Thursday, June 26th, 2008...2:18 pm
The Bloginator
There are many things I am totally crap at and heading the list is anything to do with Engineering. I know that no matter how much training I received, or how many books I read, I could not build an electric toothbrush or a DVD player or an engine big enough to power a 100,000-ton cruise ship with me aboard through the water.
Hello everyone.
This is going to be a very quick, hastily put together blog free from photographs and the usual blog pattern. I am so sorry for this but today started at 7 am and now at 8:05 pm I have sat down for the very first time. Anyway, back to the engineering thing and the morning was spent touring the ship with lots of important people in suits and two in hard hats ………why were they wearing hard hats?…….were they worried a cabin steward was going to fall on their head?
Everyone was very impressed with the ship and I again stood on the threshold and listened to the engineers talk about bearings and power and words that only they and Scotty from Star Trek understood………..as I listened I realized………I knew nothing about Engineering at all………..
If someone asked me to paint a picture of Judge Judy naked I could at least have a go. It may look like a that little Jedi Knight thing that talks backwards in the Star Wars movie but nobody would be able to tell
And I don’t go all gooey about literature, because I can write a coherent sentence …………. sometimes.
You won’t find me saying I do not have the qualities of an actor, because I’ve been there, on a stage, and all you have to do is read out your lines and move your eyebrows up and down. It’s easy.
And so is being a lawyer. You just write what you want to say in English, then add the word “hereinuntoafter” every so often so the public thinks you’re clever and you win the case.
I could drive a train, run a supermodel agency, be a politician, catch a criminal, be a Chippendale, score a three point shot and write Jay Leno’s jokes. But I could not design a computer or an apartment building. And this is why I stand in open-mouthed admiration when I meet an engineer — because he can do something that I cannot.
I remember reading that when Charles Babbage, who designed the world’s first computer in the 19th century, talked about the “unerring certainty of mechanism,” but this is a concept that leaves me totally confused…………….I still have no idea what he meant.
When I build something it breaks pretty much immediately. I can’t relight our Aga cooker at home. I can’t wire a plug. I can’t hang a picture, and if I use superglue I end up fastened to whatever was broken. I have the practical abilities and engineering skills of a slug.
After the walk about with the men in suits I had a meeting with all the Entertainment Department. We did a big introduction so the family of people who will be together for the next four months will know who is who. We also discussed what will happen the next few days and that included a visit by our President Mr. Gerry Cahill tomorrow. Now, I hope he will be having lunch onboard and if he is I am going to invite myself and try to get him to say a quick hello to all of you via my little video camera which I can then post tomorrow………………sound good?
Hopefully he will say yes…………..if not……………I will do some secret filming with the camera secretly hidden in my ………..ummm………….somewhere.
Please keep the comments and thoughts coming on Carnival Dream. I am posting each and every one of them…….even negative……… but……….. As you can see they are all brilliantly positive.
The reason I kindly ask that you do this is because there has never really been a forum for you to do so. This has meant that the designers and people at the top who make the decisions on what to build never really get to know this early in a new building …………..if what they have decided to build is what you…………the most important people …………….. our guests. ……………………actually look for on a cruise ship vacation.
That changes now and hopefully as Carnival continues to build vessels we can use this and other blogs like it to allow you a clear and present voice. Please keep the comments coming and I continue to reply to those who include the words “Urgent, please reply.”
Anyway, time to go…………….I am going to watch a run through of the show then answer some of the 100 plus e-mails sitting in the box thingy.
Before I go though………………………I got a real bollocking today……………….about the blog……………………this person does not like what I write…………..and she told me face to face…………………here is what happened.
One of the benefits of having important visitors onboard was the opening of our coffee shop which has imaginatively called “The Coffee Shop”!!
I was quietly minding my own business enjoying an espresso and 5 minutes of peace, when I was approached by an enormous lady. “Do you mind if I join you?” she thundered.
Way before I had chance to say “I mind very much” she had pulled up a chair and was off.
