The Baltic Sea has been in a great mood for the last 21 days. The sea has been flatter than a three week old Diet Coke (I was going to say flatter than Kate Moss’s chest but Heidi said I couldn’t) until last night when it got all moody. The wind picked up and the skies darkened and by 5 pm the ship started to pitch and roll. It felt strange to feel this motion because honestly it’s been so long and you can forget you are on a ship. By 8 pm the Baltic’s bad mood had changed and we were back again sailing on Kate.
The mood of the guests though is mostly sunny with the odd cloud here and there. I had a conversation with a guest last night who was commenting that the entertainment should not have included a Talent Show and the Carnival Legends show. He felt that Carnival was being “cheap” in asking guests to provide the entertainment……..I explained that the audience reaction to both shows showed through their ovations that the shows were brilliantly received………but, maybe again , its something we need to consider. I am certainly going to press on with trying to get more lecturers. David Bright’s was so well received that I really want this to be part of our program on longer cruises.
So, here we are in Amsterdam and it’s a beautiful day. I had to force her and promise that if she refused I would put the underpants I have been wearing all day on her head while she was asleep…….so she agreed …reluctantly………..but Heidi took the day off…………her first since June 2. She got off the ship early and went home to spend the day with Mum ……….. nobody deserves a day off more than her and of course it made her Mum so very happy. They had a great day together……………….I am still going to put my underpants on her head though.
Heidi left early and I had a whole day of work planned. Next week we have the new itinerary and this means new schedules, etc. but all my plans of a day with Mr. Dell were dealt a severe blow when I was informed that something called the main frame was going to be down for 5 hours of maintenance…………bugger.
It’s amazing that without a computer and all my files how bored I got in just a few minutes especially with Heidi gone. By 11 am I had drunk 4 cups of tea read a 2 week old newspaper When I am bored I get hungry and I kept making trips to the refrigerator in the cabin to see if I had somehow missed a plateful of ham on the previous 200 trips to the fridge………..I was so bored.
Boredom makes you do things like calling people you haven’t seen for twenty years which when you do, you realize why you left it so long……….I was so bored today that I nearly took up golf. I know a guy who just retired, I spoke to him a few weeks ago and he tried to sound happy but I could tell he wasn’t. He knew that the next two months would involve him breaking appliances around the house that didn’t need fixing, killing everything in the garden and before he knows it he would accept an invitation to tee off and that was it……..the rest of his life would be spent in silly trousers wading through swamps and marshes looking for his ball. Anyway, in the end I had a 90-minute nap…………..and now I am mad at myself.
Here are some photos of Amsterdam taken by the wonderful Jaime.
The ship at the port in Amsterdam
Congratulations to Princess and their new and shiny Ruby Princess
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 5, 2008 ) – Ruby Princess has completed another major milestone in preparation for her November 8 debut, with the completion of her sea trials. The new ship set out to sea from her construction dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through her paces with a series of maneuvers to test her propulsion, steering and navigational equipment. After a successful four days of trials, the ship is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing. Ruby Princess will be ready for her maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale, a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays.
Ruby Princess is a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, and will feature the same dramatic piazza-style atrium that have become so popular on those ships. Other ship highlights include Princess’ signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian trattoria, a seafood and steak house, a “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen and 900 cabins with private balconies.
# # #
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).Princess Cruises is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.
You will remember the last time we were here in Amsterdam I was apologizing to everyone for the long, long lines at Immigration and the long lines at the gangway. Well, I am happy to report that after a productive meeting with Immigration this cruise it has been much better. We divided the lines into European Union and non European Union and this allowed the lines to move quicker as Dutch Immigration did not want to spend time looking at the E.U. passports. We also opened the deck 0 gangway as well which we were refused permission to do last time so although the lines were still longer than we would like we have received no negative comments from guests………and that makes me very, very happy.
Now, I want to show you a special video. During the 3-day cruise myself, Roger Blum Vice President of Cruise programming and Ken Byrne Senior Maitre D were interviewed by our charismatic Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services Lynn Torrent. These are designed to provide some insight into our fantastic new ship and also help travel agents sell the ships of Carnival and have proved a massive hit not just with our travel partners but with the general public. So, here are the links to the videos……………..I trust you will enjoy them.
Two comments worth sharing and oh yes……….the second one is one of those I have to say that I promise on all I love that this is a true comment……….I have to say that as its pretty unbelievable.
Let’s start with this one though.
