It’s Sunday…………….time for a very quick and easy ready to eat TV dinner, small, diluted, tiny and short blog thingy……….
Some of the most frustrating parts of this job are the times you rely on others ………….such was the case this morning. I stood on stage yesterday at the debarkation talk and proclaimed to the world that our new and improved debarkation system was brilliant, easy and free of the discomforts of the past and here I am sitting her having just finished the debarkation of 3200 guests where during my announcements for each number to proceed ashore I had to use those dreaded words “I sincerely apologize.”
We had done everything as normal…………the guests were informed and everyone had listened to instructions and at 7:15am we started……………and then stopped………………and then started…………….and then stopped. I would call a number to come down to the gangway and only to have them wait in line in the lobby…………..it wasn’t our fault…………it was just one of those times when the Customs and Boarder Patrol Inspector wanted to see only so many guests at a time to pass through Immigration……..no warning was given that this would happen and therefore the system that I had said was quick and painless based on the last three weeks was in fact slow and painful.
Now, once again I realize that these ladies and gents have a hugely important job to do but I wish there could be a way that we are pre-warned about this and therefore I don’t look like I am talking out of my bottom.
So, I apologized not just over the PA system but also in the lobby as guests were leaving. As usual 99% of people were understanding but there were one or two who voiced there opinion but that is normal of course. Anyway, we usually start at 7 am and finish by 9:45 am………..today we started at 7:15 am and finished at 10:35 am………….those extra minutes mean a lot.
I have decided to adopt a disclaimer in my debarkation talk from now on………..I shall explain how brilliantly organized the onboard system is but then like those car commercials on the radio I shall inform guests at break neck speed that “terms and conditions apply subject to CBP the men and women with guns who if you have a problem with what they do go and shout at them not me and the staff and 8.9% interest.”
I love North American advertising…………British TV adverts are very different. For example, in the U.K. you are not allowed to slam another product like you can here. I really enjoy the ones where this happens……….car adverts are brilliant. In the U.K. you just have to say how great your car is……..’buy a Ford………it’s the best truck there is’……………in North America you get to say:
“If you are slightly mad, you know the sort that wakes up and says I’m a Squid and dribbles when he talks”…….then buy a Toyota…….for everyone else………..there’s Ford.”
Burger King and McDonald’s…………I love it when these giants of the fast food industry have a pop at each other…… “want beef that is made from a Yak testicle …then the Big Mac is for you”…………………you just can’t do this in the U.K.
However, my favorite are the disclaimers at the end of medicine adverts ………..these are just brilliant……….”Ask your Doctor about Healdasec the new pain relief for everything in the world…………side effects may include headaches, nausea, lock jaw, amputation and sex change “………………..
Seriously, I was listening to one last night for Stomach Acid and Heartburn and one of the side effects was “uncontrollable bowel movement in less than 5% of people.”……………..now I know that these medical companies have to do this but goodness me……..uncontrollable bowel movement………….what does that mean..?
Picture two guys playing tennis.
So Roger, how’s the heartburn
Fantastic Marv, I had 4 bowls of chili and drank a bottle of Tabasco sauce and I feel fantastic
Great news mate…your serve………hey…….weren’t you wearing white shorts in the first set
Oh, don’t worry about that..It’s just uncontrollable bowel movement
It is quite scary how I just went from debarkation to a man wearing brown shorts ………………I think I need help.
Here are the facts for this coming voyage
GUESTS – 3288
UNDER 21 – 266
NON U.S. CITIZENS/CANADIANS – 477
MOST REPRESENTED – French Canada = 140
U.K. = 56
Overall I think last week went really well. The audiences were the best so far and even with the delays of this morning I feel everyone was sad to leave ……….that’s what we want them to be so they will all want to come again as soon as possible. Of course one lady did not leave singing “Carnival’s Got The Fun”………………….. You know who I am talking about of course. I admit I hid from her this morning……….I just didn’t see the point of antagonizing her anymore……………I wonder if she is any happier on land in her everyday life………..I truly hope so………..nobody deserves to be as unhappy and as angry at the world as she was this last week……………………I know…………..I shouldn’t be bothered………..but I am…………I just don’t like the fact that someone hated what I do that much.
Random photo time.
Team Waiter, Nayoman Sarinu, working hard for you on Lido Deck
Karel & Welmon from Indonesia
Welmon from Indonesia
Bernard & Alfonso
Cleaning the Victoriana Lounge
Heidi on the phone
OK, let’s press on and see if I can catch up answering some of your questions. It was great to read all your own stories about your skiing adventures and of course so wonderful to read your best wishes and messages of support …….. thanks again to you all.…………….I only have time for a few today so ……………..here we go.
MARGIENJI…………..OK, I have reserved the Piano Bar for you at 2 pm for your Cruise Critic meeting on Sunday March 16. I will also make sure there is a mention of this in the Today at a Glance section in the Carnival Capers as well. I look forward to seeing you onboard and drop me a note sometime during the cruise so I can say hello. If my schedule allows I will pop by your meeting as well. Cheers.
MARK TWAIN AND A HALF…………If my Dad eats Brussels Sprouts in the U.K. the after shots will be felt in Alabama…………we chat about the best things don’t we mate? Say hello to your other half from Heidi and I.
DIVETRASH………….Let the New York – New Jersey rivalry begin…………who has the best Hot Dogs by the way? Laura, you will be happy to know I did confirm Ron will be the Piano Bar entertainer for the 09 Bloggers cruise. Heidi and I send our best to you.
