Tuesday, June 17th, 2008...10:23 am
It’s Not a Dream….But It Is A Brilliant Voyage Down Under
Every now and then some glossy magazine produces a list of the best cities in the world, the places you’d most like to live.
Last year I remember the winner was beautiful Vancouver, with judges saying the quality of life is good and the threat of terrorism low. I can add more. The cafes around the harbour are lovely, there’s a good mountain backdrop and lots of lap dancing clubs……………….allegedly..
Other cities that have won……Vienna, Calgary, San Antonio, and the sleepy and somewhat boring city of Zzzzzurich and so on.
They even found a few kind words to say about Singapore, where you can be beaten and subjected to intimate body searches if you are found with chewing gum.
I was therefore interested to read last week that academics at Cambridge University had conducted a survey to find the place where people are most “happy and contented.” That seems a much better basis for discovering what’s what ……………rather than a survey conducted by a magazine that has a photo of David Beckham in his underpants on the front cover.
Canada came third, which isn’t surprising since they have so much space, diverse scenery, beautiful seasons and Celine Dion. Sweden was second, and again, I understand why. The women are all gorgeous and the men all look like Thor and they spend most days naked together, in a Sauna
But the winner I don’t get at all. Yes, a full eight places higher than Britain and eleven places higher than the USA…… the happiest, most contented place in all of the world is . . . Australia.
Now the UK and Australia have a very close relationship built on trust and honor and based on the fact that in the 19th century the UK sent all their most despicable criminals to the land down under to work.……we also never miss an opportunity to make fun of each other and when we play each other at sports……..well….winning is everything
Beating the Australians at rugby or cricket would be like beating the Americans at baseball or the Russians at ice hockey. Beating them is the single most deliriously joyful thing ever ……except when we beat the French………………at anything.
Why is Aussie such a good place to live? Well, they go to work in shorts and that’s a good enough reason to hate them. Also, they have cookers in their kitchens but choose to cook their shrimps in the garden. And the only invention to have come out of Australia, ever, is the rotary washing line.
But that aside I can fully understand why the people are so happy and content living down under and none more so than the lady I am about to introduce to you here.
Please meet Ann Sherry the Chief Executive of Carnival Australia………….strap yourself in for this one…………this brilliant lady is about to take you on a grand tour of her beautiful country and I think after reading her interview you will understand ……… why Aussies are so happy and content.
Here’s Ann.
1. G’day Ann……..didn’t know I could speak Aussie did you. Can we start by having you tell us a little something about yourself and your career so far? Who is Ann Sherry?
Aussie, formerly a banker (CEO Westpac NZ, CEO Bank of Melbourne), worked for Australian Government – adviser to Paul Keating when he was Prime Minister on the status of women in Australia. Described as having a big personality???? Passionate about what I do. Love getting businesses to really fire and believe you do that through your people. Believe great customer service is the key to word of mouth referral – the cheapest and best form of advertising.
Married (to the same guy forever) – one son, Nick, lots of fun. Have a farm we go to recharge and relax – love the beach and we are all surfers – although Michael and I have hung up our boards and now body surf.
Am up for an adventure – sailed in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in 1995, trekked in Rwanda to visit the mountain gorillas in 2005 and in India to see the tigers in 2004. Traveled overland through Sudan and Ethiopia to find the source of the Blue Nile. Love travel.
Varied career – started my working life as a radiographer, retrained in economics and politics, postgraduate studies in Industrial Relations. Have worked in health, government, banking and now cruise shipping. Have worked and lived in Australia, UK and NZ.
Have also been on numerous Boards both commercial and not for profit – Monash University (Melbourne), Visa Asia Pacific, Special Olympics Australia, Catherine Freeman Foundation, Indigenous Enterprise Partnerships, Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, Wilson HTM. Working for many years with indigenous communities in Australia, building business capacity and funding raising for education scholarships.
2. Carnival Corporation’s operation in Australia is relatively new but expanding. Can you tell us all about our presence down under and which ships operate under your management?
Carnival Australia directly operates the P&O ships Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun – we also look after the Princess ships – Sun Princess and from October, Dawn Princess. When the round-the-world ships are in our waters we look after them too – Cunard ships Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, P&O UK ships. We sell to Australians all of the global brands – Seabourn, Costa, Princess, Cunard – Australians love to cruise and the numbers are growing rapidly.
