When you buy a washing machine, does it ever cross your mind that the water could be injected into the drum a little more quickly, or that the spin cycle could be turbocharged in some way? No? Well what about your lawn mower? Ever thought of chrome plating the blades or supercharging the engine and adding a spoiler on the back?
There is a very good reason why you leave your household goods alone; because you have a sense that they’ve been designed to be as good as possible, and that if you start tinkering you’re going to make them worse.
I bet, therefore, that your George Forman Grill maker is exactly as it was when it came from the shop — still in the box.
Therefore, when someone gives you a cruise ship that has proven successful for 22 years then you may be forgiven for just painting over the old logo and adding yours and off you go quoting the old “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” line.
However, while adding a Hemi V8 to your Fiat Panda or customizing your vacuum cleaner to look like the A Team’s van would be ridiculous, I have to say what Ibero Cruises have done with the old and trusted Celebration is quite extraordinary.
The ship is docked here in Genoa and today I was privileged to visit the new Celebration or as she is now called the “Grand Celebration.”
Just before I talk about the future let’s go back to 1988. I was a gorgeous and sexy Assistant Bar Manager…………….OK……………I was an Assistant Bar Manager.
I never got to be Cruise Director on the Cele as she was known but I do remember the ship always having a great spirit and a wonderful feel about her. So, 1988 was the last time I was onboard and until today I had never returned. I did though have many clear memories about how the ship looked and was excited to see the old girl.
I didn’t though……………because the old girl is a new girl and the designers and ship builders have done quite an extraordinary job turning a 20-year-old veteran of the seas into something current and offering all of today’s modern facilities and more.
They have opened the ship’s entertainment decks up by simply taking away doors and divides which have left the ship with a beautiful light and airy feel about it. There are new lounges and where once stood the aft lounge there now stands a fully equipped and quite stunning gymnasium and spa. This, along with the gorgeous pavilion bar on the aft open deck, stole the show for me.
I had gone onboard hoping that more memories of the old days would come flooding back but I was so impressed by the “new Celebration” that they never did.
The ship sails for Barcelona tomorrow where it will begin its cruising season carrying all Spanish-speaking guests. Then, in the winter she will go to Rio De Jiniero …….. Jenerio ….. Jinerio………….it goes to Rio where I am told the party really starts. The Captain of the vessel told me that during the Carnival week that people party onboard for seven straight days in various forms of undress……………….I intend to spend a week’s blogging during that time…………….without Heidi.
During the tour I did learn one extraordinary fact. The main theatre hosted a very special party for the cast of Miami Vice who were celebrating their successful 1st season. That must have been a sight to see Don Johnson and friends having fun onboard.
It was while we were walking through the dining room that I heard my name being shouted from the other side of the room. I have to admit I did not recognize the crewmember until he was up close. There stood Raul Xavi whom remembered me from the M.S. Holiday in 1987. He was a wine steward and I was a bar waiter. I had to admit that I would never have remembered him but I was so honored that he remembered me. We shook hands and I wish I could have spent more time chatting with him.
So, the Grand Celebration departs tomorrow and I wish her, the Captain and his crew good fortune. She looks amazing and her future is surely bright. She will also be taking with her the memories of thousands of passengers and crew for whom Carnival Cruise Line’s M/S Celebration was simply ……………the best.
John with a crew member who remembers him from 20 years ago
John outside his old assistant bar manager office
A first look at the Seaborn Oddessey
One last thing about the Grand Celebration. As I stood on the aft deck I saw something shimmering in the distance…………..it was breathtaking…………….and even though it’s very early in construction the Seabourn Odyssey is already something that dreams are made of. I am going to try and sneak a closer look tomorrow and my camera will be coming with me.
OK, you are building a new house. You see the plans the architect has drawn up ………..you say “yes, that’s what I want” you give them a few thousand dollars and you wait…………..nervously…………..hoping the house will be as you wanted it to be.
