Saturday, May 17th, 2008...6:43 pm
As Elton Said, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
I have to start today’s blog by publicly apologizing to gentlemen by the name of Edgar Melling who wrote this comment yesterday.
Mr.Heald
I have not been reading your blog for long and after today’s comments I doubt I will again. Your humor is at times worthy of a laugh but your comments about Royal Caribbean and calling their superior ships the ” Botox of the Seas ” and “Boring of the Seas ” are disdainful and unprofessional and you should apologize in writing to me and to Royal Caribbean. I will be sailing on the Independence Of The Seas ” in August with my partner and I intend to show your crude attempt
at humor to the Captain.I await for your immediate apology to be posted on your daily blog.
Edgar Melling
West Palm Beach, Florida
I am not sure what comment you are referring to Mr. Melling however I do apologize if something I wrote offended you…………….I am truly sorry.
OK, lets move on……………….today I went to…………………..hold on……………..you know what…………I’m not sorry………….I really am not………….and I can’t pretend to be when my apology is as pointless as going into a Everything’s A Dollar Store with 50cents in your pocket.
Let me explain.
Ever since Clint Eastwood ordered those gunmen to apologize to his donkey in A Fistful of Dollars, there’s been a sense that saying sorry to make everything all right has been a bit of a joke. If the baddies had apologized, the film would have ended immediately. But they didn’t, so there was a lot of shooting and, in Clint’s case at least, plenty of squinting and chewing and spitting.
But then along came certain Prime Ministers and Presidents who say sorry when they mess up and hope we will all say ” oh, that’s all right then……carry on.”
No, really. In Pakistan yesterday a man responsible for trying to sell nuclear secrets to Libya and North Korea has escaped prosecution by begging on television for the nation’s forgiveness…………… Oh well, that’s all right.
Then we have the new way of saying sorry which is were people state ” they miss spoke “………miss spoke……………mmmmmmmm……………Hilary Clinton may have got away with misspeaking by saying that the moment she got off Air Force One she was greeted by a volley of sniper fire and had to dive under her limo to avoid certain death when in fact when she got of Air Force One she was
greeted by a children’s chorus of ice tea…………………but she misspoke…………..and she apologized…………that’s all right then.
Being forced to apologize especially in public is the worst kind of apology especially when you don’t mean it. Do you think Justin Trousersnake was really sorry for exposing Janet Jackson’s raspberry ripple (that’s rhyming slarhyming) on national TV……………his mouth said he was but his eyes were saying “I hope all 40 million of you enjoyed the show………..tune in next week because
Pamela Andersen and I will be performing together.”
The best ever public apology though was given by John Cleese dangling upside down from that loft apartment window in A Fish Called Wanda apologizing to the psychotic ex-CIA man played by Kevin Kline……………………brilliant.
I say the word “sorry” a lot and have found it is a useful get- out-of-jail-free card when I am having an argument with Heidi and there’s only 10 minutes before my favourite television programme starts:
“Yes, I know I’ve peed on the toilet seat again and used the towel we stole from our Emerald Princess cruise to wipe it up. I am a useless husband and I’m truly sorry.
Now can I watch The Sopranos please?”
There are times when we really truly mess up that a public apology is indeed worthy. I am sure I mentioned this in a blog thingy a few months ago but please allow me to mention it again as it does prove that sometimes public apologies are very much required.
I once had to apologize on stage in front of 1500 people. I had walked out for the Welcome Aboard Show on the Carnival Triumph and within just seconds of being on stage I was heckled from way back in the gallery section with a loud “F^%$ Off “…………..I ignored it and carried on when a minute or so later an even worse word which I couldn’t possibly type here even with a disguise of $%^&
etc……………..anyway…………..I stopped the show and asked for the houselights to come up and told the man who was shouting these words that if he did it one more time that he would be taken out of the showroom by security and not allowed back the entire cruise. I said this quite forcibly as I was not only annoyed that this man had made up his mind that I was a dreadful CD in the first few moments of the first show but his language was so bad that it was sure to upset many people and of course especially those with children.
Anyway, there were no more incidents and the next morning I was met by the heckler’s guardian and was told he had Turrets syndrome……………..which has the unfortunate effect of uncontrolled shouting, swearing and nervous ticks etc.
I felt terrible that I had chastised this guest in front of 1500 people and therefore the following evening I made my public apology………………….it was the least I could do.