KERSPLOTT…………You asked about the possibility of tours for those people on back-to-back Med and trans-Atlantic cruises in Rome. Indeed, we will have a comprehensive program for this allowing you to tour all the places that make Rome such an incomparable city. I will have more information on this and all the carnival Splendor tours in the weeks to come. Hope this helps and it is great to hear from you as always.
SOUTHERNDREAMS…………Just wanted to say welcome back from your Carnival Fascination cruise. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the crew so much and I have passed your compliments back to the vessel. My best to you and Prince Charlie.
JIMMIE………….Thanks for the invitation to meet you on the 17th. This may indeed be possible and if I can I will e-mail the Assistant Cruise Director Stephanie who is on the Carnival liberty to get a message to you. I need your cabin number mate please. Hope to see you soon.
JENN & MEYER…………..Thanks for the educational update and the correct spelling of Maitre’ D. I have an ex Chief Purser Francine who is a great friend e mailing me with my spelling mustakes so betwine har and yew eye sed be KO.
Thanks for taking the time to post and all the best from Heidi and I.NANNI…………….I am sorry to hear you had a difficult week with the 35 kids but I know you have wonderful memories of your visit to the Carnival Freedom. You asked about the announcement where I thanked people for the McDonald’s ……….well……….for some reason I mentioned at my marriage show that I couldn’t get off the ship in San Juan that night and that I would miss the local cuisine……….McDonald’s…………well a few people decide to bring it back for me…………17 actually……….that’s right I had 17 assorted Big Macs and Quarter Pounders…………….next week I am going to say “I can’t get off the ship and usually I buy an Aston Martin?”…………I wonder if that will work? As always muchos hugos para usted ando todo la familyo.
KEVIN, HEIDI AND BETH………………I just wanted to say how pleased I was to hear that I will see the three of you next year. Great news and let me know if I can help with anything else. Cheers.
CINDY…………You know, I have never ever vacationed in Canada ………… thanks for the warm invitation……….now you have got me thinking. I love Canada and maybe that is indeed something to think about as I have only ever been on business. You are so kind to offer and maybe, just maybe I may take you up on the offer. Until then Heidi and I send our best to you and all the Canadian bloggers.
TERESA AND PAUL B…………..I know just how important hair dryers are. In her time Heidi has had big ones, small ones, turbo charged ones that generate more heat than Uma Thurman in a thong. So, yes, your cabin will indeed have a built in dryer……your worries are over. If you have any other questions or concerns I am here for you. Cheers.
SUSAN V…………I have a friend who just returned from the Smoky Mountains and they described it exactly as you did. In fact in Pigeon Forge there is a place called the Comedy Barn. This is a family theatre owned by a brilliant ex Carnival Cruise Director called David Fee. Some of the acts are ex Carnival entertainers as well and I have always wanted to go down there and see the show for myself. Thanks Susan and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog thingy.
SANDRA………….How great to hear from you and of course I remember Maurice from your cruise last year. I will indeed be the Cruise Director when you sail on the Carnival Splendor and I look forward to hopefully providing you with much more of the laughter you say you enjoyed last year. Please keep reading the blog as soon I will be providing some more information on the Baltic tours. Cheers.
RICK…………AKA.SEAN CONNERY………..Hello Sean. Hopefully by now you will have seen my reply about Marcus Anthony and I will be happy to ask Ken to make sure you are in his dining room. Can you remind me the date of your cruise. I know you have probably told me recently by I just want to make sure. Please pass my best to your wife and thank her for having such a great sense of humour.
I seem to have this advertising thing in my mind now. By the way, how do you like the new Carnival TV commercials, we are getting some really positive feedback and I wondered what you all thought of them?
I just got back onboard after a quick trip ashore which included a whirl around the shops in Bayside which is a shopping and restaurant complex near the Port of Miami. During this hour of misery Heidi passed a shop that sold loads of designer thingies with various logos on them………..most of which were just rubbish………..a pair of Chanel flip flops……….$300………..for a pair of flip flops……….and people buy them because its got the Chanel logo on it……….I am sure if I stamped the Chanel logo on a dead slug and put it in the window………..someone would buy it,.
So, this has me thinking……………why are we not selling Carnival Logo stuff everywhere?
Put the Warming Chocolate Cake in a box, stick the Carnival logo on it and Publix wouldn’t know what’s hit it………..the list of things we could logo and sell is endless.
Hey, why stop at things………….lets build a huge lake in Vegas. Then, build a hotel that looks like a Carnival ship. Then give two decks to the casino and run the rest like a Carnival cruise with the shows, fantastic service and even a Captain…………wouldn’t it be stunning to see the Carnival smokestack dominating the Vegas skyline.
I would also like to mention that sometimes advertising can get on my nerves. Now, I have to be careful here because recently I have promised to try and refrain from having fun at another cruise lines expense …………. However …………….fate decided that this would not happen.
I just returned from Life Boat drill and as I stood on the Starboard side waiting to start I saw a lady leant over a deck 8 balcony close to the bridge. She saw me and smiled……………..I forced a smile back at her but it was indeed forced because she was wearing a RCI T-shirt………….I couldn’t believe this…………on the first day ……………she is wearing this.