Guest: Mrs ——— Ref: 002802327A
Cabin: ____Booking#: _____ Added-Changed: 08/04/08 – 08/04/08Guest came to the desk to request to disembark in Amsterdam tomorrow. Purser asked if all was OK and guest stated that there had been an earthquake in California and that his swimming pool had cracked and lots of water had flooded his home. Purser arranged paper work etc and follow up call with debark time etc.
I read this and felt I needed to call the guest as he had been with me in the Welcome Aboard show and I new he was a blog reader as well. So, I spoke to Ryan and his wife Magda both of whom are very sad to leave and not looking forward to going home. Apparently the swimming pool was his pride and joy and he had only had it built last year. The pool cracked and the water all seeped back flooding his yard and some into the house itself. ………what a shame…………..hope it isn’t all too bad mate and let us know via the blog when you get home how everything is.
Being from the UK swimming pools in gardens is as pointless as me applying for a job with RCI. Of course this is because we live in the UK where summers are shorter than Joe Peschi and the only pool you want to get into is a hot bath.
My Mum and Dad’s friends had one in their garden though and we thought Norm and Doreen were millionaires. It was only a small pool and because they lived close to the sea they could only dig down to a depth of four feet. Therefore, the pool had two shallow ends connected in the middle by a shallow middle. You didn’t exactly swim in it so much as walk around looking like Jesus.
And now for something completely different.
Guest: Mr ———Ref: 002802318A
Cabin: ____Booking#: _____- Added-Changed: 08/05/08 – 08/05/08NEEDS TO DISEMBARK IN AMSTERDAM
Mr. ____________ was reported by Assistant Cruise Director Stephanie Meads to be shouting at her during tour dispatch this morning about the TV content on the screens in the lounge. Stephanie had brought the guest to the desk as he wanted to make his complaint official. Guest states that he and his family were in the Spectacular Spectacular Lounge waiting for their tour to depart. On the screen was a program that should two animals having sex. Guest felt that this was very inappropriate as his son and daughter was there as were other children. Purser apologized to Mr________ and said his comments would be passed to the Cruise Director.
Apology letter was sent to the cabin.
Can you believe this? That’s two cabins that are angry about TV content. The first because of the Cage Fighting thing on ESPN and now this. I investigated with Stephanie what the program was. We were playing BBC News which was broadcasting from China in the run up for the Olympic Games and this feature was about the mating program to increase the number of Giant Pandas.
I called the guest a few minutes ago and he was on his way to dinner but made it no secret that he thought I was a the devil incarnate for allowing his 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter to see such behavior………the guests were British by the way and he told me I should be ashamed of myself.
I apologized, he went to dinner…………..and I considered which wall to bang my head on……….he was so nasty……..so……..spiteful ……..he honestly believed that I seen his kids in the lounge and thought “right, lets put the animal porn channel on.”
I mean, its nature……..where is he telling his kids baby animals come from……..IKEA? That’s what nature programs are all about, honestly, all that birds and animals do is eat, sleep and mate. If you take the rumpy-pumpy out of the equation, what’s left?
You can’t even show them having lunch these days because a bird wrenching a worm from the ground would have vegetablists putting the producer’s name on an internet hit list. Anyway, the panda porn, the rampant carnivorism and the Meer cats having sex with their sisters are not the problem. No. It’s the awful syrupy way that all nature’s little creatures are judged and measured by human standards.
We are shown some footage of daddy bird tenderly picking each of his little babies from the nest . . . and dropping them onto the floor, where they will gasp for a bit, in great pain, and then die. It’s presented as though we are watching On Golden Pond, but we are not. We are watching an ounce of feathers and bone killing its kids, not because it’s stupid or psychopathic …………………but because it’s a bird.
By all means tell me that an Owl can fly all the way to Africa and find the same barn in Iowa that it left six months earlier. That is amazing. Or find one that can’t. Because that would be hysterical. But do not try to convince me that birds have some great intelligence that we humans lack………. Because they don’t.
It’s much the same story with dolphins. Time and time again, nature presenters portray them as bright. But compared with what – a chair leg? A squid? The fact is this: my Eye Pod, by any measure, has a greater power of reasoning.
Of course, we can get sentimental about animals. We had a family Dog called Ringo. Sometimes I would to talk him as though he were human. But this is futile because they are not human.
I know this because Ringo spent most of his day in the garden sniffing his own poo…….sometimes, when we went for a walk he would eat other dogs poo. When he had had his fill, he would come into the house and vomit onto every flat surface he could find.
