Sunday, July 20th, 2008...3:15 pm
Russian Jeans
I miss Steve Irwin……………I loved his zaniness and his devil-may-care attitude to danger he showed as “The Crocodile Hunter.” I also loved his catch phrases especially when he had a huge snake by the tail and the thing would be trying to bite him Steve would say “who’s a little grumpy then.”………….well, I used that phrase this morning…………..not to a snake………………but to 1,600 guests gathered for the second day of their Grand Tour of St.Petersburg. They waited in the lounge and as I greeted them I could feel their grumpiness……………it was 7 am, they wanted to see St. Petersburg but at the same time they wanted to go back to bed. It didn’t help that unlike yesterday where we were blessed with beautiful sunshine, today it’s cold and damp. Anyway, they will be fine once they get going and they all loved the city and yesterday’s tours were magnificent they said.
However, I also think that after the warmth and friendliness they were shown in Warnemunde, Germany I think they were all surprised about the ……….. ummmm ……….for want of a better word………..”cold” reception they were given here. There was no music, no greeting and as we left a few minutes ago the only person to say goodbye to us were two police officers standing by their tired looking DAF car, puffing on a cigarette. Don’t get me wrong…………..St. Petersburg is stunning and will be for many their favorite port……………..I just would have thought that having ships like Carnival Splendor and Eurodam calling for the first time would have promoted something more of a celebration………………….oh well.
As I said, most of the guests are saying though how amazing their tours were. the only negative on the tours was the fact that places like the Hermitage Museum are not air conditioned and can ………with lots of visitors inside ………..get quite warm. I must remember to mention this the next time I talk about the tours. As I mentioned just now though unlike yesterday’s temperatures of 80 degrees plus today should be much better at 67 degrees………….it’s still raining though.
Here are some photos taken by the Entertainment Staff who visited some of the sites yesterday and today.
Eurodam
Eurodam 2
The Hermitage
Beautiful Ceiling
Da Vinci’s Mother and Child
The Gold Room
Flute Player in beautiful Room
Amber Room
I want to thank you for your continuing comments. I replied to over 20 comments marked JOHN PLEASE REPLY URGENT yesterday and I will continue to be here for you should you need anything. I was very interested to read your continuing thoughts about the cigar bar and its possible demise. I guess one day soon the industry will have to rethink its policy on smoking. Most of the modern world now has a complete ban on smoking inside public areas and I am sure one day that will be the case on ships as well. One line which will have nothing to worry about is AIDA. Their ships have the Anytime Bar which is a great place to listen and dance to music but with huge doors which open directly to the open deck. This gives the inside/outside option and is a great place for smokers and non smokers to come together……………that’s the way to go. Please keep your comments coming they are so important to the blog thingy.
Now, talking of comments, let’s have a read of one or two.
Guest: Ms _______ Ref: 002801367A Owner: (EMAK) Emelyn Adina Karacsony
Cabin: _______ Booking#: _________ Added-Changed: 07/19/08 - 07/19/08_________ - LOST SHOPPING BAG IN TOUR BUS
[7/19/2008 12:40:49 AM EMAK]
Mrs ____ came to the Purser’s Desk and reported to Purser that she went on a tour called Porvoo Steam Train& Helsinki, with the bus number #2 where she had left a t-shirt and a reindeer doll in a plastic white bag. Guest was very upset that this had not been returned to her by the bus driver and is demanding compensation of items she left totaling 14 euros.item: shopping bag with t-shirt and reindeer doll
[7/19/2008 12:43:22 AM EMAK]
Tasked to Shore Excursions.
…and this one
Guest: Mr ________ Ref: 002801417A Owner: (CAUS) Carla Suarez Medizabal
Cabin: ________ Booking#: _______ Added-Changed: 07/19/08 - 07/19/08____ - CARNIVAL CARES CARD
Mr. _______ came to the desk and gave to purser the following Carnival Cares Card:
“Winfred Gerose at the pizzeria did a great job on taking care of customers despite being screamed at a guest who was demanding 12 Pizzas for his group. The man was obviously drunk and used bad language but your crew did a great job and was very professional.
Thanks for your comments letter send to the cabin., F & B Manager informed.
How nice of this guest to take the time to report that a crew member had done something wonderful.
Too often it’s the other way around. I sent the guest a little something to say thanks.
