And so to the sounds of “Time To Say Goodbye” Captain Pagano let go the lines and off we went. The Captain gave a stirring thank you over the PA system to the Fincantieri workers for providing Carnival with this magnificent cruise liner and I then thanked the crew for their invaluable work.
Here we are then in Genoa. The ship starts its shakedown cruise today with ??? invited guests joining us…………….nope………the ??? was not a typo thingy because we have no bloody clue how many people are going to be sailing with us. We sent invitations to 3044 people, 1780 replied saying “yes”. they would love to sail for two days on the newest cruise liner in the world for free with free drinks and great shows and me “………….290 said “no”………sorry we can’t sail on the newest cruise liner in the world with free drinks and great shows and you “………and close to 1000 people didn’t reply at all………….and that’s just rude…………….and if they don’t reply and don’t show up………well that’s even ruder.
It’s a problem that seems primarily to affect people in the public eye, people who are probably invited to so many red carpet events that the easiest thing for them is to say yes to everything and then make a decision on the night. ………..for me the no-show message is simple…………………………………….. My life is more important than yours.
However, the ones who are here have boarded a ship full of anticipation and excitement. Tonight Marcus Anthony will perform and then knowing Italians as I do the bars and lounges will be jumping until very very late. I am very much looking forward to meeting some of the retired Captain’s later today and I will of course have the camera with me to capture the event.
It seems strange though that in 2 days time I will be on stage hosting the Welcome Aboard show. I have not done this since February and as always I am concerned that I will walk out on stage and be as funny as gum disease…………..I truly hope it all comes back to me.
Well, the last few days have been very special for us here on the Carnival Splendor as it has been also for Holland America’s Eurodam as described here by our roving reporter the incomparable Mr.Peter Shanks.
Hello John – me again. All of us in the UK are looking forward to seeing you and Carnival Splendor in the UK (home of the fastest growing cruise market) on the 10th July. But boy do you have a lot to live up to. We have seen some spectacular ships introduced to the UK market over the last few months – Queen Victoria from Cunard Line, Ventura from P+O Cruises and last night I was lucky enough to be invited to see the beautiful new Eurodam from Holland America in Southampton. So – bring it on with Carnival Splendor – we can’t wait!
I know you have been on Eurodam – it’s a great ship and I thought I would share some of the ‘wow factors’ I took away from my overnight stay on Eurodam:
Tamarind – A beautiful Asian restaurant right at the top of the ship and it’s going to be a big success. The decor is superb, lovely looking staff and with a drink before dinner in the Silk Den this part of the ship will be a real wow.
Spa Cabins – I think this is a first for Holland America. They have taken some of the cabins located near the Spa and added some soothing touches. Guests in these cabins will also be able to get priority bookings and service from the Spa – so I think this will be a winner.
Piano Bar – This was excellent last night – you just can’t beat a talented pianist and singer who really gets the crowd going. It’s an intimate bar and to see everybody gathered around the piano singing along was fun.
Production Show – I only popped in to see how it was – but stayed for the full show. Did not catch the name of it, but it was full of very recognizable songs and it flowed really well. I am always amazed at the quality of shows on all of our ships – and to see them delivering such perfection before the ship is even in full service is quite remarkable.
Crow’s Nest and Explorations – I think this space is really clever. It’s up on the Observation Deck, the clever bit is that the Explorations cyber centre and internet access area is combined into the rest of the lounge. So I would expect that during the day – and early evening – this will become a really interesting place to be with lots of things going on. I also noticed that Holland America have a partnership with The New York Times providing news and other things on the websites.
Microsoft Digital Workshop – Like the New York Times tie-up, it’s a really cool idea to partner with Microsoft. Now that Bill Gates has finally retired – maybe he wil find his way onto one of our ships and he would be impressed with what our friends at Holland America have done.
Cabins – just beautiful – and I am sure that guests will be very comfortable no matter what grade they choose.
Lido Restaurant – I was really impressed with the decor, colours and furniture in the Lido. It uses soft colours, quite often Lido areas on ships can be too bright and canteen-like – this was really very nice and creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
Aft Deck – as the aft of this ship has been extended with additional cabins, there is a lot more open deck space which creates a really good and spacious deck environment.
So – the UK travel trade was very impressed with Eurodam. There were many travel agents there – delighted once again at more capacity being introduced for them to sell.
