Blue 1 flight 8450 left Copenhagen International Airport with me and about 30 other people on it at 8:05 am. For those of you not familiar with this airline it’s like Easy Jet except everything is …………. yep …………blue. The “1″ refers to the number of cabin crew we had on board or it could have referred to the breakfast choices which was “yes, or no.” Anyway, we arrived in Finland at 9:30 am however Finland is another hour ahead from Denmark and after two days of extensive sight seeing and meetings that was the last thing I needed …………… well ………….. except hemorrhoids which after three days on a bus I am sure I am due a visit from.
Apart from our group the only people on the plane were a group of Turkish men……….having spent the last season in Istanbul Turkish men are now easy to spot and this group of 20 something were all wearing shirts with a Turkish company logo on it. They spent the entire flight talking louder than a Motorhead concert and finally the one stewardess finally came over and asked them to be quiet……………they completely ignored her so she gave up and went back to the front of the plane and completely ignored us and them the entire flight………….it was strange …….
We expected to pay for breakfast but 7 euros for a egg sandwich was outrageous…………..we all thought so anyway however my Turkish friends were obviously all millionaires as they snapped them up as if it was a Caviar and Diamond sandwich that Miss Blue 1 was offering.
We landed on time and as we disembarked we were welcomed by a grey unforgiving sky and lashings of rain. It was about 2 degrees colder than Denmark at about 6 degrees although it felt colder as airports always do.
We followed our new Turkish friends to Immigration where we all expected to be greeted by the usual non smiling un friendly officers waiting to stamp our passports………………but this was Finland…………..and they had employed the Sugababes …………………….. each booth contained a stunning, gorgeous Immigration Officer and such was their beauty I even considered pretending I had lost my passport so that I could spend more time in their company.
However, they were more interested in one of the Turkish chaps who for some reason couldn’t wait until we were out of the airport and had lit a cigarette which he was puffing away on. This angered Sugarbabe number one who came out of her booth and wiggled over to Hassan and let him know that he couldn’t smoke……………..he looked quite upset and being a man and being Turkish he obviously thought just for a second that he could ignore her ……….however she was as tough as she was pretty and her ice blue eyes met his and eventually Hassan took one last puff and stubbed Mr. Marlboro out on the bottom of his shoe and dropped it on the floor.
I will never know if the Sugababe Immigration Officer let him in her country after that as we were on our way to baggage claim to utter the travelers prayer …………”Please let my suitcase be here”………..it was.
We were met at the airport by Kai and Kim who are father and son and who own the tour company we will be using this season and we hopped onto the bus and the touring began.
I had been to Finland before of course. Their shipyards built our Fantasy and Spirit class ships and a wonderful job they did as well. Finnish people are very introverted, think before they speak and have a unique sense of humour. For some reason Finland has the highest rate of suicide in the whole of Europe……………I have no idea why this is except in the winter they have around 4 hours of daylight and it’s colder than Naomi Campbell’s personality.
However, it is a beautiful place and after just a few minutes after leaving the airport we were in the middle of pine forests and countryside that takes your breath away. We spent much of the day in people’s homes…………….I don’t mean we were on a robbing spree but visiting families country homes who will be opening their doors to our guests so they can see how Finnish people live.
These tours are fantastic and I have to say they have been the highlight so far of this trip. We visited two homes today that have been in the family for 4 and 5 generations. The food, the ambience and the countryside these homes are built around are incomparable and if you wanted to get away from the hustle of big city life then Finland has a whole selection of peaceful and tranquil places that our tours will visit.
The day also included a visit to a steam engine that will transport guests across the country, a manor house serving the best chicken I have ever had and a home by a lake that was frozen ………….. and………….. well …………I will let today’s photos tell the story.
John emailing PA 007 on his raspberry
More about Finland later, but first…………………………. the news.
Let’s start with big congratulations to our Italian sister Costa Cruise Lines who just won a very special award or two……..bravo Costa, we are very proud of you, www.costacruise.com.
Yesterday, I mentioned that one of the world’s most respected financial press groups Barons had interviewed Carnival’s Chairman Micky Arison and had henceforth projected a bright and shining future for Carnival Corporation.
I know many of you tried to read the interview which I now understand you have to be a subscriber to www.barons.com to read…………….so, let me paste on a few segments and you can read for yourself why Carnival shareholders are beaming from ear to ear.
“In general, the cruise industry is less cyclical than is commonly assumed. With customer satisfaction high, more and more cruise-goers are repeat customers, and they tend to be more profitable as they pay up for nicer cabins and other amenities. Carnival’s chief rival, Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL), recently reiterated its first-quarter and full-year guidance, citing industry resiliency despite pressures from the North American economy. While both stocks are attractive, Carnival is generally considered to have the better brands, a stronger international business, more-efficient operations and a stronger balance sheet. Carnival also has far greater market share — 50% to Royal Caribbean’s 25%.
Carnival has the most international exposure of any cruise company, and its brands are among the most recognizable in the world, ranging from those with mass-market appeal such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Costa to premium brands such as Holland America Line and luxury lines such as Cunard, which operates such storied ships as the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2, and the Yachts of Seabourn.
Demographics are in Carnival’s favor, too, as droves of baby boomers are reaching retirement age and increasingly choosing convenient, affordable cruises as a way to travel.”
There is still no news on the Godmother for the Carnival Splendor. I think back to the beginning of this thingies history and my desire to have Angelina Jolie…………then Catherine Zeta Jones……….and now I have no clue who is in the running…………….PA 007 has their super spy ear to the ground and we will let you all know as soon as we hear anything at all ……………..it is rather quiet though and therefore I have asked my Mum to get a speech ready.
I am very honoured to tell you that as of today we have zipped past the 1.8 million readers and should be at 1.9 by the end of next week. The blog is featured on Holland America’s Eurodam Blog, The Emerald Princess’s home page, Carnival Corporation’s web site and if I could just get it listed on www.studsoftheworld.co.uk……….then I would be a happy man.
