Wednesday, March 26th, 2008...1:21 pm
Emerald Princess Part Two
Sitting in the Princess Theatre and watching someone else perform is a very strange feeling. I watched James Lay the Emerald Princess’s Cruise Director host the welcome aboard show this evening and it just did not feel right. It will be a bit like the feeling Bill Clinton would get if Hilary was President…………..just in the same way that I felt I should have been on stage and not in the audience Bill will be thinking that should be me under the desk in the Oval Office ………..sorry…………I meant behind the desk in the Oval office.
Still, at least I got to see a professional work and he had them eating out of his hand……………I mean James the CD not Bill Clinton…………………..more about the show in a minute.
Battle commenced at 7 pm as we got ready for dinner. The Princess Patter, which is the onboard daily program, stated that the dress code was smart casual. I was therefore horrified to find that Heidi had laid out a jacket, shirt and tie and a pair of dress trousers on the bed for me. I asked her why I had to wear the same stuff I wear each and every day at work and she said “You are a passenger and you have to adhere to what’s in the Patter”…………. actually, she didn’t use the word adhere as if she did it would have been the Bambi type of deer ………she is Dutch after all…………….anyway…………….you get my point.
I was going to argue but considering she had a wooden coat hanger in her hand I decided not to ………………….so, that was me all dressed up looking like …………… well……….a Cruise Director.
As we left the cabin we saw Pairut who was cleaning the cabin next to us…………..you know the one belonging to Madame et Monsieur La Stink…………..as I walked past the cabin I held my nose with my thumb and forefinger and went ………. poooooo ……………. causing Pairut to laugh hysterically and Heidi to kick me in the ankle.
As we began walking to dinner it became obvious that the only person who was wearing a jacket and tie was me. Although everyone was dressed smartly, it was a casual smart with nice jeans or slacks, polo shirts blouses etc. etc. Again I was going to say something to Heidi but as my left ankle was still throbbing from her Bruce Lee impression earlier I decided to say nothing.
The demographics of the ship became clear as we went to dinner. They have 800 children sailing and the majority of them are school age as opposed to spring breakers. There are also a lot of older people sailing as well so the mix is actually just about right.
So, it was time to eat and we were about to try our very first experience of Anytime Dining. This is something we have discussed before on the blog thingy and there are those for and against it.
We arrived at 8:10 pm which I would think is peak time. I had heard and read from some of you that there are often long lines for a table so I was very interested in what was in store.
Arriving at the Davinci dining room there were 10 people in front of us waiting for a table. We joined the line and six minutes (yep I timed it) later we had been seated and had received the menus….that’s excellent.
As we studied the menu the Maire’D came over to speak to us. Generoso Mazzone came to introduce himself to us and what a charming and funny chap he is. As you can tell from his name he is Irish ………….. kidding………..Italian and has 20-plus years experience managing cruise ship restaurants.
I asked him about the Anytime Dining and he told me that there is sometimes a wait of maybe 10 minutes or so depending on what time you come and the demographics on the ship. If there is a line passengers are offered a beeper and invited to have a drink at one of the many bars and lounges and when the table is ready the beeper …………. beeps ………….and it’s time to eat.
Generoso also told me that Anytime Dining is especially popular on port days when after a long day of exploration ashore passengers may not want to eat early and therefore the anytime option is a wonderful one. It’s too early for me to decide if I like this as much as assigned seating but certainly it seems that Princess have this option working very well for them.
After Generoso left the Assistant Maitre’D came over and introduced himself and throughout dinner we received numerous visits from men in white jackets asking if we were OK…………….the friendliness of the crew continued to impress.
Heidi, Anita & Federico
Our waiter was Frederico from the Philippines and his assistant a young lady called Anita from Hungary. Both were fantastic and the service was quick and done with just the right amount of fun. I say this because the day before we joined the ship Heidi and I made a huge mistake and ate at a place called TGI Friday’s and by the time we left I was lucky not to be sharing a cell with a man called Bubba having been charged with beating our waitress with a spare rib.
