The two Californian guests I met this morning were nice enough people but by the look on their faces when I met them in the lobby I knew their demand to see me was not to discuss Europe’s historic architecture or to compliment me on my show last night. They had called the Purser’s Office and told them they would be waiting for me outside of the Piano Bar and would not be leaving until I came to meet them.
Strange…………….maybe they wanted to audition……………..nope……………..I arrived and even before I had chance to extend my hand in the usual manner of greeting she started.
“What,” stammered the first, staring at the ashtray, “is that?” If you’d asked them to list all the things they’d least expect to find on a table an ashtray would line up alongside a copy of War and Peace……….in Mongolian… They would have been less surprised if they’d been confronted with a tap dancing frog.
For all their adult life, these guys have lived in Los Angeles where you can no more smoke in a public place than take of all your clothes and run around Macy’s shouting “I love Neiman Marcus” before urinating in the cash register.
Now, of course, in America, it’s very easy to enforce laws like the smoking ban because this is a nation where people make friends in lifts. So if you light a cigarette on a beach, for instance, you will be shamed into putting it out by a combination of dirty looks and threatening gestures from those in smelling distance.
I once again explained that the Piano Bar is one of just three entertainment locations that allow smoking but I knew straight away that resistance was futile so there I stood for 15 minutes listening to her comments. I knew that short of banning smoking on the entire ship immediately and promising to publicly flog anyone caught smoking……….I knew nothing I would say would make her happy. So, I apologized ……..promised that persons on high would hear her comments.
So, once again the subject of smoking has arisen…………..maybe she is right ………….. maybe she is wrong…………………it is certainly a continuing concern and one we need to address again.
Well, it’s a day at sea and I am extra busy today…………..here is a quick look at my schedule and after reading it I expect lashings of sympathy and lots of ahhhss.
8:00AM – MEETING WITH STAFF
9:00AM – MORNING SHOW
10:00AM – MEETING WITH GUESTS – RE SMOKING
10:15AM – CAPERS PREPARATION
11:00 AM – HOST MARRIAGE SHOW
11:45 AM – ANSWER COMMENTS FROM BLOG AND 100 PLUS E MAILS
1:00 PM – HOST LIDO FUN HOP
1:30 PM – RETURN TO E MAILS AND PHONE CALLS
2:15 PM – HOST GAME SHOW
3:15 PM – MEETING WITH REPORTER
4:00 PM – BLOG
5:00 PM – CHANGE FOR FORMAL NIGHT AND HOST 2 PARTIES
8:30 PM AND 10:30 PM – SHOWTIME
MIDNIGHT -COMPLETE BLOG
1:00AM – GOODNIGHT
What you have just read is an excuse basically…………an excuse that today’s blog is rather on the short side. I apologize for this and tomorrow we will be back to normal.
The good news is that the WaterWorks water park opened today…………the bad news is ………..the weather is really cold…………..60 degrees…………..and that is unusual for this time of year here.
Have a look at these photos which will show the difference 24 hours make.
Well, Stephanie and Tom are here and I shall take advantage of their skills by asking them to slap on this video of me and a guest from last night’s show.
Enjoy it.
Goodnight
From a slightly tired but happy John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Is this guy on stage with John hired comedian or just a passenger? He is funny…
Good evening,
I have checked out eurodamnews.com last week to see the photos from the ceremony and everything looks great! Thanks for the interview yesterday.
I have never seen a celebrity in person and me being a shy person, I would be too shy to even go up to one. I mean one autograph won’t hurt and won’t even take 10 seconds. I could understand if a line of people went up to Howie, but that didn’t happen!
People smoking has never bothered me since my Dad used to smoke. I don’t smoke but I can hang out with smokers without any problems. In NJ, smoking is banned inside places due to a Clean Air Act they passed here. Sounds like you got a busy day ahead of you. Thanks for the video and photos! They are spectacular as always!
