Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008...2:36 pm
A Day of Days
Yesterday there was a board meeting where God made an executive decision and directed Mother Nature to send the cold and miserable damp weather to that had been hovering over us for the last three days to where it belonged……………France. ………and replace it with the most beautiful of spring days.
So it was that Southampton awoke to clear blue skies and shirtsleeve weather which set the scene for A Day of Days.
My drive from Essex to Hampshire started at 8 am and I had given myself extra time to arrive at the docks because I would have to travel along the most notorious motorway (freeway) in the UK…………a road called the M25. Usually this is nothing more than a parking lot as there are always road works and accidents and lane closures……….however yesterday it was as though someone had told every other driver in Britain to stay at home…………John is coming and he has a Royal appointment………because the M25 was empty. As I sped along in my Ozone-killing machine of a Range Rover listening to the radio I was excited to hear that the BBC news mention what was about to happen on their hourly bulletins. During the three-hour journey I had lots of time to think, not just about the event itself but also about my life and the journeys I have been on since the blog started.
Before my thingy hit the world wide of web I was just a Cruise Director……….I guess I still am……….just a Cruise Director ……….yet, here I was heading to one of the most important events of the year………….and at the personal invitation of the President of Cunard…….Miss Carol Marlow. I contemplated pinching myself but considering I was doing 90 MPH (my apologies to any Police Officer reading this blog) I didn’t think that was such a good idea. However, it did make me realize how lucky I am and what a privilege it was.
When you arrive on the busy road that takes you to Southampton Docks there are large billboards in the center reservation. These huge boards advertise ………stuff………..and the companies that pay huge sums of money to advertise their products must be absolutely stark raving bonkers………………..what a total waste of money. Ask anyone , myself included, what those boards say and nobody ……….nobody will be able to tell you………because…………….when you drive down that road and there is a Cunard ship in town………….nobody has eyes for anything except the famous smokestack…………so you can imagine what it was like with three of the famous Cunard funnels on display.
As the traffic crawled along I watched as young and old pointed through their car windows at what they saw…………those Billboards could have advertised “Today Only, Free Aston Martins with a trunk full of Gold”…………………nobody would have seen it…………the people had seen the three Queens……………nothing else mattered.
The only time I have ever seen the Queen Mary 2 is when she docked with us in Cannes two years ago. I was on the Carnival Liberty and I remember the awesome sight as I stood on the bridge and watched through powerful binoculars as she dropped her anchor.
This time though I was up close and personal and like many before me and many who were doing the same now I stood there, my mouth wide open in pure astonishment.
You know, it is at times like this that I wish I was a skilled professional travel writer and properly describe how mighty this vessel is……………ok, you can use words such as massive, huge, gigantic but for me……….I stood on the quayside…………none of those words seemed appropriate. Those metaphors seem to make The Queen Mary 2 sound……well…….cumbersome………overweight……..a big lump of a thing. Those words may describe me but it does not seem right to describe her like this. Yes she is a towering 150,000 tons of Ocean Liner but there is something else…………think of her not as a bulked up huge bodybuilder but a fully loaded, Triathlon athlete who is all muscle and zero percent body fat able to run a marathon or the 100-meter sprint.
I walked into the Cunard Terminal looking resplendent with the Union Jack flags and bunting and before I walked onboard I was immediately struck by something else…………something very strange…………everyone who was checking in…………..looked very strange……….this couldn’t be correct……….the people checking in looked just like……………you and me.
I couldn’t believe it …………where were the Rolls Royces and Bentleys with their Chauffeurs opening the door for Lord and Lady Moneybags - Smythe …………where were the Butlers carrying the rich and tanned’s Louis Vitton cases?
Instead of Rolls Royces there were Fords and BMW’s…………….instead of Lord and Lady Money Bags Smythe there was Mr and Mrs Smith from Birmingham England and Mr and Mrs Smith from Birmingham, Alabama……………these people could have been boarding a Princess, Carnival or any one of our sister vessels…………in fact many of them have I am sure. These people were sailing on a Trans Atlantic voyage for prices starting at £799……and that includes a return flight……………….that’s me and you prices.
As I waited for my pass to be authorized I watched and listened to British, American, Canadian and many other accents all expressing their excitement to be boarding the Queen Mary 2. There were young people, middle aged and older passengers and even two dogs…….yep…………two dogs called Bud and Bo. They stood in line with their owners looking excited to sail as the passengers. I asked them if this was their first voyage and I guess I should not have been surprised to hear that this was their fifth Cunard cruise and their third Trans Atlantic. Now, please do not ask me what breed they were. All I can tell you is that they were short and pudgy…………and I have no idea what breed the dogs were either…………just kidding. What I can tell you is that the lovely owners of the pudgy dogs were from Chicago and were waiting for Cunard’s Kennel Master to come and collect them. I found this absolutely fascinating and wanted to find out more but just then the Hotel Manager David arrived so I had to say goodbye to the two dogs and their owners. Right now they are probably having a wonderful time, running around the decks being pampered and groomed and fed the finest food there is……………..I wonder what the dogs are doing.
