Here we are in Copenhagen Denmark where today, out of absolutely nowhere the Danes have announced that they own the North Pole, and just in case anyone gets any fancy ideas that they don’t, they’re embarking on a series of surveys which will prove it.
Over the next few years they will spend $23 million demonstrating that the top of the world is connected by a vast underwater mountain range to Greenland, which is one of Denmark’s dependencies along with, er . . . the Faroe Islands and, um . . . Iceland. Oh no, hang on a minute. They lost that.
So why, you may be wondering, after two centuries of sitting in a sauna have the Danes suddenly decided to get themselves an empire? Well, they reckon that thanks to global warming the ice cap will soon melt, allowing man to access a subterranean lake full of black gold. Brilliant. Denmark becomes Europe’s Saudi Arabia and everyone in Copenhagen will have drive a Bentley and call themselves J.R Ewingsven.
Anyway, for now, the North Pole seems a long way a way as the temperature here was 86 degrees and by far the hottest day of the year so far in Europe …………this according to Lovely Lisa my favorite weather presenter. Unfortunately my plans to go ashore have been squashed by a head cold.
I will not go into details but I can tell you my head feels like Keith Moon has smoked an entire palm tree and is currently giving drum lessons to Ozzy Osbourne.
My nose is full of alien slime and a few moments ago I just sneezed over Heidi’s cherished house plant ……….which now looks like a Christmas tree complete with lots of shiny tinsel. I am not going to talk anymore about my cold……….last time I felt like this I got bugger all sympathy from Heidi who says I am a big baby, etc etc and then just as I started to feel better Monsieur Bells Palsy moved in for 5 weeks…………I will be buggered if that’s happening again………….so, positive thinking………….I am not ill………….there, I fell better already.
My goodness, the tours are popular this voyage………every single one today in Copenhagen is sold out so as I sit here and write Heidi and her troops are disembarking 1600 people on tour. Everyone else either has private tours or is walking into town to visit Tivoli Gardens or see the Little Mermaid…………….or have taken our horse riding tour. We have these in Copenhagen and in Finland we have a visit to a horse farm and a ride in a two person carriage thingy …………… horses ……….mmmmm………..have to be careful here.
I want to live an easy life, and have decided to steer clear of certain issues. Laying into Al Gore is right out………and so probably is the touchy subject of horses. I certainly don’t want to upset the many horsearists who read the blog but I guess I just cannot understand people’s total and undying passion for these things.
Horse ownership…………….. You can’t own one half-heartedly. Every morning you must go and clear huge piles of poo from the stables, and then you must spend the afternoon combing it and plaiting its tail and feeding it sugar lumps. And then each night, as you get into bed, each bruise and aching joint serves as a painful reminder to the fact that even though you were treating it like a princess it gave you a swift kick in the kneecap as a thank you. Horses take over your life as completely as hemorrhoids. You can think of nothing else.
However, these, like all the tours are proving very popular and I truly think the excursion program we have is one of the best we have ever offered.
The guests this week are great and last night even though we put the clocks forward one hour the ship was buzzing late into the night. Both shows were packed and both audiences gave the cast of the show we call The Beat huge standing ovations. Afterwards as I walked around I met people from the States, Canada, the UK, Spain, Argentina, South Africa and even a couple from Dubai.
All the comments have been wonderful and with the exception of a cabin that is right under the Promenade Duo and can hear their music, I had nothing but smiles and compliments……………and that makes me feel good. …………..Oh, by the way, the couple with the noise concerns is being looked after with a possible cabin switch.
Also, I wanted to tell you that this cruise we have 177 Platinum guests onboard …………that means 177 people who have cruised 10 times or more with Carnival. This is a normal figure on most of our ships each and every cruise…………….what a tremendous advert for Carnival that is. Have you got your Platinum card yet?
HERE ARE TODAY’S LETTERS…………….IN THEIR OWN WORDS.
