I wanted to share this comment with you before I go to bed. I had received a request from this lady a few weeks ago and thanks to the Captain and crew of the Carnival Ecstasy they were able to make her Mum’s dream come true.
I cannot go into the private and personal reasons as to why this cruise was so special but let’s hope that whatever difficult days lay ahead that Mum will always have the memories of this fantastic cruise vacation.
Here is the letter:
John,
See, I was promising myself I would get everything I wanted to say to you down without crying so I could see what I was typing….I am already failing miserably :>)My Mom and I are just back from Ecstasy and Ecstasy is what it was!! As every Carnival cruise I have taken, this one exceeded every expectation, and we felt like family from the time we arrived at the port. First and foremost, each and every Carnival crew member we encountered demonstrated the warmth and joy of spirit that makes you feel like family and royalty at the same time, just extraordinary. The ship is in pristine condition, remarkable that you have no sense of her age whatsoever!!
This was an even more very special cruise for us for many reasons, all having to do with Cruise Critic, and one Mr. John Heald. In January of this year, I was searching the internet before boarding the Glory for an Eastern Caribbean sail. I had never visited those ports except for Nassau. So my googling turns up a CC thread, and the next three days were spent in awed reading….which led me to a thread about the Blog….three more days of awed reading…. Fast forward, and I am now a member of the CC Conquest Crazies, the CC Bloggers Krewe, and John Heald’s Blogger family! On Cruise Critic, I am Floatie (floatingaway2525) and if you go to the Crazies thread, we have a special one for pictures of the Machscots, which now include our glorious time on Ecstasy.
Here is what happened:
We arrive to our cabin to a basket of lovely fresh fruit with a card from Hotel Director George, what a lovely man! Mom was speechless already, then the phone rings and she is saucer-eyed as she hands me the phone and says, It’s the CRUISE DIRECTOR!!! And it is Tina Noble in all her warmth welcoming us aboard, and letting me know she will be looking out for us at the Captain’s Party!! We arrive at the Captain’s Party to hugs from Tina at the door, and much fussing over the Mascots….soooooooo much fun!!!!Here is a pic of my Mom and MachBird so honored to be with Tina! She is a WONDERFUL CD John, so warm and so funny!!!
Now then, off we go to be seated, Mom is beaming…..then, here comes Tina calling us out of the audience, and off we go to the CAPTAIN’S TABLE, to be greeted by Captain Donato and his senior Officers!!! Here are these pics too, I hope they all come through.
I am writing a full review for Cruise Critic with all pictures linked, and also to Carnival Guest Relations to recognize many of the staff, Tina of course and especially our waiter Freddy, the bartenders Zelko and Dragan in Society Bar, Assistant Maitre’d Eva in the Windstar Dining Room, and Izabella on Lido. Then I am going to catch up on the Blog, OMG I have withdrawals!!!
John, I cannot tell you in words how full my heart is and how grateful I am. It is amazing how large your responsibilities are, how many demands are on your time, for you to pay attention to this. God Bless you and Heidi, you and everyone on Ecstasy made this trip so special for us. You represent to me how wonderful Carnival is, and Ecstasy is a gem in Carnival’s crown!!
Eva
My thanks again to the Captain and crew of the Carnival Ecstasy and my best wishes for health and happiness to Eva and her wonderful Mum.
I am off for dinner……..tonight its Chinese food and then off to see a movie called Iron Man. The only reason Heidi has agreed to come with me is if I promise to watch the Sex and the City movie next week……….in a moment of weakness I said yes………….I mean Iron Man is full of explosions and mayhem and music by Ozzy Osborne………then there is Sex and the City where the action is based around clothes and martinis and sex …………… I bet it will be a huge hit in Italy
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Hey John,
Its always nice to hear when someone has a great time aboard the ships and everything works out for them.
Speaking of things working out for people, I’m taking my honeymoon in October, hint hint, just joking with you.
But when it comes to the deal you have with Heidi and Iron Man, I have the same deal with my fiancee but with the Indiana Jones movie which I can’t wait to see.
Anyways, I hope your enjoying your vacation away from the world, and your non-vacation away from your thingy.
Cheers!
Marc G
John, Floatie is a dear friend of mine and will be sailing with us, as she mentioned, on the Blogger’s Cruise and the Cruisin’ With the Crazies cruise.
