I shall miss the Piazza; it’s become my favorite place to blog. The waitress knows to bring me an espresso and a bottle of water without me having to ask and even though I cannot have one, the sight and smell of the doughnuts, pastries and toffee apples make for a great atmosphere to write in.
As I mentioned a few days ago the Piazza is a great place to people watch and now as I sit here at 9 am there is lots to see. Guests are asking where the gangway is and right now a couple is arguing just a few feet away from me on where to go.
The man is now having a finger waived in his face by his wife and they both seem oblivious to the fact that they are the center of attraction …………………. ok……………the wife has walked away and reluctantly Mr. Lost is following on behind still shouting at his wife……………..brilliant entertainment.
For the last 5 days I have tried my best not to flip the Cruise Director switch and stay as a passenger ……………….and I had succeeded until last night. After another wonderful meal in the dining room Heidi and I were sitting in the Explorers Lounge to see Martin the outstandingly funny Deputy Cruise Director host Liars Club when we saw two passengers squaring up to each other and I sensed that we were only moments away from a full on boxing match.
Let me introduce the contenders …………………………. let’s get ready to rumble
In the red corner wearing white pants and a blue shirt with pictures of bottles of Tabasco sauce on it weighing in at about 120 pounds and aged about 70 and sponsored by Gas X………please welcome ………. the undisputed Floridian Condominium Champion …………Rooooooccccckkkkkyyyyyyyyyyy Lieberman.
In the blue corner wearing blue jeans and blue shirt weighing in at 250 pounds from Rude Town the undisputed disrespecter of age………………Mikee Ruuuuddddeeeeeeeeeeson.
So, here was a 70-plus man being threatened by a man in his 30′s…………….over an old favorite subject……….seat saving. It became clear that Rocky was trying to sit down with his wife in a big booth but Mike Rudeson it appeared was saving the entire booth which as we all know is not allowed.
Now, I had no intention of interfering until the Mr.Lieberman (I knew his name as he was wearing his ship card round his neck) explained that his wife was sight impaired and needed to sit near the front………….he said this using lots of please and thank yous and was rewarded with a “I Don’t care” from this obnoxious creature………….and then unbelievably…………he told Mr.Lieberman to go away and then called him a ……………ummm………….an opening found in a bottom…………….if you get my meaning.
That was enough for me…………..I looked around to see if any of the other passengers would do anything but most were looking at the floor pretending it was not happening. So, I flicked the CD button which is located on my left nipple and sprang into action.
I stood between them and started by doing something naughty………….Hello I said, my name is John and I am the Senior Vice President of Blogs for Carnival Corporation………………….that got their attention ………….now for some strange reason I found myself pointing at my Carnival 20-year pin I was wearing on my jacket……………as if that was some sort of proof that I wasn’t talking bollocks.
Anyway, I informed Mr Rudeson that his language would not be tollerated and that I had called security and they were on the way………..my nose grew an inch when I said that………………I also told him to allow the Liebermans to sit down or to leave the booth as seat saving was not allowed………………he asked for my name………….I gave it to him and he left by informing me that this was………… “poo from a bull.”
Mr. Lieberman and his wife thanked me and shook my hand warmly and I took my seat flicking my nipple as I did so returning myself to passenger mode.
So, it’s about over…………….Heidi is packing and I am staying away from her spinning head until it’s all done. In a few hours we will drive to Barbados Airport and Virgin Airways will take us home.
I wanted to say thank you to everyone here and I thought this may be the best forum to do that, so please excuse me while I write this letter.
Dear Captain,
Five days ago Heidi and I boarded the Emerald Princess for our first-ever cruise as passengers. From the moment we walked up the gangway we were astonished by the beauty of your vessel and the incomparable friendliness of the ship’s company. This friendliness comes from the top and the fine example you and your senior management set is I am sure seen by the crew who want to the follow your shining example.
I would like to say a special thank you to Martin, James and Generoso all of which are at the top of their profession and who have treated us so magnificently.
I know how proud you are of the Emerald Princess and we have both been equally as proud to have sailed with you and your team.