Here is today’s Bio featuring one of the young men who keeps us safe as we travel the world. Bridge Officer Alessandro Mariucci
NAME ALESSANDRO MARIUCCIDEPARTMENT AND POSITION - DECK – 2nd NAVIGATING OFFICER
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES - 5 YEARS
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE:
- BRIDGE WATCH OFFICER- PREPARE AND UPDATE THE SHIP’S PASSAGE PLANS
- IN CHARGE FOR TEST AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL BRIDGE INSTRUMENTATION, ALL NAVIGATION EQUIPMENTS AND ALL RADIOS AND SATELLITE APPARATUS
- KEEP UP TO DATE ALL NAUTICAL CHARTS AND PUBLICATIONS ON BOARD
WHERE ARE YOU FROM - ITALY, ROME
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB -
NAVIGATE THE SHIP IN THE SAFEST WAY, ALWAYS KEEPING IN MIND THAT THE LIFE OF THOUSANDS PEOPLE IS IN MY HANDS WHEN I’M ON WATCH ON THE BRIDGE.
BEING ON A SHIP I’VE CHANCE TO VISIT THE WORLD AND MEET ALWAYS NEW FRIENDS.TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY BACK HOME - I’VE A SISTER “DEBORA” 1 AND HALF YEAR OLDER THAN ME WORKING FOR UNICREDIT BANK, MY FATHER RETIRED THIS YEAR AFTER 35 YEARS WORKING FOR ALITALIA FLIGHT COMPANY AND MY MOTHER HOUSEWIFE….. I’VE ALSO A BEAUFIFUL DOG “LUNA’, JUST 6 MONTHS OLD
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY APART FROM FAMILY
EAT THE FOOD THAT MY MOTHER LIKES TO PREPARE FOR ME !!!!!FAVORITE THINGS SCUBA DIVING
MOVIE - NOT THE GODFATHER !
MUSIC - ALL
FOOD - PASTA
IF YOU COULD MEET ANY FAMOUS PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD IT BE
QUEEN ELIZABETHIF YOU HAD TO DO ANOTHER JOB ON THE SHIP WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AND WHY
I’VE STUDIED TO BE A BRIDGE OFFICER AND MY ONLY DREAM IS TO BECAME CAPTAIN ONE DAY, OTHERWISE I’LL NEVER BE ON A SHIP ON A DIFFERENT POSITION.
On we go changing subjects again today with a report from Mr. Peter Shanks. Peter has become a very well known name here on the blog thingy and how grateful I am that we have someone as important as Peter as our roving Carnival UK reporter. Here is his latest report from the wonderful world that is……….Cunard.
Hello John and hello Bloggers
Thanks for putting the pictures of Queen Mary 2 and her Fan Club in Cherbourg up on your blog - it was another awesome Cunard moment with 25,000 people coming down to see the ship. I saw your video of the lone firework that went off in Warnemunde - we really should teach you thing about how to do things in more style. Many congratulations though on the Splendor launch event in Dover - it was a wonderful event. For me the highlight was - again - how you managed to involve some of the people who work so hard on the ship in the ceremony.
So - the reason for writing - I am afraid I have to admit I had a ‘John Heald Moment’ on Friday. Queen Victoria was in Southampton and I went down to see the team. Service levels have been really improving and the ship is really get into her stride with excellent guest feedback. My mission was to say thanks to the Food and Beverage Team who have put in a huge amount of work. I was rather surprised when they ignored my thanks - told me they had ambitions to be even better - and then took me on a two hour tour of the galleys to show me where we need to make further adjustments and improvements. No question - it was the most productive and rewarding two hours of my week. There is nothing better than meeting our expert staff and letting them show me where we need to be investing more in the operation.
We need a second oven in the bakery, we need some additional preparation tables in the galley to speed up room service; we need to improve the waiter stations to make life easier for our waiting staff; and we need to improve the lighting over some of the food areas in the Lido. Now to most of our guests, and to any observer, Queen Victoria is already delivering a fabulous experience. But our Food and Beverage Team are never satisfied.
The changes they would like to make are affordable and make sense - and I will set about approving and implementing them first thing Monday. As I went round the galleys I could not help noticing all the Cunard ‘White Star’ Pins and badges our staff so proudly wear. I was wearing mine as well - and I never thought a pin or badge could make such a difference, make such a connection - and then I remembered - We are Cunard!
So - now to my ‘John Heald Moment.’ I bounced off the ship - full of pride, more convinced than ever before that Queen Victoria is the most beautiful ship I have seen delivered in the past year, keen to get back to the office to start implementing the changes the ship needs, walked across to my car in the car park, took off my jacket, put it in the boot - shut the boot - only to realize I had locked the car keys in the boot. Great - so now I am a plonker. (British term for idiot).