“I read something you wrote in your blog last weekend and never in all of my life have I ever come across such utter disregard for life
At this point I was tempted to point out that I had a meeting and needed to go, but because she looked a bit like Arnold Schwarzenegger in a dress I decided it may be best to stay.
“It was about the use of animals for humor,” she bellowed with a volcanic ferocity, “You should be disgusted, some of the things you write make me feel sick.” She then moved on from being the protector of all things furry to women.
By this stage she was almost hysterical, claiming that she was a woman (doubtful) and that I treated women and especially my wife Heidi with “embarrassing distain”………..I wanted to say “distain”……and point to the spot where some asparagus soup had spilled onto my shirt…………….but I didn’t………….because………..she scared me.
Anyway………… after telling me I was the devil incarnate and that she would never read my blog again Mrs. Schwarzenegger got up and left………..I half expected her to turn ………….. look at me ……………and say “I’ll Be Back”………………….but she didn’t…………….she just buggered off.
Now, I know this lady works in our offices in Miami and obviously I cannot reveal her name but I felt badly after our conversation. Here is a colleague who hates me and hates the blog……………and that makes me sad.
However, I cannot change………..I have to write what I feel and I would never ever write anything that purposely disrespects women or animals…………..although she never said anything about the French……………what about French women?
No seriously, I hope she does read the blog again and forgives me for offending her ……….although she said she would never read the blog again………..which is good because I just said she looked like Arnold……………so………………..if you never hear from me again then that means she did read the blog and I am lying in an ICU ward with serious injuries caused by a heavy object landing on me………..no hard hat is going to save me.
I will leave you with the video of my appearance on the USA network last weekend incase you missed it.
Keep the Carnival Dream comments coming and normal blogging service will be resumed tomorrow.
doneGoodnight
Your Friends
John, Heidi and Mrs S.
53 Comments
June 26th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Hi John,
No matter what that woman says, we all love you! And you keep doing exactly what you have been doing – telling it like you see it.
About Engineers – I’m with you, I’m totally helpless around the house. And after working in an Engineering office for 30 years, you’d think I would know what they’re talking about – electrical, mechanical, civil/structural, hydraulic, etc. Well, I do know more than I did 30 years ago, but not enough to understand them in meetings (or actually be interested). I just smile and pretend I care.
Get some rest, and keep the blog thingys coming.
Hugs,
Carol
P.S. Hi Heidi & Stephanie.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Some people just don’t appreciate your sense of humor; however majority rules and most everyone does appreciate you and your humor !
See you guys in about 2 weeks.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I’ve discovered that engineers are a necessary evil. They speak in odd, esoteric terms that no one else should know or even try to pronounce. Good for them. I wish them all well. Please, make sure the Maitre d’ doesn’t have them seated with me at dinner…
A simple fact of life is this… you can’t please everyone. Humor that one might consider universal will, ultimately, offend someone. Oh well. I’m sure that she has other fish, or bloggers, to fry.
I keep pouring over the deck plans of the Dream and constantly become more and more enamored of her. She is expansive but familiar, fascinating but not gimmicky. I love her. Can I have her for my birthday, John???
I’ll be looking forward to tomorrow’s blog with the video of Mr. Cahill. Does he know he has the best job in the world? Does he need an assistant, or perhaps someone to wax his surfboard???
Cheers, mate!!!
Host Mach from Cruise Critic
June 26th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Wow! Too funny, John. I always find you humorous, but this time I was laughing out loud, particularly about the Terminatrix. I hope that exchange of fire, well, fired you up and makes you want to add even more brilliant sarcastic hyperbole and biting satire to your blog. Keep ‘em on the edge of their seats, John! You go brother!
June 26th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
wow dood! that was great that lauren got to be the cruise director!
and i think i said before about the dream, once i read two bathrooms, they had me lock, stock, and barrel! that is my “dream” come true!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
June 26th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
John, why is it that there is freedom of speech, but yet everyone climbs your frame because they don’t agree with you. Well the last time I checked there is a button on a computer to exit a website that you don’t want to read, etc. If you don’t agree with our buddy, John, then no one is making you sign on to his website.