Now, either she is oblivious to the fact that we do not own RCI or she just does not care or she does not think it would bother anyone………..maybe it doesn’t ………maybe it just bothers me. Anyway, with this in mind I think Carnival should revert to the style of advertising as mentioned above………..similar to Burger King and MacDonald’s………Ford and Toyota………….we should make a -Shirt with a huge photo of our smoke stack and underneath the words……… “Climb This!”
Time for the welcome aboard show.
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.
I loved your idea for the Vegas thing. I bet Carnival would get a lot of visitors.
The warming chocolate cake could be sold and make millions. I know Danny would be the first in line, he has it every night on our cruises.
I hope you don’t have another “lady” on this cruise who is as nasty as the one on the last one. She is probably like that on land also. Thinking the world owes her.
Jennifer and Danny
“climb this!” ha ha ha ha ha
good one mate!
my favorite side effect from medication is the cialis four hour “problem”. and the one with anal seepage. nice…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John, That negative lady (lady?) is probably miserable where ever she is and wants everyone to join her. Forget about her and think of all the people you have entertained and who think so highly of you
I forgot to thank you for the reaction and hint about cave tubing in Belize. We will definatley book that on our May cruise. Thanks again. Jeri
I would love it if you and Heidi came to Canada. I hope you will seriously consider it at some point. I have forgotten when you and Heidi finish on the Freedom and start your vacation before the Splendor. Refresh my memory please!
TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)
Cindy
John -
First of all, let me respond for you to Kersplott. When in Rome, do not miss the Exclusive View of the Vatican Tour. It is expensive, but worth every penny (euro?) that you pay. You will get to see and experience things that are unbelievable.
The Mrs & I took this tour during our transatlantic and it was the best money we spent on the entire cruise (and I spent a lot of money). Just be prepared for a lot of walking.
JustJon
John,
It is well known that the best hot dogs come from Pink’s in Hollywood.
http://www.pinkshollywood.com/
John,
I promise NEVER to wear the “other” cruise line shirt!! (Good thing too, ’cause I don’t have one! Wouldn’t even want one.)
I know there can be bugs in debaraktion… When we got off the Ecstasy a few weeks ago, the gangway broke and they had to change everything and we had to debark from level 3 and walk right into the warehouse where they had our suitcases… Very convenient, but it was a mess to get it set up for us! (They had to have people watch us every ten feet, so we wouldn’t make a mad dash home without going through passport control.)
I’m so glad I was up in the dining room enjoying my last serving of eggs benedict and english muffin with marmalade… Just relaxing and enjoying the last few moments of the cruise… They just end too quickly.
The new Carnival ads are great! BUT, I miss the music. “Somewhere, beyond the sea…” Now that’s Carnival to me!!!
Regards to everyone!!
Lambie
PS I don’t want to let you forget… 2010 is when: We’re Bloggin’ from the QM2?
John, I just love these side effects;
Sleeping bills – may cause drowseness
Viagra – If it’s up more then 4 hours call a doctor. The heck with the doctor call all the nurses.
John if you take your vacation in Pigeon Forge don’t forget to pack your dress. Pigeon Forge is the home of Dollywood. I’m sure Dolly Parton would just love to share the stage with you.
King Edward The Big
of the Evil Krewe
Hi John and Heidi,
What an awesome idea abuot a Vegas hotel shaped like a Carnival cruise ship !!! Especially if has all the amenties as you would on the ship on the days at sea. 2 floors of casino would be perfect.Think you should present this idea to corporate.
HAVE A GREAT DAY,
Tony and Kelley Vance
OMG! Climb this! I love it. Sign me up for one of those!
Hi John
We traveled with you on the Triumph and the Freedom and we will be going with you on the Splendor on Nov.21,2008. Will try to get in touch with you. You gave us a beautiful book of the Freedom. Keep up the funny work and don’t worry about the people who irritate you as per your blog. It must be a sad world she lives in.
Joy & Jimmie Novotny
John-
My friends and I had a great time- we were the stupid college students on our last spring break–bingo was a blast haha. Sorry to hear about the trouble with the disembarkment, but it gave us all some extra sleep.
You should have wondered up and offered to get her a carnival t-shirt to replace the one she was wearing
QM2 in 2010 would be awesome. I think that was just a suggestion though. Me, I just can’t wait to do a Europe cruise!
Hi John:
We have been to the Comedy Barn several years ago and it was wonderful. Your friend has done very well!
I had to laugh when you mentioned putting the warm chocolate melting cake in a box with a CCL logo and “Publix” wouldn’t know what hit them, well sorry to disappoint you, but as a Publix employee, they just came out with their own version of the WCMC. It’s called Lava Cake and it’s the closest to WCMC without going on a cruise or trying to make it at home. It’s great! It is keeping me going until my Valor cruise in September.
I agree with you completely about the advertising world and crazy people that will pay through the roof because of a “label”. I would rather carry a bag from Kmart and spend my extra money on another Carnival Cruise!
Hope you have smoother sailing this week. Last week was rough for you and you deserve a break.
I did sign up on your Facebook too. You are welcome to view my profile and put a face with the name (well the picture is of myself and my DH Scott).
Till next time.
Susan
Hey John. I have to say..You have a really great idea with the Carnival Ship in Vegas. I would be there. I’m addicted to Carnival and all it has to offer. I’ve cruised on one other cruise line…yes the one with the big rock wall..but by far Carnival is best and will only travel with them..unless however Carnival owns it or I win a cruise from some other line. I’m Canadian and am contemplating a Canadian Carnival Cruise out of NY. I just love the atmosphere. I have to agree with cindy56..come to Canada..you will have a great welcome here.