The market has grown from having one ship based here for many years to now having nine ships here for all or part of the year. In 2007, more than 250,000 Aussies cruised – more than double the number in 2003. Our growth is over 17% per annum.
We mange the market and the contribution Australia/NZ pax make to the international company and all the global brands as well as manage our own ships.
3. Australia gives wonderful access to some amazing ports. Can you tell us about some of them?
Let’s start with Sydney – one of the world’s great harbours. Coming in through the Heads at dawn, the city is hidden from view until you enter the harbour, then as if by magic, it emerges from the dawn and the iconic buildings appear, the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge framing the skyline. The ferries are staring to run, the sun shimmers on the harbour waters, and the harbourside homes have the sun reflecting from their picture windows – nothing like it anywhere else.
We move up the coast to the Great Barrier Reef – sailing by some of the world heritage listed athols – white sand, crystal clear water, turquoise blue sea – towards Cairns – where you can either go to the Reef on small craft or trek to the rainforest where the canopy is so thick you see the sun as shafts of light penetrating through small gaps in the tree tops. Water so clear and cold you can drink from the streams.
Around the top end to Darwin. Tropical yet bounded by semi desert. Crocodiles in the water – giant turtles and Dugong (the sea cow – a giant mammal). Darwin is where Australia almost touches Asia – a very Asian city – yet filled with indigenous culture and heritage. Keep traveling around the top end and you get the Kimberley’s – ancient canyons, red ochre, blue sea – the remnants of the world most ancient continent – dramatic landscapes. Stop in Broome – home of the famous Australian Pearlers and the place to buy giant white pearls (every woman needs at least one set). Again, red cliffs, blue sea. Wild Australia just out of town.
Melbourne – elegant with the ships docked right inside the harbour. Visit some of Australia’s best arts institutions, eat some of the world’s great food, and walk around a city that is modern with great contemporary architecture yet fringed with elegant Victorian homes and buildings. A city where fashion is prominent and elegance is everywhere.
I could go on but think you will have to visit to see the rest……
4. Do you have a personal favorite and if so why?
Arriving in Sydney is my absolute favourite – but entering Milford Sound in NZ is the other – why? Sailing into a fiord with snow-covered peaks and lush forest meeting the water – in a pristine landscape takes your breath away. From the sea is the only way to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of this landscape – you can’t get to it any other way.
5. How about Australians themselves and their love of cruising. I have seen many sail with me over the last few years with Carnival, do Australian’s love to cruise?
Oopps, I guess we have to include New Zealand as well. Aussies and Kiwis are learning to love to sail. Many love it already and are avid cruisers – we are now getting more and more people aboard (pardon the pun). We live by the sea so have taken it for granted I think – we have had so few options in the past – now we are being more innovative with itineraries, the ships are better equipped for a broader market, the word is getting out that this is the best way to holiday……
6. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the industry in Australia?
We want to be the fastest growing cruise business in the world – that means getting more ships to our market and each year continuing our growth rate of at least 16 – 17 %. We will be a $1 billion industry by economic contribution in 2010 and potentially a $3billion by 2020. We are ambitious for the industry here and the opportunity!!!!
7. My wife refuses to visit your beautiful country because you have spiders the size of Hummers. However, I have been and like millions of visitors, I was enthralled by its diverse beauty. If someone had a one-week pre cruise stay in Aussie, what would be your recommendations of what to see?
Spiders the size of hummers and snakes that can kill elephants are part of the rustic charm – and adventure.
If you had a week pre-cruise I would recommend you go to the centre of Australia and visit Uluru, and the central desert for four days. Nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Stay in elegant tented sites in the midst of the desert. The traditional owners live nearby and are happy to share their knowledge of the land and its history. The scenery takes your breath away and is a lesson in ancient plant forms, as well as anthropology. Then I would come back to Sydney and travel to the Hunter Valley where some of the world’s best wine and food is grown and made. Spend a couple of days going from winery to winery tasting – spend the evenings in restaurants looking out over vineyards, eating great food and drinking more great wine. Have dinner at Tetsuya’s the night before you board. One of the Top 10 restaurants in the world.
8. I heard that the Queen Victoria received the most amazing welcome in Sydney early this year. Can you describe what happened?
