Monday, June 23rd, 2008...10:08 am
Holland America Line’s President Stein Kruse….And Being a Real Man
This morning while passing through the theatre one of our technicians gave me something that basically looked like a piece of wire… It didn’t appear to be the best gift I’d ever received until he explained what it was for. “It’s so you can connect your Eyepod to your mobile phone,” he said.
I pretended that this was the best gift I had ever received, thanked him and walked off.
Why would I want to connect my Eyepod to my mobile phone? What would they possibly have to say to one another? It would be like putting a Carnival smokestack on the Staten Island Ferry…………… fun, in a “look at that” sort of way, but totally pointless.
Which brings me on to the BlackBerry. I was told when I got one that it to would be totally pointless and that I would hate it. I agreed with the people who made that statement but now if I misplaced it would be like loosing my mouth and my ears.
For those of you who have been living in a cave, the Amazon or Mississippi who think a BlackBerry is a fruit, let me explain. It’s a mobile phone that can also receive and send e-mails. This means that no matter where you are on the planet someone can always get hold of you to ask if you’d like some Viagra.
Heidi hates them………. Every time she gets to the interesting part of a story my BlackBerry chirps and she can see that I am not listening any more. The sound of the chirp has me brainwashed and the sound has me ignoring those around me as I quickly look to see if I have been promoted to Chairman, my blog has won the Pulitzer prize or its Jessica Simpson asking to come over for a cup of tea…………….usually its an offer of a bigger penis.
Someone said that going out for dinner with me was like going out for dinner with someone with an incurable itch………..the blackberry itch…
I have tried to play down the “itch” but I am hooked……I depend on the little blue machine as I did my favorite teddy bear called Pumper when I was 5.
Last night I was e mailing my mate on my raspberry as we watched Italy lose to Spain in the European Football Championship and as we were I am sure that even though we were hundreds of miles apart we were both getting bollockings at the same time from our wives………….. for ignoring them and scratching that Blackberry itch.
It’s Monday and Italy is in mourning. Their national team lost last night to Spain and the faces of the shipyard workers and our own Italian Officers reflect the defeat. I wondered if therefore that this misery would result in less testing of the PA system and if they did need to continue then the music would be something a little more somber than usual….Opera maybe……….nope………….its back to rap and crap. Honestly this is fraying my last nerve and I feel like calling them and telling them the PA system works……..it works……….for the love of God please turn this music off ! But instead I sit here and if it goes on much longer I guess I will start to like this music and that will be …..off to the shops to buy Eminem 25 Cents Peas new album.
I am sure many of you are reading the last few days of blogs for the first time. It’s strange but Monday is always the day with our highest number of slaps. This means you may have missed the Cunard video and the information about the Carnival Dream which the national press will write about today whereas thanks to the undercover work of PA 007 we were able to break to you on Saturday and Sunday.
So, please make sure you go back over the last few days, view the Cunard video and then have a look at the Carnival Dream press release and the renderings of the cabins. I love the one of the bathroom which as you will see has one standard bathroom and an additional room with bathtub, shower a sink…………..this is brilliant for families as are the family cabins also shown in the rendering.
I read your comments and the one word that seemed to be popular was “woohoo.” Yep, woohoo indeed and I thank you all also for recognizing that PA 007 put her/his neck on the line. The Carnival Dream is going to be stunning and already I am being asked if I will be there and if we can have a Bloggers cruise in 2010. I really have no clue where I will be in 2009 or 2010 but when I know……..you will know……….and one thing is for sure………I will be onboard the Carnival Dream as she sails out of New York either as a CD, a guest or an aerobics instructor.
As soon as I have more information either official or from PA 007 I will of course let you know.
Meanwhile, back on the splendid looking Carnival Splendor here are some photos of the Cool and The Grand Piano bar.
The Cool will feature a duo called The Wave who plays music for dancing from yesterday and today.
Then we have the Piano Bar where the one and only Ron Passalacqua will entertain in his own unique style. In some of the photos you will see the orchestra rehearsing.
Then we have the wine bar which serves………ummm………wine……….and, martinis and mojitos.
Would you join me in congratulating our old friend and sometime blogging Cruise Director Chris “Bubba” Roberts who as you can see in these photos made a young lady very happy.
We wish Bubba and Julie who works as a purser onboard much happiness together.
Now, a few days ago Holland America’s new flagship Eurodam left the shipyard to start its inaugural season. Everyone at Carnival Corporation is very excited about this vessel and who better to tell us just how excited than Holland America’s President and C.E.O Mr Stein Kruse…………………here he is……………in his own words.