One other thing I noticed also was how many people were boarding displaying their love and affection for everything that was and is Cunard. There were jackets, baseball caps, tote bags and lapel pins all of which showed not just what Cunard ship they had been on and how many times but what voyage. I had never seen this before…………yes……….a few people will board wearing a Carnival or Holland America T Shirt for example but never had I seen so many people do this ……………and at embarkation. It was as though they looked upon these as displays of mass affection and great pride and they wanted their fellow passengers and the crew to see that they…………….loved Cunard.
David Stephenson the Hotel Manager met me with a handshake that could crush a coconut and as he introduced himself he probably thought I was overcome with emotion at meeting him………………however, as happy as I was that he had taken his valuable time to be my guide the tears were because I had just shaken hands with James “bone crusher” Stephenson. I will describe the highlights of my tour of the vessel in a moment but I want to say thank you to David for showing me the vessel. As I mentioned, Embarkation day is the busiest day for any vessel and nobody is busier than the Hotel Manager orManageress . ……..thanks mate and it was an honour to have my hand broken by a man who obviously has such passion for his job.
Exploring the Queen Mary 2 was like being a time traveler. One moment you are in a beautiful lounge or dining room which transports you back to the Ocean Liners of yesterday and the next minute you are in the future enjoying the latest in entertainment and relaxation luxury. ………………I have quite simply never seen anything like it. Every single lounge, bar, dining area, corridor and cabin would be totally comfortable gracing the front cover of “The Most Luxurious and Best Designed Everything in The World” magazine……………I have never seen anything like it.
There is a planetarium the first and only one at sea. During the day this huge lounge acts as a cinema………….the most luxurious at sea. Then, the ceiling lowers and the guests deep red cushioned seats recline and …………….you can look at all the glories of the stars and planets……………..I have never seen anything like it.
David also took me to see some cabins from a regular outside balcony cabin which oozed luxury and splendor of the massive suites complete with more marble than Julius Cesar’s bathroom. These suites had every luxury you could think of and some that normal people like me would never think of…………some suites had an upstairs and a downstairs and some………….wait for it…………..had their own private elevator…………….I have never seen anything like it.
I could go on and on about the finest dining areas I have ever seen, the Queens Room, The Todd English Restaurant, The Verve Cliquot Bar, The Commodore Club, The Queens Grill and The Princess Grill, The Canyon Ranch Ultra Luxury Spa, The Rada Theatre workshop and Stunning Showroom providing both brilliant shows and entrainment along with guest speakers whose performances will no doubt enhance the passengers experience beyond measure. The art work, the deep and welcoming sofas and chairs in every lounge and then the little things such as tables set with board games and jigsaws………..not still in the box but set up ready to use…………………….I have never seen anything like it.
Now, I could go into more detail about each lounge, cabin and I have not even mentioned the service………………however, here in lies a problem. If I talk about this now then when Cunard invite me to sail on her at the end of the year I won’t have anything to write about…………..see…………….who’s a clever boy then?
I have never seen anything like it…………….these words were echoing around my head during the entire day and none more so during my visit to The Queen Mary 2. If you love cars, you have to drive a Ferrari…………..If you love planes to say that you saw or even flew on Concord is something that you can be proud of………….if you love ships……….if you truly love ships then you have to………………I mean ……………have to…………..sail on this vessel. There will be bigger, there will be ships with parks and mountains and roller coasters and dinosaurs and who the heck knows what…………….but there will only ever be one Queen Mary 2 and with the pending retirement of her sister Elizabeth…………she becomes the most important Ocean Liner………………..in the world.
You are Mr and Mrs. Smith………..you are Cunard…………..I have never ever seen anything like this ship………………..and when you sail you will see what I mean ………………….do you love ships?…………………..if the answer is yes…………….then you know what to do.
I nearly pinched myself driving to the ship and the next time I nearly did this was when I had lunch in the Queens Grill. Amongst those joining me was Eric and Michael who the head honchos from Cunard’s Public Relations Department. Now, considering all the important people who were here especially from the press this was a very special privilege. We had a wonderful time and like a vaudeville comedy act they kept me entertained and made me feel at home as I devoured my seafood salad and sirloin steak with caramelized onions. Once again, here I was a simple Cruise Director being wined and dined as if I was the head travel writer for The New York Times………………I was Alice and I was in wonderland………………ok………….I have decided that was a bad reference as it conjures up a picture of me with pigtails and shiny red high heeled shoes……………so instead……….lets just say I was ” gobsmacked.”
The gobsmacking continued as after lunch we boarded the Queen Victoria. I had visited her twice during construction as you may remember from previous blogs as well as attending the incomparable naming ceremony. Therefore, as I walked up the gangway it was as if I was coming home to a pair of comfortable slippers and a home filled with great friends.