Sincerely,
John and Heidi Heald
So, that’s about it then. It’s been brilliant…………..the whole ship is just stunning especially the Sanctuary, Sabatini’s and the Crown Grill. However, what stole the show for me was something that I keep talking about and that was the friendliness of the crew……..they are outstanding.
It’s been an eye opener (and thank goodness I had two eyes to open now Monsieur Bell has buggered off) and I have to say that I hope that the cruise companies within Carnival Corporation will allow more interaction between each other.
I have learned a lot this week and hopefully I have managed to pass on some help to James and others as well. We are all individuals yet we are one family and there is so much we can learn from each other if we can knock down some of the barriers ……………. and that started here on the Emerald Princess these last five days.
There was a huge battle a few years ago between RCI and Carnival to acquire Princess/P & O Lines……….having sailed here now I can understand just why both wanted to win and why in a recent interview in the Miami Herald Carnival Corporation’s Chairman Mr. Micky Arison said that winning the battle was one of his greatest business accomplishments ………………..it’s clear to me now why.
I will write on Monday when I get home and next week watch out for two special interviews and a guest blog from the heart of Alaska.
Until then, it’s goodbye from the Emerald Princess and it’s time to fly Virgin……..let’s hope they go all the way!
Cheers
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Oh John and Heidi,,,,
I am holding up a glass of red wine to the both of you and feeling the same feelings of leaving the wonderful cruise you have been on. Salute!!
Have a great trip home. *snif* *snif*
Ciao, Kathleen
John,
What a way to wind up your vacation on the Emerald Princess and congratulations on your appointment as VP of Blogs… whatever that is…
I’m glad I took a second to check the Thingy as I’m packing for my voyage on the Inspiration this week. I’m bringing my laptop to make sure that I don’t miss a single blog.
I hope the flight home was uneventful and that your customs folks are easier to get along with than ours often are.
Tell Heidi howdy for me and pass along my appreciation for the great job that the MOB, Stephanie, is doing!
Ciao!!!
GregB
HAVE A GOOD FLIGHT HOME
I believe one of the keys to Carnival Corp’s phenomenal success has been leaving each company aquired continue along the road that made it successful in the first place. However, I have never understood the “silo” mentality that seems so firmly entrenched in the cruise industry. Why shouldn’t all the companies in the Carnival family share best practices and learn from each other? Each company will always have some unique niche and it’s own loyal following.
ONCE A CRUISE DIRECTOR, ALWAYS A CRUISE DIRECTOR!!! You can take the man out of his Carnival clothes, out of his Carnival atmosphere, out of his Carnival Freedom, but you can’t take the man out of his professionalism and his willingness to stand up for what is right! You GO JOHN!! That was outstanding what you did for that couple. The 30 year old snot probably thought that a 70 year old would back down to him! Thank goodness you were there to come to his side and defend him. Your nose may now be an inch or so longer, but at least it will be straight since that Frenchman Mr. Bell has taken his leave! How long are you going to be at home? Safe flight to you both and I will be watching for your next blog from your home away from home!
Sheryl
Very nice, I am new here, but I have read everything in the last few days. You are a truely talented man, John.
Jan
John and Heidi,
What a great vacation you had !!! Sorry John that you had to turn on the CD switch. I know that you have great ideas for future tours of duty after this cruise !!!
Cudos to you for Heidi’s special day !!! She deserved it!!!
Hope the trip home is smooth and safe !!! BUT, we want YA’LL back state side ASAP , with the new LADY OF THE LINE , THE SPLENDOR !!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY,
Tony and Kelley
Hi John.
In a way I am pleased that Carnival Corp has let each brand entrench itself in it’s own niche… or “silo”, because too much cross-fertilisation of ideas would lead to the destruction of individuality.
Sometimes, it is the things that a cruise line gets wrong that add to it’s individual charm. We must look at the whole picture, and not get hung up on details.
Royal Caribbean has a wonderful approach to the pool areas by having a particularly good “Adults Only” area.
NCL has a great range of alternative dining options.
