Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008...4:55 pm
A Song for You
A guest asked me last night how I manage to think of things to write each and every day………and after I analyzed that for a moment I realised it was because of school.
At my school, punishment detention usually involved being asked to write a 1,000-word essay about a tree……..I usually ended up writing 2,000 words much to the annoyance of my teacher…………..I guess therefore writing about the greatest industry in the world with a ship full of 3,000 guests from all over the world as subject matter……it is pretty easy.
It’s hard ………no……..impossible to not to find new and exciting aspects of cruising and life to talk about and if I ever get boring I hope one of you will be brave enough to tell me……………..promise?
There’s a man I meet every week — I shan’t say where in case he’s reading this — and never, not once, in all the years I have worked with him has he been able to make a single story interesting. Even if he’d just been hit over the head with a large turnip by a naked Prince Charles or a spacecraft from the planet Zog had landed in his back garden and that when they disembarked their flying saucer and said “take me to your leader” in a French accent……he’d still fail to bring the tale alive. And pretty soon you’d be wishing you were a horse; so you could fall asleep standing up.
Unfortunately, he never has been attacked by a naked member of the Royal family with a vegetable or met French-speaking aliens. All that happened in his life last week was he had counted how many knives and forks are wrapped each day in the napkins……. And staggeringly, he believed that this was interesting enough to bring up in a meeting. Honestly, after a few minutes I gave serious thought to locking him in the fish pantry. …………..he was so boring…….he was the country of Belgium.
I believe that the greatest gift bestowed on a human being is not beauty, intelligence or wealth. It’s the ability to make a story live. To take a tale and know instinctively what to leave in, what to leave out and when to lie a bit……………oh hold on a minute………..I am not talking about me…………I am talking about real writers……..proper story tellers whose imagination leaps from their mind onto the page ……… Clancy ……. Brown ……. Grisham …….. McNab……Maclean……. their talent is incomparable.
Why am I talking about this………..good question. Well this afternoon Heidi and I held a Bloggers get together which was attended by 50 plus guests. We had placed a code word in the Caper “friends of the thingy” and it was great to give them a glass of champagne and have a chat. One of the questions I was asked was the “How do you find something new to write about each and every day?”………..which I answered as above……….and then I was asked what was and with respect to the person who asked it ………a very strange question……….”Was I bullied at school?”……………………….this took me completely by surprise and I could see from those standing around with me that they were as well…………..I asked why he would say that.
The guest and well-known blogger told me that in his experience as a psychologist most people who were great writers (that made me feel good) were usually so because they were social misfits (didn’t feel so good about that one) or………….had been bullied at school and had used story telling to take their minds away from the troubling real world.
Well, I didn’t know what to say………….I had always thought that answer to everyone’s psychiatric problems was sex……….but apparently not………….mmmmm……..was I bullied…………..let me think.
Well, I teased people…….I considered myself an expert and still do in this noble art. I tease people for being too short. I tease people for cruising on RCI and for being French. And in return people tease me for looking like a letter Q and my bent tooth which looks like I have been given the good news with a crow bar. I’m 43, for heaven’s sake, and I still laugh when a man goes to the toilet for a pee and comes out with the evidence on the front of his pants. So I’ll spend the day ribbing him about it………..where I come from this is called banter and if done properly and without malice……….it can be very, very funny.
Teasing is a good thing. It sharpens the mind and punctures the ego. Teasing, at its best, is faster than Chinese ping-pong and funnier than those awful first rounders in American Idol. Teasing is what separates us from the beasts. You never, for instance, see a gazelle laughing out loud when one of their number falls in the river or gets eaten by a lion.
That’s teasing………….bullying…………well that was left to Terry Green, Shane Ibrahim and David Pattern………..just writing those names makes me feel sick.
Well, I was bullied at school, mercilessly and endlessly for nearly two years. I forgot what it was like to wake up normally rather than in a panic about them hitting me or letting off a fire extinguisher in my face. .