Hope you are out of the doghouse soon! Have a good night, John & Heidi!
Alex G.
P.S. Bloggers, I found the Splendor’s Webcam. To see it go to these URLs:
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipInfo.asp?name=Splendor&channel=1
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipInfo.asp?name=Splendor&channel=2
Since the little ship icon wasn’t working for me, here are the links to both cams.
Wish I was there. Loved the video. Next week at this time, I will be on the Imagination. Can’t wait to be cruising again.
Sorry about your schedule. You do put in long hours. But we do appreciate you taking the time to write your blog.
As far as smoking is concerned, I just wish there were more areas on the open decks that were clearly marked smoking or non smoking. I am a non smoker and just wish there was a place to sit on deck and not have to breathe cigarette smoke. I know you are not suppose to smoke on the port side of the ship on the open decks and that is where I normally try to sit. But that doesn’t keep other people from coming and sitting down near you and smoking. I really wish Carnival would come up with a better plan for non smokers and smokers. At least the dining rooms and the main show lounges are smoke free.
Try to get some rest.
Have a good day.
John, you signed out with “Goodnight From a slightly tired but happy John and Heidi” Can we read something into the “HAPPY” since you have not mentioned the happy stick in awhile.
Uncle Ed and Auntie Pat to be I hope
Ps great video with you and Al.
Hi John/Heidi:
Nice quick blog today.
I have to admit that i love the picture of everyone on the lido deck wrapped in the towels. That is a very unique picture.
Nice seeing your “normal” schedule since it looks so familiar to your routine from last year.
Better to have things to do than time to put yourself in the dog house.
Great hearing from you.
Keep in touch!
David
LOLOL!!!! Today is a day that really needed a good laugh, TYVM!!!
Your schedule made me more tired than I already am…long weekend… ;>) and the video woke me up!!
John, please leave the smoking alone…it’s enough already…just enforce what’s already there and it’s all good. The lady needs to relax and enjoy the cruise!!
Love you all!!
Eva
John can Emmit Lee Tuttwyler Jr stay onboard and cruise with us on July 13? Way too funny.
Kersplott
Hi John,
Here is a comment on smoking for Carnival to consider. I will also be putting it on my comment card when I sail on the Splendor transatlantic. I am a smoker & as such defend my right to smoke. It may not be good for me but it what I chose to do & I do not need anyone else telling me how to conduct my private life. We smokers have already given up our right to smoke in most public places & as a result I go out to eat infrequently now as opposed to 3 or 4 times a week when smoking in restaurants was allowed. If Carnival should entirely ban smoking I would not cruise with them any more. Some may find this unbelievable, but it is a FACT & I’m willing to bet I’m not the only one who feels this way. Although I had to give up a Spa stateroom because of the no-smoking ban there, I actually think that a no-smoking ban on certain decks might be a suitable compromise. If certain decks were smoking & others non-smoking EVERYONE could book a room in which they could be comfortable. From reading on cruise critic I see that a lot of reasonable non-smokers say that Carnival does an excellent job of “de-smoking” the cabins. Of course there are a few hardliners who swear they’re going to die if anyone has ever dared to smoke in their cabin. Of course they never complain about the smog, industrial polution, & polution of our water supply……….just smoking, like it is the only problem in this world. As for public rooms, the majority are already non-smoking so non-smokers shouldn’t have a problem finding smoke free entertainment. The smoke-free Paradise failed Carnival miserably & Carnival needs to keep that in mind. I do not mind compromising but I do mind people who refuse to compromise. There is surely a way to keep everyone happy.
Your afternoon “meeting with reporter”. Tell us more…
Hi John and Heidi:
Just 18 days till we see you guys..we all can’t wait.
Enjoy your Blog and all the fun it brings to everyone..hope the water is warmer than 60 degrees..we’re from Florida!!
Can I be Wally Banger this trip??? My wife Kim would make a good “Anita”??
