The hardest part of a diet is starting ……but I have and I admit I have found it as difficult as Paris Hilton would taking part in a 7th grade spelling test.
However, as I ignored the gorgeous looking Italian bread and instead ate a bowl of muesli I knew that I was not alone as many of you are joining me. Therefore, knowing that you are all suffering along with me makes me feel better……….actually, that’s bollocks because as much as I love you all our friendship is not as strong as my desire to munch on a huge bowl of Gnocchi at lunchtime………..instead, I ate green stuff which was as satisfying as eating a bowl of air.
Seriously, I know dozens of you have started a diet with me and many of you are donating money to your favorite charity and that……………..is more important than anything.
So, what’s happening? Well, we spent a few hours on the Carnival Splendor getting to know the new layout of the open deck areas and then spent some time meeting the cast and technicians.
It was strange being on the ship yesterday as it was a public holiday in Italy and nobody was working………..the ship was deserted. I am not sure what the Italian public holiday was for but it probably was to celebrate hair, fashion or the invention of pasta.
Most countries give people a national holiday to celebrate a victory in a war, the brave action of men and women or that their country has something to be proud of …………strangely the country with the fewest public holidays in Europe ….is France.
The ship truly is spectacular and even though there is still work to be done, all signs point to an on-time delivery. For those of you who have sailed previously on a Conquest class ship you will see a few minor differences along the Promenade deck including a new configuration of seating and staging in the aft lounge which is called The Moroccan Lounge.
While the differences along decks 4 and 5 are slight the changes on the open decks are immense. The mid ship pool now has a dome that at the press of a button can cover the deck area. The pool and big screen are still as on the Conquest class but placed differently and the whirlpools have been moved up one deck and have been placed against floor to deck glass giving you amazing views from the hot tub.
The aft pool no longer has the dome and now you have unprecedented views from the aft pool of the wake of the vessel and miles and miles of deep blue sea.
The Supper Club has been designed in a more open style and now you have views of the sea and directly down onto the decks below while enjoying that Porterhouse steak. Once I am onboard I am going to highlight a different lounge and guest area each day and will take many, many photos along the way.
For now, here are the photos we managed to take yesterday…………..I say managed because at one point we were told by the shipyard security that photos were not allowed. That’s because it’s not our ship yet ……………I will explain more about that in a moment…………but first here are some Heidi snaps.
Carnival’s Site Office in the ship yard, note the Carnival flag
Our New Home
Our new home
The Tower of Terror – the elevator to deck 11, John used the stairs
Lido deck mid-ship – note the space for the big screen
Lido deck mid-ship
Lido deck mid-ship
“Cloud 9″ Spa Reception
“Cloud 9″ Jacuzzi
“Cloud 9″ Jacuzzi
Main showroom “Spectacular Spectacular”
Main showroom “Spectacular Spectacular”
Main showroom “Spectacular Spectacular”
Rehearsals begin
The Splendor Atrium (it was very dark when we took the photo)
The Splendor Atrium
Promenade in front of “Royal Flush” Casino
Promenade in front of “Royal Flush” Casino
“California Roll” Sushi Bar
“Red Carpet” Dance Club
“El Morocco” lounge chairs with protective covering
“El Morocco” Lounge
“The Cool” Lounge
“The Cool” Lounge
Seats in the “Robusto” restaurant
“The Gold Pearl” Restaurant
“The Gold Pearl” Restaurant
Corridor art work
Deck 9 aft
Deck 9 aft
Deck 9 aft
The view from the “Pinnacle” Supper Club
View from deck 12, facing aft
John on the Supper Club dancefloor (the only time you will see him there)
John e-mailing PA007 on his raspberry
The most famous cruise ship smoke stack in the world
Carnival Water Works
View of the slide
View of the slide
The most famous ship smoke stack
Heidi on deck
When I say it’s not our ship yet obviously this means we have not taken delivery. That will happen soon but for now we are able to do little onboard. For example, the bridge and engine department are working with their colleagues from Fincantieri and the dancers and technicians are allowed to rehearse in the theatre (which is beautiful by the way) but that’s about it for now. On the June 9 essential staff will move onboard to set up the galleys, load provisions, and prepare the vessel for occupation of 1,200 crew plus many more visiting technicians etc.
As of now nobody is living onboard and the hotels of Genoa are full of Carnival employees. I am here at one of the best in the city; it’s called the Star Presidente. It’s a big hotel and I hope if the Presidente does come and stay he will receive a better greeting than the one I got from the grumpy old sod behind the front desk.
