She is fantastic, she is stunning and I want to be on her now! No, not Jessica Simpson ……I am talking about the new Carnival Splendor. I am so very excited having toured the ship just now.
Tomorrow, I will slap on loads of photos but rather than me describe the areas and before I send in photos who better than to set the scene than the man who has put his heart and soul into the Carnival Splendor. This man has an incomparable passion and a unique vision and he has kindly taken his valuable time to talk to us.
I am therefore proud to introduce Joe Farcus, interior designer of the Carnival Splendor.
I was just onboard the Carnival Splendor on Monday. It was special because she is close to delivery. The mess and chaos are now almost all gone. Chairs are coming in, the carpet is down, and the artwork is up. It’s almost finished! I was very happy indeed, not to mention excited. I don’t think I have succeeded so well before to create an integrated piece of architectural art. As you know I always start a project design with a Central Idea and in this case it was “Splendid Things.” The weave of the various designs to achieve the Central Idea, has to be an interesting story to me, which unfolds to the guests during the time of their cruise. I think we have a real page-turner here! It’s fun and beautiful.
The Casino probably epitomizes fun in the biggest way. There are the sculptural playing cards from a Royal Flush, leaping out of their two-dimensional surface into full form kings and queens beckoning the lure of the casino. The story extends to Africa in Manhattan at the El Morocco Lounge. The famous watering hole of Broadway stars, writers, and celebrities has been used for inspiration in designing this spot. It’s really mysterious and romantic with zebra skin sofas as her antecedent. The restaurants all feature the splendid pearl. Gold, black, and pink pearls are all represented as they string their way through the three different restaurants. They have tiny lights on their surfaces or in between to enhance their luster. The colors are chosen from the sea with Caribbean turquoise and iridescent pink mother-of-pearl. All of this is set a beautiful wood paneling.
The Atrium & Promenade are all rich, comfortable, & exciting too. Copper, pink and black stained woods, brushed aluminum, and glossy black tiles create the atmosphere. There are copper-leafed vaults and domes throughout and all with little color changing light bulbs in them. The Atrium and Promenade are the greatest spots to sit and watch the world and other guests go by in an ever-changing environment. Practically every corner is another place to discover and explore because of the ever-changing views and lighting. My wife says that this and the rest of the ship especially to appeals to female sensibilities. I’m very happy for this as I think male sensibilities are also part of the feelings onboard.
The magradome area is really magnificent spatially and it is also beautiful. (I am trying to be modest really). With the moving skylight closed it will be the largest public room on the ship. It is a food-fun-sun-pool-entertainment space, which also lets in the sun during cold or inclement weather. This in the Baltics will open up a totally new dimension to these cruises. We have taken the really successful main lidos of our ships and brought them up another notch or two. When you add the two water parks (one for kids) and the expanded sports facilities, the Splendor moves to the head of the fleet. The Spa is the largest we have ever done and is equipped and detailed in a way to stand up to the best at sea or ashore.
I really could go on and on and turn the architectural ‘book’ I first mentioned into a real book. Honestly I just can’t put into a few words how pleased I am with this ship. I have just been thinking about it over and over and cannot wait to see it when it is entirely finished at the end of the month. Now I will answer the questions you have asked.
1. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Mr. Farcus. We are all very excited with the Carnival Splendor just weeks away. Can you tell us how long ago you started planning the interior for the Carnival Splendor?
THANKS FOR ASKING ME. I STARTED DESIGNING THIS SHIP ABOUT 2 AND A HALF YEARS AGO. THE DESIGN REALLY STARTED WITH ADAPTING SOME OF THE NEW IDEAS AND INCREASES IN SIZE INTO THE GAP OF THE SHIP. THE MAGRADOME, THE NEW SUPPER CLUB LOCATION, AND THE NEW HUGELY EXPANDED SPA AREA WITH SPA CABINS ALL WERE PART OF THIS BEFORE THE DECORATION WAS DESIGNED.
2. Before we chat about the specifics, let’s talk about your bold colour schemes. They have helped Carnival ships stand out from the crowd and are certainly unique. When you were designing the Carnival Splendor’s interior what was your overall statement of intent with you design?