Take care and we’ll see you soon,
Ken, Kim and Lyla
John, I sympathize. The whiners are taking over this country and turning it into a nanny state. I’m sorry you have to deal with them. They’re used to having everything their way. They whine and complain until they get their way. I hate smoking, but please don’t let Carnival give in to the big government/big brother loons.
Hi John,
I had the same thought as Tony – I thought it was set-up comedian. Very funny.
Why not make a list of all expected complaints – smoking, shore excursions, saving seats, etc. and check them off as they occur. We should have a bloggers’ pool to see how long it will take. Or when you’re relaxing off the ship and here comes a passenger demanding your time to solve some ridiculous problem.
Time to leave, have a good night,
Carol
What a GREAT VIDEO!! Here I am laughing out loud at my desk again!! It feels sooooo good to have the old style of blogs back and especially the videos! You could never have written what was said and had it be as funny as that was! Thank you! I did miss what the gentleman’s name was though. Would you please write it out–thanks. Is he the guy who does the “git r done” skits?
Thanks,
Sheryl
Oh John,
Thank you (and Stephanie and Tom) for the wonderful clip with Al Ernst! He was absolutely a highlight of the Bloggers’ Cruise.
Please pass my greetings to him. Is there a chance he might be on the BC2?
John, your shows are as funny as ever. Makes me want to be there watching live instead of here in Ohio. The ship looks beautiful!
Michelle
Funny routine – hope that he is on the bloggers cruise.
Hilarious!!
Both you and Al were in rare form! Just wonderful!!
Thanks so much!!!
Host Mach
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
A big huggo
Nanni
Hi John
Every one preaches tolerance for other people’s customs race and every thing ells but when it comes to smokers that all goes out the window. Until cigarettes become an illegal drug smokers should have a place to smoke and the prejudice none smokers will just have to learn to stay out of the smoking places. If they’d use there brain instead of running the mouths they would be able to figure that out for them selves.
We are a family boarding the ship in a few weeks and we don’t want to breath in cigarette smoke, so the more areas you can ban for smoking the better..why allow somthing that is so unhealthy for the bystander (second-hand smoke) just becasue someone ‘wants to do it’; it affecs everyone in those public areas…designated areas outside should be enough for a habit that so greatly permeates everywhere and everything around it. Carnival won’t lose any money.
Hi John, Even tho I have heard Al’s jokes many times I sat at my computer and howled. Thanks for making us laugh.
Loved the photos of everyone wrapped in towels. Did anyone ask for a days cruise fare back?
Jo
Hello, John
Im 12 as yyou know and am going to 7 grade.
schools these days enforce nonsmoking highly and if i wher to desingh a ship it would have onely the casino and cigar/jazz club.
they both would be on deck 4 midship on the conquest class.
One of these days hopefully it will be relized and even though be an upset to the heavy smokers and possibly take the buissnes down its the right things to do , and carnival is a strong cruiseline so i think on one conquest class or destiny class ship would be a great idea!
from , JAKE S.
Ohhhhh, thanks so much for the laughter!!!!!!! I enjoyed it a lot.
Ciao, Kathleen
I agree with the comments that Carnival just needs to enforce the rules of smoking they have. I’m not a smoker and don’t like smelling it, but do realize that smokers do have a right and should get somewhere to smoke. Rear of ship above the lido deck would be good.
John -
As always, I laughed heartily at the exchange between you and Emmit Lee Tutwiler, Jr. – what a hoot. Can you let me know if we will have time for the side trip to his Georgian Castle with the antique TV during the Blogger’s Cruise?
Jon
AHH, thanks for the great comedy of Big Al, he is terrific, I have seen him perform with you before, and also on other cruise ships that you were not CD on, and he is the BEST! Thanks for the video! Ciao, Linda
Stephanie and Tom:
Thanks for the video…it was precious!!!
John:
Just like polite smokers hate it when the inconsiderate smokers ignore the rules and ruin it for everyone….we nonsmokers hate it when other nonsmokers don’t address the issue properly.