1. First of all, congratulations in advance on your new flag ship Eurodam. How do you feel?
Thank you and it feels just great! We now have more than 21,000 berths in the Holland America Line fleet, which allows us to deliver our award winning Signature of Excellence cruise experience to even more people. Looking back over the past 9 years since I joined Holland America Line, we had 8 ships at that time, since then we have disposed of 3 older ships and added 9 new, larger ships and in so doing, essentially added one ship per year and doubled our capacity during this period. It is truly exciting to be part of a company that has grown so significantly, and so well over this relatively short timeframe.
2. What are some of the features on board the Eurodam that you are specifically looking forward unveiling to the passengers?
The Eurodam is a truly elegant ship and our guests will feel that it is a very familiar, yet at the same time new and exciting ship with many new, unique spaces. I think the Silk Den will really WOW people. And, moving the popular Explorations Café powered by New York Times to the Crow’s Nest really works well. And, there is the new look of the staterooms, which is so fresh and comforting. And, well so many other great spaces. Your readers will have to come aboard to see for themselves. In the meantime, people can visit the www.eurodamnews.com, our blog about the ship. This will give them a sneak peek.
3. The naming ceremony will be a grand affair in Rotterdam. What can you tell our readers about it?
The dedication of the Eurodam will no doubt become yet another important moment in our company’s proud 135-year long history as Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will name the ship. In planning the ceremony and events, we really have tried to reach out to a number of audiences. In fact, the whole event will be webcast live at www.hollandamerica.com . The event is scheduled for July 1st from 3-5pm local time in Rotterdam. Our guests for the naming will include past guests; Holland America Line employees past and present, travel agents, press and local dignitaries and VIPs. In all, we will have about 2,500 people attending the event.
4. The name of Holland America Line will be even further enhanced with the addition of this new ship. For somebody who has never sailed on a Holland America ship before, what do you think the reasons are that so many passengers are so loyal to your cruise line?Our product is truly premium, in fact we are the undisputed leader in premium cruising. Our ships are thoughtfully designed, mid-sized ships with roomy, elegant and comfortable finishes. Holland America Line also leads the industry in itinerary planning, so the variety, innovation and detail that go into our worldwide deployment make a big impact. But the number one reason our guests are so loyal is the superb service that is provided. Our service levels are simply unparalleled at this scale.
5. The highest quality of food has always been words associated with Holland America. Please can you highlight some of the dining options on the Eurodam?Tamarind will be a new pan-Asian reservations-only restaurant with a capacity of 144 diners. The Silk Den, a new lounge adjacent to Tamarind, will overlook the magrodome, offering guests a view of a new, colorful poolside water feature.
Canaletto is a new family-style Italian restaurant for dinner in a section of the Lido restaurant. Although reservations will be encouraged for this casual dining venue, walk-ups will be accepted. Canaletto will have a capacity of 72.
Slice in our new pizzeria, just aft of the pool that will serve pizza during the day and evening.
There are many new menu items at the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill which features Pacific Northwest specialties including selected cuts of Sterling Silver beef and superb seafood items, as well as carefully selected wines from renowned Pacific Northwest vineyards.
Eurodam’s main dining room, the Rembrandt dining room, will offer a menu that ranges from steak and lobster to vegetarian to entrées from the region of the itinerary.
The Lido, our casual dining option, is bright and airy, and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Complimentary room service is of course available 24 hours a day, including dinner dishes from the Main Dining Room menu during dining hours.
6. Along with the food, the other great tradition is of the finest and friendliest service. The crew of the Eurodam must be very excited to be part of this adventure. Can you tell us something about who they are and where they come from?
One of our secrets to success is that when we bring out a new ship, we tap into our existing employee base to help staff her, so typically only about 10 percent of the crew on the new ship is new to our company. So it is with Eurodam, and when the first guests come aboard, they will see many familiar faces. The Eurodam is commanded by Captain Jeroen van Donselaar, who is a well-liked and popular captain. Hotel Manager Stan Kuppens is a real pro and has been working tirelessly to have the ship ready for her first guests.
7. Once the Eurodam naming ceremony is over, can you tell us where she will be heading and some of the exciting ports she will be visiting?
The Eurodam will spend the summer cruising the Baltic region; head on a transatlantic in late August, arriving in New York on Labor Day weekend. She will then spend the fall in Canada/New England, before cruising the winter in the Caribbean.
