memories of “Mahjong Lady” You can’t change the attitude of a perpetually angry person. My guess is she has not been happy with any meal she has had, any movie she has seen, any stage production she has gone to. It really makes one wonder why these individuals even bother to participate in anything at all. My wife and I have never eaten with our hands, as the crack dining team aboard Carnival Cruise Lines always sees fit to put FLATWARE on our tables. For that we will be forever grateful!
John, the last letters were incredible. It really does show the power of genuine human caring and understanding. Perhaps Mrs. Sour Puss should read those. On second thought, she would probably just point out the typos.
Keep up the AMAZING work that you do!
Lance & Ilda
yes, quite the emotional day for you, but most was good and in the end the good does out weigh the bad. the letters were good, and yes that one does say it all. and in the end if she looks real hard there is great honor in a “white” woman playing Aretha Franklin, as it does say how her beloved culture affects others, but if she want to live in the anger …… o well I feel sorry for her, she misses more that she will ever know.
oh and for the whetever it is worth department Kevin and I are now part of “big Ed” crew but I will not be evil I am going to be the Noble Angel of them….. well I will at least ride the pun as long as I can as it is the name I use on-line, this is the only place I use my real firt name anyway ….. that is a high complinment to you…. well to Heidi more so as I could not help posting as another Heidi…..
and Kevin remember EVERYTHING ……and can spell too.
the one
and Only 1
Heidi-Beth
the Noble Angel of the …… Krewe
Hey John,
Would you please resume listing which blog holds the comments you are answering? Thanks!
You asked what a trailer park is. Well, I think you would call it a caravan park, but I also think there is a difference. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think caravan parks in the UK are mostly occupied by people taking vacations (holidays). We have those too, but they are usually called recreational vehicle campgrounds. A famous company that runs a lot of these is called Kampgrounds of America, or KOA.
Generally, when somone says “trailer park” they mean a place where people live in their trailers permanently. In fact, a lot of the trailers never move once they are installed in the park. People move in and out of them just as if they were regular houses. Some of them are as large as regular houses. There are trailers called double-wides that are so large that when they are moved they are split down the middle and each half is towed separately. It’s a funny sight to see half a house moving down the interstate.
Trailer parks are usually cheaper to live in than regular houses, so people who live in them are often looked down on, sometimes they are even called “trailer trash”, although there are just as many good people in trailer parks as in regular homes and just as many trashy people in regular homes as in trailers.
One unfortunate feature of trailers (or “mobile homes”) is that they are more easily destroyed by tornadoes and hurricanes. News reports of tornadoes so often refer to damaged trailer parks that it has become a joke that the trailers actually attract tornadoes like a magnet.
Hi, John.
If it makes you feel any better, I can’t remember my wedding vows, either. Maybe it’s better that way.
Pat
Hi John/Heidi:
Great blog today…
Your job truly covers the wide range of emotions but its nice to see that there are much more positive ones than negative ones.
I hope the passengers that have had to return to port so soon are doing ok.
Hope this week has started out better for you.
Very wet and cold in Dallas, so enjoy that warm Caribbean sun for us cold folk.
Great hearing from you!
David
What a touching and uplifting blog. John, Heidi, and every crew member of every ship that is out there, you do not know the effect you have on our lives. We (my friends and I) joke about “being Queen” for a week or longer, but it is such a special thing to be a passenger on a cruise ship and have all of the hard working members of the crew, from first to last, providing a special time for us. This blog demonstrates the many ways this is done. No need to reply, am enjoying reading the blog, have dones so since our cruise on the 2nd voyage of the Carnival Freedom in February, 2007.
You are very much appreciated!
John & Heidi
Just wanted to say what a great time we had cruising w/ you. This was our 4th and best thanks for making me the star of the week.
Dear John,
I apologize for not sending you a proper thank you note on the ship. I wanted to let you know how wonderful you & your crew made our honeymoon do-over. David & I can not say enough kind words about you. You go out of your way to make everyone feel as though they are special in a sea of thousands of people. You embrace life and love and it makes everyone around you want to do the same. We enjoyed everything on the Freedom from the bathrooms to the shows!! This was my parents first 7 day cruise and they are ready to book another one. It was a wonderful week with life lasting memories. We thank you for that!!!
(and the champange!)
Oh, is there a way we can still get the DVD from that week (Feb. 23). We forgot to get it, having to much fun I guess.
If possible, can you let us know how the people who had to leave the ship are doing? David & I were very sad to hear about that…we know what they are going through and our thoughts & prayers are with them.