She was the most annoying waitress I have ever met. I knew we were in trouble when she introduced herself and told us not just her name but the fact that she was very happy because some planet was in line with a moon and Jupiter was going to be doing something which meant she was happy.
I knew we were in further trouble when to take our order she produced the longest pen I have ever seen…………….it was blue and must have been two foot long with a big pink fluffy dead animal at the top of it. During lunch she must have interrupted us a dozen times including once to tell us her “joke of the day” and another to ask us what star signs we were.
I think at this point she got the first indication that I wanted her to go away as I replied “Aquarius” with a mouthful of spare rib, a piece of which flew from my mouth and landed on her arm. We couldn’t wait to get out of there and when she brought the check over she had the nerve to tell us that she accepted tips thankfully as any money received would help her college studies.
I left her a tip begrudgingly and as soon as I had put the seven dollars in the thingy they put the check in she said goodbye and hoped the planets were in line for us and we would have a nice day………….under my breath I said “If I stay any longer my foot will be in line with Uranus”……………….I looked at Heidi expecting to be told to be quiet or worse still receive a smack but I got a smile and a giggle……………..she must have been a really bad waitress then.
So, back here on the Emerald Princess, Frederico and Anita served us with a smile and the occasional conversation and of course they served us wonderful food. Now at this point I am going to tell you what we had for dinner. I am no food critic and if I don’t like something you all know by know I will tell you here on the blog………….however……….it was all super….it really was. Here’s what we had.
APPETIZERS
Heidi and I both had Vegetable Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dipping sauce.
SALADS
Heidi had Watercress, Red Radish and Iceberg Lettuce in a Honey Mustard dressing I had a Caesar Salad.
MAIN COURSE
Heidi had Fettuccine Alfredo I had Roasted Pork with Apricot Drippings
Heidi had a few bites of banana ice cream with caramel sauce I had SUGAR FREE chocolate mousse
Sugar free chocolate mousse with blackberry sauce
It was all outstanding. Choosing the pork for main course was difficult as the menu also contained Prime Rib and fresh Red Snapper.
After a wonderful dinner we went to the show which featured the singers and dancers. There are 13 dancers and 4 singers and tonight they performed an opening to the show based on the song We Are Family………….it was a high energy number and was the perfect introduction for Cruise Director James to take the stage.
James is Princess Cruises’ premier CD and has delivered many of their recent new vessels. He comes across as the boy next door……….the English chap you wish your daughter would marry. He is very comfortable on the microphone and has that rare instant likeability that other Cruise Directors I have seen just don’t have.
I also like James because he likes a steak now and then and like me he has also been given a whack with the ugly stick. After the show we had a drink in the cigar bar where he showed his true passion for the job. One thing that Princess does differently here is that they schedule shows against each other. The theatre seats 800 passengers so they have different shows and events happening at the same time as the main lounge entertainment. This means James has to schedule multiple venues and it’s something that I would find difficult but for him it’s easy.
John & James
I am sure you will see James on the new Ruby Princess and I now understood why so many people have told me how brilliant a CD he is. The show last night also featured a Princess Legend in comedian Dave Vader who was very funny…………..he was also a supporter of the charity “give an old joke a home” and before coming on stage had obviously had a fight with a bottle of self tanning lotion………………and lost.
I hope to meet him later as he obviously is a wonderful character with some stories to tell.
So, it’s now 1 am and Heidi has turned into a starfish and is snoring away and it’s time for me to go and join her. Being a guest on another cruise line is a strange feeling. I still find myself saying hello to everyone and although most have said hello back some have looked at me as though I am completely mad.
It’s been a fantastic first day and now its time for bed……………………..one last thing before I go ………….heard a guest say something which proves a theory I have always had.
When guests complain they often say………”It was better on” and then mention another line………………..I hear this all the time.
Yesterday as Heidi and I were getting a coffee from The Piazza an older gentlemen was trying to use a free drink voucher he had been given. The bartender was trying very nicely to explain that the voucher was redeemable either through room service or in the dining room…………….this old man would not accept it and started to curse at the crewmember.