8. I also understand, one of your ships recently had a major re-fit and from what I hear she looks fantastic. Can you tell us which ship this was and what work was carried out?The ms Zuiderdam, Holland America’s first ship in its Vista-class series, spent an extensive period in dry dock. The transformation includes 34 new guest staterooms, the addition of an Explorations Café—powered by The New York Times, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant, the addition of a new Pinnacle Bar, increased seating in the Lido Restaurant, and an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art “wet cleaning machine” (for dry cleaning).
In addition to the renovations, the 1,918-guest Zuiderdam will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features: the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine; the Greenhouse Spa and Salon; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft.
Amenities aboard the Zuiderdam represent the hallmarks of a Holland America Line cruise experience, keeping in line with our premium cruise company’s accent on providing a sophisticated and refined cruise-travel lifestyle. Staterooms include plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds, deluxe waffle/terry-cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat-panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage showerheads, professional-grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.
To add to the cruising pleasure of her guests, the Zuiderdam now has an expanded-and-updated shopping arcade, featuring the exclusive, chic jewelry shop, Merabella. All hardwood floors have been refinished and additional artwork graces the passageways. A new high-end home theatre-style screening room has also been added for small group audio-visual presentations, to view videos and DVDs, and to accommodate private parties.
9. The Eurodam blog is brilliant and I know many of our readers check in every day to see what is happening. Are there any plans for further company blogs in the future?Thanks for saying that John. Coming from someone who has such a successful blog, that is indeed a compliment. We are finalizing what is next for the blog right now. In the meantime, we are going 150% on www.eurodamnews.com. Each day during the inaugural, we will feature special correspondent reports, podcasts, mini movies and more. And, of course, the naming will be featured live on the site as well.
10. Can you tell us the tradition of naming your ships with the word “dam” at the end? Where does it come from and does it become more difficult to find new “dam” words?
In our company’s proud 135 year history, we have had about 160 vessels. Not all, but almost all of the company’s cargo ships ended in the word ‘dijk’ and similarly almost all of our passenger vessels have ended with the word “dam”. Some of the first “dam” ships back in the 1880’s were Rotterdam, our first ship, Amsterdam, Edam and Zaandam named from Dutch towns, and the “dam” name stuck and has become part of our proud heritage and a tribute to Holland, our flag state and original home.
Congratulations to you Stein and all the Captain and Crew of the Eurodam and I am sure we will be logging on to www.hoallndamerica.com to see the naming ceremony……….live.
I must also point my blogger friends to read and listen to award winning journalist Paul Lasley who will be experiencing the thrill of a new ship delivery. You can find his reports on www.eurodamnews.com.
Don’t forget that the naming ceremony of the Carnival Splendor will also be shown live right here ……………..I also have some more video blogs coming up very soon.
When women crest the brow of middle age and start on the high-speed, unstoppable plunge towards being old, there are many ways to pretend that it isn’t happening. Breasts, ravaged by gravity and babies, can be re-upholstered. Tummies can be vacuumed away. There are also exotic creams made from the root of a rare plant found only in Peru that soothe wrinkles and exterminate cellulite.
I saw Joan Collins walk into a restaurant once and noted how all the women stare in open-mouthed bewilderment. Here she is, aged 70, and she doesn’t look a day over 50.
Now, compare and contrast the fortunes of Ms. Collins with the plight of Barry Manilow. We hear he’s had plastic surgery and we think that there is a man in touch with his feminine side.
I read that big tough macho karate kicking superstar Steven Segal is allegedly said to have had Botox injections to stop his cheeks sagging……….like his career.
Why am I commenting on this? Well, yesterday I met with the Cloud 9 Spa Manager Mia. The Spa is INCREDIBLE and tomorrow night I will take the camera up there and post all the photos for you to see.
Anyway, as Mia and I met to discuss the program etc she kept trying to convince me to try the various treatments designed to stop the natural course of age and to exfoliate the puss and mucus which apparently my face is full of…………………..nice.
You see, I am old fashioned. I like my hair cut only when I really need to and when I do I like it cut by a man called Giuseppe or Dave and not by Chantelle or Porsche. As for all this personal grooming……………well…real men should never do the following.
1. Wear “product” in their hair, whatever the hell that is.
2. Men who use a hairdryer……and carry a comb in their top pocket and use it in public.
3. Men who wear sandals……and sandals with long black socks
4. Men who take vitamin tablets because Chuck Norris told them to on an infomercial
5. Men who go to the dentist when they don’t have a toothache
6. Men who wear tight jeans designed so you can see their thingies
I passed this information onto Mia who responded that I needed to move with the times and that there was nothing feminine about having “treatments” and that she had the perfect one for me. It’s a seaweed wrap that is both relaxing and rejuvenating …………well I said “so is watching my big screen plasma while eating a pie.” ……….she then used a word that always gets to me…she said she was “ disappointed” that I would not try these treatments.
