Comments on: Spring Break 2008 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/ The official blog of Carnival Cruise Line's Sr. cruise director, John Heald Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:56:41 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Ellis McConnohie http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-50736 Ellis McConnohie Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:48:52 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-50736 We booked a cruise with Legendary Journeys on Carnival. We paid a 4000. Deposit plus 800. for "insurance". We had to cancel for health reasons and found that they had chosen an insurance co. that was not an insurance co. when we tried to collect from this so-called ins. co. they had gone out of business. I think that business practices like this reflect poorly on cruise lines that continue to do business with companies that have a history of shoddy practices . We booked a cruise with Legendary Journeys on Carnival. We paid a 4000. Deposit plus 800. for “insurance”. We had to cancel for health reasons and found that they had chosen an insurance co. that was not an insurance co. when we tried to collect from this so-called ins. co. they had gone out of business. I think that business practices like this reflect poorly on cruise lines that continue to do business with companies that have a history of shoddy practices .

]]> By: Linda Tipler http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-37140 Linda Tipler Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:08:35 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-37140 Hi, I was wondering how I could write a note to our cruise director, Chris Jefferson, from the Carnival Valor tour of 3-6-08? Thank you. Hi, I was wondering how I could write a note to our cruise director, Chris Jefferson, from the Carnival Valor tour of 3-6-08? Thank you.

]]> By: Eddie http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-32009 Eddie Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:23:06 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-32009 Wow, my wife and I had a great time. Who can forget such great moments such as Willy Banger, Linnnnnda, Red/Grey, steven spielberg and the gentlemen who had to use the bathroom. LOL This was my 1st cruise after working with Carnival for 5 years. I really enjoy my 7 days on the Freedom. The tours were great and the food was fabulous. Can't wait to go again next year. Thanks again! Cheers John Wow, my wife and I had a great time. Who can forget such great moments such as Willy Banger, Linnnnnda, Red/Grey, steven spielberg and the gentlemen who had to use the bathroom. LOL

This was my 1st cruise after working with Carnival for 5 years. I really enjoy my 7 days on the Freedom. The tours were great and the food was fabulous.

Can’t wait to go again next year.

Thanks again! Cheers John

]]> By: Ivano Volpe http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-32006 Ivano Volpe Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:51:30 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-32006 Dear John, I was on the Carnival Freedom from March 8 - 15 (the Willie Banger cruise) and had a fantastic time. I meant to send you this "Dear John" letter while I was actually on the cruise but better late than never I guess. Although there were so many things about my trip that made it so memorable and enjoyable, one of the things that came to me as a suprise was how you personally contibuted to how great of a time I had. At first, I got to know you mostly through the cruise television. My girlfriend and I missed most of the shows for the first few days, but we quickly became familiar with your charm by tuning into the pre-recorded program the following day. It took us both by surprise at how drawn we were to your speaking. We would find ourselves watching the same shows over and over again, and be just as entertained as the first time. You are extremely good at what you do. You are funny, witty, personable and comforting to listen to. You obviously have a passion for your job to continue on in the wake of your illness. What prompted me to leave this letter mostly is that I watched the morning show where one of the guests wrote to you stating that they couldn't understand you and wished you hadn't decided to continue on as cruise director. Originally, I felt really angry that someone could think that and leave you to consider that it might be true. After I thought about it more, I realized that the world is such that there are so many differing opinions, and no matter how effective you do your job, there will ALWAYS be someone who doesn't agree, and unfortunately, it is those negative opinions that stick out in our mind the most. I am sure that you are confident enough to not let it effect or influence you. However, in case there is a little bit of self doubt in you that perhaps there is some merit in that one person's opinion, please remember this letter and let it stick out in your mind that when it comes to deciding whether or not we are doing what we were truly meant to do in life, it is the majority that rules and I am most definately one of many that believe you are doing what you were meant to. Your friend, Ivano ivano_volpe@hotmail.com Dear John,

I was on the Carnival Freedom from March 8 – 15 (the Willie Banger cruise) and had a fantastic time. I meant to send you this “Dear John” letter while I was actually on the cruise but better late than never I guess.

Although there were so many things about my trip that made it so memorable and enjoyable, one of the things that came to me as a suprise was how you personally contibuted to how great of a time I had.

