The alarm on my raspberry went off this morning at 6:45 am…………………….bugger.
The Emerald Princess arrived in St. Thomas today and because we previously went to the Bahamas and were now in U.S. territory all 3,400 of us have to line up and show our passports………..more about that in a moment.
Getting out of bed was not easy this morning due to the fact that once again I had eaten too much last night which I will chat about later in this thingy.
I was suffering and my stomach felt like that scene from the movie Alien and I was certain that any minute now my stomach would burst open and a creature that looks like Judge Judy would burst out………..
I couldn’t get out of bed and thought I might have to hire the Budweiser Clydesdale horses to drag me out. However, a few quick kicks from Heidi accompanied by a few explicit words and that was me on my way to Immigration.
I have heard nothing but wonderful comments from the passengers here but this morning the complainers were out in force and my favorite two comments were as follows.
The first came in an elevator as Heidi went from deck 12 to deck 6………….I know I should have walked but me and Judge Judy didn’t have the energy. In the elevator an elderly husband and wife had this conversation:
Husband ……….“Why couldn’t they do this last night instead of waking us all up?
Wife………….“I know, we never did this in Alaska and in Las Vegas.”
Vegas???? That was a good one…………..but not as good as this one.
Heidi and I were now standing in line. I must say it was very organized within each guest receiving a paper with a bar code similar to that found on supermarket goods which is scanned to show you have attended. As we drew nearer to the Immigration Inspectors raised voices could be heard and we saw a man screaming……..yep………screaming at a young lady Purser……………….this was the conversation.
Mr. Moody Blues………………..“Why have you woken the entire ship up at 7:30am for this?”
Purser……………“It’s a requirement of Customs and Border Protection”
Mr. Moody Blues………….“Well, I am a U.S. citizen and this is f%^*(&^ crazy”
Purser…………..“Please don’t swear Sir and I apologize that you are not happy, may I suggest you speak to the officer about your misgivings.”
Mr. Moody Blues………..“I will.”
Purser………“Please have your Passport in your hand”
Mr.Moody Blues………….“Passport?”
Purser………….“Yes sir, you need your passport or proof of citizenship”
Mr. Moody Blues…………“This is beep, beep, beep, beep……………..and he walked away still swearing to get his Passport”
The best bit however was that as he walked away myself and the Purser and all the other guests all saw something blue sticking out the back pocket of his pants……………….it was his Passport……………the Purser was about to tell him but I looked at her and shook my head and went ………. sssshhhh …………….she smiled ………….and welcomed the next guest to Immigration.
Immigration took 15 minutes from start to finish and although it is a pain to have to get up this early it’s part of life these days and the Emerald’s crew handled it professionally and as is to be expected now………..in a very friendly way.
This week the ship is sailing with nearly 900 children of all ages…………….but…………….you would never know it. This is of course thanks to a brilliant kids activity program. Heidi met with the Youth Activities Coordinator, Joy Bolin, who has been with Princess Cruise Lines for 18 years in this position.
Here is her report.
Hello Blog Friends, It has been a while, I know……but my husband tends to be glued behind our laptop all the time and unless I purchase my own. There is not much time for me to write to you all. I thought it would be best to do this myself though. Having started my career with Carnival in 1996 as a Camp Carnival staff member, I am still very interested in any kids program, at sea or in hotels.
Here on the Emerald Princess, they have divided the age groups as follows:
The Princess Pelicans – ages 3 to 7
Shockwaves – ages 8 to 12
Remix – ages 13 to 17
Divided in 3 different rooms, Joy showed me all the great toys from the climbing maze to the PS2s & 3s to the Foosball and Air Hockey tables, they have it all.
While I was taking some photos the little ones were playing “Who is missing?” a game where the children sit in a circle, then close their eyes and one of them leaves the circle and for the rest to guess who is missing. A great way to get to know the names of the friends they make during the cruise.
The ratio for the Pelicans and Shockwaves is one staff member to 10 children. So, depending on the season of the year the amount of staff members vary.
Next door, you could hardly talk to each other due to a few “Tweens” playing air hockey, a great game where they can let loose of a lot of energy.
Next door to Shockwaves in Remix, the teens were playing Guitar Hero and others were just “hanging” like teens do best, but the cool thing was…..they were hanging in great big leather sofas……….wow, how spoiled they are.
The photos will show you the different rooms. I met the staff of all the rooms and they were all as friendly and outgoing as can be which made me miss my Camp Carnival years………..maybe I should go back and get John another assistant…….but maybe not….nobody else will be able to put up with his bottom.