Yes, it is a legal substance but so is alcohol and you can’t drink and drive, because you may harm someone else. No one has the “right” to harm another human being…in fact they have the responsibility not to. Second hand smoke to an child (or adult for that matter) with asthma can be life threatening. As long as Carnival advertises themselves as a family cruise line, then the children have to be our first concern.
Any space where children are should be nonsmoking. While children are not allowed in the casinos, the current design has children walking right through the middle of it.
It is time to give smokers the spaces they need and encase these areas, so that the smoke does not escape to areas where children are.
And I also agree with an earlier poster that the signs need to be so plain that a blind man can see them. People’s brains are in vacation mode. So over the top signs are required. Coming from a family of smokers, I understand their addiction. But the only people who should be inconvenienced are those with the addiction.
I had to laugh at the photo with everyone wrapped in towels. (I am assuming watching the movie). It reminded me of our cruise on the Victory to Canada last October (the last run of the year) and how everyone shivered when they saw DJ going down the water slide in 65 degree weather. Every day…no matter the temps…there he was. It makes me cold just thinking about it.
I know your schedule is packed….but I did not see any time designated for exercise??? As my mother used to say, “Don’t make me come over there!!!” On second thought, PLEASE make me come over there!!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Unless smoking becomes illegal or the goverment does not benefit anymore from the taxes charged on smokes leave the smokers alone,Carnival’s rules as of now re to smoking is MORE than effective,if Carnival banned smoking to only one or two ships then Im more than 100 percent sure that there would be ALOT of ships that would not have their cabins filled.I have recently stopped smoking (6 months now,thank-you very much)but I still say smokers have rights also and smoking on an open deck in the correct areas isnt hurting anyone unless they want to stand next to the smoker with their face pressed against their “butt” pardon the pun.
Best I have seen in a long time.
Great job!
Good evening Mr. Heald. I thoroughly enjoyed the video. I need a good laugh once in awhile and you seem to always make me laugh and be happy. The lady who was so upset about the ashtrays, does she realize where she’s at. Some people just have to find a situation to complain. How have you been with your diet? It’s tough isn’t it? Enjoy what you like to eat but just eat it in small portions. My problem was always eat far to much at dinner. When are you going to go back to the old way of answering each comment or is that out forever? I guess that was far to much work for you. I always thought you were working on the blog far to much. Maybe the way you are doing it with ” REPLY idea is much better. The most important thing is to take care of yourself health wise. Well I need to rest my back. I screwed it up the other day and it is very painful just by walking or even sitting. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, Longin2cruise said it all about smoking he was spot on. What I hate is when I’m in an approved smoking area and a non-smoker comes in our area and fans his face and gives me those looks. I don’t go into their area and smoke so why can’t they stay out of my area.
Were is the ACLU? They should be fighting for this minority just like they fight for others. If 30% of the people smoke 30% of all buildings, puplic places and SHIPS should be for smokers.
I believe Carnival has the perfect balance right now. No need for a change.
BIG ED
Hello John and Heidi , Stephanie and AL
Thanks for a great Blog and Video!
AL was great as par his usual…
Amazing how Mother nature will change that weather from sunny side up to blanket cool in 24 hrs.
Re: the smoking I am a non smoker and the Mr is an ex smoker. I know each is entitled to their preference. My main concerns are smoking in the casino and having to pass thru their smoke to get in to a non smoking area. If they kept the smoke towards the back or on some one side of the ship it would help. I could not even go out onto my balcony because I had smoke coming at me from smoking passengers below and surrounding us on the Legend. Because of that I no longer opt to get balcony rooms.1)because you cannot guareentee me a non smoker.2) and I figure why should I pay the extra $$ and then I find out I cannot enjoy it and I’ve paid for nothing that I can enjoy. I’d rather fight the smokers on the decks and take my chances. I still find myself moving if one sits next to me WHY because I am allergic. I like Missing the smoke free paradise “loved the Paradise “because it was smoke free. but I understand its not lucrative and it keeps going to the same places and we all don’t want to cruise to the same places.
