Here I sit at LAX once again waiting for the red eye to London. I guess they call it the red eye because you have to have red eyes to get onboard. Well no problems there as my eyes are as red as a Boston baseball players socks and I may be over on my carry on baggage allowance if they count the two huge bags under my eyes.
Let’s get back to last night. I arrived at 3 pm and surprisingly Immigration was quick and surprisingly enough the officer smiled and wished me a nice day……….I fainted………..oh Miami, if only you could be as nice as this………the officer still did his job, asked all the right questions and made sure I was not trying to get into the country for all the wrong reasons.
He did this politely and respectfully and at the end of his inspection I felt like I had been treated as a human being rather than the insect that lives on a pile of Camel poo ………… anyway, thanks Officer Chan ……you were a true gentleman.
Once through the inspection I arrived I got a cab to the hotel. It was strange being in a California cab as there was a bulletproof screen-separating driver from passenger. I felt like I had just been arrested and wanted to start singing the theme from “Cops.” On the way to the hotel I kept seeing signs for the Pacific Coast highway which for some reason sounded like I needed to call George Hamilton and drive this romantic road in a blue Bentley convertible with Jessica Simpson and Joan Rivers in the back seat……..George gets Joan by the way.
So I arrived at the hotel which I had mentioned the name of on the blog. I want to thank the 7 bloggers who called me……Robert and Suzanne, Karl and Linda, The Kleins, The Schumans, Captain Chuck, Don and Carol and one other who for the life of me I cannot remember……I know some of you called and may have found me less than chatty but I went to bed at 6 pm which was 1 am my time…..please forgive me if I seemed distant.
So having gone to bed at 6 pm local time I found myself wide awake at 5 am and couldn’t get back to sleep………it was then that Sylvester Stallone provided me with 2 hours of wonderful comedy in his latest movie…….Rambo 4 which I watched on PPV ……..for $14 plus applicable taxes.
I like Sly and actually thought the last Rocky was good but come on…….Rambo………he’s in is late fifties I would think and it showed in the movie……..and I hear he is making Rambo 5 in which the retirement community he lives in is attacked by a bus load of pensioners from Florida. ……it was such a bad movie it was actually good.
Anyway, I eventually had breakfast of eggs Benedict and then it was off to the ship.
I am going to right a full report tomorrow but I can tell you it was fantastic and Lauren the CD for the day was superb……the program airs on June 21.
Please forgive this raspberry blog but I wanted to say hello before I fly. I will land at 3.30 pm local time in London and should be home by 5:30 pm. I will try and blog that night but I have a feeling it will be Wednesday.
Oh, just before I go let’s congratulate Cunard’s Queen Victoria which has been named ………..you know what…..just read this.
Cunard’s Queen Victoria Makes Condé Nast Traveler’s Annual “Hot List”
April 28, 2008 – Cunard Line’s new Queen Victoria has garnered top spots on Condé Nast Traveler’s just-released “Hot List,” the definitive guide to the most celebrated new hotels, restaurants, spas and nightclubs in the world. Appearing in the May 2008 issue (on newsstands now), the Hot List reflects the magazine’s rigorous, undercover evaluation of hundreds of new properties around the globe. Queen Victoria is recognized as one of the “hottest hotels in the world,” and the ship’s well-appointed Cunard Royal Spa is included among the “hottest spas in the world.”
The Condé Nast Traveler Hot List issue, now in its twelfth year, is a must-read compendium of new establishments and features 136 top new hotels categorized by region. Given her distinction as a luxury liner, Queen Victoria is recognized in her own regional category entitled “The World,” an appropriate reference given she has just completed her Maiden World Cruise.
“We are truly honoured to be recognized among this elite list of new establishments,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “To think that after nearly 170 years the Cunard brand continues to offer a luxury travel product that appeals to a contemporary audience is both inspiring and monumental. We hope to welcome the readers of Condé Nast Traveler onboard Queen Victoria soon,” added Marlow.