Now, imagine that and then imagine that as a ship owner you have reached into your safe located behind the picture of dogs playing poker, pulled out $700 million and change and said to Corrado the Ship Builder…………”OK mate……….here you are…………see you in 18 months.”
Well, 18 months later Mr. Arison arrived to see how his and my money has been spent ………when I say mine I don’t mean I loaned him a few dollars for a light bulb, but as a stockholder I guess it’s a little bit my money.
As apprehensive as Mr. Arison may have been can you imagine the poor project manager who had to show him around…….I noticed he was dressed from head to foot…..in brown!
So, they began their tour with Mr. Arison leading the way followed by Mr. Foschi the President of Costa Cruises. He is the most dapper of men and always looks as he has just leapt of the cover of GQ magazine. Behind these two men of biblical importance came the project managers, shipbuilders, designers, engineers, the Captain, The Chief Engineer, The Hotel Director, various crew members, security guards, and at the very end ………. Heidi and I. Honestly, Michael Jackson has a smaller entourage. At one point Mr Arison came to an unexpected and sudden stop and we all rear-ended each other……it wasn’t pretty.
We toured the vessel for two hours and by the end two things became clear. One ………….. like me, Mr. Arison was delighted with the ship ……….and two……I needed the toilet really badly.
Seriously, the ship looks amazing and although I was not privileged to hear discussions afterwards as they all left for a five-course lunch I could see by the smile on Mr. Arison’s face that he knew that once again Corrado the Ship Builder and the incomparable people at Fincantieri had built another brilliant addition to the fleet of Carnival …….the most popular cruise operator……………….in the world.
Oh, also a clue that all was well was the fact that the project manager didn’t need the small bottle of cyanide that he had brought with him and he left a happy man ……………. and alive to help build the next one.
A few years ago I remember visiting my mate Danny. He had a Ferrari, a Bentley and a big Mercedes…………….at the time I was driving an old Jeep Cherokee. I remember feeling how wonderful it must be to look out on your driveway and see those three cars.
I wonder then how Mr. Arison felt today. Looking out on his drive, he sees the Carnival Splendor, The Costa Pacifica, the Grand Celebration and the soon-to-be most luxurious ship in the world………..The Seabourn Odyssey. I don’t know Mr. Arison outside of a quick hello and the pleasant conversations we have when we meet……………but…………..I can only imagine that he must be bursting with pride and what he has accomplished and the permanent and ever lasting impression he has made on this great industry……..we should thank him………..I know you all will.
My Dad tells me every day how proud he is of me…………..I can only imagine how proud Mr. Ted Arison would have been of his son………………….and although I stood at the back of the entourage today a small fish in a very big pond………………….I was proud of him to.
Tune in tomorrow for some videos. Until then, here are some photos.
Couples Spa Suite
The Entourage
John meets Mr. Arison
John, Mr. Arison and Mr. Foschi
John with Captain Pagano, Chief Engineer Galotti and Hotel Director Puttock
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Micky
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Genoa, Grand Celebration
Lovely! I’m am thrilled with the rebirth of the Celebration and I’m sure her many faithful passengers will love to see these pictures.
I’m dashing over to Cruise Critic right now to post a link!
Thank you, John!!
Hi John & Heidi,
Very philosophical my friend, but my Forman grill has been worked to death & I plan to replace it with a new & improved model.
But the Grand Celebration – wow. I was never on her, just the Jubilee & Holiday. Awesome photos, and the Promenade deck will always be my favorite place. And there is no mistaking the funnel – no matter what color it is.
Thanks for sharing the story of the Splendor and your entourage. How come you weren’t in a hard hat? Can’t wait for the videos. And you, and everyone else working for Carnival, has every right to be proud of this new ship and all the other new ships in the Carnival brand. Bravo!
Have a good night,
Carol
John:
The Celebration was the very first ship that your friend DJ ever sailed on back in 1998.
That was our first family cruise and obviously it was wonderful or 21 cruises would not have followed!!