I was very impressed with the fantastic facilities and the energy of all the staff. Happy children mean happy parents and that’s what they have here on the Emerald Princess.
I will pass you back to John now but I wanted to say Thank You to everyone who have said they like my new hairstyle and for all your nice comments. I will try to write more often I promise.
The Pelican’s Playroom
The Pelican’s Playroom
The Pelican’s Playroom
Jo and her staff
Shockwaves
Remix
Remix
So, last night we dined at the Crown Grille the second of the Emerald’s private dining areas. This one specializes in Steaks, Seafood and Lobster. The price of a meal is $25 with an extra $9 if you order the fresh lobster………..$9 for a fresh 1 – 2 pound lobster …………that is unbelievable……………..and I do mean fresh…………..the Lobsters are alive and swimming around in a tank ………………..it does not get any fresher than that.
The service was again friendly and the menu had us both spoiled for choice. Eventually we ordered the following:
Heidi Ordered:
Beef Carpaccio with fresh Spinach
9 oz Fillet Mignon with mushrooms, asparagus and freshly made mashed potatoes
I ordered
Scallops and foie gras
Sterling Silver Beef Chop with onions and spiced mushrooms
Once again the food was incredible. I always order my meat well done….I know chefs hate this but the last thing I want is to cut open a piece of meat that looks to find a scene from the Texas Chain Saw Massacre on my plate. On the other hand Heidi likes her meat waved in front of a candle……I think she’s a vampire.
For desert Heidi ordered the sample plate which is a taste of every single dessert…………Chocolate Decadence Pudding, Caramel and Coconut Cheesecake, Three Layered Strawberry Gateau, Dutch Apple and Fruit Cobbler (she liked that one) and two others I can’t remember…….I had a coffee 
The restaurant was very busy and the passengers I heard were raving about the food and the service …………..everyone was happy and content and having the time of their lives………….well…………..everyone accept the Lobsters.
The chef’s
Seafood delight
Lobsters on a cruise next to their not so lucky friends
After dinner we went and looked at the 50’s and 60’s party in Club Fusion, The brilliant live band in the Wheelhouse and other events and shows including a “Vegas Headliner” in the main theatre and a comedian/juggler in the mid – ship lounge.
Once again James the CD had scheduled everything perfectly………..he may be ugly but he is a brilliant CD.
Talking of brilliant I must again repeat myself about the friendliness of the crew. This, as I said before comes from the top and there were shining examples of that yesterday and today. Firstly, there was Alan the Passenger Services Director who I witnessed just walking around the Piazza just shaking hands and chatting to people.
Then this morning there was the same thing only this time the effervescent and simply superb Maitre’D Generoso and our Captain just walking around the Horizon Restaurant shaking hands and simply being friendly. What a great example to the rest of the crew this is and I salute all the Senior Management here on the Emerald for practicing themselves what they obviously preach to their crew.
Please allow me to step away from the cruise for a moment and chat about other things.
Firstly, I will be working immediately I return home on the 2009 Bloggers pre-cruise package. I know a lot of you are waiting for news on this and I promise you will have all you need to know very soon.
PA 007 has sent me some more of the secret artist’s renderings of the Carnival Splendor which I will share with you on Monday.
Finally, I want to say thank you for all the comments. I know I have not been replying to them this week but I have read each and everyone and have answered privately any that are marked urgent. This week we went flying past the 1.8 million mark and I therefore say a huge and continuing thank you to the thousands of you who read my thingy each and every day.
Back on board the Emerald Princess I am sitting here in my favorite spot on the ship The Piazza, Most people are ashore in St.Thomas but Heidi and I have decided that since we have been here a billion times we will relax onboard.
It is amazing what you hear and see here in the Piazza. I am sitting here typing and was disturbed by a clicking sound coming from behind me…………….and was met by the beautiful sight of a lady who looked exactly like Joan Rivers. She had her feet up on a chair and was clipping her toenails.
Then, in front of me at the International Cafe is a man who has taken full advantage that the pastries are free by asking for one of everything.
The stilt walkers in the Piazza
That’s what the Piazza is all about…………and I love it.
One last thing from last night and our dinner at the Crown Grill. Next to us was a round table of seven people including a couple who had got married on the vessel and the both the bride and groom were dressed in their wedding attire. Things seemed to be going well until just as Heidi and I were served our main course the husband ………..passed out ……………his head fell forward and landed on the lobster he was eating.