When I was younger, my bank manager Mr. Middleton would write from time to time saying he was “saddened” to note that I hadn’t done anything about my overdraft. This was no big deal. And nor would it have mattered if he’d said he was “angry,” “furious” or he was considering throwing himself in front of a train
He could have been whatever he liked, but it still wouldn’t have altered the fact that I had three thousand of his bank’s pounds and no intention of paying bugger all of it back.
But then one day he wrote to say he was “disappointed” and that changed everything.
That meant he’d had high hopes for me and that I had let him down. Suddenly it was all my fault.
I never forgot the effect that word had on me and today I use Mr. Middleton’s word when I have to chastise my staff…………I don’t shout or yell………..I just say that I am disappointed………….they immediately changes their ways, they become the best they can be and sometimes because they are so distraught that I am disappointed in them…….. they buy me a gift .
So, as not to disappoint Mia the Spa Manager I will later this week allow myself to be covered in creams, hot and cold stones will be placed over my naked body ……….and I will hours later return to the cabin smelling of seaweed . I will also have to live with the knowledge that after having had to rub exotic wax onto my bottom the life of the Spa therapist will never be the same……………….she will need treatment of her own ……….psychiatric treatment.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
42 Comments
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Too funny John. The image of you in a seaweed wrap is quite amusing! Some pics will DEFINATELY need to be taken
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
We anxiously await a report of your upcoming spa treatment.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:21 am
John,
You must ABSOLUTELY send us a pic of your spa treatment! I agree with you, I am too old fashioned and prefer my hubby spa-treatment-product seaweed free!
Have fun!!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
I am DISAPPOINTED in YOU John, saying that if a man has a facelift he is showing his feminine side. Believe me Barry Manilow is NOT gay! I knew Barry when he wasn’t famous, I worked with his aunt in NY and he and I wrote to eachother as pen pals for a short time, that is before he got into the music field. Why are you picking on him? John - PLEASE RESPOND!
Mike and I are gonna book the Dream the week of Christmas, leaving on the 26th and coming home on the 2nd, as soon as the itinerary is in place and we can book - in July right? Would be nice if you were the CD then too. Then we will go on the Dream again in thre Spring of 2010 or in June 2010 with the kids and grandkids, can’t wait! Linda
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
Please pass along my congratulations to Bubba and his bride-to-be, Julie! How wonderful for both of them. I do find it sad that Bubba couldn’t afford to take her someplace warm to propose marriage…
The Splendor is looking more and more splendid all the time but I have a question and it’s been bothering me since I saw the pictures… is PINK the predominant color in the Atrium or is it just the photo?
I always enjoy the interview, especially the inter-line ones. Carnival certainly has put together the best team in the world to run it’s many stunning cruise lines.
Please offer my apologies to Heidi as I know I’ve been the cause of many Blackberry ‘chirps’. Oops…
One can not blame you for being reluctant to offer your alabaster body up for various exotic spa treatments. I feel much the way you do about such things but I’ll be willing to bet that you’ll come back with a glowing report. I’ve heard so many good words about the Spa services that I just can’t believe otherwise.
Thanks so much for all the great news over the weekend. The folks at Cruise Critic are beside themselves with glee… myself included.
Before I go… just one more… WOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Host Mach from Cruise Critic
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I agree with you, John - “treatments” and “product” are not for a man. Look at Sir Sean Connery, or Harrison Ford, or Morgan Freeman, or Jack Nicholson. These celebrities are considered “man’s men” and yet do you see any hint of metrosexual primping on them? No. Why? Because they’re comfortable with who they are and have aged well. All that spa stuff is for folks with too much time and not enough self-esteem. Losing weight to fell better, look better and live longer is great, but detoxifying/emulsifying/exfoliating… I’ve got a wod for that: snake oil.
Congrats to Bubba and Julie!
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
John,
Brilliant blog today my friend. Bubba and Julie congratulation, will the reception be at the waffle house ? I hope so it just seems right the proper place.
Anyway yes John i have the blackberry itch also I was not sure I would use it when i first got it but now if i have to be away from it for 10 minutes or more i start to freak, it is my entire life worth of contacts and phone numbers and emails i can send to any one at any time, even from the bathroom. So yes I am addicted to my blackberry and I am not disappointed in myself about it.