Mr. Ted Arison would be very proud indeed.
What a wonderful sentiment with Father’s Day on Sunday to know that Mr. Arison has made his father so proud.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John, in the picture of you talking to Mr. Arison he looks like he has a very big smile on his face. So I guess he was happy to be talking to you. He better be for all your are doing for the Corporation
In the picture of you, Mr. Arison and Mr. Foschi it appears everyone is enjoying your company. But it looks like all the people in the background are keeping an eye on you.
BIG ED
I think I read somewhere that the Carnivale is still sailing somewhere…..now, I’d love to board that ship again….and find the stateroom we stayed in on our very first cruise!
We have photos of very younger (and thinner) versions of Larry & Terri with the Carnivale in the background….and I remember thinking, the first time I saw her, it was a HUGE ship. Of course, now, she would look awfully small in comparison to the new ships.
Wonderful memories!!
Terri & Larry
Hmmm…I don’t Know, John. If I was invited to a construction site and then almost everyone there but me was given a hard hat – I’d be very nervous!
Has Carnival taken out a large life insurance policy on you, perhaps?
Nice pictures! Now I want to sail on the Grand Celebration. Although I’m surprised they didn’t try harder to make the funnel look different.
Carnival Splendor is looking sharp! More pix, please!
I loved the Celebration! I have been sailing with Carnival so long, I don’t even remember the date of my first cruise – but I have been on the Mardi Gras and the Carnivale a few times each (where are they now?), Festivale, the Holiday (my favorite) 3 times (once I brought a group of 21 people with me), Celebration twice, Fascination, Ecstasy, Imagination, and will be on the Liberty in July. This will be my 26th cruise. Unfortunately, back in the 80’s and 90’s, there was no frequent cruiser program. I’d love to see articles about old cruise ships and where they are now. Not that I’d ever want to be on one again because the new ones are awesome! I remember my cabin on the Carnivale was so out of the way, I could never find it. When you took a shower, you had to strattle the toilet!
John,
I think Mr Arison Knows more about you than you care to know. A person like him keeps an eye on all aspects of the company. and I am sure he is reading the blog from time to time, and that someone in corprate is keeping him upto date when his name is in here.
Someone asked about the Carnivale, I just read the other day that she has left Singapore for the scrap yards. the present owner was unable to find a charter for her. so another piece of Carnival history will be broken up for new cars or razors.
I do remeber sailing on both Jubilee, and Holiday many many years ago, and I enjoy the small ship over the big ships because of the better service you get when there are not 3000 people on board.
Take care John,
Your friend
Capt Bill
John -
You really seem to be enjoying these experiences – in fact, too much for it to be called work.
Our cruise on the Carnival Liberty was revealing for several reasons. First of all, I have reversed my stance on the casual elegance dress code on formal nights. It is night to get dressed up, but, after the passing of my mother just before the cruise, I really didn’t feel like it. The Mrs. and Ms. (who, BTW, is thinking about taking the Blogger’s Cruise) did dress and look quite elegant, but I generally dressed on the lower end of the scale. Still, there were plenty of tuxedos and gowns, so the mix was quite fascinating.
Second, I guess the Cruise Director can affect your cruise – I was really not enamoured with Steve’s style, but that is a matter of taste, I suppose. One comment I will make is that I never saw him anywhere on the ship, with the exception of the morning I went golfing in St. Thomas – and then only for a brief second.
Still, the cruise was a welcome escape from the recent events of my life. The Carnival Liberty’s first visit to Half Moon Cay did not go well, but I know they will get better at the task of getting the passengers off and on.
We loved our back of the ship balcony cabin and it was very nice spending the time with the little one – one revelation for her. She had a slight vertigo, so the idea of a cruise ship career is probably not in her future.
Anyway, nice to be back. Keep on blogging and I will keep on reading.
Jon
Glad to see the Celebration return to service, she was our very 1st. cruise out of New Orleans and 20 cruises later, she is still one of my favorite ships.