I CHOOSE THE COLOR SCHEME NOT BE BOLD PER SE, BUT RATHER TO CREATE THE EMOTION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE CRUISE AND THE PARTICULAR PUBLIC SPACE ITSELF. I SEE THE TERM OF THE CRUISE TO BE AN EXPERIENCE FOR THE GUEST AND I WANT TO DESIGN THAT EXPERIENCE WITH ARCHITECTURE & COLORS WHICH WILL MAKE IT EXCITING & MEMORABLE. THE SHIP IS NOT YOUR HOME, BUT RATHER A MAGICAL PLACE TO ENJOY YOUR VACATION IN WHICH COLOR PLAYS A VERY STRONG PART.
THE INTERIORS OVERALL REALLY FOLLOW THE STATEMENT ABOVE. I THINK THAT THE ACT OF TAKING A CRUISE ALREADY TELLS ME THAT THE GUEST IS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WHEN PEOPLE BOOK THE CRUISE THEY ARE BUYING INTO THE ROMANCE OF THE SEA IN MY VIEW AND THEREFORE THE DESIGN HAS TO TAKE THEIR FEET OFF THE LAND, THE NORMAL, AND TAKE THEM OUT TO SEA IN A VERY SPECIAL WORLD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THAT INITIAL ROMANTIC AND NAUTICAL DESIRE. THE SPLENDOR DOES THIS I BELIEVE.
3. Let’s start with the lobby. This is the heartbeat of the ship and I know you put your heart and soul into making this area something to talk about. What can you tell us about the Carnival Splendor’s atrium?
THE LOBBY IS THE MAGNET OF THE SHIP AND ITS NERVE CENTER IF YOU WILL. I SAY MAGNET BECAUSE IT’S SCALE, VOLUME, AND DÉCOR ARE CREATED TO IMMEDIATELY PULL IN THE EMBARKING GUEST. THE GUESTS BEGIN EMBARKATION WITH A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION AND THE LOBBY AND ATRIUM BEING THE FIRST SPACE THEY EXPERIENCE MUST TAKE THOSE WONDERFUL FEELINGS AND REINFORCE AND ENHANCE THEM. THE MATERIALS OF COPPER, PINK AND BLACK STAINED WOOD, BRUSHED ALUMINUM, AND BLACK GLOSSY TILES CREATE DRAMA & EXCITEMENT AND WILL FULFILL THE DRAW I WAS TRYING TO ACHIEVE AND INVITE A SENSE OF CURIOSITY TO EXPLORE THE SHIP. THE LIGHTING ALSO ENHANCES THE DRAMA AND CREATES AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT SENSE OF BEAUTY AND EXCITEMENT AFTER DARK. MY HOPE IS THAT THE GUEST IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCES ALL OF THESE FEELINGS ALLOWING HIM OR HER TO IMMEDIATELY GET INTO THE CRUISE WITHOUT ANY WARM UP PERIOD.
4. We now move on to the hallways and corridors, which like one or two other areas of the ship feature one of my favorite colors, pink. Pink represents health and happiness. Are these some of the emotions you were trying to convey with your designs for these areas?
ALL OF THE LOBBIES & STAIRS ARE SPLIT BETWEEN PINK, COPPER, SILVER AND BLACK. IN FACT NO COLOR IS CHOSEN INDIVIDUALLY. THEY ARE CHOSEN AS A COLLECTION THAT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS. MY LAST ANSWER ALSO GOES INTO MORE DETAIL TO CREATE THE FEELING DRAMA AND EXCITEMENT. THE SILVER COLOR BEING BRUSHED ALUMINUM ALSO HAS A REFLECTIVE QUALITY WHICH GIVES THE WALLS A LIVELY FEELING OF REFLECTED LIGHT. PINK IS ALSO A VERY GOOD COLOR TO ENHANCE WELL BEING IN MY MIND.