That was worthy of the word ” sorry ” and for it to be said publicly…………….but Mr. Melling I have decided that I cannot apologize to you in this format. I have nothing against any other cruise line but life is full of choices and if yours is not to read my blog thingy anymore because I had fun with the names of other ships……………well that is your choice and I accept it
……………..However, I cannot and will not apologize for publicly making fun of other non Carnival Corporation ships although I will try harder not to do so as frequently as I do. I wish you a great cruise on the ” Incontinence Of The Seas ” ………………………oops………………………Sorry.
Goodnight
Your friends John and Heidi
ps- tomorrow, look out for a special interview with the Captain of Holland
America’s beautiful Veendam.
65 Comments
May 17th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Way to go John! Thanks for not apologizing.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I always thought you apologize for everything. I think I already told you to quit. This is good time. RCCL people do this all the time with Carnival ships. I hate when this happens. Why you should apologize if they do the same thing?? Every time I think of the many people that are losing the chance to experience a Carnival ship because of the things that “other people tell them” it makes me sick. At least here it is a big thing I always have to come to the defense. You dont need to apologize for anything!! Remember “Kmart of the Seas”
A big hugggoooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Nanni
May 17th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
HEY MELLING
not to long ago
“the toilet of the seas” was getting ready to leave
Cozumel,,
the CD went on the mike and said,
we will sail as soon as “the k-mart of the seas”
leaves.
talking about the Carnival Valor
enough said
CARNIVAL RULES
May 17th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
John Cleese’s apology in “A Fish Called Wanda” is my favorite of all time.
“I offer a complete and utter retraction. The imputation was totally without basis in fact and was in no way fair comment and was motivated purely by malice, and I deeply regret any distress that my comments may have caused you or your family, and I hereby undertake not to repeat any such slander at any time in the future.”
I mean, really, what situation could this NOT work in?
Terri
May 17th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
John, all I can say is we need Lance’s T-shirts.
BIG ED
PS. MR. Edgar Melling “CLIMB THIS”
May 17th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Good Grief!! Wow! What a way to start the blog. With all the problems in America and the world this guy is concerned about you making fun of a ship. As Nanni so well pointed out RCCL makes fun of others. John, your humour is great so don’t change and continue making fun of the ships. By the way, I will be onboard “No Adventure of the Seas” next week and look forward to reporting back to this forum on what I hear about Carnival.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
LOL ! John…..if this apology was let to stand you would then be getting a call from the French for an apology for everything you have said about them !!
Some people never will “get” humor. I love British comedy (Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Are You Being Served, etc) but Liz just doesn’t “get it”, just as many women do not see the humor in the Three Stooges as men do.
Good for you ,John, for this edition of your blog.
Phil & Liz
Houston, Texas
May 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Excellent post, John. Life is too short to coddle the perpetually offended.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Good on you, John. If the gentleman can’t recognize or appreciate your humor then he can find any one of a billion other blogs on which to inflict his sanctimonious clap trap.
You have nothing to apologize for, especially as cruise directors from many of that other cruise lines ships ridicule Carnival publicly on a fairly regular basis.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to lift the toilet seat…
GregB
May 17th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Good for you!!!!!! I love it when folks stand up to the “sheep” from the “Inferior of the Seas” line. Tell em to “Climb This!!!”
Tim
May 17th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
John, I really appreciate you making the distinction between an apology for forms sake and a true apology when one agrees that an action was inappropriate. In today’s world, too many of us just say the words without really meaning it. To me, your comments on the blog about other cruise lines always are meant in the spirit of fun. And ones that you likely would not say in front of a “live” audience not fully aware of the context. Perhaps Mr. Melling has not been a regular enough reader to realize this.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I believe Mr. Melling if you were to read the disclaimer at the beginning of the blog it would tell you that this is a personal blog, Mr. Heald has the right to his comments and opinions. You also have the right not to read or agree with it. I am certain you and your partner will take your cruise and hopefully you will enjoy it even with the comments that were made in fun by Mr. Heald. But if you don’t have a good time that is by your choice no one else’s. In my opinion, and yes I’m entitled to that as well, RCCL isn’t all that great, but thank goodness we all have the right to choose what cruise we want to embark upon. I read Mr. Heald’s blog on a daily basis and he seems to be fair with each of the different cruise lines. In my experience other cruise lines make negative comments about Carnival too, have you asked each of them to publicly apologize as well? I feel this blog is intended for those people who enjoy a laugh or two. I do not believe Mr. Heald is or has ever been mean spirited in his comments about RCCL. I do not feel Mr. Heald owes anyone a public apology for the comments that were made in fun. If anyone should apologize it should be you for asking for one, if you don’t like it don’t read the blog. Lifes to short, lighten up.