I tapped him on the shoulder and asked him if he wouldn’t mind please stop swearing because the crew member is just doing his job and that there were ladies present………………….he looked at me and then at the bartender and said “ever since Carnival bought your ships you have gone down hill……….I’m going back to Holland America”………………he walked away……….slowly…………..and he probably is still wondering why Heidi and I were laughing so hard.
What a ship this is and I am looking forward to sharing more adventures with you tomorrow.
Goodnight!
Your friends,
John and Heidi
45 Comments
March 26th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Hi John.
Yes – the mad complainers get everywhere.
“ever since Carnival bought your ships you have gone down hill……….” No. Ships don’t go down hill. They float on the world’s oceans. By definition, oceans don’t have hills (except maybe in the Bay of Biscay”
“I’m going back to Holland America” Ah well, that will be a loss for the Carnival Corporation then…..
There’s no excuse for swearing, anyway.
Dave Vader is absolutely hilarious… try to see him in “Celebrity Liars Club”… his “improv” is even better than his scripted act! An all round nice guy who has time to chat to the passengers even when he’s not working.
We’ve sometimes waited longer than 10 minutes… especially when we’ve fancied a table for 2… but the pagers work well, and a glass of wine in “Vines” while waiting is a nice way to start dinner. The only problem is that the pagers don’t seem to work all over the ship, just in the Piazza area. However, there are two nice bars there, and music while you wait, too.
I like the “anytime dining” because some days I like to eat early, then catch a show, while if I’ve had afternoon tea it’s maybe 9 before I can face eating another thing. However, fixed dining, if you get good table-mates, can be a holiday highlight.
I love the blackberry sauce – with extra BlackBerry !
March 26th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
And you didn’t think it would have been even funnier to inform him as to the owners of Holland America?
Your dinners sound and look delicious! Are you going to try a different dining venue every night?
Will you two be doing shore excursions or stay aboard and check out the spa and other activities on the ship while it’s nearly empty and peaceful?
It’s fun seeing you seeing things from our perspective. Well, sort of, since you do get “star” treatment. Looking forward to more of your adventure.
Cheers to you both,
Myra
March 26th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
ROFL….. The TGI Friday’s waitress that was so concerned with star signs and the planets lining up would have me rolling my eyes and itching to get out of there too…. However….
The lovely Sugar free chocolate mousse with blackberry sauce is an excellent depiction of a constellation or stellar diagram with the stars or planets aligning nicely…..perhaps your flighty waitress with a pink fluffy pen is looking out for you
March 26th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
John, very much enjoying your blog from the Emerald. Hopefully you and Heidi have an amazing cruise.
If you want to spoil her, book yourselves the Couples Rasul Treatment in the spa – she will love it and it will make for the most interesting future blog.
Have a great cruise.
March 26th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
John, first of all I got to say your face looks much better and the Mr. Bells droop has retreated quiet a bit.
Well you have managed to keep politics out of your blog for 13 months but today you opened up that can of worms. I hope she never gets the chance to turn the desk around on Bill. To paraphrase a saying ” What happened in the White House will never return to the White House”.
Even in your photos your manage humour “chocolate mousse with blackberry sauce” or was that Heidi’s idea?
BIG ED
Co-Star
March 26th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
John,
Wish I could have been a fly on the wall at TGI Fridays! LOL!
Dinner could not look any better, the size of the mouse is amazing!
I am sure Holland America (a.k.a. Carnival Corp.) will continue to the Mr. Hothead for his business. TeHe!
Sound like you are having a wonderful time so far! Have Fun!
Adam from Georgia
March 26th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time on the Emerald Princess. It’s fun to hear what goes on on another cruise line. Food looks great! Thanks for keeping us up to date! Gloria
March 26th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
Excellent blog today.
I really liked your food pictures from your first dinner. The Spring Rolls and Chicken Alfredo look really good. Nice to see your “crackberry” make the table as well.
It seems like you are having a great time and i look forward to reading more about your adventure this week.
Thanks again,
David
March 26th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
John, thanks for sharing your cruise. You and Heidi look wonderful. Whenever someone makes mention of “going back to such-n-such cruise line” isn’t it tempting to give them a recommendation? When we cruised Princess, we did the anytime dining and really enjoyed the flexibility, but missed the relationship that is developed with the waitstaff, with an assigned table. I want both!