OK I’m getting off my soapbox now
Clearing the Air in Fla
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
OK I’m getting
This guy is funny. I hope that John has this act on again when I’m on the Splendor next week.
Hi John,
it is short but sweet, that is fine if you just wanted to do a short blogg from tine to time, the video ones are great, really shows the real you…
My son did have a question, he wanted to knw if you played the shows on the pool side screen?
best wishes to you and Heidi
the one
and only 1
Heidi-Beth
Hi John
A super blog as usual. I have to add that as a part time smoker, the complaing woman needs to realize that the non smokers can not rule all places, public or private. I agree with an earlier comment that I know it isn’t good for me, but it is a choice I make. I also agree that Carnival does a good job of accomodating smokers and nonsmokers alike. I vote to keep smoking areas for us who choose.
Also, what a hilarious video!! It had me in stitches. I hope he can be on our cruise when we cruise with you again. Did you invite him for the blogger’s cruise in Feb?? Just an idea.
My best to you and Heidi.
Gloria aka Sue
I think we saw Al on the Liberty last summer but he was just as funny today as then. Thanks very much for the smile
Dawn (who creeps closer and closer to her July 13th date with the very pink Splendor)
I am a non smoker and would prefer not to have any smoking aboard but I realize that’s not fair to the smokers.
How about non smoking hours in the piano bar? Maybe before 10pm? That way if someone wanted to enjoy the piano bar they could without the smoke. Just an idea. Smoke or not I’ll be in the Piano bar and the casino.
Cheers (173 days till Splendor)
Brad
What a hoot! Thanks so much for the laughter tonight. Hope it warms up before the July 25 cruise. We’re from Florida too. See you soon. As far as the smoking goes, I probably wouldn’t cruise anymore if I couldn’t smoke somewhere on the ship. But I do try to not bother anyone, but some people should mind their own business!!!!
Love, Mary Lou
John,
Thanks for the video with Al Ernst! But I must admit…I miss all the Waffle House jokes!
I agree, please book him for the BC!!
Don’t work Stephanie to hard!
And we need a Hedi blog soon!
Princess Susan
Smoking – not funny.
Junior – very funny.
All in all, a day well-balanced.
Karen
Dear John; I being from Georgia am so offended by the portrayal of people from the south being dim witted.It shows and utter lack of respect to my heritage.Never have I been so traumatized by such a verbal attack on my senses.Got you John, Just funnin I thought it was one of the funnest bits I have seen in a long time.I am so looking forward to seeing you in person on the Bloggers Cruise Thingy.Keep up the good work. Best Wishes Gary and Bug
Tears running down my cheeks from laughing so much! I’ve seen video of you and Al before, and would love to see you two in person, any time on any ship!!!
Thanks John!
Hello with hugs to Heidi!
Thanks and hugs to Stephanie!
Diane
John,
So glad to have you back in the old form. It seemed you hadn’t mentioned your lovely wife for a while, and I was thinking of asking where you left her!
As for smoking on ships, please do whatever is possible to contain the smoke. I have asmatha, although it wasn’t diagnosed until recently (I’m in my 40s.) living in California, I don’t have to deal with ciggie smoke in public too often. But my mother in law is an unrepentant smoker so it’s part of my holidays.
I used to feel panicky and anxious at family events, and would often go outside for a walk, which quickly made me better. A few times if it was hot and I was stressed, or the air quality was already bad, I’d start to hyperventilate. A couple of times I had “panic attacks”, where I felt I couldnt breathe. The air went in and out but I couldnt seem to get oxygen from it. I never realized that I have a less common type of asthma, not the kind that makes you wheeze, so I didn’t make the connection.