Sydney loves the spectacle of the grand dames of Cunard – the city turns out in force. Thousands of pleasure craft met her as she came towards the Heads and escorted her in to the harbour. Tens of thousands lined the harbour foreshore to see her and greet the passengers. It was a welcome that made passengers weep.
When she left we had a passing of the Queens – QE2 on her final exit and Queen Victoria on her first, passed in the centre of the harbour – then Sydney really went off. A picture tells a thousand words – so the pic attached. It was a great day and one that people still refer to as the best event of the year.
9. Finally, for guests coming to take a cruise from Australia they will need to speak the language. Can you teach us a few good Aussie words?
A few words that you need to get by
G’day = hello
Howzitgoing = how are you today
Great mate = I am well thanks
Come over for a barbi = would you like to come to my house for lunch
Don’t come the raw prawn with me = please do not treat me like an idiot
Togs = swimsuit
Sangas = sandwiches
Bonza = fantastic
Sheila = woman
What do you do for a crust = where do you work?
Stuck up = pretentious
Up yourself = pretentious
Give us a break = don’t be sillyThe rest you have to work out, it is part of the fun.
10. In the tradition of the blog time for some fun, you are throwing a barbi and can invite six famous guests, before you tell us who, what’s on the barbi?
Some snags, a prawn or two, a beautiful big delicious angus beef steak, a couple of spuds roasting away and of course there is beer, wine and waiting on the table is some large fresh green gourmet salads.
Now, let’s see who you invite:
Someone from the cruise industry: Micky – to get him to OZ
Someone to make you laugh: Ruby Wax – fave comedian and irreverent
A handsome famous actor: Hugh Jackman – local but international – can sing, dance and act – a rare combo – a looker!
A musician: Andrea Bocelli and KD Lang – voices of angels – contemporary and opera
A sports person: Cathy Freeman – great human, an Aussie icon after her Sydney Olympics win, philanthropist (and godmother of Pacific Dawn)
A cruise director (I love a barbi): Guess that would be you as you are now the best known cruise director in the world and I will need some help with this lot
What a vibrant interview and let’s all thank Ann for putting her heart and soul into the interview and thank her also for those beautiful photos. Congratulations Ann and I know I speak for many when I say that I hope one day to sail on a ship in and around Australia……………………….we are still better than you at cricket though!
More news………….and another Carnival award to proudly announce.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES EARNS ‘BEST CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINE’ HONORS IN TRAVELAGE WEST’S ‘WAVE AWARDS’
MIAMI (June 16, 2008 ) – Carnival Cruise Lines was named the “top contemporary cruise line” at the recent WAVE (Western Agents Votes of Excellence) Awards presented by TravelAge West Magazine.
The annual awards, which recognize travel companies in a wide range of product- and service-related categories, are based on feedback from TravelAge West readers, which include travel agents from 14 western U.S. states, as well as information gleaned from the publication’s editors.
Carnival – the West Coast’s number one cruise line with four ships based within the region on a year-round or seasonal basis – was recognized for providing guests with memorable, high quality vacations at affordable prices. Its “Fun Ship” fleet offers guests a variety of on-board facilities and features – a diversity of full-service and casual dining options, expansive spa and children’s facilities, spacious accommodations, and fun-filled activities for guests of all ages.
Pictured here at the WAVE awards ceremony held earlier this week in Beverly Hills, Calif., are (from left): Carnival’s Vice President of Sales – Western Region Vicki Tomasino; TravelAge West Editor Michele Rosenberg; and Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services Lynn C. Torrent, and Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Edie Bornstein.
Carnival’s West Coast-based ships include the Carnival Pride and Carnival Paradise based in Long Beach, Calif., and Carnival Elation and Carnival Spirit in San Diego. In March 2009, Carnival will continue is West Coast expansion when the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor – the largest “Fun Ship” to date – replaces the Carnival Pride on year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach.
These four ships are part of the line’s 22-vessel fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe and other popular destinations.
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Here are today’s random photos.
I was hoping to pass on the exciting news about the Carnival Dream and her itinerary today but I cannot. I understand from PA that the press release will be issued in the very near future and might even be able to get you an update over the weekend right here on the blog thingy……stay tuned.
Last night the crew all had to leave the ship for a blackout test. The power is cut and the emergency procedures are put into place with the closing of watertight doors etc. At least this means that today all the tests are over and they have finally turned the air conditioning on again. Not only was it hot but 800 Carnival Crew and 1,000 Fincantieri staff all working in a metal box with no air……………..well lets just say there was a pong in the air……….we were the M/S Carnival Paris.