At first, I got to know you mostly through the cruise television. My girlfriend and I missed most of the shows for the first few days, but we quickly became familiar with your charm by tuning into the pre-recorded program the following day. It took us both by surprise at how drawn we were to your speaking. We would find ourselves watching the same shows over and over again, and be just as entertained as the first time.

You are extremely good at what you do. You are funny, witty, personable and comforting to listen to. You obviously have a passion for your job to continue on in the wake of your illness.

What prompted me to leave this letter mostly is that I watched the morning show where one of the guests wrote to you stating that they couldn’t understand you and wished you hadn’t decided to continue on as cruise director. Originally, I felt really angry that someone could think that and leave you to consider that it might be true. After I thought about it more, I realized that the world is such that there are so many differing opinions, and no matter how effective you do your job, there will ALWAYS be someone who doesn’t agree, and unfortunately, it is those negative opinions that stick out in our mind the most.

I am sure that you are confident enough to not let it effect or influence you. However, in case there is a little bit of self doubt in you that perhaps there is some merit in that one person’s opinion, please remember this letter and let it stick out in your mind that when it comes to deciding whether or not we are doing what we were truly meant to do in life, it is the majority that rules and I am most definately one of many that believe you are doing what you were meant to.

Your friend,

Ivano

ivano_volpe@hotmail.com

]]> By: rhonda http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-31913 rhonda Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:47:43 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-31913 I did have a question and comment for you regading cruises in general. What happens to those tickets we drop off at shops with our name & cabin # on them while in ports, to win different things? The tickets say -winners announced on board- but I have not heard this happen on either of the cruises Ive been on. Is this just a scam by the businesses to get shoppers in their stores? and We were recently on the ship during spring break- it was impossible to get a chari on any of the decks during the day. Towels etc, were left on the chairs for the entire day with no one returning to them. I had wanted to have some relaxing time on deck in the sun and watch the activities on lido, but this did not happen because there was no open areas in the day, all were taken by loud college students that were obnoxious and had no respect for others - I had to cover my 10 year olds ears several times (esp in elevators). There really needs to be a time limit or something on unoccupied chairs. Despite the obnoxious college kids (i remember being one once- but I had respect for others). We did have a wonderful family vacation, we attended lots of onboard activities and esp enjoyed the minigolf (and cornhole) and look forward to our next cruise with carnival. I did have a question and comment for you regading cruises in general.

What happens to those tickets we drop off at shops with our name & cabin # on them while in ports, to win different things? The tickets say -winners announced on board- but I have not heard this happen on either of the cruises Ive been on. Is this just a scam by the businesses to get shoppers in their stores?
and
We were recently on the ship during spring break- it was impossible to get a chari on any of the decks during the day. Towels etc, were left on the chairs for the entire day with no one returning to them. I had wanted to have some relaxing time on deck in the sun and watch the activities on lido, but this did not happen because there was no open areas in the day, all were taken by loud college students that were obnoxious and had no respect for others – I had to cover my 10 year olds ears several times (esp in elevators). There really needs to be a time limit or something on unoccupied chairs.
Despite the obnoxious college kids (i remember being one once- but I had respect for others).

We did have a wonderful family vacation, we attended lots of onboard activities and esp enjoyed the minigolf (and cornhole) and look forward to our next cruise with carnival.

]]> By: John http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-31909 John Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:25:24 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-31909 Just wanted to say, thanks for a great vacation. You mentioned that you were not at your best, well if that wasnt your best, I cant imagine how much better it can get!!! Hope you are feeling better. Just got home today. My husband decided to drive straight home from Florida instead of stopping midway- 1400 miles. We looked real intelligent stopping for fuel as we drove north ultimately to Northern Indiana, with shorts and tank tops on. (He neglected to tell of us in his plans). PS..Thanks for signing our shirts on the day of disembarktion..honestly we tried to catch you earlier. It meant alot to us..we know you were VERY busy. Thanks Again Rhonda Stacy & Family Just wanted to say, thanks for a great vacation. You mentioned that you were not at your best, well if that wasnt your best, I cant imagine how much better it can get!!! Hope you are feeling better.
Just got home today. My husband decided to drive straight home from Florida instead of stopping midway- 1400 miles. We looked real intelligent stopping for fuel as we drove north ultimately to Northern Indiana, with shorts and tank tops on. (He neglected to tell of us in his plans).
PS..Thanks for signing our shirts on the day of disembarktion..honestly we tried to catch you earlier. It meant alot to us..we know you were VERY busy.
Thanks Again
Rhonda Stacy & Family