Talking of happy men, let’s switch over to my mate Bubba on his Alaska adventure.
Alaska Fam 2008 – Skagway day 2
More adventure than you can shake a stick at….
I didn’t know when I got up this morning that today would be a big day of firsts for me. But by the end of the day I would have a feeling of accomplishment, and yet also glad that I live where there is no snow. I know some of you readers have commented about the snow and the cold in the pics that I have posted, but I must stress the weather is not like that during the summer months in southeast Alaska. Believe it or not it can actually get down right hot up here….but you could have fooled me with that today.
The majority of today we were exploring the tours that go up into the Yukon Territories of Canada. We offer several. Of course the Yukon is where they found the gold in 1898 which started the rush. To get from Skagway up into the Yukon back then, there were two trails…The Chilkoot Trail & the White Pass. Today we went through the White Pass. At the summit of the White Pass was over 3500 feet above Sea Level.
There are trains that take you up the White Pass, or busses, or jeeps, you can pick your poison. Some of the excursions actually offer a combination of some. But you will see that whether you drive or ride the rails you will see some amazing scenery.
Leaving Skagway this morning we boarded a bus that was going to take us up. In the initial drive out of town, it was damp, cloudy and very overcast, but as we headed up the pass the scenery turned from wet, to snow & overcast, and then after we got over the summit, the weather changed completely. The sun was out & a beautiful blue sky and snow as far as the eye could see.
The boarder between Canada & the US in this area is pretty uninhabitable, so they actually have the check points between the US & Canada about 27 miles apart from each other. On this part of the drive when the weather cleared, Ross our Sr. Shore Ex shouted this would be a good place for us to stop and take and picture and right he was. Our Driver Shandra who is one of the transportation managers for Discover Alaska Tours pulled us over to the side where there were many trailers and lots of people enjoying the snow with the snow machines.
I know that it’s hard to see, but those are mountains in the background and the sun was just beaming down. You had to have your sunglasses on in order to see with all that white and light. Being a Florida boy I got out and waddled around like a duck does when it’s out of water cause I didn’t really know how to walk in this. Within a few minutes we were all kids and throwing snowballs and having a good time. But this was to be a short stop so we headed back to the bus. This was my first, first of the day. But little did I know my second first was coming so quickly.
Once we were all back on board, we started to go, but we didn’t go. We had only been sitting there for about 10 minutes during the stop, but I guess that was enough to get us stuck in very little snow that was on the side of the road. So everyone’s putting in their two cents on how to get us unstuck, and I am like…”don’t look at me, if it was mud I could help you but I don’t know how to get out of this.” They tried some gravel & a block of wood. But they had to break out the big guns…
Yes, my first experience with tire chains…..and after a bit of work we finally got the bus free. We all agreed no more unscheduled photos stops for the rest of the day. We made it to the Canadian Customs House which is in a town called Fraser. It’s funny that it’s a town cause the only people who live there are the people who work at the Customs house. So there’s like 4 buildings. I think you probably pissed someone off if you got scheduled to work there.
So the Canadian Immigration comes on board the bus, ask us a few questions and then we continued on our way.
Now Fraser is actually in British Columbia. We had to continue further up the road and then we came into the Yukon. The scenery is breath taking.
The mascot of the bus posing with his prize catch.
James enjoying a little siesta on the side of the road with his teddy.
The trip up into the Yukon will also continue in my first as this is my first trip into the Yukon, prior to that I had only visited Vancouver, B.C. This drive was right up there in one of the most pretty streches of highway I have ever seen.
Right up there with the PCH or U.S. 1.
Well worth the trip.
So we headed back towards the U.S. boarder and in the area between the U.S. and Canadian checkpoints we met another one of our fantastic tour operators named “hightower” as you can guess he is one tall man.
He runs a lot of the hiking tours that we offer and skaaaaggggway as well as some of the kayaking tours. And today he thought it would be fun to take the gang Snow Shoeing.
So I get geared up…
Now I REAAALLY look like that duck out of the water.
And we begin the journey…
As you can see I quickly feel behind the pace. The sensation was much like being weighted down with extra gravity on my legs.
It sure did feel like I was on another planet. The other played around in the snow riding toboggans & kayaks while I tried to find the breath that I lost….must get to the gym when I get back on the ship..i kept thinking to myself. Fun was had by all and nobody hurt themselves much….
After heading back to town and quick shower we had a few more meeting for the day.
Next we headed down to the train depot by the pier to meet up with the folks who run the rail road operation for the White Pass & Yukon Route. This is probably one of our most popular tours as so many people want to ride a historic train across historic route…I mean, didn’t we all want to be hobo’s when we were kids?
I know loved trains when I was young. My family still house the Lionel set up in the attic. Well we went over all the many options of the trains with Vicki…
She showed us the map of the rail line and where all the different tour go. In fact the WP&YR is celebrating their 110th anniversary this year. So when you come to Skagway be sure to check out the train cause it’s like riding through history.
To wrap up the night we went to Skagway’s favorite watering hole…the very Historic Red Onion Saloon.
Here we were met with the properitors of the Saloon and Brothel. Yes this was an actual brothel during the days of the gold rush. Part of Skagway’s famous Red Light District. The Red Onion and Brothel are part of a few different excursions, but even if you are not on a tour, you can still pop in and feel like you are part of the old gold rush days.
Tomorrow we’ll be meeting with the Madame’s of the brother to go on the Ghosts and Goodtime Girls tour which is a great walking tour of Skagway’s Haunted history. We are all looking forward to that as I do love a good ghost story. We had a wonderful meal with our hosts and then the night turned to fun and games as we played Nintendo Wii in the evening. My final first of the day. I was much better at this then I was at the snow shoeing. But I did feel a bit or Wii-itis when I was finished.