Here was another pinching moment……………..the Queen Mary 2 to the Queen Victoria. I had left Buckingham Palace and moved into Windsor Castle.
We were heading for the Commodore Club and again my skin was about to receive the good news from my thumb and forefinger as I pinched myself yet again. The Commodore room which by the way is forward of the ship and has stunning views was set up for a private function …………………for the press…………………I was press…………and I didn’t even have a notebook and a pencil or drink scotch.
As I entered I was met by Peter Shanks who is Carnival UK’s Chief Commercial Officer and most importantly one of the nicest chaps you will ever meet and someone who lives and breathes ocean liners and cruise ships. Peter chatted with me and as he did so I looked for a piece of skin that wasn’t yet bruised from my pinching ………………I could not believe that with so many other important press and VIP’s in the room Peter wanted to talk with me………and as he did he was like a kid in a candy store, eyes wide with excitement as he spoke about the forthcoming event.
Oh, just one quick segue here. Peter and Cunard’s President Carol Marlow had just returned from a short voyage on the Queen Victoria. I say short because many of the guests onboard had been there a bit longer…………….three months. They were returning from the Queen Victoria’s maiden World Cruise and Peter told me about the special event they attended.
This was a World Cruise Dinner held in Lisbon where they joined the guests who had been onboard the entire voyage for a special tribute dinner. Peter also told me that the passengers also held Farwell parties with the friends they had made during their extensive time onboard.
I am sure it must have been quiet a shock to disembark after three months, leaving the insulated world of five star service and pampering and never having to look at your watch to the hustle and bustle of everyday life…………………what stories they could tell. I wonder if I could interview one of them………….let’s see.
I also met my old mate Steve Read who is a travel writer for the Sun newspaper as well as his own wonderful cruise website and it’s always a joy to see him.
Steve, Peter and I stood and chatted and not wanting to appear rude I munched on a few of the sandwiches that had been prepared for The Press……………that was me………..the salmon ones were fantastic. As I munched we listened to a welcoming speech from Carol Marlow…………….now, I say speech…………….but that’s not right…………..let me think how best to describe how she delivered her presentation.
Do you remember when you were at school you had something called “show and tell??”……you know ……….some kids would bring a fossil……….a skateboard or a photo of Marcia Brady from the Brady Bunch……………..ok…………that was just me then……….I loved Marcia Brady.
Anyway, this was like adult professional “show and tell” and just like a kid would stand in front of their friends and tell you with such pride that their skateboard was the best in the world………………..so it was with Ms Marlow. She talked to us, it wasn’t a speech it was a……….story………….a story told by someone who wanted to “show and tell” the esteemed members gather in the Commodore Club that they were about to be part of something so very special………………..and so it came to be. I am so impressed with Ms. Marlow and her ability to make everyone feel at ease and express her total passion for Cunard with such grace.
Carol and Peter led a group of about 30 of us off the Queen Victoria and onto a boat. We all gathered on the top open deck and each of us giving silent praise that the sun still shone and the sky was so blue. Amongst the group were professional photographers, local and national press, VIP’s, Travel Agents, Cunards Tope Executives and oh yes………….me and when I witnessed what was happening I knew pinching myself was never going to be enough……………I needed someone to pour an ice cold bucket of water over me and then slap me round the face with a large herring………surely I was dreaming.
There just a few feet in front of us was the Queen Mary 2 letting go her lines and setting sail for her Trans Atlantic voyage…………..but the Atlantic would have to wait because first of all she and her sisters were about to have the world’s greatest ever family hug……………and I had a ring side seat.
Waiting for Mary was Victoria herself ready to sail of to the Canary Islands where by the way you will never find any Canaries………which leads me on to The Virgin Islands ……….. never mind.
So, there she was………….The Queen Mary sailing past the Queen Victoria to complete her turn and then to sail past her one more time before heading to New York. Once past the Queen Victoria her older and much loved sister and role model Queen Elizabeth 2 waited alongside the dock where she is undergoing a period of refitting.
The sight of Queen Mary 2 sailing past the Queen Victoria was astonishing and a feeling of awe and amazement were I am sure what everyone was feeling.
However, those emotions would change when the mighty Queen Mary 2 sailed past the Queen Elizabeth 2nd……………it was as though one was handing over the responsibilities of the family to the other. I have no idea why but as the Queen Mary 2 sailed past Queen Elizabeth 2 I had a strange flashback which I want to share with you……….its from the most unlikely source……………a TV program called…………..ER.
I remember a very heart felt moment when Dr.Greene, knowing that he had an incurable illness and not wanting to say a long drawn out goodbye simply handed his stethoscope to a young Dr.Carter and simply said…………………”you set the tone”………….and in a way as one sailed by the other and their ships horns sounded ………it was as though the Queen Elizabeth 2 was simply saying to The Queen Mary 2…………”I will be gone soon……..and when I am………….you set the tone.”