Carnival has a “site office” in the shipyard but here everyone is fighting for desk space and time on the computer. It is full of people coming and going and trying to get work done is pretty much impossible…………….so, here I sit in the lobby of El Presidente …………..it’s not a bad hotel really……………you can’t complain about the service because there isn’t any.
Each day more and more crew arrive to the vessel. The entertainment staff will be here next week and Ken the Maitre D will also be arriving soon. For now though, there is little for anyone to do onboard except allow our talented friends from Fincantieri to complete their work.
I on the other hand have lots to do and for the next 7 days this will be my timetable.
7 AM – alarm sounds, I swear and the argument of who uses the shower first begins
7 AM – I have lost the argument, Heidi gets more time in bed.
7:15 AM – I have showered, cleaned my teeth and am dressed and ready to go…………normally I would have added something else but because of my diet my poo clock is all over the place.
7:15 PM – GOD KNOWS WHEN – I wait for Heidi to get ready.
8:15PM – APPROX – Breakfast in the hotel.
9 am – 1 pm – Work in the lobby with the new laptop dancer computer thingy.
1 pm – 2 pm – lunch
2 pm – 5 pm – more work
5 pm – 7 pm – blog
7 pm – midnight – raspberry e-mails to answer with dinner
Midnight – bed
What are we working on? Well we have 29 different Capers to design along with entertainment, meals, activities to schedule. Then I have to write the bullet points for my port information talks and so much more. Thank goodness for Heidi.
Yesterday Queen Elizabeth very kindly agreed to break off from her busy schedule of waving to strangers to say goodbye to a dear old friend………….more on that in a moment.
A few years ago Heidi insisted that we take advantage of being in London and off and went to Buckingham Palace. I really did not want to go but I did, and this look at the palace and staterooms provided a rare insight into the life of the royals.
First of all, I’ve never really understood why the richest and most powerful of the world’s royal families has to live behind a Motel 6, working-class veil of net curtains. There are no nets at The White House or Versailles! However, as our guide explained it turns out they are weighted at the bottom and designed to catch flying glass should someone set off a bomb.
That’s something you and I don’t have to worry about, and nor do we have to share our house with 300 staff, most of whom, it seems, will one day call the National Enquirer with revelations on Prince Philip’s toilet habits.
Then there’s the bothersome business of guests. Last week the new President of Uzbekistan was scheduled to make a visit. Imagine what that must be like, having to shake hands and smile and have a conversation with a president of a country who she knows was elected because he had the most guns………….yet, she does this with such professionalism and I guarantee that President Borat got the same welcome as the president of France……………..well………….maybe better.
Just as difficult must be meeting people like me. Every day a bunch of normal people goes to the palace for an official function of some kind, and every single one of them, no matter how worthy they are, will feel an almost uncontrollable urge to steal something.
I have never stolen or had the urge to steal anything in my life…………..except when I toured Buckingham Palace.
Over the years I have been to friends houses and eaten and some amazing restaurants and have never once felt the need to steal a piece of cutlery
However, Buck Palace was a different story. After the tour you can pay extra for high tea in the palace’s music room and it was here that I was overcome with the urge to steal. I had my eye on the Steinway Piano but anything would have done. A cup. A saucer. A Corgi…anything………………however, I resisted the temptation and contended myself with the knowledge that I had gently farted on one of the royal sofas.
The worst thing, though, for the Queen must be the decor… The Queen is the only person alive who has to live in the past and can’t just pop down to IKEA and add a bit of Swedish flair to the place.
The palace is awash with depressing portraits of unsmiling ancestors who look like they are about to be beheaded. In the main corridor pink and gold sofas clash violently with the bright red carpets…………..that works on a cruise ship when you are dancing to Hot Hot Hot and drinking your twelth Fun Ship Special but when you are sipping on a glass of sherry listening to Brahms well that’s a different story.
The Queen can’t watch an episode of This Old House and think: “Right. I’ll knock through here, fit a new marble floor, some Turkish-style scatter cushions and top it all off with a 50 inch plasma screen with surround sound.” She’s stuck with what she has.
She’s stuck with her job, too. Of course, theoretically, she still has the power to start a war, though the world seems to be doing that ok without her needing to. She can also still dissolve parliament. Have you ever seen the Prime Ministers Question Time on CSPAN? Well, if you have, you will know what I mean when I say if I was Queen….sorry…..King and I had the power to dissolve those idiots I would have done so many, many times.