5. Onto my favorite area, the theatre. What can you tell us about what, I am sure, is yet another spectacular showroom?
IN THIS CASE THE ‘SPLENDID THING’ WAS THE SHOW ITSELF. CARNIVAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN NUMBER ONE IN ENTERTAINMENT AND I FELT THIS THEATRE SHOULD DO HOMAGE TO THAT FACT. SO IN THIS CASE I TRIED TO CREATE THE FEELING THAT THE WHOLE ROOM ITSELF WAS A STAGE SURROUNDED BY THE PROSCENIUM CURTAIN. SO BASICALLY ALL OF THE WALLS HAVE BEEN CREATED AS SPARKLING, FLOWING, AND RIPPLING CURTAINS, WITH SIMILAR DRAPERY SWAGS ALL OVER THE CEILING. THE CHANDELIERS ARE MY DESIGN OF DRAPING JEWEL STRINGS GOING INTO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THE EFFECT IS SPECTACULAR AND FIT FOR A SPLENDID SHOW.
6. Cloud Nine Spa will be for many an area that will be something they will never forget. What can we look forward to here?
SPACE AND MORE CHOICES THAN EVER. AS I MENTIONED EARLIER THE CLOUD NINE SPA ON CARNIVAL SPLENDOR WILL BE CARNIVAL’S MOST EXTENSIVE AND I’M NOT 100% CERTAIN, THE LARGEST AT SEA. IT IS CARRIED OUT IN A PAN-ASIAN THEME WITH PRECIOUS DECORATIONS & MATERIALS ALL SPRINGING FROM ETHNIC SOURCES FROM VARIOUS ASIAN LANDS. THERE ARE MORE TREATMENT ROOMS, A VERY LARGE THERMAL SUITE, A LARGER GYM WITH THE LATEST MACHINE TECHNOLOGY, THALASSOTHERAPY POOL, RASULS, SPINNING ROOM, ETC., ETC. PLUS CARNIVAL HAS CREATED A GROUP OF SPA CABINS JUST BELOW THE SPA. THEY ARE DECORATED IN AN ASIAN STYLE AS WELL TYING THEM INTO THE SPA. SPA PACKAGES ARE PART OF BOOKING THESE STATEROOMS AND ACCESS TO THE SPA IS BY A PRIVATE GLASS ELEVATOR. THE EXCITEMENT AND FANTASY WORLD ATMOSPHERE OF THE REST OF THE SHIP EXTENDS TO CLOUD 9 AS WELL.
7. Are there any other public lounges or areas of the Carnival Splendor that you are particularly proud of and would like to tell us about?
WELL I ALREADY SPOKE OF THE ROYAL FLUSH CASINO, EL MOROCCO, THE RESTAURANTS, AND ATRIUM PROMENADE. THE DANCE CLUB, CALLED THE RED CARPET IS ALL ABOUT THE FAMOUS AND EXCLUSIVE RED CARPET. PERMANTLY ENSCONCED IN FRONT IS A QUEUE OF BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE MANNEQUINS PERPETUALLY WAITING TO GET ON THE RED CARPET AND ENTER. HOWEVER, WHEN YOU, AS A GUEST, WANT TO ENTER, YOU EASILY PASS AND A GROUP OF PAPARAZZI FLASH TO MARK YOUR ENTRANCE. THE ROOM IS ALL SLEEK RED GLASS WITH POLISHED CHROME MOLDINGS AND BEAMS WITH ELECTRIC RED LIGHTS SNAKING THEIR WAY THROUGH THE CEILING BEAMS. THE LIDO RESTAURANT IS ELEGANT PERHAPS THE MOST ELEGANT CASUAL RESTAURANT I’VE DONE. BEAUTIFUL GLASS MOSAIC TILES ARE ARRANGED IN GEOMETRIC DESIGNS IN SOFT COLORS. COPPER COLORED GOLD LEAF IS ALSO USED THROUGHOUT ON COLUMNS AND BEAMS. THE CEILING IS AN ETHNIC AFRICAN DESIGN AND RUNNING THROUGHOUT ARE DOTS OF HANDMADE ITALIAN MURANO GLASS BUTTONS. THE RAILINGS AND PARTITIONS ARE MADE FROM SOFT YELLOW AND SOFT PINK GLASS VERTICAL LOUVERS IN A HERRINGBONE DESIGN. THROUGHOUT ARE MURANO GLASS WALL SCONCES & CHANDELIERS.