You see the problem. Because television presenters tell us that lambs are sweet and salmon are clever that some people are so confused by the heart-wrenching nature of nature programs that they have descended into madness and become vegetarians.
Every time an Australian gets washed up on Bondi beach with one leg and half his head missing, there’s always some shaggy-haired dope head on the news saying the great white that attacked the poor soul was only being a shark. Absolutely. And we’re only being human, which is why we’re going to cluster bomb the thing next time we see its fin sticking out of the water.
You see, that guest has me all worked up. I am sorry that he was upset but the way he was shouting really upset me…….he was sitting in the lounge for 20 minutes and never said anything about the news showing war, famine and terrorist activities…………but two humping Pandas………and that’s me in the dog house.
Well, we have left Amsterdam heading for Dover and I leave you with great news. During the past few weeks I have been speaking to various people at our sister companies. They have realized that the popularity of this blog and the immense popularity of the Eurodam’s that they are going to start behind the scene blogs as well.
This means that more than ever before we are going to get access to what’s going on onboard. This view through the keyhole will unparalleled in the travel industry and thanks to you all this blog thingy has become a trendsetter. So, the near future will include many more blogs from Cunard, Princess, P & O, AIDA, Costa, Seabourn and Holland America. There will be blogs from the building of new vessels for Princess and Seabourn and a look behind the “crew only door” onboard the ocean liners of Cunard………………………..I hope you will enjoy them all and I hope that when people read them they will all realize what you and I already know………………..taking a cruise ……….. is quite simply…………..the most brilliant vacation…………………in the world.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor
My heart goes out to Ryan and Magda. They must have been beside themselves over the damage to their pool and house. Poor folks… six thousand miles away and to suffer damage like that…
Regarding the person who complained about the TV show, have his kids never seen dogs being dogs… either with other dogs or giving the good news to a neighbors leg? Some people are outraged simply to be outraged…
PLEASE… do NOT do a thing to change the talent show or the Legends!!! The VAST majority of passengers love these shows and, as you well know, many people look forward to participating in them! This topic has been debated numerous times on Cruise Critic and the result it always the same… about 85% enjoy the shows… 10% don’t care one way or the other… and 5% hated the shows. The majority wins!!!… I hope.
I’m glad that Heidi got a chance to spend a day with her mum… how great for her!
Please let Stephanie know that she’s doing a simply brilliant job!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
John:
Don’t touch the Talent Show or Legends Show!!!
Carnival isn’t being “cheap”…they are offering an opportunity for folks to do what they love!!!!
Hopefully one sourpuss won’t ruin it for the 1,000’s that have participated or watched and LOVED IT!!!!
It is a Carnival tradition !!!!
So sorry to hear about our Blog Family Member’s pool and home. Big Brother was filming when it hit and all the “houseguests” had a jolt!! I hope they are able to repair quickly and with a minimum of discomfort.
Also sorry you had to deal with one of the ever popular “you have got to be kidding” people. What was that Dad thinking? Having been raised on a farm….it is just part of life when I grew up. Sadly, his manners were worse than those of the Pandas!!
Glad Heidi got to spend the day with her Mom AND glad to hear you got a 90 minute nap!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John,
Thanks so much for all the information regarding security in St. Petersburg and Tallin as well as the pictures and neat information about all of the ports. We have not had any notice of needing extra passport photos directly from Carnival. As we are traveling on August 16 with 4 other friends/clients I appreciate being able to let them know what is needed so we are all prepared. We are so looking forward to our trip, the new ship, and most of all seeing you, Heidi and Ron once again. Your blog is a wonderful read every day and a great help to me as a travel agent to be able to stay ahead of changes. I know with a new itinerary there are always learning problems but my group is pretty flexible so I don’t expect that you will get any “dear John” nastygrams if there have to be changes.
If you are again in touch with Peter, the aircraft mechanic, please tell him for us how very proud we are of all of the effort of ALL of the service people, regardless of rank. No job right now in any of the armed forces is easy and we do appreciate everything they do to protect us as a country and as individuals.
See you soon on the Splendor.
Barb and Joe Dombrowski
Get Away Travel
Cherry Hill New Jersey
Hi John,
What can I say – some people are just dumb. But the pandas mating? I just read an article this morning that pandas are not that adept when it comes to sex – something about the male’s particular part of his anatomy being quite small??? But come on now – this was the BBC after all. He should be glad it wasn’t horses.
Lovely photos as usual of Amsterdam.
Time to leave, until tomorrow.