Ocean Village has some great tribute acts as cabaret.
Holland America has super room service breakfasts, and lovely canapes served in the bars before dinner.
Island Cruises has wonderful crew and a super personal touch that makes up for the shortcomings in their 20-30 year old fleet.
P&O has probably the best organised formal nights.
Princess has the romantic touch, with the balcony dining and Sabatini.
Carnival, of course, has John Heald.
Guys… stay different from each other. That way, we can cruise regularly, and get variety.
You’re all great in your own way.
MR. HEALD, PLEASE RETURN HOME SAFE AND SOUND TO CONTINUE WHAT YOU DO BEST AND THAT IS TO TREAT ALL PERSONS AS YOU DID ON THE EMERALD PRINCESS. THERE IS ONLY ONE JOHN HEALD. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FROM ALL OF US, YOUR FRIENDS AND BLOGGERS. REST AND SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. PREPARE FOR THE SPLENDOR. CIAO MY FRIEND.
PAUL F. PIETRANGELO
John…
On the left nipple… I’ll have to file that away for the future need…
So, we all leave the Emerald Princess with you. We’re here in your laptop case. Be gentle as you toss it in the overhead of Virgin Airways…
It was a fantastic cruise!!! A wonderful ship!!! And a great crew!! THANK YOU!!!
You’re a CD through and through… You’ll be a diplomat forever.
Happy Traveling!!
Lambie
Good Job John, Glad you put on your CD hat for that older couple, hurray for you! Way to go! I am anxious to hear from you once you get home as I am sure you will have lots more to share with us. Thanks for taking the time to blog for us while you were on vacation. Well, we are booked on the Splendor for Thanksgiving week, and so are Princess Bee Empress of the Seas and Prince Charlie, and who knows maybe some other bloggers will join us. I trust you will be there till December as you told me a few weeks ago. Nanni is anxious to meet up with all of us. Can’t wait! We are also anxious to be leaving on our Liberty cruise on 4/20. We both need the rest. Mike’s brother passed away suddenly this week at the age of 64, he had a massive heart attack, and had just gotten a clean bill of health the week before at his yearly physical! So, our motto remains – “Enjoy life while you can”, as you never know what tomorrow will bring! And enjoy it on a cruise!
Your friends, Mike & Linda
John, I am so glad you enjoyed your trip on Princess.
We have cruised on both Carnival and Princess many times and we were very concerned when it looked like RCCL was going to take over Princess. We were concerned RCCL was going to turn it into another stuck up and snobbish cruise line like Celebrity (YUK). Princess certainly ended up in the right hands with Carnival Corp and it is nice to see Carnival continuing to expand Princess and continuing to order new ships.
Dear Senior Vice President of Blogs for Carnival Corporation,
John I did notice that when you told MR. A-Ho your title you didn’t say to us “.my nose grew an inch when I said that” did you just let something out of the bag. I sure wish it is true you well deserve it. I might just have to buy some CCL stock.
Have a safe trip home.
Mr. Edward Konefe
Personal Assistant to the Sr. V.P. of Blogs,
Carnival Corp. (CCL)
Well, John, I’m sorry you are leaving the Emerald Princess, too. I have enjoyed my virtual cruise, through your words, and hate to see it end! Have a safe flight! And job well-done with Mr. Rude and obnoxious!
John;
The next best thing to my wife and I taking a cruse, is reading about you and Heidi’s description of taking one. I especially like the description and pictures of your dinners. We hope you all have a good flight.
John and Heidi,
I am so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy a sailing in total relaxation and not have to be anywhere at a specific time or plan anything for 3500 plus people. Will that make going back to work a little harder? I guess that will be just a taste of what happens to us passengers when our vacation is over. I ho9pe your got our note of thanks when you left the Freedom last week. I just wanted to let you know that we made it back to New Jersey in one piece and noone killed each other on the long ride home. We are just about ready to book next year’s cruise. We are looking at the Miracle on 3/13/09 to southern caribbean. Can you be our CD, lol. Safe journey home and look forward to more blogs.