Immediately the waiter and restaurant manager came running over and I think they were ready to call in a medical emergency ………..however the wife had the right medicine which came in the form of a glass of San Pellegrino which she threw over him immediately waking him from his slumber. The waiter asked if he needed a doctor but his wife answered with “No, he’s just drunk” and with that she picked up her purse and walked away leaving what looked like both sets of parents, a maid of honour and a very drunk husband with bits of Lobster in his hair and mayonnaise on his chin.
His wife never returned………..one lady who I guess was the Bride’s mother left immediately and eventually the others all left except Lobster man and the man who was I think his Dad……….they remained silent and had little to say. The food remained uneaten …………… Heidi whispered how sorry she felt for the wife……………I said I felt sorrier for the Lobster who had died for nothing except to be used as some sort of hair gel.
It’s been another brilliant day on the Emerald Princess and one of the great testaments I can give is the line yesterday and the Future Cruise Desk where people were booking another Princess cruise………….I may very well join them.
Cheers
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Tales from the Ship
Hi Heidi!!
About:..maybe I should go back and get John another assistant…….but maybe not….nobody else will be able to put up with his bottom.
No No No, we already talked about this, you are better with John. LOL
Im very happy that you are both having a great time.You deserve it!! BTW I would have choosen the same exact dessert. A little bit of everything. AH!
Un abrazo amiga!! Take care
Nanni
Hi John, Thanks for another brilliant blog. Two “supper clubs” that is a nice touch. I have always thought Carnivals’ Supper Club should change their entrees especially on long cruises. Variety is the spice of life you know.
So glad you are having fun.
Jo
Dear still-stuffed John and lovely Heidi,
First, thanks Heidi for your posting. It was good to hear how Princess takes care of the children on board. And I’m with you – medium rare 9 oz. Filet Mignon. There’s no way I could eat a 2 lb. Porterhouse (can’t warm up a doggie bag).
John, did you see Mr. Moody Blues again (after he searched for his Passport ????). I didn’t realize you had to go through that again with Immigration. Must be Homeland Security’s new rules – I don’t remember doing it before on the Eastern Carib.cruises that went from Nassau to San Juan & St. Thomas (but that was before 9/11).
I probably won’t be seeing your blogs over the weekend, so have a good flight home (not Easy Jet I hope?).
Enjoy the rest of the cruise,
Hugs,
Carol
Shame on you, for not letting poor Mr. Blues know that his passport was in his back pocket. Because of you, he will have to start at the back of the line, and all the surrounding passengers were deprived of his good nature. And I’m sure that you made the Purser’s day so much brighter.
BTW, it’s official, we are booked for the Ecstasy for April 24. Don and I will be in R167 and Phillip, Joni and Emilie will be in R163. We will celebrate DH’s retirement, DH and my 34th anniv, DS and DIL’s 7th anniv, and grandaughter’s 4th birthday. That’s a lot of celebrating, do you think we can work it all in on a 4-day cruise?
Hi John.
Glad you enjoyed the Crown Grille… but don’t forget to try the Balcony Dinner… of course the only chance you will have of seeing Mr Lobster Head from your balcony will be if his new wife throws him overboard… only kidding!
I guess we all do daft things from time to time… and I hope that their relationship is strong enough to endure… it would be a real shame for them to marry and seperate all within the course of one cruise…
The future cruise desk is always popular… if you book on board you get free spending money… $$$… $$$… $$$… and anyone who gives money away is a friend of mine!
I struggled with the chairs in the Crown Grille… being somewhat “built for comfort” I found the armchair a little tight… but as I took a “wee break” the waiter must have noticed, because when I returned he had changed the chair for one without arms. Now that’s the kind of 6-star service you get on a cruise ship, and nowhere else.
Afterwards, I found out that we could have sat at a counter by the kitchen… and I think I’ll try that next time.
Those Scallops look divine…
I had a fillet mignon… well done… and butterflied too (sliced in two and opened), but I wasn’t over keen on the rich sauce, I prefer the drier salt & pepper seasoned steak at the Sterling steakhouses on other Princess ships… just personal taste, but next time I’ll request no sauce, I’m certain it won’t be a problem.
Certainly there was a far wider selection on the Crown Grille menu… but sorry guys… I prefer Sabatini.
That’s no disrespect to the Crown Grille… it’s like saying I prefer Aston Martin to Ferrari… I still would love either… but a silver Aston has to be the one for me… (blame it on seeing “Goldfinger” as a child)
St Thomas Immigration has to be one of the most irritating parts of a cruise… and I am sure that it is a popular port only because of the extra duty free allowance that US passengers get… especially now that Princess tie up at Crown Bay… (the middle of nowhere, but picturesque… nice view from the balcony) however, it gives me a chance to make a comparison between cruise lines. I have some mobility issues… stairs are very awkward for me… and in particular my knees are very stiff for the first hour after waking up. However, I am thankful not to need sticks or a wheelchair, even though this means that people are unaware of my problem.