Now, because of my cold I was not able to get off the vessel today and I forgot to ask the staff to take some photos. So, I am afraid I had to scramble around and take some just now at the past guest reception. So, with your forgiveness instead of Copenhagen shots here are some of the band, the techs and the guests.
Yesterday, I was talking about Carnival Corporation vessels spanning the globe taking passengers to exotic and rare destinations. With that in mind I thought I may share one or two with you over the next few days. Let’s start with a ship I visited recently in Portofino, Italy……..the Pacific Princess. She is a beautiful vessel reminiscent of a 5-star country inn and look at this upcoming cruise itinerary.
Venice, Italy
Split
At Sea
At Sea
Alexandria, Egypt
Port Said (Cairo/Giza), Egypt
Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel
Nazareth/Galilee (Haifa), Israel
At Sea
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Patmos, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Now that sounds pretty amazing doesn’t it?………Egypt, Jerusalem and onto to Turkey and Greece…….what a spectacular run.
Then, to the other side of the world we go to sail on Holland America’s Volendam which is offering this simply stunning voyage……….oh how I can see myself blogging on this trip.
Auckland, New Zealand;
Sydney, Australia;
Whitsunday Island, Australia;
Cairns, Australia;
Ribbon Reef Region;
Far North and Torres Strait; Darwin, Australia;
Slawi Bay, Komodo, Indonesia;
Padang Bai, Bali, Indonesia; S
Emarang, Indonesia;
Singapore
That’s a 19 day cruise leaving from New Zealand and all I can say to that is………..wow!
There you go, just two examples of how Carnival Corporation is spanning the world and that the cruising world is your oyster. I will feature a few more exciting destinations soon……PA 007 is looking at some of the more exotic for me and will let me know.
The ship cannot sail without her Captain and of course one other man or woman must also be onboard before the vessel can leave the dock………the Doctor………..so, I thought we should highlight one of our Carnival Splendor Physicians………..my friend Dr.Jason Wolfe,
NAME
Dr Jason Wolfe
DEPARTMENT AND POSITION
Senior Physician (Medical Department)
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
6 Years
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE
Routine & emergency medical care for all the guests and crew on the ship.WHERE ARE YOU FROM
London, EnglandWHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB
I love the autonomy, and that I take full responsibility for medical care from beginning to end. I need to have skills in many different fields in medicine… Sometimes pre-hospital care, sometimes emergency medicine, sometimes orthopedics, sometimes surgery, sometimes anesthesiology, sometimes ENT, sometimes cardiology, sometimes pediatrics, sometimes gynecology, and sometimes even psychiatry. I love the variety of cases, and that anything can happen.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY BACK HOME
A small family, mostly also in London.
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY (APART FROM FAMILY) Walking to the shops, or the local park. Fast internet access.FAVORITE THINGS
Traveling, Motorbiking, Climbing, Scuba Diving.MOVIE
The Importance of Being EarnestMUSIC
ClassicalFOOD
A fresh salad sandwich in a granary roll
IF YOU COULD MEET ANY FAMOUS PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD IT BE Yoda
IF YOU HAD TO DO ANOTHER JOB ON THE SHIP WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AND WHY Quartermaster – I get to drive the ship, but none of the responsibility.
Thanks Doc and thanks for all you and your team do here onboard and your colleagues who perform life saving procedures everyday on ships around the world.
They say money makes the world go round ……….well, after just one and a bit 12 day Baltic cruises money has me in a spin and trying to explain to guests what country takes what currency. During the Meditteanean voyages this is easy because everyone has the Euro as their selected currency………..even Dubrovnik which although they have their local Kuna all the shops wanted and took Euros………..but on this voyage……….it’s a little harder to explain. One person really does not understand.
Guest: Mrs _______ Ref: 002801872A Owner: (YOKO) Yoshimi Okubo
Cabin: _______ Booking#: _________ Added-Changed: 07/26/08 – 07/27/08_________ – WILL NOT ACCEPT U.S. DOLLARS
Mrs ________ came to the pursers desk and said that she had just attended the travel talk and was angry because she was told that nobody accepted U.S. Dollars in the ports. Purser confirmed this to be correct and guest got very angry saying that everyone took United States money on her last cruise to Italy. Guest said that all she had was US Dollars and if she changed them to Euros she would lose money on the exchange rate. Guest said that Carnival had misled her as passengers should have been told this before they left for the ship. Guest said she would not leave the desk until she had spoken to the Cruise Director who she said had given wrong information about the money…
So, I met with the guest and explained.