After 20 years of feeling anxious that I couldn’t breathe well at my mother in law’s, I’m pretty strongly wired to feel anxious when I _smell_ smoke, and it’s hard to separate out the heart racing being from asthma or anxiety. It certainly isn’t a fun vacation experience!
We did a little cruise on Princess from San Fran to Vancouver. Most of the pax were American so I didn’t expect a lot of smoke. But it was awful! On decks where smoking was allowed in bars, etc. it would spill through the doors and drift far down the corridors. I’d try to hustle past the smoking areas – and then be panting by the far end, which can set off the whole cycle for me.
Smokers are often strident in asserting their right to foul the air (of course they are addicted, and addicts can justify anything for their habit.) Being a smoker has a diminishing effect on one’s sense of smell, so smokers really can’t tell how far their smoke is traveling.
I certainly didn’t choose to have asthma, or to get caught in an anxiety/asthma feedback loop that quickly amplifies itself. It isn’t something I can choose not to do. I don’t think society would expect me to take steroids or anti-anxiety drugs to enable someone else to light up and relax.
I know smokers are vital to the industry and don’t expect ships to be smoke free. I would far prefer for the ships to have more successful ways to confine and/or filter the smoke. I know how hard it is to quit smoking and how many failed attempts there are.
Here’s my sincere and polite request: be civil about it. Understand that your habit does cause health issues for others. Don’t get snarky when someone requests that you move further away or if you get dirty looks when smoking in areas you shouldn’t.
Ships should prohibit smoking on balconies or decks where it can drift up into someone’s room. Don’t have smoke-free “zones”: recognize that air should be smoke free, that smoke needs to be contained.
Set up a new smokers’ bar on the top deck right behind the funnel and offer reduced-price drinks to compensate for the breeziness!
Thanks for taking my ideas and experience seriously.
Yep, webcams are working – maybe I finally asked enough people…
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/Global_Info.asp
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipMap.asp?name=Splendor
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipInfo.asp?name=Splendor&channel=1
http://www.infocruise.it/infoCarnival/ShipInfo.asp?name=Splendor&channel=2
For another shameless plug for pictures and more from the July 2 sailing…
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/splendor_pre_map.htm
and I’ll be on the next sailing. and the one after that…
Big Ed & Cruisin’Sue – Amen!
Carol
John – you’re never going to win the “smoking vs non-smoking” scenario. I am ever amazed when I read comments from smokers that call us non-smokers unreasonable. I find smokers to be very defensive with comments like “asserting our rights”, etc. It is also the “right” of non-smokers to not have to breathe a bunch of smoke. I love to cruise and am an avid non-smoker. I also agree that people who want to smoke should have that right also. The problem comes when the smokers think they should be able to smoke wherever they want. Some threaten to “not sail anymore” or “won’t gamble” if the casino is non-smoking. But what about the non-smokers? For example, I don’t spend much time in the casino because I know the smoke smell gets very heavy at times and I end up smelling like a cigarette because the smell clings to my clothing and hair. Unfortunately, I don’t think smokers realize this (they accuse us of “exaggerating”)as they are desensitized to the smell of the cigarette smoke. I also have stopped booking balcony cabins as I always seem to end up next to a bunch of smokers and it is not pleasant to sit on my balcony and have to smell this. Do I complain to the smoker? No. I simply go back inside my cabin or don’t book a balcony cabin anymore. Is it fair to ask the smokers to stop? No. But, they also need to realize that it’s not fair to me as a non-smoker, to have to remove myself from their presence so I don’t have to subject myself to the cigarette smell. There are always going to be 2 sides to this issue, but I honestly don’t know why the cruise line can’t accommodate both smokers and non-smokers by having cabins designated smoking and non-smoking just like hotels do with their rooms. One side of the ship could be designated smoking cabins and the other side for the non-smoking cabins. That way, those of us who love our balconies could accommodate our preferences on this smoking issue. I have really appreciated Carnival’s attempts to offer areas of entertainment on the ship that have non-smoking areas. I just wish the Casino was one of them. As for the constant references by smokers to the failure of the Carnival Paradise to justify that people don’t want to sail on a non-smoking ship, this is simply not true. I chose not to sail the Paradise because of the itinerary.