There will be time to honour the retirement of the Queen Elizabeth 2 this autumn but for now with the Queen Mary 2 at the head of the family and her gorgeous sister Queen Victoria and the new addition in 2010 Queen Elizabeth Cunard will have the grandest and…………newest fleet of ships………………in the world.
Pomp and Circumstance…………nobody does it like the British and as the Three Queens were together again hundreds of people lined the dockside cheering and waving flags and a large flotilla of private boats followed Queen Mary and Queen Victoria out to see sounding their ships whistles and in proclamation and homage to the these magnificent ships who proudly carry with them the historical name ………………of Cunard.
I wonder where Cunard would be now if Carnival Corporation had not breathed new and exciting life into them ……………..I wonder if Mr. Arison and his colleagues realize that what they have done is to allow future generations to experience a Cunard voyage.
I would never dare to second-guess our Chairman and C.E.O. but something tells me that rejuvenating Cunard by building the magnificence that is Queen Mary 2 must surely be one of the greatest achievements of his professional life and all of us who stood and watched yesterday thank him so very much.
The title of today’s blog is………….A Day of Days…………….where does that come from?
Well, a few days ago I watched a program on the Discovery Channel about a surfer who had waited for 3 years for the “perfect surfing wave” on a beach in Hawaii. Well, he finally got his wish and rode this giant wave while his friends filmed it……………the sight was simply awesome. The interviewer asked him to describe the feeling of what he had just seen and done…………….pausing…………….he thought for a moment and simply said………” \today, was a day of days.”
Well, for me, visiting the Queen Mary 2 and seeing her and her sisters together gave me……….”A day of days”…………….and one I will never ever forget.
Here are some professional photos from the event
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
PS -I will publish all my photos tomorrow………….there are lots of them so look forward to that.
PPS - Just to see how important this event was have a look at the front page of one of the most viewed websites in the world…………….www.bbc.co.uk/news
58 Comments
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
John, I just had one heck of a great idea. After reading your posts for the last few weeks I realized just how much you hate to fly, but you still do fly. But what about all those of us that will not fly no matter what. I think the Carnival CORPORATION should get into an across lines cruise scheduling/booking business. If Cunard’s transatlantic crossings and all the other sister ships had there schedules timed so a person could take a Cunard transatlantic from New York to Southampton then transfer on to lets say the Carnival Splendor for it’s 12 day cruise of Europe then get back on a Cunard ship to return to New York I think that would sell if sold as a complete package. A Cunard round trip is guess what 12 days just like the Carnival Splendor’s so you wouldn’t even need a hotel stay. The same thing could be done on this end for Europeans coming to New York. When they get to New York they could then do a roundtrip cruise out of New York to either the Caribbean or New England/Canada then return on a Cunard ship to Europe.
With a CORPORATION advertising staff pushing this it could work. How about “CRUISE THE CARNIVAL FAMILY” or “CARNIVAL WE ARE A FAMILY” I even got a tune for that one. I can just see a commercial featuring the best of the whole family.
BIG ED
PS. To read the open letter to Micky Arison on this idea click on my name above to go to my blog.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Bravo and thank you for letting us share your day. How magnificent an event that must have been. You, sir, are one very, very lucky man.
While reading the Cunard Line forum on Cruise Critic I happened across a link to Steve Read’s piece about the reunion of the three Queens. I’d love to have everyone take a second and glance at it. Not only does it document three awe inspiring vessels but it has a number of pictures of one gobsmacked John Heald.
http://www.steve-read.co.uk/threequeens/
Thank you again and I’m ready for the pictures!! PLEASE!!!
Ciao, mate…
GregB
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
John or should I say…John Heald from the press!!
I am so happy for you!
I’m so happy you had a “day of days’!! You deserve it!!
I am really looking forward to seeing more pictures tomorrow!
I was just interviewed about you by Clark Norton….I made you look soooo good…you think I could at least have a free copy of the magazine??LOL
Princess Susan
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Hi John, I know how you must have wished that Heidi could have been by your side to experience this.
John, you ARE special whether you realize it or not. You are not only THE Senior Cruise Director, you are a very special person to each and everyone of us bloggers.
You can paint a picture with words and allow everyone one of us to share in your “day of days” as no other person could.
We will never be able to see these spectacular ships, must less cruise on them. But with your wonderful way with words and your pictures, we will feel like we have been right by your side.
How else to get the pictures and descriptions of these beautiful vessels to the bloggers than from John Heald, the writer of the most loved blog. I don’t think a newspaper or magazine would have as many people read them as your blog does.
I’m so glad you had this opportunity and enjoyed your “Day of Days”
Carolyn and Don
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Oh, what a wonderful day, indeed! I’m sure mere words can’t capture the reunion of these 3 beautiful ships. But your words were enough to make me ready to book!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
You really had a day of the days! Wish I could have been there, too….
Cannot wait for your pictures.