John,
omg, the old cele looks absolutley outstanding. Jacksonville and my wifey and I already miss her. It was good to see the big ships wheel still on board, but who’s got the trolley car????
daytona dan
Hi John,
Thanks for the pics & info on the Celebration. She was the first Carnival ship I ever cruised on & is responsible for addicting me to cruising.
The Celebration looks great. Many fond memories. She was the first ship that we cruised on as an entire family. Even though our kids are grown up and now have their own children, they still remember their first cruise on the Celebration
Muy bien John!! Bravo Ibero!!! Bon Voyage to Grand Cele as she begins a new and exciting chaprter!!It is sooooo important to hold onto these older treasures and give them new life!! And wow, cruising out of Rio at Carnivale….hmmmm. Never been there….
Thanks for the pics, and the vision of the chain collision….muchas gracias mi amigo!!!
I miss the Celebration. Isaw it in March weeks before transfer. Here is my homage to Carnival’s wildy successful ship for 20 years….
“Goodnight Celebration”
http://www.cruiseaddicts.tv/video/175
BEFORE they had dancers on the hull!
Hi John, You are so wrong about the George Forman grills. My first one was out of the box in less than a day. I have continued to trade up my grills the way I have traded up my diamonds. They have both gotten bigger and better with time. I still have them and love them.
Thanks for taking us to see the Splendor. I can’t wait to see her in person.
Jo
Good evening Mr. Heald. I’m so very happy to have found you and your blog way back in March 2007. I think back of all the great things that I have seen and read in your blog. Today I feel like a special person who has the opportunity of viewing a brand new ship, the Splendor along with you, Mr. Arison and the fantastic people who are along checking out this beautiful new vessel. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of going along with you. I can’t wait till tomorrow. Ciao till tomorrow my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John,
Enjoyed the pictures. Carl and I have never cruised on the Celebration. But my parents have and I have heard wonderful things about it and seen lots of photos. So, it was very nice to see the changes and she looks beautiful.
Looking forward to more photos of the Splendor!
Princess Barb
Hello John and Heidi, sorry to be sitting in the background so long, please know I faithfully read each blog, not as timely as I wish, but catching up is fun. As the Splendor nears completion, your daily reports and photos are beginning to rev my engine…counting the days till we board in August…..Cheers my friend, Ray & Deb
John, We are sailing on the Splendor on July 13th and I was hoping that she will have webcams.
I have a friend who is handicapped and doesn’t get out much but she felt she was getting to see some of Europe as she watched as we sailed the Mediterranean on the Liberty 2 years ago .
. She loved going into Venice and hopes to see some of the Baltics.
It’s also agreat way to relive some of the ports.
Looking forward to seeing you again next month.
Joan
I also have a George Foreman grill that has been used many, many times and I have also given them as gifts…..so there….LOL
My first ship was Triumph back in 2005. So I guess 20 years or so from now, I will reminice like all my blogger friends and remember the first time I ever set foot on a Carnival cruise ship.
AWESOME!!!!!!
Cindy
John and Heidi,
Great blog today John and the pictures are some of the best I’ve seen Heidi take so far and it looks like you might have lost a bit of yourself also. Keep up the good work on the diet. The new Highlight of my day is hiding out at work for a few minutes and reading the blog on my blackberry. I can’t wait to see what tomorrows topic of the day will be. Best to everyone.
Kevin
John…
What a smashing ship!! I love the little details and updates… The care and pride CARNIVAL takes…
It’s WONDERFUL!!! Thank you!!
Lambie
I’m certain Splendor will have webcams. They may not light up until the end of June, but they will be there.
I am expecting the ship to pop up here:
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/Global_Info.asp
And the webcams to be here:
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipInfo.asp?name=Splendor&channel=1
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipInfo.asp?name=Splendor&channel=2
At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I also plan on posting tons of pictures “almost live” from the first three cruises.