Disney Cruise Line made every passenger wait in lines seated in the theatre, then walk down all the steps to the front, then up very steep steps with no handrail, on to the stage, where the CBP were seated. Then down a similar staircase. 0/10.
Emerals Princess has a system of making a queue through the Piazza, through the Casino, into the Conference Centre, which is at least level, and there are a few seats along the way. 2 steps up to negotiate on the way back, exiting the casino. (ramp only on one side of the ship – silly!) 5/10.
On the one Carnival cruise I took, CBP officers were in the showlounge / disco at the stern of the ship. There was plenty of seating, and there was level access. Now that alone would be an 8/10… but there was also plenty of smiling waiters bearing coffee and pastries. Just what was needed after being woken early. So add a 50% bonus for thinking about the passengers… 12/10.
Of course, any cruise line could score 10/10 by missing St Thomas… and now that Grand Turk has the new jetty, I’d love a day there instead. A couple of cold beers at Margaritaville, a stroll on the beach, then on board for an afternoon nap and out on the balcony for sailaway.
It’s way better than St Thomas… and no jewellery stores either! (Heidi may disagree for that very reason)
Don’t forget that Balcony Dinner – or at the very least have the Balcony Breakfast… champagne, hot pastries, crab quiche & smoked salmon. Better yet… have both!
Hi John/Heidi:
Foie and Scallops. Man that just has me drooling.
I am so jealous.
Thank you for a great blog today and i loved those pictures.
Nice hearing from Heidi since it has been quite some time since we have seen some comments from her.
Hope all is well and good luck getting back safely.
Thanks again,
David
John, you got to stop it right now. Your making me hungry and I just eat. That steak looked great but I got to agree with Heidi a steak is for eating not the bottom of a shoe. But like you when I do steaks I have to put Pat’s on the grill 1 hour before I pass mine over the coals. The sound you hear when my fork goes into it is MOOOOO. I think that is why beef is called a red meat.
BIG ED
That carpaccio looks delish! Tell Heidi i’m with her on the rare beef!
Glad to hear you are having a wonderful time – where my hubby & I swear by Carnival, my in-laws swear by Princess… seems we may just have to switch it up a bit
John,
Just spent a week reading all your blog entries from start to finish! (Sorry it took so long, work got in the way!)
What an amazing writer you are, you’ve made your life, the ships and the lucky people you meet come alive for us.
We have two P & O Cruises booked and even better hopefully – job applications in with Princess and through your own Carnival Entertainments website.
Keep your fingers crossed for us!
Thanks for sharing through this blog.
Gav and Em
John…
You honeymoon diner story… That is a true Doghouse story… Hummmmm…
This ship looks wonderful… I’m not running to book a Princess Cruise, as the Carnival Fun Ships are my first love… BUT, this Emerald you’re on is a gem!! I will cruise on this Sister at some point, I know!!!
Heidi, the Children and Teens areas sound wonderful!! I’m sure they make Happy Campers out of the kiddos and the parents!!
Regards and Best Wishes to you, to Heidi, and to Stephanie!!!
Lambie
PS My sister Dawa, has begun her trip home to Holland now… a couple days with her daughter and off over the pond to work… I hope to see her post more often now… I think she’s becoming a Carnivalian!!!!
Heidi,
It’s great to hear from you at last! Do you think maybe you might be, um, expecting…you know, since you enjoyed the kids area so much? Even to the extent of wondering if a return to working in the children’s area might be fun. Wow! You’d then have two bottoms to worry about!
Glad you and John are enjoying yourselves and getting some rest. I really look forward to meeting you on the Splendor TA in Oct-Nov. We’ve never had the pleasure of seeing John in action and are excited about seeing him do his CD magic.
John,
You said you would never, ever eat again after Sabatini’s. What happened? You must be burning up a lot of calories using your laptop these days. The Crown Grille sounds (and looks) wonderful. I especially like the plates. USA, USA! Are we to believe you didn’t help Heidi with the desserts at all?
That was an especially cruel “omission” you encouraged the Purser to make. That swearing U.S. citizen was probably even crankier when he discovered he went all the way back to his cabin for nothing. Oh well, serves him right!
Great pictures. Guess “someone” is permanently in charge of the camera now, eh? Oh, and check the bottoms of your feet (and maybe the bottom of your bottom) to be sure you aren’t sprouting roots into the Piazza. It really sounds as if you two are having a wonderfully relaxing time together. (You and Heidi, that is.) Talk about a “busman’s holiday”!