Carol
Hi John, just wanted to plug in my two cents on the Legends and Talent show thing. Keep them, please. I like to think of Legends as a big karaoke night, and it’s cool to chat/take pictures with the participants and revue show cast after the performances. Great way to cap off the cruise and the Showtime events from earlier in the trip.
Hi John –
Still a blog fan having been with you from day 1 and sailing on the Freedom with you last October. Enjoying it very much and always amuzed at guest comments.
Regarding the animal pornography, as a preventative measure, you should advise your guest to stay off the Lido deck in the evenings. Naughty things have been known to happen there and the panda mating would be tame in comparison.
Sailing with you on the Sensation in about 1995, during the marriage show a minister and his wife were on stage (25th anniversary). When asked the ‘last time and place they made love’ question after some coaxing the wife confessed to last night on the Lido deck. Sure enough, the husband answered correctly. It was so funny we suspected it was a set up. It has been 13 years, you can confess, was it staged?
Freddy Beach
Your panda story reminds me of a day I let my dogs out into the backyard on a bright sunny weekend morning. The sub-division I lived in back then had the backside of one house facing the backside of the one directly behind and houses on either side….so the back yard area was one which could be seen nearly the entire block….. There I am looking down at my dogs having an enjoyable romp for the entire world to see….. I thought surely I would hear a comment about some traumatic witness to the event from the overly conservative, overprotective, nut case twits that lived there…. But nadda…no searing comments from the neighbors….either no one observed the doggie spectacle or perchance didn’t care….. in any case it’s nature……. and this stuff happens.
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
John,
Those folks would have a coronary to watch what my little Pomeranian dog does to his stuffed cat toy. (better than having him go after my leg)
You are right in that it is part of nature and a natural act. Grow up on a farm or in the countryside and you think nothing of it because that is life. Heaven forbid that their children ever see the family pet give birth.
Dave
John,
I think you only ever hear from the complainers, and since there are so few you should probably believe that everyone else is perfectly happy with things as they are. As Host Mach said, “The majority wins!!!”, hopefully. I like the talent shows and the Legends show. And how could that guy think Carnival was being cheap??? Didn’t he see any of the extravagant shows and the bands, etc. Also, does he think people would line up for a spot in either of the guest shows if they didn’t think they were great activities? I’ve never seen anyone with a “twisted arm” being drug onstage to perform.
I love nature shows, but always look away when the animals start to eat their prey (as intended by God when he made them). Everything has to eat something, but I don’t like to watch. Sometimes I even feel guilty as I’m enjoying a nice juicy steak. Then I remember that scientists have “proven” that even plants have feelings. I once saw a film that claimed plants which had been mistreated (pruned) by someone, could actually be seen to flinch away when that someone later approached.
So I guess even veggies wish we (humans) would all start eating man made pills or something. Pandas are especially nice, though, as they eat bamboo. Maybe the bamboo doesn’t think that’s so nice!
Sorry to hear about Ryan and Magda’s house. I hope the damage won’t be too bad. I kind of think I’d have tried to get a relative to take care of it for me and just finish the cruise. But maybe that wasn’t an option for them.
I’m sure Heidi enjoyed her day with her Mum. Bet you’d have loved to visit as well for a bit of “spoiling.” Mothers-in-law seem to love feeding their sons-in-law and making sure they’re all comfy, etc. What’s up with that do you think?
I enjoyed the videos. The ship looks amazing! And you’re such an entertainer! Maybe some day I’ll see you in person.
Later,
Your Pal, Myra
Interesting blog, as usual, John!
Please do not do away with the Talent Show or Legends Show. Someone thinks Carnival is being cheap by “MAKING” the passengers do the entertaining? Apparently it never occurred to that person the number of people that relish any chance they get to do just that.
Mind you, I’m not one to get up on stage myself, but as you know, Larry is, and being in the Legends Show on the Freedom, when we cruised with you last year, was a highlight for him. We have loved watching the Talent Shows on many cruises, and the “entertainers” seemed to be having a great time, as well.
Having lecturers is fine, but must it be an “either/or” thing?
Terri
John Heald for president!
Jeff
John, that was a great video. It is to bad commercials on TV are only 30 to 60 seconds. That would be a great ad for Carnival.
John can I have the job of sitting in front of a 5 second delay machine screening all that goes out on the ships screens. I’m sure people wont mind all the blanked out pictures during the news. The fights during sporting events or even some of the food items you see on the Travel Channel. Some of those items even gross me out.
big ed
John, as I have told you before, you can’t make everyone happy all the time. Why did the parents not say that’s how Pandas play and walk out of the room. I am sure it wasn’t an up close video of all the “action”. We got out doc’s Monday for the 30th and can’t wait to get packing and to be able to tell you hello.