I am a customer of Carnivals as well as a stockholder so I will say what I think to Ms. whatever her name is.
Apparently other people enjoy his blog and read it or there wouldn’t be 2.2 million readers. So if you don’t want to read this blog…….get lost!!!!!!!!!
Carolyn
The views and opinions expressed here represent my own
June 26th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
John, I enjoyed seeing the video on the blog. When it was on TV the cut it up so much it didn’t make much sense. Good job.
Jo
June 26th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
John, you asked for ideas for the Dream. One that I’ve seen mentioned here before is to have the main pool to have steps on one end for those of us that just can’t do the ladders. Steps make it so much easier to get in and out of the pool.
BIG ED
June 26th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
John, I’m glad the CARNIVAL DREAM will still be a cruise ship. The Mall of the Seas is just that. There are plenty of beautiful cities in the US to see if I want to walk in a park or do shopping. If I wanted a view of people walk around a cityscape I can stay in a downtown hotel not pay extra for an inside cabin with that view. Boy the Beast of the sea will really need the seat saving police for shows and deck chairs. 6000 people trying to get front row seats. You can only have so many front seats no matter how big you make the lounges.
BIG ED
June 26th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
John, My vote for the pool steps too. (I think some of the unmentionable cruise lines have them, not sure) And how about the little flags on the pool deck chairs to signal the bar waiters? Are there cold towels in the Serenity areas?
And don’t forget the One Size Fits Everyone Else Robes????
Carol
June 26th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Devil incarnate again? Pleaseeeeeeeeeee!! This people read one blog and think they know you. No les hagas caso ok?? If you are treating woman so badly how come so many of us love you??
Nanni
Vice President of the John Heald Ladies Fan Club
(BTW Heidi is the President) Hi Heidi!! Muchos huggos
June 26th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
You sound grrrrrrrrrrate, and you made her look wonderful.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Wow! The fact that the woman that unleashed on you was an elephant explains everything. Large women are either very pleasant and jolly individuals or very angry often agressive women that wake up every day, look in the mirror and begin to hate life. You just happened to be in her way and she let you have it!
Don’t worry, at this very moment she is attacking another kind soul!
Keep dishing the dirt, we very “normal” women understand it and are happy to dish it right back! I call it a sense of humor. You have a spectacular, enjoyable one! Keep smilin’
June 26th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Dear John There are enough Engineers and Techy people to handle the problems of the world.But you possess a talent that the world needs more of.You make people laugh that is a special gift.I found out long ago the good lord couldn’t please everyone so I know I can’t.Do the best you know how and go forward.Best wishes Gary and Bug
June 26th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hi John,
I know you hear it all the time, but I really enjoy reading your blog.
I’m planning a couple of cruises for my husband and myself and I was wondering if you knew if Carnival was planning on adding a ship to New Orleans or changing out the Fantasy.
I have a choice locally of either the Fantasy or the Holiday right now.
Thanks for your time and keep on blogging.
Debbie Roberts
June 26th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
John:
I only have one sentence for that woman…
“you are wrong”! And since “the customer is always right”..what can she say???
Hopefully all your practice over 20 years of putting up with nutcases onboard ships properly prepared you for what you must do, where she is concerned….ignore her!!
Being the proud Mom ( and you know this because I bring it up in almost every blog) of a Chemical Engineering student…I must say their brilliance is only detracted by their complete lack of common sense. My “Mr Magoo” is wonderful, but his younger brother with Autism runs circles around him in the common sense department.
They are both blessed with skills in their own special way!!
And it is with great joy that I read Carnival’s designers do read and listen to the folks who sail Carnival. Because (most of the time) we know what we want. And we appreciate opportunities (like the one you gave us earlier this year) to tell them!!
We look forward to seeing Mr. Cahill on the video.