8. You are certainly somebody who, I know, works so hard to provide a fun and unforgettable experience for our guests. I have to ask you, is there a particular place where you dream up these amazing designs? How do you then take those dreams and make them reality, what is the process?
WHEN I WAS STUDYING ARCHITECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, MY DREAM WAS TO EVENTUALLY WORK AT HOME. WELL THAT’S WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR OVER 30 YEARS. SO IT’S A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME. IDEAS COME TO ME ANYWHERE AND AT ANY TIME. THE FIRST STEP IS TO IMAGINE AN OVERALL FEELING THAT I WANT TO CREATE. THEN I COME UP WITH THE CENTRAL IDEA I MENTIONED EARLIER AND THEN FLESH OUT THAT IDEA INTO DIFFERENT ARCHITECTURAL FORMS & STYLES, WHICH HAVE EMANATED FROM THE INITIAL CONCEPTUAL IDEAS. WITH THIS IN HAND I BEGIN THE DRAWING OR CREATING THE FINAL FORMS WHICH WILL MAKE UP THE ROOM. WE MAKE DETAILED DRAWINGS OF EVERYTHING YOU SEE AND THEN WRITE SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL OF THE MATERIALS. IT ALSO INVOLVES SELECTING ALL OF THE FABRICS, CARPETS, AND CHAIRS FOR THE SHIP. THIS IS THE END OF THE DESIGN PHASE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE HARDEST PART, MAKING THE DESIGN COMES TO FRUITION. THIS ENTAILS SEEMINGLY ENDLESS MEETINGS WITH THE SHIP YARD TO HASH OUT FINAL CONSTRUCTION DETAILS & MATERIALS. THIS IS ALWAYS A SOMEWHAT DELICATE PERIOD AS COSTS ARE ALWAYS AN ISSUE. HOWEVER WE GO THROUGH THIS PERIOD & ON TO THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION THAT GUESTS SAIL ON. DURING THIS PERIOD WE DEAL WITH CONSTRUCTION OR COORDINATION PROBLEMS & INSPECT THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION FOR FLAWS OR MISTAKES. IN OTHER WORDS IT’S A VERY MUCH HANDS ON PROCESS FROM FIRST THOUGHTS TO FINAL DELIVERY.
9. There must be so much pride in seeing your work finally unveiled to the Carnival guests. Do you ever sit in the lobby and watch people come on board and listen to their comments and look at their amazed faces when they see your latest work of art?JOHN, YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. I DO THIS ALL THE TIME AND HAVE DONE SO FROM SHIP ONE. IT IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT OF ALL TO SEE GUESTS COMING ABOARD AND LOOKING UP IN WONDERMENT. THE SHIP ITSELF METAMORPHOSIS FROM A MY PROJECT INTO THEIR SHIP. I VERY MUCH LIKE THAT FEELING. I BECOME LIKE A GUEST MYSELF AND CAN SIT BACK AND SAY HOW DID THEY DO THAT? EVEN THOUGH I KNOW, IT’S STILL HARD TO BELIEVE.
10. We all thank you for what you have done in the past and look forward with anticipation to your next project, the Carnival Dream. So, just between and me and you and the 2.2 million readers, what can we look forward to on next year?
WELL I HAVE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT THAT AS YOU CAN IMAGINE. I GUESS IT’S NO SECRET THAT CARNIVAL’S NEXT SHIP AFTER THE CARNIVAL SPLENDOR IS THE CARNIVAL DREAM. I THINK ALL THAT I CAN SAFELY SAY NOW IS THAT SHE WILL BE ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP IN CARNIVALS’ COMMITMENT TO THE LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE MARKET. THERE WILL BE NEW FEATURES THAT MAKES THIS SHIP INTO A NEW AND THE LARGEST CLASS OF CARNIVAL SHIP. EVERYTHING WE HAVE LEARNED WILL BE PUT INTO HER. I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT HER AND HAVE SEEN HER BLOCKS RISING IN THE BUILDING DOCK. WE WILL HAVE TO BE PATIENT.