The crew lounge opened last night. This is a place where the crew can relax and amongst the leisure opportunities is the use of a dartboard……….I hate darts.
Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m not very good at it… Mostly, I fail to hit the board at all, or the dart bounces back and pierces my shoe.
I also hate Math and am not very good at that either…….so there I am standing there, with my foot nailed to the floor, trying through a fog of pain to deduct 23 from 259.
As I speak they are testing the PA system with music so loud my ears are bleeding. I have no idea what the music is but it seems to be Italian country music about a man called Ricardo Bob and his wife Bettino Sue who he has just discovered is actually his sister and he know intends to drive his Fiat pick up truck up off a cliff in Naples.
The diet is going well. I have given up all red meat and eat lots of veggies and chicken and fish. I will feel much better when the gym opens and I can start some light exercise. I really miss bread…..thick crusty bread…….and steak……and French fries and……well everything really.
Yesterday 200 more crew arrived and amongst them my buddy Ken Byrne the Maitre’D. By Thursday we will have a full complement of crew here. The next big date is the 28th and the hand over ceremony. This is when we take charge of the vessel and then maybe we can turn off this bloody music. Right now some chap is howling like he is having hot needles inserted in his nostrils….There is never a big hammer around when you need one.
I don’t think there is anything else to say. Let me know what you all thought of the wonderful Ann’s interview.
The air is off again.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
66 Comments
June 17th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Wow…you can dance too! I am speechless! You go John!
Love the videos!
Cathy
Tampa
June 17th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Check out John cutting the rug!
Australia is on my todo cruise list, but perhaps not until airfares head back down.
{actually I’m thinking I have enough FF miles on at least one airline – I’ll have to see if they or a partner fly there}
June 17th, 2008 at 10:47 am
G’Day John & Heidi
God Bless Ya
Great Interview
Makes Me want to go “down under”
John I think you already are
“Down under”
Take Care, Luv Ya
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
June 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
LMAO, well John… no matter what I do, what bad news I hear, or what is going on in the world.. you make me laugh.. EVERY DAY! Thank you so much.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:51 am
John busts a move!!!!
*LOL*
Better to bust a move than blow a gasket, John. Get a pair of earplugs until they can shut that blasted thing off!!
Terri
June 17th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Love those dance moves! I actually laughed out loud at work.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Thank you for all of the ongoing updates. The tour of the Costa Concordia was truly fascinating and I’d love to sail Costa at some point in the future. I’ve only just photographed the Magica before.
Steve
June 17th, 2008 at 11:03 am
John, Don’t quit your day job. Leave the dancing to the dancers or better yet you take the camera and let Heidi do the video. We need to see MORE of her not you. Very nice interview with Ann Sherry.
We want news on the New Orleans thingy and the 2009 BC.
BIG ED
June 17th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Ann’s interview was delightful! You can tell that she’s a very intense, driven person who brings that same passion to her leisure time. Amazing!!!
The water park looks wonderful! The kids will be thrilled with it! It looks like a giant toy set!
And the videos… John… they were hilarious. If there was a more descriptive word I would have used it!! You had me rolling!! I could hear Heidi in the background… I can tell she shared my opinion!
Thanks so much! We’ll be looking forward to word on the Dream!!
G’day, mate!!!
GregB
June 17th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Those videos cracked me up!
But, now we know you CAN dance. Ha!
June 17th, 2008 at 11:18 am
John and Heidi
Your Video blog was a killer i’m still laughing!!
Nice moves there John. I do believe there is a volume control in the room for that speaker to Shut it up!! Heidi how do you put up with him?!? lol
The photos and updates have been Excellent!!! can’t waitto get aboard in Dec and I do hope that I will be able to meet you.
Looking forward to hearing about the Dream.
Till next time.
Oh!! Welcome aboard your new home, hope you are settling in well, aside from the Heat and lousy music, look for that volume control!!
Have a great day
James
June 17th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I’ve got tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!
John, you don’t need the gym, you’ve got your own Italian aerobics studio.
The interview with Ann was terrific – I didn’t know CCL even had an Aussie division. Do they have a website I can go to? OZ and En Zed are definitely on my list, but I had never considered cruising there.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Hi John,
That music would drive me nuts too. Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile but I read your blog every day. Keep up the good work.