First thought was to call my 18 year old daughter and ask if she could drive down to meet me with a spare set of keys. ‘Dad - get a life , I am shopping’ was the response. Next thought was to call the office and ask if somebody could come and collect me - too embarrassing. Anyway - I decided to call the assistance company and two hours later I was rescued. There is a major upside to this story. Spending two hours in the car park - I realized just how many of our guests are using valet car parking in Southampton. I watched car after car being driven into the car park.I realized that this must be a very profitable operation. I then realized I have not seen this profit coming though in any of the reports I have been shown. So returning to the office I had two missions - help the Food and Beverage Team with their needed changes for guests, and find out who has been keeping hold of our Cunard Valet
Parking revenue and not telling me how much money they are making.Always best to come clean John - so happy to share my ‘plonker-like’
behavior with you and your bloggers as it proves we are all human - and at the same time gives m a chance to remind your bloggers that Queen Victoria is not only one of ‘The most Famous Ocean Liners in the World’ - but she is also a most beautiful ocean liner with her most marvelous crew , and your Carnival Bloggers really ought to come and sail with us at some point - we would love to see them.I hope all is well on Splendor - keep eating the Beetroot !
Best Regards from you Official British Reporter
Peter Shanks
Chief Commercial Officer
Carnival UK
Thanks Peter…………I see that anytime anyone does anything remotely “silly” it is referred to now as a ” John Heald Moment”……………..oh joy.
You know, having visited the Queen Victoria and the Queen Mary 2 I have a huge desire to experience a Cunard voyage for myself. I know we have talked about this before but let’s just say ……… hypothetically ……….if we could secure some great rates………anyone fancy experiencing the “We are Cunard” service for themselves……..with me……..what do you think?
Talking of Bloggers I must have met thirty or more this cruise ………oh before I forget……..Hello to George and Linda’s daughter who is busy looking after the Agency……..wish you were here.
Anyway, I will be having a champagne reception for them on the next sea day and will have to put a code in the blog….maybe Friends of the Thingy….I will let you know and take the video camera a long with me.
Oh, I have to apologize to the lovely Miss K Packer as apparently she read my blog about my number two in beetroot sauce as she was eating…….a salad……..oops……….apparently it grossed her out so all I can do is to say sorry …….and send her photos
Yesterday, Heidi and I had a discussion about how I dress. This came about because of photos in her Rumpy Pumpy Star Enquirer hello Goodbye magazine of handsome men wearing what Heidi says were the latest fashion. Fashion and I go together like the French and soap …….. never the two shall meet.
Anyway, it was strange that on Sky news this morning that theme sort of continued. It was announced this morning on the news that this year in the USA three pairs of jeans will be sold every second.
The reporter then interviewed some woman who was a fashion writer for Cosmovogue and Whose having Rumpy Pumpy with Who magazines who said that once you reach the age of 40 you should never, even if nobody’s looking, wear jeans. It was all right when you were 20 and at a Bruce Springsteen concert, but they do not sit well on a body swollen by age and one or two too many family size buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken……………… oh bugger off.
Now look. It’s all very well for women to say this kind of thing, because women have a great deal of choice when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. They can wear a long skirt, a short skirt, a shorter skirt, a skirt that looks like a belt, a dress, a pair of tracksuit bottoms, leggings, jeans, pants, shorts, capris, daisy dukes, – and as they do in my dreams a long coat with nothing on underneath.
Men, even if they care about how they look, do not have anything like that range of possibilities. A skirt is right out, unless you are Scottish or David Beckham. Bottom of Form 2
Shorts are only possible if you are an Australian or if on a cruise accompanied with the obligatory long black socks. Tracksuit bottoms are unsuitable unless you are a rapper, a professional sportsmen or hanging out with your house boys making sure nobody comes into your hood. And in the whole of human history, no man has ever thought for a moment that his wife will become aroused if he meets her for a cup of coffee wearing nothing but a raincoat and a pair of PVC boots.
Suits are largely for work but are disappearing as many companies adopt casual Monday to Friday, so if we are not allowed to wear jeans, that leaves us with trousers. But what sort?
Flat front? Pleated front? Corduroy? Cotton? Linen? The choice is plentiful, but how are we supposed to know what shop sells which. And how – even if by some miracle we happen upon a retail establishment that offers a wide range of differing styles and in my size – do we know what looks good without spending hours and hours in a cubicle trying the damn things on?
This – and I’ll take no argument on the matter – is the most miserable thing a man can do. Given the choice of trying on a pair of pants on in a shop, or being boiled alive and eaten by a tribe of Cannibals…………then spice me up and put me in the pot.
The first pair you try never fit. Not even close. You wheeze and you pant and you suck your stomach in until bits of it are pushing against your cerebral cortex and your eyes are 3 inches in front of your face, but it’s no good. So, in a space the size of the trunk on a SMART car, you take them off again, put your own pants back on and waddle across the shop in stocking feet to get a bigger pair. Which aren’t in stock. So you go bigger still and end up with something that has a waistline broadly similar in circumference to the American Airlines Arena.
Get this straight, ladies. This. Is. Not. Fun. Any man who tells you he enjoys trying on clothes – and you can trust me on this – is not the sort of man who finds you sexually attractive even if you are Jessica Simpson, but if shown a photo of Johnny Depp with long hair, his shirt open and a patch over his eye…….. will probably faint.