From one “bean counter” to another, I must say I have been impressed with the videos of him so far.
He may make me eat my words (expressing concerns about a bean counter being in charge) after all!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ 5 pounds lighter and walking 5 miles a day~ DJ)
June 26th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Dear John….
Some folks will fight, cry, and whine about their opinion being the one that is important. These are the same folks that while defending there right to have an opinion, will trod on yours. Life is too short to let the little things in life disturb you! I am sure there is not a person in the world that would stop her from starting her very own blog in which she would be allowed to express her opinion and humor. (If she has a sense of humor)! As far as disrespect for Heidi…..once again she is in left field. Only strong relationships full of love, communication, and understanding can be put out there everday for others to see! Who can you laugh at if you cannot first see the humor in your own life, love, and relationship!
As for the Carnival Dream….pictures I am sure cannot do it justice. I am sure it will be beautiful. However, what will really make it the “Dream” is the service provided by the family that mans her. World Class Customer Service is a phrase that is sometimes overused but, it is what allows any company to stand proudly above the rest.
John & Susan in Frisco, Tx
June 26th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
John, I’ve been married to an engineer for 25 years – in fact, 25 years as of last week – and I still have no understanding of them! I just stopped asking questions about what he does. And I won’t ask my oldest son about it when he starts studying engineering in college next year. We’re all happier for it!
June 26th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I am SO much looking into a 2010 cruise on the carnival dream!!!!
from , JAKE S. ( :
June 26th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Debbie Roberts, Don and I are fixing to go on our second cruise on the Holiday. It is a much older ship and smaller than most, but I really enjoy it. It seems that when we cruise on it I am more laid back and take it easy. The food is great, but then all Carnival ships have great food, the entertainment is great, too. All of the employees are just like all employees on Carnival ships, very friendly and right there when you need them. Maybe I am more relaxed because we always cruise alone, just the 2 of us ,to celebrate my birthday and our anniverrsary. Of course we have been to Cozumel numerous times so sometimes we don’t even get off of the ship. If this is your first trip, make sure you go on the Myan Ruins if it is available. It is a very interesting and beautiful excursion.
We go to Calica this time, which we have never visited before, so that will be interesting and new for us
Hope this helps you make a choice
Carolyn
June 26th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I have not .. Yet .. been on a Carnival Cruise ( will rectify that situation in Oct) .. I am married to an Engineer (yes they can drive you crazy) .. and I am an opinionated Lady .. and I have the opinion that this Blog has got me really excited to cruise Carnival…
Jolly Good ( as I hear they say in your neck of the woods)
June 26th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
John,
Another thing about the Carnival Dream is that it’s really nice to see that Carnival has added bathrooms in some cabins when others have reduced them. That’s a convenience not just to be enjoyed by families. The weird cabin configuration on the NCL ship with the deep freeze bar is just baffling. A shower on one side of the cabin, toilet on the other and a sink in the cabin. What happens when I get up to go in the middle of the night? Do I wash my hands and wake up my wife? Of course I wash my hands. What were they thinking? Carnival just keeps getting it right.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Hi John: Never mind any narrow-minded naysayers – they only give us more ideas on how to implement better customer service! (Have a coffee shop just for staffers…..?)
Keep up the great work, continued success with your improving health and diet –way to go! We cruisers are all behind you and encouraged via your BLOGGING and by your good deeds, warm heartfelt care for customers and always remembering to include your beloved H in your commentary. We enjoyed a fantastic Transatlantic trip (our first ever cuise) aboard Carnival Freedom betwen Miami and Rome this past April-May and went on for another week in Tuscany –next time we will add on more of the Mediterreanean (sp). As far as the DREAM goes, what about customizing cruises based on some of the customers’ own “Dream Cruise” ideas? Maybe hold a contest wher e the winners (say five couples or families) would win the cruise with those items they had described in 1000 words or less? It could be called “Design Your Dream Cruise”..let me know I will want to enter. Keep safe and stay well at sea and on land.