Thanks Mr. Heald for your humor and your ability to make people smile.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Bad boy John, you stole a towel from your Princess cruise? Now what would Carnival think! HA! No apologies ever needed, it is a free country with freedom of speech and if Mr. Melling doesn’t like it you know where he can go, and it is not Heaven! He would never make it there anyway, he doesn’t have a heart, or a sense of humor at that! Keep us laughing John. By the way I just got read your article in the Summer 2008 Currents which I got in the mail today. Those pictures of you are adorable. They need to feature you in all the currents magazines, love seeing your pictures and reading your comments, you are one in a million John! Don’t ever change! I am sure that is what made Heidi fall in love with you too! Have a Happy weekend! Linda & Mike
May 17th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
John - I can’t believe that any mature adult would get so upset over name calling. I hope Mr. Melling learns how to laugh, especially at himself and his pettiness. Life can be so much sweeter…
May 17th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
hey melling: i know you dude and this is not right. grow up. the blog is all in fun and enough is enough. they tossed the first snowball with their “kmart of cruise ships” crack way back when. it is all in fun on both sides. nothing meant in harm by either. get off your soapbox and back in the board room dude…
bonnie and prince charlie
west palm beach (also)
May 17th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Haven’t we been through this already? If you like RCI so much then stop f$#^ing reading and posting on a site that is run by Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director. You’re not welcome here and as blog security chief it is my duty to electronically escort you out, SO LEAVE!!!
-BigMike
Blog Security
May 17th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Good evening Mr. Heald. Mr. Edgar Melling sit on it. Who do you think you are? The captain of the chicken of the Seas. Lets be reasonable sir. I’m sure that every other company say different statements about each other. If it bothers you so much write your own blog and state what you what say to others. If not, butt out. Mr. Heald please continue with what you have been doing. Mr Melling just seems to have a pain in his derriere. Keep us smiling and happy each day my friend. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
May 17th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Way to go John!!!
Jennifer
May 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
John, you are just too, too funny. Thanks so much!!!
May 17th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Mr. HEALD,
I unfortunately did not have the chance to meet you in person while on the Carnival Freedom last year out of the Med. I do remember the fun you had with some of the passengers the first night and one of which was a Mr. John LITTLE and your reaction to what he did . I do look forward to seeing more of you this coming July on the Carnival Splendor and hopefully a convenient chance to get to talk to you . My wife and I will be taking our second cruise to Northern Europe (July 13th) and look forward to the wonderful shows you have on the ship’s TV.
with respect,
John (Chris) CHRISTIAN
May 17th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
If Mr. Melling had read your previous blogs or even had you as a cruise director he would know that you make fun of everything.
Life is too short to dwell on the sad, depressing, hateful, things that go on. You do show sympathy and compassion to those who are going through painful situations. You are a man of many facets…faces…one eyed cyclopes. Mr. Melling take it for what it it. ONE FUNNY, LOVED MANS OPINION.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
You should inform the gentleman that 99% (I think that’s a safe number, what do you folks think?) of your readers find your humor with the other lines quite amusing, and if he didn’t return to the blog it wouldn’t upset us as much as he thinks it would……….
–Adam
May 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Good for you John! Mr. Melling can go on sailing on the “Whatever of the Seas” anytime he cares to. Shame on him for demanding an apology, let alone one on this forum. It’s very clear he would not fit in on a Funship cruise anyhow!
Climb this dude!
May 17th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
John - You had nothing to apologize for, so I am happy to read that you did not.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Wait a minute - are you telling me that the RCCL ships are not named Botox of the Seas, Boring of the Seas and Incontinence of the Seas? No wonder I haven’t been able to locate these ships to book a non-cruise.
BTW - I seem to notice a lot of commonality between Carnival ship names and the RCCL ship names - Freedom, Liberty, Splendour, Legend.
And, talk about some pretentious names - Sovereign of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas. Why do I feel the need to say Good Morning, your hind-end to Mr. Melling?
RCCL has taken to attracting customers by being the novelty loaded cruise line. In fact, their next ship should be named the Novelties of the Seas. If I want to go surfing, I will go to Waikiki. If I want to go ice skating, I will go find an actual skating rink. I go on a cruise to enjoy the seas, not the novelties that RCCL deem so important.