Imagine having the power to send that lot home………..but she never has.
Not even for a bit of fun, during a party after her fifth glass of sherry.
You may argue that these hardships are eased by her vast fortune. This may be true. But what can the poor dear spend it on? A Yacht? An Aston Martin? She’s not Madonna.
Some say she should be replaced with a president. But who, at a cost to the nation of just 82p per person per year, is going to live in what amounts to Liberace’s wardrobe, and spend their days making small talk with hundreds of strangers each and every day ………….nobody.
Well, yesterday, the Queen got to do something that I am sure gave her a feeling of mixed emotion. She enjoyed her day but at the end of it she must have been quite sad. Many years ago Queen Elizabeth named a ship after herself and yesterday she had to say goodbye to the world’s most famous ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2. This was her last visit to the vessel before the ship retires to pastures new in Dubai. Here is a firsthand account of what took place written by my good friend Mr. Peter Shanks. As you will see it was something very special here’s Peter in his own words.
John
We were together in April for the ‘Three Cunard Queens in Southampton’ and I remember saying to you – ‘it does not get much better than this’. Well it just did – yesterday in Southampton we had another very special day with Her Majesty The Queen coming to add her personal farewell to the QE2.
We had 300 guests at the event onboard QE2 yesterday, a mix of past members of the ship’s company, travel agent partners, dignitaries, friends and, of course, the press.
Another very special guest was the much-admired former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher. Most companies dream of having a visit from royalty or a former Prime Minister – the QE2 attracted them both.
Mingling with the guests in the Terminal it was clear we were set for a special day. Everybody turned up on time – in fact, mostly early – to enjoy the champagne and orange juice. The string quartet was playing and we found ourselves surrounded by famous personalities and by past QE2 Captains and Crew warmly embracing each other at such a special reunion. Former Beirut Hostage and long time friend of Cunard Terry Waite said he thought it would be a sad occasion, but he was quickly reminded that this is a ‘Farewell Celebration’ year for QE2 and there was no time for sadness.
Soon our guests were spirited onboard to the famous Queens Room to await the arrival of Her Majesty. In the Mid-Ship’s Lobby the ship’s company applauded and cheered Her Majesty’s arrival and she arrived wearing a beautiful lilac outfit and a lovely smile as she was introduced to the ship’s company by our President and Managing Director Carol Marlow. For me it was the second time I had the honour of meeting The Queen, the first being the day she became Godmother of Queen Mary 2. I have to say the second time was every bit as spine tingling and special as the first.
The real objective of the visit was for the Her Majesty to meet as many of the ship’s company as possible. She toured the ship, spent time in the famous QE2 wardroom, met many of our long serving staff and every step of the way showed real interest and enthusiasm for what is after all – her ship. It was her fourth visit to QE2, the first being at her christening in 1967. Onto the bridge – and a pleasant surprise for her to see that her ‘other ship’ Queen Mary 2 was also in town. Now you know that when you have famous whistles it is good to sound them at every opportunity. Sure enough, Her Majesty sounded the QE2 whistle and in the distance Queen Mary 2 responded. Or rather we think and hope she did – but the wind direction meant that we were not really sure – so the party moved on. It was important for Her Majesty to see Queen Mary 2 – she will very much take on the mantle and lead the Cunard Fleet once QE2 has finally departed for Dubai.
Next stop was a photo opportunity for Her Majesty and nine current and former Captains of QE2. The group included Captain Peter Jackson who famously took QE2 down to the Falklands. And the Lady who requisitioned her for that famous voyage, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was with us as well. The atmosphere in the Queens Room as first Baroness Thatcher entered, and then to a trumpet fanfare Her Majesty, was something very special indeed. What better than The Queen – in ‘The Queens Room’? After taking time to meet more of our colleagues and guests, past and present, Her Majesty unveiled a final portrait of QE2 by the famous artist Robert Lloyd – it was time for lunch.
As you would expect, the Chef and restaurant team surpassed themselves. It had to be smoked salmon with caviar followed by beef and an awesome pudding. But only on the QE2, in such wonderful company, could it be the best salmon, caviar, beef and pudding our guests had ever experienced. It was and they certainly won’t forget it in a hurry.
Her Majesty was having such a good time, she stayed 20 minutes longer over lunch than we had expected. But when she wants to go she goes. As she stood up, The Caronia Restaurant resounded to a loud ‘Three Cheers for the Queen’. Only in Britain, only on QE2 – and there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
Just to make it really special – as The Queen disembarked she was handed 55 red roses – it was the 55th anniversary of her coronation. And for her to spend such a special day with us made it all the more poignant.