The spa now I have to agree with you John nothing wrong with a massage while on vacation or for a special occasion. Even more so when Jessica Simpson is the one giving it to you, but the other things the wraps and creams and jells and powder and scrubs and incense of bum that the use while great for most ever woman and a few men is something I never liked or had a desire to use or need to use. So best of luck on this one mate. Someone please take a picture of John covered in seaweed Heidi I know you can do it. It would make a great christmas card, I can see John’s mum opening it right now :-). Speaking of your family John what has happened to Sue Drip and Allen, We haven’t heard a thing from either of them in a while.
Best to all,
Kevin
PS Does Ryan Seacrest do the Italian Top 40 that is being pumped into your cabin John ?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
Congratulations to Bubba & Julie.
My Vacation Planner told me he’s expecting my call on July 1st. And please thank PA007 one more time for me. That would be so great if you were on the ship out of NY - I’m thinking about the 11/15 cruise - don’t want to miss Thanksgiving & my nephew’s birthday.
Splendid photos of the Splendor. Imagine - they serve wine in a wine bar - who’da thunk it?
Excellent interview with Stein Kruse. Both the Eurodam and Zuiderdam sound wonderful.
Before I forget, what about the “One Size Fits Everyone Else” robes?
I was wondering why you were talking about Joan Collins and Barry Manilow. Have you seen pictures of him lately? I can’t even look at him - I think he looks weird. But I like your list of things real men should never do. I work with a couple of those men!
About your Spa Day - will we have photos & videos to see this? Heidi, will you be the photographer?
And one more from me too - WoooooHooooo!!!
Regards to all,
Carol
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
John, it must be the mystic of being a cruise director. Both you and Bubba got beautiful women to say yes to you and neither of them are blind.
Our very best to Bubba and Julie.
Pat and Big ED
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Enjoy your seaweed wrap! I had one done a couple of years ago and it felt great.
More pictures, please.
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
John,
Thanks for the news about Bubba. I agree that the Waffle House should do the catering for the wedding reception.
About your spa treatment…PLEASE have Hedi video the whole treatment!! I could use a good comedy movie!!
And last…but not least…John…I am so disappointed in you! You have not given me a free cruise yet!! Did it work??? Am I getting a free cruise?? LOL
Princess Susan
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Wow, a lot of topics in one blog.
First off, judging by the pictures Julie dropped a ring in the snow and Chris picked it up for her. I don’t know why this made her so happy she had to kiss him - maybe she has a broken leg and can’t bend down to the ground herself?
Seriously, best wishes to Chris and Julie. How about some more blog entries, Chris?
“For those of you who have been living in a cave, the Amazon or Mississippi” - oooh, better be careful, John! I personally agree with you about Mississippi. It’s a state where you are considered educated if you can count to twenty without taking off your shoes, but since it borders the Gulf I think you risk P.O.-ing a lot of customers. You’d better stick with insulting land-locked states. How about Utah?
Now about your rules for a real man: I agree with most of ‘em. But unless you like Austin Powers’ teeth, or unless you think dentures would be a lot of fun, I recommend going to the dentist BEFORE you have a toothache.
I’m really glad to see pics of the “piano-go-round”. From some of your earlier pics I was afraid that tradition had been dropped, and Ron Pass’ act just wouldn’t be the same without it. Tell him “hi” when you see him.
I did watch the Cunard video, and it is very nice. However, working here in Silicon Valley I have seen many similar videos, and usually three months after the video comes out half the people who were in it have been laid off. But I’m probably being too cynical. Perhaps management in the cruise industry does understand the importance of employee loyalty in a way that seems to have escaped most of the “suits” here.
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
John, you da man! As always, agreed! Real men don’t do those things. (Though I must admit I wear Tevas, which keep your feet cool in the hot summer.) And Barry Manilow - beyond gay. If you take picures in the spa, please make them blurry! HAHAHA!
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
dood! NO nekkid pictures in the spa! puleeze!!! just sayin’…. ha ha ha ha ha
and tell linda that he is TOO! and a channeler to boot! (just kidding linda!)
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
Heidi we would love to see a picture of John during his spa treatment. and so nice to know he now realizes a “real man” has the freedom to make unconventional choices.
Please share our congratulations with Bubba and Julie; Alaska provides a beautiful backdrop for a marriage proposal.
I enjoyed reading your interview with Stein Kruse; I love HAL ships, however, they lack you as Cruise Director so I also sail Carnival!
And since I seldom write I do want to say thanks for continuing such interesting blogs even though you are so busy. I seldom take time to watch TV but I always read your blogs!
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Just wanted to offer my congratulations to Bubba and his bride to be Julie.
