Well, she has complained about the service, the entertainment, my jokes, the guests, the guests having too much fun and laughing and finally this morning she complained because unlike other lines we were not going to pack her suitcases for her.
And so, finally she ordered a meeting with Ken and myself and the wonderful Mrs. S. Nob informed me that I was “lower class” and “could never be a Cruise Director with her beloved Silversea Cruise or Cunard Line “………this was , she told me due to my “sexist humor” and “scruffy looks.”………….finally……..before strutting off like a constipated peacock she referred to the Maitre D Ken and I as………
“common.”
I disagreed, saying I preferred to be called working class, but Mrs. S. Nob had no intention of listening and had already buggered off. ………..I just had to laugh while Ken just shook his head.
I am not going to talk about this lady anymore and I have come to the conclusion that nothing I or Ken does will make this lady happy. Instead, we will stand aside, doff our working class caps and say goodbye to a sad lady who probably has a million dollars in the bank but bugger all friends to share it with…………….she was annoying ……. spiteful and an unadulterated snob…………but,……………..I feel sorry for her…………….I really do.
Good Morning………and what a beautiful day at sea and no wonder everyone is relaxed, happy and enjoying the day. It’s 65 degrees, there is not a cloud in the sky. Guests are shopping, gambling, listening to music and enjoy all that a Carnival fun day at sea has to offer. I have just finished the Debarkation talk and the Amsterdam talk as well as a 45 minute Q&A……………more on that in a moment. So, I had informed the guests that we would enter the lock at Ijmuiden at about 7:30 am which would put us alongside on schedule at 10 am. That was at 11 am………then I got this e mail.
From: SPLENDOR CAPTAIN
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 12:37 PM
To: Distlist Splendor
Subject: FW: AMSTERDAM ETA/ETD – August 17, 2008Good afternoon, To all concerned. Be informed that our ETA at Amsterdam Pilot Station has been anticipated to 03 a.m. due to traffic congestion in the Lock. We will be alongside at around 07:30 a.m. Please, adjust your working schedule accordingly. Thank you, Captain Giorgio Pagano.
So, this meant an announcement from me to all the guests plus myself and the shore excursion manager attempting to re-arrange all the tours to leave earlier thus leaving guests with free time in the afternoon………….not easy on a Sunday. However, it’s extra time in port so that should be good for everyone.
As I mentioned, after the debarkation / Amsterdam talk I held the Q & A session as always. Just a reminder first that this involves Heidi and another staff member wandering the lounge with a microphone so that guests can ask questions. This way everyone hears the question and answer as so many times most questions are the same so this means the guests don’t have to wait in line?
So, today’s Q&A began as usual with the normal questions about debarkation etc and always going well until a lady in an electric scooter asked her question. Except, it wasn’t a question………..it was a statement that she was terribly angry at me and at Carnival. You see, she could not do any of the tours that she had wanted and the fact that so many of the attractions were not wheelchair friendly had her shouting at me and then crying her eyes out………all in front of 200 or so other guests.
Well, she is right of course. There are cobbled streets, stairs, uneven pathways and big steps inside places like the Hermitage. We have buses in most ports with electric lifts and panoramic excursions which do not involve going inside the museums and palaces etc …………… but that is not what this lady had wanted to do.
I felt so sorry for her………she was so upset and there was nothing I could do. She felt Carnival or her travel agent should have told her that most places in the Baltic simply are not wheelchair friendly and yes most have uneven surfaces and steps to negotiate…………..if she had asked me before coming………….and looking at her condition ………. I would have been honest and told her that the Baltic ……….indeed Europe…………may not be the right itinerary for her.
We have wheelchair accessible buses and tours for guests with walking difficulties but unlike the North America places like Russia do not have the same standards. She was also angry that the airline had charged her for two seats on the plane and felt that she had been discriminated ever since she left home.
All I could do was apologize and wish her well. ……………….if anyone has any questions or concerns about the accessibility of all our European ports of call to guests in wheel chairs……….please let me know by writing a comment marked ” John, urgent, please reply.”
I have met many bloggers this cruise and I want to say hello to each and every one of them. It was an honour (spelt correctly) having you onboard. Can I though mention just one by name? Her name is Penny Kitson. Penny is from Canada………..she lives in a remote part of Nova Scotia and there is no internet connection at home. Her husband is “logger” and when she says she lives in the middle of nowhere……….she really does.