This is why I only wear jeans when I am off the ship. They’re easy to buy. You walk into a shop and say: “Can I have three pairs of 48 in 501s?” Two minutes later you walk out and your shopping for the year is done, which means you have more time to see films, watch TV, blog and generally have a fun time.
I don’t care how the jeans look because I can’t see them – they’re hidden from view beneath the veranda that is my stomach. And it doesn’t matter anyway because as I’ve said before, if people can’t see your thingy…………… you can consider yourself to be properly dressed.
The End.
Good Night.
Your friends,
John & Heidi
45 Comments
July 20th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
My desire to visit Russia grows colder with each blog. If it wasn’t for the fact that Russia is graced with some of the loveliest women in the world I would have no want to venture there at all…
It appears that we have a minor oops with the pictures. I’m sure that they’re excellent and will show up presently.
Count me fortunate as I can normally wear jeans to my office. Playing IT guy permits me to hide from the vast majority of the rest of the world. When my services are desperately needed my users wouldn’t care if I came dressed up on a loin cloth and a sash, just as long as I show up.
I’ve talked to quite a few folks who don’t read this blog thingy but cruise frequently ( I can’t imagine being an avid Carnival cruiser and not reading your blog thingy but such is life…) and they were aghast at the thought of the cigar bar being relegated to another area of the ship. I feel the same way… you may have gotten that idea previously…
Wonderful bit by Mr. Shanks there. I love his glimpses into the world of Cunard. I suspect that I’d be game for a voyage on a Cunarder!! Count me in!!!
Please pass along my howdies to the very lovely Heidi and my thanks to the oh so busy, oh so talented Stephanie!!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
July 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
John, please reply x
Looking at the fabulous photos Bill has posted (I wept with joy at the beauty), at the Hermitage overshoe covers were supplied for everyone to wear. Do ladies who wear heels have to take them off to preserve the flooring & only wear the overshoe covers?
Judging on how much weight you have lost recently you need to do some shopping soon, your clothes are hanging on you. Keep up the great work.
Lorraine x
July 20th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Forgot to add to my other comment, I love the smell of cigars & always visit the cigar lounges onboard.
The smell of cigars remind me of my recently late Grandfather & listening to his tales of being a prisoner of war. He escaped 11 times from various German camps and was even taken into Colditz until they discovered he was not really a General & through him out…lol
July 20th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
John,
Wow, there is so much I would like to comment about this blog…but I must comment about the jeans. Mr. Cheap wears nothing but jeans. He refuses to wear shorts, and he works in jeans, so the only time he isn’t wearing jeans is a wedding, funeral, or formal dinner on a cruise.
He is over 40, but in his defense he wears the same size of jeans as when I met him in high school (I hate him for that!). So I can shop for him…he doesn’t even buy his own jeans. I just go into the stores pick up 5 pairs of 30/32 jeans, and he’s set to go for a couple more months. And he must have color t-shirts with a pocket. Oh is he hard to shop for!
Princess Susan
July 20th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
John Heald moment….. I like that! HA! loved Peter report today. I will go on Cunard but it depends on so many things. Love jeans don’t take them away from me even if im over 40. Take video on the bloogers meeting I want to see!!
John!! Mike and Lynn Sagarra are coming to PR this Wednesday on the Miracle. We are going to go eat dinner together (puertorrican food) Very much looking forward to that.
Muchos huggos
Nanni official welcoming commitee to San Juan PR
July 20th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I agree about the jeans thing! As a guy, I absolutely LOATHE when I have to get new clothes. Shirts, ties, shoes, etc. are okay - but pants! I can’t stand shopping for pants. They never have my size in the look I want, the look of the pant looks better on the mannequin than on me (so not fair!) and generally, I don’t like shopping for pants.
St. Petersburg looks gorgeous, regardless of the Russian reception (or lack thereof). I hope to visit someday!
I’m set to sail Splendor in January - hope you’ll still be aboard then. Thanks for the Thingy, for the laughter, and for the insights!
July 20th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I was away for the weekend and had to catch up on 3 days of blogs but it was worth it! You do make us laugh so much and what is better than that?
I don’t smoke anymore but I enjoy the smell of cigars so I’m for leaving it and the jazz and leather chairs the way things are! I always thought it was strange to put the internet in an area where people were forced to walk through one of the few places on the ship for smokers–duh.
Sad that it was such a hassle in Russia. It is interesting to hear about the issues that we cruisers don’t have to deal with or think about. Hopefully you will be able to board the Eurodam and take some photos soon. The plaque ceremonies should be about done for awhile or at least I’m hoping for your sake. It bothers me to think of you considering suicide with a toothpick.
I’m on for a Cunard cruise!
July 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I was right… the pictures are excellent!!