DENMARK. – DENMARK – LOCAL CURRENCY – KRONER WILL NOT EXCEPT U S DOLLARS BUT SOME SHOPS WILL TAKE EUROS
WARNEMUNDE / BERLIN – GERMANY – LOCAL CURRENCY – EURO – WILL NOT EXCEPT U.S. DOLLARS OR ANY OTHER CURRENCY
HELSINKI, FINLAND – LOCAL CURRENCY – EURO – WILL NOT EXCEPT U.S. DOLLARS OR ANY OTHER CURRENCY
ST.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – LOCAL CURRENCY – RUBEL – WILL EXCEPT ANYTHING, EURO, DOLLAR, STERLING ALTHOUGH THEY PREFER EUROS
TALLIN, ESTONIA – LOCAL CURRENCY – KOON – WILL EXCEPT EUROS BUT NOT U.S. DOLLARS
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND – LOCAL CURRENCY – EURO – WILL NOT EXCEPT U.S. DOLLARS OR ANY OTHER CURRENCY
LONDON ENGLAND – LOCAL CURRENCY – POUND STERLING WILL NOT EXCEPT ANY OTHER CURRENCY EXCEPT AT AIRPORTS WHERE THEY WILL TAKE EUROS
So you can see, it is a little complicated but as clear as I tried to make this the guest seemed totally frustrated that the information she had received from her Travel Agent was correct and that I was wrong……………everyone should and must take U.S. Dollars…………….boy oh boy was she mad at me.
And then there is this one.
Guest: Mr _____ Ref: 002801875A Owner: (YOKO) Yoshimi Okubo
Cabin: _______ Booking#: ______ Added-Changed: 07/26/08 – 07/27/08___ – UNHAPPY WITH LINES/UNHAPPY WITH COLLECTING PASSPORT/UNHAPPY WITH US PLUG
Mr ———–came up to the pursers desk very upset as he had to wait in line. Mr. ———– stated that he had UK plug however there was no way he could use it in the cabin as he has a laptop with UK plug. Mr. ———- stated that if it was an hotel, he just needed to contact housekeeping to deliver to his room but now he was not able to use it. Purser apologized and advised that unfortunately we did not have UK sockets or adaptors but they did have them for sale in the gift shops. Guest said that he was a Doctor and should not have to pay for an adaptor.
Mr. ________ stated that he wanted to speak with someone in charge of everything. Purser advised that purser would pass on his comments to the office manager however at the moment we could only offer an extension cord if it would work for his laptop. Purser showed an extension cord but it was not what he wanted. Mr. ——– was not happy with all the situation and repeated again over and over again and stated that he wanted to speak with manager. Purser advised again that all his comments would be documented to the relevant departments as well as office manager. Mr. _______ left swearing and shouting about the plug…
Now, I should once again remind you that these cases are isolated and whereas a few guests may expect the world to revolve around them, 99% of guests know what to expect and come prepared.
Two similar points of view…………..both expecting too much…………but when we talk about plug sockets………..maybe something should be done.
If I was President and Prime Minister In Chief of the World I would before thinking about standardizing one currency “The Bugger”……..I would standardize how to get electricity out of the bloody wall.
In the old days I used to travel on vacation or business with a nail file and some nose hair clippers but now we need to charge the batteries for our mobile phones, blackberrys, raspberries, computers, Eye Pods all of which need a vast array of plugs and adaptors……..so much so that you need an extra suitcase just for these. Then of course the 14-year-old girl behind the EasyJet checkout desk asks if you have any electrical appliances in there……….is she having a laugh.