In singling out Queen Victoria, the magazine’s editors noted, “she is a grand ship that harks back to the romantic era of cruising, and its sober yet elegant design…is a welcome departure from the brash interiors that blight modern fleets.” Nostalgic onboard experiences such as white-gloved afternoon tea and entertainment innovations including a two-story library, fencing lessons and private theatre boxes “straight out of London’s West End” earned the ship its inclusion on the coveted list.
The Cunard Royal Spa was named among 76 of the hottest new spas in the world. The magazine noted its “impressive stats,” including 13 treatment rooms on two decks, a hydrotherapy pool, three steam & sauna rooms and a wide-ranging menu of both ancient and contemporary treatments.
For more information and reservations, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.# # #
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company’s first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceTM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
Cunard Line is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.
That’s brilliant as the Hot List is harder to get into than a Scotsman’s wallet.
Hope I can sleep on the plane and please let me sit next to someone normal.
Goodnight or Morning or whatever it is
Your friends
John and Heidi…….miss you 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.
My good friend… I’m thrilled that not all customs folks are as unpleasant as the ones you have to deal with in Miami. Good for Officer Chan for doing his job and still leaving a favorable impression! I’m sure it’s not that difficult to do.
Here’s hoping that your flight back to the UK is far more pleasant than the one to the States was. It can’t be much worse.
I can’t wait to see the show on USA Network! I’ve got June 21st circled on my calendar! Now all I need do is remember why I circled it!
I read about the QV making the Hot List on the Cunard Line forum on Cruise Critic! What an honor! No, she’s not the QE2, no ship ever will be and she’s not the QM2… that’s not her job. She is a gorgeous world traveler, rife with grace and style and there’s NOTHING wrong with that in the least.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Offer my howdies to the lovely Heidi and the superior MOB Stephanie!!!
Regards,
GregB
Why oh why can’t all immigration officers be like Inspector Chan? Miami is a horror and New York City is even worse. Hence, we won’t fly anymore to get on a cruise. (Well, maybe if there is a cruise around the British Isles we would have to reconsider.) We will now cruise from Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, or New Orleans (for the Bloggers cruise.) For some odd reason we like to be treated like decent human beings instead of the scum of the earth! Hope you had an uneventful flight home. Give Heidi our best. Jeri and Larry
John:
I have also marked June 21st on my Calendar. Do you know the title of the program (so far I haven’t seen any advertisements for it)?
It will be fun to see you, and also to see the Paradise, which we sailed twice after our Med cruise on the Freedom with you, and are booked on again for the 4th of July weekend.
You really had a quick trip….not even enough time to recover from jet lag before you’re back on an airplane! I wish you could’ve spent more time in southern California….but it would be better if you are able to do that some day with Heidi! Maybe you will plan a Bloggers’ cruise out of Long Beach or San Diego?
Terri
Hi John,
Safe flight back across the Pond. I can’t wait until the show airs in June (Greg don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of reminders why you circled the date!).
I hope you get some rest. As well meaning as everyone was to call and say hello, I think you need your sleep.
So blog when you can, enjoy your flight and hello Heidi. (You did manage to get her some presents, right? The shiny, sparkly kind?).
Hugs,
Carol
John:
Get home and get some rest.
As much as we adore the blog, your health is our primary concern and I worry, because I think sometimes you over do.
(Mom off the soapbox now)
We have been to California several times. Once was to sail on the Pride. We had an extra two days to tour the sites….and it was “interesting”. David goes out there all the time for business, so he knew where to take us.
We also spent a week in San Francisco when David was out there on business and loved it.
We got to take DJ to the Nascar race at Infineon.
(Road course)
Not saying I would want to live there, but definately an excellent place to visit.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Still the Domestically Challenged Goddess of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe
John… Compliments to Cunard… but also to CARNIVAL!!!
“Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruising Designates Carnival Cruise Linesas ‘Best Of Cruising’ in Nine Categories…
Carnival’s nine “Best of Cruising” awards include:
– Best Regular Dining Room Cuisine
– Best Specialty Restaurants
– Best Cruise Line For Families
– Best Regular Cabins
– Best Beds
– Best Entertainment At Sea
– Best Sports and Fitness Centers
– Best Shops on Board
– Best Fun & Funky Activities”
WOO HOO!!! I’m sure you’ll post the whole article… Carnival is Fun, Families, and Food!!! That’s why we make it NUMBER ONE!!!! And we keep coming back for more!!