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
That seaweed wrap….isn’t that the treatment Samantha Brown had when she had her “weekend getaway” program on the Inspiration?
She looked like a seaweed BURRITO, John.
It’s a unanimous chorus: we must see photos of John the Seaweed Burrito!
Terri
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Good Afternoon, John.
After a brief break to post a comment over the weekend about Character Fantasy, I have not been on here for a while and I have finally caught up with everything within the past week. I have truly enjoyed all the interviews posted recently. The Eurodam looks beautiful indeed and I look forward to the naming ceremony.
Like many bloggers, I am really excited about the Carnival Dream… If I wasn’t still attending college I would definitely book that 8-day out of NYC in the fall. I hope to still check it out when it visits NYC. I can’t wait to see more renderings in the near future!
I’ve also enjoyed Samantha Brown’s show last Thursday. It makes me wanna go back to Cozumel and do more than just eat and shop over there. The new waterpark aboard the Inspiration truly looks marvelous up close along with the new Serenity Area.
Please pass along my congrats to Bubba and Julie. I wish them all the best, and thanks for the update! The Splendor is looking more and more splendid. I appreciate all the photos that you and Heidi have taken. Thanks so much! I know what you mean about certain men these days. They day isn’t complete without a daily dose of hair gel and taking more than two showers a day.
I hope you can soon work in peace without the 8 hours of blasting Italian “rap” or whatever they’re playing…… I look forward to hearing from you soon in your next blog! Have a great day, John & Heidi!
Cheers,
Alex G.
P.S. Also, I would like to thank Stephanie and PA 007 for their reports over the weekend. I can’t wait to hear more about it!
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
First, congrats to Bubba! Wonderful news. Cute pics.
I liked the piano bar pictures. They turned out very nicely.
Excellent interview today. You’ve been getting some heavy hitters lately. Impressive.
Great to hear from you and hope everything is going well.
Take care,
David
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
John,
You may please refer to my posting for your June 6, 2008 blog(Jaqui, J Pegs & Jaws) about Chris Roberts. No wonder Julie can’t resist him. Together, they are a lovely couple. I was not spying on them but I happened to see them going into a jewelry store in Alaska.
You’re right about the Splendor. She is splendidly stunning.
Here is hoping that no one finds out who PA 007 is. Please thank him/her for us. We really appreciate his/her advanced insider info which are important to us.
Amor
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Bubba and Julie, congratulations on your engagement. I hope you have many, many happy years ahead of you. Are we all invited to the wedding? I’ll spring for the grits at the reception…..lol
Now then John………….sigh. You really know how to work a gal don’t you!!!!!! I said emphatically, I DO NOT WANT to go to the Bahamas much less to Port Canaveral, even though I would like to be on the first cruise on the Dream out of NY. I have worried about taking the cruise out of Port Canaveral so close to Christmas….. Then you come up and say you will be on the Dream for the first cruise out of NY if you have to just be a passenger. You knew it….. as well as you know your name, if you’re on the ship we will all want to be there too….
Put John on a ship and they will follow…. lol
You know we are going to take you at your word. If we book the cruise July 1 you will have to be on the Dream on it’s first trip out of NY.
sighhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Carolyn
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Congrats to Bubba and Julie…and thanks for the interview with HAL’s prez & CEO, Mr. Kruse. We are both very excited about the Eurodam news, since we’ll be boarding it on 8/4!!! Have I mentioned that before?
John, we do want to see a video of your spa treatment, but I agree with southerndreams…no nekkid pictures!
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Hi John. I bet the other CDs at Carnival have their share of “PETA people.” Maybe they can share some of their “war stories”. Just not the ones [with pictures] of them in seaweed wraps, OK.
Congrats to Bubba/Julie.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Heidi get the Camera we need pictures of John’s spa treatment, or do we:)
Congrats to Bubba and Julie and great interview by Mr Stein.
Thanks for all the updates on the Splendor and the Dream.
Question does poor Stephenie work 7 days a week?
Thank you
John, Heidi, Steph and PA 007
Papanh
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
John,
For anyone who cares, the carnival.com/dream site is now up and running and she is magnificent. I’m ready to go NOW!!! And I’m soooo excited because she will be based just an hour (maybe less) from me!!!
Do you have any idea how much longer you’ll be CDing? When you stop doing that will you stay with Carnival and live in the ’states? You’re practically American already.