Just my twee centen.
JustJon
May 18th, 2008 at 1:24 am
I seem to remember a Blog where they wanted the Jumbotron turned down in port because there was too much partying going on up on the lido deck…..Well excuse me.. Rock on John the”Iron Man” of cyberspace!! Melling should be Gelling !! He seems like he needs a cruise bad….I bet he wont even climb the rocks though.Go Carnival Go !!
May 18th, 2008 at 2:03 am
WAY TO GO JOHN!!! As for you, Mr. (and I use that term very lightly) Melling, if you don’t like the humor contained in this blog, go elsewhere!! We, the faithful followers of this blog happen to love John Heald and his style of writing! How very narrow minded you must be if you fail to see what the rest of us see. Over 2 million hits to this blog in a little over a year–can that many of us be wrong? I don’t think so!! So, please, do us all a favor, and continue to climb that wall over the ocean–we will continue to cruise on the line that takes much better care of it’s “family”, has much better food, has the best entertainment in the industry, and has the BEST CRUISE DIRECTOR on any cruise line!!! You have opened a HUGE can of worms here, and if you ever do decide to cruise with all of us, I would hope that you change your name or travel under an alias, as we will certainly never forget your name!
Sheryl
May 18th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Congratulations Mr Heald on a terrific blog today. I love the distinction between a good apology and a bad one! We leave today on our holiday of a lifetime including a cruise on the Freedom starting May 22nd. Like you I dislike flying, 6.5 hours to Singapore and 12.5 hrs to Rome can’t wait!!Absolutely devastated that you and Heidi will not be aboard, after reading your blog for the last 12 months, we feel that we have come to know you and your very talented sister and Mum and Dad and of course Alan and his family. I will have a lot to read about after 8 weeks away. Don’t stop your wonderful blog. Take care.
May 18th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Good morning John,
Enjoyed the comments today.
Message to Mr. Melling………….take a pill and relax!
Don’t hit your nose as you board your next cruise on RCCL buddy. If John’s comments ( and they are his own ) offend you…………..then we don’t want you on the BLOG! Enough said.
Thank you John for showing some reall b-lls and standing up for all of us. I’m sick and tired of all of the comments about Carnival being a bargain cruise line and Mr. Melling needed a serious attitude adjustment anyway!
Now I will get on with enjoying my long weekend and wish all of the other bloggers all the best.
Mr. Melling …………………..don’t let the door hit you in the a_ _ as you leave the blog.
B&D from Canada
May 18th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Dear Mr Melling.
I am sorry that you feel personally offended by a bit of gentle leg-pulling between business rivals.
I am sorry that you consider that an apology is necessary.
I am sorry that you will be missing out on reading a great blog written by a truly genuine nice guy.
I am even sorry that while you are cruising on something of the seas you will hear jokes about Carnival ships.
I am so, so, so sorry about everything from Monica Lewinsky’s dry-cleaner doing a bad job on her dress to the length of the queues in WalMart and the price of oil.
Happy now?
Come on - lighten up, guy!
May 18th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Way to go John. Our efforts to be politically correct have gone too far and made our world sterile; no wonder we are all so up tight and stressed out.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Dear John,
Your blog has become a daily highpoint. I have been reading right from the start & have enjoyed each & every one of them. Had the luck to sail with you on the Liberty transatlantic about two years ago and had the time of my life. Thanks for taking the stance you took in response to Mr. Melling’s demand for an apology. This is why you are held in such high regard. You have again shown that humor and integrity can defuse a touchy situation. Keep up the good work, best wishes for success on your diet and thanks to Heidi for bringing you happiness and a strong leash. Hope Mr. Melling & his partner enjoy their cruise and realize that poking fun is rarely meant to be meanspirited.
Best regards,
Babette
May 18th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Way to go Sarah, you are so right, we all have the right to our opinion and Mr. Melling needs to lighten up, as you said Life is too short! Great comments! Linda P.S. Yes, there is a disclaimer at the top and John I hope you won’t let this man get to you, keep that wonderful sense of humor you have. I can tell you are a very sensitive person and don’t like to hurt peoples feelings, I am very much like you but don’t be a doormat either!
May 18th, 2008 at 8:27 am
WHOO, WHOO,,,,GO JOHN!!!!