Thanks!!
Host Mach
July 20th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Hey John & Heidi,
Nope, don’t get any sympathy from me! Women have to try on EVERYTHING….every different designer/brand name can be a different size. Even shoes, it’s crazy shopping…sigh…but someone has to do it…LOL! I can, on the other hand sympathize with Princess Susan, as my husband at 57 is still the same size as when we married 30 yrs ago…another big sigh…
Jan
July 20th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
dude! hello from podunk. all is well here. sorry russia is not, um, well, the happiest place on earth.
have fun anyway! i know you will.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
July 20th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
mY DREAM IS TO BE CAPTAIN TO!!!!!!!!!!!
FROM , JAKE S.
July 20th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
John,
My two cents…
Cigar bars were made for jazz. There is no affinity between cigars and sports. Cigars are etheral, complex. They start conversations and celebrate success. So please, let’s have no more experiments of making the sports bars into cigar lounges. (But it would be worthwhile to locate the cigar bar at the top of the ship - away from dining rooms and internet cafes - how about one of the Serenity areas?).
Blue Jeans. Sorry John, I live by my father’s words “If I wanted to wear jeans, I would have stayed on the farm.”
Best Regards
John Lewis
July 20th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Good evening Mr. Heald. Clothing? I have never worn a pair of jeans in my life. Peope say that I am crazy but I just don’t feel comfortable in them. Slacks, shorts tea shirts are great. Flip Flops, yuck. They really cause injury to your feet. What I really enjoy the most to wear is to put on a tuxedo. For some reason, I just feel so comfortable when I’m wearing formal wear. The cigar situation, I have no problem when someone wants to light up a cigar. Though I gave up smoking ( cigarettes ) 34 years ago, I still like to light up a cigar once in awhile. Maybe if and when we ever get that moment to meet we can relax with a pot of tea and a cigar. I don’t know if those two are really meant to be together but oh what the heck . That’s it for now my friend. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
July 20th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I don’t own a single pair of jeans (at least that fit me).
For me, its khaki’s - pleated fronts, please.
But I do agree on the shopping issues. It is not that fun to try clothes on all day long.
July 20th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Ahhhh John those pics are so lovely, it is a shame the place is so inhospitable…I don’t know…I will observe what happens as they (hopefully) start getting with the program…
Please let Bridge Officer know that we will one day look forward to sailing with Capt Mariucci, keep in pursuit of that dream! Loved the news and JH moment shared by Peter too!!!
Now John, something more on the cigar bars since you are now preparing us for even worse. Bottom line is, businesses where extreme bans are implemented get hurt, badly. You have done it also on Paradise with poor results no?
Here in Oklahoma, we now have a Bill on the floor to restore a bar/restaurant owner’s rights to declare their establishment smoking or non. It is not complicated, there needs to be a choice. Please do not drive smokers to seek other methods of vacationing because of extreme limitations that they will not live with. My Mom would not cruise anymore, just like she won’t stay at Marriott anymore and we are now Hilton family members…
Just in case you were wondering how I felt…:>)
NOW, about traveling on Cunard with you and Heidi…….YES YES YES and you betcha!!! My bags are packed just say when where and exactly how good a deal are we talkin here……
Love you all, I am impatiently waiting for February a little more impatiently each day….but I am heading to Destiny in October WOOO HOOO!!
Eva
July 20th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
URGENT - JOHN OR STEPHANIE PLEASE REPLY
Hi John,
I am still enjoying reading the blog everyday and enjoying all the beautiful pictures! Keep up the good work. But when you are too busy, remember, it is ok to take a break we all understand.
I was wondering if you had anymore news about the BC2 NOLA. I am still waiting to book our airfare and motel room (if needed) and wondering if there will be a place that you have reserved that we will be staying at (paying ourselves or course). Or should be all just book our own room where ever we can get one?
Also, what about the transfers. If I book the transfer through Carnival how is that gonna work if we travel a day or two early?
Please don’t rush to answer, but do so when you get time. Thanks so much and say hello to Heidi for me.
Blessings from PA
Cindy & Kevin
July 20th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Count us in for trying out Cunard…sounds like a a once in a lifetime event.
Enjoyed the report from Peter, and I love how the staff wants to share ideas to make things even better for the guests. The best employees are those that come up with solutions as opposed to just complaining. It’s obvious the Carnival Corporation is full of those kinds of workers.
Love the reports of how things are going in each port. Sounds like a wonderful trip even with the unfortunate experiences with the Russian authorities.
Take care,
Lisa and George Kilmartin
July 20th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
John,
I see some serious shopping in your future. In looking at the photos and videos over the past few days I have noticed your shirt collars are getting quite loose. It looks to me like the diet is working and it will soon be time for you to shop. Good luck at the stores.