Linda
I second the John Heald for president movement–but crap, you have to be born in the US to run otherwise you would win hands down! But feel free to run for anything you’d like and all of us bloggers wil be your campaign staff! Awesome video and it would make a great commercial.
So glad you made Heidi take the day off. I haven’t worked that many days in a row for 10 years and I don’t want to anymore. I don’t care how much you like your job, everyone needs time off for themselves if not to physically rest, to mentally renew! You shouldn’t be mad because you finally had a nice nap–you are probably still recovering from your cold and besides you deserve it!
I loved your neighbors pool description and as usual you have a way with words. So sorry for Ryan and Magda. So sad to look forward to a vacation cruise and have something so devastating happen at home.
The panda incident I know upset you because the man was so outrageous, but OMG you are right–have these children ever seen TV at all or their own or a neighbors dog or cat?
Its great that there will be blogs from the other lines in the family. If they can find a way to combine them maybe you could have a day off every once in awhile, maybe each line having their on day but then we would miss you. Do you ever go on holiday?
Oh, forgot–those pictures are gorgeous!!!
Hi John,
our last night before boarding the Splendor and we simply cannot wait to get on board. Thanks to your blog we hav ebeen able to follow the previous two cruises to the baltics and get a taste of what’s to come.
I sincerely hope you can keep your promise John and surprise my wife and son with a surprise visit to our cabin tomorrow……we are really looking forward to meeting you face to face.
Cheers mate
Norman from Sunny Malta
Hello John
Gee If that guest thinks the Talent Show is “cheap & degrading” I guess he doesn’t like the Marriage show, or the quiz shows ,or The Hairy legs contest, and God forbid that we should dare find him enjoying Karaoke in some lounge on the ship.Don’t listen to him,he’s just in that 1% trying to spoil the fun for the other 99%.
I am glad Heidi got to see her Mum. Family is so important,
AS far as the tele biology classes go, there is always the button that says “O F F ” it was invented for those people who don’t like what they are seeing, but alas that family member will come to find out that the child probably knows more about the birds and the bees than what the tele was showing her/ him anyway. I found that out when I was going to talk to my boys, my ex wouldn’t do it so Mom took it upon herself but she was too late, school took care of it for me…LOL
Say a little prayer tonight as therr is a new star in heaven as Arnold’s niece passed away this morning from Cancer of the mouth & throat she was 50.She was like a daughter to him.
Take Care
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
I just found your blog and thoroughly enjoy it. My husband and I are taking the Baltic cruise on Aug 30 with some friends and are looking forward to it, although we have only been on one cruise and that was a 3-day one in the Bahamas. Your comment about the windy evening with the ship rolling makes me a little nervous. I also wonder about clothes to take there – the weather seems a bit colder than I thought
Freddy Beach: EVERY Marriage show has a minister. And Wally Banger and Dick Wooden are regulars too, so of cause it is staged, but guess what I have seen these same characters over and over again on the numerous cruises I have been on and I laugh each time! So it doesn’t get OLD, just BETTER!
John-PLEASE post your rest of the year schedule ASAP! Also, when is Heidi leaving? October? Jo & Dave Myerly will be on the Thanksgiving week cruise too with Empress Bee and Prince Charlie and Mike and I, any other bloggers want to join us on the Splendor that week? Nov. 21-29th, and we HOPE John will be our CD, we all plan to meet up with Nanni in P.R. too. Can’t wait! So, if you are a blogger let us know if you will be on that cruise, we can have a grand old time together. Linda & Mike
Sorry, I vote against the talent show, or at least not as prime time entertainment. Have it in the afternoon. I prefer professional talent. (that being said some of the paid “Comedians” were far less entertaining than the paying customers.)
Positive thoughts go out to Ryan and Magda with the pool disaster.
John do you know yet if you will be traveling with us on the Splendour for New Years Eve?
Cheers,
Brad
John,
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on the blog, although, I have been reading from time to time as my work allows. Ilda and I are certainly looking forward to the BCII in February, with a chance to see you and Heidi again!
The talent show is awesome! We’ve always loved it and hope Carnival keeps it up. There are some things that should just remain a signature item on cruise ships and the talent show is certainly that for Carnival.
