Thursday, July 24th, 2008...6:06 pm
Zippitti Doo Da
“Can you unzip me please?”……….These are words I never thought I would have to say to anyone…………but……….once every 12 days I have to ask one of the dancers to unzip my dress and do it slowly so they don’t take any of the hairs with it…………something me and Dolly probably have in common.
For 35 years or more I have raised and lowered the zip in my trousers without getting it caught in the fabric (or anything else) once. However, my hatred for zips comes from the one time I went camping.
In the world of tenting, every single zip gets stuck all the time. So there you are outside in the freezing cold, jiggling the damn thing backwards and forwards, knowing that with each tug, and each muttered expletive, more and more of the tent is being swallowed by the fastener.
Eventually, and often with the help of a knife, you get through what tentists laughably call the door – it’s a cat flap – and you are presented with your sleeping bag, into which you must climb as quickly as possible because its so cold parts of your body will start to fall off……….still, at least I would have had a spare tent peg!!
So, you dive into your sleeping bag, yank the zip and instantly the entire bag disappears into it. And you can’t fish it out because your fingers are numb from the cold.
To warm them up, you must light the stove. Simple, you might think. In the civilized world there are many burners that light at the touch of a button, or with the merest hint of a match. But this is tenting, so the stove you’ve been given is designed to not light at all for two hours, and then when it does it blows up in your face.
The thing is that some people find these aspects of tenting stimulating and the harsher and more uncomfortable the better. ………….it puts you in touch with nature say people who wear sandals and have beards………….well I can be in touch with nature from my hotel suite when without having to unzip anything I can call room service and be in touch with nature by ordering a huge steak.
Still, regardless of my dislike of zips and pure unadulterated hatred of wearing a dress and massive fake pendulous bosoms the guests howled with laughter as I minced around the stage. The worst thing is coming back to the cabin and finding yourself covered in glitter…………there are little signs that it may be time to move on ……and picking bits of glitter from your chest hairs may be one of them.
So, good morning everyone from Amsterdam where the weather is a balmy 82 degrees and sunny and after another complicated maneuver the Captain has us docked at the new cruise terminal. The entrance to Amsterdam is very impressive and I recommend to guests that they be outside by 8 am to witness the ship heading through the locks. At one point the Captain has only 7 meters clearance on either side of the vessel.
Just as we arrived we were told by the authorities that upon returning to the ship each guest would be required to pass through a full Dutch Immigration check in the terminal building……………..so I jumped on the PA system and made sure that everyone new that they needed to have the right documentation with them. I think the ship’s agent who we pay to manage and communicate situations like this could have told us earlier though.
The gangway is on deck 2 again although unlike last call on the eight-day cruise where everyone exited from the one gangway, this voyage I obtained special permission for the guests on a carnival tour to have a private gangway straight to the coaches leaving from deck 0…………………..so overall, it was a good operation and with the sun shinning bright I am sure everyone will have a great time in Holland.
Heidi has her Mum visiting today and I hopefully will be getting off for a walk to my favorite cigar shop and to buy a British newspaper. I only touched dry land once in the last 12 days in Germany and the wife insists I take a walk and get some fresh air…………..so I will.
Well, here I am back again and I just suffered 30 minutes of abuse…………all of it deserved. As I mentioned just now Dutch Immigration had requested to see everyone on their return to the vessel……….that’s fine…………but they sent two ……… TWO ……….inspectors.
The lines were embarrassing and even rivaled St.Petersburg. It took me 30 minutes to get back onboard and during this time I was shouted and screamed at, as was Lui the Chief Purser and Duncan the Hotel Director. We tried to explain that this was beyond our control but where as many understood…..many did not. It’s the older people I feel sorry for having to stand for such a long time. The problem is that everyone loves Amsterdam and therefore everyone on a short stay in port returns at the same time…this does not help.
I am sure you will read about this on the message boards and they will be blame the ship, blame Carnival etc………..well, I admit beforehand it was awful and we will use all our powers to do something about it next week…………all I can say is …………….. sorry …………..and nobody is more embarrassed and upset than Heidi………her government let her and 3,000 people down today and they are the ones who should be embarrassed.