Lambie
John,
Happy travels to you! I wish you could have had more time for your 1st visit to California! It is a beautiful state and we are lucky to live here. (As long as we don’t fall into the ocean as some predict!) Can’t wait to see the show on the 21st of June–can you give us a few “hints”. Hopefully Heidi will be the one meeting you at the airport when you arrive home. Blog when you get a chance, but get some rest first–we all understand! You have been on the go for a long time!!
Sheryl
John,
I’m so glad your lost your friend Murphy going through customs. Just don’t find him for the return trip home!
June 21st!!! Can’t wait!! Are you charging for your autograph yet?
I am sure Hedi is missing you just as much as you miss her!
Congrats on the QV making the “hot list”.
Safe travel for you!
Princess Susan
Bravo for Officer Chan. It is good to know that some customs people are still very nice. We haven’t yet had any memorable good or bad experiences. Just there doing the job, getting it done. The article makes me want to go on it. Someday!
Hi John,
I just read this.
Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruising Designates Carnival Cruise Lines as ‘Best Of Cruising’ in Nine Categories.
MIAMI, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Carnival Cruise Lines — a relative newcomer in European cruising, entering the market just three years ago — is well represented in the recently published Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruises, garnering nine “Best of Cruising” designations, more than double the number of any other cruise line.
Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruises is an annual publication providing comprehensive overviews of all major cruise lines operating within the region, along with travel tips, detailed port-of-call information and other helpful content aimed at experienced and first-time cruisers alike.
Carnival’s nine “Best of Cruising” awards include:
— Best Regular Dining Room Cuisine
— Best Specialty Restaurants
— Best Cruise Line For Families
— Best Regular Cabins
— Best Beds
— Best Entertainment At Sea
— Best Sports and Fitness Centers
— Best Shops on Board
— Best Fun & Funky Activities
According to Carnival’s Executive Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s nine awards reflect many of the signature elements of a “Fun Ship” cruise — outstanding dining, spacious and comfortable accommodations, modern spa and children’s facilities, and fun- filled activities for guests of all ages, all of which add up to memorable vacations.
“Considering that Carnival has been sailing in Europe for just three years, it is indeed an honor to be named ‘Best of Cruising’ by Fodor’s in so many different categories,” Rodriguez said. “We pride ourselves on providing our guests with fun, high quality vacations — regardless of where our ‘Fun Ships’ are sailing — and this recognition is a wonderful validation of our efforts,” he added.
“By providing the ‘Best of Cruising’ to readers, Fodor’s identifies the cruise lines and ships that offer the highest quality in features sought by today’s passengers. I’m pleased that Carnival Cruise Lines has consistently met and exceeded our expectations in nine ‘Best of Cruising’ categories,” said Linda Coffman, who, along with veteran travel journalists Ralph Grizzle and Lindsay Bennett, serve as editors of Fodor’s “Best of Cruising” section.
Carnival’s entry into Europe began in 2005 with a series of cruises aboard Carnival Liberty and, over the past three years, the line has tripled its number of voyages within the region.
This year, Carnival will deploy two ships in Europe for the first time, including its newest and largest ship, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, which will launch the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program. Joining the Carnival Splendor will be the Carnival Freedom, which will operate Carnival’s popular Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey cruises. Carnival will deploy two ships to Europe in 2009, as well.
In addition to European cruises, Carnival operates three- to 18-day voyages to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, New England, the Panama Canal, Bermuda and South America aboard its 22-vessel fleet.
For additional information and reservations on the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit http://www.carnival.com .
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc NYSE: CCL 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.
http://sev.prnewswire.com/travel/200…9042008-1.html
Congratulations to you and all of Carnival. You all deserve the recognition!
Dear tired,sleepy, and jet lagged John,
It’s almost here. The month of MAY and the time you and Heidi can rest and enjoy your time together at HOME.