As for animal shows, I think we have so “humanized” animals, that we forget that they are just that…animals. Nature will always be nature, regardless of how television continues to bring us programming that makes meerkat behaviour look like life in a senior condomium complex.
It has become ridiculous. Television and editing can make anything appear to be real or interesting, particularly when it ISN’T! Reality TV is a testament to that. I still remember the old Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom show with Marlin Perkins. That had such a hands-on real feel to it. No slick filming, no hidden cams, no reality altering editing. Just nature, raw and unedited.
If television stations broadcasted REAL nature, people would collectively vomit at the stark brutality of the fang and claw.
We of course, are very pleased that YOU always keep the action real and unedited.
Long may you reign!
Lance & Ilda.
I have been a Food & Beverage director at a country club, and can only laugh at your guest comments. I have a big fat file full of such “comments”, and you could plan a party around them. I never cease to be amazed at the egocentric humanity with which we live. Write a book when you are finished being a cruise director…it will be a best-seller and you will retire comfortably.
Regards and understanding.
Bonnie
Good evening Mr. Heald. The videos were excellent. Your particular video was thoughtful, concise but most of all very entertaining. You are tremendous. I would have thought by now that Carnival had a knew position for you or maybe where you are at is the best position for borth you and them. I believe that today, you are Carnival. Are you listening the people in charge.I have one idea, please Don’t touch the Talent Show or Legends Show!!! It is pure enjoyment. I’m very glad that Heidi had a chance to visit her mum. When will you have the chance to visit your parents? I’m sorry to hear about the seriousness about the earthquake and the damage on the pool for Ryan and Magda. I hope things will be OK. One last thought before I leave, the sheer stupidity that the man had when he got upset about the two animals having sex. If he was to look around the world especially in the fields, you could see cows, horses, sheep and whatever having sex. It is very natural and my children were never taken away from a natural situation. It was the most appropriate to discuss life with my children about it. I’m so sorry for those children because it was probably the best chance that those parents could have explained sex to these children. I wonder where he was taught the birds and the bees. Probably in the gutter. That’s my feelings. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, Don and I just looked up the pictures of the construction of the Dream.It is fascinating. I can’t wait to sail on it.
http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_dream/default.aspx?shipCode=DR
Carolyn and Don
Interesting blog. I really enjoy them. I feel like I’m on the cruise with you. It’s a great feeling. I never seen any of the cruise directors actually do a blog. I appreciate all the work you put into your job. Must be hard putting up with the passengers then blogging late at night. I liked the Carnival videos. The ship looks very nice. I like the dining room. It’s very pretty.
That flat screen is really cool too. Never seen one out on the pool deck.
Hi John.
I also think that a Talent Show (and a Crew Show)is being “cheap” – if it is offered as the main entertainment one evening. I can’t abide them.
However, if the Talent Show or Crew Show are offered as an alternative to a professional production show / guest performer then it’s fine – it’s putting it as the only or main show that night that I dislike.
——————————–
Why don’t you collect the addresses of the TV channels that you show on board, then when faced with a guest complaint about programming you can suggest that the guest writes to the TV company concerned.
As long as broadcast times are accurate for the ship’s position (ie you don’t show post-10pm “watershed” programmes earlier than 10pm ship’s time) you should be able to shift blame.
Likewise, the address of the US Government could be given to those idiots who think that the US dollar is a worldwide currency!
—————————-
That’s bad news for Ryan and Magda about their pool. Maybe the simple solution is to use a pool liner instead of tiling the pool walls – it even reduces the amount of chlorine needed!
—————————
Ah well, I’ll be cruising the Baltic with you next year on Carnival Liberty – so I’ll have the opportunity to complain about anything and everything then.
However, just to start – I want to complain about the length of the queues to disembark in St Petersburg. That way, when I’m there next August, I’ll be able to say “I complained to Carnival LAST YEAR and they still haven’t done anything about it !!!
Good morning,
I forgot one very important comment last night.
Do not, repeat, do not, change the Legends or Talent Shows. They are a big part of the fun that is Carnival.
Hugs,
Carol
Nature….it is nature folks….lighten up. John, too bad you couldn’t say something like that. Just proves my point, there are twits everywhere. The scary part is….they are producing off-spring that are to be left clueless as to how/where babies (human or otherwise) come from. Such a shame.
John, you are a saint for handling the situation in such a professional manner. Hats off to you!
Glad to hear Heidi had a day with her Mum. Sounds like she needed it!
Have a great day today John. YOU DESERVE IT!!!