On a more positive note everyone said that they loved the port and the tours and how they wish they could have stayed longer. It’s a brilliant destination and we will sort this problem out ……………Gregg…………can you post this section mate for me on the boards?………….I made a public apology but I want everyone to know that it really was not our fault. Thanks mate.
Here are a few photos of our transit through the canals.
Heidi and her brother Piet
Have you seen our new Carnival Fun Shop? It has become an instant hit and you can decorate your home with all your favorite Carnival onboard items. There’s music, towels, and so much more and I think it’s time we put some blog items on there. And in the next few weeks I hope to put the blog items on it. You can browse through all the items here: www.carnivalfunshops.com.
OK, let’s carry on with today’s bio featuring our Gift Shop Manager Justine who has some pretty great stuff in the gift shops for this season including some stunning Russian Dolls and Faberge eggs…………remind me to take some photos of those. Anyway, here is her bio.
NAME
Justine Dykes
DEPARTMENT AND POSITION Gift shop – managerHOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
10 yearsWHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE
Overseeing the tax and duty free shops, managing staff, driving sales, training staff.WHERE ARE YOU FROM
EnglandWHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB
Visiting places, meeting new friends, meeting old friendsTELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY BACK HOME
Mum and dad retired. Sister worked on Holland America, married a Dutch officer, now lives in Holland with 2 beautiful girls.WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY APART FROM FAMILY
Food and friends, going to the movies, and driving a car!!FAVORITE THINGS
MOVIE – Great Train Robbery
MUSIC – Beatles
FOOD – Chicken Korma – Indian is my favorite
IF YOU COULD MEET ANY FAMOUS PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD IT BE
Errr.. hello! George ClooneyIF YOU HAD TO DO ANOTHER JOB ON THE SHIP WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AND WHY
Super shopper – only works a few hours a day, gets to go shopping in every port. And doesn’t have to lift heavy boxes!!
Here are the International counts for next week …looks like the English breakfast will be very popular.
Argentina 10
Australia 39
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas 5
Belgium
Belorussia
Bermuda 6
Brazil 11
Bulgaria
Canada 398
Czech Republic
Chile 5
China 2
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Cyprus
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic 21
Egypt 1
Finland
France 5
Germany 9
Greece 6
Guatemala
Guyana
Honk Hong 4
Iceland 3
India 5
Indonesia 11
Iran 4
Ireland 14
Israel 94
Italy 3
Jamaica
Japan 2
Korea 12
Lebanon 1
Luxembourg 2
Malaysia 13
Malta 26
Mauritania
Mexico 44
Netherlands 17
Netherlands Ant
Peru
New Zealand 6
Nigeria
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal 8
Puerto Rico 13
Russia 6
Saudi Arabia 5
Slovenia
South Africa 2
Spain 18
Sweden 1
Switzerland
Taiwan 2
Thailand 3
Turkey 2
United Arab Emirate 2
United Kingdom 659
Ukraine
Trinidad and Tobago 3
Venezuela 10
Vietnam 1
TOTAL PASSENGERS 1514
Now, let’s have a look at some letters………………..in their own words.
(click to enlarge)
Modern history is littered with glorious technical failures. .
You may, for instance, remember the laser disc. It was a 1-foot-wide silver record which, said the geeks, would replace the videocassette. I nearly bought one, at vast expense, even though there were a few drawbacks. Like you couldn’t record anything on it, and any fast-moving image always “ghosted,” which was a bit of a problem because the only film originally available on laser disc was the very fast-moving Top Gun.
Before this, there was the saga of Betamax. Technically superior to the standard videocassette, it is still used by television companies as the medium on which programs are recorded. Many people bought Beta machines, but then the porn industry decided to go with the VHS and as a result anyone who had bought a Betamax machine was truly buggered.
Today, the world has leapt like a kangaroo on springs into the future and one of the most wonderful aspects of Tomorrow’s World now….is the virtual tour. It is now possible to see your hotel room, the inside of your new car or the inside of a Latvian girl’s bedroom all from the comfort of your computer. I see that my friends at Cunard have taken this technology onboard and are taking us on a tour of the one and only Queen Mary 2…………and your host…………is someone very special. So, everyone, lets take a tour together…………..go to www.cunard.com and click on New Queen Mary 2 Virtual Tour in the top left corner. It’s inspired me to do something special……………..enjoy the tour.