Eventually the bullying became so awful that tried my hardest to make everyone laugh. It’s not easy when you’ve got a mouth full of dog poo because Shane had put some in your sandwiches, but eventually I succeeded and the bullying stopped. Of course, I was not the only one and these three lads made life a living hell for other 14-year-olds. They punched kicked, flicked wet towels and if you had glasses, were overweight or did not conform to their way of thinking……..you were subject to public humiliation and pain. I hope they are sorry for their actions, I hope they realise that they made young people’s lives miserable and I hope somewhere, somehow each and everyone of them has had the crap kicked out of them and that they have permanent hemorrhoids.
However, I also want to thank them …………….I really, genuinely believe that were it not for the bullies I would now be a humorless bore who never would have found the love he has for making me laugh……………… Bullying, in other words, saved my life.
Did you know that www.eurodamnews.com is still going strong and continues to be a hugely popular blog. For some reason the link thingy has disappeared so I wanted to make sure that this and the AIDA blog was still advertised here. I am proud to ask you to visit their sites when you can………..soon…………..maybe we will all be together …………….. there’s something for you to think about……hint hint.
It’s been a very busy day. It started with the debarkation talk which I coupled with the Amsterdam tour talk. One tour immediately sold out………..that was the Anne Frank House excursion….and it’s no surprise as to why. Having seen the end of her journey with a visit to Shacsenhausen the beginning of her journey is made even harder to endure without your eyes filling with sadness.
Unfortunately the pre-booked tickets we have are limited and you can easily go on your own by taking a public bus or taxi from the pier but be prepared to line up for at least an hour in season….they only allow 35 people in at a time.
Here are the rest of the tours we offer in Holland which are massively popular. Like all our tours around the world not only do you have the comfort and knowledge of the best guides and the best facilities but also the massive addition of knowing that should anything should go awry you have the full support of the world’s largest cruise company behind you.
(click to enlarge)
Lots to choose from and outside of Amsterdam I highly recommend Volendam & Marken as well as the Windmills and Edam tour. Let me know if you have any questions by marking your comment URGENT PLEASE REPLY.
Some of you may be asking why I am holding the debarkation talk on the first of our two sea days before Amsterdam. Well, firstly we need a clear 48 hours to book everyone’s shuttle and transportation needs for Dover and London as well as booking all the tours for Amsterdam. Then, I want to give the last sea day up to a total relaxing day …………no meetings, lectures or announcements……………just the choice of lots of fun and activities or lots of nothing but peace and quiet……..especially after three long days of excitement in St. Petersburg and Tallinn. St. Petrsburg has been everyone’s favorite port by far so far and the comments are nothing but positive.
Yes………there were lines through Immigration but as I said yesterday…………the reward is the gorgeous city that awaits your exploration.
So, one last thing. I did my Amsterdam talk today and I was asked of course at the Q&A…………….about the Red Light district with one man being brave enough to ask in front of other guests…………..if there were lap-dancing clubs he and his friends could visit. You know, I have never actually been to the Red Light District except on the FAM trip but my mate Alan……….well……….never mind. Anyway, I was a little taken back when he asked……….as if I would know…………do I look like someone who frequents these places?
I admit though………….I went once…………many years ago with Alan…………..and we both hated it……………..I know…………you all think I am just saying that and Heidi is reading over my shoulder…………..but honestly…………….I didn’t enjoy it. Yes, we offer a tour there but it’s a walk through tour………….with absolutely no walking in!
I don’t like them much. I don’t like the music or the volume it’s played at. I don’t like the businessmen who go there and I don’t like sitting on velour and it was……well just boring.
There were a handful of girls - all called Porsche and all with a tattoo of a butterfly on their shoulders and lumps of metal in their noses - sitting around wearing bits of chiffon and $1.99 J.C. Penney underwear that was billed in the catalogue as “erotic” but is actually as erotic as me in a nurse’s uniform holding a rectal thermometer.
After a little while, a Porsche will come over and offer to dance for you for $300 and its it’s not a dance that you or anyone else would recognize. In fact, you don’t dance at all. You just sit there, with your hands over your ears to drown out the music, while the girl takes off $1.99 bra and puts two tons of silicone near your face.
This is like waving a steak in front of a hungry man. But you can’t get excited because you know that if you even look as though you’re going to touch them, a man called Igor who is the size of a Range Rover will arrive on the scene and break your legs with a baseball bat………….what’s the point………..it’s like being given an Aston Martin and not having the keys.