This has meant that when I travel I need more and more suitcase room. I remember the days when I would travel with just a carry on and had developed a routine where one pair of underpants would last me five days. You wear them the proper way round for the first two days. On day three wear them back to front. Day 4 and 5 you wear them inside out.
But of course its the socket in the wall that makes you want to eat your own hair in a fit of madness and frustration as I discovered during the Baltic FAM trip a few months ago……………..I checked what I would need before I started my trip and honestly I had so many wires I looked like a roadie for a Rolling Stones Concert. Europe could learn from America where every state has the same socket …………… now that’s sensible.
Oh, and while we are at it, why can’t hotel elevators be the same all over the world…………why can’t they all have a button that says “G”……….that’s the ground floor, that’s where the reception is and that’s where you know to get off. However, some have ” 1″, some have ” L ” some have ” R ” …………and by the time you have figured out what button to press you have ridden the elevator up and down for an hour before finally ending up in the boiler room.
Europe though as our cruise ship passengers are learning is certainly not united and while many have adopted the Monopoly looking Euro as the currency they remain defiant that they will not take the best bits of other countries and adopt their polices for themselves.
For example………Germany, the U.K., Finland etc all have strict Customs officers standing to meet you when you land or dock…….I would like to see these countries adopt the Italian system……….i.e………no system at all…………everyone just walks through while Officer Rocco fixes is hair and looks at bottoms.
Toilets…….ahh the winners here are the efficient Germans. Never wanting to waste anything they have two buttons on the toilet. One for a regular pee or a pre dinner poo and a second button which sends down a Niagara style gush of water guaranteed to remove even the most stubborn Richard the Third…rhyming slang.
Finally, there should be a European and Universal whipping boy to be the butt of everyone’s jokes. The Brits have the Irish, The Irish have the Brits, The Swedish have the Norwegians, The Dutch have the Belgians and the Germans have the Austrians……………well, it would be nice if we all had one currency and one socket in the wall and it would be a stronger European Union ………. if we all made fun of the French.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
I wonder what kind of a doctor he is…….pyschiatry……lol
John, I hope you feel better. Do you find yourself trying to remember what wasn’t working quite right before Monsieur Bell showed up and trying to figure out if it’s going to happen again? I’ve been doing that lately, especially since we have a cruise on Carnival Victory in 3 weeks. I had a horrid dream the other night that M. Bell made an appearance for me again – on the other side of my face from the last visit.
The guest who was unhappy that the port cities will not take U.S. dollars might be interested in the number of shops in New York City that proudly announce that they welcome Euros. European tourism in New York is booming, thanks to the exchange rate! I can remember a time when the stores grudgingly took Canadian money – discounted 25%, of course. You don’t see those signs anymore.
Hi John (and Heidi!) Good blog today. I’ve been posting my trip pictures and writing my review and came across my favorite picture from our blogger meeting.
That picture is my favorite line from every time you post a video…
“Heidi, how do you turn this bloody thing off”
Dawn
EJEEE John!! Aviso #1
Too much work!! Take it easy and take care Please!
Love the picture with Heidi.
Why do the people think that if they pay for a cruise they own the world?? everything has to revolve around them and just as they want. I Cruise! The rest doesn’t matter. I’m happy. I will be standing in line with a smile. AHH!! These people should learn how to live and enjoy. Poor people….
Another gem, my friend!! Thanks so much for the laughs.
It’s a sad state of affairs when a DOCTOR isn’t savvy enough to understand that not all wall sockets are created equal. One can go to virtually ANY place that sells luggage and acquire a little black bag that has adapter for anything… including other adapters. Please… forward me this gentleman’s name as I will avoid him like the plague should I find myself ill in the UK…
As for the woman who was so terribly tweaked about the currency issue… sad. It’s sad that an American would travel abroad and not understand that the US dollar isn’t universally accepted. Some people do everything possible to make life miserable for themselves. Please introduce her to the words ‘computer’ and ‘google’.