And now for something completely different.
Guest: ——————– Ref: 002801606A Owner: (AKAH) Akos Hanko
Cabin: ______ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 07/23/08 – 07/23/08_______ – Disappointed that no Famous Stars are in the Shows
Mr —————— came to the desk to state how disappointed he was that no famous stars are in the shows on ship. Guest said that as it was Inaugural cruise he had expected to see famous people. He also said that on a Royal Caribbean cruise he had seen Bette Midler and on NCL had met someone called Rosie ODonald. Guest wanted to speak to cruise Director John about this. Purser said that John would contact the guest
[7/23/2008 11:32:33 PM AKAH]
Purser sent an email to Cruise Director
Bette Midler was on RCI?……………Rosie Donald…………well, I have no idea who that is ……………anyway I called the guest and indeed he said that he had expected the ship to be full of stars. Apparently Bette Midler was there and I think he meant Rosie the chat show lady was on NCL…………and his travel agent had assured him that the Carnival Splendor would be parading A list superstars on deck during this voyage. The guest did say he had enjoyed the shows but felt that Carnival had misled his travel agent by assuring them that we would have Tom Hanks hosting pool games and Russell Crowe singing on Promenade Deck.
We departed as friends but not before he told me that although he had had a wonderful cruise it was spoiled because he had not had chance to rub shoulders with the rich and tanned.
This once again brings home the fact that we live on the Planet Celebrity.
Every week the glossy supermarket magazines bring news of yet another celebrity who’s married a goat, drunk their own urine or thrown a telephone at some hapless hotel receptionist. Of course we all want to meet these people because we all think that are so different to any of us………….but are they?
All the famous people I’ve met are just like everyone else………………………. Howie Mandell has bad breath.
The people I’ve met, however, are the Toyotas and Hondas of the celebrity world. But what about the Bentleys and the Aston Martins? What about those whose names are etched on the consciousness of every living being on the planet?
Of course, the real way to tell if someone is really famous is look for an entourage. The really famous, really global stars walked around like comets, trailing a tail of “people” who had been employed to make sure nothing even remotely real got in their employer’s way.
Snoop Doggy Puppy Hound, or whatever he’s called, had an armada of bodyguards, each of whom is the size of a house. I can’t work out what they are protecting him from exactly. Brittney Spears, Aliens? Then there is Madonna who has a hundred bossy women with clipboards whose job, so far as I can tell, is to yell a lot and make sure nobody gets in Madge’s way. …………..can you imagine what would happen if Snoop Doggy Puppy Hounds entourage and Madonna’s get in each others way…..it could cause a five-mile traffic jam?
So, no celebrities onboard this week and this equates to one upset guest……………….oh well………………I wonder how he is this morning. I told him yesterday evening that we had a special guest star from the world of country music appearing in the Carnival Legends show…………….he got very excited and even said he would be there early to get the best seat. I am sure that he was there, expecting and hoping to see Lee Ann Rimes or Shania Twain and when I am sure much to his disappointment mixed with a hint of anger…………the country and western star was actually some fat bloke in a dress …………….maybe I should have asked if he wanted to unzip me.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
36 Comments
July 24th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
John,
I have to admit who ever designed zippers is a total git of a fool. You are 100% right happens at the worst time and in the worst places possible the dreaded broken zipper or even worse the zipper who ate tokyo. Glad to see Heidi has some of the family visiting with her and best to her mum and brother. The only stars I ever want to see on a cruise are up in the sky and well maybe some bloke in a dolly parton dress in a show. Oh and a attractive blond who hangs about with the bloke in the dress. Best to everyone, So painting houses in NOLA want to share some more with us ?
Kevin
July 24th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
It was nice to explore the pink ship, the splendor
during our visit of today and the weather was so beautiful.
We had lunch with Ken and that was very nice. Unfortunately we missed you and Heidi. Hope to see you another time in Amsterdam.