Now, yesterday I posted some photos from Mr and Mrs. Bentley’s excursion around Norway and I see they were very popular. Here then are some more including a beautiful shot of the Grand Princess…………………Mrs. Bentley is a great photographer and I thank her for these stunning portraits. I also want to say hello to Princess R their daughter who has been left all on her own to run the potato farm.
Now for today’s bio and an interview with my friend and 1st Officer the very handsome (lucky git) Stephano………….he is too good looking for me and if I had my way he would get a smack in the face with a large soup ladle.
NAME
STEFANO BONICA
DEPARTMENT AND POSITION
DECK – 1ST NAVIGATING OFFICERHOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
8 YEARSWHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE
•Stand on watch at sea & in port as instructed by the Master
•Cooperate in ensuring all the aspects of shipboard Safety relating to Guests and Crew
•Ensures that the Company’s Safety & Environmental policies and procedures are duly applied
•In charge of the daily Ship’s Stability Calculation including fresh water & ballast management control plan
•Responsible for the Deck Officers training about the use of the stability calculation computer program.
•Support the Staff Captain in conducting inspection to supervise the Maintenance and Cleaning program of Double Bottoms, Void Spaces, Fresh and Technical water tanks
Tanks structural and coating evaluation
•Periodical gas detector calibration.
•Cooperate with the Safety Officer in applying instruction and training programs to Crewmembers, including but not limited to all Safety Drills
•In conjunction with the Safety Officer will organize, prepare and conduct the Survival Craftsmen Classes
•Support the Safety Officer on inspections of all Lifesaving Equipment, to ensure they are in good working condition, always ready for instant use and in accordance of SOLAS requirements
•Prepare the Deck Monthly Report (Mooring Lines Status; Pilot Ladders; Shell Doors, Pool Nets, etc.)
•Updates mooring layout.
•Fuel consumption form/program (i.e. napa power,etc.)WHERE ARE YOU FROM
ITALYWHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB
Since I was a kid my dream was to explore the world and I believe that’s why I’m enjoy the most.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY BACK HOME
My Dad is a retired fisherman, and when I’m home we spend time together fishing, my Mom is a retired post office employee and she now takes care of the house and her cooking is absolutely fantastic, my sister is a lawyer and we have a wonderful relationship.WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY APART FROM FAMILY
I just finished to build my house and I didn’t even had the chance to sleep in once … and my friends of course.FAVORITE THINGS
Electronics… and games..MOVIE
The Good onesMUSIC
All kind, beside heavy metal and classicFOOD
See food
IF YOU COULD MEET ANY FAMOUS PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD IT BE
Might sound trite but … maybe ShakiraIF YOU HAD TO DO ANOTHER JOB ON THE SHIP WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AND WHY
I would like to be a navigating officer …. Because, there is nothing else that I could do.
This morning I also hosted The Morning Show, followed and in the afternoon I also hosted the Marriage Show and both were a lot of fun. However last night I hosted the Talent Show and Bedtime Story. Here are two videos from the Talent Show.
Video number one is a scene shot by Heidi from backstage of me having some fun with the kids……………..here it is.
Now for video number two. This is from today’s gathering off bloggers. I had placed the words “friends of John’s thingy” to meet. More than 50 people turned up and we had some champagne and drinks and I held a Q&A session for an hour as well. It was a wonderful welcome that they gave me when I walked in but not as loud as the one Heidi got………….apparently they all feel sorry for her……………..I wonder why.
It was also mentioned by the bloggers that when I think I have written something particularly funny or a little ummmm……rude…….that I should put the words “raise spew shields” beforehand to stop people spewing various liquids over computers, paperwork, family members and in one case the poor dog. Anyway, here is a short video of our time together ………………it was a true honor to have them all aboard and the next time we host one of these I hope you are there with me.
Finally…………meet Claude…………….I heard him sing at talent show rehearsal and when I did I knew I had to record him for you all to see. Claude has been a friend of mine for some time. He is a blog reader and the choir master of a church in New Orleans. This song is dedicated to all of you and especially those who may be going through the trials and tribulations that life brings. I am not an overly religious man and I certainly don’t want to shove any religious statement down people’s throat………….in fact, it wasn’t just the words………..but there was something………….something inspirational that made me want to share this with all of you……something that made me want this song to lift the spirits of those who have lost loved ones and who may be sad.