We’ll be wrapping up here tomorrow as we’ll be taking the ferry back to Juneau. So I hope to see you back for more. If you do go to the brothel and Ivanna Mountie is your Madame, be sure to bring her some butter. She loves butter. I will bring her a whole stick when I get back to Skagway in a few weeks.
Wii out of here…Chris
Great stuff Bubba. I wonder if any other cruise line has such an informative way for would be cruisers to experience trips like Bubba and I are doing? I hope you are all enjoying them and hopefully it has and will persuade you to take an Alaskan or Baltic cruise …………………..anyway, thanks Bubba and I shall reward you with a trip to Denny’s for my favorite dish “Moons over My Hammy.”
It seems my sister has decided to become a regular on the blog and is developing a fan base of her own. Today, a colleague e-mailed me suggesting she should be a Cruise Director…………………….help.
Now, I should point out that my sister has some strange habits that have no place on a cruise ship. For instance, she is a boneibal………….this is someone who eats bones………..if she has spare ribs she sucks out the marrow like a deranged Cocker Spaniel. There are many more which I am holding back on should she decide to go into partnership with Big Ed.
So, my sister and her hairdresser/cable TV friend Debbie were invited to two gatherings…………..one was a wake for a family friend whose relative had passed away and the other costume party.
Unfortunately, my sister being of blonde hair got the dates mixed up and therefore she and Debbie went to a wake for Mr. Doug Hounsell dressed as Madonna (with the huge pointy bosoms) and a New York style………… Pimp. Sue Drip …………..I have an arsenal full of stories like that so think before you write!!!
I am very proud of my sister though as she has made two fantastic kids in Luke and Isabelle and was head hunted by one of the biggest banks in the world to do whatever she does in Honk Kong………well done sis.
Talking of food, today here in Finland I was presented at lunch with the local dish…………….Reindeer. Now, before I upset the animal lovers out there this is not Bambi this is Bambi’s uncle Bastard ………….he is huge…………runs around in gangs of 300 reindeer and deserves to be eaten because Bastard refused to help Santa who lives just north of Finland in Lapland.
So, how does Mr. Bastard taste ……………… well……………reindeer is a heavy rich meat………..think lamb (sorry lambknuckles) covered in chocolate and caramel and that’s basically reindeer……………….I had a few bites and about an hour ago my hotel toilet received a cluster bombing……………antlers included.
Nope, reindeer is not for me. I did though enjoy all the other dishes that were marched out in front of me ……….as for Mr.Bastard the Reindeer……………he died for bugger all.
So, the highlight of the day was the following tours.
FINNISH HOME VISIT AND HIGHLIGHTS
HELSINKI AND PORVOO HIGHLIGHTS
PORVOO, STEAM TRAIN AND HELSINKI
One last thing about Finnish culture that I do not understand……………….and that’s the Sauna ………… get this……..5.5 million people live in Finland and 3 million people have Saunas which they use each and every day and not just at home. Where you and I work companies provide a canteen, a coffee machine, maybe a gym……….in Finland most companies ignore these and instead make sure ever office has a sauna and instead of starting the day with a skinny cappuccino and a muffin, the average Finnish office worker starts the day naked, sitting in a sauna talking to Mr. Hurdygurdesen from accounting ………………….. and yes……………..they are naked………….I asked both our guides today and they both stated that the only way to sauna was to forget the towel thing as used on our ships etc…………………………some of you are going “uccchhh” and some of you are planning your immediate move to Finland.
So, I have to say that the countryside here in Finland has been more than impressive and tomorrow we concentrate on Helsinki itself. I will report back as always and in the spirit of Finnish living it should be noted that although I have no sauna here in the hotel…………………….I have turned the heating on full……………..and I am indeed………naked.
Finally, as promised, here is the embarrassing and quite frankly very rude photo of my attempts at glass blowing.
Further words are not necessary.
Good Night.
Your friends,
John & 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.
Finnish sauna is a treasured tradition. I miss having a good Finnish sauna. Sauna’s on cruise ships just don’t match up, or in gyms/hotels for that matter.
I had a similar reaction the first time I ate reindeer.
Love reading about your trip! Porvoo is wonderful!
Wow…that is definitely the largest, longest and thickest one I have ever seen.
I absolutely hate snow. I will never vacation in Alaska…even in August. If it were up to me, Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota would be deemed not suitable for human existence! I can say this with certainty because I was born and raised in Minnesota and the climate is wonderful July 1 – 15. After that the mosquitoes and bees are on a feeding frenzy.
I love your blog and you and Heidi look great. The last (only) time I saw you in person you were wearing a patch. It is nice to see you are recovering nicely.
I have to know, do you still have Mr. Dick Little’s underwear?
*LOL* Oh the blog was wonderful, but the last picture of your attempt of glass blowing, just blew my mind!!!
Nice try,,,or is it really???,,,never mind!!
Ciao, Kathleen
John:
Sorry, but no one will ever find me “au natural” in a sauna. My Momma taught me the good sense….
“if it don’t look good, don’t put it out on your front porch”.
Although I do understand their affection for the sauna. I always enjoy a trip to the sauna at least once a day when on our cruise.
We loved Skagway. Did indeed visit the Red Onion. With DJ, we can’t do most excursions.
The Alaskan ports were nice, because we could do a lot on our own and still see the sites.
I also bought a beautiful red leather jacket with a black fox collar (sorry PETA) in Sitka.
Since this was JULY, I did look strange wearing it home to Memphis, Tn in the middle of summer!!
But it was definately worth it!
Linda (Lady In Waiting)
Give up the (gl) ass blowing John, stay away from the reindeer, too. Thanks for the update, Bubba. Alaska here I come! p.s. Please remove all antlered vermin.