Sorry to hear this about our authorities.
And yes, your stay was too short…;-)
groetjes!
Mirelle & Christa
July 24th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
John, It will be my pleasure to get the word out on Cruise Critic about where the blame rightfully falls for the debacle in Amsterdam. I think you’re right… someone needs to have a sit down with your ship’s agent. I’m sure that will occur!!
The pictures, as always, are wonderful. How great to see a picture of Heidi and her brother Piet!!! Hello, Piet!!!
I would expect that the transit through the canals and locks must be one of the highlights of the trip!
The passenger mix on this sailing is amazing!! If only the UN could get people from so many countries to get along!! If the could manage that they might be worth the investment! Perhaps Carnival should take over managing the UN. I’m sure it would be a marked improvement!!
Send along my howdies to Heidi and the ever so busy Stephanie!!
Ciao for now, my friend!!!
Host Mach
July 24th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I don’t know how you find the time John I really don’t. Excellent as usual.
As for entertainers, the ones we saw on Splendor on the naming weekend were the best we have seen on any cruise ship and the Ship’s company simply wonderful. Who needs big names? It’s talent we need.
Don
PS – Looks like your smoking debate will be re-opened after P&O’s decision to make three of their ships smoke free in all inside areas from October.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I saw the locks!! I was looking at the webcam at exactly the time you were coming out. I didn’t know it was that way in Amsterdam. I like to see it one day in person. I’m sorry you got out to have a walk and came back to guest complaining. Oh well… I’m glad Heidi got to be with her family. I’m happy for her. Last night we had dinner with the Sagara’s who came to PR on board the Miracle. We had a great time.Thank God and you for bringing this family of bloggers together.It has been a blessing for many of us.
Love
Nanni
July 24th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
John,
You didn’t mention to the upset guest, that he was speaking with a celebrity? Obviously you have reached celebrity status now since you have over 2.5 million slaps!
I am getting really homesick for a Carnival cruise…. I haven’t been on a ship since BC1 and nothing booked now until BC2… Don’t know if I am going to make it that long!!!
Looks like Heidi was having a nice visit with her brother. Great photo!
Bear Hugs!
Princess Barb
July 24th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hello, John.
My blog has become a hit whith my first official comment in less than 24 hours from somone from your blog.
I write about the splendor and think its gonna be a lot of fun to blog on my new web-site.
I also see that the carnival splendors web-cam is back in service and the valor is now up-dated ( :
from, JAKE S. ( :
July 24th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
o i just relised that my username have replaced the name i insert to submite a commment.
so its jake silverberg but show up as jake silverbergs blog.
just telling you if there was any confusion.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Good evening Mr. ( Superstar ) Heald. Why is that people think if they see or hear actors or actress, that their lives will be so much better and full? These so called special people are just like us and really, if they go on cruises, they want to enjoy the ports that they arrive at and just to spend time on the beauty ships. In fact they would probably wish that they weren’t so famous at times. I had sent a private notoe to you but I had forgotten the names of the two ports that I was asking you to explain. They were Nassau and St Thomas. After reding my note you must have thought I was a little balmy. Sorry about that. I guess at the time was a little balmy. Could we have more videos if possible and if so try to include you and Heidi together. I try to always have a photo of myself and my wife together. I was just wondering, when all these ports are planned ahead, don’t the people in charge inform you ahead so that you don’t have the same difficulties that you’ve had in St. Petersburg or Amsterdam? You’d think they would want to treat Carnival will more respect since you are bringing so many people to their country. Well that’s all for now. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
July 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Rich and famous are lacking on the Splendor? You can’t please them all, mate! Personally, I don’t want to rub shoulders with any of them! Well, maybe with the exception of the Prince of El Casa de Waffle!
July 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Ahhhhhhhhhhh John, does he not know he has met a celebrity. He met John Heald, widely known famous Cruise Director, most beloved CD on any cruise ship., writer of the John Healds blog with 2.5 million readers. He doesn’t know how lucky he is. And I mean every word of this.
Carolyn
July 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
John,
Loved the picture of Hedi and Piet! But where is the picture of Hedi with her mum?