Here then…………..is Claude and the song How Great Though Art……………dedicated to our family of bloggers………………..this is a song ………………..for you.
I hope you enjoyed that wonderful performance. Many ships no longer have talent shows……..yes you get a few people who have as much talent as a dead hamster but more often you get to hear people like Claude and we all get to share in their talents. As long as I am CD there will always be a Talent Show and I hope some of you get to hear Claude sing in person one day……….hey………..Bloggers Cruise 2009…………what do you think.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
57 Comments
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Please thank Claude for me. That rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art’ was glorious!!!
Our blogger friends… not so glorious but still, it was wonderful to see them!!
Mrs. Bently’s photos today were spectacular!! The picture of the Grand Princess couldn’t have been done better by anyone… anywhere… anytime. I am jealous!!
Thanks for a wonderful blog!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hi John, Loved Claude. We have seen some wonderful talent on ships talent shows. We’ve seen some clunkers too but for the most part they have been talents.
How about Bloggers cruise 2009 on the Dream sailing out of New York in November 2009. Right now we are booked on both sailings. Ir would be perfect. People could drive to the pier. There is plenty of air for those who want to fly. There are lots of sea days so bloggers could have lots of time together. Please try to plan it better. Don’t make it at a time when something special is going on with Carnival. We were already booked on the South America cruises in 2009. It was a real toss up but South America and going around the horn won out.
Jo and Dave
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
John,
thank you for introducing Bill (Zydocruiser) to us. I have been looking at all the fabulous photos he has posted everyday & it was great to finally meet the man behind the camera.
Thank you also for naming & shaming your bullies, this should happen more often, they should not be alllowed to get away with it. Mandy Dillon, Francis Dillon & Angie Cartwright you made my school years hell.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
What great fun.
Good to see Z and I noticed of course he had a camera.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Dear John and Heidi,
Thank you for allowing us to hear Claude singing How great Thou Art. As both Rick and I are singers we appreciated his wonderful singing straight from his heart and long may the talent quests stay on your cruises. Rick sang “If I were a Rich Man” on the Freedom last August and had the most positive and flattering feedback from other guests after his performance than he has ever had before.
I read your blog thingy every morning and love your humour and compassion.
With my thanks,
Joan
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Bently’s Pix were great as usual
The kids wercure
“a Bugger in the sugar,” LOL too funny
Mr CLyde was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope to see him in NO in 2009
Nice to finally see a face to Bill Zyeidico!
No fair swishing Heidi out fo the picture!
We need a Heidi blog, maybe from Amsterdam next time?
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Bravo, Claude! Bravo, band! Awesome.
Duchess Sandy
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Dear John Oh!!!Bugger,It had to end.It was a great read today.I hated to see it come to and end.The good thing is it will be back tomorrow.Loved the pictures and the videos and Mr.Claude is truly a remarkable singer.John stick to your day job thingy.
John if it wasn’t for us misfits the bully’s wouldn’t have anyone to pick on. The misfits of this world make it a fun and exciting world to live in.The bully’s give us fuel for the fire.After all the fun in being a misfit is in the getting even. Tell the lovely Mrs.Heidi and Stephanie Hello and best wishes to you all. Gary and Bug
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Wow!! Claude was AWESOME!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Hey John
I have some thing you can wright about.
How about writing about the cruise terminals with some photos.
Are the Rome terminals really just a bunch of big tenets?
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
dude! please tell bill z. that i am SO enjoying his photos! it’s almost like i am there with y’all… and claude, that was my grandma’s favorite hymn, thanks for the memories!!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Urgent please answer! Are you going to have a greet and meet boggers on the Aug. 6th cruise?
Jennifer and Danny
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
John -
If you can, thank Claude for me. The song “How Great Thou Art” brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it - it reminds me of those who are no longer with me - my Mom and Dad.
I am generally a stoic person when it comes to the passing of a loved one, but this song always breaks my will to remain stoic.
Great, great performance - and I hope that Claude can be on the Blogger’s Cruise.