I just hope the smiley stick isn’t smiling when you walk thru the door, not giving you time to get some sleep and rest…….. LOL
Carolyn and Don
dude, all you have to do in miami to get the customs guys to smile is wear a solid gold plastic tiara that light up… seriously!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
Hopefully this information will chase away your jet lag pronto. Just read on Cruise Critic that Fodor’s has named Carnival the best in 9 categories for European cruising.
http://sev.prnewswire.com/travel/200…9042008-1.html. That is certainly a great honor coming from the travel experts of Fodor’s. I suspect that your performance as Cruise Director had a lot to do with the selection of Carnival since entertainment & activities are 2 of the items mentioned. Chalk up another star in your crown.
Nice to hear that your customs encounter was more civilized this time. California is a nice place to visit. I hope you get to recover from jet lag before you go off again!
John, I’m glad to hear that you are on your way home. You have been on such a hectic schedule, I’m not sure you know your own name or what country you are currently in! Please get some of that well deserved rest……. as I anxiously await your next blog! =)
Also just for the record, I have always had pleasant encounters with the Immigrations officials in Galveston. Maybe those in Miami could come here for training?
Nothing on the USA webpage yet for June, so perhaps once April is done they will put up a tenative schedule for June so we can see it.
Hi John.
I met an equally nice Immigration Officer last December at Chicago… again, he asked all the right questions, but he did it with a smile and a friendly attitude.
Once he found out we were joining a cruise ship, he even asked my recommendation about cruise ships for his forthcoming honeymoon.
Sorry Carnival – but I had to recommend “The Love Boats” (Princess) … especially because of the balcony dinner and Sabatinis … but anyone who’s been reading your blog already knows about all of those.
Officer Brain – hope you have a great honeymoon – and we need more guys like you!
I’m glad your quick visit went well and cannot wait for your recap later. Have a safe trip home!
Hi John/Heidi:
Great to hear that the shoot went well. I look forward to seeing it on June 21.
Hope your flight back across the pond went well.
I bet you’re looking forward to getting back to shiplife.
Thanks for taking the time to get in touch with us.
We appreciate it.
Take care!
David
John,
I’m happy to hear that everything went well except for the jet lag…… I have never experienced jet lag, but I can imagine how horrible it can be… I’m in the middle of a fight with Murphy myself. In his last attack to me, he decided to let the fire alarm at my job go off…… while I was in the bathroom…… I was probably one of the last people out and thank goodness it was just a technical error… or just Murphy having fun…
I will mark June 21st on my calendar. Congrats to Cunard for making the “Hot List”. I’m inspired to cruise with them soon… It’s definitely a shock to hear how “Nice” the officers were with you. Now there’s something you don’t see everyday. Good job, Officer Chan! Now just send some nice officers to Miami to get rid of the nasty ones!
Have a safe trip home, John! Hope you recover from jet lag, ASAP!
Cheers,
Alex G.
Glad to know there are at least some immigration representatives that are empathetic to the folks that must endure that process. Get some much needed rest ….can’t wait to hear your report about the show…
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
Ahhhh !! bendito!!
Soon you are going to be with Heidi. Sleep well and i wish you a normal flight.
Love, Nanni
John
Glad to hear you made it in and out of CA in one piece. I had thought of giving you a call, but thought better of it because of the jet lag and I knew you would be super tired. I hope you had a nice although short visit and I know you are looking forward to some time home with Heidi and your family.
I will be looking forward to seeing the program on the 21st also. I am sure you made Lauren’s experience a most pleasant one and one that she will never forget. Perhaps we will see her as CD on a Carnival ship someday. Until next time, get some rest and enjoy your time with Heidi. Give my best to her and give her big belated birthday hugs!!
Gloria aka Sue
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Hi John,
I’m actually dropping you a comment with a request. I’m part of a group of Cruise Critic members who are sailing on the Miracle on June 2nd. Can we have a room for a Meet & Greet on the first sea day? We were thinking 1pm. Thanks so much, I hope you’re still up to doing these, with everything else you have going on. To be even more bold and obnoxious, is there any way we could have a waiter or bartender for drinks? ; )
Hi John,
Have a good trip home! Get some rest!
Looking forward to your next blog that’s filled with details!
We have June 21st marked on the calendar!
Got it… June 21st, gonna set the DVR.
_BigMike
D. BS