March 26th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
John would that be Billy (William) Vador?
Saw him when we sailed the Emerald in Feb and must say his slippers deck side is as funny as his act.
Liars club is excellant but the later show is the best.
March 26th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
John & Heidi:
I am so glad the two of you are having a wonderful cruise on Princess. Maybe I won’t wait until I am old (60+) to sail on her. Seems like the two of you are having a wonderful time!
Hope you take pictures of the cabins for us so we can say, wow, Carnival’s cabins are larger (maybe)!
John, it’s nice to see your beautiful smile again! From the picture, you show no signs of Mr. Bell! Glad to see he is headed to Paris after all!
I see from the Ship web cam, you are at Princess Cay today. We look forward to hearing all about the island.
Have a blast and relax!
Susan & Scott
March 26th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
To the cruising Healds,
You’re making me so hungry right now – banana ice cream !!!! my favorite as a kid. I now have an ice cream maker to do my own version.
You really are enjoying yourselves , but obviously not incognito to the crew.
As great as you make the crew on the Princess sound, the crews on Carnival are just as wonderful. You know that.
Until tomorrow,
Carol
March 26th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Hi John,
Sounds like you guys are having a nice time on the ship. I
agree, the flexibility of anytime dining sounds great , but I
would miss the idea of having the same waiter/waitress each
night. I know what you mean John, about feeling comfortable
with someone right away. We got that feeling on Triumph with
with the CD and Wee Jimmy (who was the assistant CD at the time
I believe). My kids loved Wee Jimmy… Anyway, going back a
back a few blogs, I think that having someone like the
wonderful Paula Dean as a celebrity chef on the ‘09
bloggers cruise would be great!!!! Love that Southern charm that
she has about her. ‘Bye, Bye from NY–
Sue frm Narrowsburg
March 26th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Perhaps the Irish half in me is in combat the proper English half, I’m positively green with envy. I saw the familar Fettuccini and started to drool… don’t pay for the gelatto at the piazza, it’ll be in the dining room the next night, and the souffle… oh don’t get me started. Enjoy!
March 26th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
John, perhaps after Mr. Drinc Voucher visits HAL he might like to try P&O, Seabourn or perhaps Cunard just to make sure that he’s not bothered by Carnival.
Let him go on thinking that he’s impressing someone with his style and knowledge… the rest of us know the truth…
All of the food looks exceptional save for the mousse… I just can’t get over the blackberry sauce… Isn’t it just a tad… uhh… crunchy??
Great blog and funny as always!
Keep up the wonderful ‘work’…
GregB
March 26th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
It seems like carnival is not the only one have trouble obtaining a Godmother for a ship.
I see on Cruisemates that Royal Captain Crunch Line is going to find a commoner for Independence.
3-26-08
Royal Caribbean Seeking Godmother for Independence
Royal Caribbean International is calling upon five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave to select an ordinary British woman who has done extraordinary things to be Godmother to the Independence of the Seas to be inaugurated in Southampton, U.K., next month. The honor, usually bestowed upon dignitaries and celebrities, is now a nationwide search in England to find an unsung hero to reign as Godmother over the world’s newest and largest cruise ship.
The person chosen to be Godmother to the Independence of the Seas must demonstrate how she has gone above and beyond the call of duty to improve the future of young people in her community. Past Royal Caribbean Godmothers have included Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, actress Whoopi Goldberg, pop star Gloria Estefan and tennis ace Steffi Graff.
The Godmother will have a formal portrait of herself displayed onboard the new ship and have an honorary role in the official ship naming ceremonies, including participation in the ribbon-cutting and a VIP experience onboard Independence of the Seas’ inaugural voyage. She will also receive a decade of cruising for two with Royal Caribbean International.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Say, what’s Dame Diana Rigg up to these days? I know she must be approaching 70, but I bet she sure has some stories to tell and I’ll never forget all those episodes of the Avengers that I watched.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
John!!