You know what, John? You make that spa treatment sound like torture, but you know darn well it’s heavenly! Just to lie there in peace and quiet (especially as you have complained for days about the PA system), well, maybe with soft, soothing music or waterfall and bird sounds, having strong, talented hands work the “kinks” out of your muscles…just letting your mind drift…Man if you don’t want to do it, send it my way. I can’t think of anything more pleasant right now than a blissful massage with no strings attached!!! You know, the kind where when you’re done you don’t have to give someone a massage in return! It’s worth paying for, and I’m sure you get it for free. Dude, you’re so lucky. (Well, you do work pretty hard, so I guess it’s only fair.)
Went to EPCOT
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:46 pm
whoops! didn’t mean to do that. Was saying…went to EPCOT last night and had one of those Grand Marnier Orange Slushies Sam Brown was talking about when she did the Disney tour before the Carnival experience Saturday. Then listened to a Bee Gees cover band, and ate dinner at the French restaurant. I know how you feel about the French, but you can’t knock the food! It was wonderful. I had duck, and felt a bit guilty walking through the park later and passing several ducks who looked suspiciously familiar.
How is Heidi? Tell her to “drop us a line” soon. Cheers to you both.
Your Pal,
Myra
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Hey John and Heidi…
Nothing like getting in touch with your feminine side. I’m sure John you’ll look well….. pretty after the treatment. I now nominate you to be the new Godmother of the Carnival Dream.
Susan and I just booked another cruise. This time we are going on the Carnival Legend out of Tampa. It will be our third trip on the Legend. Must be the ship and the service we receive there. They have never failed to exceed our expection.
I would like to mention a Carnival Employee that is exemplary in every way. That would be our vacation planner Natalia Savage! She really looks after us and always makes sure that we are taken care of. She deserves a pat on the back!!!
John & Susan in Frisco, Tx
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Hi John and Heidi
Great Interview with Mr Stein Kruse.
Great Pictures today as Well
Congrats to Bubba and his lovely Bride to be Julie
If he’s getting Married in Tampa I ‘ll be expecting my invite any day now… LOL
as fsr as the seaweed wrap goes John, that seaweed is better used as nori wrap on sushi Don’t you think?
I appreciate a good facial & massage and all the works as any lady but even I think some times some things go too far.
Oh well thats my 2 cents for today
Take Care
Elizabeth Tucker
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Good evening Mr. Heald. I enjoyed your blog immensely. Your interview with Mr. Stein was v ery interesting especially with why the word dam is always included in their ships. Please give my congratulations to Bubba and Julie. They appear to be a very happy looking couple. As one other blogger said, it was great that Julie and Heidi were also brilliant in choosing their mates. I hope to plan a future cruise on the the new Dream. It’s amazing how Carnival comes up with all these fantastic ideas. Please say hello to your beautiful wife Heidi from me. Ciao my friends.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
John,
Just a thought…the music coming from the PA system could be worse! It could be the song “It’s a Small World After All” over and over again.
Princess Susan….laughing
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
John,
I forgot to ask will they be offering any other shore excursions for the dream when she is in Port Canaveral as a stop on the NY sailings other than the Kennedy space center. Unless you have never been there if so YOU HAVE TO GO !!! I know Coco beach isn’t far from the ship or the port. But is there anything else in mind ? I know it’s a long long long way off. Oh well could always just head to the bar around the corner with the great views of the channel.
Kevin
PS Unless that other thing works out then well no worries here.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
John:
Congrats to Bubba and Julie!!!
Our blessing is that they will have a remarkable life together.
Very interesting blog about the Eurodam. I, too, have often wondered about the names. Thanks for the insight. But more importantly, do they have karaoke??
70 days and counting to the Ecstacy (where I know for sure they have karaoke!!) We have a great roll call going on Cruise Critic and DJ has already found a special needs friend from Texas who will be sailing with us. He is also 17 and they have already become great friends before we ever board the ship. It is going to be a great time.
As for the Spa stuff…I must admit…I like the sauna, steam rooms and I can’t wait to try the thas.pool on the Splendor…but I am not one for massages.
And watch those Mississippi comments buddy….
there are those of us who are from there and proud of it!! LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ and a definate Mississippi Southern Redneck~ DJ)
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Congrats to Bubba and Julie!
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hi John,
I can not wait until August 30th. My friend and I will see you and Heidi in England as we get ready for the Splendor N. European cruise.
I did see you and Lauren on USA on Saturday. I taped the movie and fast forwarded later just to watch the parts with you in them. You were wonderful, as usual. It was a very interesting piece. I know that Laren had a great time.
I am so glad to see that several of the entertainment staff from last summer’s Med Cruise on the Freedom will also be on the Splendor. It is great to see familiar faces.