Here’s to a great week.
John….hope this gets to you. I’ve tried but I’m not a computer person. In your humble opinion…can a couple 70 year olds handle a back to back. If you were on the cruise I know we could count on your support.
da-beast booked on the Spendor
John…..Help I can’t get this to take…..In your humble opinion can a couple 70 year olds handle a back to back. With your support I think we could handle it. Booked on the Splendor in Oct Thanks
Hey John,
If you and Heidi decide to vacation in Pigeon Forge then you have to contact us. Then you are in our neck of the woods and we can be YOUR cruise director. As Big Ed says, you have to bring the dress though. It will be a hoot!
I have to confess I had to keep hubby hank from packing his RCCI shirts for the blogger cruise. I told him it just wasn’t right…Of course, he was just clueless as to why I said that…
Climb this… bwahahahahahahahha…. that’s funny!
I like the new ads. They look like they aim straight toward the intended targets. I’ve only seen two – the one for kids and the one geared toward grandparents.
Is there going to be a blogger’s commercial? LOL!
Hugs and best wishes to you and Heidi!
John
I forgot to ask you something, that I hope you may be able to help with. As I told you before my husband & I have been on 11 cruises (all Carnival)
I collect the gold round ship ornament for all the ships we have been on. How can I go about getting the ones from the ships I forgot to get? I know they are $5 each. The ones I am missing are Celebration, Sensation, Glory, Imagination.
We have been on the Sensation 3 times & I still forgot to get it. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks for all you do
Cheri
Somebody beat you to the hotel-in-Vegas idea: http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/dreams2.htm#titanic . Sadly, it was rejected by the Las Vegas City Council.
John,
How are you and Heidi doing ? Hope this week is a good week for you. Do you know how the 2 passengers are that had to leave the ship early for medical attention are doing?
Have you heard from your friends on the Elation for recommended shore excursions for my son and daughter in law for their honeymoon cruise in June? They are sailing on June 9. They probably don’t want to snorkle or do a catamaran. Thanks for your help. They would like for me to book their excursions for them so I can pay for them.
Have a great week.
I will be looking for my ‘climb this’ shirt on my next
Carnival cruise. Sounds like a real winner to me. I hope you get a little spiff off each one Carnival sells.
Hi John
I thank this is a question for Todd its about Freedom’s 11/6/2008 Transatlantic cruise Hopefully you can pass it on.
Do you get ABC on board And if so is there any chance of watching the Final 2008 NASCAR Race On the sea side theater? It is on ABC 11/16/08 at 3PM Eastern time USA
Danny
Yippee!!! Thanks John for the meeting setup for our 3/15 CC cruise. If you can make an appearance that will make it even better. Don’t give the rude one a second thought. You will be getting a group of cruise happy people in two weeks and we’ll make you forget she even exists.
Margie
Excellent John!! I can now relax. My blow dryer is not quite as intense as Uma Thurman but it can resemble, according to Paul, a mini leave blower. I sure wish we could have met you. Maybe in the future! You really make us laugh!!!
Let me know if you want some brochures about Glacier Park and Montana. I would be glad to send you some.
Don’t worry, she probably got the shirt at a second-hand shop or something. You should get her room # and send her a Carnival shirt or a shirt with your gangster picture on it with the heading ‘s’amatta wichu’. I am sure Twhale will meet up in Hell with Mah Jong and Fatima, and all of the other bad people all of us have come to hate.
_BigMike
Blog Security Master
rofl CLIMB this!!! I would buy that T-Shirt I wear my Carnival Shirts with pride!!My daughter was having her picture taken at school for the newspaper last year …she wore a Carnival T-Shirt some advertising for you’all.Can’t wait for my next cruise I get my fix here on the blog Thingy heeeeee..and yes you would LOVE vacationing in Canada…. you may even warm up to us French Canadians
Hi John,
We are so excited for our March 22nd Freedom cruise. Finally came to terms with the fact that you will not be the CD (boo hoo). But of course, it will still be wonderful. My husband and I were lucky enough to cruise with you in ’98 on the Destiny. Here is my question. This will be my 6th Carnival cruise, but my 1st with the big movie screen. I’ve been reading some negative comments regarding the broadcasting of news during the day. While I love the calypso band and daily games by the pool, there’s something so serene about the decks in the morning and early evening. It seems that a large TV screen blasting the days events of the real world would take away from that serenity. (Serenity Now!!!!) Sorry for the Seinfeld moment.
Just wondering what your thoughts were on this. Maybe they need to take a poll as to whether passengers want this or if they prefer CNN in their rooms (that’s my vote….I’m on vacation…no news please). Anyway, could you pass this along to the head honchos making these important decisions?
Thanks mate and love the blog thingy!
P.S. You ARE hotter than David Beckham, and if you happen to run into the maitre ‘d, could you tell him that the Christensen family of 5 in cabins 1048 and 1052 would really appreciate the 8:00 seating? Shameless!!!!
Thank you, and best of luck to you and Heidi.
I think a land based Carnival casino would work best on Lake Tahoe. They could even have the balcony rooms over looking the lake. At 5 pm on the first day you could even have a life boat drill. Shortly followed by a sail away party with plenty of free Foo Foo drinks.