Have a good night!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
John, for some reason I think you had a good day. You deserved it all to bad Heidi missed it all. Again you put us right there with your report. I looked at GregB’s pictures on his link above and they are great. In the one with you on your raspberry you must be reading one of my Emails because you have an Evil Grin on your face.
Now we got to wait for the end of the year for you to tell us more when you sail on here. Cunard invite him.
BIG ED
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
John:
Thank you for bringing us with you! Though we might not be able to travel as much as you do, we are all able to experience much more through your entertaining posts on this Thingy!
p.s.: Thank you to “the board”, for sending Mr. Murphy elsewhere (presumably France), at least for the day!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Looking forward to the pictures. You certainly deserved a “day of days.’” How I wish I could have seen the three ships together also. What a thrill that must have been. You painted a marvelous picture of the event with words. Thank you for sharing. Jeri
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hi John,
What an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing this day of days with us. I felt like I was there and yet, I dream of one day seeing at least one of these ships for myself. I’m glad you had such a hassle-free day…you were due!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
dude! too cool…
smiles, bonnie and prince charile
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
What an amazing day. Wish we were there. Thank’s to your blog we got the inside scoop and loved reading it.
I hope to sail on the Queen Mary one day, my name is on the side of the ship so I HAVE to right?? After reading you describing the ship I hope it is soon! How cool that the ceiling opens and your chairs recline to look at the stars! Were you joking or iy that for real? Fabulous idea!! I like it!
I like Ed’s idea esp since I HATE to fly. Do you think that might be possible?
Say Hi to Hedi!! Hope she is having a nice visit with her Mom.
Mary
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
John,
Thanks again for taking us along on a virtual tour…on your gobsmacked day of days…..A grand event for Cunard….. 3 magnificent ships in port simultaneously…..….a great day for the UK…….The Cunard-O-Rama in Southampton.
Excellent photos and vivid description of the occasion…your excitement permeates the blog thingy…..A splendid day for all…..
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I second Big Ed’s idea. Not that I won’t fly, but his fantasy cruise combo sounds great!
Another thing I think Mr. Arison should consider is buying those Amtrak trains that travel the more scenic areas (such as the California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight) and re-imagining the whole thing not as a mode of transportation, but as a cruise ship on rails. Reduce the number of coach class cars, add more sleepers, bring back the fine dining of the 1940’s & ’50s, add musicians and comedians, and maybe lectures on local history or fine wines. Then, pick the more interesting stops and treat them like ports of call with excursions available. I know I would gladly pay triple the current ticket price to ride a train like that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Hello John,
I haven’t commented for over a week because I was on my first ever Princess cruise. It was great! We were on the Caribbean Princess, which doesn’t have a Sanctuary yet, but it does have a Sabatini’s, which was a wonderful experience. I wasn’t sure I would like it, because when we tried the Supper Club on Carnival, it was a three hour meal, and a little intimidating, but Sabatini’s was really different from any other meal I’ve ever had. Also, it only took us an hour and a half. I love the way the Carnival Corp. left the brands alone to keep their own identities. We’ve been on CCL, HAL, Princess, and Costa. We loved every cruise, and each line has a totally different experience.
All of your readers are so glad that you were invited to the Cunard event, and that you “took us with you”. I know I’m a moosh, but I teared up at the end. It really makes me want to take a Cunard cruise. (I was one of those who voted for the Blogger’s Cruise #3 to be on Cunard. I know it’s pricey, but we could save up, couldn’t we? Ah, well. I’ll get to sail on the QM2 one of these days. I’m rooting for you to get that invitation.
I’ve been catching up on the blogs. I love the stories about the weird food, and the planes! Whenever we go on vacation, and I know I’m going to be eating a lot of unfamiliar food, and/or not getting enough sleep, I take Prylosec. It really helps. You take one pill in the morning every day for 14 days. It helps your stomach digest things better without rebelling. If that’s not enough, I take along Maalox Max chewable tablets. Those are for after the “damage is done”. Between those two we have almost no stomach troubles on vacation. (A blessing. The last thing you want when you are on the go is “tummy trouble”. Bob Hope used to say that he could say “Kaopectate” in 23 languages.)
I read with shock and dismay about the Conquest fiasco. We were on the Glory last year with Wee Jimmy. He is one of the best Cruise Directors we’ve had the pleasure of sailing with. Please tell him we say, “We love you!”
Thank you for all that you do. The blog really makes my day.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
John!
You’re slipping.
Here is some info on FOOD on Carnival Splendor:
http://carnival.com/CMS/Articles/splendor_dining.aspx
bill
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
“Day of Days” - thank you so much John for sharing it with us. After your marvelous and musical words no further comments are necessary.
Barb
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
John, don’t worrry about not being a professional travel writer. Your blogs are fanastic!! You tell it the way you see it. It is very down to earth and real. Nothing fancy. Just good honest feelings and common words to describe how you feel about what you see.