Hope the new marriage you told of lasts longer than the time it takes to return to their home. Seems she must be accustomed to his behaviour, though, so I guess she knew what she was getting into. Maybe it’ll work out okay…I hope.
I, for one, am really excited about seeing more “pictures” of the Splendor. We will be in cabin 1017 on the Panorama deck. Looks to be very close to the bow. Will it be especially “wobbly” there should the sea kick up a bit? Guess I can always sleep on a sofa in one of the lounges near the center of the ship if it’s too bad. I’ve never been sea-sick, but I’ve never been “at sea” five straight days either. I shall keep positive thoughts!!!
Keep those fun, and funny, posts coming,
Myra
Hi John, WOW is all i can say. The hubby and I cruised on the Grand Princess back in 2001 before Carnival purchased the line. It was very nice then but it seems that it has only improved more since then. What impresses me is the attention to detail and the customer service. Thanks for the look into this wonderful cruise line.
Ahhh, John… isn’t it amazing how incredibly rude some people can be? Everyone else seemed to understand that the immigration thing was necessary except Mr. Loudmouth Passportbutt… Well, there’s always one, isn’t there???
Your dinner looked amazing. Why am I not surprised? You really do get into your research, don’t you?
How nice to hear from Heidi! It’s been ages since she’s graced the blog!
As for the newly wed gentleman, he deserves what he gets… or doesn’t get.
All the best to everyone who makes this Thingy what it is!!!
Cheers!
GregB
John,
Donna and I are so looking forward to another trip with you as CD. We still tell our friends about you and the wonderful time we had on the Freedom. I’m looking at late 08 or early 09. Sounds like you had a great time on the Princess. As you remember, we are both divers and are thinking about diving on the next trip, even if it is back in the Med. Take care and keep on trucking
Cracker Jack Boy
Herb & Donna
Wow! What a great vacation. I envy you all the fantastic food. Continue to relax and enjoy the free time. Jeri
I love this website!
I am enjoying hearing about the Emerald Princess, especially the descriptions and pictures of the food! My husband and I celebrated an anniversary several years ago on the Golden Princess and our meal at Sabatini’s was a highlight of the cruise and one of the most enjoyable dinners we have ever shared. Thanks so much for all the photos, information and especially, for the happy feeling that comes through all of your blogs. I sincerely hope that the TV sitcom becomes a reality and that all goes well as you make your move to the Splendor. Cruising is not an option for us this year but 2009 is a different story!
Hi John and Heidi,
The pictures of the food are delicious looking. I have been eating Lean Cuisines to get ready for my April 27 cruise on the Valor – So you are teasing me!!
John, through the pictures you are sending, it looks like Mr. Bell is just about gone – that is great news. I hope you’re keeping up with your facial exercises?
Heidi – your short hair is darling – I love it!!
The pictures from the Emerald Princes are great, what a beautiful ship!! – keep them coming!
Enjoy the remainder of your vacation and safe travelers across the pond to the Splendor!!
“Debs”
John and Heidi,
All I can say is WOW,,,I am so glad you are both getting well deserved R&R.
Ciao, Kathleen
Hi John,
I see Carnival has updated the dress code on their website to more reflect reality:
http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Dining_Room_Dress_Requirements.aspx
Is there a dress code for the dining room?
Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.
Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen – Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies – Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.
Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen – Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies – Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that’s great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.
caravanparkmanager
You can always ask for an armless chair, I know. The only place they don’t have them is at the outside tables on the Lido deck but John said a long time ago he passed that complaint on up but he also passed up the need for BIGGER robes.
2 ROBE ED
zydecocruiser
HIP HIP HOORAY to the new dress codes.
NO TUXING ED
John – We cruised with you on the Liberty spring break 2006 – and we just got off the Emerald Princess the day you came aboard. We loved the Emerald – probably our best cruise yet.
If you loved Sabatini’s – and there is a chance you can do the Chef’s table dinner on the Emerald – by all means do so. You will be blown away. Chef Michele is fabulous and Generoso (who I see you have mentioned several times ) is wonderful. The food and wine during the Chef’s table – simply magnificent.
If you can’t attend (its very limited) do make sure to ask Generoso about it. We were there on 3/21 and just loved it.