Margie Tracy
Since you’re now “Senior Vice President”–is there also a “Junior Vice President”. Also…who is President. I hope the two of you have a wonderful flight home
Great job, John. More people need to stand up to the rude bullies of the world. It is scary when a younger person becomes obnoxious and you feel too threatened to confront him. Thanks for defending the older gentleman.
Have a safe and uneventful trip home. Enjoy. Jeri
It was good that you were there to help that man and his wife.CD or not you would have done it anyway. It makes me sad everytime I hear stories like this. Someone has to put this people were they belong.
You know John? Some of the members of the evil crew are coming to PR this year and Im going to see them all. Now they gave me a new name
Nanni the official welcoming committee to SJ, Puerto Rico
Have a safe trip and take care.
John,
Reading your blog is so enjoyable. Carnival Corp. is very so fortunate to have you. Have a safe trip to your next destination.
Gary
You go for it John! Somebody’s got to say something! Glad you stepped in ! There are many lovely people on the crusie ships, but there’s always a couple of idiots! We met a few pretty rude folks on our cruises!
Paul (Lee) and I seem to “stick out” he’s 6’6 as you know and I’m 5’9 ! We try to “blend in” but “they” seem to find us !!
Glad you and Heidi had such a great time, my mom and dad loved Princess Cruises too !
Kathy and Paul (Lee Paul )
Hi John,
Great job with Mr. Rudeness……….he needed to be put in his place. No doubt he headed to the pursers desk to complain about the man ( you) who intervened. Joke’s on him………..you don’t work for Princess! LOL
Well I’m off to the USA this week for a small baseball tournament in Jupiter Florida and then capping it off with 4 days on the Fascination. It will be a great way to unwind and heal the inevitable aching muscles from trying to do things that I did when I was much younger.
I hope you and Heidi have a safe journey home and a wonderful time bringing the SPLENDOR into service in Europe. BTW……….how’s Alan?
Best wishes and smooth sailing,
From the soon to be spring like Canada.
B&D from Canada.
John, I’ve missed you! I left Carnival Freedom on my birthday March 22 (when you also left). I’m sorry we never connected while I was there. But my granddaughter was so excited when you called our cabin. She came running to the Posh to tell me that I was famous. But she said something about you saying I loved your nose. Once I watched the repeat of the morning show I understood. Meanwhile I went back to work on Monday the 24th, worked that week and then retired on Friday. It was a busy week, packing up 26 years worth of personal stuff and celebrating with my coworkers, and my home computer was down, so I am way behind in blog reading. My son came down today and fixed the computer so now maybe I can catch up.
But my two sons, their wives, and the three kids had an excellent time on the cruise. It was the first for all but one daughter-in-law. Now they know why I have been hooked since my first cruise five years ago.
And the funny thing is that this group did things entirely different than my daughter and her three kids did in January on Liberty. I guess that is the best part of cruising. There’s something for everyone and each cruise is unique.
And now that I have cruised with you, I am completely amazed at the job you do. I can’t imagine how you ever find the time for the blog thingy when you are so busy all day with your CD duties.
And I also must say that Heidi is even more beautiful in person. You lucky man.
I hope you and Heidi have enjoyed your time on Emerald Princess as much as we did our time with you on Carnival Freedom.
I am now going to attempt to catch up two weeks worth of blogs and comments.
Shirley
Hey John & Heidi,
I was surprised to hear that this was your first cruise as passengers. It’s something that the cruise lines really should institute as part of their training programs actually; particularly on other lines within the company… since there are so many. I’m glad you got the opportunity, and enjoyed sharing your maiden voyage.
Part of my job at CruiseMates is writing these “virtual cruise reports”, much like you’ve done from the Emerald. And I have to tell you, you’ve done it brilliantly! Now get back to your real job. I don’t need more competition! LOL
Have a nice trip with the Virgin, and hope you arrive at home safe and sound. Enjoy some time with the family, and hi to Allen!
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
John -
As always, when needed, SuperCD comes to the rescue. Great job.
Now, I am amazed that you are claiming this passage was your first cruise as passengers. As I recall, your last days on the Freedom were spent on the passenger manifest due to some archaic rules. I guess those days don’t count.