Jon
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Hi John,
I have just finished watching your videos for today’s blog and the last one brought me to tears. I love feeling as though I am there on the ship with these videos. Claude has an unbelievable voice and the song really hit home with me. It was my Dad’s favorite song and I miss him tremendously. Thank you for letting us be a part of the trip. Keep them coming. It’s making my 230+ day wait all the more bearable.
Margie Tracy
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:27 pm
OMG, what a blog…love it love it love it!! I am so enjoying the videos John, and the pics, and the interviews!!! We had it all today TYVM!!Bravo Claude, can’t wait to hear you on Fantasy!!It is such a gift to be in the company of a storyteller, a gifted writer, who can take you with them on their journeys…I think of a few I know that I am blessed to be around!!Ahhhh now Amsterdam…a place I was able to spend two days exploring….certainly Anne Frank’s Home was the most emotional and must not be missed. I also add Vincent’s studio and the Museum to the list, he was my Daddy’s favorite artist and Amsterdam honors him so well. Somehow I missed the red lights, John…tooo much fun wandering those canals….and no incentive to digress….hee hee…You certainly have teasing down to a science John, please elaborate on Eurodam and AIDA asap!!!Love to you all,EvaForever Friend of John’s Thingy
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I hope you never do away with the Talent Shows!
We have seen some incredible (meant in every way that CAN be meant!) talent at these shows before.
Good job, Claude!
I couldn’t get the first video to play, but thoroughly enjoyed the other two!
Terri
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Wow…Claude made my hair stand on end!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Wow! Claude really was amazing. I would love to see him perform while in New Orleans for the 2009 Blogger’s Cruise!
I’m so excited - only 28 more days!!! To hear about all of the ports and the sites that we’ll be seeing. My blogging sister and I have booked 2 shore excursions, so far. I think some of the places we’ll just walk around the cities.
I can’t wait to see you and Heidi - and it will be soon!
Take care - May you have only good comments from here on out!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
John…
I love your video blogs… Thank you!!! The views you share are precious and WONDERFUL!!!
I too enjoy the Talent contests… I have yet to attend one where I failed to be entertained and enjoy myself!!!
Lambie
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Sorry… I just had to come back and hear Claude again!!! HOW GREAT HE ART!!!
AMEN!!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Good evening Mr. Heald. STEFANO BONICA, a handsome Italian, just like me. LOL. He must be great with all the women on the cruise. I bet he’s still single. I noticed on one of your great videos you seemed to be a little tired. Rest my friend, you still have a long period of time before you have next vacation. URGENT PLEASE REPLY. I’m not sure if this is that as important but Marylou and I are taking our next cruise on the Valor. I hear it is something like the Freedom which I thoroughly enjoyed. Could you in a short few sentences explain to me about the Valor and two of the places we will be stopping ar. The third, St. Maarten I;ve already been and really enjoy the island. If this asking to much, don’t worry about it. I know that you are a very busy man with all that you have to do. So if are unable don’t worry about it now. Will do it later. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
It was so good to see all the bloggers on the cruise! I am jealous they are there and we aren’t–but my time is coming too. Great videos and pictures. I love them so please keep them coming.
Now on another note, your bio for today on Stefano has stated some of his duties that I’m sure you will enjoy explaining to those of us that don’t exactly know what he is describing…he supervises the Maintenance and Cleaning Programs of Double Bottoms and Void Spaces (one can only imagine) and…the Periodical Gas Detector Calibration…
URGENT JOHN, PLEASE RESPOND to above and…you are a great writer. Not all have the gift of writing as funny as they speak but you do and I do so enjoy reading the blog!
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Hi John & Heide,
Another great blog as usual.
Soooo…what is involved with “Maintenance and Cleaning program of Double Bottoms…” one of the tasks STEFANO BONICA is responsible for?
Phil & Liz
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Thank you so much for the video of Claude singing How Great Thou Art. What a wonderful surprise in the blog. I hope I can go on the Blogger’s Cruise and will look forward to meeting other bloggers. Thanks again to John & Heidi.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
John:
You are so right…words can’t express how wonderful this heartfelt anthem of praise was.