AH, the food looks yummy! I like my steak medium rare, Mike likes his well done (cremated). When I see all these pictures I am so anxious to get on the Liberty in 3 weeks to enjoy the food that I don’t have to cook! HA! HA! Have a good trip home, and visit with your mom and dad and write when you can again. We LOVE reading your blog every day, you are the highlight of our evening, sitting down at the computer and laughing our heads off over your antics! Heidi must be a very patient woman or else she is just like you, a jokester! Your friends, Linda & Mike
John & Heidi,
I’ve really enjoyed reading about your experiences as passengers. Thank you for sharing the photos. The ship looks beautiful! And my mouth is watering just looking at your selections from the Crown Grille!
Although I’m not ready to try something other than Carnival, Princess does sound wonderful.
Pat
p.s. Heidi – cute haircut!
Heidi -
You and I appear to agree with how beef should be cooked. I prefer mine so that it screams when I cut it
It is ironic, but today, as I was receiving my infusion (no big deal, see my blog for an explanation http://musingsofjustjon.wordpress.com/ ), the History Channel had a program all about the history of butchering – it was fascinating. Really. The history of butchering from ancient Rome to today.
Anyway, keep enjoying the time off and we look forward to more info on pre-bloggers2.
JustJon
Mr Heald, So now we know the rest of the story.
Hello Blog Friends, It has been a while, I know……but my husband tends to be glued behind our laptop all the time and unless I purchase my own.
Now Mr. Heald, Heidi needs a computer all her own if said husband isn’t going to give her time on the computer.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm Heidi, I guess us women are going to have to stick together again. If he doesn’t share or buy you a laptop of your own please feel free to put him in the dog house for us………grin
Hoping to hear from Heidi more often…smile
Carolyn
YEA, HEIDI HAD COMMAND OF THE COMPUTER FOR A FEW MINUTES!!! Thanks Heidi! It was nice to know that you are still alive and that John has not put you away somewhere never to be seen or heard from again! The kids rooms on board look fantastic. I am so happy to know that you are both having a great time and getting a well deserved rest! I’m with you on the meat issue–if I want jerky, I will buy it, but in a steak, it needs to be pink on the inside. Continue to have fun, rest, eat well, and blog again soon, ok?!! Have a safe flight across the pond.
Sheryl
I have a feeling that groom will be paying for that meal for years
Princess sounds terrific.
Jan Reem said:
“I love this website!”
Jan, you’ve just joined thousands upon thousands whose day isn’t complete without a visit to this Blog Thingy.
I’m thinking that you’re fairly new to the blog and that’s a WONDERFUL thing as you have an entire year of previous entries to be delighted with!
If you’re interested, you can cruise with John on the upcoming Blogger’s Cruise on the Carnival Fantasy sailing from New Orleans Feb 7. 2009. It’s sure to be a great cruise!
You can find the link on this site. There are also group cruises that are booking now for this cruise. We’re all going to have a ball!!!
GregB
John (Bro) – Did Princess once and did Sabatini’s when the Star was new. You can have your “fooey grass”. There were times I looked at their menu’s and couldn’t find anything to eat – or at least anything that I knew what it was. I guess I’m just an old country boy. But for me, the dining room on ANY Carnival ship is as good as I want. Give Heidi a hug for me and Mary.
John,
Have not written in a long time, since Nov, 2007, but have continued to read your blog. Went on the Diamond Princess over Thanksgiving, first time with them. It was a fantastic cruise, all cruises are fantastic but not all cruise ships/lines are perfect. The crew was fantastic. Our waiter and assistant, roomsteward, all the employees couldn’t do enough to make this a fantastic cruise. We left from LA to Hawii for 15 days.
John -
Be sure to visit my latest blog http://musingsofjustjon.wordpress.com/2008/03/29/photos-from-the-transatlantic/ to see what you missed on the Transatlantic Crossing.
John,
Sorry I think this computer thingy sent off my reply without my OK. If you never recieve the earlier, O Well. But I did want to comment on the passengers having to go through immagrations at 7:30am, NOT A GOOD IDEA! Especially for the young groom in the lobster bath!
Also, while on board, the Diamond Princess in November, I tried to check out the children’s program, in that we are taking the grandchildren on a Carnival Cruise on April 4, 2010, for my 60th birthday. I wanted to compare the two companies. Heidi was lucky, I was only allowed to the entry and did not get much information from the people in charge. O well we are going Carnival anyways, you take 2year olds in your program. In fact you are the only company that does so. Besides my children, the parents of my grandchildren remember when we took them on the newest cruise ships the Holiday and then several others, long time cruisers.
One more thing, the soft drink person who had a credit or whatever and could not receive a soft drink at the bar, I have bought several (a lot) of people we know going on cruises drink certificates, does this mean they can only receive their drinks in the dining room or roomservice? If so I think I will rethink my purchase.