As I disembarked, Southampton looked more like Miami. Next to us was the Sea Princess and further up the dock was another big ship. It was not one form the Carnival Family, I could only just see the name, I think it was something like ‘Independence Of The Probably Too Big For Most People To Really Enjoy Themselves Of The Seas’.
So John – after all the waiting, and all your boasting – we can’t wait to see you and to see the new Carnival Splendor. You have a lot to live up to – but I know nobody will be disappointed. Look forward to seeing you on Splendor – Good Luck to you and all your special crew members!
Best Regards
Peter Shanks
Chief Commercial Officer
Carnival UK
Thank you Peter………I think we should give him the official title of BBR – Blogs British Reporter and thank him for another superbly written report. ……….loved the name of the other ship.
Peter……….doesn’t the word independent mean doing something when you want to how you want to and without worrying about others………….that’s pretty hard to do when you have 8 billion people onboard…………….anyway……….enough about that and more on Eurodam. She will be named tomorrow by H.M Queen Beatrix of Holland in a ceremony that you can see live on www.hollandamerica.com……………..don’t miss it.
Have a read of some of the comments received at the Carnival UK office about the visit of the Holland America Flagship.
Good morning
Just want to say thank you for a great evening on Friday – the ship was wonderful – my first time on a Holland America ship and I was very impressed. The staff on the ship were fantastic too – the service was impeccable.Thanks again – much appreciated.
SimoneGood morning – I hope you are both well and enjoyed your time on board the Eurodam.
On behalf of Naomi, Michael and myself I just wanted to say thank you very much for your hospitality, we all thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful lunch and our time exploring the Eurodam – what a fantastic ship!Well Lynne, what can I say! First of all thank you for inviting my staff and I to experience Holland America. Eurodam has surpassed all expectations for me. I have been very lucky to have either visited or travelled on many ships over my last ten years dealing with Cruise but I have to say that I would not have missed this one for the world. I thought that standards were more than excellent and I have to say that I have met some wonderful staff over the years but yet again the staff on board excelled all!. Truly a visit that my staff or I will never forget. I can’t wait to tell everyone all about her. After our experience I know that the staff can’t wait to get behind it and see those bookings come rolling in.
Once again Lynne, Thank you for an experience that we all will never forget!
Regards
Michelle Gannon.Morning,
What more can I say, we had a ball on your fab new ship on Friday.Please convey our thanks to everybody involved for their kindness and hospitality, you have an absolute winner on your hands.
The overnighter has just strengthened my resolve to sell more and more for you guys, an easy sell for such a fantastic product, I’m off to amend my text page now.
Can’t wait for Zuiderdam in 2 weeks time
Regards
Andrew
Back here on the Carnival Splendor I wanted to share some photos of the ship’s lido deck midship pool area.
Here they are.
Back soon………..off to mingle.
Well, here I am…………….and they don’t call it a shakedown cruise for nothing………….here’s why.
1. We had problems with the gangway from deck 3 to the pier as the connection did not fit immediately………..15 minutes delay.
2. The terminal’s air conditioning has broken and people are hot….very hot……….and very grumpy and some are getting a little upset as they wait to check in. This is actually a good thing……….we need more Italians to get upset because when they do they move their arms around feverishly causing a rapid movement of air………..seriously……….we are all a bit upset that the Genoa terminal has gotten us off to a hot and sticky start…………and that’s before the 200 French arrive.
However…………once onboard they will be enveloped in an air conditioned happy and fun atmosphere where they will discover 1000 crew ready to serve. And while the drinks are being served and the food is being devoured a barge has come alongside and is filling us with heavy maritime fuel………..which as we all know is more expensive than diamonds, gold and a Chanel handbag combined.
At 5:00pm we will be underway and I will let you know how many guests we sail with.
Well, last night Heidi told me that I looked tired and needed to relax. She turned the computer and my phone off and would have done the same to my raspberry but I managed to shove it down the back of my underpants where we both knew it would be safe. However, she insisted we did something ” fun”………….now I was indeed tired and for me Fun would have been going to the arcade and saving the world from flesh eating zombies…………….I have to admit…………..I have started enjoying Playstation Xnintendo wee wee game thingies.
For the last few days the arcade has been on ” freeplay ” and because I am cheap and there was no bugger in there I started to play……..and I started to enjoy it.
For years I have dismissed Sony’s little black box of witchery as a fad to be used by spotty boys wearing hoodies and baseball hats on backwards………however…………I think I have been wrong.