The real heroes of the day have to be our very special crew on QE2. How is it that a ship in its 41st year can deliver such excellence? It’s easy – the wonderful crew onboard QE2.
Later last night and this morning – pictures and footage of the day were jumping out of our TV screens – and we made the front page of the Daily Telegraph. Why – because us Brits love our Queen – and we love QE2. It’s no wonder that we describe our brand as ‘The most famous ocean liners in the world’ – today was one of those days that bring the brand to life. I can guarantee that all of our guests, just like I did, will have gone home bursting with pride and eager to tell their families and friends every detail of the day.
So John – another special day for Cunard. Sorry you were not here to share in the fun, but don’t worry we have lot’s more planned for the future.
Best Regards
Peter Shanks
Chief Commercial Office
Carnival UK
Just one last thing, I am a staunch royalist and although at times the Windsors have seemed more like the Ewings at the end of the day there is nobody like The Queen ………. she named the ship……………….the ship gave thousands of people the voyage of their lives……………the ship is tired and needs a rest …………..Queen Elizabeth at 81 yeas of age is still going strong, doing what she does each and every day and like the ship that carries her name, people who have experienced meeting her will never ever forget it.
God save the Queens
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.
John, I meant to give you our room number on the Splendor and have you check it out and make sure it is finished and ready for our occupancy Nov 29th……; giggle. Will you and Heidi still be on board with Sue and Larry Frey and us then ? I can not wait to see it in person. I’m sure it is going to be absolutely spectacular.
Good work on the beginning of the diet. I think I’m getting exhausted just reading about everyones exercising including one certain princesses 6 mile hike.
Whew I’m going to go rest. This old woman is tired
Carolyn
dude! i love your queen. i wish we had one…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a wonderful blog!
Not only did we finally get some pictures of the Splendor, and she is indeed SPLENDID, but we also got wonderful insight into the another historic Cunard event. Nothing could make my day better with the possible exception of being served single malt scotch by Kylie Minogue…
Excellent blog, my friend… thank you.
GregB
John, just had a great breakfast. I had a couple Mc Donald’s breakfast barritos, juice and coffee. I think those are the best thing Mc D’s has come out with for breakfast. It’s so BIG and filled with sausage, eggs, peppers, potatoes and cheese. I bet you would just love them. Maybe you can get the chef to come up with a good copy of it.
“BIG” ED
John,
Ahh the diet dilemma, I almost tossed it all today for a slice of pizza but then i thought of you and the bloggers who were with us all in this we want to look good and be healthy so lets starve and eat things that taste like card board. The pictures you smuggled out of the yard of the Splendor are great. And I’m sure the rest are set to come soon. When does the ship start her sea trials ? It must be sometime within the next week or so if delivery is to be made soon. I know sea trials are very important for a ship as she has to reach a predetermined speed and her handling must perform maneuvers in a set amount of time at different speeds. I also know that you need to do a entire shake down of the ship like every toilet on board being flushed at once all the sinks being run at once all the heating and AC systems being checked and this is all very time consuming for you all. But it is important if I want to be able to say good by to mister cardboard and to Jaque Le Pu who is in the cabin next door and is about to take his first shower in his lifetime. So until the next blog don’t we all love salad. NO!!. but we are all eating it now. Best to Heidi, I guess you will once again be receiving phone calls at all hours because you mentioned your hotel. Maybe time to stay under a alias like George Hamilton Jr. ?
Talk with you soon
Kevin
“Have you ever seen the Prime Ministers Question Time on CSPAN? Well, if you have, you will know what I mean when I say if I was Queen….sorry…..King and I had the power to dissolve those idiots I would have done so many, many times.”
Yes. I agree with you, John. Dissolve Parliament.
Immediately.
Dr Crippen style – in a bath of acid.
.
mwaaaaahahahahahahahahaha !
Hi, John…. I’m sitting at my dining room table with my morning coffee and a bowl of muesli. I kinda like the stuff… you will get used to it.
Ok, I have to ask: why no pic of the piano bar!??
See you and the rest of the team on June 24.
Ron
Piano Man
Oh John:
)
Peter’s letter actually made me all teared up. I wish we had a queen to be proud of!