Thank you Joe. We all salute your work and congratulations on another huge success.
Well, its bedtime for me. More tomorrow including photos of my new home.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Joe
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Joe Farcus, ship design, Splendor
John
Thanks for the excellent interview with Joe Farcus….a legend and a brilliant designer. The Carnival fleet has a definite pizzazz due to the incomparable contributions from this designer extraordinaire. Carnival ships are indeed a work of art. While there are always going to be critics out there that condemn the decorations as being over the top… but who needs their curmudgeon attitude…..the designs and interiors of the ships serve to enhance the cruise experience and they exceed in that regard. The whole of the architectural concept down to the minute detail help to WOW guests and they have been for many many years. Mr. Farcus and Carnival have much to be proud of.
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
John
Great interview with Farcus–the guy is an absolute genius!! As we prepare to go back on the Pride in July we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Splendor in California next year.
Thanks again.
Roger T
Joe Farcus is a freak — and I mean that in a good way. He interprets the Carnival spirit spot on in all it’s permutations.
The Red Carpet sounds like a blast. Will there really be flashes from the “paparazzi?” What a hoot!
On the Freedom, our minds were blown by all the changing color lights everywhere. On the Miracle, the Bacchus dining room was… well, words fail me.
Other lines make the ship’s decor the background. On Carnival, the decor adds to the spirit of fun, adventure and “we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
John:
As we talk with great excitement about the new Splendor coming out….it is sad that the Carnivale was sold for scrap last month.
It is sad when a ship is retired from Carnival, but generally it is going to another cruise line to continue to provide years of cruising fun.
But at some point it comes to the end of its cruise life, as with the Carnivale last month.
West Coast Ferries Forum – ss Topaz Sold for Scrap
May 21, 2008 … The 1956 built SS Topaz, Has been sold for scrap. The Ex CPR ship Empress of
Britan had been visiting Vancouver in recent years during her …
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Rus: what an excellant review. I can’t wait to gon on our second in January aboard the Triumph. I am so looking forward to the same service and smiles that you had. I love going cruising because it is one place where everyone is so happy and you can be nice and people are so nice in return. I wish everywhere was like that. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Deanna
John,
Can’t wait to see the pictures tomorrow. Hope you and Heidi are having a great time.
Kevin
John…
WOW!!! I feel like I just chatted with Mr. Farcus… the designer of the most famous silhouette that I know: the Farcus Funnel… WOW… he’s like pop star to me!!! and I just listen to him… WOW!!
The Carnival ships are beautiful. I’ve learned about the different art on each of the ships through friends on Cruise Critic and my own research. When I cruise, I look at the grand scheme and the details. I love to take photos and I love the small designs and nuances, as well as the “feeling” when I walk from area to area.
OUSTANDING!!! It always compliments the universal thing… the Sea: the openness, the endless horizon, and the colors of nature!!
And the fantasy of cruising… That’s the feeling allowed when I look at the ship and experience her. Thank you Joe Farcus!!! You are AMAZING!!! Maybe someday you’ll be on board and I’ll just sit and listen and question and learn…
John… I anxiously await the photos with renewed expectation!!! Thank you for bring us this interview!!!
Lambie
john you are like a kid in a candy store on a new ship, cant wait to see the pictures of the splendor, thanks mate. . Sounds like .Joe Farcus has done another great job with his design of a fun ship. Any word on the godmother
THANKS FOR THE INTERIOR FACTS!!!!!
John – Thank you so much for the interview with Joe Farcus. He is a true genius and I have been in love with his style from the first instant I stepped on board my first funship cruise (Fantasy). I was bouncing in my seat in anticipation of my July Splendor cruise as he described the flow of the interior. I can’t wait to see the pictures!
Dawn
p.s. Any word on the Godmother yet?
So, John and Heidi you are finally there. The hair stood up on my neck just reading your account of seeing Splendor in port as you flew in.
We are relatively new to adding comments to the blog, but read everyday. Can’t wait to see the pics. We don’t cruise her till Jan 09. Long wait, seems forever.
Mar & Steve
P.S. Good luck with the diet. Trying myself also.