Ciao, Kathleen
May 18th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Way to go John! You have no right be, or say you are sorry. Good heavens how IS Mr. Melling 12? Going to go tell “Dad” you called his ship names?
Makes you wonder does the guy have NO sense of humor… or maybe he just needs to get rid of all that hot air on a nice cruise aboard “The Flatulence of the Seas.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Well stated John.
Shall we give Mr. Melling a Going Away Party? Perhaps we could all throw in a penny and buy him one swell gift!
May 18th, 2008 at 9:09 am
John, I’m so glad you retracted your unneccessry apology. Having a sense of humor is nothing to apologize for even if some people are too opinionated to “get it.” Keep up the great blogs and your spirit of fun. Got to go now –the Legend is awaiting in Tampa. Yea !!
May 18th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Mr. Melling - We’re sorry to see you go… not really but, like John, I thought if I said sorry at the start it would all be good. The very last thing we loyal blog readers need is to be bullied by someone who wouldn’t know a joke if it bit them on the a$$
So goodbye, don’t let the cyber door hit you on the way out and have a lovely cruise on the line that feels it can make itself better not by actually being better but by slamming the #1 cruise line in the world.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am
John - all I can is do what your doing, if someone doesn’t like what you say, we’ll then they don’t have to read your blog. Everyone including you are entitled to your opinion.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:55 am
edgar melling
stay off of our FUN SHIPS
we
dont
like
YOU!
May 18th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Hi John,
Soooooooo, Mr. Mellin is going to tattle on you to the RCCL captain. Bet you’re scared to death. That is so 1st grade.
May 18th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
John, that was so beautifully and honestly put!!! Perhaps we should show this to the politicians here in the good ole USA!
May 18th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Mr. Melling, I assume that since you live in Florida you are an American citizen. In which case you are aware of the Bill of Rights. I have not heard of anyone cancelling them, in which case the first rights are:
“The Bill of Rights protects the freedoms of speech, press, and religion,”
You have voiced your freedom of speech in that you don’t appreciate John voicing his.
Therefore if you don’t agree with him, you also have the right to cruise with whomever you see fit to cruise with. So as I’ll voice my freedom of speech by saying, Mr Melling have at it!!!!!!!!!
Carolyn
May 18th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
John, I just hope Heidi doesn’t read this blog, because you will be back in the dog house and saying sorry to her again and again …… but I think you are right to say what you please. so good for you old chap…
capt Bill
May 18th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Here, here!!!!
Bravo, John…….
Let Mr. Melling go and read all the crappy blogs that are out there for people who can’t take a great blog like yours….
I haven’t heard other people making fun about Carnival cruises on other cruises because I HAVE ONLY SAILED ON CARNIVAL, THE BEST CRUISELINE IN THE WORLD.
Cheers,
Cindy
May 18th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
What happened to Suedrip…..?
I went back to comments from other blogs and can’t find anything. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks….Cindy
May 18th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
John,
As you are aware in England we call it ‘Banter’.
Obviously when the other cruise lines makes comments about yours they respect you and are to a degree worried about you. A bit like when Manchester United fans call us City fans when for years we have been the underdogs. When we beat them twice in the regular season they worry,same as RCI so called criticising Carnival.
Take it in the spirit its intended is the way I see it
May 18th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Carnival rules,John We love you… I’m Fench Canadian and I do not throw a fit (too much of one :)when you reference the French,like someone stated B4 life is short,and there are other matters more deserving of being alarmed about that is happening in this world of ours,………….Mr.Melling ask the President for an apology,
-Sandra
New Bunswick Canada
May 18th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I did not see the post, but I have traveled on Boring of the Seas rather recently. The menu itself would have been the tastiest part of most meals. I am very sorry I wasted my money.
I am also sorry for this bit of French Humor, just for John.
A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre.
After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings and made it safely to his van.
However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.
When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied, ‘Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings.
I had no Monet
to buy Degas
to make the Van Gogh’
See if you have De Gaulle to pass this on to someone else.
I sent it to you because I figured I had nothing Toulouse
Au revoir & see you on the Bloggers Cruise!!!
May 18th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
This is Carnival country and John Heald blog I will rest my case with that statement. John Heald blog is the best and he is aloud to make comments about anything he wants.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Light ‘em up, John!! This is Heald country! They “Shouldn’t be Allowed on the Seas!”