To use the internet she has to drive 45 miles to a place called Sydney, Nova Scotia where there is internet access. She does this three times a week when she does her shopping. She has not posted before but promises to do so when they get home and I ask you all to say hello to her when she does…………we get to meet a real like Mrs. Lumberjack and I thank her for the effort she has to make in order to stay in touch with us all. …………Thanks Penny……………….I can’t help thinking about that Monty Python song…………”I’m a lumberjack and I’m OK, I sleep all night and I work all day”……….I ……….well you will have to Google the rest.
Let’s have a look at some photos of the Palaces of Zeeland Tour in Denmark.
Frederiksborg Castle
Kronborg Castle
Here are some letters for today’s In Their Own Words Section.
Now, continuing with our guest interviews with our wonderful Cruise Directors we pay a visit to Ryan on the Carnival Valor. Here he is
1. Can you tell us which ship you currently are on and when you are due to leave.
I’m currently on the Carnival Valor until September 14th at which point I will had the reigns back over to Chris Jefferson. On the 14th I’ll walk next door to the Triumph and take over as CD when the ship returns from Dry Dock…which is the 5th or 6th of October, I think. Something I should probably figure out relatively soon. I should be there until the beginning of next year.
2. Carnival Cruise Directors come from very diverse backgrounds. Some have entertainment experience, some, like me have none. Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up with the best job in the world.I knew from my first day on ships that I wanted to be a CD. It’s not exactly the job your high school guidance counselor tells you about. I’ve been a musician all my life, majored in Music Engineering and Music Business in college and played the Saxophone when I first came to ships. But when I saw the effect that the CD had on a full room of people I knew it was something I wanted to do. I can honestly say Matt Ross’ hat game changed my life…kinda weird, eh?
3. Before we talk about some of your favorite parts of the job, lets talk about the areas behind the scenes……….the things guests never see. Tell us about what a Cruise Director does when he or she is not on the stage but keeps you just as busy.
The majority of our jobs are executed off the stage and mostly behind the scenes. We’re running a department just like anyone else and we have a responsibility to those people as well as our guests. Safety is a top priority and as a Senior Officer onboard we play an intricate in inspections, planning, and prevention as well. The Carnival Capers and more specifically the activities schedule are always a fun challenge each week to tweak and adjust places that might need it.4. A Cruise Director is happiest when performing or being with guests. Can you tell us two activities or events that you would call your signature items…………events that make you stand out from the crowd
Wow, favorite two events? My favorite each week is definitely the Family Fun Hop. This is when the Carnival Colors Competition really heats up and the energy is unbelievable. My other favorite isn’t really one I host but each week we have a musical entertainer perform; usually Marcus Anthony or Ron Joseph and it gives me a chance to be in the band again which is great fun.
5. What has been your most challenging moment as Cruise Director so far
There have been challenges and growing pains along the way. It’s something to expect when being a bit younger than most of the guests and even staff expect in the position. My mind quickly goes back to a day on the Spirit however, sailing back from Manzanillo to San Diego. We had a false man overboard which can be quite scary. We conducted a search and through the interviews with the crew member that allegedly sighted it found that it was highly unlikely it was an accurate account. The Coast Guard cleared us but also required a full visual head count of all souls onboard…in the middle of dinner…on formal night. Not an easy thing to smooth over to both guests and crew but we had to do it. I think 92 minutes was our finish time but it was like watching water evaporate, felt like forever.
6. And, your most rewarding
Same as above probably. Anyone of the many challenges is by definition rewarding as long as you can survive it…and so far I have!
7. On your current ship can you tell us about your itinerary and can you recommend one must do excursion from each port of call
This itinerary is great, both east and west and both a traditional and non-traditional order of ports.
East – Nassau – Historical Harbor Cruise to the Atlantis Resort. The underwater dig and enormous aquarium are amazing. Not to mention if you have the time to hit the water park they’ve got a slide that goes through a shark tank!
St Thomas – Paradise Point for sure, beautiful views. Also, anything that goes to St John’s.