My family is enjoying the cruise with you. Thank you for such detailed descriptions. It reminds me of the way we enjoy every little detail of our cruise.That’s the way to do it!! Next time you have to try a Costa Ship. It is very different in many ways but it has heart and thats what I like about them. Continue friend. Vivelo!!
Nanni
March 26th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
ATTENTION ALL BLOGGERS
I’ve made it easy to see all John’s pictures from the last year, the 2008 Bloggers Cruise, John’s birthday party, all my cruise pictures and some for other bloggers.
Just click on my name above to go to my blog. Once there near the top is a tag line click on PHOTOS, enjoy.
BIG ED
Co-Star
March 26th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
John and Heidi,
I am having such a good time from my livingroom through your blog. Looks like and sounds like a beautiful ship. As far as the complaints: ” They walk among us.’ Scarey, isn’t it?
Take care and have a wonderful time.
Kathleen
March 26th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hi John & Heidi:
I always enjoy reading about you adventures with those troublesome passengers. Some sort of perverse pleasure, sorry. I Was an airline captain for a number of years and had to deal with the same kind of problems, only you seem to handle them so much better. I feel bad for the bartender that had the guest curse at them. Thanks for sticking up for him. I had a hard and fast rule, if a passenger started to curse I didn’t like if but could let it go, If however it was directed to a crew member the person was off the flight, no ifs ands or buts.
In you last blog you suggested that we take time to talk to the staff. Can you give us some hints as to get started. The CD staff is always outgoing but sometimes the housekeeping staff are very quiet. I always enjoy talking to them but do not want to get anyone in trouble for talking to me instead of working and sometimes get the feeling I could get them in trouble with a supervisor. As always I enjoy the blog and am looking forward to the splendor in January.
Tom
March 26th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
John,
The food looks delectable. The story about the TGI Friday’s waitress had me nodding my head, as I could relate. It seems you can’t just be left alone during a meal anymore. The service on a cruise ship is so much better. They actually want to please the customer for the customer’s sake.
Loving the “tour” of the Emerald Princess and its crew & passengers. Have a good one,
Shannan
March 26th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Hi John & Heidi, Sounds like you 2 are having a great time on the Emerald Princess. I can imagine you feel out of place – like looking in a mirror when you watch James the Princess CD doing his thing. But, you two deserve a break, so enjoy the cruise like a tourist, not like a cruise line worker. Love reading about the foods you are eating, and your ship experiences. I too say hi to people on cruise ships, and so far no one has looked at me funny! I am just a friendly person. We’re on vacation to have fun right? I am counting down the days till April 20th when we will be on the Liberty, can’t wait! When we get back we’ll book the Splendor and hope to see you Thanksgiving week. Love the pictures you have been posting, show more! What ports of call are you visiting? Your friends, Linda & Mike P.S. Just LOVE Heidi’s hairstyle, it is so becoming to her! AND, looks like Mr. Bells went back to Paris, you look great too John!
March 26th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
John, We thank you for the wonderful pics of the Princess and of you and Heidi. Have a wonderful relaxing cruise and see you soon.
Heidi, I think your haricut is just toooo great. It looks sooo nice of you. Keep it short!! Sorry John, but us women have to stick together!!
Love, Paula and Nelson Baker
March 26th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
So John,
You missed one of the BEST opportunities EVER. You should have told the old geeser who owned Holland America… How funny.
March 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
John and Heidi,
It is soooooo great to see you enjoying yourselves..and the ship is gorgeous, can’t wait to see more!!!
Once I get my Platinum status at CCL (in 2009 yippee!!!) I will look forward to some Princess cruising too!!!
Hugs to you guys, you deserve this!!
Eva
March 26th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Looks like somebody ignored my e-mail to Immigration. You know, the one where I “accidentally” mentioned John/Stephen [and untold others] are one in the same. Ah well, maybe they’ll read it by debarkation.
Saw how Heidi dressed you the first night. She has good taste. She only missed one small thing. Your “name badge”
March 26th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Quick – someone get me James Lay’s email address. It’s quite obvious that John is missing the passenger complaints and needs to be tasked a beaut. Merely correcting a man’s use of inappropriate language is not enough.