Dear John I really enjoyed reading this review about the Splendor. Mr.Farcus is definitely a man who knows what cruising is all about. You can tell by his words he is passionate about his work. Just as you are. Can’t wait to see the pictures
Best Wishes Gary and Bug .
A splended interview Mr. Heald about Mr. Joe Farcus and his brilliant ideas for the Splendor. You sound like a child waiting for Christmas opening your gifts. I’m impressed of your enthusiasm and excitement regarding for the chance to step forward onto the deck of the Splendor. I’m also excited for you. I wish I could step onto the deck along with you my friend. Thank God we have your blog. I’ll wait for your enthusiastic words about being aboard the Splendor. Rest and dream until that time arrives my friend. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
[...] month you will see the final steps to the birth of another beautiful Carnival cruise ship. In a post on his blog on June 2, 2008there is a fine interview of the designer of the Carnival Splendor, Joe Farcus. So take the time to [...]
Can’t wait to see photos of the Splendor!
Terri
Hey John!
In less than 30 days my family and I will be joining you on the Carnival Splendor! We are very excited about this cruise: a great ship, a great itinerary, and most of all ~ the best cruise director in the world!
If you can answer just a few quick questions I would greatly appreciate it!
Will we board the ship in the shipyard or will it be moved to a cruise terminal in Genoa for embarkation?
When is the naming ceremony?
On our cruise will there be any special inaugural festivities that we can look forward to?
Other than the captain, Heidi, and yourself should we expect any other celebrities aboard: Joe Farcus, Lynn Torrent, Mr. Cahill, or Mr. Arison?
Finally, what type of Swedish fish does Heidi prefer: the multi colored ones, minis, or red ones?
In April of 1991 I went on my first cruise, aboard the Fantasy. Since then you have always been an inspiration to me. You have a true gift to entertain and make people happy! I have attempted to follow your zeal for life and have made my career in the cruise/travel industry. Thank you for passion in life and wish you the best of luck in your endeavor to loose weight. I look forward to seeing you on July 2nd in Genoa!
Thanks for the great blogs and have a great day! – Seth
you know it took me a few carnival cruises to “get” joe farcus but i love his work now! i learned to see it the way it is meant to be seen and he is a genius…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
ps: just “in case” he reads this, so far my favorite is the valor. amazing design…
John and Heidi, I can’t wait to see the pictures of the Splendor. I know it has to be gorgeous. I’m sure the pictures that I have in my mind can not do it justice.
Carolyn…. waiting impatiently for the pcitures and videos
John,
Just wanted to share with you and our extended blogger family our experiences aboard ship this past week. We have just debarked Elation in San Diego, and upon arriving home, I just had to write.
This was actually our third voyage on Elation, and I must say that it may have been our best. Why, you ask? Because of the PEOPLE! Beginning with Stuart Dunn (G’day, Stu!). A fine CD, he thrilled us daily with his talks. The people who support him on board were equally brilliant, especially his Assistant Cruise Director, Mark (or as he preferred to be called, “Marky-Mark”). With a sharp wit and contagious positive attitude, this young man is destined for greatness as a CD within the Carnival organization. His up-close-and-personal meet and greet with passengers to discuss life on a cruise ship offered excellent insights, and would be a valuable addition to every ship in the fleet. Keep your eye on this one, John. He’s a hot ticket.
Our room steward, Samantha from Thailand, was a jewel in the Carnival crown. We only saw her once—but our cabin had never been cleaner. She just went about her day in the background as if surprising us was her goal in life. Even the face on her towel monkey had more personality than any I had seen! She was in and out a number of times each day, and even though we never saw her, we saw her results.