As always, pass along my howdies to the lovely Heidi (who looks gorgeous in the above picture with the slightly odd looking gent in the blue coat
) and the industrious Stephanie who gives up much of her weekend so that we may have blogs!! Thank you!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
My mother was looking into being a nurse aboard some ship in the carnival corperation.
from, JAKE S.
So, John, I notice in the fourth picture that you’re working with a “skeleton crew” while so many folks are off the ship. Hope the two of you didn’t have to “rattle around” alone for too long!…Nope, there’s Heidi, back at last. All is well! You look so sweet together. Ain’t love grand?
What would you do without the nutcases who complain? I know I’d miss the humor (oops, humour[?]). Do you think maybe Carnival keeps a file of such clients and invites several for each cruise just to make sure you stay on your toes?
Keep that smile on your face and a joke in your heart (or a song), and you’ll always be fine.
Best to you and your lovely darling,
Your Pal, Myra
John…yes we have our platinum card. We also have our 12th Carnival cruise planned for November on the Carnival Glory.While we haven’t booked a cruise for 2009 yet, we have booked a February 2010 cruise on the Carnival Dream. Can’t wait for that one!!!
Diane
Hello John,
Just recuperating from our long flight to Miami after the July 1o, Splendor cruise.
Had a good time and you made it very enjoyable.
I did manage to spare a thought for you during our cruise.
Some people are obnoxious, wherever they may find themselves, I salute you for having the patience and good nature to deal with them! You’re a better man than me!
love to you and your lovely wife,
Maria
John:
WOW…177 Platinum members!!!
The most we have ever sailed with is 35ish on the Victory. (There is a list at the Casino Cage where they are all listed to get their free Slots or Blackjack Tournament entries…so it is easy to see how many are on each cruise, their age and how many cruises they have been on. )
There have been as few as 8 on some cruises….although as the years go by…the number is certain to climb….which is just another great reason why Carnival should add a BLACK ELITE CARD for passengers with 25 cruises or more!!!!
(hint …hint…hint)
While we are on the subject….some of the additional perks could be reciprocating perks with sister cruise lines, a private party in the crew lounge with officers, perhaps a tour of the BRIDGE!!! Just some suggestions….
As far as the complaints….yes, we do understand that this is not the norm (thank goodness) but the rare “bird” that is missing a few feathers…but we still love to read about them!!!
Get well soon. If you can get ahold of some ZICAM….it really does work!!! (over the counter)
Do you take a good daily vitamin??? That is something else that will help you to avoid colds.
Keep up the great posts!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Now NINE pounds lighter…in 2 months!!
Still walking 5 miles a day!!!
Hi John!
I just returned home to Canada from the 12-day Baltic cruise. I know there were people around the ship complaining about various things, but I had a great time overall and thought that it was a wonderful way to have my first vacation in Europe. Thanks so much and your blog is now on my Google feed
Vincci
unless we sneak another cruise in, we will have our platinum card next spring. i believe it is universally accepted…lol…
John, I hope your cold gets better and you feel better fast.
Just thought you might like to know, just in case Mr. PETA should show up. They found dozens of dead sea turtles on the beaches in Mexico. They think the turtles were caught in fishermen’s nets But knowing Mr PETA he will blame it on Carnival if you had a ship anywhere close……8
My favorite picture of all that you have had on your blog……… This picture of you and Heidi. It is so sweet……..love shows on both of your faces
Carolyn………….. 7 million years old
Hello John and Heide,
Perhaps there could be a link on the page where folks get their E docs pre cruise. I have a FAQ photos collection I made on CM with pics of the things many people have issues with….one of which is the power outlet in the cabin….
http://www.cruisemates.com/gallery2/view.php?id=701
Drink plenty of fluids for your cold John.
Phil & Liz
Love the picture of you and Heidi…very sweet picture! thanks for posting.
Hey John and Heidi,
You asked if we have our Platinum cards yet? well I am a Double Platinum card holder (I know there is no such thing yet), there ought to be though, 23 Carnival cruises, however the last was 5 yrs agoI look forward to the day when I can go again.
Your friend
Capt Bill
What a great picture of you and Heidi!