Looking forward to seeing the pictures tomorrow.
You provide a wonderful service for those of us you cannot travel to these different distinations (yet) or on some of these ships. Please keep writing, because we will keep reading.
Have a good day.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
…jealous…
…envy…
…lust…
…drooling…
I am awestruck… and you got to be there!!! I so very much want to sail on Cunard. I want to experience the pomp amd circumstance. I want to feel a part of the whole majesty and mystery that Cunard commands.
I love the distinguished Cunard smokestack… but truth be told… the famous Farcus Funnel curls my lips and curls my toes, and causes that little tingle down in the pit of me… and puts a SMILE on my face!!! I am a Carnival woman, dreaming of experiencing the Cunard pleasures… at least once…
John, thank you for taking me there with you!!! I feel giddy and I’ll reread the blog a few times to see what I missed!!
Regards and THANK YOU!!!
Lambie
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Thanks for the wonderful Day of Days
Ciao, Kathleen
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
John -
A lovely description of your journey - and I am so jealous of the fact that you saved more descriptive language for your return. Can I come? Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar-free jelly beans on top?
Keep up the good work and avoid the Bobbies while doing 144kph - one does not one of them deciding that you are a danger to society in that ozone depleting vehicle you drive.
JustJon
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
WOW!!! What a wonderful day you had! And, that wonderful day was looooong overdue, but, from the sound of it, well worth the wait! Well worth putting up with Mr. Murphy for months on end. No one deserved to be there more than you did! You are a star in your own right! THANK YOU JOHN FOR TAKING US ALL ALONG! As I have said before, you definately have a way with words–I am sure that each and every one of us felt like we were right there with you, thanks to your wonderful descriptions of all you saw and did! It will be hard to top this experience for you. Again, Thank You!!
Sheryl
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Doah! John!
Ya missed another one. Is PA007 on vacation?
http://carnival.com/CMS/Articles/dream_portcanaveral.aspx
Carnival News
New 130,000-ton Carnival Dream to be Based at Port Canaveral
04/23/2008
MIAMI (April 23, 200
– Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that the new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed – will be based at Port Canaveral, Fla., beginning in fall 2009. Details on the ship’s itinerary will be provided at a later date.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,652-passenger Carnival Dream is the first in a new class of ship for the line with a unique interior design, sleek hull and distinctive profile, along with a host of innovative facilities and features which will be released in the coming months.
The deployment of the Carnival Dream to Port Canaveral continues the line’s 18-year relationship with the Canaveral Port Authority, the longest tenure of any cruise line there.
In addition to the Carnival Dream, the line has two other “Fun Ships” scheduled to enter service – the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to debut in Europe July 2, 2008, and the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, slated for delivery in June 2011.
Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating three- to 18-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe and South America.
For additional information on the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
John:
I am assuming my friend (and a Carnival Rep at the New Orleans port - Robert) is currently on the
QM2.
His email said:
On Saturday, 12 April, I board the QE2 in NYC for a transatlantic crossing with 4 days in London and then returning on the QM2.
All this talk about cruising made me book another one. Not on Cunard…but on the Ecstasy in September. That will bring the number of 2008 cruises for us to 6!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Wow, how amazing and wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
John….a day of days indeed. However , did you forget that the Carnival Freedom was docked next to the Queen Mary 2 last year in Barcelona. It was the first grand med cruise for the Freedom. We were docked next to her on May 10th. As we sailed away everyone was cheering back and forth from both ships. It was a day I won’t forget!! A beautiful ship indeed!! After reading your blog i just had to get out the DVD and look at her one more time.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
John,
I think you have made up our minds. We are going to book on the Queen Mary 2 and the new ship in 2010.
Sure would be nice to be on that cruise they have invited you to go on? Do you know when it is??
Love, Paula and Nelson Baker
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Good evening my most famous friend. Mr. Heald, it was invigorating reading your very enthusiastic words about your time with the three beautiful ships. I read GregB.’s comments and saw many fantastic photos dealing with the family Cunard and its’ very beautiful ships. There were even photos of you in your handsone suit. But what amazed me the most was your look. You really seemed to be in awe of it all. That’s how I felt the very first time I stood upon the Legend, my first cruise and it didn’t change when I was aboard the Freedom. It will probably be like that any time I go aboard any ship. It’s unfortunate that Heidi wasn’t able to be with you. She probably would have love to be with you at that moment. Thank you for being the person that you are. Just one of us in awe of cruise ships but you having much more evidence of what is needed to create such a ship. Please continue with your excellent phtos about your visit. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
John, thanks for a great story today. Your point about Cunard and Carnival Corp also applies Holland America and to some extent Princess. When Carnival took over HAL it was a little four ship cruise line heading no where. Since then Carnival Corp has built 13 new ships for HAL and acquired a 14th. Carnival Corp has created many happy cruisers.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
When the QE 2 was here in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to go down to see her off. A group of bagpipes played as she was backed away from the dock, and they continued to play long after anyone on the ship possibly could have heard. As she is such a large ship, she had to go through the channel backwards. It was a beautiful sight with the sun setting right behind her. I will never forget that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Hi John,
What a wonderful day you had. You wrote about it so well, I could just feel your excitement. Made me feel like I was right there with you. How awsome! I think Carnival needs to put a planetarium on their ships. That must be just unbelievable to see. I think I may have to talk to Carl about jumping over to Cunard for at least one cruise.