Little did that guest know that there was a famous person onboard…YOU…just ask any of us bloggers! Or especially the evil krewe! We can inform the guest just how big of a star you are, and I’m sure if we get it wrong….you will correct us…LOL.
WE WANT A HEDI BLOG
Now maybe you will get the message!!
Keep the pictures coming. I love them. I just wonder if I will ever get to see those places in person.
Say hi to Dolly for me.
Princess Susan
hi Stephanie
July 24th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
dude! sometimes it is hard not to blame the nearest person. unfair, but hard not to do it anyway. sorry that happened. hopefully all will be better next time! and carnival has its own stars!!!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
ps: loislosthercarkeyskis is coming to podunk to see us on saturday! woo hoo!
July 24th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
John, I was asked by one of me krewe to ask a question about the picture of Heidi and her brother. I told her I see what she pointed out to me but I’m not going to ask that question AGAIN.
I don’t want to be in Heidi’s doghouse with you if it’s not what it looks like.
BIG ED
Already wearing one target don’t need another.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Dear John It sounds like your ironing out the wrinkles on the cruise.Getting every thing ship shape.Heidi’s brother looks like a fine chap.I can see the resemblance.A nice picture of them both. John I thought Justine had her head on straight when she said the Beatles were her favorite group.Also my favorite.Then she goes and says George Clumsy as her favorite person Oh Bugger!!! As for celebrities on board tell him who else would he need . He has John Heald and Fun-ship Freddy. Keep your chin up and your dress zipped. Best wishes your Friends Gary and Bug p.s.waiting patiently for news of the Blogger’s Cruise thingy.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I was excited to see the webcam back up and running today! I hope that means the technician arrived and got your interactive TV working again as well. The ship webcams are so cool to watch and see where they are everyday. The Princess ones also tell you where they are.
Sorry about the zipper and dress and I do hope that your guest wishing to rub elbows with a celebrity enjoyed rubbing elbows with you! Ok, from the best I remember, Rosie rented the whole ship for a gay family cruise–she wasn’t performing and Bette Midler on RCL huh–I wonder which one of the crew played her in their version of the Legends show?
OMG its a daily thing this stupidity thingy…
The photos are great as usual and I didn’t realize there were locks to get in and out of Amsterdam. Wow, you had a rough day. Sorry and hope tomorrow is better. Heidi and Piet look happy to be together.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Great blog today, John. In the USA we call tenting ‘camping’ for whatever reason. Not my idea of a good time! Good to see that Heidi with her brother, hey Piet! Great pictures, thanks.
Jan
July 24th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
John,
How wonderful that Heidi gets a moment with Mum and Brother… And OOOHH!! What a handsome brother Piet is!! Mmm Mmm!!!
Holland is a wonderful country, that seems to work on its own speed and schedule… Thank you for the pictures!!! But I’m so sorry about the lines and wait. We are just in too much of a hurry sometimes and waiting and visiting with the people in line next to you… well, it can become part of your adventure!! I believe that is the only way to keep a smile on my face!! Even in the grocery store… Time passes more quickly and pleasantly when chatting and visiting!!!
BUT your description of the lines… and the wait!!! OH MY!!!
Take care my friend!!! February is coming fast!! Any news would be OUTSTANDING!!!! Even glimpses or rumors…
Regards!
Lambie
July 24th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Arghhhh, poor John and Heidi!!! Those things you cannot control will make you the craziest. As always, your caring so much will make all the difference John, and I am sure 99.9% of those unhappy passengers will understand the source of the trouble….so sorry they had to go through it, but in the end it will be but a minute piece of a glorious experience, and shrink down accordingly.
Please let Justine know I loved hearing about her most important work, and let’s do hear more about this Super Shopper!!! Also, she picked just the right guy in George, he would sure be on my short list too…
Loved the pics today, I didn’t know there were locks!!! It was so great to see Heidi and Piet, looking so happy!!