The Splendour is just magnificant – I’m envious of your new home
John, thanks for the “smuggled” pics and an update on the QE2. When does she leave for her new home?
Kevin, I think as our Celebrity Chef you should design some amazing salad options as by Day 3 – we are (already) tiring of the same old salad. I also have to admit that I slipped this morning – that waffle was SCREAMING my name. However, I did opt for no butter and used sugar-free syrup.
Have a great day, all.
Lori
HI John/Heidi:
Great pictures today and stories. Thank you very much.
Any chance you can post some of the pictures from the Queen meeting with the QE2?
Can’t believe that your move-on is just a few short days away.
Very exciting.
The casino on the Splendor looks amazing. The detail and art is spectacular.
Hope everything else is going well.
Good luck with the diet.
David
Hi John & Heidi,
You had your green stuff for lunch and I had sugar-free jello. Yum.
The splendiferous Splendor! The showroom is really spectacular! Great name for it, but I love the chandelier. And the El Morocco lounge really does look like its namesake.
I still have the same complaint that I read from someone previously – easier access to the Lido Deck pool please. The ladder access is not that easy for someone with arthritis. Please pass this along to the powers that be. Thanks.
Keep the photos & stories coming.
I saw the article about the Queen and the QE2 this morning. And yes, the QM2′s whistles did respond. I just looked up the QE2′s schedule to hopefully find that she will be in NY when I cruise at the end of September, but, bugger-all, she’ll be across the pond. (Am I getting the hang of it mate?)
There may be no nets at the White House, just everything else – bulletproof glass, sharpshooters on the roof, barriers in the street, not to mention all the cameras and detectors inside. What a difference from the 1800′s when there were sheep on the lawn.
Have a good night, and keep blogging – GODMOTHER ???????
Hugs,
Carol
John, I already have over 200 photos you have posted about the Carnival Splendor and the shore excurions you visited. To view them just click on my name above and then click on PHOTOS at the top of my blog. You will also find all the pictures John has posted here on his thingy.
BIG ED
John:
I have already walked my first 2 miles this morning and will be doing that again this afternoon.
I have never been a foodie, so the food part won’t change that much. What is the big change is the exercise part. I have always thought that typing on a computer (or singing karaoke) was all the exercise necessary to exist in this life. And until a couple of years ago, I was right.
But with age comes change.
And when that change means the difference between you raising your child or someone else (because they are alive to do it) … suddenly that Big Mac is not so important.
Again, this is not about pounds but about being healthy. We love you enough to want the very best for you. (and your little one in the future!)
OK Cruise Mom is off her soap box now!!
Talk to walk!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John and Heidi,
What wonderful pictures of the Splendor………I want to go NOW……July 13 can’t get here fast enough!
God save the Queens indeed! What a very special event that must have been wish I could have been a mouse in the corner. I remember watching Elizabeth’s Coronation on a tele that was set up in our grade school auditorium. I was standing aft on the Lido deck of the Victory in Boston Habour last October as the QM2 set sail and got to experience the sounding of her horn…….WOW!!
Kersplott
John – don’t start thinking about what you can’t have. Think of what you can have that is good. Think about how happy your body is going to feel, and how you are protecting your eyes, kidneys and muscles. Think about how proud Heidi is of you. Think of how in control you will feel at 240. HANG IN THERE. DON’T LET UP.
Hi,
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of the Splendor. Can’t wait to spend 20 nights with her (7/2/08 and then 7/13/08).
I emailed and wrote a letter to Chris P. (Carnival Entertainment) about the Tai-chi thing, did not get any reply. That’s OK, I will continue to practice that on board and welcome anyone to join if they want to learn.
Less than a month, we will be in Genoa! Looking forward to meet you all!
Rebecca
Hi John & Heidi
Thanks for the great pictures, can’t wait to see it for myself in August. Good luck with the diet, it does get easier.
John,
Thanks for the pictures! I wish I was sailing on the Splendor sometime soon, but with 2 more scheduled this year, it ain’t gonna happen.
You know what really sucks about the whole “lifestyle change?” There’s a freakin’ Mister Softee truck on every other corner in midtown Manhattan now! Talk about running the gauntlet!
Stay strong! Don’t give into the gnocchi now!
Cheerios (with splenda and fresh berries),
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura, the sweet and compromised)
Hello John & Heidi,
I must admit that I teared up when I read about Queen Elizabeth and the QE2.