My friend’s husband passed away four years ago this week, and my husband passed away last June. My friend and her husband had been on several cruises, but I had not been on one until 2006. That year I went with her on the Miracle to the W. Caribbean, in 2007 to the Med. (I had a cast removed from my foot 4 days before the cruise began - each day when we returned from the shore excursion the wonderful room service people would bring me an ice pack for my foot), and this year to N. Europe. I think we are going to Alaska next year. We both love cruising on the Carnival Cruise Line because everyone is so friendly and so helpful.
Be careful with the seaweed. I have heard that it has a big bite.
See you soon. -
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:30 pm
John,
Greetings to you… The seaweed burrito… and I’m sure a “Softie Deluxe” all over your sexy body!!!
Spas are wonderful for the body and soul!! Relax, partake in all that’s offered and just become a jelly-fish, at the mercies of women!!!
Now, on to serious matters: Congratulations and Best Wishes to Bubba and Julie!! WOOO HOOOOOO!!! A proposal in the snow!!! Ice on her finger, standing on a glacier… How wonderful…
And the Eurodam: Just hearing the name “Silk Den”… I’m imagining more than just toasting and drinking… Sounds lucious and decadent!!! Silk… something quite inticing about that material… And something worldly…
Now close your eyes and picture a lambie draped in silk… There I am, waving at you!!! Silly you!!!
Thank you for my smiles today!!! I’m enjoying all you share! Thank you to Heidi who allows you to share!! and Thank you to Stephanie who let’s us see what you share!!! You have a great Krewe!!!
Regards,
Lambie
June 24th, 2008 at 2:41 am
WooooHOOOOO!!! I can’t wait to sail out of NY,under the Verrazanno Br. and out past Coney Island. WE would be sailing out right past mine and Linda H.’s(Hi Linda) old neighborhood of Bensonhurst! Hi Aunt Jean!!! I sure hope that those cabins on the Dream (the ones with 2 bathrooms) aren’t fantastically priced ! I also hope as many of my fellow NY bloggers(you and Heidi too) as can make it , will be there too. (Hi Carol S.) I am so excited even though it is STILL more than a year from now. WoooHooo!!
Congrats to Bubba and Julie, That’s wonderful…BE HAPPY.
oH, ONE MORE THING….My brother-in-law, Chief Warrant Officer, Erik Muller is on his way home to GA, for good, after doing 3tours in Iraq over the last 5years or so. He is going home to his wife, Mandie and their 3 year old son. I am so PROUD of him, WOOHOO, Erik!
Suefrm Narrrowsburg
June 24th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Please send congrats to Chris and Julie. There is an advantage to being a cruise directer as many can see. Your right hand will be beautiful and smart!
Look forward to the video blogs. You’re not dissapointing me!
Kap (Kathie)
June 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Congratulations to Bubba and Julie. What a great engagement picture!
Enjoy the seaweed wrap but I admit it sounds horrible to me. I don’t even like a “normal” massage. Larry loves a massage - especially on a beach during a cruise. Yes, we miss Costa Maya.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:55 am
thanks pa and john for the info ahead of time on the dream i saw it but didnt have time on the weekend to post due to work. John see you in a few months on the splendor and for sure see you in new york on the dream great stuff brand new carnvial ship and no air wouldnt miss that one. Tell ron we said hi and thanks for pictures of piano bar looks great
June 24th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Want to see how old Joan Collins is? Look at her hands. Total crone.
And, don’t go dissing the Man(ilow). He’s a 24 kt decent guy with a long time gal pal. No show biz head there, he’s as nice as you could ever imagine. Who cares if he had face work. So has Rambo.
I am so used to you calling your Blackberry a Raspberry, I called one that the other day. People looked at me like an antique… and it’s all your fault. LOL. But don’t let it run your life. Be in the moment sometime. we quit running for the phone every time it rang and find our evenings so much mroe relaxing now.
As to your spa treatment. Its not so much that seaweed paste they spread on you. Or the plastic wrap. Or the blanket over that. It’s that you’re left along with restful music and a chance to veg. THAT is the real value. Enjoy it!
June 24th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Congratulations to Chris and Julie.
We wish you every happiness, and look forward to cruising to Hawaii with you in September.
Marion and Ron Reyno.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:40 am
John,
The FANTASY of your IMAGINATION has given us INSPIRATION. But the thought of you basking in all your SPLENDOR while giving your thingy FREEDOM is not a DREAM–its a nightmare!
Congrats to Bubba and Julie. But why is the ring on her right hand? Was it so cold they couldn’t tell?
Rus & Nina
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