I have been told that Yoga is therapeutic and that putting one leg behind your ear and sticking your bottom in the air relives stress……….well…..I have never done Yoga or tried to get in the crapping dog position and doubt I ever could…………and even if I did manage to get one of my legs behind my ear and thrust my bottom out I doubt that the person behind me would appreciate the obvious effects that the strain of achieving this would have on my bottom. Nope…………forget Yoga………..stress release has a new name ” Zombie Flesh Eaters Death Zone Halo Theft Assain thingy “……………..who needs yoga when you can chop a zombies head off with an axe?
Anyway, with my phone turned off and my computer dormant I was already to kick some Zomibe ass…………..but Heidi had another idea………and produced Dante’s Inferno…………or as it is called today ……….Monoply.
Monopoly is like the Middle East crisis. There is no end to it. I truly believe that nobody in the whole of human history has ever actually won a game of Monopoly. Because winning means overcoming levels of boredom that can drive a man mad as you drive a small metal hat around the streets of London or New York.
What’s more, nobody knows the rules to it. Does the money from the Income Tax box go in the middle or into the bank? And if it does go in the middle, is it yours when you land on Free Parking? Then, when all your properties are mortgaged and you have no means of paying the rent for a brief stop on Madison Avenue, does the player with the hotel take over your assets, and are they automatically unmortgaged or does he have to pay? If so, whom does he pay?
Such things are probably explained in the instruction book, but that was lost in 1971. No, forget Chance cards and money that looks like the old Italian lire……… give me a plasma gun and an axe and a few hundred Zombies to destroy and I am a rejuvenated man.
Well, tomorrow is the big day……………July 1st…………..the day Dreams come true. Where is your Dream going to take you…………The Med, a Trans Atlantic experience, Bermuda, New York or the Caribbean?
Wherever you decide to sail to I home your dream comes true and I hope to share it with you.
Operators are standing buy………….and so am I.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and my bottom which I thought was suffering from terrible gas but it turns out my raspberry is still down there and it’s on vibrate.
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor
John… I can tell immediately that Carnival invited the wrong people on the shake down cruise for the Splendor. Carnival should have invited US!! You could be assured that you would have a ship full of wide-eyed, ecstatic bloggers!!
There is no doubt in my mind that the Brits will be wildly pleased with the Splendor when she makes port. Such a stunning ship deserves all the praise that will be lavished upon it.
As for your raspberry… maybe you should wait to get to your computer to answer email…
Ciao!!!
Host Mach from Cruise Critic
I’m a lucky guy. I’m writing from this wonderful new ship using the carnival-wifi from my stateroom. Beautiful experience even if the sky on Genoa was a little bit cloudy. Good work John!
Marcus Anthony? He is really good. I bought his CD after the show and then have it signed. It was our wedding night!
)
Next time, send the invitations to me. I’ll be there and will RSVP as well
Bon Voyage, John!
Congratulations Carnival, the Splendor, the Captain and crew and most of all Mr. Heald & Heidi. I don’t know why those individuals who were invited to board the Spendor haven’t done so. I would think they would be honoured and proud to be the first to cruise on a new beautiful ship like the Splendor. I know that if you had invited all of your blogger friend, they would be there. One final important comment. Since you are trying to lose weight becareful that you don’t over tired yourself. Have fun Sir and have a tremendous voyage. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I agree with Mach. WE’D have rsvp’d and what fun we’d have had. Good luck with the shakedown cruise.
Hi John/Heidi:
I’m impressed. Monopoly. A classic.
Who won the game? Its great because it seems everyone has their own set of rules.
I would love to be on one of the thousand people who didn’t reply (since i would have) and would have liked the opportunity to go on the 2-day cruise to nowhere.
So exciting how far things have come along.
Can’t wait to hear more as you guys are so close to accepting passengers.
Thanks for keeping in touch!
David
John:
I agree with Mach and Kathy.
We will pay our own way there and back…just let us on!!!!!
Looks like your raspberry has given a whole new meaning to the word “shakedown”.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Bon Voyage and can’t wait to hear more. Thanks for the beautiful pics of the pool deck. Sorry about the hot and grumpy guests but ignore them and get out and take more photos–we are all anxious to see! Glad you are getting the hang of the Nintendo wee wee games–sounds like you were checking out the Wii Fit so does that mean they have it in the arcade? That will be great for the kids. No webcam on the Splendor? That would be cool then we could watch what was going on.
The lido looks exellent.