Thank you again for everything and it was a highlight meeting you in person!!
Love,
Jill & David Andress
John – You need to know you broke “Man Law” when you threw the rest of us guys under the not remembering our vows bus. When you get busted just suck it up and take your lumps. Don’t go asking all our wives to check to see if we remember or not. Now I’m in the dog house with you….
Cheers….
Keep up the great stuff….
Well John,,,,,,,,,here we come. The “Bucket List” ladies ride again. We’ll see you next February (like it or not) when Kathleen and I set sail for Cozumel and Pregreso leaving from New Orleans. We can’t wait. Hope we get to talk with you in person and possibly get a picture or two. Remember, we are retired cake decorators and we know how to use a spatula. We are currently trying to talk another friend into joining us,,,,,,,she is as nutzzzz as we are so we’ll leave everything to your imagination. Get my drift????
Do they have any high cliffs in Cozumel? Remember you said jumping off a cliff into the water was on YOUR “bucket list”?
Looking forward to seeing you again,,,,,,,,take care of yourself. If your not on that ship when we board, I’ll hunt you down like a DOG!!!!!
Jeanette
Bucket List Lady
Hello John,
Didn’t want to start with the old “Dear John” letter.
My wife and I brought my in-laws and our 2 1/2 year old daughter on the Feb 23-Mar 1 sailing. We had previously brought my mother in law, my 2 boys (12-15) and our daughter as well as 2 nieces (11-15) on the July 4 sailing of the Glory (all of us were 1st time cruisers). My father in law did not go then. We had scheduled the Freedom trip prior to sailing on the Glory but after that trip we couldn’t wait to go again. We rubbed it in so bad to him how wonderful the cruise was, the food, the shore trips, the shows, life on the ship in general. He was so excited that I got calls daily from both him and my mother in law asking questions about our upcoming Freedom sailing. I’m sure you don’t know, but you had alot to live up to even before we boarded and you out did yourself. I mean at the sailing party 2 guys in G string thongs and they came to the muster station drill like that. That was outstanding, it set the fun tone. I wish I had the guts to do that. It was halarious. The cruise only got better. Your shows especially the Dick Little show and “And Mary screamed” show were the riot. I hurt for 3 days from laughing so hard. Even being the stud you are, I’m sure after you were rode by Mary you were hurting too.
My father in law tells everyone he knows about the cruise and your shows. It takes him 30 min to tell the Mary story and he can’t do it with a straight face, he breaks down laughing every time.
We are going in Oct on the Glory again (only because that’s the sailing with ports we haven’t been to), this time with 24 people from both my wifes and my family. The only bad thing about sailing on the Glory is that you won’t be the cruise director. I have told my wife we will sail with you again even if it is the same ports we’d already seen.
Thank you so much for an outstanding “setting the bar very high” cruise, not for my self but for my 2 1/2 year old daughter who cried and threw a fit to watch you on stage and my father in law who had one of those unforgetable life memories that he will be laughing at and telling everyone he knows for hopefully years to come.
Lee Rayburn
Knoxville, Tn