Hi Heidi
So great to hear from you at last. You need to take the laptop from John occasionally and send us a blog. Your hair cut looks great.
All the food looks great!! I would have chosen the same desert…it looks wonderful.
Both of you take care and enjoy your precious time off. Work will be here before you know it, so you deserve a bit of rest and relaxation.
I hope to hear from you again soon.
Gloria aka Sue
Greg B…I am still laughing from “Mr. Loudmouth Passportbutt” name!!!
John,
Sounds like you are having a terriable time…maybe you should go down to the purser’s desk and complain and demand to talk with the cruise director…LOL.
I must agree with Hedi, medium rare is perfect for a steak!!
Thanks for the blog Hedi!! It’s nice to hear from you again!! I loved hearing all about the kids program!
You two enjoy the remaining time you have onboard!
Princess Susan
Since this is a Princess thread what the hay.
Princess Susan started posting on Cruisemates today…
”
Hello to everybody!!
I want to thank you all for you prayers!!! I am getting along so much better! It was so nice to get that wire out of my jaw and a couple of casts off…still having a little trouble with an ankle and I got rid of the neck braces. My son read to me all your posts and then taped them up to my wall in the hospital. Your posts and the “evil krewe” posts kept me going! You all are such wonderful caring people! I can’t wait to meet you on the next bloggers cruise. I will probably still be in a wheelchair, but I’m sure it will be all decorated up! I’m still having a little trouble with my short term memory….so if I keep asking your name, please have patience with me.
Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers!!
Princess Susan….the lucky one with the best friends in the world!!”
Passports!
I remember we had to surrender our Passports in Civitavecchia before we boarded the Freedom for the Turkey, Greece trip. I believe it was because of our travel to Turkey, right?
Well, all went well. I saw a Turkish boat come along side the Freedom just as we left Turkish waters for Athens and hand over a large bag. Was that our Passport delivery? We all were given numbers or something, met in various areas on the Freedom and got them back in less than 10 minutes !
Speaking of Joan Rivers, I was a dancer in her ‘73 Night Club Act I’ll have you know!! She’s a very gracious person and loves her fans !
Kathy ( and Paul ) too.
Dear John & Heidi,
So nice that Heidi got some laptop blog time! Meant to tell you
that those dinners you’v been having look fantastic, and BTW I like
my steak very pink also. Earlier, while I was reading the
previous blog, I was informed by my 12 year old daughter that we a
absolutely have to get tickets this summer and take her to see the Jonas
Brothers who are going to be here at Bethel Woods which is the original 1969
site of Woodstock. Yes, I live only 20 minutes away. BTW, last summer we saw
Chicago there and my hubby saw Lynrd Skynyrd ( did I spell that ok?) The Jonas
Brothers are one of the latest Teen Heartthrobs in the states these days, and with the
price of concert tickets these days, I guess we can forget about taking an other cruise for
quite a while, LOL. I still remember seeing Elton John for the 1st time (circa 1977) for
about $10 at Madison Sq. Garden. Aah, the good old days… Enjoy the rest of your cruise
guys. That ship looks gorgeous, and extremely relaxing too!!
‘Bye, ‘bye, Sue frm Narrowsburg
Hi John & Heidi,
I cannot find your e-mail address on this website.
Perhaps you can send me an e-mail? (mirelle_b@hotmail.com)
so I can forward you the picture from last week
(the one from elegant night with Noortje as well)
groetjes!
Mirelle en Christa
Hi John and Heidi,
I love reading your daily reports from the ship. Six years ago my sixteen year old son and I had the pleasure of cruising on Princess. He had a blast and I found that the program keeps the children happy and well occupied. Also, the adults only pool area by the spa pool was fabulous. Very relaxing and quiet. We were on the Grand Princess and even though the ship is huge it still was quiet,well organized and did not feel crowded.Also, the quality of food in all the dining areas very nice.
I will definitely cruise Princess again ,but first, the bloggers cruise! BTW Heidi, I love your hair.
I am reading this at 10:20 am and looking at this food is making me so hungry. We ate at Applebees last night and I thought that was good until I read John’s blog. I have to wait until Feb of 2009 for our next cruise. My better half and I get married in August of this year and decided to take our honeymoon in Niagara Falls. The wife to be hasn’t been there to enjoy it alothough we are only about 4 hours away. I looked at cruises but we just couldn’t find one that fell in our time frame. We live in Pennsylvania and it is a good 24 hour drive to Miami from here.
Reading this blog makes me feel more like I am cruising right along with you!!!