It’s called Melting Chocolate Cake, not Warming Chocolate Cake. Sheesh.
Oh, and seriously, QM2 for 2010 bloggers’ cruise? I don’t know if that was a joke or not, but I, for one, would sign up immediately!
I’ve been wanting to sail on QM2 for quite awhile now, but needed a reason to do so–and the bloggers’ cruise would be perfect!!
Hi John,
Thank you again for taking the time to “entertain” both us and our 2.5 year old daughter Hannah on the Freedom last week. She called you “Hannah’s John!” (wonder if Heidi minds????) We have been home 18 hours (8 hours in the Miami airport – argh!!) now and I still feel dizzy from being on the ship. You are in serious competition with “yellow dancer” (the young woman from Victoria, BC who dressed as a showgirl with yellow feathers one night and visited the Posh restaurant), who Hannah had her photo taken with. We are now gazing at it while eating at the supper table (because Hannah wants to look at the pic, not us)! Don’t worry about the grumpy people who sail…there are grumpy folks everywhere, even on vacation!! Take good care, and when we can look at our Sail and Sign bill squarely in the eye, we’ll think about coming onboard again!
Heather (and Hannah!)
John, Just think we could have a bloggers get together at the Comedy barn in Pigeon Forge!!!!! Mike and Loretta live close and we do too Hey we could have a party along with the ex- Carnival cruise director and entertainers. Wonder how many of your bloggers are from Knoxville and the surrounding areas of Pigeon Forge? I know your Shriners were from Knoxville.
Watch out world the bloggers are going to take over….. lol
It’s just us Y’all
Carolyn and Don from Tennessee
John – Don’t worry about the woman wearing the RCI shirt. When I went on an RCI cruise this summer, I wore my Carnival Inspiration shirt, since it was the 10-year anniversary of our honeymoon cruise and we’d be seeing the ship in a number of ports. I didn’t mean anything by it, except that it held nice memories for me.
Greetings Mate..
Thanks for the reply John. If you missed the date….*cough (which you probably did…) Freedom Mar. 29th. It was for the 8pm dinner thingy with Ken. I couldn’t find/see/read/google/ or even ask Miss Moneypenny if Marcus Anthony is on board.
Hope you do make it to Canada one day John, you would be welcome ….with Mrs. H of course. We have 3 bedrooms ….so lots of room.
As for “climb this”…. laffin me arse off….Kind of reminds me bout the wiff when she was bent over in the kitchen to pick up sumpin…. I said to her….”While your down there……. *whack…had T-Fal embedded in my forehead….go figure….. anyhoo mate….gotta kiss the cat & put the wiff out……… BTW…. hopefully i’ll get the honor to shake your hand one day & i’ll buy you a glenfiddich.Ooooops…… meant a coke or sumpin else with sugar
& bubbles in it…..
Cheers to you & Mrs. H
Richard….Montreal Canada
Climb this – I would also buy one of those t-shirts in a heart beat. You are fantastic!!! I will write again soon.
Please reply to my last posting in Carnival Emotion.
CarolAnn
“Climb this” I love it! I so laughed out loud.
Best hot dog, hands down, Nathan’s Coney Island Hot Dogs in Brooklyn, New York. All the others…fuggetaboutdit!
As to debarkation, I like to wait until the very last moment to get off the ship…why rush it? However, upon disembarking in Miami last time, it was 30 minutes before I found my luggage was on Carousel D instead of Carousel A as I was told. Other than that, it was seemless.
Hi to Heidi..by the way..where’s her blog you promised?
elaine
Oooooooooops Mate…
Forgot, or if it is of any importance……. Lido deck….stateroom 9201
Thanks Again John……. Cheers
Richard
HA! John Me mataste!! you killed me with your last words:
Good luck to you with your new passengers.
we should make a -Shirt with a huge photo of our smoke stack and underneath the words……… “Climb This!
Only you friend! only you! LOL Eugenio is going to love it when he reads it ( its not 10pm yet)
About asking for an Aston Martin next week I think your possibilities are better if you change it to a Bentley. There is a new car dealer at Kennedy Ave. selling them. Remember Kennedy Ave.
Wish me good luck this week. Im going to need it field day is Friday. I dont need any sorpresas.
Un abrazo!!
Guess who again….
Should of read yest blog, but didn’t…. Dam…… kick me in the arse…….. How do i get a photo to you… let me know & i’ll have one off in a jiffy… with Mrs. smack in the forehead thingy….. You can e-mail if you please…richardgolf@msn.com…..
Cheers …. Richard
Hi John, I just came back from a wonderful week aboard the Carnival Freedom. This was my first cruise. I’ve always wanted to go, but my husband never wanted to. Last year, my daughter’s friend and her family started planning for this year’s cruise (they are experienced cruiser – it was their 9th cruise). Anyway, they had asked Kristal (my daughter if she wanted to go and of course she said yes. Well, I saw this as an opportunity not only for me to go on the cruise that I always wnated to go on and to also keep an eye on my 20 year old daughter. Well, we started planning this cruise I would say about 10 months ago, we were all excited, it was going to be 12 of us travelling. About a month before we were ready to leave, I got the news from my doctor that I had breast cancer. Well, I was shocked and upset and was thinking there goes my cuise. I spoke with my doctor and told him that I had this cruise planned and I could still go on it and have the surgery when I returned. He assured me that it would be fine and that we would scheduled the surgery when I returned. I didn’t know if I could go on the cruise with this on my mind, I surely didn’t want to spoil anyone’s fun. So I dicided, what the heck, I will go and have fun and I will deal with this when I return. Sure enough, I went, nobody knew about my situation, only my daughter knew and we had a FANTASTIC time. I have to admit that I was a bit scared, just thinking about being on this ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and Gof forbid something happened in the middle of the night when we were sleeping. But I have to tell you, I had such a good sleep, the beds were really confortable and I love the duvet. I wish I had room in my luggage, I would have purchased one.