S & G Reddom, Ontario Canada
June 26th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I’m so glad you included the video because I didn’t get to see it when it came out. You were WONDERFUL! It was a short piece, but you were on national TV!!
I could say something about opinions, but I won’t here, I’m just thinking it. I do think everyone has a right to their opinion. It’s good if people don’t like what they read, they shouldn’t read it. Just like if you don’t like what you see on TV, there is a power off button!!
I think the Dream is just that – a dream! I went WOW when I saw the pics. And who cares if it’s just a bigger ship-more people to meet!
Just a little over 50 days and I’ll be with you on the Splendor – along with my blogging sister!! I can’t wait!
Take care and remember – there’s an awful lot of people that LOVE cruising with you!
June 26th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
John -
My dear departed father was a Civil Engineer – in his age, there were three types of Engineers.
Electrical Engineers knew everything about things electrical.
Mechanical Engineers knew everything about things mechanical.
Civil Engineers knew everything.
As you can tell, my father had a rather high opinion of himself. Regardless, anyone who drives Interstates 89 or 91 in the State of Vermont can thank my father for designing the bridges on those roads.
As for the Dream, I vote for oversized, underpriced suites with bathrobes designed to fit us properly sized guys, no smoking anywhere that my wife or I am at the time – and the steps in the pool are a good idea too.
Say hi to Heidi for us -
Jon and Kathy
June 26th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Hi John & Heidi
Thanks for posting the USA Network show. I enjoyed the the clip very much. I tried to see it here in the mountains of NC on Direct TV but all failed.
Have a wonderful Friday on the new and beautiful Splendor.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
John, I apologize for the lapse in writing (hello Heidi) …I’m still reading.
Each and every blog brings a smile and chuckle to my day….can’t wait for embarkation day. It takes all kinds to make our great planet great, but I’m perplexed how this co-employee from Miami would take everything in your blog literally….did she begin life with Carnival last week? Was it the first blog she ever read? WOW ….regardless, keep it coming in the John Heald style all your faithful enjoy. A refreshing escape from our everyday doldrums.
Cheers, Ray
P.S. the SPLENDOR looks Splendtacular
June 26th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I have sailed on the Conquest, Holiday, Glory and Fantasy. We are booked on the Imagination for July, 2008 and the Fantasy in March, 2009. I am also looking at booking the Freedom for May, 2009. When I saw the pictures of the Dream and the itinerary for the Dream, I told the family to plan on an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Dream in 2010. We have enjoyed all our cruises. Each ship has something special to offer. I do like the size of the Fantasy class ships. With flying getting to be more and more of a hassle, I am looking forward to Carnival hopefully putting another ship or a different ship in Mobile and/or New Orleans. Both of these ports are about an hour and a half from where I live and makes driving to the port very easy. I would also like to see a little more variety in the ports of call. But I cruise because I think it is a great value and I love the way you are treated. So, if it is a choice of the Fantasy or the Holiday and the same itinerary, I will choose one of them if I don’t want to fly to another port. I love cruising on Carnival.
John, keep up the good work. Thanks to all who make this blog possible.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
John,
The power of the blog compels you oh wait no thats not it. Better than being the sperm of the devil again mate. A man walked into a bar, he said ouch! no thats not it either. umm Oh right Arnold Schwertzenerger the govinator.In washington Arnold met with Vice President Dick Cheney. So, the terminator met the Defibrillator. The difference between Arnold and Cheney is when Cheney grabs a chest it’s his own. Ok enough with Arnold. Yes the Dream is a dream and I can’t wait till i get to see her hopefully in a ship yard somewhere. Anyway Brilliant posting of the USA video i’ve been trying to get it for days. And if this person did know anything about you they would know you worship the ground heidi walks on so how dare they. Sorry I couldn’t let it go still. Onwards yes a video with Mr. Cahill would be great even if you have to put the camera somewhere, ok I don’t want to know where. Best to Heidi and of course yourself. Someone mentioned somewhere that it is your Parents Anniversary soon so a Happy Anniversary to them. And of course to our super spy Agent PA007 a cheery hello to their cubicle.