It is true that you need another pice of luggage to carry and the electronics, charger and adapters now. My first time in Europe I planned ahead and bought one of those plug adapter kits that was suppose to cover all the countries I would visit before and after we boarded the ship. We flew into Rome and unpacked my trusty little converter kit only to find that none of them fit the plug that was in the wall!
It would be nice if that was universal everywhere but knowing nothing about it, don’t know why that is not the case. I understand that maybe the doctor didn’t realize the ship was not on the currency of his country, but being a doctor, don’t you think he could afford to go to the gift shop and buy one? Geez.
Now anyone the has watched a TV knows that US dollars are not universally accepted outside of the US so this person obviously has never seen a TV, read a newspaper or magazine or has any friends or family to explain to them–sad. Makes you wonder how they got to Dover and the ship!
Keep us posted on the state of the North Pole. We need to keep Santa up on who runs the government there!
Good evening Mr. Heald. Sorry to hear about your head cold. They can be a pain in the butt, not sick enough to go to the hospital and not somethings to really effect your life. Just, YUK. This goofy woman who said, ” ……………everyone should and must take U.S. Dollars……………. ” is exactly why people feel the negative attitude towards the American people. Not all are like her but one can affect all. You’d think that she would checked and double checked everything out before she went on her cruise. But alas, everythings has to be with the American almighty dollar. I really feel for your pursors who seem to have to deal with such very rude people at times. They must be angels. Well that’s for tonight. Ciao my friend. How can you remember all of us or who we are? You are tremendous when it comes to this.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hey John,
Hope you are feeling better. Great pictures, Heidi is quite the looker…duh! So many doctors are so … well never mind. But, now that Dr. Jason Wolfe could be forgiven many a temper tantrem!
Thanks for another fun blog.
Jan
John,
I loved your elevator comment… I get so mixed up in Europe… How can 1 be the ground floor?? Plus here, I just stayed at a hotel built into a hill and the “ground floor with lobby” was floor 4. I was on 7 and I passed the lobby floor many times getting used to it!
MONEY… Oh why can’t everyone just understand it! Each country has their own system… Be GLAD for the Euro which is somewhat univesal over there… We spoiled Americans just expect the world to revolve around us and cater to us… No wonder we are called spoiled…
Take care John… You’re much too special to be sick in the head… I mean sick with a head cold!!!
Take care and give my best to Heidi and Stephanie and Alan and PA007…
Lambie
Hi all,
WOW, that pic of you and Heidi, probably the nicest and sweetest pic of you two on this blog yet!!! …love it!
All I can say is I’m glad I live in the good ol’ USA, when it comes to how different things can be once you the leave the states and/or N. America. Just over 6 months until the bloggers cruise in NO, wooohooo!!
SueMuller
Morning!!!
John… I would GLADLY assist you in dealing with these grumpy cruisers and their complaints instead of going back to work today after our Baltic Cruise…The Original Maiden Voyage!! By any chance are you looking for an assistant to just handle them??
Jane
Good morning John & Heidi,
I hope you’re feeling better John.
Any more from the lady who couldn’t find the Black Pearl? Did anyone tell her that when she was at Purser’s desk that it was across the way?
I don’t understand some people. When I’m planning a trip I do a lot of research – whether it’s the hotel or resort or the ship. I look at the deck plans to get an idea where everything is in relation to my cabin. I may not remember the different names, but I try to learn my way around. Being lost takes up a good deal of time that could be spent having fun. When I was on the 5-day Imagination a woman came up to me at the elevator on the last day out & asked how she could get to Lido deck. It was hard not laugh, but I behaved myself and gave her directions without a sarcastic remark. And now I’m going to e-mail my sister to give me all the details of her cruise on the Miracle (she gets back today), so I’ll be prepared for my cruise in 2 months.
