After the weeping that followed the end of The West Wing and the Sopranos I have tried to find solace in other TV shows and as Heidi spent the last day doing bugger all by the pool I decided to sit in the shade in the company of my portable DVD player. I should point out that I am not much of a sun worshiper.
Heidi says I go naturally brown but I find sitting in the sun all day totally boring and there is as much chance of hearing Willie Nelson singing a rap song as finding me turning myself into a George Hamilton. Now, George is still my hero and I am sure, as we speak, he is heading to the beaches of St. Tropez and the hotel Byblos for sun, champagne and all the super models you can eat. Anyway, I’ll come back to the DVD’s in a moment but first we once again congratulate Carnival’s Marketing Team on the birth of their brilliant new website.
Here is some more information.
CARNIVAL ROLLS OUT EXTENSIVE REDESIGN OF POPULAR WEB SITE
MIAMI ( May 8, 2008 ) – Carnival.com, the cruise industry’s most visited Web site, has undergone an extensive redesign and emerged with a host of new features, including enhanced navigation and layout, a variety of images and content, and numerous technical advancements, all designed to make users’ on-line experience easier and more informative than ever.
Highlighting the next generation of carnival.com are dozens of entertaining new videos and virtual tours, along with upgraded images and content showcasing all 22 of the line’s “Fun Ships.” Also included are upgrades to special sections focusing on various aspects of the Carnival vacation experience such as dining, spa, youth programs, destinations and shore excursions.
The “new and improved” carnival.com features an enriched Gifts and Services section that allows visitors to purchase a variety of items that can be delivered to guests’ staterooms prior to their cruise. The section also includes detailed product descriptions for gifts ranging from special occasion cakes, fine wines and flowers to stateroom decorations and wedding/romance-themed gift packages.
There’s also an updated section where first-time cruisers and visitors can sign up for Carnival news and information via both email and RSS feeds.
The new site has a strong focus on enhancing end-user support, with a more detailed FAQ section, an enhanced site search engine, and live feeds featuring Carnival news headlines on virtually every page.
The site also includes a number of technological advancements, with a higher site resolution that provides a better platform for multi-media components, greater compatibility across all Web browsers and optimized Web pages for visitors who access the site via hand-held phones and other communication devices.
“Just as Carnival’s on-board product continues to evolve so do our marketing channels. The next generation of carnival.com is designed to provide visitors with a wealth of information and images to learn more about ‘Fun Ship’ vacations” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.
Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Bermuda, Europe, and South America.
The line has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011. The first of these, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, is slated to debut in Europe July 2, 2008.
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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.
I would also like to direct your attention to a great blog being written by the Captain of Holland America’s Veendam.
Have a look at this
www.avidcruiser.com/albert/
Sounds fantastic and my congratulations to Captain Albert on his beautifully written blog.
So, as Heidi spent the day turning herself into Beeonsay I finally found replacements for the much missed West Wing and Sopranos.
Firstly there is an HBO show called Entourage. It is a lighthearted and factual look at an actor’s life and how his friends look after him…….the role of would be film star Johnny Drama played by Kevin Dillon is particularly brilliant. I just finished season 2 and it was superb.
Next is a Showtime series called The Shield which is a gritty realistic police drama starring my new favorite actor Michael Chiklis…….he is simply awesome.
As I watched these shows I marvel not just at ther fantastic acting but the writing and I dream of one day being able to write a show like that.
Anyway, we have had a wonderful few days and tomorrow we have the long drive home. We are both rested and relaxed and thank you all for allowing me to bore you with my holiday ramblings.
The highlight of the day was though our £100 donation to the Red Cross appeal for Myanmar…..I hope it gets there in time to save someone.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Europe, Travel | Tagged: carnival.com
Hi John/Heidi:
Great blog today and i really like Captain Albert’s blog. I think it will be very fun to start following his as well.
Entourage is a great show. It is starting up back very soon on HBO. I haven’t gotten into the Shield but it has become quite a popular show.
Thanks for another great blog today and safe travels as you head back from vacation.
Take care,
David
Boring… No John Not Boring at all. also my wife is a major fan of “the Sheild” along with some of her co workers. one of them buys the series DVDs and they all watch them (actualy fight over who gets them first)
Take care my friend glad to hear you are rested
Capt Bill
Bless you and Heidi both for your donation to the Myanmar relief effort. Now, if it only gets there and doesn’t line some bureaucrats pocket you will have done well.