I suppose when you spend your working life on the ocean aboard a cruise ship, one might be less inclined to take a cruise as a vacation, so let me suggest a freighter cruise – no saving of seat fights to worry about refereeing, not formal nights to dress for, and, likely, no wife to complain about your underwear on the bathroom floor. Heck, I am not even sure there is a bathroom
Hi John and Heidi
All good things must come to an end, but I am so glad you enjoyed your time together.
I am sorry you had to intervene as “CD”, but there are some real winners out there. I appreciate that you stood up for the elderly. I travel frequently with my elderly mother and have encountered the Mr. or Mrs. Rude many times. No regard for the rules.
To Heidi: I am glad you got a day of pampering. I am sure the little coat of paint was well worth the $75.00.
I hope you have a safe trip home. Enjoy the moments until you are back to work. Take care and my best to both of you.
Sue
John and Heidi,
Thank-you both for taking the time to blog during your vacation. I join Kathleen in raising a glass of red to both of you and your happiness.
Occassionally while reading, the thought snuck in that perhaps you were enjoying Princess so much because of your celebrity special treatment. But then I remembered the ‘celebrity’ treatment we had received from Carnival staff on our cruises. That service was amazing (particularly when compared to TGI Fridays!); Carnival Corp. staff provide an outstanding experience and good cheer. You and Heidi were just finally it seeing from the customers’ perspective. Now you know why those comment cards gave you a score of 92.34%.
You may chuckle, but we’re getting ready to book the Carnival Glory for next March – us and the college students. Had a great time last year, so we’ll just hope Kentucky works out its issues.
A belated best wishes and thank-you to Roberto, who is undoubtedly still a reader.
Many thanks and congratulations to Stephanie who is now taking the point position in getting the blog up. All of us readers appreciate the work that you do Stephanie.
Here’s hoping that Virgin went all the way (Airlines that is).
John and Michele
John and Heidi, I hope you have a safe flight home and we will see you in Aug.
Heidi, hope you enjiyed your pampering, you deserve it.
Jennifer and Danny
John
My husband I will be sailing on the Emerald in October. I appreciate you posting all of this information about the ship so I can get an idea of what we will be seeing and doing. Glad to hear it was great and I look forward to it.
John, hope you had a good ride on the Virgin. You did use your Airborn we would not want you to catch anything to take home with you.
BIG ED
John,
I see tonight on Carnivals website your going to south africa. Wow that should be fun. I would love to experance such a cruise, maybe Kuki over at cruisemates.com can finance my way to the ship and I can write something for them. Glad you had so much fun on the emerald. So now that your a Vice President in Charge of Blogs, i wonder, how many blogs are under your care? Heidi I am so happy you had such a nice time on the cruise as a passenger. I’m sure you needed some time to relax before getting over to the Splendor. So Heidi in seeing your a Packing expert maybe you can share with all of us some tips, like do you roll and stack things or just fold them flat and use tissue paper? I’m sure John’s idea of packing would have to be buy a really big black garbage bag and fill it up and use a twist tie on it. Have a safe trip back to Europe you two, I’m thinking of starting a business of selling Europeans clothing from here and make a huge profit because I’ll only accept euros. What do you think Have a safe flight and say hello to the smelly French person who will probably be sitting right in front of you for me John.
Kevin
Official Celebrity Chef of the Blog
More grace and finesse than a turtleneck passenger, more rational and logical than an unruly Kentuckian, and able to intervene in lounge seat saving in a single bound…..It’s the legendary superhero CD
Disguised as a meek mild-mannered Princess passenger our caped crusader errr SuperCD hero John quickly donned his CD spandex and cape…..no……scratch that thought….reminds me too much of the clearing out of the Sanctuary earlier via a speedo thong g-string….…….
Anyhoo…. BRAVO!!!! for dealing effectively with Mr. Rudejerkweed who simply had no respect for some passengers from the greatest generation….. he should be forced to walk the plank….
Glad you had a fantastic time aboard The Emerald.