DEAR JOHN,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, GOD BLESS YOU. AS YOU ARE ALREADY AWARE, PER JEFF’S LETTER TO YOU WE HAD A VERY TRYING, STRESSFUL YEAR WITH MUCH MORE THAT JEFF DIDN’T PUT IN THE LETTER. THIS CRUISE WAS JUST WHAT THE DR. ORDERED. MORE THAN WE COULD EVER HAD EXPECTED. FROM THE AWSOME, PERSONABLE, FRIENDLY STEWARDS, WAITER, AND WAITRESSES TO THE ONE OF KIND FULL OF HUMOR AND LAUGHTER CRUISE DIRECTOR, YOU. LET ME SAY I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THE BELPALSY BUT YOU DID A PHENOMONAL JOB IN INCORPORATING IT IN TO YOUR COMDEY. LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE COMPLETELY SOLD ON CRUISES NOW AND WILL BE ABSOUTELY TAKING MORE WITH CARNIVAL. WE HAVE SUNG THE PRAISES OF YOU, CARNIVAL FREEDOM AND THE STAFF. JEFF AS YOU KNOW IS A RN AND I HAVE SUGGESTD STRONGLY THAT HE LOOK FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH CARNIVAL, I WILL BE YOUR ASSISTANT IN TRAINNING AS I LOVE TO LAUGH AND MAKE OTHERS LAUGH. WE HAVE YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT OUR 4 CHILDREN AND 1 GRANDDAUGHTER WILL DO BUT I’M SURE WE CAN FIND SOMETHING!!!!!!!! WE DID ARRIVE HOME SAFELY BUT I MUST SHARE THIS FUNNY WITH YOU. WHEN DECIDING TO TAKE THIS TRIP JEFF REMEMBERD THAT HE HAD A GREAT AUNT WHO LIVED IN FT LAUDERDALE. SO WE FLEW IN ON 2-29-08 AND STAYED OVERNIGHT WITH HER. WHEN WE EXITED THE SHIP ON 3-8-08 I SUDDENLY REMEBERED THAT I HAD FORGOTTEN TO BOOK A HOTEL ROOM AS HIS AUNT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE US BACK DUE TO HER SCHEDULE. JEFF AND I QUICKLY STATED OH FT LUADERDALE IT WILL BE EASY TO FIND A HOTEL NOT REALIZING THAT THERE WAS A BLIZZARD GOING ON IN THE EAST-NORTH EAST. AS WE ARRIVED BACK AT THE FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT VI THE SHUTTLE WE WERE MET WITH VAST NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ALL TRYING TO GET HOTELS AND FLIGHTS STILL BEING CANCELED. SO MY SEARCH BEGAN WITH EACH CALL BEING TOLD THEY WERE FULL OR THEY WERE SO FAR OUT OF OUR PRICE RANGE LIKE 429.00 A NIGHT. I COULD GO ON ANOTHR CRUISE WITH THAT PRICE. THE VERY LAST ONE I CALLED WAS A ECONO LODGE WITH THE PERSON SAYING SHE HAD 1 ROOM LEFT, DOUBLE BEDS, SMOKING, JEFF SMOKES SO I SAID WILL TAKE IT, A STEAL OF 145.00 DOLLARS. WHE WE ARRIVED JEFF AND I SLOWLY LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND JUST STARTED LAUGHING. HERE WE HAD BEEN SPOLIED ON THIS LUXURIOUS SHIP AND WHAT A REALITY CHECK AT THE ECONO LODGE. WHEN WE WALKED INTO OUR ROOM WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT JEFF SAID OK HONEY I GET THE BED THAT DOEN’T HAVE THE CHALK MARK AROUND IT. AFTER GETTING SOMETHING TO EAT WE WENT BACK TO THE ROOM, AGAIN LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND SAID WE WANT OAKLEY OUR STEWARD, WE WATCHED A LIITLE TV AND DECIDED TO TURN IN AS WE HAD TO BE BACK AT THE AIRPORT AT 6:00 AM. AROUND 3:00 AM I WOKE TO A KNOCKING NOISE, QUICKLY REALIZING WHAT IT WAS I LAID THERE THINKING OH MY GOD!!!!! WHEN SUDDENLY JEFF WOKE UP RAN TO THE DOOR, LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW, AND SAID WHO IS IT. I SAID JEFF DON’T OPEN THAT DOOR, HE SAID I’M NOT BUT SOMEONE KEEPS KNOCKING ON IT, DON’T YOU HEAR IT. I SAID IT’S NOT THE DOOR IT’S THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR WHO HAVE BEEN HAVING SEX FOR THE LAST 20 MINUTES AND THEIR HEADBOARD IS HITTING OUR WALL!!!! JEFF AND I BOTH LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND SAID WELL THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS HAVE A CIG. IN THEIR HONOR. I DON’T SMOKE BUT JEFF LIT ONE UP. ONLY COULD HAPPEN TO US. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL CRUISE, A WONDERFUL TIME AND WONDERFUL MEMORIES. AND JUST REMEBER REALLY WHEN AND IF YOU NEED AN ASST. I WILL BE THERE I’LL GIVE UP WORKING WITH AT RISK KIDS JUST THINK OF THE STORIES I HAVE TO OFFER AND YOUR JAMES SAID AS I WAS LIVING THE SHIP THAT I COULD STAY WITH HIM!!!! ACTUALLY HE SAID CALL HIM SOME TIME!!!!!! OH YEAH AND ADEL CALLED ME BY NAME WHEN I WAS EXITING THE BOAT 3000 PEOPLE AND SHE CALLED ME BY NAME AND I WAS EVEN IN ANY OF YOUR SHOWS WITH AUDIANCE PARTICIPATION, WHICH WE DISCUSS LATER AS TO WHY I WASN’T!!!!! BUT FOR HER TO REMEBER MY NAME WHAT GREAT MARKETING!!!!!!
THANKS TO ALL
LINDA NORTHERN
GALVESTON, INDIANA