John and Heidi -
Enjoy your time off. You certainly deserve it.
BTW – I didn’t think passenger’s were allowed onto the bridge any longer. Wasn’t your visit a violation of Homeland Security rules or something? How do I get to see the departure from the bridge? Am I that much of a security risk
I mean, its not like I am Big Ed
March 26th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
Glad you’re enjoying your cruise and seeing life from the other side. Everything looks great and I’m sure it’s even better in person.
RVers in general are very friendly people. Since we’ve been involved with RV people we have picked up the habit and we say Hi to people all the time, not just in campgrounds but everywhere – even cruise ships. Sometimes people look at us like we’re strange and “why are they talking to us”. But we ignore them and keep saying hi. Besides, when you smile at someone they will almost always smile back. We’re trying to spread the joy.
Have a great time!
George and Linda
March 26th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
It’s so good to catch up with your blog and leave a message. Great to see your doing better too. We can’t wait to see you later this fall. We had a wonderful time in Europe last August. Please take care and save some jokes for our cruise. We know you will, kind John and lovely Heidi.
Gino and Diane Avella
March 26th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
John,
My wife & I sailed onthe Crown Princess last September. Anything dining with the two shows running against each other really works well. We tried to anytime dining after two nights at an assigned table sitting with two awful people. We will be sailing on the Carnival Inspiration November 8th. Hopefully we will luck out with nice people at out table. Back to Princess, the cruise director on our Princess Cruise Kelvin Joy was great.
Gary
March 27th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Hi John and Heidi,
Hope you guys enjoy the Emerald as much as my DH and I did. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your adventures this week.
March 27th, 2008 at 12:18 am
**please respond when you get a chance, but no hurry**
Hi John,
I just returned from my Liberty trip last week, and though I missed being able to meet up with you in Cozumel, we still had a wonderful time! I was just wondering if you will be the CD on the Splendor for the 8-day eastern cruise on November 21-29, 2008. I am considering booking that, but it’s between that and the Miracle the same week. If you’re the CD on Splendor, well, that pretty much seals the deal, and Splendor it is.
Thanks!
Jimmie
March 27th, 2008 at 2:26 am
I just left for two seconds and there’s 2 blogs up already ! You both must really be enjoying yourselves! The food looks fabulous ! Love all the photos. That’s a great line……..he’s going back to Holland America ! Ha! Did you say “climb this” ?
Kathy and Paul
March 27th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Good Morning John and Heidi: Hope you are having a wonderful Thursday. Don’t worry about the French next to you and all around you. Just think, you guys don’t have to work today. Go have some French toast for breakfast oops!!! I mean Poor Knights of Windsor and so sunning and shopping. Love, Paula Baker
March 27th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Greetings John…
Glad to see that the crew of the Emerald Princess are taking very good care of you & Heidi. Love the pics of the food.
Great to see that the side of your face is slowly sneaking back to where it once belonged….
Enjoy the R&R & let the crew pamper you both…
Cheers to you & Mrs. Starfish…
Bonsoir….Richard
Sailing 29th Freedom…Woohooooo
March 27th, 2008 at 10:09 am
John,
You both look FABULOUS!!! No evidence of that Mr. What’s His Name at all!!! HOORAY!!!
And the food photos… I love the sugar free Blackberry sauce… but your phone somehow got into the photo… just couldn’t understand that!!!
I’m sure there were zero calories in that sauce!!
Continue sharing your life with us… you truly are a blessing and a refreshing spirit each day!!
Bestest Regards,
Lambie
March 27th, 2008 at 11:23 am
John
For my wife and I Carnival is our cruise line of choice and we will depart on our 27th Carnival cruise on the Spirit a week from Sunday–but we have on several occasions sailed on Princess and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Most recently in Feb 2007 on the Coral to the Panama Canal–both ship and canal were spectacular.
Glad you are enjoying the Emerald.
Thanks for the blog–I read it every day.
Roger T
March 27th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
I’m so glad you are having a good time being on the receiving end of the hospitality. I hope you both get so relaxed that they will have to pour you off the ship.