Well John, I just wanted to let you know that you made me forget about my problem for the entire week. I never had so much fun in all my life. You kept me and my daughter laughing the whole week. I would watch you shows over and over on TV and would laugh just as hard everytime I watch it.
All the staff were wonderful and everything was great. I just found the the temperature inside the ship was too cold, most of the time you’re in shorts or bathing suit and I was freezing all the time, I would have to go outside to warm up.
Well John, just wanted to let you know that my surgery is scheduled for Friday, March 7th. I pray that everything goes well so that I could have the pleasure of going on another cruise. I’m telling all my family and friends that cruising is the way to go.
Take care and may God Bless you and everyone aboard the Carnival Freedom.
Until next time. Cheers.
MCC
Hey John, Just off my very first cruise 3/1/2008. How can I ask you some unpublished questions?
PRESS RELEASE:
Only 69 more days until the Sheriff and Mama Sheriff board the CARNIVAL GLORY!
John, who is the Captain and Cruise Director on the Glory? Please let them know the Sheriff is coming and yes, we are bring friends, including a first time cruiser with us!
A trailer park is a piece of land where there alot of “manufactured homes” very close together. In Hazzard County, we call them, trailers. Heck, I mean they have wheels under them. Some people take the wheels off, but you know. I have seen there are not many people with teeth in the trailer parks and there is some inbreeding that does go on. Alabama, Mississippi, Flordia, and yes, my Georgia lead the nation in trailer parks. Tennessee is up there too.
Thank the Captain of the Glory for me allowing me to running the brig and handling security for my cruise.
I am up for re-election this year, and as in years past, I am running unopposed. But keep those donations coming!! Mama Sheriff does like to go on vacation you know and Flash, well he needs his too!
Gotta go make the rounds!
BIG ED, I have not forgotten about you! Your arrest warrant is here and I have a nice cell waiting for you!!
God Bless The State Of Georgia!
Rosco P. Coltrane
Sheriff Of Hazzard County
I can’t wait for the “Climb This” shirt! That’s a great idea! Thanks also for scheduling my 7:30 am hair appointment on 4/8/08 on Freedom. You are the best!
John great new about ron on splendor,,hot dogs some great places in new jersey for years.
1. RUTT’S HUT. 417 River Road. Clifton, NJ.
2. Max’s in long branch new jersey
3. A place I love was there last week after my doctor visit, this hot dog truck been there for about 40-50 years red bank train station amazzing dogs
Hey John,
Well, we would love it if you could arrange to have Al Ernst on the blogger’s cruise. I saw the video of the two of you, and he was great.
Just a thought on the debarkation. We have had a time in both Tampa and Port Canaveral with the powers that be. It seems like no matter how hard you try, someone will come along to mess it up. Maybe you should take a not from some others. When we were on the Inspiration two years ago, we had a woman at debarkation tell us that when she was on some 160,000 ton monstrosity of the seas (or should that be chicken of the seas), that they debarked everyone in 15 minutes. I guess they must have been throwing the guests over the rails. I was going to ask her, but tensions were running a little high at the moment. It amazes me how people change on the last morning. Why do they spend a week having a great time, only to want to get into a fistfight over a spot in line to get off the ship 12 seconds earlier. I have discovered the pleasures of having breakfast in the dining room and taking our time. It is our last day, and I am not in a real big hurry for it to end. Maybe they all need to lighten up.
Looking forward to New Orleans. We can’t wait to get there, but I suppose that we will have to, unless you can get Dr Who to get involved on our behalf. Particularly Tom Baker. I think that he was the best of the lot.
Till next time
Kevin
John,
Nathan’s on Coney Island in Brooklyn are good hot dogs. But hands down, best hot dogs in the area are at Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, NJ. None of this sissy steaming or grilling, Rutt’s Hut DEEP FRIES their hot dogs. The skin cracks and gets chewy and a little crispy and the inside is so juicy, then top it with their relish or chili… Mmmmmmmm! Oooooooohhhh… sorry I drifted off there.
That is fabulous new about Ron being in the piano bar on the Blogger’s 2009 cruise. But why you think that would make a difference to me, I have no idea! LOL! I’m just kidding!
Thanks so much. As if I wasn’t excited enough about going on BC v.2.o and getting the opportunity to bask in your resplendent presence. As if I wasn’t excited enough about the chance to go back to New Orleans and hopefully Irene’s Cuisine. As if I wasn’t excited enough about the chance to see my beloved Evil Crew again. As if I wasn’t excited enough to be rooming with the fabulous Princess Elaine. As if I wasn’t excited enough to be able to sail with the one and only Kevin McVeigh, a true gentleman, (until he starts in on Jersey)… Now you tell me I’m going to have a slammin’ piano bar as well? Be still my beating heart. February 7th 2009 can not get here fast enough!