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
Hey John,
My family and I have been back from our cruise onboard the Imagination for several days. I have caught up on your blogs, and I loved reading about your experience with Princess. It really sounds like you and Heidi had a great time.
I will write a more detailed review about the Imagination for you and other bloggers during the week. I will say that this cruise met and exceeded our expectations. It has been a few years since we last cruised on Carnival (we tried other lines in between). We weren’t expecting as much as other cruises, since this was a four-night cruise on a smaller ship. Wow, were we wrong. Kevin Noonan was a great cruise director. All of the staff were excellenet. We LOVED ALL of the live bands. And it really is evident where other cruise lines (without giving any names… _ of the Seas) have made cutbacks in food and entertainment.
A more detailed review to come…
Thanks for the blogs, and I hope you and Heidi enjoy your vacation and time off home.
-Matt
John
What a great ending to your journey on the Emerald Princess.
It is Great to hear Carnival was victorious in keeping Princess.
The individual styles of all the Carnival line Families will ensure
Carnival stays a great success. That is why I also own stock in the company.
Our family so much loved being together for my stepdaughter Jenny’s College graduation
Present, which was a trip to Alaska on Carnival Spirit.
For 2010 we all discussed trying the great looking land and sea Alaskan tour of Princess,
for my dear dear dear sister in law Barbara’s daughters college graduation because of the excellent time we all had on Spirit.
I am looking forward to your next Blog.
All the best to you and Heidi.
Safe travel Home.
Ray
Dear Heidi & John, Sr. VP of Blogs for Carnival,
Bravo John for standing up for the Leibermans.
What a shame you have to leave the Emerald Princess, but I know you’re anxious to get home. Hopefully you won’t have that mess with the baggage situation at Heathrow. This morning I heard on the news that some bags will be diverted to Rome to ease the congestion. That gave me a laugh since all I kept reading about last summer was the amount of lost luggage in Rome.
If I ever decide to take another cruise line besides Carnival, it will be Princess. What a fantastic time you had, and you look mahvelous dahling. You both needed the rest.
BIG ED:
Have you been hanging out in the Bronx lately? Last week there was a car parked on my block with the License Plate “Big Evil”.
NANNI:
I may not be an official member of the Evil Krewe, but I’ll be in San Juan too when the Miracle gets there the first week in October.
Get home safely Heidi & John, and say hello to Alan.
Be well,
Until your next blog,
Regards,
Carol
John,
Once again you have proven to be a true caring gentleman getting involved with the saving of the seats even though you were on vacation. You always are there for the underdog, just one of your many charms….tell Hedi that deserves one free pass out of the doghouse!!
Hope you have a safe and uneventful trip home!!!
I’m so glad you and Hedi had a chance to cruise like guests…now you know how hard it is for everybody to depart the cruise ship at the end of the cruise!
Stay safe and keep your longer nose out of trouble!
Love to you and Hedi,
Princess Susan
John I thank you so much for this Emerald blog. We took the same cruise 3/5-3/15 and many of your observations were identical to ours. The crew was probably the best we have encountered and being Elite (that’s only our Princess status) we have lots to compare the Emerald to. I hope both you and Heidi were able to fully relax. Additionally, thank you for stepping in to help Mr. Lieberman. Princess is not without their share of cruising jerks. Seat savers over run the ship at the pools and the entertainment spaces and controlling them is probably one of the things Princess is lax about. I know, good public relations and all that – buuuutttt – what about those who follow the rules. Maybe all passengers should have to sign a contract stating that if they turn into “seat savers” they will be immediatly thrown over board.
Anyway, thank you again for your entertaining blog and come visit us on Cruise Critic anytime!
John:
I have had to flip on the “Mom” button from time to time on a cruise.
We have gotten to know the band Dakota that started with Carnival on the Fantasy in 2006.
One morning, as I was walking by their bar, I heard some sounds that “turned on the Mom radar” that told me something does not sound right. Sure enough, two boys (8 and 9) were up on their platform “playing” with the equipment. (disconnecting wires, turning buttons on the sound board, playing on the drums etc).