May 18th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Unless Mr. Melling intends to go on every “rubbish of the seas” ship and demand the same type of apology from their Cruise Directors who do much worse….then Mr Melling is the one who should be apologizing for being a hypocrite!
May 18th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
RCI’s cruise directors are absolutely much worse for trashing their competition with unclassy jokes. I have heard it on every cruise with them, to the extent that it has really turned me off from cruising with them again…. what does it say when you use tasteless jokes to perpetuate a shallow illusion that you think you’re better than everyone else? I just never hear all this lame humor on Carnival.
The lowest blow I recall was the jibe about “did you see that rinky dink boat next to us in Cozumel that they think they can call a ship, fully of Wal-Mart cashiers on their annual 1 week of vacation?” That did it for me.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I am with you John. Why should you apologize for something that someone else does not find humourous. Your blog is great and you are always honest about your opinions and I really appreciate your honesty. Keep up the good work and hope to see you on the Splendor on 8-30-08. Save some melting chocolate cake for me. Have a great day! Cathy
May 18th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
CHILLAX!
May 19th, 2008 at 9:35 am
John,
Good to know Mr Pucker and his partner will be on another cruise line. Interesting it will take both of them to show your comments to the Capt. Your words must carry a lot of weight…
Keep smilin…..see you in Jul
May 19th, 2008 at 10:22 am
John,
That passenger can continue to go with the other cruise line. He is not hurting anyone by not reading the blog any more….he is only hurting himself. Most of all…he is missing out on warm chocolate melting cake by staying away from Carnival.
Ruth
May 19th, 2008 at 10:33 am
No need to apologize for some Behemoth of the Seas aficionados …errr…. whiners/cry-babies/malcontents/pompous buffoons. Mr. Melling’s opinon is his own… however flawed it may be….
Life is indeed short and to get one’s panties in a bind over something so trivial is ….well ……insane.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Way to go John…as always we support YOU!
Cathy & Tom
Tampa
May 19th, 2008 at 10:57 am
John,
I was on the Carnival Freedom twice in a year and I just got back from the Legend of the Seas. My friend and I both agree that the Carnival Freedom was far superior in many ways; Ship, crew, food, cruise director and staff. Keep up the good work!
Pamela
May 19th, 2008 at 11:13 am
This was a very enjoyable read. Thank you, John, for doing what you do best. We’re behind you all the way. We love your sense of humor and this is your personal blog. I think it’s MORE than 99% who agree. Way to go, John!!!! :o)
May 19th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
John, your comments are well-received. I understand Mr. Melling standing up for a product in which he believes. But this is not a corporate arena, it is a family of bloggers. And if my experience serves me right, family talks to each other this way. They laugh, they cry, they cuddle and they cajole. They slap each other over the head, and never feel it necessary to say, “I’m sorry” because it was done in a spirit of fun and love. Gee–sounds like this blog!
A travel writer in Phoenix wrote of his experience on Mexican Riviera cruises. He recommended Carnival in particular over RCI because they had “…better entertainment, better food.” Who can argue with that?
I truly wish Mr. Melling all the best, and if he chooses to sail Chicken of the Seas instead of enjoying the wonderful amenities and staff of Carnival, well, good for him. He is a fine gentleman, and deserves everything his narrow-minded focus will buy him.
By the way, Mr. Melling, please accept this comment in the spirit in which it was given–push the chad all the way through–PLEASE!
Rus Franklin
May 19th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I can’t help but wonder if this gentleman was one of the ones that would tattle on little Suzy for chewing gum in class…
You poke fun at them and they poke fun at you. That is the way it goes. No harm is intended and it is all meant in fun. On our conference last year, we had the Carnival Sales Rep and the RCCL Sales rep in attendance. Both poked fun at each other constantly and both had great fun with it. Both lines are wonderful lines - quite different and have their individual merits. One that they share however us their sense of humour!! So Mr Melling, while I respect that you don’t like to see anyone picked on, I’m quite certain that if you do choose to tattle…I mean take this issue to the Capt on your upcoming cruise, you will see that the Captain will chuckle at this and perhaps even jokingly send you back to us with a comeback! Have fun on your upcoming voyage!
May 20th, 2008 at 10:46 am
BRAVO JOHN
ENUFF SAID!
May 21st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
I don’t think you did anything wrong.
Just my 2 cents.
Plus, it seems that the competition is more than happy to slander you.
I guess people can dish it out, but they can’t take it.
Thanks for posting and keep your head up.
Take care,
David
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