About the diet – we have faith in you! You can do it! Maybe you’ve addressed this before I started reading the blog, but I was wondering how meals work for the crew members on a cruise ship. I know you have your own dining rooms in the crew area. Are your meals the same as the passengers’? Do you have any input as to the menus? Can you ask the chef for special things – like low-fat, sugar-free, etc? Are the personal trainers in the spa Carnival employees? Can they work out an exercise schedule for you? I guess I’m wondering if there is a way you can get the resources of that wonderful cruise ship to work for you rather than against you.
I still love the blog! Remember, we’re behind you every step of the way on this diet thingy.
Hi John,
Say, did you consult a nutritionist before starting your diet like you said you would? I ask because a lot of articles say it’s OK to eat reasonable amounts of pasta as long as it’s not smothered in something like a fatty Alfredo sauce. Here’s a little thing I found:
As a complex carbohydrate, pasta offers nutrients and few calories. At four calories per gram, pasta won’t pack on pounds unless you eat platefuls or pile on creamy sauces. Eating healthy pasta dishes with a simple tomato sauce and lots of vegetables and beans fights the saturated fat in your diet by taking the place of fattier meat-based meals.
So, by avoiding all pasta you might be making life harder than it has to be, John.
Anyway, keep fighting the good fight!
Hi John and Heidi,
Love the pictures of the Splendor and looking forward to sailing on her and seeing you again. It looks absolutely spectacular but alas no picture of the Grand Piano where Ron will be. Noticed that he missed the picture as well. Hope to see that soon. You are doing a great job and getting everyone excited about coming aboard. Based on your blogs, my clients and Joe and I have already signed up for excursions. Good luck with the diet – you have more will power than I do – I finally quit smoking 3 years ago – now I have to get busy on the diet thingy!
See you soon – August 18! 76 days but I don’t even have to count as the website is doing it for me!
Love,
Barb and Joe
John,
Thanks so much for the pictures. All I can say is WOW!!! I can’t wait to see her in person.
Dennis
Ah! Ron has a point! Could we see the piano bar? It would be nice to picture the Piano man there. Ron will you be on the Splendor? Remember the nice lady from Puwallup, Washington? Her son randy came home safely from Iraq. Do you know how many of us here on land love you? You know your crew and of course Lady Heidi, but we all are rooting for ya! Hope you make my pocketbook thin as Twiggie on a cabbage diet!
Yours,
Kap, Dan and Jeff
Hi John
Have been reading you each day since the beginning but haven’t posted much. Just don’t have alot to add to the many wonderful comments made by others. I did want you to know how much I continue to enjoy your blog. Who knew when you started writing, I’d start reading, and neither one of us (and a few others
)haven’t quit.
Thanks John for all the wonderful posts.
Great-looking ship. I wonder whether that small lounge on the port side on the back of the Promenade deck (I think it’s the Cool) still has a column in the middle of the dance floor.
Diets are h_ll but starting on day one is always the worst. Keep up the good work we are all behind you.
I got an email today with something I just have to share with you. No offence meant towards anyone, this is simply to add to John’s apparent dislike of the French.
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, ‘Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?’ Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied ‘Maybe it’s because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.’
You could have heard a pin drop.
Hope that gave you a smile!
Hey John!
I’ve been on a few Carnival cruises now, and I’ve had a blast, especially on the Liberty! I’m amazed by the industry, and about half way through the Liberty cruise thought to myself, “this would be an awesome job!” I wanted to get a chance to ask Steve about how to get started in the entertainment department as a host, but everytime I saw him he was being mobbed by 20 other people…so I hope it’s okay if I ask you. What would be your reccomendations to me as to getting a career started as a social host with Carnival? Thanks for any advice you can give!
Best Regards,
Kyle
Hi John and Heidi,
The ship sounds wonderful, but I did hear something today that broke my heart. The Carnivale is being sold for scrap! I know it eventually has to happen but that was the first cruise ship for my family. I remember ariving and thinking how big she was. I would have loved to see her next to todays mega ships. It’s funny The Carnivale didn’t have a single balcony, no rock wall, no ice skating. It did have 1 diningroom where every meal was eaten as there was no buffet, everyone dressed formally on formal night and seemed to enjoy it. There were things like a lot of bunk beds, limited outlets and qestionable a/c but I fell in love with this ship and cruising on her. I had wanted to go on a cruise since Love Boat days but it took me years to talk my husband who had been in the navy for 10 years. Now he would go every week if we could.
Enclude us in the mourning at the loss of this ship.
David and Barbara Butler
Laura:
Just repeat after me….