Was Heidi’s fettucine Alfredo served in a fried tortilla bowl??? Didn’t it get soggy and yucky by the end of the meal? I can’t imagine such a thing.
John, I am certainly NOT suggesting you should resume answering comments right now. However, you said in earlier posts that lack of a printer prevented you from answering. Do you know that it is possible to have two windows open on the screen at the same time – even if they are running the same software? So, you could open the blog to some comments you want to read, and have that displayed in the top half of the screen, and then you could open a second blog window in the bottom half of the screen to type your replies. I won’t try to explain how – it is much easier if someone shows you.
Please excuse me if you already know about this and just don’t like working that way. It certainly is easier to flip through a printout, but this is a way to read and write at the same time when you can’t print.
Thanks for the descriptions of cruising on Princess. I like Carnival so much that I don’t know if I will ever choose another line, but you do make it sound tempting.
Congratulations on sending Monsieur Bell back the tower of Notre Dame. You look SO much better – back to your normal everyday ugly.
March 27th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Duke Dick and I are ‘going back to Holland America’ ourselves in August on the new Eurodam, transatlantic crossing to NY! Sure wish you were our CD though. Hugs to you and Heidi.
March 27th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Urgent. Hi John,
Please let me know if you get this.I’ve tried many times but doesn’t send for some reason.
Cruise w/ you 3/8/08 for 3rd. time.
We love you
March 28th, 2008 at 8:53 am
John ,thank you for your blog. We are booked on the Emerald later on this year, and as this is our first ever cruise the insight into the the cruise is great. As I am also diabetic it is great to know that the ” sweet trolley ” will contain items that I have missed over the past years. I look forward to more info from the Emerald.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
James the cruise director has a dvd on learning
how to dance…he was teaching dancing lessons
on the emerald last week. i was on march 15th
to the 24th. i forgot to buy one. can anyone tell
me how to get a copy shipped to me in canada.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
John, I am really enjoying this blog. All my cruises have been on Carnival, but since you don’t sail to Northern Europe, I decided to try the Emerald Princess. This is very helpful information. One question my husband wanted me to ask – is there a Lido deck like on Carnival ships with a buffet? Thank you and enjoy your cruise.
January 18th, 2009 at 10:50 am
John-I just read your blog on the Emerald Princess. I was just informed that I am sailing on April 19th as a Guest Lecturer and I am thrilled. I think you should warn James because in the words of the bus driver in Harry Potter ” Hang on-its going to be a bumpy ride!” With titles like-Party Like A Pirate, Raisin’ Cane, Good Golly Miss Amalie,Frond of the Tropics and 14 others I intend to rock the boat. This is their farewell cruise to the Caribbean and I intend to send them off with a bang. I am going to give advise to the Savy Sailor-like cruise ship etiquette—Like proper dress–No Speedos and Depends, No Thongs and Liver Spots. On the last cruise a lady walked from the pool area thru the buffet where I was eating and as she walked by I noticed it looked like a pair of Sea Lion cubs wrestling in a Wal Mart bag. I could tell they were Sea Lions by the long black whiskers sticking out. I will also give advise on common cruise problems and how to solve them- Like-Pitch and Roll. Pitch is how dark it is in your stateroom with the lights out(especially an inside cabin) and Roll is what happens when the sea gets rough. If you have BPH this can be a real problem at night to get to the head without falling and hurting yourself. Note-Head does not mean what it meant during the Clinton Administration!!!. The answer is to tape a penlight to your thingy(as you mentioned earlier in the blog) when you go to bed. When you have to get up it will light the way and you have both hands free to keep you from falling. A few men have said that it helped them find their slippers but did not point the way. I do have a Plan B and Plan C but to find out you will have to cruise with me sometime. Of course one young braggert said the light shining off the ceiling woke up his girlfriend-Don’t you hate guys like that! I hope to work with you sometime John. I can teach you and your passengers how to “Party Like A Pirate”. Phil DeMeulenaere(Pharmacist Phil) Port St. Lucie, Florida.
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