I got their names (just in case Lee found they had done some serious damage) and gave them a “Mom” talking to (since their parents had obviously neglected that part of their upbringing).
Fortunately, Lee said that while they had made a mess, there was nothing destroyed.
Sadly, it is kids like that who grow up to be 30 year old idiots who abuse 70 year old senior citizens.
Safe travels home. Hope you were able to leave Mr. Bell and all his luggage behind you.
Linda (Lady In Waiting)
The Domestically Challenged Goddess of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe
John and Heidi,
I had been without access to a computer for over a week, so I am catching up a little at a time. It sounds like you had a wonderful time on the Princess from what little I have read.
The area where you went for the cappacino and to blog each day would definately be Jim’s favorite spot. He drinks coffee nonstop.
The ship looks lovely from the pictures. It made me even more eager to arrive to board the Splendor in July. It will be wonderful, I am sure.
Take care and enjoy your rest. Looking forward to hearing about things in Europe!
Ruth
John,
I hope you and Heidi arrived home safely. I so didn’t want to see you leave the Emerald Princess, as you were having such a good time. I’m happy that you were able to spend some time alone together and were able to relax and enjoy being passengers for once (even if the CD in you needed to come out for a minute or two).
Have a terrific day!
Shannan
John, Have a safe trip home and thanks for the great review of the Princess Cruise line.
I may have to try them some day. Can you tell me will my Platinum privileges be carried over on their ships as well????
Thanks John
John, it was wonderful to read your blog from a passenger’s perspective. The Sanctuary…..sounds amazing. Kudos to you, Mr. Romantic, for treating your very wonderful wife to some well deserved spa time. So glad Mr. Bell has retreated. I know you were getting tired of his extended visit. Have a safe trip home. (We can’t wait to hear about the Virgins.) Get some rest – and as always, we look forward to your next blog thingy.
Lori and Tom
You get em Tiger!!
I can’t believe how rude some people can be. *ugh*
Glad to hear you had an amazing time! Hope you two get home safe!
Like many guests that experience the bliss of a restful, joyful or fun filled cruise….they don’t want the experience to come to an end.
Unfortunately reality comes back to most of us and after disembarking our normal lives resume. But we still get to cruise vicariously via the blog thingy…..
Farewell Emerald Princess
Time to say goodbye,
Paesi che non ho mai
Veduto e vissuto con te
Adesso si li vivro.
Con te partiro
Su navi per mari
Che io lo so
John–Maybe I’ll have to try flipping my husband’s right nipple off when he is being annoying……
Have a safe flight home!
Hi John:
Thank you for taking our son’s call “Nile” on your TV show on our family cruise. He was cracking up when he told you his joke. Here is the joke in clear text. joke: what do you call cheese that is not yours? joke answer: not-your-chesse
We had a wounderful vacation on Freedom. You are the best cruise director. Wish you much & continued success.
best regards,
Bryan, Lisa, Megan & Nile Ringen
Iowa City, IA
Good Afternoon John and Heidi,
Have a safe and uneventful trip home. Enjoy your vacation. Get more rest and relax some more too. Sorry but the great Princess restaurants and staff can’t come home with you.
Thank you for the wonderful insight into Princess. Jack and I cruised on Princess once, aboard the Sea Princess, and we both agree that the Princess cruise was the most restful and relaxing cruise we have had. Princess ships are awesome and someday we will sail Princess again! Got to keep it in the family ;D
You take care
Joan
Hello John,
Glad it was everthing you had hoped it would be and more. I am an EMT and that is kinda like haveing the CD switch, so I understand!
Safe Journey and let us know when you have made it safe!
-Adam
John,
Senior Vice President of Blogs…Huh? Sounds like an interesting position. Oh, and please stop talking about flicking your nipple, I think BigEd maybe getting too much of a kick out of it.
_BigMike
Director of Blog Public Safety
That was quite the 5 days, glad to see you and Heidi enjoyed it all and the Piazza sounds like where I would have spent most of it too. Keep the espresso, cappuccino and treats coming!!!!