I have to thank you, personally for what you did for her and her mom. They are very special people.
Regards,
GregB, AKA Cruise Critic Host Mach
The Ecstasy is a great ship, that’s why they have won so many fleet awards. One of our secrets down here in Texas.
John,
I have to say that Donna and I read your blog almost everyday. One common thing we agree upon is we miss the cruise and do miss your humor and hospatality. You make the cruise experience a very memorable event. We are planning a 2009 and do hope you will be our cruise director when we get there. This year is our do to my back surgery. But look forward to the 09
Very best
Herb & Donna
I believe that Eva’s words indicate that you John went above and beyond to make her Mum’s cruise special. Something also tells me that you just considered part of your everyday job but trust me not all folks feel that way. It is so apparent from Eva’s words just how special it was and although I don’t them them or the circumstances – THANK YOU for “paying ahead”.
Bravo John!! As always good job. It was very nice to hear this story. Is good and rewarding to make the difference.
Love;
Nanni
You continue one of the world’s good guys.
Press Release
Hazzard County Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane wants to remind everyone that he is a CELEBRITY, and he would appreciate meeting everyone sailing with him in 3 days on the Glory.
Please feel free to meet the Sheriff where ever you see him on the Glory. And remember, campaign donations are always welcome! The Sheriff is again running unopposed so any amount would be appreciated.
By authority of Rosco P. Coltrane, Sheriff of Hazzard County, Georgia
John -
I am sure you had nothing to do with this treatment – after all, all passengers are treated equal
I am pleased that Floatie and her Mum had such a good time – I guess its time for me to start hinting about our treatment on the 5/31 Carnival Liberty cruise.
JustJon
Well John, now Mom is not the only one speechless…I am so proud that you shared my letter with all the family, it was from my heart.
I can share why this trip was so special, even though I hate to make anyone feel bad. It was to celebrate Mother’s day and our time to get back to life.
My parents have lived with me since 1995, we are a very close family…..Italian ya know…
We lost my Dad, and then my son died in 2005 at age 19. It has been a long road to get back to feeling joy, and my Mom has had a difficult time of course, losing husband and grandson.
We feel so blessed, truly, to be surrounded by people so good and caring. This trip represents all that is great and good about the Carnival family, this blogger family, my CC Crazie family, and my CC family, especially Mach, who is a very special man indeed. All of you have made it possible for me to celebrate my son’s life by living again myself.
So thank you again for all you do John, and hugs to you and Heidi, and Stephanie who keeps all this straight I do NOT know how!!
Eva
Way to go Floatie, glad you had a great time. We were watching your return on the web cams. We sail on the Ecstacy on 5/31 with our 14 year old grandson. We love sailing out of Galveston.
John you can be Heidi’s “Mr. Big”
Hi, John
I can understand how Eva had such a good time on the Ecstasy. I’m glad that the Captain and Tina and her staff were able to make it special for her and her Mum. We were just on her, and I agree 100% that the ship and crew are exceptional! The Ecstasy is a Texas jewel!
WOO HOO Floatie!!!
We love you!!!
Eva, You have my most heart felt sympathy, our son almost died in a car accident when he was 19, in fact we were told he probably would not live through the night. We were lucky, but it sure puts us a little closer to knowing what you feel every day. God is good & I hope He is helping you. Such a nice story about you & your mom, God bless you both.
Hey John, thanks for keeping us entertained even while on vacation. You are the best!
Jan
Hey Floatie:
We look forward to a wonderful Cruise Critic Bloggers group!!!
We just booked the Ecstasy for September. It will be our first time sailing on her and cruising out of Galveston!!
Linda (LHP on Cruise Critic)
Floatie, although we missed you terribly while you were on the Ecstasy, I know it was a marvelous trip for you and Mom. And more special times for you both, you certainly deserve it.
Hugs from another member of your Bayou Bloggin’ Krewe!
Diane from Texas
What a wonderful letter and this is typical of the Ecstasy Crew. This is truly a Texas Treasure! I have enjoyed the Ecstasy several times before and looking forward to going again with both of my grown kids, along with their families including our 2 year old granddaughter and about 20 friends this fall.