At dinner, we were treated to the wait team of Edmond and Ray. Both delivered perhaps the best meal service we had ever experienced. Funny, cheerful, and exacting, we never experienced an empty water glass or a cold cup of coffee. Ray is so proud to be headed to Splendor in July to work with Ken. Edmond was very attentive, and on lobster night, he even offered me another when I finished. Unfortunately, although the Lobster & Shrimp that night were perhaps the most succulent, sweet and rich that we had ever encountered, at sea or on land, I had to decline his kind offer. Why? Because it was also Tiramisu night! That brings us to our drink waiter, “G,” who was jolly on the spot every evening with Shirley Temples for our son, Mark. We only had to put in Mark’s drink order the first night, and after that it was delivered as soon as we sat down, and replaced whenever it was even close to empty. He could have easily said, “There’s no gratuity on a soda card” but he didn’t. He treated our son as if he was bloody Prince Andy himself, and did it with a smile and a wry laugh each night. I’m just glad Mark doesn’t expect that kind of service at home.
Social hosts Annie, Danny Girl and Adam were so much fun, and we spent many hours with them playing games of trivia and sharing other useless information. I might also add that Adam, who is somewhat less than svelte (aren’t we all?) made a fantastic Cher in the Legends show.
This brings us to Maintenance—not of our cabin, Heaven forbid!—but of the ship in general. Elation is not a new ship by any means, but I must say that your people have taken wonderful care of our ship. Not a speck of rust or dirt, and all the walls were gleaming as if she had just come from the shipyard. The crew obviously took great pride in Elation, and it showed.
Lastly, John, I must comment on the attitudes of your people. As I passed each crewmember, I took time to look them in the eyes and say “Hello.” Every greeting was responded to in kind, from the Captain down to the window washers. And the SMILES! John, their smiles were so warm and genuine. In fact, at the outside Lido Grill, where I got my vegetable omelet every morning (extra mushroom, extra cheese), the grill chef had a smile that refused to leave his face—even when flipping omelets in the air and juggling orders. Absolutely spectacular.
Needless to say, we enjoyed every minute of our cruise, and are looking so forward to our next (our 10th!) October 12, wherein our daughter, Tracy, will be wed aboard Carnival Pride. And we are going on her HONEYMOON! Just in case the poor bugger she’s marrying needs any advice. Until then, we will have to live vicariously through your blog, along with all our friends and family.
Cheers to all, love to Heidi and Stephanie, and John, keep a stiff upper lip. My diet has started, too—and after this cruise, I NEED it.
Rus Franklin
Dear John & Heidi: Now you have really gotten me excited. Can’t wait til tomorrow when we will be able to see actual pictures..
Right now I’m contacting our group to make sure they read your blog….
Enjoy Genoa…..
Regards,
Terry
All I can say is WOW……. and ask (STEPHANIE CAN YOU HELP??) when are they going to have the Europe 2010 dates set
I am signing up for one the minute they become available, hopefully on the Splendor, but if not, I am sure I will get on her at some point!
Thank you Joe for the low down.
John, please pass along my thanks to Mr. Farcus for taking the time for this entry on your blog.
I’m sure that I’ve mentioned in the past that a major portion of my cruise experience is delving into the design of the interior spaces of the ship. No one, not anyone, can match Mr. Farcus for imagination or the ability to draw a theme together, bow to stern, and make the entire ship a visual and tactile experience.
Other ships my have color, other ships may have art but few ships ARE color and art. Mr. Farcus has managed to pull that off on every ship he’s designed for Carnival. What a fantastic accomplishment!
Thank you, Mister Farcus and thank YOU, John, for bringing him to your blog!!!
GregB
Hi John,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the interview with Joe Farcus. From the first time I stepped on-board the Jubilee I have loved his work. He is a true genius and I can’t wait to see the photos of the splendid Splendor (and then find out about the Dream). I closed my eyes after reading the descriptions to picture it in my mind.
It’s time for me to go home. I’m glad I saw this before leaving.
Have a good night,
Carol
Hi John/Heidi:
What a great interview.
Mr. Farcus is a legend and its nice to see how enthusiastic he is about the new vessel.
Thanks for posting and looking forward to hearing more.
Take care!
David
Hi John,
Thank you for the interview with Joe Farcus. I have been looking forward to that and he was as interesting as I imagined he would be. The different carnival ships always knock me out, but my favorite (so far) was the Pride. The Grecian/Roman feel was like a museum, but a museum you could play in! We are booked on the Freedom in the spring and looking forward to oohing and ahhing. Way to go Joe!