Quick question, since you are at Fincantieri have you seen any construction of the new Carnival Dream? Really looking forward to her itinerary.
Say Hello to Heidi.
Tom & Michelle
June 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
John,
Wow great music can I get a copy of that CD so I can torture anything I want to with it. Maybe I’ll put it on the speaker system in the bathroom, that will make those slow people hurry up and run. You know speaking of bathroom music, i think the best one I have ever heard are the ones who try to teach your a forgiven language, how else do you think I learned Spanish. Just got ruff when you miss a Tuesday night and had to go back again on the next Tuesday and request last weeks CD. Carnival Australia sounds like a great place and Ann sounds like she really enjoys what she does. Having been to Sydney a few times I love the view of sailing into the harbour there and seeing the opera house, The thing I do miss about Australia (OZ as some locals call it) has to be the fact that it is so bloody clean everywhere is clean, places most countries forget about are bloody spotless. Oh and Tim-Tams are the best chocolate, Vegemite is very odd, and Marmmite is just awful. As for the photos of the Splendor she looks like she is going to be a great carnival ship and she should live up to her crew’s expectations. Best to Heidi who seems to enjoy your whiter than white dance moves mate.
Best to everyone,
Kevin
June 17th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Forget about Ann’s interview, where did you learn to dance like that? WOW! I am very impressed! And you said you couldn’t dance!? Heidi, thanks for that, I laughed so much I almost choked on my lunch! Stop teasing us about the Dream, I think from this blog you are going to tell us that the Dream is going to start off with an australian cruise theme, am I right? Tell us soon, ok? Linda
June 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am
OMG I was just rolling on the floor laughing at your videos. I needed this before I leave for work, it is gonna be a long day. The weather is very nice here in PA today, only 76 and breezy, my kind of weather.
To bad about the news on the Dream, I was so looking forward to hearing her itinerary.
Hope you are all settled in soon and can get back to blogging on you computer! My best to you and Heidi both.
Blessings
Cindy & Kevin
CindyInPA
June 17th, 2008 at 11:50 am
John,
I must say the video of you dancing is the highlight of all the blogs I’ve read over the past year or so.
Loved the interview with Ann…Australia is definitely a dream destination.
As always, keep up the great work.
Lisa Kilmartin
June 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hello John,
Your videos are too funny. Hope they turn that music off soon. Maybe ear plugs will help.
Disappointed we don’t have news on the Dream yet but will keep tuned.
Great interview with Ann. Is this a prelude to telling us a Carnival ship will be in Australia soon? If not the Dream then maybe the Magic?
Linda
June 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
G’day John & Heidi,
I guess I’m disappointed there’s no news on the Dream yet, but I’ll get over it.
Thank you for the Australian travelog. I’ve seen a few shows on PBS covering the country and her history. Fascinating, but there’s nothing like hearing it from a real Aussie. I’m sure I’ll never make it there, but it’s wonderful to read about and picture it in my mind. Except for the spiders and snakes. Yuk! That will definitely keep me away.
More photos, please,
Carol
June 17th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
John,
It is now June 17th. I was looking to DVR the USA show on the 21st. It is not scheduled.
Love reading your blogg. As a cruise travel agent I sometimes copy what you say about cruising to my clients.
Keep the blogg running its great.
Tim
June 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
John & Heidi,
Pictures have been fantastic, how beautiful everything is. Loved Ann’s interview. Everything seems to be coming together.
Sorry no air again but good to see you still have your sense of humor!! Your dancing was very entertaining!! You sure do brighten up my day!! Keep up the good work!!
Have a great day!! God bless both of you!!
Your Friend
Kathy
June 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
LOVE the videos!!! you are too funny!! you have some moves for a white boy!! lol
June 17th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Just got caught up on your blog. We went to watch the US Open. What an ending! Have to sympathize with you about no A/C. Came from temps in the mid 60s in California to temps in the mid 100s back home. A/C works but we are trying to cut down our energy use so we’ve upped the thermostat to 84.
You make all the ships sound so wonderful. It makes me want to buy a lottery ticket so I can afford to try all these great ships! Oh well, I’ll just have to continue to save up.
The videos are great entertainment. HAHA
June 17th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
dude! i was laughing so hard at you “dancing”!! and i am sure the dream is going to australia. there are just too many “hints” being dropped here. just sayin’.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
ps: hey heidi! hey stephanie!