But I would also like to applaud your wonderful orchestra. The maestro did a fabulous job in that accompaniment. Not to much and not to little….it was just right!! Bravo to Claude and the orchestra!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Thank You, I have tears of joy after that wonderful performance. It warms the heart and takes away the troubles of the day.
CarolAnn
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
John, Say hi from Big ED to all the bloggers on the cruise.
I can just see Big Claude, Big ED and Big John all on the bloggers cruise in 2009. To bad only one of us can sing. We could do the three tenors minus two.
BIG ED
Only 200 days to the New Orleans Bloggers Cruise.
ARE YOU BOOKED YET?
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Hello, John.
I am completly like every bridge officer interviewed this week!lol
I have a comment about the phrase
“I tease people who sail on RCL”.
I LOVE CARNIVAL!!!!!!!!
And love royal caribbean, maybe not as much as carnival but its another styl and im sailing on the ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS on augest 1 to have fun whith my sisster aunt uncle cousines and GRANDMA who you know is VERY LOYAL TO CARNIVAL CORPERATION. I have sailed on 5 carnival ship and 1 rcl, going on 2.
I enjoy cruising in general even if i perfer carnival.
I read the blog wher you said you love to argue , but i dont want to agrgue whith me becuase like i said your my idole! But i know you wont stop but pleas urgent respond if it is personal to people like me.
just think what you would say if royal was in our corperation.
even though im not a fan of this new oasis of the seas i enjoy there ships up to freedom class.
CARNIVAL WILL ALL WAYS COME FIRST IN MY HEART BECUASE CARNIVAL IS LIKE MY RELIGION, BUT I DIDNT CHOOS ROYAL CARIBBEAN BUT I HAVE NO PROBLEM WHITH SAILING WHITH THEM.
I know that even if you dont remember the one time i met you when i was little on the triumph youl always be my favorite cd and im a boy who is mauture enough to say i look up to you, and i still feel honored that you said a few months back that i could be jr. president and i will sail whith everyone for the 2010 blogers cruise.
from , Jake S.
URGENT,URGENT PLEAS RESPOND!!!!!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
dude,,,or JOHN
wow claude is super,,cant wait til feb.
ready to let the good times roll in nola,
we are taking a warm up cruise in oct
on the Sensation,just to get ready for the Fantasy
have fun on the big new ship.
keep us in touch via the blog.
your freinds from sunny florida
tom & jane
aston martin wishes
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Dear John,
Following this blog is like being on a cruise every day. I don’t know how you are able to function as the Carnival Senior Cruise Director & keep up with this blog that has such a large following. The videos are great. I enjoyed listening to Claude sing “How Great Thou Art”
Gary
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
So much enjoyed the humor in todays blog. The pictures from the Bentley’s were magnificent and made me feel like I was right there too.
OMG, Claude was truly wonderful. His words gave me goose bumps, How awesome to share that talent. The talent shows are one of my favorite highlights of the cruise. Amazing talent in the people that I pass by during my cruise.
Hope you will be doing a “friends of the thingy” on the 18th of August cruise!
It was great to see Bill (Zydeco) in your video, besides checking your blog I have been checking his and the pictures are beautiful. I am looking forward to experiencing that beauty in a few more week. Love your story telling and the gifted write that you are. Thanks for the blogging. Even when I don’t get to cruise in a year, I enjoy reading about others fun and other …well not so much fun.
Will be back here tomorrow to see what the day brings.
Teri and Don
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Hello, John and Heidi,
What fun all the bloggers must have had with you two! I’m envious. This was a great blog from start to “wow” finish. Keep ‘em coming!
Love you guys!
Your Pal, Myra
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Wonderful singing! Thank you, I love that song.
You need a better camera though. The sound quality is really quite bad, especially when there’s lots of noise in the room, such as when the audience was applauding.
I would’ve loved to be at “Friends of John’s thingie”. Were there any bloggers who missed the reference and missed it? I probably would have, but I’m dense.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Hello John, It’s been a while since checking in. We sailed with you on the Freedom the week of Kentucky Spring Break….who can forget??? Am happy to tell you that we just booked on the Splendor for the last cruise out of Ft. Everglades (Jan 24, 2009). Can hardly wait. The ship looks great. Have been enjoying your videos. Your blog continues to be one of the highlights of my day. Thank you so much for the time and energy it must take for such a commitment. Our best to Heidi. We were lucky enough to meet her in person while on the Freedom, unfortunately missed running into you, maybe in Jan??? By the way, it will be our 10th cruise and you have been our CD on half of them! Thanks again for being such a joy!