]]> By: Kristine Talman http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-31891 Kristine Talman Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:57:42 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-31891 Hi John! Thanks for putting the photos of my son Christopher on your blog...he feels like a celebrity! This was our first cruise and we had a wonderful time (despite the noisy students partying in our hallway until 5 am!). I guess they didn't take me seriously when I was telling them off in my pyjamas! At least I was up early to get a prime seat on the lido deck...I really enjoyed the early morning hours before it got busy...time to reflect, read and savour my vanilla latte! I had been reading your blog before our trip and was thrilled to find that you were the cruise director for our week. We thought you were so witty and thoroughly enjoyed the shows. Our kids are still talking about Willy Banger and Anita Banger...although they don't quite get the whole picture! I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you personally...I was the one video taping your show Friday afternoon as I was hoping you'd read Christopher's letter. We are hoping to plan for another cruise next year and are already missing the boat, the Caribbean, and the warm weather! Kristine and Gary Talman Whitby, Canada Hi John! Thanks for putting the photos of my son Christopher on your blog…he feels like a celebrity! This was our first cruise and we had a wonderful time (despite the noisy students partying in our hallway until 5 am!). I guess they didn’t take me seriously when I was telling them off in my pyjamas! At least I was up early to get a prime seat on the lido deck…I really enjoyed the early morning hours before it got busy…time to reflect, read and savour my vanilla latte! I had been reading your blog before our trip and was thrilled to find that you were the cruise director for our week. We thought you were so witty and thoroughly enjoyed the shows. Our kids are still talking about Willy Banger and Anita Banger…although they don’t quite get the whole picture! I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you personally…I was the one video taping your show Friday afternoon as I was hoping you’d read Christopher’s letter. We are hoping to plan for another cruise next year and are already missing the boat, the Caribbean, and the warm weather!

Kristine and Gary Talman
Whitby, Canada

]]> By: Jennifer http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-31867 Jennifer Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:30:16 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-31867 Dear John, I was on the spring break 2008 cruise, and I thought it was amazing. It was my very first cruise and I was there with my brother and my aunt, who both enjoyed it just as much as I did. I knew how self cautious you were about your palsy, but i wanted to tell you that it did not change the way people thought about you. I did not talk to all of the people who were on the ship, but the ones that i did talk to all thought the same thing about you, that you were an amazing person, who lived to entertain and make people happy, and you always have a smile on your face, and I admired that. I really liked the evening shows, they were definitely the best i have ever seen. The dancer's were excellent, and so were the rest of the staff. They tried so hard to make your stay the best it can be. And with my experience, they definitely did a great job. Thank you so much for making my first ever cruise so great . :) Dear John,
I was on the spring break 2008 cruise,
and I thought it was amazing. It was my very first cruise and I was there with my brother and my aunt, who both enjoyed it just as much as I did. I knew how self cautious you were about your palsy, but i wanted to tell you that it did not change the way people thought about you. I did not talk to all of the people who were on the ship, but the ones that i did talk to all thought the same thing about you, that you were an amazing person, who lived to entertain and make people happy, and you always have a smile on your face, and I admired that. I really liked the evening shows, they were definitely the best i have ever seen. The dancer’s were excellent, and so were the rest of the staff. They tried so hard to make your stay the best it can be. And with my experience, they definitely did a great job. Thank you so much for making my first ever cruise so great . :)

]]> By: Flo http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-31584 Flo Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:28:12 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-31584 That sounds so great. I would really love to join your trip and have fun on your ship. That sounds so great. I would really love to join your trip and have fun on your ship.

]]> By: DawnP http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/03/09/spring-break-2008/#comment-31493 DawnP Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:40:47 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=2486#comment-31493 John, So sorry to hear that your houseguest, Mr. Bells, won't leave. I think you should get a black eye patch and anounce you've taken over the ship at the welcome aboard show :-) John,

So sorry to hear that your houseguest, Mr. Bells, won’t leave. I think you should get a black eye patch and anounce you’ve taken over the ship at the welcome aboard show :-)

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