June 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Gday John and Heidi Loved the interview. Down under does sound fascinating. Would love to visit someday. Ann is very versatile and a credit to Carnival I’m sure. And who says big men can’t dance? Best wishes Gary and Bug
June 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
YOU GO JOHN!!
Maybe they keep playing the music so the workmen will move faster, to get away from it, so the ship will be done sooner!
And no air again…smelly and hot…yuck!
Thanks for the laugh today! Loved the dance moves.
Karen
June 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Hilarious John. Great dancing! Loved Ann’s interview….what an entertaining woman and she’s got lots of great ideas of places to go and things to do. Australia is on our “to-do” list, so I was especially thrilled to read the interview. Gloria
June 17th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
John:
Now we know where Big Tex got his moves!!!!!
Thanks for the entertainment. Sorry it is at the expense of your sanity!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
June 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
I hope by the time you read this that your air is back on for you.
Great blog today. Pretty exciting how close things are to being completed.
Nice hearing from you.
Hope everything else is going well.
I’m off to New York City for a business trip but will chat with you and catch up next week.
Take care,
David
June 17th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
TIM and ALL
The episode with John will be this Saturday at 2pm est. It’s on the USA channel during the movie “BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE”. During the movie they will go to Jeannie Mai for her segments of “Character Makeovers”. Here is a link to that show were you can see the schedule and older episodes. http://www.usanetwork.com/movies/characterfantasy/
BIG ED
June 17th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Forget Chippendales… We’ve got JOHN!!!!!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I’m speechless. LOL Vivi was at my side with her eyes glued to the television watching the italian hunks playing and you definitely got her attention she had to watch you dance. I was laughing with Heidi. Say Hi to her and please give her a big hug from me.
Nanni
June 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Thanks Big Ed – for the 911 on USA.
John – what a way to bust a move!! Who needs the gym just play that funky music and dance, dance, dance… Thanks for sharing and as always a good laugh!
Australia is on my “to do” vacation list – just don’t know when.
I do have a question – will you be on the Splendor when it sails to S. America, Feb 17?
Debs
June 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hi John and Heidi!
Love the video!!!! LOL!!! We cannot imagine how bad it really is until you listen to the video. Thanks for sharing….i just thought I had a rough day at work. LOL
Mary
June 17th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hi John,
Great interview! Can’t wait to see Australia some day.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
*LOL* Pleeeeeaaaasseeee….STOP!!!!
Ciao, Kathleen
June 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Awesome dancing. My wife actually turned and asked what I was laughing at, normally she just ignores me while I’m watching videos on the internet.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Just a thought…Did anyone check to see if the airconditioning control became mixed up with the volume control? Perhaps by turning up the airconditioning…it really turned up the audio?
Loved the dance! “Dancing With The Stars” has nothing on you!
Keep smilin’,
Tina
June 17th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
The interview about Australia was great- you can picture all she described, I don’t know about the desert part- I’m a fan of the water. Now the wine tasting and vineyards has my interest !! Keep the wonderful interviews coming- they’re very good and informative. Australia would be great place to visit- too bad it’s so far away from the states. Hope you get the air conditioning working right- keep cool.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
hey,,
on carnivals web site,,,,
130000 ton Dream,,
says will home port at Port Canaveral,
itinerary at a later date,
this was under “News”
hope thats true,its a real nice port
maybe BLOGGER CRUISE 2010
we will sail out of Canaveral on 10/02/08
on the Sensation,
cant wait
your Florida buddies
tom &jane
June 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
John I will never have a bad day at work after watching that video. John take Heidi dancing, and you say you cannot dance.
Great interview with Ann, she sure is an energetic
lady.
Papanh
June 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
John et al.
We went to Australia and NZ some years ago and really enjoyed our trip. I suggest anyone going to consider taking about 3 weeks and you will still only see about half of what they have to offer. We were in Cairns, Sydney, Ayers Rock (Uluru), and the Olgas, Philips Island (Pigmy Penguins at sundown), Great Barrier Reef snorkling, Mossman for frog races with the Jaycees and a western cowboy hold up, The rainforests and termite hills, Melbourne, Adelaide and many other wonderful cities and places. Saw all the critters including snakes, turtles, fish, roos (about 5 kinds), llamas, emus (who scared the stuff out of my wife, eye to eye) spiders, Koalas, Wombats and others. Drank some great Aussie wines after a camel ride to get to the winery in the outback. We saw more of the country then many Aussies do in their lifetime.