The blogger continues….. I feel like I am watching a movie on TV when you describe everything you are doing on these trips to Denmark and now Finland to explore the excursions you will offer on the Splendor! You sure do get to experience the unforgetable! How lucky you are! Your sister Sue is a lovely girl, glad she is sharing her life with you as a child, it is great to hear what a funny kid you were! I look forward to tomorrow’s saga. Linda
Hi John,
Are you headed for Germany on this trip? I was looking at the Aida website (One of Carnival Corp’s cruise lines) and couldn’t help but notice all their hull art. Kind of reminds me of some other cruise line, but the name escapes me right now.
http://www.aida.de/schiffe.77.0.html
People from FL are such temperature wimps
Sorry Bubba…
Being from the arctic north….well close…. Home of Big Ed……aka Michigan, I am rather accustomed to the cold…however my first venture to a more tropical locale. (Florida) during a Christmas holiday was intended to be an intensive training session for the swim team…however that particular year the weather in Alaska was WARMER than Florida…..Bugger…. Pool temperatures prohibited our planned swim camp ….the one day we attempted practice several team members turned a nice shade of blue (very close to the colour of those nifty parka thingies John & Heidi were wearing in the ice bar…. and with teeth chattering the event didn’t last long ….
Words are escaping me when I look at your “creation” …….I’m sure there is a market for such an item.
John keep up the good work really are enjoying the
different stops on your tour.
Best to Heidi
Papanh
dude! take down that last photo! pleeeaseee! ha ha ha ha ha big ed! make him take it down! ha ha ha ha ha
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hey John great glass, vase, globe or whatever the heck that thingy was supposed to be. In all fairness I must admit that in my youth (long long long time ago) one summer at the beach I worked for a couple of glass blowers who had a shop on the boardwalk. They let me try to perform their art several times and trust me it just isn’t easy. Even full of as much hoy air as I had as a teenager it was close to impossible to keep blowing (the correct way) and spining the tube thingy at the same time. It really looks as if you made much more progress than I ever did. A personal round of applause from me!!
Yep, naked! Only way to do saunas, steam rooms or spas – no towels, no nothing.
Continue having a good time and maybe you will encounter at least one more meal as good as that Finnish farm house chicken was.
John,
I said it before and I’ll damn well say it again… you and your glass wangs. As for the saunas, I much prefer a steam room. There is a big difference, the sauna has those crazy coal things and the steam room just shoots out steam.
_BigMike
Chief, Blogger Security
Do both men and women use the sauna together?…or do they have separate ones?
I wonder if reindeer is like the white-tailed deer we eat in Canada….that have to be hunted during 3 weeks in the fall. It’s been years since I’ve had any deer or moose, but to me they just tasted a bit stronger than beef.
John, Re: your glassblowing was that snot or not? That is as kind I can be about it.
Jo
Congrats on so many readers, although I am not surprised as you & Bubba are very talented writers. Thanks so much for each & every day that you write & send pictures. I had no idea what went on behind the shore excursions, & I am grateful.
John – I’m very much enjoying your trip…especially since in 90 some odd days I will be following in your footsteps. I’m not enjoying Bubba’s trip as much…brrrr, way too much snow
Keep it all coming, it’s the best part of my day.
Dawn
Hi John,
I went to a bathhouse in Korea in the early ’80s. There you get into a hot bath. Nothing special there. After awhile you get out and jump into a bath with cold water. You talk about a shock to the system.
Sounds like you are having fun. Dont know if I could handle the cold weather. Around here, I am looking for a jacket if it gets below 70 degrees.
Dave
John, Louis Armstrong your not but you do blow a mean thingy. The direction of the glass thingy my be a good copy but I think that it might be stretched a lot like some of your stories.
Suzanne, we will make very evil partners. Just keep in mind the plastic film on your toilet and you in your wedding dress. Have you ever been to New Orleans I hear it’s a good place for evil revenge.
BIG ED
Your partner in evil
John, Please be carefull, Al Gore will be able to trace you every move…ment and then blame you for the Green House gases,
The homes tour sounds amazing…worth a trip to Finland just for that.
Loving the Alaska and Baltic tour stories. Feel like we’re right there with you and Bubba.
Also enjoy stories from the sis…keep ‘em coming.
The results of your glass blowing are a little frightening. Did they let you take that thing home with you?
John has to promise he will not do any glass blowing demos on the Bloggers Cruise.
Further words are not necessary.
Happy Herring John and Heidi (and Bubba, and Sue and Stephanie)!
Or whatever the national greeting is in Finland. The familiarization tour blogs are great. These are somewhat lesser known ports for me, so it is helpful to read the tour opportunities. Although, to be honest Bubba, it will be a while before these Canadians feel the need to cruise to see ice and snow!
Safe Travels.
John and Michele
Hi John and Heidi,
I am enjoying Bubba’s Alaska adventure. DH & I were on an Alaska cruise last year, and it was fabulous!
Good evening Mr. Heald. I have been thoroughly enjoying your trip since you have begun. The photos are the best and today’s picture of you blowing glass, well I give you a 10 out of 10 for trying. I have tried it and it isn’t easy to do. It takes time to eventually applying the correct blow to make some thing. Do enjoy your trip and I will be looking forward to your blog. Say hello to your beautiful wife, Heidi. She should be in all the photos. She would make them more interesting . Mr. Heald, there should be more photos of you also in what you are showing to us. Ciao until later.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hello , John
My mom is from Sweden and says that people go to die in the harsh cold , and windy weather.The climate up north is very rogh and my mom is from Kiruna which is up north , an by the way I miss the CARNIVAL VICTORY SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ofcourse I like conquest class nomore than Destiny/Triumph class , because there is only slight differncess such as the super club , and basketball court.
Malcolm was one of the cooles t CDs I ever met so was
DARCY
DAVID
TODD
TREVER
And you are the coolest I ever known.