Hugs to you and Heidi,
Lori
Okay, I really must share this — just so you know that not ALL the self-focused people cruise with you, John! *L*
I just read about a man in Florida that called “911″ (the number you call for emergency response here in the USA) because the workers at Subway Sandwiches had not made two sandwiches correctly according to his order! Yup, he called 911 because they neglected to put mayonnaise and mustard on them.
Crazy. Just plain crazy.
Terri
Thank You for the vids,,WOW,,,makes you want to book a CRUISE .we want to sail on the DREAM,,,,and looking forward to the
bloggers 2009 bash…….Carnival should
buy you that DB9 ,,,you earned it!
ten times over,,,keep up the blog,,its almost like we are onboard,,,
please give all your great staff a big hug
Thank You all.
your sunshine freinds
tom & jane
aston martin wishes
Terri,
Not only did that person in Florida call “911″, he called them twice – first to complain about the sandwiches & that it was also taking too long, and the second one to complain that the police took too long to respond to his first call.
Take care,
Carol
Hi John,
Here are some pictures Ine van Dam sent to me. They are of Carnival Splendor as the ship was sailing from locks in IJmuiden to Amsterdam, about midway Northseacanal. These are from the Inaugural Baltic cruise.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/Anthony_van_Dam.htm
Pretty cool.
oops. I misspelled Antony.
Here is an updated link:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/Antony_van_Dam.htm
John Please reply
Hi John and Heidi
Sounds like the Splendor and you are having a great beginning. I did have two questions:
1. What is the problem with the ships (Splendor, Liberty and Valor) webcams? The only one that tends to be current is the Freedom.
2. I have been wondering and so have a lot of Cruise Critic people who the CD’s will be for the last half of the year.
We are down to about 90 days until our Freedom TA again this year and of course will miss you and Heidi again. Too bad, the Splendor and Freedom aren’t in Italy together prior to departure.
Continue doing a great blogging and Cd job, we love it.
Dave and Barb (and Valentine) Butler
John, you are the best!
You are thoughtful and caring with all your passengers and try to make sticky situations better whenever possible. Unfortunately not everything can be perfected.
Everyone censors different shows, and tv stations. If Carnival was to censor every on of those channels… well there might not be any tv except for the Carnival channels (the voyage video, important talks, the shows, and the main channel where you can see weather, check sign and sail and the dinner menu). Even then guests would be complaining that there is no choice for tv.
I sailed aboard the Freedom in March/April and when we tendered to Grand Cayman we had to wait in the Lounge area and there was no tv or music. It was simply Melanie, James (Hiyyaaa!!!), Brandon, and some of the dancers giving directions and calling out tender ticket numbers. We were in the second row and we were chatting with James while we waited. Everything went well. If all the fuss is about tv while waiting, why not change it and make it no tv?
Now, about the talent and Legends… don’t change them or get rid of them! The guests that participate are the ones who want to share their talent with everyone. They are optional and open to everyone so whoever wants to participate can. I loved the one aboard the Valor last year with Chris Jefferson. He took the Dolly role and made it a hoot with the song and the dancers. That show was the best! The one this year was pretty good too, although no Dolly (I missed having you as a CD by a week or two) I love the show and I find it a great way to end the cruise.
Hi John,
Keep the Legend and Talent shows!
I agree that lectures would be great. I really enjoyed the naturalist on the Alaskan cruise (on the Spirit). I was hoping there would be one on the Hawaiian cruise (on the Spirit), but there wasn’t.
I noticed on the Capers (July 13-25) from Bill (zydecocruiser) that there were no Late Night Adult comedy shows and really no comedy shows. Is that typical for European cruises, or will you be incorporating them into the schedule? My husband and I really enjoy the comedians. Hope there will be some on the Transatlantic.
JOHN PLEASE REPLY.
Hi John/Heidi:
Great hearing from you today.
Nice pictures out of Amsterdam. Weather looks like its holding up very well even though you had some spotty weather issues last night.
My sympathy goes out to Ryan and his wife as they deal with earthquake issues.
Hope Heidi enjoyed her day off.
Thanks again for posting and looking forward to hearing more.
Take care,
David
Hi John,
Just wanted to say we had a wonderful holiday. It was our first cruise. Our previous holidays have been whale watching (we didn’t see that blue one did we?!) and sight-seeing. We had a fear of any type of entertainment inclusive holidays in case they all did the birdie song and other slapping types of songs like that. However, we thought you were fantastic and you kept us laughing all the trip. Not one cheesy moment. The bedtime story was one of the funniest things we’ve ever seen and we hope your purple bits have now gone, (well not gone, but are now the correct colour).