So feel good and have a good day,
Carol, the Platinum Cruiser
Hi John & fellow Bloggers: I have been in withdrawal for 2 days without a computer, my son fixed it for me, I had 2,025 viruses, can you imagine, it took me one hr. just to get on the internet, and then couldn’t even open Carnival’s website! Yikes! MY son came to my rescue, hurray! Don’t know what I would do without my computer genius! He is the greatest, and I am up and running again! Had to catch up on all your blogs the past 3 days! Linda
Hi John and Heidi
I have been a Platinum cruiser for quite some time. I will be on the Splendor in Nov for my 21st cruise.
Tried other cruise lines and keep coming back to Carnival. Love everything about them.
Can’t wait to see John again.
Get well soon, John. Laughter is the best medicine.
Read your blogs everyday.
Thanks
I agree that the picture of your and Heidi was great. Also, a card above platium would be appreciated. After twenty or twenty five cruises maybe something special and different. Of course, Larry and I think that’s a good idea as the Bloggers Cruise will be our twenty fourth.
Take care of that cold!
Some folks should just stay home! We certainly don’t fall into that category…one week, and we’ll be on the Eurodam!!! Thanks for all the handy info you’ve been dispensing.
Hope you feel better soon. Condolences to Nursie Heidi:-)
Duchess Sandy in GA, heading to Copenhagen!
Thanks for the laughs, John! I just discovered your blog and am happy to be able to keep up with your adventures. I just returned from the July 13 maiden Baltic voyage of the Splendor, and I too, have a head cold to beat the band. (I guess all of the Purell dispensers on the ship weren’t enough to prevent those pesky germs from circulating!) While I am supposed to be back at work today, I am laid up….and reading your blog with a smile. I was in a funk last night when I realized there was no Mr. Ken to sing Sinatra at dinner and no towel animals on my bed at night…ahh, reality has set in.
Thanks for the fantastic cruise! I had a ball. It was only my second cruise in my life – the first on a small ship out of Miami when I was 19 (along with 3 other girlfriends.) Needless to say, what I remember of that cruise was the beer-chugging contest and hanging out in the forbidden “Crew deck” with various dining room and bar personnel…:+) Twenty-five years later, my second cruise was on the Splendor. Quite a step up! I was glad to see there was no beer-chugging contest, but the hairy chest contest was a bit on the edge. ha ha.
I loved it all – from beginning to end – even the few snafus here and there. That’s what makes travel so much fun – you never know what to expect. Don’t let those whiners and complainers get you down. I firmly believe that there are some people who should just stay home. (It sure would make it easier for the rest of us to get to the Purell dispenser.)
Thanks again to you and your team. They were all delightful. And I hope that it won’t be another 25 years before I am back on a cruise!
Safe travels…
Kristie
Love the photo of you and Heidi!
Hope the cold is getting better, too!
Since we are talking about money, what do we tip onboard in the Med? I’m talking that little extra you might slip someone for something. I lean toward euros since they certainly won’t be jetting to WalMart for a quick shop.
PennyB
Linda ( Mom of DJ) recommended taking Zicam for your cold. Someone told me about it and I used it in May when I had a cold (it didn’t help me). Since then I have partially lost my sense of taste and smell. Before I told my doctor that I had taken Zicam, she said that it has been suspected of causing these side effects. So before you try it you might want to look at some articles about it (I googled Zicam loss of taste). Apparently there has been law suits concerning this side effect . I’m not sure if the Zicam caused my loss of taste and smell, but I’ll never use it again.
Hope my senses of smell and taste come back before the Splendor transatlantic cruise! I love to eat and want to enjoy the food!!!
Hi John and Heidi:
This is “MIAMI” writing to thank both of you for a memorable cruise. You guys and staff are great. I am still recuperating from all the jumps of joy, hat dances, and ZZZ yabbadabbadoo’s.
Thanks again for a great time.
Hi John/Heidi:
Did I see a skeleton behind the stage? What the heck is that?
Nice interview with the doctor.
Thanks for posting.
Hope you are over the crud.
That 19 day cruise looks amazing.
Wish i could do it.
Thanks,
David
Really interesting post, it really was interesting to read it! Great luck with your blog and have a great day!