Love Big Al, a fellow Georgian!
John, thanks for the video! Started my day with a good laugh.
I was amazed that you had only 1 disgruntled guest for the day! It seems that some people go around LOOKING for something to get upset about.
I’m a non-smoker (and so is my husband), but I defend the right of smokers to have their space. If the smoke gets too thick for me, I move on. Pretty simple solution!
You certainly have long days! While on the Blogger’s Cruise, will you keep such long days, since you won’t be the CD for that cruise? I would have to take a nap, in order to keep hours like that!
John, As you are certainly aware the Schneider/Fasano family loves the Piano bar. We are also none smokers but somehow put up with the smokers. It would be great that at least the Piano bar be made smoke-free since its hard enough to sing along with guys like Ron with smoke in your face. Just a thought!
Jim
JOHN AND AL THE BEST
Hi John…
I cruised with you last summer along with my husband and parents. My parents and their good friends are going to be with you again this summer…on Saturday (I believe). We will not be there…but it is for a good reason…we are expecting our first child in September. My parents are EXTREMELY nervous leaving us at home and have had a good talking to my tummy!!! Anyway, could you please make sure that they have a great time. I know you will b/c you are the BEST CD there is. Thanks.
Great blog, John, even if it’s short. I understand being busy, but we do what we must, yes?
I agree with Eva, Longin2cruise, “Big” Ed, others, and even Cassie – smokers need their space. Addiction or lifestyle choice, they have just as much right to smoke on a cruise as others do to not breathe second-hand smoke while cruising. A happy compromise can be made, though it seems there’s always those from either side intent on “rocking the boat” (pun intended). And it doesn’t surprise me that in this case it was an efféte couple from the Fascist Republic of Democratic California, where public opinion supercedes private rights (we’ve got a similar city-state here in Colorado, that being Boulder…).
For the record, I’m a non-smoker and I’m married to a smoker. She’s very considerate of where/when she smokes, but even gets “the looks” when somewhere that it’s allowed. And with recent laws here in Colorado, she can’t smoke in a bar or night club anymore, she has to go outside. As someone pointed out, it’s a legal recreation allowed to adults, so quit victimizing those that smoke.
Next thing you know, they’ll start haranguing those of us that like to have a pint or two, bringing back Prohibition. Or, like NYC, will start forcing us to “eat healthier” by requiring food services to use “healthier” produce and foodstuffs… to the tune of higher costs of said supplies.
Thanks Alex for the webcam–yeah! No we can see it real time.
The pictures are great and I loved the one of everyone bundled up on the pool deck watching the movie. Great photos and we appreciate them.
Just read that Princess has teamed up with Nintendo and they are adding Wii Fit to the ships that have the Movies under the Stars and will have contests with the Hula Hoop, Skiing, etc. on the big screen by the pool. Since Princess is owned by Carnival, does that mean Carnival will have them too?
Hi John,
Just a quick note to those who wondered. I can indeed confirm that maitre d’ Ken, the man, the legend, is indeed on Carnival Splendor!
I talked for a while with him this evening and was surprised that he remembered me from the Freedom Inaugural. I hope in a good way.
bill
p.s. Heidi/John – I did get in touch with Bob and Dale of Mesa and we exchanged cards. Thank you!
John,
We are sailing with you on the 6th of Aug. and can’t wait to start out long awaited vacation. We really enjoy reading your Blog and reviewing the different areas of the ship. On our last Carnival cruise (Spirit) the main showroom was shut down due to maintenance and we didn’t see any real shows during the entire 8 day cruise. We are looking forward to enjoying the famous shows you all speak of so much.