Ate crocodile, wombat, snake, grubs, worms, crickets, and other exotic stuff and learned to throw a boomerang from an old aborigine.
Then to NZ at Auckland and traveled the North Island to Rotorua and many places in between. About 1000 sheep or deer farms for every person.
Will return sometime and go to Perth and the west coast and visit all the wonders they have to offer.
I don’t know if cruising can really do justice to these fantastic places but willing to give it a try.
Dave and Jo (Evil Crew Members)
June 17th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Something makes me think that we need to perform a 302 commitment hearing after seeing that second video.
Good thing you are in Italy, John. If you were in West Philly, we would have you in the rubber room (and they do exist).
Keep your wits about you friend.
Jon aka MTSFP aka LFTTNSFCF aka 2009BCHWC
June 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Howdy mate!!! Long time no talk. How are you doing?
June 17th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
LOVIN John he’s a Solid Gold Dancer!!Cant wait 4 more info on the Dream!
June 17th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Hey John,
Loved the dance & sing a long you tube you provided for us! LOL. The pictures were wonderful. Thanks for all you do.
Jan
June 17th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
“Beating the Australians at rugby or cricket would be like beating the Americans at baseball or the Russians at ice hockey. Beating them is the single most deliriously joyful thing ever ……except when we beat the French………………at anything.”
John…….DREAM ON!!! Who has the “Ashes” (cricket’s most treasured icon)?
So when will Australia see a ‘real’ branded Carnival ship (not Princess or P & O) in its waters? That’s the $64,000 question!!!
I have been pressing CCL on this for many years……..unfortunately on deaf ears, but after that ‘brilliant and informative’ interview by Ann Sherry (you bloody bewdy) – maybe Carnival will finally realize that they should send a Carnival ship down-under on a 3 month trial (Los Angeles to Sydney taking 21 – 28 days), then some 7 – 10 days short trips throughout the Pacific Islands including Noumea, Fiji, Tonga and Coastal Regions of Aussie, followed by either a return cruise back to LA or send the ship back to the USA via Asia and Europe!!!
There is so much potential for the Carnival brand to become truly “universal”!
You can be assured of a bonza time down-under! Aussies are the most friendly relaxed people in the world!
If you have ever met me on a Carnival ship (just celebrated my 36th cruise), then you would understand what I’m talking about!!
Again hope to see a few of you in Aussie VERY soon!
Best regards,
Storm’n Norman
(The Aussie Cruise-a-holic)
Melbourne,
Australia
hafta1@hotmail.com
June 17th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
OH MY GOD!!!!! Good evening Mr. Heald. I finally got to read your blog after many times trying and freezing out my computer.Linda and Bee told me how great it was, now, your videos just blew me out of my mind. I knew you were a brilliant man but now a dancer. Please, for all of us normal human beings, we want more,more and more. Thank you for happiness which tou are giving to all of us. Heidi, it must have been very difficult for you to film this great video. LOL Ciao my friends.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
PS Stephanie, thanks for putting up with me.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I see Carnival.com has a Samantha Brown page up:
http://www.carnival.com:80/cms/fun/samantha_brown/great_cruise_weekend.aspx
June 18th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Heidi,
You probably never have a dull moment with John. How lucky can you be.
We miss your blog. How about posting something about anything.
Amor
June 18th, 2008 at 7:46 am
John – are you practicing for your “Dolly” act. You look great.
Love,
Suzann
June 18th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Dang it…we are booked on a different line in December in Australia and New Zealand cuz y’all weren’t there!!!
John’s dancing at least gave me a good laugh.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Some lovely Italian dance music playing for the crew…..sorta gets you moving…head bopping to the rhythm…..whether you want to or not
John dances a jig in his office.
Rhythm is gonna getcha
Rhythm is gonna getcha
Rhythm is gonna get you
The rhythm is gonna get you tonight
No way, you can fight it every day
But no matter what you say
You know it
The rhythm is gonna getcha
June 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Thanks so much for the interview with Ann Sherry the Chief Executive of Carnival Australia. Her brief descriptions of the different cities/ports in
Australia has me wishing I was there….this is a dream of mine and hopefully one day I will be able to book this cruise….