Patti
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Claude was amazing, would be honored to listen to his amazing voice on any cruise. I do love the talent contests, it is part of what makes a cruise feel like home.
I do have to say, I had the best laugh I have had in soooo long, simply reading the shore excursion list. I told my 17 yo son to read it and he ho hummed his way down the list, till he got ot the Red Light Distrcit, his eyes lit up, and said “Mommy, I want to go on that cruise” The look on his face, I was hystarical. But then we thought the comment to the right was the price for the excursion, 2 Dutch candies!!!! I still have tears from laughing so hard. You make my day, even when you don’t intend too. Is it Feb yet???
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:06 am
John,
It would be a honour to hear Claude sing at the bloggers cruise, I look forward to that greatly. nice to see so many bloggers on the ship with you hello to them all of course wish I was there with them and not here at home going to work everyday. Of course Bill and his great pictures has been keeping most of us up to speed with the cruise highlights. Of course it’s great to see Heidi who always looks so fashionable even in the carnival blue, red, and white outfit, we need to get her something else to wear soon. Have you ever hear the song that goes something like this ” ‘I put my hand upon her toe, yo-ho, yo-ho,I put my hand upon her toe, yo-ho, yo-ho,I put my hand upon her toe, She said, “Young man, you’re much too lo….” I’ll leave it at that before it gets to bad. Can’t wait till tommrows blog and maybe some details on who’s houses we will be painting in nola.
Kevin
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Claude is a truly talented and gifted individual…. thanks much for sharing this with us!!! I hope he can join the BC2 group in New Orleans.
I sent a link of today’s blog to my father…..he loves spiritual music like this…..
Mark (TFD)
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:26 am
Re - Claude
Wow….WOW!!!
All I can say is WOW!!!!!
He should get a free Bloggers Cruise (if he promises to sing)
He should record and release that.
D
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:44 am
Hi’
Love the pictures, absolutely beautiful and gorgeous! Also loved the videos, only could view small bits, though. Did see a flash of Heidi, HI HEIDI!!!! wonderful…thanks, Stephanie for all the great work you do…Was great to see some of the other bloggers, too! Love, love love everyone.
Ciao,
SuefromNarrowburg
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:48 am
Hi John,
very interesting blog today and those photos and videos were great…….they kept us in the mood and anticipation for our 6th August cruise which is now only 14 days away……and we are counting every milli second !!!!!! : )
:)
Having that bloggers meeting should become an event for every cruise John…..I think it is a great idea because in this way we woudl be putting a face to a name !!!!
Cheers mate
Norman from Sunny Malta
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 am
John - I sure hope you have persuaded Claude to join us on the Blogger’s cruise in February! What a fantastic voice! It sent chills down my spine.
I wish I could come in earlier than the afternoon of 2/6 for the Blogger’s trip, but work will not work out as I will be short one vacation day if I take one extra day.
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:10 am
Wow what a wonderful blog, Claude moved me to tears.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:13 am
john great video of blog group and Claude. You know how we feel about the talent show, me and suzann have been telling you for years it is always a highlight of the cruise, never let it die, thanks for keeping it going. We would love to see Claude on the blog 09 cruise
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 am
Hi John & Heidi,
More great photos, thank you to the Bentleys.
What a great idea - how about a “friends of John’s thingy” on every cruise even if you’re not there. You’re always there in spirit though. It was good seeing faces to go with names, Bill, great photos. I love ‘em.
I too wrote extra-long essays in school. That was my favorite part of English exams. I never had a problem with the minimum amount of words (as you can tell by my loooong blogs). Usually we had a choice of topics and I had a very creative mind.
But my reasons probably were a little different when it came to writing - I wasn’t bullied. I was just very shy and this was my way of creating exciting and funny stories where I could be the center of attraction.
ok, time to get to work.