John – Thanks for the info and update on the Celebration. We got to cruise twice on the Celebration – once when she was new and again years later to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. In fact, the first time we were on the Celebration she was still one of the six largest cruise ships in the world. My how times have changed. Good luck to the ‘Cele’ in her new life as the Grand Celebration.
ATTENTION ALL
On my blog I have a page for anybody doing a Back To Back (BTB) on the 2009 Blogger Cruise. This will help all going to know who else is on it. This is open to ALL going on it. Just click on my name at the top of this comment to go to my blog then click on “DOING BTB” on the top. Just leave your info in a comment and I will move it up to the list.
For those not yet doing a BTB for the 2009 Bloggers Cruise just think of the fun you could have on this 9 day cruise. With the price of air travel going up why spend all that money for just a 5 day cruise when you can easily make it a 9 day cruise.
BIG ED
I am always glad when companies decide to breathe new life in older ships. A certain company long ago (at least it seems a long time ago) decided to take an older mothballed vessel of French origination….overhauled the old lady and subsequently revolutionized the cruise industry……. ( SS France became the famous SS Norway)
Similarly another company that we are fond of scooped up another older vessel (Empress of Canada) and revitalized her (MS Mardi Gras)…. and in so doing…. significantly and positively impacted the cruise industry with the idea that cruising is an experience that should be affordable and possible for everyone.
Celebration’s renovations look very attractive and I’m sure the rechristened Grand Celebration will provide a new market many years of excellent service. While it is inevitable that ultimately ships meet the recycle stage…. simply because of economics and the nature of the industry. Upkeep and safety gets exponentially more difficult as a vessel ages and the salty sea takes its toll on ships. Safety and design standards as well as customer expectations also change over time. The Celebration was parked in Nassau back in March and I wondered what was to become of her since she (and Holiday) were the oldest members of the Carnival fleet. Holiday is the last of the “little” Carnival ships …..will she too be transitioned refreshed and rejuvenated?
John,
I love reading your blog. You could write an account of reading the phone book and still make it entertaining. I’m curious as to, with all the publicity your “blog thingy” is getting, whether you’ve been approached or entertained the idea of writing a book on your experiences. All the books on cruising are either guide books, dry fact books or cheesy “romance at sea” books. I’d love a novel-sized “blog thingy” to get me through the year or two in between my own sailings.
Keep up the good work.
P.S.–any word from Simon yet? LOL
Hey , John
Well as you know I have just recently turned 12 so I was born in 1996.
By the time I had a clue of maybe not common sence but…..you know general knowlodge to relize things i was probably3-4 , and carnival ship like mardigrase,carnivale,fesivale wher all pretty much retired , however the tropicale I bealive ws about to be retired and I never saw any of thoes ships.
In 2006 i sailed oboard the valor and we wher re-routed due to a tropical storm and visited free port and if you know me i study every carnival ships itinarary before i go on a cruie to see which ones match mine in a port of call so as we docked and had the shore side clereance i stayed aboard to waite and…..sure enough there the majestic 47,000 ton little cele(as you probably know was her nicname) navigated slowly beside the 110,000 ton valor and docked whith eas.
I snaped some pics to remember when I become CAPTAIN JAKE SILVERBERG that as a boy in 2006 at 10 snaped a personal picture of the celebration by myself.
The piture I toke of her is buetiful and shows the whole ship.
I have an even greater story about the holiday that ill write when she is retired.
from, JAKE S. ( :
Thanks for the photos. I am one the passangers sailing next July 28th. We are expecting the opinions from the people leaving next Monday 16th.
Do you have any photos of the children’s pool or the children’s club?
Best regards
Inma
Hi John/Heidi:
What memories. So weird to see the Cele with the paintings on the side. Brings back memories for me from December 1988. Thank you for the trip.
Splendor looks so pretty. Can’t wait to see the final pictures.
SO exciting with all the things going on in Genoa. I feel like i’m right in the action with you.
Hope everything else is going well.
Take care!
David