I also got in truble playing whith the other children onboard , and the security called my parents on the speaker , but it was one of thooooooooooooeesssssssss guest who complained o the purser for I trying to enjoy a FUNSHIP.
But anyways It was fabulouse , and do know who the TRIUMPH CD was in summer of 2003?
thats the onely funship CD that I was to little to remeber.
John & Heidi,
Thanks for a great blog today.
Bubba, you can ditch the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey……they didn’t make it into the playoffs again…….lots of broken hearted fans here in T.O. (Toronto).
Cheers,
Cindy
Regarding you glass-blowing: I can say it’s…aaaaahhhhhhhh…interesting. And I already know my own “glass thingy” would be no better than yours. Tell Mum to ready her speech. I bet she’d make a fantastic Godmother.
I’m sure she could get the champagne to break…unlike one recent Godmother.
Thanks for the pictures, especially of your beautiful artwork. Did they let you keep it? I sure hope so.
Oh John, your attempt at glass blowing was….ummmmm…..well…..Just a hint…keep the CD job!
Having a great time reading about the your adventures and Bubba’s also.
Karen R.
Hi John,
This my very first time on a blog thingy. Ifound you when I booked our cruise on Carnival Freedom (4/12/08). I am addicted now and must read your adventures everyday. I only regret we will not get to meet you and Heidi on the Carnival Freedom but I feel I have meet you both through your wonderful blog. Love the photos!
Thanks and keep up your great blog thingy.
Mary C
So, I can start my comment today by saying that John and I are NOT Michael and Latoya Jackson !!
We HAVE been seen in the same room together and unlike my brother I DO NOT eat pork scratchings *** am not allergic to plasters and do not hate coconut. I do not hate cotton wool to touch my skin (Bambakomallophobia) and do not eat enough cheese to keep Holland in clogs forever and ….. DO NOT take my Blackberry to the bathroom …. although it was nearly lost on Space Mountain this weekend when I was sneaking a peak before the ride started and I think with my head down the operator thought I was praying that my chocolate-waffle filled daughter wasn’t gonna throw-up all over my sparkling white t-shirt.
It has been suggested that John is writing posing as his slightly freckly naturally blonde ???!!!??? younger sister. Well I can safely say that it’s me and I see I’m gonna have to prove this to you in some spectacular way and then you can all breathe a collective sigh of relief as did all the ginger British soldiers when Prince Harry left Afghanistan. By the way, I am told he prefers the term ‘African Sunset’ or ‘Egyptian Gold’ when referring to his hair colour as I prefer ‘ash blonde’ and not ‘do you dye my roots black ?’ as my hair colour.
So here goes …. a word from my colleague … the ‘African Sun-setted’ Billy
GET BACK TO WORK AND STOP ASKING ME HOW TO SPELL AFGHANISTAN !!!
I hope this is cast iron proof and although I’m pretty chuffed (pleased) you thought it was John, I actually DO look abit better in a dress than him and what’s quite sad/weird/scary/hysterically funny is that most of you HAVE actually seen him in a dress!!!!
Have a great day guys as mine is nearly over …. (we are 12 hours ahead of NYC) ….
Goodnight
Sue-Drip
.*** Pork Scratchings is the British name for deep fried salted crunchy pork rind with fat produced separately from the meat. This is then eaten cold. Think you guys call it Cracklings ??
P.S great Cockney speak ED me old China (China plate – mate)
John,
Love your glass blowing attempt. It’s a beautiful um…vase, long glass, or just a big mess. LOL
Bubba please keep the blog coming from Alaska! So you are learning all about snow…yeah it’s fun until you have to keep shovling it.
Does Hedi ever take a bad photo? She looks beautiful in ever photo of her. I really love the one of her close up with the frozen lake in the background.
As for your sister…we at the evil krewe have rolled out the red carpet for her and have welcomed her to our group with open arms…hehehehe
Princess Susan
Great blog from both you and Bubba! We all know that Heidi is you number one Sugarbabe. That glass thingy you blew, well, at least it’s…….big.
Congrats on all the blog hits!
Julie
John,
Reindeer… Hummm. I love my lamb friends dipped in caramel and cover in rich dark chocolate, but not to cook… Maybe other things…
So Reindeer… I’ve not had the pleasure? of that… Buffalo, deer, emu, rattlesnake, ostrich, and I shudder to remember — and can’t say it outloud — but one bite of xxx before they told me what it was in Katmandu… but never reindeer… SANTA’S reindeer???
Finland sounds delightful!!! And open… and friendly… And the trains, both in Finland and Alaska, I volunteer on our local steam train… VERY NICE!!!
John… once again, you paint a delightful experience with your words!!! Continue on!!! We’re here in your pocket, enjoying everything with you!!!
God bless you and take care!
Lambie
Love the glass blowing pic!! Too funny!!! Keep up the good work on the blog thingy!!
John, Your glass blowing is – words escape me! The trips you and Bubba are describing sound gret but only in the hottest months of summer. This Florida gal cannot take temperatures below 80 degrees. (I stay inside a lot.) Jeri
HEllo All
I say that becuse we now have so many inputs into the blog @ present, John, Heidi, John’s sister, Bubba, Steph, and all the bloggers! The finnish seem to be wonderful people. I agree with John I don;t think I could have kept the reindeer down as well. I have had deer meet and it HAD to be “tendered for 3 days in buttermilk before It was cooked & I could eat it. ALaska is still looking enticing to these Florida folks… Heidi still looking beautiful with that lake behind here. John you souviner glass blowing thingy is priceless. I hope you got to keep it. 1 question does it have a hole in it so at leat you might be able to use it as a vase? and if it does can it sit? the base of that thingy is pretty rounded.. Loving Sue Drips postings keep them coming. As far as sauas go since we live in Florida we don’t need no stinkin saunas with this humidity”"”"”"”"”‘ in da summer and I don’t think i wanna share a sauna with my boss’s or co workers..