July 20th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Hey John! you have just taught me something! I didn’t know men went shopping, tried on and bought their own clothes.HMMMMMMMMMMM
Then why do I have to buy all of Mr. Don Thomason’s clothes for him??????? Maybe because he always says he doesn’t need any new ones?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, but don’t take the pleasure from me though. I love to shop, be it for him, the grandkids or the great grandchildren. Besides when I buy them I know they match….. giggle
He is 71 y/o and he still wears jeans…..
Carolyn………….the happy shopping wife
July 20th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Stephanie, please have John reply!
John: I know you say to say “Urgent, John please reply” but this is not, yet, “urgent.” But I am not sure who else to ask.
Larry & I have booked a cruise for our 40th wedding anniversary; the Carnival Spirit 8-day Mexican Riviera cruise out of San Diego departing Dec. 5th, 2009. What I am wondering is — and at this point it is strictly in the “wondering” stage — whether the captain would officiate at a “renewal vows” ceremony as he does a wedding ceremony. And what would be involved in it (who does one contact, how does one arrange it, and how much does it cost)?
I know you are not the person to go to, but you are the only person I know to go to, to ask who I SHOULD go to, to ask these things!
Thanks in advance,
Terri
July 20th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Hi John & Heidi!
From the photos it looks like pretty much everyone is having a wonderful time in Russia. The photos are fabulous!
Tell the future Captain Alessandro Mariucci that the Bears are looking forward to sailing with him in the near future. He sounds ambitous and dedicated enough to make his dreams come true.
I don’t see anything wrong with wearing jeans (if that is what you are comfortable in) as long as they are not dirty, ratty and torn and/or ill-fitting. And it is the appropriate place or situation. I wear jeans most of the time as does Carl. They are the most comfortable for the type of work we do. But I also enjoy getting dressed up from time to time as well. It’s just getting harder to find dressy clothes that fit my body type than it is to find jeans these days. Note to self…. work harder on that diet!!! More excercise…. Oh, I hate that word!!!
You are looking great these days John…. It must be from Heidi following you around with that video camera. LOL To easy to get caught eating the wrong thing! LOL
Bear Hugs!
Princess Barb ….. the not so quiet anymore.
July 20th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Hey John
It was a great cruise to St,Thomas and seeing the show with Dick Little and his wife Aneata Little
had a real fun time , See you on the next
July 20th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Dear John I loved the pictures.I don’t understand how a country that posses such beautiful architecture.With such lovely detail can be so foreboding and obstinate.Tell them to lighten up the cold war is over. John I must agree with Mach I can’t imagine someone loving cruising missing the insight you provide to feed our addiction. It is a good ride. Thank you and Heidi and all who make it possible. Best wishes Gary and Bug
July 21st, 2008 at 2:36 am
Hi John,
Just 16 days to go for our Aug 6th cruise and your blogs have excited us so much that my wife and I are continuously talking about them and the great information you provide in them. I am knackered counting down the days, hours and minutes
:) 
It seems St. Petersburg is an exciting place to visit in more ways than one and I satisfied to have booked three shore excursions with Carnival….at least that way I know I will safely make it off and on the ship !!!!!!
I have booked the folklore evening and hope it will be worth it. Just keep that blog going and keep filling us in with the information because the first thingy I do when I log on to my pc is to look for your blog.
Till next time
Norman from sunny Malta
July 21st, 2008 at 4:59 am
John - add me to the Jeans lobby. I usually wear black jeans (not blue denim) and I buy them by mail order in quantities of 12.
It makes shopping very easy indeed. Polo shirts & rugby jumpers are bought in much the same fashion, too.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:50 am
Being from Texas where people wear jeans to formal nights the baning of jeans for those over 40 would not go over well. Sounds like another All Gored idea. Being well past 40, sadly I will still be wearing jeans on the bloggers cruise, most likely to the formal diner as well.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:51 am
Good morning John & Heidi,
The photos of St. Petersburg & the tours there all sounded wonderful, but I don’t think it is worth the rude immigration people and standing in line for that long a period of time.
I’m not going to add any more to what everyone has been saying about smoking and the cigar bar, except:
Carolyn: Since we will both be cruising on the Dream, I promise never to smoke if we are together on the Lido Deck. And I don’t smoke in my cabin, only on the balcony.
John, one day you will get to tour the Eurodam. Just be patient. Remember, good things come to those who wait.
Regards,
Carol
July 21st, 2008 at 8:02 am
Jeans R Us! We still love them, even at our ‘advanced’ age. Dick thinks he is dressed up if his jeans don’t have work stains on them! And they look fab with my solid gold plastic tiara. Do I dare trust taking that to St. Petersburg?