All wrinkles will smooth, except maybe for the Dolly dress…
Love to you all,
Eva
Friend of John’s Blog Thingy
July 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Hi John,
I just wanted to let you know I’ve been really enjoying your blog – I remember reading your very first post when you were wondering if anyone was even going to read it, and look how it’s turned out! For now I’m enjoying the vicarious life, so thank you!
I love the crew biographies you’ve been posting.
Take care, and all the best!
Meaghan
July 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
John,
Yikes over those long lines! Ah well, that’s the way it goes sometimes.
As for Mr____ who was missing his celebrities: Why does anyone even give a fig for them? Yes, they sing some great songs and act in some great movies, and sometimes do all sorts of crazy things that end up in the tabloids, but who cares?
Sheesh, are our own lives so miserable we have to live vicariously through our entertainers? They’re entertainers, not gods, as some seem to believe.
Besides, I’ve seen some awesome small time performances & heard some great music from regular people that blow those famous folks performances out of the water.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Dear John & Heidi
Zippers always have been a pain in the asteriod!
Always will be , but it seems like a lot of velcro has been used on things these days..
Great Photos from the Netherlands. Loved the Picture of Heidi and her brother Piet. Good looking family. Glad you get some away time and family time. as short as it is, you both deserve it.
Sorry about the authorities, always when you got all the wrinkles out, somebody has to muck it up,, Murphy’s law………………..
Did I miss something? There is absoutely NO Americans on the cruise next week? Just Checking???
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
July 24th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
You should have told the gentleman that you are a star so rub elbows with you.
Jennifer
July 24th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
It seems like they already have a star on the ship… his name is John Heald. He has been on the USA network and his blog has over ummm… 2.5 million visitors. You should tell him that you are someone famous just to screw around with his head and act like he is a fool for not knowing who you are. “What you don’t know John Heald, what have you had your head up your a$$ for the last year? He’s the biggest thing Europe has seen since the Beatles.”
All for now (and let me know if that works),
_BigMike
Blog Security
July 25th, 2008 at 1:39 am
hiJohn :
Well it has been about 2and 1/2 years for me since my last cruise (Fantasy-ships were switched because of the whole KATRINA thing, initially disappointing, as we expected to be on on another bigger ship.) But Fantasy is really a nice ship, so we enjoyed our 2nd time onboard her, anyway. Now I will be taking my 3rd trip on Fantasy as I have booked the “BLOOgers” Cruise in Feb….and IAMSO EXCITED!!!!!!! I FINALLY get to meet (almost) EVERYONE, including you and Heidi! YES, I will be there, wooohooo…..Keeping my fingers crossed until February.Bring on the Food and Fun.
EcstaticinNarrowsburg,
Sue Muller
July 25th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Hi John.
If you want a “celebrity british breakfast expert” (self-appointed) to rub shoulders with your guests, I am sure it could be arranged for a reasonable fee…..
I’m available for just a free cruise (and my bar bill), but my wife (and PA) would have to accompany me and her fee is something shiny and glittery with a couple of large (duty free) diamonds on it.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:52 am
That guy must have been on the Carnival Fantasy. It takes all types. I’m beginning to think these nutjobs just want to see themselves in your blog.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Hi John/Heidi:
Great blog today and i’m sorry things were such a hassle getting back on board in Amsterdam. Sounds like a nightmare.
I really enjoyed the pictures and its amazing that to get in port, the captain has to go through such a tight space.
I wasn’t aware that celebrities cruise every single week on the ship. I didn’t know that people book their cruises with the expectations of seeing some. Oh well. Different strokes for different folks.
Good luck in getting things smoothed out and looking forward to hearing more.
Maybe you could change your zipper to velcro for next time. Just a suggestion
Thanks again!
David
July 25th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Like the Bears we’re getting homesick for a Carnival cruise. But we already have three booked with the first one in November. Now we’re trying to get many of our high school classmates to join us on the New Year’s Eve cruise out of Tampa on the Legend. Keeping in mind we graduated over fifty years ago this may be a challenge. (Many of the group came on a cruise out of San Juan a few years ago and we had a blast. ) Whether anyone can join us or not, we’ll be there!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Hi John,
Nice photo of Heidi and her brother. You really will have an international group on the Splendor next week. And you’re all the star-power I need.