St Maarten – I’ll go for Explorer Island Cruise (can you tell I like boats?). This has the longest stay at the marina in downtown Marigot. Really feels like you’re in France.
West – Grand Cayman – Stingrays! Even though they don’t let you feed them anymore it’s still worth heading out there.
Roatan – Gumbalinda Park, Monkey’s, Bird’s; they’ve got it all…and none of them are caged it so you’re right there with them.
Belize – My favorite is the Canopy Zip Line Tour. My Mom actually joined me on this not long ago and had a great time. Don’t let the description make you think it’s only for the youngsters!
Cozumel – Make it a beach day. Playa Mia Beach is the best and has something for everyone…including open bar and buffet!
8. Why, in your opinion is Carnival…………..the world’s most popular cruise lineEasy, Ted Arison. The founder of the company is like the Steve Jobs of the cruising industry. He got it from the very beginning, knew exactly what people were going to want and stuck to that for years. The idea of creating a bond between all people onboard and doing it through fun is what the company was built on and what still, to this day, makes Carnival the best cruise line in the world. Bigger ships and better technology will never replace the 5 minute conversation you have with the bar waiter as he hands off his drink to you near the pool. Ted knew that and made sure we did too.
9. Is there a ship in the fleet you would love to be Cruise Director of that you have yet to be so and what port of call would you like to visit that you have not so far in your career
What ship? Whatever one John just left! The cabin’s in tip top shape, the ship runs like a charm, the flat screen TV is nearly 45 inches, the hot tub in the bedroom is nice and warm, and the room service guys are already trained for the nightly delivery! I’ve never been to Puerto Vallarta though, I think that sounds nice.
10. Every CD has a story to tell from their time onboard. What’s your most recent funny, sad or inspirational story you can share with usThis week, no joke, just this week onboard. The guy is still here! I bring him up for the welcome aboard show. Probably 5′ 3″, round, hair and beard like Santa Claus and talks like he’s from Arkansas. So, I asked him where he was from and he said, Arkansas.
Traveling with anyone special?
Yep.
Who?
My Step Sister.
Are you married?
Yep.
To Whom?
My Step Sister.
Who else are you traveling with (by now I’ve picked up the twang)?
Her family.
Isn’t her family also your family though?
Pause for thought…Yep.Turns out he married his wife 10 years ago and their parents started hanging out and just got married last year…which makes them step brother and sister. Hilarious!
11. Finally………….pick a Cruise Director table ……………..you are hosting a table at dinner onboard the carnival Dream………what’s for dinner………..and who do you invite.
First off, my dinner is in the Supper Club. Starter is the escargot, followed by the leafy spinach salad and I’ll choose the Surf & Turf for the main. The pumpkin ravioli is great. The Dessert will be the chocolate tarte.
Guests:
Cruise Industry: Micky Arison, of course. First off, I just read a book about him and the beginning of the cruise industry which was very intriguing and he’s the most important person in the industry.
Someone to make me laugh: My first thought is Dane Cook but let’s keep the chemistry of the table in mind. I’ll go with Robin Williams.
Actress: Scarlet Johansen
Actor: Edward Norton
Musician: Whoa, this one’s not fair. There’s a million out there I’d like to take. Jazz? Branford Marsalis. Mainstream? Bono. Pop? Justin Timberlake. Classical? Ok, I’ll stop there.
Historical Figure: Joe DiMaggio
Thanks Ryan………great interview and anyone who has Ryan as their CD will be assured of a wonderful time. He is someone who truly loves what he does and I know having him as your CD will really enhance your cruise vacation.
To adopt a child in the UK these days you need to prove yourself worthy to a 21-year-old social worker with a chunk of ironmongery in her eyebrow and the temperament and personality of something that floats on its back at the bottom of a pond. ……….I know this for a fact.
And don’t think things get any easier if you give up the idea of adopting a child and try, instead, to adopt a dog.
Many of you wrote comments urging Heidi not to spend trillions of pounds on a pedigree puppy with a name like Henry Windsor Smythe the third but instead buy one that has been rescued with a name like……..Dog……..or K9.
The Dog Sanctuary near where we live has 275 animals in its care at any one time so you might think they’d be only too glad to offload some of the poor creatures to anyone with a heart and a garden. Not a bit of it.