Sound’s like fun. now’s your chance to mingle with the higher -ups.
BBBBBIIIIIGGGGGMMMMMIIIIKKKKKEEEEE.
John I can’t believe the audacity of people to have the privilege and honor of experiencing this event and not showing.Needless to say they don’t deserve this honor. A true cruise blogger would not hesitate at such and occasion.This magnificent ship deserves better.Also be careful where you sit with that Raspberry thingy.Best Wishes Gary and Bug
dood! they didn’t even *gasp* reply??? i hope if they show up they are told something like “oh, we didn’t know you were coming as you DIDN’T REPLY so we only have this one tiny little inside cabin left. sorrreeee…..” just sayin’.
congratulations to y’all! i am still sitting here in podunk watching leaves grow.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
The Splendor is gorgeous, but I will more than likely never get to sale on it. But as for the Carnival Dream I will be there.
Cruising Grandma
Why didn’t you invite us? All of the bloggers would have shown up. I am glad you enjoyed the free games. At least you are honest and admit you are cheap. We suspected you are. We all remember the hat and dress Heidi bought.
Have a good time and post lots of photos.
Jo
Hi John!!
I was looking at your facebook friends 669 of them. You must have a facebook record. Congrats!! Are you that popular? Nah LOL It’s very interesting the people you can find there. Entertainers like Michel Andre, Cd’s, ex Cd’s(Bob Hamill?), crew, people from all over the world. The group John Heald is the best cruise director in the world! has 206 members. The other CD Of The Probably Too Big For Most People To Really Enjoy Themselves Of The Seas’ has 169 on his group(and this group is older). na na na na!
Fun facts
Nanni
If you had that many “regrets” on your shakedown cruise you should have extended an invitation to your bloggers
We would have filled the rooms.
John,
I find it hard to believe that 1290 citizens of the world missed the chance for a free 2 day cruise. Perhaps they were afraid it was some kind of marketing scam???…… But knowing the folks at Carnival, how could they have passed this chance of a lifetime? If I had gotten an invitation, you want to guess who would be one of the first to respond, let alone first in line to board??..But I will wait patiently for my new home ship to come to Port Carnaveral.
Best to you and Heidi, looking forward to meeting you on the Bloggers Cruise.
Daytonadan and heyjude.
Woo Hoo! I did it! I got an email telling me that Carnival was taking reservations tonight for the Dream, and I just got off the phone with my Vacation Planner Armando Anton (he is the best)! I am going 12/26/09-Western Caribbean, will be on the new VISTA deck, balcony room mid ship. Can’t wait! Come on blogger friends, book your DREAM vacation NOW, before all the rooms are gone! Hope to see you there John! Ciao, Linda
P.S. Hope to see you on the Splendor Thanksgiving week this year too! Mike is sooooooo excited!
Hi John,
Ship looks great. I would have RSVP’d in a heartbeat. Good Luck with your shakedown cruise. I wouldn’t worry about your Welcome Aboard Show, you are a natural.
Tom & Michelle
John, Here is my RSVP. I will be there with bells on anywhere anytime.
BIG ED’S TRAVEL AGENCY
Congratulations John , congratulations Carnival, and on voyage Carnival Splendor and her crew. Fair winds and following seas to you.
See you in eight weeks!
I’m sorry I didn’t reply John, I just know you sent an invitaion and we didn’t get it. So wait on us and we”ll be there as soon as we can……..grin I can’t believe that people would not even respond. Make a list and remember not to invite them next time.
It’s absolutely booooooootiful I can’t wait until we see it in person. In 5 months we will be walking on the decks in those pictures………. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…..
Bon Voyage! Hope your season is blessed, your health is good, rest comes to you and calm seas…Yours,
Kap
John We’re booked on the Dream…just talked to our personal vacation planner……… We’ll be there with bells one Nov 15th!
Carolyn and Don
HI,
Should have asked me. I’ve been on over 15 Carnival cruises. 14 as a single and 2 married. I would have gone . . believe me! Maybe next time.
John,
We would have RSVP’d and been there… but I think our invitation got lost in the mail!!! LOL
Maybe next time!
Hello to Heidi!
I’m a fan of a US Singer named Jonathan Coulton, and he sings a particular song that always makes me think of your blog when I hear it. It’s called “Over There”….
Here’s a link of him performing it live in London: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDT9ejTNimQ
Ok John,
You must be tired but being the royal pain in your rump that i am i have to live up to (or down too) depending on your perspective. I am taking exception with 2 comments in your blog.