Ignore negative comments. We met a couple of wierd people too but most people were nice. Everyone we spoke to thought you were fab. Hope you have a good trip up to the Baltic again. Oh, and thanks for chatting to our son Bob/Jack who is now trying to memorise some funny jokes for his next cruise!
Best wishes to you and Heidi,
from Shelagh and Steve
I can not even imagine how heart breaking it would be to leave a fabulous cruise to go home to flooding in your home. I do hope that they are able to clean up the mess the water made. With all the flooding that took place here in the Mid-West this summer, I know the damage that water can do to a home. My very best to them.
The pictures are just amazing. It is so much fun following all these cruises to Europe with you.
BTW, John I just love reading your blog on the wonderful cruises that the Splendor has taken in Europe. I so look forward to my husbands and my cruise on September 11th.
Several blogs back John you mentioned that some pax had been upset because a Catholic Priest was not on board. You said that you were going to look into maybe having a Priest on other cruises. I so hope you are able to find someone for these cruises and to be honest, ours too. We have had a Catholic Priest on the last two Carnival Cruises we have taken and it was very nice. Anyway, I do hope one can be arranged.
Keep smiling John, I love your blog and I am so looking forward to meeting you, Hedi, Stephenie.
I wish to take great exception to your comments about golf.
Clearly, you do not understand the nuiances of this very old and very British in origin game. It is a game of strategic planning, one that requires talent, patience and a love of all things green.
In short, I am proud to say that I am a fanatical golfer. This past weekend, I played 36 holes on one day and 45 holes the next.
While on the Blogger’s Cruise, I believe that you should join the golfers to discover the game that can be played at 15 or 115 – BTW, my score usually is more towards the upper end of the range I just stated.
Jon
Hi John,
First we want to thank you and Heidi for the Champagne, book, and picture for Lyla (ok the Champagne is for Ken & I). We packed it and brought it home to save it for the adoption party so that you will be there in spirit (literally) with us.
As for Ryan’s pool we are so sorry to hear about that. I saw them at the port with all their luggage and wondered why they were leaving. I hope that it goes better once they are home.
Since I was on the ship during all of your fun TV challenges. We had no problems and we were in the lounge probably when the program was on and Lyla was watching it and she is two and didn’t have a clue what it was about but knew it a bear. : )
So no worries.
As for everyone else– The Splendor is amazing and the shows were fantastic — VROOM is the best Carnival show we have ever seen in the 4 cruises we have been on.
We are sadly home now and there weren’t any chocolates on the bed tonight– I think Ken is very sad. : (
We just wish we had met other bloggers that were on board while we were there. (You are excused though John because you were not feeling well). I loved the post where the bloggers got together for dinner in NYC. We look forward to meeting all of you in Feb..
Oh on another note John we also think you will make a great father and if you ever want to borrow Lyla to practice just let us know when!
Thanks again for another great vacation!
Kim, Ken, and Lyla
John,
Loved the videos. What a great way to show off the ship.
Great idea to have the sister ships blog. We have enjoyed our cruises with Carnival a little more because of the ability to ask questions and get the right answer before we go. Travel agents don’t always know all the answers, they are only human.
We enjoyed the cruise so very much. John you and Heidi, along with your staff made it a cruise that we will never forget. Thanks again for such a wonderful time. Just remember Texas!!!!!
John,
We returned home to Germany on Wednesday evening after our 12 day cruise (we’re Americans currently living in Wiesbaden and were on the Freedom out of Italy last year). What a great time. Just a couple of comments. The talent show gives those people who may never have another chance to be on a real stage and do something they’ve always wanted to do. The legends show, how amazing it must be for these talented but amature performers to be on stage with the Carnival dancers, singers and a live band. Please continue these two awesome shows. As for the guest who was upset about what was on the screen in the lounge, maybe it’s because my wife and I are both nurses and pretty open with our kids, our 10 and 11 year olds would not have found two pandas having sex embarassing or even interesting. They would have been upset if they couldn’t watch the Garfield cartoon for the 50th time in 12 days. Wonder if they were waiting to go the Red Light District Walk of Amsterdam?? (bad Arlin bad bad Arlin).
Hope this cruise goes well and everyone enjoys it as much as we did. Even the bit of rough seas added to the adventure.
Arlin and Heather
great blog and interesting articles ive added your site to my rss reader…thanks a bunch