Cheerios mate,
Laura
“Climb This” that is good, I wonder what ideas you have just put in that Evil Krewe………. sigh……..
Heidi-Beth
the noble angel of the krewe
MCC, MARIA CONNIE COELHO,
I want to wish you the best of luck with your surgery. I am sure you will get many good wishes from members of this blog thingy of John’s. We have all become like family and all pull together in times like this! I will be thinking of you and praying for the best for you on Friday the 7th. Good luck and here’s hoping for a very speedy recovery!
Sheryl
Hi John,
Last year we went to Italy with you and had a blast. This summer we are headed to northern Europe on the Splendor (July 13th) and are thrilled to find you will be with us again – Hooray!
We only have about a million questions, so will be watching your blog, what fun. Carnival absolutely rocks!
Frank and Steph
John,
Where do we sign up to get a “CLIMB THIS” t-shirt? Seriously, that is a great idea! I bet you could sell tons of them–especially when any Carnival ship was going to be in any port where a RCI ship was going to be at the same time!!! We would be flocking to buy them, just like your, “I’ve seen John’s thingy”, shirts.
Hi to Heidi
Sheryl
John,
Greetings from New York, a place that is clean and garbage free thanks to New Jersey. Why do they have those farms, simple their built over our trash. best hot dog, easy a dirty water dog anywhere in Manhattan. I think they get the water from the east river fill the tank up and cook hot dogs in that water as long as they can. I’ve seen some where the water is almost black, but that was only once and i was in New Jersey, I think it was tap water also. maybe Carnival can move the Holiday to Las Vegas, drop her in the venitians fountain area and let her run circles or just float around in there. I know about 300000 people who would probably book it if carnival did it. Now as far as the chocolate melting cake is concerned please send one case to me as soon as they are available. best to Heidi.
Kevin
Hi John
Another night at work and I just caught up with the blog….what a hoot you are.
Please don’t concern yourself too much with the shallow minded woman that has a problem with the entertainment onboard. If she would open her eyes instead of her mouth, she would see a truly wonderful world we live in.
All the emotions were truly that…..heartfelt emotions. My thoughts are with those that had illnesses on the cruise.
As for remembering your vows, I am sure neither my husband nor I could remember our vows. We got engaged on October 1st and married on October 3, 1992. We were married in Sevierville TN (near Pigeon Forge) in a feed, seed and fertilizer store. There is a statue of Dolly Parton on the lawn of the courthouse and I wore a sweat shirt autographed by Dolly herself. I don’t remember the vows, but I sure remember the smell. Every time I go to a lawn care center, I sure remember our wedding.
I am sailing on the Splendor on Nov. 29 2008. Will you be the CD for that? Also, I am looking forward to the blogger cruise in Feb and meeting Big Ed and the rest of the Evil Crew. We are going to be in NO 2 days prior and can hardly wait to hear what is planned for us there. Until next time, give my best to Heidi. Take care.
John,
Love the idea of the t-shirt…I bet Lance could really design a wonderful shirt for you like he did before. He has so much talent for it.
Maria, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers especially Friday…us bloggers are a family here.
Also keeping Alan in my thoughts and prayers.
Please keep the random photos coming. I really enjoy them.
I’m keeping count now…fourth time I’m asking for a Hedi blog.
Princess Susan
To Maria Coelho:
Hi Maria!! Glad you had a great cruise! We will be praying for you.
Hi John: “Climb This” toooooo funny!!!!
Ya know, Esther from Canada was right….once you sail with you and Heidi and Carnival it “JUST SIMPLY CHANGES YOU”…..you guys are the best and Nelson and I have been on many a cruise and by far our Europe Carnival Freedom last October was just incredible because of you and all the staff….and of course life would not be the same without “THE JOHN BLOG”. Please don’t ever stop it.
Haven’t picked out are next cruise yet, but see you soon. Paula and Nelson Baker
Debarkation sounded pretty bad.
Has Carnival done away with the “carry your own luggage, you get off first” I really thought that was a good idea???????????????????????
Hi John.
I’ve noticed a lot of questions lately on Cruisecritic and other boards asking if a wine package is available on Carnival like some other lines. Given your old bosses penchant for the grape, I am surprised that this option isn’t available on Carnival.
Whilst I can understand that one doesn’t want to do everything the other guy does, is there any chance this could be done on Carnival?
If it is in place on the Splendor for 2 July you will be more then welcome to have a seat and share a glass with us. Well, you are welcome to do that even if it isn’t.
See you in July,
Don & Carole.
Hey again John,
Guess if I want you to reply I have to write ‘Please Reply’, it looks like that’s what the others are doing. So, please reply – do you by chance know if there’s still a way to purchase the DVD of last week? Craig and I didn’t buy it, and as we’re still quoting the Bedtime Story, the Welcome Aboard show, and the Love and Marriage talk, I have realized not getting the DVD may rank as one of the biggest regrets of my life =)
And by the way, I agree, Canada is a lovely place to vacation to! And glad to hear that we were the best audience so far. Take care!
Maria,
I am a breast cancer survivor of 15 years. I’ve walked where you are walking and it is scary, but you will be okay.
I’m sure when I say, that all of the bloggers will say a prayer for you this Friday and the days ahead as you fight this battle.
God go with you as you go to surgery.
Carolyn
John,
Looks like the first port for Carnival Splendor is Cannes – a tender port (being Platinum has its advantages!).