I’m not a fan of many TV shows but a few I do find riveting. ‘Deadliest Catch’ has had me hooked since it first debuted. My all time favorite was ‘Cosmos’ which stared the late Carl Sagan. Wonderful stuff…
Carnival’s updated website is a great improvement! Easy to navigate and well done graphically it really is a pleasure to use.
Have a brilliant weekend and hope to hear from you again soon.
GregB
Although Captain Albert’s blog is well written it certainly does not have the drama and intrigue that your blog has, well done!!
Dear John & Heidi
Thank you for sharing your wonderful vacation with us.
Thank you for your donations from your heart.
Drive safely
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
John,
I am always amazed by your kindness. Your donation reminded me of the story you told of the old Russian gentleman selling his medals. That story made me and my whole family cry. One day I hope to be able to tell you why your small donation of $20 remains with me and my family and brings us to tears just thinking about it.
I’m glad you have had a wonderful vacation with Hedi, you both deserve it!
I love the new Carnival web site! I hear our Steph helped out with it (good job Steph!)
Please update us on how Alan is getting along. And keep the blogs from Chris and your wonderful sister coming!!! (why do you call her suedrip?)
Princess Susan
John & Heidi
Glad to see that you had a few days to relax all by yourselves.
John and Heidi, Hope you have a safe trip back home.
When you are able would you let us know if you will be CD on the Splendor on N0v 29th.
Don and Carolyn
Sounds like you have had a well deserved good time. I am a great fan of the Soprano’s and watch all the reruns. The Shield is a great show too. Have you ever watched Rescue Me with Dennis Leary? I think you would like that one.
Anyway, thanks for sharing and keep blogging…
Ciao, Kathleen
HI John
The new site is an improvement but also a disappointment
I guess I had my exceptions set to high after reading all of the great ideals and suggestions that were made on Carnival Connections for the Carnival website. I had expected much more.
Danny
Only 2, yes 2 days until the Sheriff hits the Glory. Did you know, the Sheriff enjoys a good cigar after a tough day of fighting crime.
Yesterday, the Sheriff himself, wrote numerous handicap parking tickets at a local school. Parents had complained of other parents parking there to pick up their kids. One of the moms told the Sheriff he was mean, had bad karma (we don’t have karma in Hazzard County), and that bad things were going to happen to him…………..along with many other unpleasantries. Yes, the Sheriff recorded her speech in case the Judge (Sheriff’s cousin), needed it for court. The fine for this violation is $500. It is clearly printed on the ticket!
Glory, Glory to the Sheriff!!
John, the Sheriff asked me to remind you to please make sure the Moonshine will be in his cabin when he arrives. Cheers, mate!
What a tragic situation ….it is a shame that with all the aid being offered the bulk of wasn’t immedately accepted …. Thousands of souls crying out for assistance…..to be squelched by some tyrannical military regime…..delaying aid when so desperately needed….
Good evening my friend Mr. Heald. Boring? Are you crazy. Since I have met you through your blog way back, you have allowed me to enjoy your beautiful words of wisdom and enjoyment. Each day I awake with a cup of coffee and Mr. Heald’s blog. Boring? That will be the day. I’m just so amazed at the many different ways that you can take a normal sentence and turn it into an excited paragraph. That is why, so many of your people just enjoy your blog and want to meet you as I want to. Maybe what I have to do is arrange a cruise in 2010 ( because 2009 is already planned )
with you and find out the when and where you will be and on what ship so that we will eventually meet. Boring? Never my friend. Ciao for now.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
PS Say hi to your beautiful wife Heidi.
Thanks, John for keeping us all posted while on your holiday. Your “thingy” never fails to bring a smile…if not a laugh out loud. You have a gift.
Jan
Thanks, we had discovered Captain Albert’s blog a year or so ago, so it was with extra pleasure we spotted his ship in port the day we pulled out on the Elation. A friend in Skagway reports that Captain Albert was the first ship in for the year too. He gives a very well written account of his approach to the docks.
Hi John
Thanks for the link to Captain Albert’s blog, I particularly enjoyed reading two articles.
In one, he talks about having to miss a port due to weather considerations, and after the recent brou-ha-ha that has already been discussed, it was very interesting to read the Captain’s perspective.
The other article I particularly enjoyed was about the full transit of the Panama Canal… I’ve booked to do this in November 09 and again it was fascinating to read the Captain’s view of the challenges involved.
It’s bookmarked, just below your blog. So that’s another daily read……
Sorry I’ve not written for the last week… I’ve been away. Remember “Song of America”? Well, it’s now sailing for Thomson, a UK package tour operator, and I had a week on board. It was interesting to see the differences between an older (1982) vessel and modern cruise ships…
The thing I noticed most, having minor mobility issues, is that there were a lot more steps everywhere, while newer vessels are much more accessible.