By the way, you mentioned there was a member of the Super Bowl Champion Giants on board. Well, if he isn’t retired, he just missed the opening of their training camp. So can you tell us now who it was – did you take a photo with him?
Hugs,
Carol
July 25th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
oh John…while some days I envy your job, others I just shake my head. In a job like yours (as with mine), the best part about the job is the people…likewise, the worst part about the job is the people. You can never impress them all and some are only content when they are on a rant!
These whiners seem to forget that they are on an inaugural sailing. Just like a brand new restaurant or hotel, it takes a little bit to work out the kinks, to find the grooves, to meld together. Generally I don’t go to the newbies within the first week or so of opening because I know that there will be hiccups regardless of how well planned and thought out it is and I want to give every place I go a fair shake (though I would make an exception for a cruise!!!). Hiccups happen – C’est la Vie! (sorry, couldn’t help myself for a sec!).
As for the star struck-less cruiser. Firstly, he did meet a star (and he will go home and brag to all his friends when he clues into that fact!!). Secondly, as I was reading, I was waiting for you to mention what his travel agent promised. As an agent myself, it hard to crack the selective hearing in clients when they are excited about an upcoming trip. Important points are often missed (or extra put in!) but it is a side effect of being human. Perhaps the agent might have remarked that Carnival might have something special onboard since it is a brand spankin new ship, but he might have heard someONE special onboard. I once had a couple travel and hubby was hurt and they had to pay their nasty medical bills. Swore upside down that their agent never offered travel insurance (which would have covered the bill). The issue came back to me and I produced out of their file a waiver that they had both signed declining the insurance that I’d offered. Oops! Oh well, hopefully this gentleman is enjoying the cruise regardless!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I have never understood why people blame Carnival when there’s a line getting back on. You can look ahead and see if the problem is actually getting on the boat (usually because some goof can’t find theit room card) or if it’s because of customs. You know better than us, lots of people aren’t happy if they don’t have something to _itch about. Counting the days til 08/30 and the Splendor.
Linda
cabin 7447
welcome to join us for a drink
July 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
John, please be careful of those zippers.
I will miss reading your blog for the next week. My wonderful DH and I are heading out to N.Y. City to catch the Victory on Saturday cruizing to Canada. I am so excited!!
To all our Blogger family. Take care.
See you all again in a week.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
John:
You should have escorted Mr. (I need to see a Celebrity) out with all the cast of the Legend Show and had his picture made with each and every one of them!!
Personally I don’t understand what all the fuss is about Celebrities. Last time I checked, they zipped up their pants just like I do.
And after seeing what “celebrity” does to someone (sending them to Rehab or divorce court)…no thanks!
Besides, I would rather appreciate every individual for the gifts or talents they have….not just a select few who think “their talent” is superior.
Great blog. Hi to Heidi!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
July 25th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
John,
Sorry that the officials in Holland are causing you a headache. Passengers need to be more understanding since this is Carnival’s first time in Holland and the first time through Hollands customs. It is just one more knink to be worked out.
Glad to see Heidi was able to spend time with her Mom and brother. Great picture of Heidi & Piet.
Charlotte
July 25th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hi John,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy all your blogs and ship tales. As a retired English teacher I would give you an A+ as they really are very well written.
I wanted to share with you what Big Tex is doing on the Fantasy. Apparently he wants to be “Not So Big Tex” so he started Walk A Mile With Big Tex in the Capers and so every morning I would walk with him and we would chat – between breaths. I just kept thinking for every lap what I could eat – bread, butter, bacon, bacon, bacon, and last but not least Chocolate Melting Cake. Sort of like Pavlofts(sp?) dog. My mouth is watering now. I told him I was doing the Freedom Med in Oct., and he told me Todd was in his and Kim’s wedding. Guess you guys stick together. Anyway, I wanted you to know that Tex, or Lesser Tex, is doing a great job so you’d better watch out. I’ll give you a report on Todd too but he’s too thin to have a walking club. Also thinking I might join the CC cruise on Fantasy when you and Heidi will be cruising. Sounds like fun.
Again, thanks for the great reading.
Penny B.
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