Good morning Mr. Heald. Could you please explain a little more about the arrangement dealing with the St. Thomas set up. Next year my wife and have set up a cruise on the Valor that first goes to Nassau and than goes to St. Thomas. Do the immigration people come aboard the ship or do we get off the ship? How early do we get up and where do we go? I’m glad that I read it in your blog. It doesn’t seem to be a real problem but I would like to know more about it.
PLEASE REPLY THROUGH MY EMAIL
retirementman2004@yahoo.com
I hope that you and Heidi are resting and it appears that you are enjoying the food on the Emerald. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I too saw the “new” dress codes.. for “casual” and “elegant” nights.
I’ve sailed NCL before and enjoyed the light packing, and casual dress. Think it’s great! But they do enforce the limited dress restrictions.
Carnival didn’t do any “dress code enforcement” before, and if that habit continues with the further relaxing of dress codes, we could easily be dining with people with people in shorts, tank tops, and ball caps. And if that works for people…..
next year’s dress restriction might just read:
Genitalia must be covered while in the dining room.
So.. John… please suggest they enforce at least a minimum of decorum in the dining rooms.
Noticed they are also returning to just the 2 dining times – 6 PM and 8:15 in all dining rooms, instead of the 4. Which I think is fine too.
Regards,
Kuki@cruisemates.com
Regards,
Kuki
Sue frm Narrowsburg, NY,
I just got to one uo you sorry. You said “Bethel Woods which is the original 1969 site of Woodstock. Yes, I live only 20 minutes away. Well our summer place is right on the site of the Goose Lake Rock Festival in 1970 in Jackson Michigan with Bob Seger, Chicago, Alice Cooper and many more. The orignal light and sound towers are still there.
BIG ED
John
Thanks again for your most interesting blog. As we are already booked for a Emerald cruise can you please tell me what the cruise is like for a diabetic, food wise. I notice from your earlier blog that there are sugar free items, are these few and far between?
Best wishes
Hello , John
The lobster looks as tto die for……………
good thing I will be eating it aboard the victory tommarow , or onone of the formal nights!!!!!!!
I am so excited for my cruise aboard the victory as i embark tommarow aolong whith the valor whick I have sailed on in 2006 and the ……. of the seas whick I have not or wnt to sail on.
I may be on the inagualr voyage of the eurodam for 3 days to nassua , and halfmoon cay , and I have been hering that the rooms are smaller than the oasterdam class.
Anyway thanks for the fantastic picture of the food , and I will meet maloclm tommarow.
from , JAKE S. ( :
Hi John – I don’t think I can take it if you post of another great restaurant on-board. Your appetizer looked absolutely delish!
Future cruise booking is the one area I keep wishing for Carnival to start. I always come home from a cruise and book another so why not kill 2 birds with one on-board credit
Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings…
Dawn
John – I love the blogs from the Princess ship – the have been great. I have an urgent question for you – PLEASE ANSWER (only using caps to get your attn
I’m booking a cruise for January 2009. My husband wants to go on an Of The Seas cruise, but is willing to book the Splendor, if you’ll be on it for the January 17th cruise. Will you? Please let me know!
I just stumbled upon your blog thru a pal on Cruise-Addicts.com and I must say that it is very enjoyable. I like getting the inside “dirt” you provide, although I realize you may not be willing to be totally truthful in any negative comments you may have against your employer.
I’ve had the pleasure of sailing on 3 Carnival cruises (Miracle, Legend and Valor) Each one was excellent, though I have to say I really like the Spirit class the best. I have not been lucky enough to have you as my CD yet but hope that may happen soon. We have been thinking of trying Princess out of Brooklyn as we live on Long Island and love to avoid the airfare and all of the stress of flying whenever possible.
Keep up the funny insights-and I especially enjoy the jabs at some of the ridiculous things people do and say.
Big Ed,
I was “honored ” to see a blog from the famous “Big Ed
and his Evil crew”. Yeah, that’s pretty cool that you live
a very famous, historical music venue also, although I don’t
know if the Goose Lake Rock Feastival beats Woodstock,
I mean comeon its Woodstock, Ed!!!
Anyway, I ‘m trying to figure out if I can come on the ‘09
bloggerscruise, got any words to convince me. Pls reply.
Sue frm Narrowsburg
Sue frm Narrowsburg, NY,
Well Sue all I can say is if you do come be sure to join My Evil Krewe. We became a family before the first bloggers cruise and are already into planning for the 2009 BC and pre-cruise activities in New Orleans. You can see pictures of some of our evil by just clicking on my name above to go to my blog then click on PHOTOS on the top tag line.
For sure look at the ones of the birthday party My Krewe had for John.
BIG ED