Kevin
June 27th, 2008 at 12:19 am
john keep doing what you do best being yourself, this blog and your humor always picks me up.
thanks for posting the video I needed that after the past couple of days, dad is doing a lot better after his heart attack on tuesday.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Hi John and Heidi,
I think that we have all made a mistake as bad as you think yours is. We tend to obcess over it and blow it all out of proportion in our minds. It is a little worse that it is a co worker but if you work with her even for 1 day she should know that you are not the kind of person she has built up in her mind.If I remember correctly, you appologised to her repeately, sent a note with wine, and verbally over and over. I would consider this problem closed. My mother told me when I was a little girl that no matter what not everyone will like you and you can do nothing to change their minds. Maybe on of those pharomoans.
I love the new Carnival Dream. I think you named it aptly because it looks like a dream. We were scheduled to come across again on the Freedom but that sailing was canceled. We decided we wanted to stay in the same area so we will be on the Liberty. I hope it is a nice.
Although I love thease fancy ships I do long for the days without all the frills. No large tv, meals to be less rushed,and so many choices at night. I would really like a ship that on a 2 week sailing just rest, read, sun and dip in the pool, maybe a little slots, a show and bed. I really dont need all the frills. My first cruise was on the Carnivale and I would love to sail on her again. When you were on the Carnival you knew you were sailing. I’m homesick. sniff sniff
Barbara
June 27th, 2008 at 2:59 am
John,
Don’t worry about “Mrs.S”. No matter what you do or say there will be someone who disagrees with and despises you. You have to ask yourself if “Mrs.S”’s blog has over 2.2 million hits and a loyal group of bloggers (and it’s own chief security). Bang up job on that USA special by the way.
_BigMike
Blog Security Chief
June 27th, 2008 at 5:40 am
John – it was great seeing the video, I had missed it when it was originally on. Great job.
Love,
Suzann
June 27th, 2008 at 7:48 am
John,
That woman is abosolutely wrong! You are wonderful and loved by us out here in BlogThingyland. Howdare she say such bad things about you! Just know you are loved by the rest of us! ( How did such a harsh woman get hired into the cruiseline that I love????)
As for the Dream, I am very excited to sail on it with the Cruise Critic Dreamteam. I think the Dream renderings are wonderful. I love Carnival : )
Julie, who is looking forward to meeting you and Heidi in FLL on the Splendor. I also found out one of my very favorite servors will be on board when I and Hubster are on the Splendor. That will be an awesome cruise, get to see Martina again and meet John!
June 27th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Dear John, Heidi,Stephanie,Entertainment Crew,
I wanted you all to know that I was contacted this week by the Carnival Currents office in Miami and they wanted permission to use my letter about our cruise last October with you on the Freedom for the upcoming Fall publication. We were so excited to be asked but more importantly it was all due to you wonderful people and the crew of the Carnival Freedom. We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on that cruise, had a fantastic voyage, and signed up for the Splendor right after we got back home. Kudos again to you all, we’ll see you on July 25th, “and now for something completely different”(Monty Python Rules).
June 27th, 2008 at 9:16 am
John,
Please, is there available software to limit the time my wife spends on your blog? After 62 years she out of control.
We visit with you on the July 13 sailing. Looking forward to seeing you then.
George & Marge
2274
June 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am
John,
Everyone has a right to their own opinion but boy is she wrong!! Oh how boring it would be to read your blog with out you being you!! We love you just the way you are! Never change for anyone !
Keep up the great work. Loved the video as I missed it when it was on. As for the Dream just one word “FANTASTIC”
Thanks for the laughs that brighten my days!!
You Go John!!
Kathy
June 27th, 2008 at 10:36 am
“Disclaimer:
This is a personal weblog. The views and opinions expressed here represent my own (and those of some of the commentators that I have included) and not those of Carnival Corporation & plc or Heidi. This blog has no official affiliation with Sugar free jelly beans.”