Ta ta for now
Take Care
Tje Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
Suzanne , I’m glad I’m driving down to New Orleans for the Bloggers Cruise because if I was flying I would have to pay the over-weight charge for all the plaster, coconuts and cotton wool I’ve got to bring for John. I’m sure you heard of “tar and feathering” somebody. Well we might have to wrap John in cotton wool then cover that with plaster coated in coconut shavings. John would look like a fuzzy Michelin Man.
BIG ED
your Partner in Evil
PS. Oh I forgot Hi Heidi and you too John
John,
Haven’t written in awhile, just wanted to stop by and say Hi to you and Heidi and say what a wonderful job you are doing on the blog. Love the stories about the areas you are visiting and also the Alaska updates. All these places sound so beautiful, hopefully we’ll get to visit some of them one day. Have a safe remainder of your trip and God Bless!
Cindy & Kevin
Wow… everything looks so beautiful!
and John… your glass blowing is…….fierce! lol.
Can’t wait to hear more!
Mel
Hi John:
Keep up the great work. Since I am going on the splender in August, I am keeping track on what you have to say about the excursions. Thanks for doing this for all of us since it is a brand new ship and itinerary.
A note to Tina Tano: I also hate the snow and cold weather but I did go on a cruise to Alaska in August 2004 and it ended up being my favorite cruise. It was not cold and the average temperture was 65-70 degrees. So if you ever get a chance, I highly recommend Alaska..The scenery is just breathtaking.
Pam
John:
Never mind anyone telling you that your glass blown creation looks like a glass willy. From the photo, I see the image of a lady in red robes….perhaps Our Lady of the Blog Thingy.
Put it on ebay, you’ll be rich. (Just give me a 15% “finders” fee)
Terri
Hi John and Heidi!
This is my first time commenting on your wonderful blog! I have been reading it since I confirmed mine and my sister’s reservation for our cruise on the Glory on Mar.15.
Having had the pleasure of having you as CD on three different cruises, it was so wonderful to know you were doing this blog thingy! The last time my family and I enjoyed your great entertainment as the BEST CD was on the Carnival Glory just before you and Heidi were married! At the end of that cruise, you two were heading home to finish your plans!
I am very happy for the both of you and it is great that you get to experience all of these adventures, (and the hard work) together!
We hope we will be getting a new ship soon at Port Canaveral and that you will once again welcome us aboard!!! We have had many good CD’s on the almost 18 different cruises we have enjoyed, but without a doubt, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
HUGS to you both!!!
Linda
John, terri910 is so right I see Her too “Our Lady of the Blog Thingy” a miracle your headed for sainthood. That should sell for millions on Ebay.
Heidi was so right trying every time she was in Rome to get the Pope to make you a Cardinal so she ONLY has to kiss the ring on your finger.
BIG ED
John–One word for that picture–PRICELESS!!!
I just put my pictures from Imagination in an album today (finally, sometimes I’m a bit slow). I miss her. It’s April here in NY and STILL not warm. Enough already!
Enjoy………
Just w short note to say “hi”….and to note Heidi looks wonderful. As usual. I’d say more, but I’ve got to get back to knitting the scarf I’m going to give John for “Bloggers 2009.” I’m thirsty…a Pina Colada will “hit the spot” right now.
What do you think
John – digging the your glass blowing attempt! You do know how to make a girl giggle.
As for the naked sauna – I’ll just say two words. Mucho ass-o! No one needs to see my bits naked other than my hubby! ; )
Chris
My, my, my….a glass blower, you are not. (Nice pic though). Good thing you have many other talents…OK I won’t go there. Thanks for making me laugh.
Lori
Pingback: “OUR LADY OF THE BLOG THINGY” « “BIG” ED KONEFE
Just a quick note to say thank you, for once again, you have taken us along on special adventures as we move to the next stage of your fabulous journey!!!
Love to you and Heidi, Stephanie, Sue-Drip, Bubba, and all the fellow blogger family, whose replies add so much to the hilarity!!
You guys are the best!!!
Hi John/Heidi:
First I wanted to show you the press release that JUST CAME OUT from CCL:
PRESS RELEASE: Blog of Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald Approaching Two Million Visitor Mark
2:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time Apr 08, 2008
Daily Traffic to Site Has Increased 55 Percent Over Past Month
MIAMI, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The blog of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Cruise Director John Heald continues to set new milestones, with the number of total hits approaching two million and daily visitors increasing 55 percent over the past month. Heald’s blog can be accessed via http://www.carnival.com or http://www.johnhealdsblog.com.
The dramatic increase in traffic can be attributed to interesting and entertaining new postings focusing on Carnival’s upcoming European and Alaska cruise seasons, as well as additional exposure through various cross- promotional opportunities.
The new content includes Heald’s humorous account of his recent trips to Denmark and Finland to research shore excursion choices for the new Carnival Splendor’s inaugural Northern Europe cruises this summer, and a daily journal from Chris Roberts, cruise director aboard the Carnival Spirit, who offers his own unique perspective in preparing for the vessel’s Alaska program that kicks off in May.
Through their on-line postings, Heald and Roberts not only provide readers with valuable information on two highly attractive and popular “Fun Ship” cruise destinations but also keen insight into the countless hours of work that takes place behind the scenes in creating fun and exciting landside experiences for Carnival guests.
“Over the past few months I have tried to include new features such as Chris Roberts’ unique and colorful insights into Alaska, which has been very well received by readers. I am flabbergasted by the continued popularity of the blog and plan on writing for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who takes their valuable time to have a look at my thingy every day,” Heald said.
Originally launched as part of the Carnival Freedom’s inaugural European cruise season, Heald’s engaging personality and candid commentary proved so popular that he continued writing the blog, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.