Can’t wait to see your photo’s tomorrow!!!
I sure wish Heidi could have been there to share this experience with you. Tell her hello for Carl and I.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
What a great day it was for you.
History in the making and you were there.
You are a lucky man.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Thanks for another great tribute. You describe everything so well I fell like I can picture it all as you are seeing it. Can’t wait to see the TV show you will be filming soon. Don’t forget to tell us all the details so we don’t miss the show. Looking forward to tomorrow’s thingy. Pictures were great!
Jan
April 24th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Just Fantastic! I’m looking forward to seeing your pictures. I enjoyed
the pictures from Greg’s link, thanks Greg!
Juls
April 24th, 2008 at 2:46 am
John,
Is PA007 still AWOL? I heard a rumor that when Carnival Fantasy has the makeover in September that it will emerge with 1 dining room still traditional dining and 1 dining room as open seating!
Yet another reason to sail on Carnival Fantasy out of New Orleans!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:38 am
ATTENTION BLOGGERS
If you don’t fly and you like my idea at the top of these comments go to my blog and post your comments to Micky Arison. Even if you do fly but like the idea of more connected cruise schedules put your comment there also. Just click on my name above to take you to my blog.
BIG ED
April 24th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Hi John.
That’s it, carry on writing about how good QM2 is, and really upset me.
We were booked on QM2 for our 22nd wedding anniversary in November, then there was rescheduling of maintenance, and our cruise was cancelled. We’ve rebooked on Crown Princess. Now I love Princess ships, but after your blog today, I think QM2 would have been better.
Ah well. Maybe another year. We must “do” QM2 some time. Maybe a transatlantic. Or our 25th….
After all, in the Royal Family, The Queen is far, far superior to than any Princess….
April 24th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Proud for you!
Kap ( Kathie )
April 24th, 2008 at 9:04 am
What a wonderful day you had. I had chills just reading about it. I can’t wait for more pictures. Keep up the good work Mr. Press John Heald.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Hi John,
So exciting to read about your visit to the QM2. We had the pleasure to sail on her from NY to Canada in September 06. It was everything you felt as far as being magnificant and regal! She truly is a luxury liner (who refuses to be called a cruise ship!).
Just one comment about seeing the QM2. We were docked in front of her in Barcelona when we were on the Freedom on May 10 last year. You brought a beautiful female vocalist on board that night who came over from the QM2. I am sorry I don’t remember her name, but certainly remember her beautiful voice and wonderful stage presentation.
Looking forward to our cruise on the Splendor and seeing you, Heidi and Ron Pass again. You all really make our vacations very special.
Barb and Joe Dombrowski
April 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I have goosebumps. Thank you so much!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Your day sounded amazing. Can’t wait to see more pictures.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Not the press? I’ve been reading your blogs to get all of my international news updates!?! You tell me weather updates, current events and you even have advertisement (I’ve had sudden urges to buy an Aston Martin on a daily basis)! I might as well cancel my local newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
Thank you for your daily commitment to your “Thingy”…and just know that while you say you’re “just a Cruise Director” that you along with the infamous Ralph Valente are those that change thousands of lives each week!…allowing the masses to take things just a little less seriously and find laughter in even seemingly unfortunate situations! For all the effort each cruise director puts into what they do, you don’t have to be so humble! I am one MANY that get to escape if even for just a few minutes each day into one of your adventures (and yes, even your pigeons count as an adventure!).
Thanks again!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Love the pic of you on your raspberry! (See Greg B. ’s comment) Now about all of those stripes and that tie…..
April 24th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Big Ed ~ I have a picture of you that I need to get to you, what would be the best way? Having you pick it up from a web page link or somehow directly?
Deanna
April 24th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
WOO HOO!!!!
GregB’s link showed us GREAT PICTURES… you’re looking like you’re dripping in wealth and pomp!!! Very distinguished!!!
And another WOO HOO!!! Dividends are coming!!! 40 cents… WOO HOO!!!
Keep CCL #1!!! THANK YOU goes out to you and to all of us for LOVING OUR CARNIVAL!!!
Lambie
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
John, fabulous blog and what I like most is that you are so aware of how lucky you are to be doing what you do. I always capture and enjoy the excitement you express.
I also think that Big Ed is a genius. I know many people would love the opportunity to cruise to and from with a European cruise in the middle. Just give us plenty of warning so we can start saving.
Now I’m going to Big Ed’s blog to follow his directions and petition for the future TA/European/TA cruise.