June 18th, 2008 at 10:55 am
OMG the interview was awesome! At first glance at your today’s post I thought that Dream is going to go to Aussie. Was the interview with Ann a clue?That would be a bomb! I would start saving right now.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Hi John,
Loved the interview with Ann Sherry, she describes Australia perfectly. I have been quietly keeping up with the blog since we travelled the Med with you and Heidi last September. Still keep in touch with Jo and Dave. We are trying to plan our next cruise but it will most probably be with Princess or P & O out of Oz due to the cost of airfares. We have travelled with both of them before and they are just as good as Carnival in a different, more laid back way. However we now realise we will never get as good a CD as you anywhere else.
Deb Rowe
Sydney/ Gold Coast (moving between both for the next few months)
Australia!
June 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Good for the soul blog and video. All the elements! Loved Ann and Australia, your dance and music frustration, Heidi pleased to see you act a fool ( my personal favorite) news of Ken boarding the ship. Makes me want ot go dine with him again, ( shout out to him) love his voice…..also, my dream…Sailing the “Dream” sailing the Splendor. and hooking up with our blogging friends….Dave and Jo, you went to austrailia! Jealous. You are looking good, lost a few haven’t you! Do we get the progress????
Love,
Kap ( Kathie )
June 18th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Mark:
Having been Gloria in 2 Legend Shows…that brought back GREAT memories!!
June 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
John,
I got my John Heald Laugh fix this morning at work after watching your video post.Thanks for
helping me get my day off to a good start with a smile…
Mark C
June 18th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
John:
Love the videos! Hopefully they have the PA system fixed and you can enjoy your office now!
PLEASE RESPOND ASAP:
John:
I need to know if you have the CD schedule for September yet. Can you check it and see if Chris Jefferson will be the CD on the Valor for the September 7th sailing. I want to send a letter to him but want to make sure he will be our CD then. I know he is due a vacation soon. Like I told you before I stayed in touch with him for a few years and lost contact. I want to reconnect with him before we cruise and let him know we will be on board.
Thank you!
Susan Vidi
vidimom64@yahoo.com
June 18th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
John,
Your blog thingy was wonderful.. BUT I loved the video blog!!! I’m sorry you were affected and annoyed… But you made me laugh!!!
We lost a beloved coworker, unexpectedly in his sleep and that’s what I’ve been thinking about today… And in your few minutes of posting… My day has turned around!!!
God Bless you!!!
Lambie
June 18th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
So, John, Okay…maybe we shouldn’t call Richard Simmons just yet, but soon! I heard of a neat little trick that I definitely intend to try out next time “they” get started on those interminable announcements. Seems that if you put a magnet next to the speaker, it shuts off, so-o-o-o, with all due respect to Jeff Dunham, I’m getting a great big ole magnet on a stick (will call it Jose) to test the theory.
Stephanie Martin –
the sneaky English teacher
June 20th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Good Morning John and Heidi!
I have been off from work this week, so I got up very early this morning to check the blog. I got very excited when I read that Ken had arrived at the ship. He was our Maitre’de on the Freedom and we have requested him also on the Splendor. I found myself mentally figuring out when the “hand over” will take place. My life is now organized in weekly themes. Next week is Vacation Bible School week. The week after that is Lacrosse Camp week. Then comes departure week.
The ship will be turned over between VBS and Lacrosse. Anyway, we are leaving on July 8th.
We will be spending a few days in London, prior to our sailing. It has been quite a while since Jim and I were there. We are looking forward to returning to the city although I need to let him know you said it had changed. I loved the pictures from Camp Carnival. Our grandkids will be spending time there. It looks really good.
Keep the blogs coming. Remember, we live vicariously through this blog. It has been so exciting reading about the Splendor and knowing we will actually be there soon.
Ruth
June 27th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
John,
I wanted to thank you for your incredible blog. My wife and I read it regularly with much enjoyment.
We were fortunate to cruise with you as the CD on the Carnival Glory – the Willy Banger cruise.
Keep up the awesome blog!
Joe
June 27th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
John, I just love it when I see that there are others out there that think they were on the one and only Willy Banger Cruise. Remember that is what got me started blogging. Telling others they had the date and ship wrong. Long live Willy and all his show friends.
BIG ED
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 am
Dont….I’m crying!!!!! love that you can still get your leg off the floor to do ‘the move’ luv you guys!
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