Heald has posted near-daily reports while traveling through Europe in preparation of the arrival of the Carnival Splendor. He will serve as that ship’s senior cruise director throughout its Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Caribbean programs.
Within the blog, Heald regales readers with entertaining and often poignant stories about the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis, all with his offbeat wit and deadpan humor.
The popularity of the blog has led to the second annual “John Heald’s Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans
Feb. 7-12, 2009, which looks to match the success of the first Bloggers Cruise earlier this year that attracted more than 800 of Heald’s most ardent fans.
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.
Great pictures today and i really enjoyed Bubba’s commentary. Those tours look absolutely amazing.
Keep up the great work and hope all is well!
Thanks,
David
In case you are interested, here is the full Barron’s interview as well:
Full Steam Ahead For The King Of Cruising
Dow Jones Newswires
12:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time Apr 05, 2008
(From BARRON’S)
By Sandra Ward
It’s rough out there in the stock market, but buying shares in Carnival, the biggest cruise-ship operator in the world with some of the best known brands, could be an excellent way to ride out the storm.
High fuel prices and worries about a consumer recession have torpedoed the shares, which are off some 20% from their 52-week high. At about 42, Carnival shares (ticker: CCL) are changing hands at levels not seen since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Based on consensus fiscal 2009 profit estimates, the shares trade at about 13 times earnings, compared with a historical multiple of about 16 to 18.
Yet this is a very different time from the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, when airlines were grounded, people were afraid to travel, and the cruise business ground to a halt for about six weeks, says Chairman and Chief Executive Micky Arison, in a telephone interview from company headquarters in Miami.
For the past 35 years, Arison has been at the company his father, Ted, founded in 1972, the past 18 of those years as CEO. Many of his marketing innovations, such as all-inclusive cruise packages — covering cabin, food and sometimes even air travel — shorter and less-expensive cruises and the idea of cruise ships as stand-alone resort destinations, transformed the cruise industry and are standard features today. The company, which has a market value of $33 billion, has grown from a single ship to a fleet of 85 vessels serving every segment of the industry. Arison and family trusts hold 36% of Carnival’s voting power.
The current downturn barely resembles past recessions for Carnival because its business has become much more global, with about 40% of revenue coming from non-dollar-based areas abroad. “That helps soften the blow” of a downturn in the U.S., says Arison.
Over all, he says, Carnival’s bookings have held up “quite well” and occupancy and pricing are up year over year. The net revenue yield — cruise revenues minus expenses divided by available berths times days of operation — is expected to increase from between 5.5% to 6.5%.
That’s not to say the company has been completely immune from the economy’s woes: Growth in on-board spending on its mainstream lines catering to the middle classes has slowed as guests have become more cautious, Arison says. In other words, if travelers splurge on a shore excursion, they are more likely to refrain from springing for on-board spa treatments or arts-and-crafts souvenirs.
Carnival has responded to the conditions by reducing capacity in the Caribbean, its largest region, which has helped its pricing in that market. At the same time, the company has shifted more capacity to Europe, where there is strong demand from the new moneyed classes in Asia and Russia for affordable dollar-based European cruises. Carnival’s Mediterranean business is up 20% for the second year in a row. Americans also benefit from the European cruises because they don’t feel the pinch of the negative exchange rate.
In general, all-inclusive cruise vacations can be 20%-30% less expensive than vacations on land. That’s why Carnival expects more cost-conscious consumers to consider cruises rather than forgoing a vacation altogether. Families clearly are finding that cruises offer good value and choice: More than a million children now cruise every year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.
More than anything, Arison blames higher fuel prices for the softness in Carnival’s share price. The company estimates fuel costs will rise by $532 million in 2008 over fiscal 2007′s, reducing full-year earnings by 65 cents a share. A few weeks ago, Carnival reported better than expected earnings for the first quarter but cut its full-year guidance to between $3 a share and $3.20 a share from previous expectations of $3.10 to $3.30 a share, largely because of skyrocketing fuel prices.
To offset the impact somewhat, Carnival has begun handing customers a $5-a-day fuel surcharge. That was set when fuel was about $85 a barrel and it is likely to rise, Arison says, if oil persists above the $100-a-barrel mark. (Just last week Carnival settled with the Florida attorney general’s office and agreed to pay $40 million in refunds to customers who were charged the fuel fee even though they booked their trips before Carnival’s policy took effect on Feb. 1.) On the bright side, Carnival will see immediate relief if oil prices drop, because it doesn’t hedge its fuel costs.
In general, the cruise industry is less cyclical than is commonly assumed. With customer satisfaction high, more and more cruise-goers are repeat customers, and they tend to be more profitable as they pay up for nicer cabins and other amenities. Carnival’s chief rival, Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL), recently reiterated its first-quarter and full-year guidance, citing industry resiliency despite pressures from the North American economy. While both stocks are attractive, Carnival is generally considered to have the better brands, a stronger international business, more-efficient operations and a stronger balance sheet. Carnival also has far greater market share — 50% to Royal Caribbean’s 25%.
Carnival is an “extremely compelling” and “timely” investment, according to Wendy Trevisani, portfolio manager of the Thornburg International Value fund, which owns about 4% of Carnival shares. The stock’s valuation is “really, really cheap,” she says, and the fundamental outlook for the company is quite positive. Bookings and pricing are up solidly, she adds, and Carnival consistently posts 20% profit margins. She sees the stock hitting the low 60s by 2010, based on 2009 earnings of $4 a share and a price/earnings multiple of 15 or 16. That would be a move of 50%.
The company’s 3.8% dividend yield only adds to the appeal, along with the possibility of continued share buybacks under the company’s $1 billion authorization program. Arison says Carnival expects to “buy back opportunistically” under the repurchase program but will do so in the context of maintaining the company’s A-minus credit rating, a critical consideration in today’s financial markets.