Duchess Sandy in GA
July 21st, 2008 at 8:40 am
I take exception to the generalisation that over 40 males should not wear jeans - at 55 years, 175lbs, 5′-11″, I ice figure skates and am a black belt in karate training 2 times each week. I am sure that I am typical of all men over 40! We look much better in jeans than most 18 year olds who only seem to be able to wear them halfway down their backside with the crotch around their knees!
Don’t listen to them John - a few weeks in the Carnival Gym, avoid the 24 hour eateries and we can start an over 40 Jeans revolution!!
July 21st, 2008 at 9:28 am
John:
My hubby looks great in his jeans!! (and his cowboy boots~~also apparently a “no no” by the fashion police)
As hubby says…when they start cooking my meals, cleaning my house, paying my bills and sleeping in my bed….THEN they can tell me what to wear!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
July 21st, 2008 at 9:33 am
Hello, John!
Now I’m sure I never want to visit Russia. Makes you appreciate “customs torture” in Miami, eh? The pictures are beautiful so I’ll just enjoy the tours vicariously.
Did the lady ever get her shopping bag returned? And how very nice of the guest who complemented staff in dealing with the obnoxious “pizza dude.” I imagine he’s singing the praises of you and Carnival for acknowledging his good deed.
Love the bio of Alessandro Mariucci. Bet he makes it to captain one day. He sounds like a man on a mission. Also, like his English…so cute!
You and Peter are quite the pair. The two of you could do a comedy routine as Carnival “fly ons” if you ever get tired of your current positions.
And finally, about the jeans. Don’t you know (that with the exception of Heidi) only silly, insecure girls (or boys) under the age of 20 read those glossy mags that presume to tell the world how to live our lives? At least those are the only ones who take them seriously. I glance through one (rarely) while waiting in a grocery checkout line if the cover (like one with Drew Barrymore in a dress I really like) happens to catch my eye. There is very little substance and literally hundreds of pages of ads (some of them for jeans I must add), for things no “normal” person would want or could afford even if they did. (As you can tell, the line at the grocery checkout is sometimes quite long.) Anyway, who gives a hoot what some anorexic ditzy fashion editor says? Wear your jeans proudly…no matter your age or size. Just not for formal nights!!!
My best wishes to you and Heidi, Stephanie and everyone else who makes the blog so much fun.
Your Pal, Myra
July 21st, 2008 at 9:35 am
John, I was never small enough to wear Levis. I remember when those that did shackled them (wore them low on the hips). This I believe is the reason you now see men with a DUNLOP (stomach hanging over the tops of their pants). Levis did not come in the real man sizes so those that could squeeze themselves into a pair ended up having their stomach just start to grow over the top and now they think that’s where they are supposed to wear their pants, Thus all the DUNLOPS out there. Since I never had the ability to wear Levis I don’t have a DUNLOP and I’m able to still wear my pants on my waist. For those with the DUNLOPS there are BIG MAN stores out there that sell pants BIG enough to go over it to your waist line.
BIG ED
July 21st, 2008 at 10:32 am
In reference to jeans….I love a great pair of jeans that fit right. Although I have a number of pair that one may consider baggy (yeah they can and do occasionally slide down so that my chaunies are exposed…..boxer briefs….perhaps it is a vain attempt at trying to be younger than I am )….call me old school ….or just old…..but I would much rather wear nice pair of jeans that fit appropriately….. Not the super- tight sprayed on look of Jordache from the 1980’s
http://www.denimblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/liz-hurley-jordache-121.jpg
The Denim Dutchman
Mark
July 21st, 2008 at 10:45 am
Hi John,
I seems when it comes to the Cigar bar trying to accomodate everyone is becoming a little difficult. Here’s a thought (using the Glory), why not move the Bar Blue activities to the Ivory lounge and vice versa. You could even keep the door closed on Bar Blue to keep “most” of the smoke in. Almost everyones happy, the internet users, the Dining Room cutting throughers, the non-smoking Bulgarian soccer watchers and the Cigar puffing, jazz listening fancy scotch drinkers.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:09 am
Not wear jeans! Forget that advice. Larry and I are well past forty (that’s putting it kindly) and we both wear jeans both on our little ranch and when we go shopping etc. I have sworn to never cruise without one pair for the mornings on the “at sea” days. When the jeans fit properly, they are great. Regarding the Cunard idea - sign us up, if the price is somewhat reasonable.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am
John, thanks for a great blog!
Regarding shopping, your statements could have been written by my dear husband! He would rather take a beating!
And jeans…. one of my favorite times was when I was in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo. Everywhere I looked, there were lots of men wearing jeans. And they wore them so well! All ages. Nothing wrong with that!
Also, I’ve enjoyed reading the interviews with the various crew members — keep them coming!
July 21st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I’m a woman who hates shopping. I think “fashion” is just a method to keep women broke. I wear jeans (NOT at a formal dinner) all the time. I don’t really care if some snob thinks it’s not appropriate for someone over 40. As long as body parts and underwear are covered I’m ok. Well if your stomach is hanging over your pants, it is time for new larger pants or exercise.