“Mister Softee FAILED his health inspection!!!!!”
Linda
Good evening Mr. Heald & Heidi. It’s great to know that you both are aboard the Splendor even though it’s not officially yours yet. As far as your diet, eating is in the mind and if you basically just eat in proportions you’ll eventually start losing the pounds. The real thing is trying to tell yourself not to eat more then you need. That my friend is the challenge. You should be able to eat whatever you what but proportionally. You can even have dessert but in proportion. That is where my big challenge is, the amount of food which I enjoy. Stick to it Mr. Heald and together we will succeed. The pictures of the Splendor were unbelievable. More, more, more. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
The pictures are fabulous!!! Sure wish I could be there with you. Unfortunately we had to cancel our cruise in July with you and Heidi on the Splendor. ;-(( Hopefully, we will be able to cruise with you a little later.
Looking forward to seeing more photos later…. She is a magnificent ship and Joe Farcus has done a magnificent job!
Princess Barb & Carl
John,
Such great pictures. Hopefully, one day I will be able to sail on her.
Shout out to Ron Pass! Can’t wait to see you on Blogger’s Cruise 2. FAT BOTTOM GIRLS, please.
John, so proud of you and all my fellow bloggers as you strive for a better lifestyle. Ignore the naysayers and the ones who try to tempt you. You can do it!
Best to Heidi!
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single
John, I want to tell you how proud we all are of you and your quest to diet, exercise and lose weight. I know it is hard, but it is worth everything you are doing.
I have a friend who is a diabetic. He and his
wife used to teach country western dancing. I took lessons from them for years. He won’t be dancing anymore he lost his leg below the knee, his wife is also a diabetic and she has neuropathy in her feet now. My dance partner was only in his 30′s when he lost his eyesight and when he was in his 40′s he went into kidney failure and passed away. These aren’t pleasant things to think about. I know dieting is no fun, but Heidi loves you,as well as all of us bloggers and we want to see you around for many years to come. We want to see you two become parents and for you to be around to be a healthy father.
When you were little
you learned to walk one step at a time, when you fell you got up and tried it again.
Now you are learning a new life style and you take it one meal at time and one day at a time. If you fail and eat something you shouldn’t, don’t give up, get up and get back on the diet.
We’re all here praying for you and rooting for you ever step of the way.
Keep up the good work.
Don and Carolyn
Laura– Great advice fresh fruit with splenda-didn’t think of it- Thank You!
Great pictures, she’s lovely!
SPLENDID SPLENDOR!!! Just SPLENDOR-FUL!!
Sorry… but the the photos are GREAT!!! I see why you did the Farcus interview!! His latest is a dream!!! WOW!!!!
Keep up the good work on the new eating habits. You have a whole Blog-full of friends praying for you!!!
Lambie
John and Heidi,
Thanks for the ships pictures…looks great !! Can’t wait for you to start replying to our comments again !!
Mark,Amanda and Catie
BTW…we had a great breakfast Sunday morning at the Waffle House….we thought of you both and Al
God bless the Queen. I grew up in the UK. My mum was also a staunch royalist. I can remember like it was yesterday my sister and I eating breakfast before school and mum reminding us that today was the Queen’s birthday, like she was family.
Great pictures Heidi thanks.
Best Regards,
Marlene & Steve
great pictures john and heidi, wow she looks different in some area, pool and supper club looks great. Ron and all the piano bar fans wants to know what happen to picture of piano bar????
John,
Like others, I’m a pioneer blog thingy reader but rarely post. Just want to add my moral support to you for the diet, hang in there! You can do it!
My husband is a team headwaiter, currently due to join the Fantasy in New Orleans next week. He is a fitness buff, a former gym instructor and personal trainer. If some day he gets assigned to the same ship as you, I will tell him to help go where you have never gone before – crew gym!
From a fellow diabetic,
Risa
Please tell me that Heidi refering to the Robusto lounge as a restaurant was a misprint.
Enjoying a quiet drink and a smoke whilst listening to cool jazz after dinner has always been a cruise highlight with me.
I tried the Sports bar cigar bar on the Legend and it just isn’t the same.
John,
Thank you so much for the pictures! The morning had been very hectic and thenI decided to check the blog. As I looked at the pictures, tears streamed down my face because I knew the Splendor was no longer an artist’s rendition. It was an actual ship and I would be on the maiden voyage! I am absolutely estatic!