1- I do believe that it was you that was on stage for the welcome aboard party when Fredom sailed on 3-1-2008 . the last time i checked the calender the third month is March not Febuary. However i have heard some funny things about the calender in the UK.
2- Again it may be a UK thingy but i have never seed a madison ave on the game Monopoly.
In any case, my friend, enjoy your time on the Splendor as you are now back to doing what you do best,(being a cruise director and making sure that 3000+ guest each have a great time.
And do be careful with what ya write as paoo7 has nothing on us …..lol
looking forward to sailing with you real soon(and i will bring my monopoly board)
Bill aka paoo7 1/2 lol
John,
If I become a TA really soon, will you invite me to the Dream??? I promise to RSVP, show up, and have a great time. You can count on me!!!!
John…
I’ll just repeat the above sentiments…
I’D RSVP!!! I’d be there!!! I’d be in!!!
I agree with you about the manners of today. No one sends Regrets, acceptances, or I’m thinking about it, hold a spot, and I might grace you with my presense… Well… they all figure we just know the latter, and that’s enough..
The ship looks wonderful!! WOW!!!
We know you’ll be GREAT on stage, on the deck, everywhere!!! Our prayers are with you for a successful voyage and cruise. Shakedown is an interesting time and it seems much has been cared for and most details have been considered… not much is wrong on board!! (How is the piped in music, now?? And the blowing paper towels??)
Regards to everyone!
Lambie
Good morning John & Heidi,
Bon Voyage Splendor & her splendid crew! But I agree, why weren’t your faithful bloggers invited?
I have just left an e-mail for my vacation planner to call me when he gets to work so I can book the Dream’s 1st cruise from NY. I know it’s too early for you to know your schedule, but it would be wonderful if you were the CD, or just a guest.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John,
Love the pictures and I ADORE the hanging flowers around the pool. I saw that on the Costa Serena last year and hoped more ships would do that.
I am in Rotterdam getting ready to watch the Eurodam inaugural in two hours — Queen Bea will be here and the ship is already on lockdown (just kidding)
Anyway, cannot wait to see the beautiful Splendor next week. BTW, can you pass the word along to Prasad and Waylan — we want to do a “Curry” ! That spread on the Freedom Blogger Cruise was the best Indian food I’ve ever had, can we do it again?
See you and Heidi next week!
Best,
Anita
Good luck with your first welecome aboard show…………. like you really need it………
John, The Carnival DREAM becomes a reality for many today but the real Carnival Dream is YOU. I see 2,500,000 slaps on YOUR THINGY is just around the corner. YOUR THINGY has grown from just a Carnival DREAM to the other cruise line’s most feared nightmare. All the other cruise lines CEOs go to bed every night praying they don’t have a DREAM of being attacked by YOUR THINGY.
BIG ED
Hi John & Heidi,
Yippppeeeee! I am booked on the 11/15 cruise out of Brooklyn. I have my cabin number & I’m ready to go – well almost, I still have the cruise on the Miracle in 3 months.
Ian, my PVP, is really excited about the Dream and I’m trying to talk him into coming up here to take a cruise.
Later,
Carol
The Splendor looks great, keep those pics coming! I’m with all the others above – invite the bloggers next time, we’ll fill it! Still quiet here on the shore front with regards to the ‘Dream. How’s your diet going? Now that you’re ensconced in a routine, it should be easier. Keep at it, you’ll do great!
Oh, John, I just couldn’t wait, I booked 4 cabins on the Dream last night late for me and JTODDINMAN and crew!!! Now I can’t wait to sail the splendor…
Hay my Friends I wish I was There , have a drink on the new ship for me .
John and Heidi,
Sorry for the delay. I have the slowest computer in the world at home. I usually just give up and turn the thing off. Anyway, we leave on Tuesday for Washington, and fly out on Wednesday. Thursday morning we will arrive in London. On Sunday, we will see you on the Splendor! I can hardly wait. My bag has been packed for one week. Jim and I tried to consolidate in one bag to encourage our daughter to do likewise. It did not work. His tux and sports jacket are not packed yet and it won’t shut. Luckily, we can bring one more small bag.
I agree with the person who said the bloggers should have gone on the first voyage! Boy, we could have really broken the ship in. Anyway, I can not wait to see her.
It is only ten days until we sail! See you SOON!
Ruth