Just wanted to share on the fact you loved the friendliness of the crew, and wanted to let you know that is not just with Princess as Kevin and I have seen that on our cruises with Carnival too, and the Inspiration was the one that stands out for this too, that is one reason Kevin rebooked that one for this December. We do prefer the dinning and having the same servers every night, as Carnival is, and after the a night or 2 we did not have to order our espresso and cappuccino and it was just brought with dessert. I loved all the ships we have been on, and it does mean a lot when to be greeted with a smile, as this is something you don’t get everyday, anymore.
I am glad Heidi enjoyed herself too she deserve pampering and more.
Best wishes to you both
the One
and Only 1
Heidi-Beth
Have a safe trip home!
Hi John/Heidi:
What a story. What is sad is that is something i have seen on ships so many times. I just don’t think there is anything that can fully be done about seat-savers. Its nice that the Lieberman’s had you there looking out for them.
Sad to hear your Emerald voyage is over but hopefully this can be a good learning experience for the Carnival crew to see how things are run “across the different business unit”. I think everyone could benefit from more friendly staffs.
Hope Virgin got you all the way safely across the pond.
Keep in touch!
David
Hi John, Well the seat saving not allowed thing goes on every cruise we have ever been on. Putting it in the capers don’t hack it. All with the front 4 rows and even up at the second level. Every time words are fliped to the air. We are always waiteing for the ready to rumbel at any time. You need to put that in your bag of tricks to have someone from Carny to lurk around or announce every 5 min. Not 3 min before the show. NO seat saving, you know people can’t read on a cruise and some can’t hear. But alot get hot if you try to sit in a saved seat.
To Carol:
And Ill be here to welcome you too if you want.Not all of my visitors are in the evil crew I should have said bloggers.
Nanni official welcome committee to SJ Puerto Rico
Hi John,
You and Heidi have experienced a well deserved vacation. It’s easy to see you’ve enjoyed it very much (I was going to say immensely, but couldn’t decide how to spell it!).
I’d like to offer my condolences to Nelson and Paula Baker on the loss of Nelson’s mom and to Mike and Linda Hernacki on the loss of Mike’s brother. They are in my prayers.
Hope you two have (or had) a safe trip home. Are you there yet? I will be eagerly awaiting your next post.
I am curious what the job description is for a Senior CD. Are the other CDs accountable to you? Do you train each new CD? Do you make out programs for each ship’s CD to follow? Also, are you “Senior CD” across all of Carnival’s lines…i.e., Princess, HAL, etc. or just ‘Carnival’? I imagine you have a LOT of paper work to do! And that on top of everything else you do everyday!!! You’re kind of a Superman.
Enjoy the rest of your time between ships,
Best Wishes to you both,
Myra
Ohhhh…how exciting, now I can say I knew you when you were a lowly Senior Cruise Director
There always seems to be those select few that the rules do not apply to…until it’s something they want and then they are at the pursers desk berating the poor pursers about how no one is following the rules and their cruise is ruined and they deserve a complete refund. (sorry…that’s a pet peeve…can you tell
)
Have a wonderful vacation in jolly old and hopefully we’ll hear all about it soon.
Dawn
hi John and Heidi, so how does it feel to be just plain old “guests” onboard. sounds like you had a blast! Things are just peachy here in NYC, the Yankees home opener is rain delayed, the Mets open in sunny FLA tonite! Please say hi to Harry the hotdog man when you arrive home. regards from Long Island NY, your Mates, Kevin&Robin
Hi John and Heidi
I’m trying this message once again though computer skills are not my best, don’t have one actually, so in case this reaches you, it’s not about the Princess though it is about cruising.
We have booked 2 weeks on Holland America’s newest Eurodam late Sept. from Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale and because we know you well from our crossing on Liberty Nov. 06 we consider your presence as the topping on the cake, or the “cat’s meow” or just plain fun,so since the Noro Virus dictated nearly our complete cruise from Italy to Ft. Lauderdale we hoped we could find you and Heidi aboard for some real fun this time.
What ya think there partner?
Marlene