I hope to read more blog thingy later,
Carol
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:59 am
Hi John/Heidi:
Great blog today and thanks for posting. I also was wondering how you found the inspiration to write so much when you can but now it makes sense.
Amazing pictures from the Grand Princess. Looks much nicer than the wonderful view of traffic and congestion outside my office window.
I’m really enjoying the officer interviews. I look forward to when you post them.
I really enjoyed the videos today and I can tell that Claude’s rendition is going to be very popular on the blog.
Thanks again for posting and take care!
David
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
Thanks for a great blog. Betweeen your blogs and Bill’s pictures it’s like our personal virtual cruise.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Wow…Claude is fantastic! I loved his song. I was sitting here in my den clapping for him….the dogs thought I was nuts! LOL
JOHN, please reply….
Will you be on the December 6th Cruise on the Splendor? Thanks for your reply. That is my cruise and I would love to meet you.
Keep up the good work!
Julie ( jrmende63)
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Thank’s for the beautiful pictures truely amazing! God bless you and Claude for the great uplift you gave me today! You put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart!
Thank You!!
Kathy
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hello from Texas………….just going to read the latest blogs that I missed, but had to add my two cents after hearing Claude sing,,,it gave me a hundred “poose gimples” Thanks so much for including it.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Actually when I saw the title of this blog another song popped into my head……Don’t ask me how my mind works…..…..
…one that mentions the new Carnival Ship and a soon to be refurbished/re-envisioned one … likely due to that Momma Mia thing…
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/
I have a DREAM, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
.
.
.
I have a DREAM, a FANTASY
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
.
.
.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Claude is awesome! Thanks John, for dedicating it to all of us.
Cathy & Tom
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hi John: Looking forward to meeting you on the Transatlantic cruise in Oct.. You are truly awesome at your job. Can you answer a couple of questions?
1) Will you be the CD?
2) Do you know who will be the Piano man? Ron Pass is leaving before that I believe.
3)Is there any way I can see a Spa suite? I am a travel agent and would like to see the new cabins.
4) How can I make Pinnacle reservations?
Thank you, Patsie
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Hi Linda and George!!
Got it!! I have to play it back 2 times to male sure
You both look great!! sure you are on a cruise and I’m not. Lucky!! LOL Don’t worry the memories of our Freedom cruise still last and are holding us up until the next one.
Hi John and Heidi!! You both look great too.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I’ve enjoyed all of your posts from the Splendor, and am really looking forward to our August 6 cruise! It looks like a fun bunch of folks from Cruise Critic will be on there, but, unlike on the current cruise, that we are unfortunately not going to get any help with our meet-up.
We have about 84 people getting together, and all they offered us was a room, with free ice water. Lovely. It’s a shame, as we have all been at CC meet-ups on other lines that put together a nice reception. I know that we’ll still have a great time on the cruise, but it’s a bit of a dampener. (There’s more info at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=552110&page=50, starting at post 983.)
July 24th, 2008 at 10:04 am
All in all a great blog. A little humor, a heartfelt admission from your past to show more of what make you tick, and videos of fellow bloggers enjoying your company (which, I’m pretty sure, the rest of us an envious of).
Now, time to let my Geekdom show:
Stefano looks familiar. So much so I’d spent the last few hours racking my brain to who he reminded me of. Then it hit me: System Lord Ba’al from Stargate SG1!!! Or, rather, the actor Cliff Simon. The two of them could be brothers. Google up the name (character or actor) and you’ll see what I’m raving about.
Keep us posted on how the diet goes
And I agree: Heidi!? Where art thou?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Hi! I’m the boy in the middle of the “Spice Girls and Boy” choir in the video!
August 9th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Love the Life……..
When he defended me from harm, I was afraid for them because he is a powerful man! I always felt protected.
I’ve been abused, and used this abuse to bring words that lead people to life, in the mist of struggles. Use your struggles to bring your group or you attention in admirable ways. You are special, and can find out why. If you seek you will find. To bully keeps you from finding real love.
Slaves over-powered discrimination with words of life, and actions, with grace. Gracefulness goes beyond you and makes you free, and free indeed. Words of love that bring life, give love its start to work with your talent.
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”
- Lao Tzu
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