I’m leaving tonight for a cruise around the Galapagos Islands and the only regret is that I will miss your blogs for the next two weeks.
Shirley
April 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Hey, John!
First a question…was it you or the terminal “looking resplendent with the Union Jack flags” etc.? Then, the “pigtails and high heel red shoes” belong to Dorothy who wanders around in “Oz.” (Just messin’ with you.)
Your excitement was palpable as I read today’s post. I really think it’s wonderful that you feel such passion for your chosen career and all that it encompasses. It’s love of one’s work that makes one excell at that work…ergo, John Heald, the World’s Best Cruise Director!
I wish we could have been there to enjoy your “day of days” with you in person. Thank you very much for describing it for us so exuberantly!
For the record, I like Big Ed’s “link up the cruises” idea, and also Mark Twain and a half’s suggestion that Mr. Arison buy the trains and turn them into land based cruise “ships.” Then people who live on the West Coast and don’t like to fly could go by land ship to the East Coast, board an ocean going cruise ship and sail to Europe, cruise on another ship around Europe or the Med or Greek islands (whatever), then do it all in reverse. So…take that, airlines!
It was great the weather was so fine for your tour of the “Queens.” Hope it stays warm for you so you can thaw out from your Baltic tours.
Hugs to you (and Heidi when you see her),
Myra
April 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
dminx
Just click on my name above and leave a comment on my blog. I will then be able to send you my email address in a reply to it. Can’t wait to see the picture.
BIG ED
April 24th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
John…..you are a fabulous writer, you make Southampton come alive. Near the Cunard pier is the spot the Mayflower departed from 350 years ago.
Carnival Splendor sounds like a very special ship and I’d love to see her.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
It was clearly worth the wait. Your enthusiasm about this day was exactly what i was expecting.
Thank you for taking the time to decribe in detail what we were all thinking.
Sure sounds like an amazing time.
I can’t wait to see your pictures tomorrow and hopefully journey on one of these beautiful vessels one day.
Hope everything else is going well and good luck flying across the pond.
Take care!
David
April 24th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
A Day of Days!! And a beautiful one at that. It couldn’t have happened to a greater guy… YOU!
Thank you for taking us along with you once again.
By the way, when you send us these messages, and take us on all of your thrilling journeys; just what do you think you’re doing, mister?
Psssst…. don’t look now, but I think your friends are trying to tell you something:
Mr. Heald, you ARE a writer; and a very good one indeed. One we all look forward to reading every day. We could sense your feelings about the day and you made us all feel like we’re right there with you. Bravo! Only wished Heidi were with you…
Andrea (and Janet)
April 25th, 2008 at 12:38 am
John,
Thank you for bringing us with you. That had to be an amazing experience, my heart went pitter patter as I read your account and I felt your excitement.
I would love to one day sail on Cunard but after a somewhat disappointing land vacation I think I have my husband convinced that we must sail on the Spendor to make up for it…
I was VERY happy to hear that Murphy didnt follow you on this journey and you were truely able to enjoy it.
Kim Parker
April 25th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
John,
Working on air for the 7/13 Splendor cruise. Is it possible to get an early debark for a 1040am flight from Gatwick?
Please let me know….
thanks
April 25th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Hi John,
Amazing to see the three queens together. but wasn’t the Carnival Freedom docked next to the Queen Mary 2 in Barcelona last May. (it was the first grand med cruise) We took a video as we were leaving, and lots of people were on deck and waving and cheering on both ships and the horns were blowing. It was like meeting royalty!
Cheers,
Marion.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Hi John!
My wife and I were on the QM2 that day. We had crossed over on the QE2 on 4/12, spent 4 days in London and sailed back on the QM2 with over 20 other cruisers from cruise critic that did the same sailing. What an experience, we were waving our union jack flags and had tears in our eyes that we were able to part of that special day.
We have sailed before with you on the Liberty and Sensation.
Cheers!
Mike & Helen
April 30th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
wow- what a blog!!!! cant wait for my first adventure on the queen mary 2!!! leaving for london friday to set sail on sunday from southhampton to nyc.
love to hear from fellow travelmates!!!
see you there.
zachary
May 14th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I enjoyed your reprise about QM2, Victoria and QE2. My wife and I have sailed in QE2 43 times and QM2 7 (8 this September 27), and despite QM2’s interior grandeur (her exterior is not very attractve –though awesome — no sheer, tumble home, stunted funnel) as you described it so well, QE2 will always be closest to our nautical hearts. She was and is the last of the true ocean liners (the France is pretty much broken up), until 1985 truly British throughout, and always presenting herself with panache. A number of websites (worldshipny.com,for example)feature pictures of a tandem crossing of QE2 and Victoria in a heavy sea. These clearly demonstrate the difference between an ocean liner and a flat bottom cruise ship pretending to be an oceanliner.
Best regards and I hope to cross bows with you in the not too distant future.
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