As for the smoking complaint. We live in California and we know that most Californians believe that the only right way is their way. I’m a non smoker but recognize that people have to support their habits. If there are designated places on the ship for smokers and they are well marked then don’t go there if you don’t want to breath the smoke. Seems like a simple solution to me… Also a spot on the fantail outside might be nice so the smoke all blows out to sea. Looking forward to seeing you in about three weeks.
Wayne & Jeanette
I must add my two cents on this issue…I quit smoking 6 months ago for many reasons…my children, especially my grandchildren, my health and because it has become socially unacceptable to be a smoker anymore, especially on cruises and I love to cruise. I do understand that it stinks, but smokers don’t “smell well” so aren’t really aware of how bad it stinks until they quit. My main concern on the ship is safety. People smoking on the decks where the wind is blowing hot ashes and cinders is not the safest of situations either so I don’t have an answer of how to handle it. I do believe that eventually, all ships will limit smoking to either none or just specific areas which will become smaller as time goes on. It is just the way things are going. Now I will be healthier for not smoking but have to diet and exercise more because I’ve gained so much weight–oh well.
John…
What a JOY!!!
Thank you for the laughter!!
You have a gift and you share it freely!!!
Thank you!!!
Lambie
Hi John,
We will be on the Splendor July 25. Can’t wait.
I know the smoker/non-smoker stuff is difficult. I am highly allergic to smoke and try very hard to stay on the correct side of the ship, but smoke drifts sooo far. Most smokers have lost their sense of smell – and their common sense. One of our sayings here in the U.S. is that your rights end when someone else’s right are infringed upon. (Of course, for many years – it has only been a saying, not a reality. LOL!)
Having smoking hours in the tiny bars wouldn’t work because the smoke lingers so long that someone like me cannot go into them. Having the lounges themselves designated and having the performers rotate might work.
But you do a pretty good job. On our first cruise, all bars and lounges had smoking so we didn’t get to do anything except the main show and have meals.
The casino is the bigger problem for us. We like to gamble, but not as much as we like to breathe. So we never go into the casinos and hurry past them as quickly as we can to get where we are going. And on one of your ships, we couldn’t even use the internet because of its proximity to the smoking. We were on once cruise line – can’t remember which – where half of the casino was smoking and half non-smoking. That was great.
Looking forward to sailing with you again. Last was on the Liberty in the Mediterranean, the year before the Freedom took over there. Last year we were on a different line. Sorry!
gail and harold
John – it was great seeing you and Al on stage, hopefully we’ll get to see him on the August 30th cruise.
Love,
Suzann
John : we will be cruising on July 21 on the Freedom our 25th Anniversary i can’t wait another week just to get on the plane and start our fabulous trip wich i know will be great with carnival because i can still smoke on the ship where it is designated please don’t take away our right’s on vacation also it’s bad enough we have to go outside for smoking at restaurant’s when i pay the same as any non smoker just like the lady that will not pay extra for a balcony room because of the smoke i did pay extra also’ just so i can go out on my balcony and smoke as i wish. so let everyone go on smoking where they can and maybe if you ask nice enough we will put it out for you . thank you for letting me tell my side can’t wait to see you all july 21 (Rome)
John,
Get some rest my friend, you seem to be sleep deprived. Thanks for the pics and the video look forward to Splendor in November (hey that actually rhymes), it must be late for me as well. As for smoking, well its like a balancing act, depends what side your on. I’m a non-smoker (smoked many moons ago) my wife has never smoked, but we accept it as long as the smoking crowd are respectful of the non-smokers around them. We still go to Vegas even though the casinos are filled with smoke. Anyway, lets just leave this alone and only time will tell on what changes. Take care and hello to Heidi.
Luis & Maria
John,
From the video it looks like the diet is working…looking good!!
That was the firstime i’ve seen John on stage and in action and he is absolutely top notch.
Good Job
(I really hope this guy(junior) isnt for real)