We are so looking forward to July 13th. Our daughter had called last night and left a message that we had given her the wrong dates for the cruise. She could not find the July 13th sailing-only the 25th. I called her back and explained that the ship was full and they were no longer showing that date as an option. She was greatly relieved because she is just as anxious as we are to get on the ship and relax.
Enjoy your time on the new vessel. Your new home is absolutely beautiful! I LOVE IT!!!!!!
Keep the info coming. Less than 40 days now!
Ruth
Hey John! I’ve been camping out in the boonies for a few months… Now I have mobile broadband internet, so I can keep up with y’all! Yep, even in the boonies. Technology rocks!
Nice ship! Looks like you and Heidi have a beautiful new home…
I know the challenge of starting a new business (ship) is fun, but it’s also hard work. Please be sure to take some time for yourselves and stay healthy. Don’t forget to wash your hands!
Hugs!
)
John,
I’ve battled the bulge all my life and two years ago before turning 60 I decided I was going to lose the 35 pounds and keep it off. Done! Yipee!!!
You can do this John! Everyday gets easier when you make the right choices…why because YOU are in control! I know everyone is proud of you…key is remembering how healthy you will be and how much longer you can live so you can take us all on cruises.
We went on the Freedom last May, 2007 and met you for the first time. You certainly are an amazing man and loved just being in your presence.
Your heart shines through in every word…jokes included.
Looking forward to making another trip with you and the fabulous team!
Go for the GOLD John…your health!
Happyinher60′s!
John–I just came back from Yoga class. What exercise have YOU done today? Just checking….Robin
Very cool blog today. I especially loved reading about the Queen. I have for some reason become interested in the British Monarchy since watching the second season of the Tudors on Showtime. Fascinating stuff!!
Thanks for the great pictures! I can’t wait to see her in person. Just 185 days to go!!
Great pictures was able to get a date for the 18 August and after sailing on freedom last year and the Glory a few years before we were so happy to make it again. Is it true that a lot of the crew from the freedom will be aboard the spendour??? Dont worry about the diet when i was in my teens i drank way to much smoked like a train and when i was 30 i stopped smoking cut down my drinking and got fit. The result is im falling aprt and in and out of hospital at 36. So may advice enjoy yourself.
We can’t wait to be on the Splendor in Dec. I thank you for the pictures! We have only been cruising since May 17,2006, when we chose the Carnival Spirit to Alaska for our 25th wedding anniversary. Since then I have been on a total of 4 Carnival cruises, with 4 more booked! ( Randall, the hubster, has been on one less than I have.)
We can’t wait for our next cruises, Nov 30, 2008 on the Freedom and then Dec 13,2008 on the Splendor. We hope you and Heidi are still on the Splendor at that time, we would love to meet you!
Hang tough with the diet. I know it is hard, but worth it!
since I have some Warm Chocolate melting cake pounds to loose…I will join the ranks and diet too!
Julie & Randall
BRAVO MY FRIEND!!
FROM YOUR BIGGEST CHILD FAN ( :
Hi John!
I’ve never been here before, but as I was on Carnival’s site today checking up on the Splendor’s progress, I saw your picture in the link to your interview with her interior designer. I was so excited to learn that the Splendor will be your new home as I sailed on a Carnival cruise with you back in October 2003 on the Triumph and had the best cruise of my life…I’m soon to be a six time cruiser
What you and your staff took that couple celebrating their anniversary through was certifiably insane and off the charts entertaining! That cruise was taken with a group of 9 which included my mother, siblings, and our children, and you and your staff made it one of the most memorable adventures of our lives; so much so that this time I have convinced a group of 26 friends and family members to sail on the Splendor when it sets sail on November 21st from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This trip will include my 84 year old Grandmother Mary who has never before left the shores of America and will go all the way down to my 3 year old great neice Gabriela, both of whom will be taking their first cruise.
I know that as always on a Carnival cruise I will have the time of my life, but now having stumbled upon the possibility that you might be along for the ride my giddiness is approaching a whole other level! Here’s hoping to have the present of your presence on yet another vacation of a lifetime!
John,
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful pictures and words. My husband and I will be setting sail on the Splendor on Nov 29th to celebrate our one year anniversary. This will be our first cruise so I have been over and over the carnival site looking at all the information, however i have found your blogs to be the most informing. We only have 10 days till we board and hopefully we will have the pleasure of meeting you while there. Thank you again for your posts.
Kelley and Daniel D
Hi John,
Will you be on the Splendor December 27th, 2009?
Best, jim