Something else to note: Carnival enjoys a huge tax-advantage by being domiciled in Panama City, paying no corporate tax to the U.S.
“At this point, we own it big,” says Mark Giambrone, portfolio manager at Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, a Dallas-based investment manager with more than $50 billion in assets, says of Carnival. The firm started buying Carnival shares heavily last fall as the stock started to rebound from some tough years in its Caribbean business; it was hit hard by the hurricane season of 2005 and the ravages of Katrina and Wilma. The hurricanes devastated ports in New Orleans, Cozumel and Grand Cayman as well as Galveston, Tampa and Mobile, wreaking havoc on pricing and itineraries.
Another investment draw is the potential for industry growth. Cruising is still a vastly underpenetrated market over all, but especially in Europe and Asia — though it is growing fast. Only about 17% of the total U.S. population has ever cruised and the figure is less than half that for Europeans. Then, too, there’s the pent-up demand that Cuba represents should that market open up.
Carnival has the most international exposure of any cruise company, and its brands are among the most recognizable in the world, ranging from those with mass-market appeal such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Costa to premium brands such as Holland America Line and luxury lines such as Cunard, which operates such storied ships as the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2, and the Yachts of Seabourn.
Demographics are in Carnival’s favor, too, as droves of baby boomers are reaching retirement age and increasingly choosing convenient, affordable cruises as a way to travel.
Ultimately, it’s hard not to like the leading company in an industry now considered to be a duopoly. Apollo Group, a leveraged-buyout firm that owns Norwegian Cruise Lines and Seven Seas, among others, follows Carnival and Royal Caribbean with a 15% share of the cruise industry.
In past downturns, Carnival seized on others’ weaknesses to make strategic acquisitions. This time, sizable acquisitions are unlikely because of anti-trust concerns. “The industry has pretty well consolidated,” says Arison.
Instead, Arison will be focused on what he does best: running a tight ship. That’s good news for shareholders, and times like this typcially have been great buying opportunities for Carnival shares. After falling 40% in the days after 9/11, the shares regained most of the lost ground by year end and surged to new highs by March 2002.
It looks like time to get on board once again.
Hello, my friend!
I’m back from a wonderful but too short adventure on the Inspiration!
First, the Evolutions of Fun upgrades are amazing. Second, Risa is one of the nicest folks I’ve ever met. Once again, Carnival has secured the best and brightest as part of their team. Risa’s mom happened to be sailing with us and I understand where Risa gets her dynamic personality.
Fantastic pictures in today’s blog!!! I have yet to see a better picture of Heidi than the one with her peeking out from behind that huge crimson scarf!!!
You were right… that photo of you blowing glass was a bit… uhhh… odd… I’m sure that I could do no better but it certainly looks a bit … limp???
Congratulations on 1.8 million dedicated bloggers!! How wonderful to see that your fears of folks abandoning your thingy were unfounded.
Please pass along my thanks to the folks who work so hard on this blog… Stephanie in particular.
Offer my howdies to the lovely Heidi!
Thanks so much, mate!!!
GregB
Hi John and Heidi!
I really enjoyed the pictures from Copenhagen. My husband has talked a lot about Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid statue. Those will be the high points for us there.
I was a little taken aback by the frozen lake in Helsinki. While I knew we would not be going to the Mediterrean, I did not realize it would be quite that cold. I am sitting here thinking, okay, we will not be there until July. Surely, by then, the temperatures will be a little warmer.
One thing I know for sure, I do not want to head to Alaska. Gosh, those pictures still have snow on the ground!
Sounds like you are enjoying learning about these ports and getting some idea of the types of excursions that will be available.
Can’t wait to see actual pictures of the Splendor.
Take care and keep the blogs coming!
Ruth
John……I’m drooling as I read this!! I love snow. We’ve had nothing in New York this winter. In Finland it must be just divine…..
Hi John,
I see the blog is approaching 2 million hits. Is there a running total on the number of posts?
Bill
Ok….. the glass blowing ….Still can’t help chuckling at this…..perhaps the magic smiley face twig was subconsciously on your mind …it’s possible…
…..Throughout the ages such sculptures have been created epitomizing wellness and good health….of course the symbolic version of the phallus is meant to represent male generative powers….
Wish my glass blowing experience in Baja was as interesting as yours.. (blushing) Truly a work of art… At least now we all know you can blow wind from the opposite end too.. ;P BIG thanks to Bubba for all the awesome info & beautiful pictures.. I LOVE EM!! Although I visit the gym daily I feel I would have been standing right next to ya snowshoeing. UGH! I can feel it already though I would give it a try.. Alaska is no doubt in my near future.. Take care
John, I enjoy reading your blog each day. I look forward to the laugh that you provide. I am looking forward to meeting you in NOLA. It occured to me, if we meet, you will be the first CD I have ever met in person. I am not sure why, but after reading your blog it seems odd to me after nine cruises. Again Thanks, Mike and Carole
Hi John and Heidi,
Love the information from you and Bubba about the shore excursions. We’ve been to Alaska 3 times but never on a cruise. We have to do that.
John, just to give you a comparison about gas mileage. We just started our northbound trek from Florida yesterday and it will be about 1300 miles each way. We only get about 8 miles per gallon in the motorhome and with diesel prices approximately $3.85 per gallon it will cost us almost $1300 just for fuel. Be glad that you’re not home enough to put on a lot of mileage on your SUV.
You won’t believe what happened this morning. I’m beginning to think we’re getting a visit from your Murphy. I went to wash my hands this morning and there was a scorpion in the sink. I’ve never seen a live scorpion and we have no idea where it came from since they’re not found in Florida. Someone that came from the west was probably in our campground and the scorpion decided to change vehicles and ride with us for a while. Well, George smashed him with a fly swatter and then flushed him down the toilet. Now we’re just hoping there isn’t more than one.
Have a great day!
Linda