… enough said.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Good morning my friend Mr. Heald. Isn’t amazing that you can’t even have a cup of coffee without being attacked by some crazy woman. Calling you the devil incarnate is going a little to far. Just remember she’s just one weird individual as compared to the many that respect and love you for what you do. Thank you for the video about the young lady who wanted to be a cruise director. It might be a very challenging job to have but I think I’d like to try it myself. Well have a great day and say hi to Heidi. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
June 27th, 2008 at 11:25 am
John,
Why the hell is someone like this working for Carnival? I thought people that work for Carnival are supposed to be one big happy family. I guess these people that complain all the time are everywhere. Even in big happy families…… How dare her call you the devil incarnate!! Apparently she didn’t understand the Disclaimer. Well, HASTA LA VISTA, Mrs. Schwarzeneggar! Good riddance.
In good news, thanks for posting the Character Fantasy video. Saw it again just now. Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Alex G.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Hi John,
Well, I can’t say much about the Carnival Dream because I don’t feel I really know enough to have much of an opinion. All the renderings and photos in the world won’t really tell you what you’ll feel when you are finally on her. I do think the cantilevered hot tubs sound interesting, but I wonder just how much you’ll be able to actually see when you are down in the tub. Probably just a sliver of ocean at the horizon.
My one big comment about new ships is: PLEASE DON’T PUT VENTS IN THE CABIN DOORS!!!
The only bad thing about my cruise on the Freedom was that there was NO sound insulation from the corridor into my cabin. I heard every word anyone said. Incredibly stupid design!
June 27th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
HI, Everyone else beat me to giving my opinion. “The Dream sounds like a dream and that opinionated lady? is crazy.” ‘Nuff said. Jeri
June 27th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
OK, here comes the unvarnished truth.
My “Dream” would have a decent library. HALs new libraries are beyond awesome. Several rooms filled with games, actual bestseller books, music listening spots, comfy couches, ocean views. Compare that to the Freedom’s library closet with a few cast-off books. Heck, I left that library much better off than I found it by donating the books I carried with me and had finished. I know Carnival is not the library type of cruise line, but why bother if you can’t do better than that? Even the books for sale in the shops were pathetic. No known authors, no familiar titles,no bestsellers. Please send your buyers to an airport convenience store and have them look at the book titles: that’s what they should stock!
In addition, my “Dream” wouldn’t make you sign out ping pong paddles of golf clubs for the mini course. They would just be in a rack next to the playing area like every other cruise line I’ve been on. I heard more people complain about that on our Freedom TA than everything else put together. They felt like they were treated like children, plus they had to seek out the source for said clubs or paddles — another irritation.
You asked for the bad, too.
I am interested in knowing more about the cove balconies. I’m assuming they’re on decks low enough so that if the ship were underway you might get a salt-water shower? True? Actually, that might be fun.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I suggest the woman get more fiber in her diet. You can’t win them all, John. But don’t worry. We still love you!
June 27th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hi John,
I must reply to you’re Carnival Dream issue. I’m going on Splendor in 2 weeks but boy does the new about the Dream dissapoint. I don’t know if you noticed the new about OASIS OF THE SEAS ? I know you don’t like rccl but what a diference! It’s up to the travellers to decide but what a fantastic new ship it is with so many options. And then to read about the magic with a wrap around promenade….. And i agree it’s a regular carnival ship on steroids. I was hoping the biggest cruise company in the world would stun us by bringing something unbelievble. I cruised Carnival, Festival, Costa, Rccl, NCL, Princess, Celebrity and must say i’m least attracted to the carnival ships. Boy wat a great ships Costa makes (same designer as CCL but so different). But for me RCCL is the big winner. Notheless i will enjoy my cruise on splendor. Just hope you will be a little less tacky against RCCL. They are just awesome.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Afternoon or Evening John & Heidi
Not sure what time it is over there for you.