July 21st, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Hi John, and greetings from the Riviera deck. I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely loved the Grand Tour yesterday and Saturday. Loved it. No matter the rain or the lines on day one or the grumpy immigration people. Our guide was wonderful and did all she could to make up for rain on day 2. My 14 year old niece said, “oh well, we saw Russia in the sun and in the rain. Might as well see it all.” The only thing I could have wished for was to have the entrance to the Church of the Resurrection included in the itinerary, but that’s ok. The rest more than made up for it. Thanks to you and the Carnival staff for putting it together - all eleven people in our group agreed it was well worth the price.
July 21st, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Great blog, John. Sorry to hear “From Russia, No Love.” Maybe they should be sent videos of Warnemunde and Cherbourg, so they get an idea of what exactly they’re receiving? After all, there ARE other ports in the Baltic that would appreciate foreign tourists and their $$$…
As to shopping and jeans, I’m like you: go in, grab a pair or two of 30/32 505s, pay and leave. Like Mach, I’m lucky enough to work in a casual environment, being our call-center out here in Colorado, so jeans are the order of the day (and predominately the clothing of choice in Colorado). Slacks, khakis and the such just aren’t rugged enough, and if you’re wearing those types of pants you’re obviously not a “outdoorsy” person… more than likely a stressed-out stuffed shirt in some highrise office building hahaha!
Keep us posted on how your diet is going. I agree with others who’ve stated, your shirt collars are starting to look very loose. It’s either the diet, or the beet-root
July 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
Great blog today and i enjoyed your jeans/suit analogy. I’m of the mindset that as soon as i find something that is comfy, I get it.
Hope your 2nd day in St. Pete went better and a little morganized than the first day.
Nice pictures taken on the blog today. Thanks for posting.
Great hearing from you and hope everything else is going well.
Good luck with mr. diet.
Take care,
David
July 21st, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
First I’d like to give my 2 cents about the cigar bar question. I miss the smoke-free Paradise! I have never liked modern jazz because to me it is “smoky bar music”. I have no problem with the ship having a cigar bar. I just wish that I didn’t have to walk through it. Sometimes during the day, the lounge is used for trivia contests, etc. I still smells like cigar smoke, which nauseates me, and makes me cough and wheeze. I tend to hold my breath on the way to the internet cafe. I don’t go to the “sing along bar” or the casino because of the smoke. They can leave the cigar bar alone. I don’t have to go there. It’s a big ship.
I really loved the idea of the Bier Fest. I really wished I was there. I’m sorry about the couple who were upset, but I agree with the others who said, “didn’t they know they were going to Germany on this cruise?” And what about Russia? Sigh.
I also agree with the woman who said that you get no sympathy from her because we women have to try on EVERYTHING. Because every designer is different, and women’s bodies vary so much from each other, we wouldn’t dare buying anything without trying it on. Personally, I’m waiting for hip-hugger bell bottoms to come back. Those were the only pants that came up to my waist, and not the middle of my rib cage! Why the bell bottoms? I loved the way the fabric swished when I walked. Of course, that was 40 years ago, and they’re not back in style yet, so they might never be. Oh, well.
Looking forward to the ‘09 Bloggers’ Cruise,
Cheryl D.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:06 pm
On our first date in 1976, my boyfriend (now husband) came in jeans. I had on a nice outfit but guess what…..I changed into my blue jeans too. LOL
So John, you wear 501’s….I used to work in men’s wear so I know what they are…..levi’s……don’t you get tired of undoing all those buttons everytime use need to use the loo. LOL
Thanks for all the great blogs, pictures, and great comments. I don’t think I ever want to visit Russia either, but hey who knows……
Cindy :):):)
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Dear John
Count my sister and I in on a Cunard Cruise. We have been contemplating one for a year now. I still have 3 cruises with Carnival on my table, but a Cunard Bloggers Cruise would be great. I hope I can get my sister to go to St Petersburg but the more I read, like others, the more I think not. Italy, Turkey & Greece was wonderful and friendly but Northern Europe is very different. I hope you really can get a Cunard cruise for some of the bloggers- Hello to Heidi…..
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 am
I enjoy reading your blog, you were the cruise director on our first cruise, which was out of New York city. afew years later we met you on another cruise and your assistant picked me out to play Mr. wooden, also I was in your bed time story, (this cruise is were we picked up 24 people on a small boat) you are one of the reason’s we cruise on carvival… I hope to be on your 3rd bolg cruise and with in a few years join you on a over sea’s cruise.. Thanks for all the memiores .. Larry
August 16th, 2008 at 12:59 am
i was amazed with the photos!it’s a very beautiful and historic place..wish i could have my tickets there
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