Many of those going are first time cruisers that have heard about our cruises and some now read your blog too. I know they will find the warmth and fun we always do.
We were on the Ecstasy last October and it is trulely outstanding after all of the refurbishments. I understand they will even have refrigerators on that “old” ship by the time we return. We always find Goose as the CD during the fall and he is great. He may even be a young John in training!
After reading this I am anxiously waiting for Nov 1st for our annual Ecstasy cruise even though it may be just a warm up before the Bloggers Cruise next year.
The Ectasy was my first ship, first time I fell in love with cruiseing. Your first love always holds a special place in your heart. Knowing she is making others dreams come true, makes me smile.
Just another example of how Carnival treats her guests – way to go!
Carol
John, what you did for Eva and her mom is just one more example of why you have such a huge following, you ole softie! Hugs from my heart to you and Heidi, who is so very special as well.
Duchess Sandy
(counting down to our Eurodam sailing in Aug.)
What a wonderful story!!
Kathleen
Hi, John
You truly are a rare breed. Your thoughtfullness goes beyond your everyday job! You truly are a blessing in this world of so many uncaring people! I am so greatfull to have had the chance to meet and cruise with you.
When my family and I go on our cruise in 2009, we will be looking to book with you.
Love the blog, the pictures and your stories.
God Bless You & Heidi
Kathy
Greetings…
Eva… I’m so glad that You & your Mom had a wonderful time onboard the Ectasy. I feel how it was so important to you both being together & well taken care off by the Ecstasy crew & staff.
John….. You always seem to find a way to add a little…..Oooops…. alot of warmth & love to make a guest feel special. Well done mate.
Returned a few weeks ago from a brilliant time onboard the Freedom. More about that in another blog.
Eva…. God bless you & your mom.
Regards…. Richard
Montreal, Canada
A big kudos to you John….helping make someone’s trip extra special…..
I recently took my parents on their first cruise which was partially inspired by reading the blog thingy … I was surfing the web mid-summer last year and went to the Carnival website clicked on the Splendor link thingy to check out the new ship info… then found your blog thingy and have been reading ….and eventually posting ever since…..
Given that I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise aboard the Carnival Triumph I thought what a great way to spend some quality time with my parents….surrounded by a staff that makes each guest feel as if they are the most important person……As they are advancing in age and likely would never have do so own…. I booked a cruise on Carnival Sensation ….WOO HOO!!! ….
Without fanfare, recognition or special treatment (something they aren’t terribly keen on) they had a splendid time …the experience in and of itself was distinctive and extraordinary….again thanks to Tori and the entire staff and crew on the Carnival Sensation.
The Flying Dutchman
Mark
Dear John and Heidi
AND CARNIVAL
Only you can do what you do so WELL!
GLAD YOU HAD A GREAT CRUISE EVA & MOM.
Enjoy your movies John & Heidi
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
John:
Thanks for the story it just proves to me again that you are one of the good guys.
Enjoy your vacation!
Sue
Thanks for making Floatie and her mom’s trip so special!
We LOVE you Floatie!
Thanks again, John and Heidi for all that you do. We love our Floatie! She is one of our treasures on Cruise Critic & I know she appreciates all that you did for her and her mom.
Kind of reminds me how special you made MY mom feel when we received our special basket from you on our recent cruise. You have a nice way of making these mother/daughter cruises even more special. To you and the Carnival staff…
Bravo!
Andrea
Now, I have stopped the “happy tears” from flowing…..kudos to you, John and to the entire Carnival family. Eva, sending you and your mom….BIG HUGS!!!
Lori
Hi John/Heidi:
Great story and i’m really happy that they were able to have such a memorable experience on the Ecstacy.
Hope you’re enjoying vacation.
Stay out of trouble.
Thanks again,
David
What a place of love this is. I love you all.
Eva
Nice story, everyone wishes something special for their mom. Thanks for sharing.
R
Hi I just got off of Ecstasy thursday and I am having withdrawls. I adored our room steward, Iketut on the Riviera deck and our dinner head waiter, Martin in the Windsong. Where do such wonderful people come from? Our Captain Donato OMG he was awesome. He moved that boat around the docks so graceful. WOW is the only word I can think of. Thanks for everyone working together for it to be so wonderful. Planning my next one shortly.