Are there any other tender ports for Splendor on its European/Baltic schedule?
Thanks!
Maria, in 1969 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and in four months she was gone. She was 52. In 2000 my dear sister, who was also my travel companion, had surgery and radiation and survived breast cancer but died from colon cancer five years later just before her 59th birthday. Five months later I found a lump in my breast and my first thought was that I wasn’t going to make it to 60 either (I was 58 at the time). But when my coworkers learned of my diagnosis, several of them came to my desk to tell me that I would be fine and show me their scars. I didn’t even know that some of them were survivors until then. But they were right. After surgery I had several months of chemo and then a couple months of radiation therapy. But I turned 60 a year ago (the first female in my immediate family to make it) and will turn 61 in 19 days as I leave Carnival Freedom. I have four younger sisters, two daughters, and three granddaughters so I was determined to show them that prayers and modern medicine offer a much better chance for them.
Surgery is always scary, and chemo and radiation are no picnic, but there are so many breast cancer survivors now, and I am proud to be one of them and to tell you that you will get through this. If things get rough, remember your cruise and start planning the next one. Let your family surround you with their love and support and know that because of this blog, many others are praying for your fast and complete recovery.
Shirley
Important thing first:
MARIA CONNIE COELHO – Good luck with your surgery. Some believe that a positive attitude going into an illness or surgery helps speed the recovery. If that’s true, than you just had the best mood booster to enhance your recovery. Hold onto those happy thoughts and memories from the cruise as you head into your surgery. I’ll add my thoughts and good wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
KEVIN – Them’s fighting words! Wow, you must be one of those really insecure New Yorkers if you keep feeling the need to tear New Jersey down to build yourself up! LOL! Don’t make me regret my “gentleman” comment! But I think you’re probably just baiting me with your meanie comments. If you ever get the guts up to cross the Hudson River, I’ll show you the real New Jersey.
Cheerios,
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura, the sweet and innocent)
Hi John & Heidi,
All this talk of food is making me relive the past weekend – I had my own version of Norovirus. Haven’t really eaten anything solid until this morning.
But I have to stick my 2 cents in – Nathan’s Hot Dogs are the best by far. Dirty Water Dogs – Kevin, what is wrong with you?
And I may be a true-blue, fight to the death New Yorker, but since most of my mother’s family was from New Jersey – here goes. I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than watching a sunset over the Palisades and the Hudson River. Kevin, come out from the sticks of Long Island and see the real world. And I don’t mean your idea of a “Ski area” in the meadowlands swamps.
A Carnival ship in Vegas sounds good – after all, there’s already an Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Pyramid, and assorted other dumb things – why not Carnival?
John, you asked if there is anything else you can do for me about the Guest Relations thingy? Nope, unless you want to upgrade me to a Cat 11 or 12, give me another solid gold plastic trophy, or a warm melting chocolate cake on my pillow every night (well, maybe not on the pillow – too messy). 211 days to the Miracle – YES!
Back to work now – but I’m curious about that so-called lady on the last cruise. Was she travelling alone?
Regards,
Carol
MARIA CONNIE COELHO – You will be in my thoughts and prayers come this Friday.
John,
Don’t get upset at the RCI t-shirt – it’s a perfect opportunity for you. Tell the lady that if at the end of the cruise she thinks Carnival is better you will swap her a Carnival t-shirt (and maybe a bottle of champagne) for her RCI shirt if she will come on stage, say that Carnival is better than RCI, and then shred her old shirt with the biggest pair of scissors you can find!
Hi John/Heidi:
Its foolish for passengers to think debarkation is a quick process. I have never had it be a seamless event where there are no delays. It always seems like the customs/immigration people want to take their time. I’m so used to it and how people can complain about it is beyond me.
I would not be happy if Jen (my wife) spent $300 for a pair of flip-flops. I would surely say something that would land me in the dog house.
Hope this voyage has started off better for you.
Great hearing from you!
David
John/Heidi
I know I’m late here, but want to thank you for your letter thanking me for coming to your blog thingy cruise in January, but it’s me wanting to thank you for having it and for you and Heidi being such great fun and fantastic people.
So far I’m planning on coming on #2 next February and hope I make it. I enjoy your blogs so much – you’re such a hoot. Take care and stay as you are.
MARIA CONNIE COELHO: You are already in my prayers and I’m believing your surgery will be a breeze and all will go well. No worries, we’re all pulling and praying for you.
Dear Maria Connie Coelho,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through your surgery. My best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Julie Gantt
We have been enjoying your blog since our o6 european cruise on the Liberty. We also made the 07 cruise on Freedom and transatlantic crossing (missed you on that) This brings me to my current problem. My wife Susan has stated that the only way she will go on another cruise is if you are the CD. I must note that I have seen some resistence to that also. We have spent about 90 days cruising and she gets seasick. The patches help but not without side effects,so I came up with a solution. THE BLOGGERS CRUISE and the response I got was “that sounds like a good idea.” So it would appear that you are my savior as I love cruising the only drawback is it only 5 days and my idea of a reasonable cruise length is 21 days.I will make reservations this week and look foward to enjoying your company(and of course Carnival’s as well) If everything goes well. I think that we have a good chance of joining you on Splendor out of L.A. I love it when a plan comes together
I hope you are feeling better. My daughter had to take prednizone and the side effects were not fun. warmest regards to Heidi