Enjoyed the Blog this past week, the videos were great, I had trouble getting the link to work for the Aida Crew video, are you planning to put it on the Side of you page here?
I also think people are entitled to there own opinion but to jump all over you like that was just wrong, I have read nothing in any of yur blogs (an I have only been reading for a couple of weeks) to find you guilty of disrespecting anyone especially your beloved Wife Heidi. Keep up the great work!!!
Will you still be on the Splendor for the Dec 13th Sailing for 2008, We have a family cruise booked and we have almost 10 cabins booked so far.
Were you Sailing on the Liberty or the Ledgend back in Jan/Feb of 2006?
A note to Barbara Butler regarding the Liberty.
She is a Beautiful ship, I’m sure you will have an amazing time.
So if I want John or Heidi to respond to this message I need to add “Urgent, please reply.”
or Stephanie make him reply!! or somethingy like that?!
To yet another great Blog Thingy!!
John, Heidi and the rest of the Gang, have a great night and a great weekend.
James signing off from Sunny Georgetown Ontario, Canada
June 27th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Lauren, you did great! John, you’re a great trainer!
June 27th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hello John and Heidi , Stephanie and all you Bloggers
I cannot believe that woman said to you” utter disregard for life” OMG John” You ” are the last person with all your caring and commitments that has an a TOTAL COMMITMENT to everything You Do! How in the world did Carnival sneak her under their employment radar? Heidi knows you do not degrade women, we the female bloggers who love you know you do nor degrad nor hurt a flea nor us women, OK I’m getting off my soapbox now………..
I have sailed on the CCL Mardi Gras, Holiday, Paridise,Jubilee, Glory, Legend, Freedom,Dawn Princess soon the Fantasy in 2009, Planning on the Dream 2010. Am I biased? You betcha? I get the best service, the best quality for my quantity of my buck, and the bes people to meet.
Thanks for posting the Video of the USA Fantasy, I watched it again and again. I still have a problem with them not posting your name..
Cheers & Stiff Upper Lip
Buggers to Ms. S.
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold(NOT Schwarzenegger !)LOL
June 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
First, it is great to finally see the USA video. I was unable to catch it when it was on the air last week but its nice to finally see it. Great story!
Second, I am impressed everyday with the work that engineers do. They have such a difficult job and i recall how hard my friends studied in school who were engineering majors.
Third, I am sorry that your co-worker in Miami is upset with your blog. Don’t let one employee at the corporate office ruin something that millions of people look forward to reading every day.
Great to hear from you and keep in touch.
Thanks again,
David
June 27th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
ok lets recap….
2.2+ million visitors to the Blog
-4 complainers (that i can remember)
___
2,199,996 possitive experiences !!!
I’d say Carry On……..
John’s approval rating 99.9999999 %
This calls for a lifetime contract if I might add !!!
June 27th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
well john, you know what they say about opinions?? haha she doesnt need to read your blog for us to enjoy your humor. i think you are brilliant( the english meaning) lol and i totally enjoy your blog. the dream is just that.. a dream! what a marvelous ship!thanks for all the fun and info.. its a treat!
June 28th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Hi Mach,
My beloved daddy was an engineer. Growing up I would love to ask my dad about something I really didn’t care about, (like why is the sun hot) just to hear him talk. Mostly, didn’t understand a thing he said, but it just fasinated me my dad knew so much about so much. I now have a son who studied to be an engineer, but switched to electrician, for the money. He is about to go on his first cruise in Oct, way behind the rest of his family on getting the cruising bug. Hope the Legend has no engineering flaws, he does point those things out, (like we really care unless it will make the ship sink)
And I would like to know, how do you offend an animal?? How many animals read your blog??? Told you I ask strange questions.
And the about the Dream, coed steam bath?? interesting.
June 28th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
John,
There are so many more things that I will never be able to do… But thank God there are others who can!!!
You are brilliant and I can’t do that!
Just keep up the GREAT WORK and I promise to do the thing I’m best at… Reading, enjoying, and laughing!
Lambie
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