Hi John & Heidi,
Safe journey home.
I too miss “The West Wing”. I loved the writing. But I also miss “JAG”. I don’t know if you ever saw that one – Naval/Marine Corps lawyers who occassionally saw action.
And the Godmother for the Splendor is…..?
Take care,
Carol
Your blogs are far from boring! Thanks for taking us on your (well-deserved) vacation.
I’m sure we are all praying for those in Myanmar – that relief comes quickly. Such a horrible tragedy.
Carnival’s updated website is a dream. Great job and kudos to all involved.
Have a safe trip home.
Lori
john:
you could never ever bore us. keep it up, we look forward every day to your blog thingys. they light up our day. thank yous.
-s
I wouldn’t be surprised if Willie Nelson did rap — he’s done reggae, after all. Another wonderful star — after a free concert (he got paid, tho) he stayed and signed autographs, talked, etc. until there was literally no one left — 45 minutes.
You need to check out a wonderful British series (now defunct) called “Life on Mars.” It’s about a cop who seems to be back in time about 30 years, or maybe he’s in a coma? It’s brilliant — and they gave it a proper and satisfying ending. I don’t much care for cop shows, but this was something very, very special.
John,
I am amazed at the fact that it is only 65 days until the Splendor! Wow!!! A large (for our area) plane flew over our building today. At the time, I was quite stressed. I looked at it and thought…..”Please, just take me away. I don’t care where!”
The situation in Myomar is very tragic. The governement is not allowing aid. So sad….you see the pictures of the people and there was a baby’s picture on the front of our local paper today.
Hopefully, some assistance will get in soon!
Ruth
Me thinks a couple of blogs are MIA! Call the police!
John,
Never have Nelson and I read your blog that both corners of our mouth seem to go north!
Thanks for all your great blogs while you are on holiday with Heidi. Have a restful last day and tons of fun! You both are the best!!
Love, Paula and Nelson Baker
Let’s all pray for the poor souls in Myanmar that need our help soooo bad!! Hope the chief finds some kind of release in his heart that will let aid in to help his people!! Keep praying everybody, God will answer!!!
Stop asking for free hand-outs Sheriff. In our county it’s called tacky.
John,
I feel more relaxed just reading about your vacation. I know you and Heidi will “hit the door running” in a couple of weeks, so I’m very glad you had this opportunity to watch a DVD and for Heidi to have her glorious moments in the sun.
I haven’t had the pleasure of sailing with you, yet, but each day when I read your blog, it is like a letter from a dear friend, letting me know what is going on in his life. No, they are never boring!
For my money, no show will ever touch Mystery Science Theater 3000’s brilliance.
See you on the 7/13 Splendor Cruise!
John
I read your blog everyday and look forward to it each and every time. Today I read Capatin Albert’s blog for the first time and it is also very good. Thanks for making it available to us.
Regards
Roger T
God Bless you and Heidi for your donation… It truly does make a heart and soul feel great to be able to help. Whether financially or physically… there’s an intrinsic reward that comes from giving! And to be in a position to make a difference by drawing attention to a situation, multiplies your gift!!!
This is a great reason for the pre-blogger’s-cruise charitable event… that SOMEDAY we will be provided details and learn about… hint hint!!! You’ll be leveraging your base of blogger’s to lend assistance to needy group!! Good for you and Good for all of us!!
And speaking of that… DETAILS are forthcoming… CORRECT???? BLOGGER’S CRUISE DETAILS???
I know I’m going with the BAYOU BLOGGIN’ KREWE from Cruise Critic, with Host Mach… but What surprises are in store for us??? Inquiring minds want to know!!! (And so does “liddle lamzy divey”…)
Regards,
Lambie
Hey John,
Have you watched Arrested Developement? It only lasted three seasons, but it’s great!
Miss you lots!
Ayr
Dear John and Heidi,
I am so glad that your holiday has been so relaxing and interesting. We love to hear what each day brings for you and do so enjoy your brilliant humour and compassion. Our Doctor here in Whangarei, New Zealand came from Burma with her doctor husband many years ago and now they are both New Zealand citizens. So naturally they wanted to go back to Myanmar to help both family and anyone else and, with the help and support of other local doctors left here last Monday with medical supplies and at last report are still waiting in Singapore to get visas to get into their birthplace. It is such a tragedy, isn’t it?
Joan