First they will send you a form asking what dog experience you have (saying that you liked Lassie movies when you were 7 years old apparently is not good enough), who’ll take care of the creatures while you’re away, what sort of house you live in, what will you feed it and is it something you have seriously considered.
If they like the look of what you’re offering, you’ll be visited by the area welfare officer who’ll make sure you are not Korean and just looking for dinner. And then you’ll be expected to spend a familiarization day at the sanctuary where experts will make sure your are suitable to become a dogist.
Finished? Oh crikey no. Although they don’t make you pay for the dog they will want to ensure you have the necessary funds to run one. It’s 500 pounds a year apparently for a German Shepherd ……….that’s the dog breed I mean — not some guy called Hans from the hills outside of Munich with a long beard and lots of sheep…….you know what I mean?……..500 pounds……….what the hell is that based on……..Porterhouse steak for breakfast and a Versace basket?
And then after our conversation came something out of the blue. The dog sanctuary asked if we would consider adopting…………a donkey…………..I had called to rescue Fido from the big sleep …….. had spent three dogs worth on the cell phone bill and now I was being asked to sponsor a bloody donkey.
Now, before I had time to tell the lady on the phone who for sure was wearing sandals, socks and a Laura Ashley long flowery skirt to bugger off, Heidi was shouting into the Nokia which had been on speaker phone……..yes, I love donkeys…….how can we help?
It turns out that for a one time activation fee of 100 pounds plus a 15 pound per month foster fee we can save a donkey’s life. We get to name the animal and bring the family to visit whenever we want ………… and said Mrs. Flowery Dress………..we get to ride the donkey whenever we want………….this made me laugh because I am sure she would not have said that if she had a video phone ………. me ………. on a donkey………….now that’s cruelty to animals. I have a tendency to squash things………….for example…………I once, as a joke, tried on a pair of Heidi’s high heel shoes which after thirty seconds of my big bottom in them became flip flops.
It all seems like a hell of a palaver and what’s the point? Since the invention of four-wheel drive, donkeys must surely be the biggest waste of space on the planet. You can’t fling them from the top of a tower (unless you’re Spanish), you can’t eat them (unless you’re French) and whoever heard of a hunter-killer attack donkey? If you want an unusual guard dog, get a goose.
So, to sum up our experience…………we have applied to adopt a dog……….Mrs. Flowery Dress has asked for references ………. ummmm…………I was going to tell her about the blog but didn’t think this appropriate. Also, she is going to “match us” with a dog……….we have given her all our details and once MI5 and the CIA have cleared us we should get the dog thingy in October.
However……….until then and much to my bewilderment, Heidi has adopted a donkey………..it’s an ugly bugger …………and they wanted me to name it ……….I was going to call it Alan…….but it’s a female……….so……………Heidi and I now are the proud foster parents of a 4 year old donkey……………her name is Mrs. S. Nob.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, donkey, Pet adoption, Ryan Fitzgerald
I am “common’ and proud of it! LOL I don’t want to be anything else if that means I am going to behave like Mrs. Snob. Anyway, us “commoners” really know to have fun. Congratulations on the donkey and good luck with the adoption.
Nanni
John, I have been following your blog for the past 2 weeks. We are on the Aug 30th Cruise and I hope that you will be the Cruise Director. As a new ‘cruiser’, we hope to be pleasantly surprised by all that we experience. We are travelling with a lady who does, indeed, have difficulty walking – she had surgery on both knees. Hopefully, though, we will be able to arrange tours that she will enjoy and not miss out too much.
Interesting note from Penny from Nova Scotia. I too am originally from there (now in Ontario, Canada) and I know there are some very rural parts of Cape Breton (that is where Sydney is).
Keep up the great work. I hope to meet you at the end of the month
John, I don’t think it was fair at all to saddle (pun intended…) the poor donkey with the name Mrs. S.Nob. What a terrible fate has befallen that poor creature.
Regarding the woman in the scooter… I, too, feel sorry for her but the entire world isn’t the United States. The rest of the world hasn’t heard of the ADA and rebuilt buildings to accommodate folks in her situation. Perhaps she’ll appreciate the US more when she returns home.
Penny Kitson… amazing. She is the ultimate Blogger despite the fact that she has never posted. I’ll be honored to welcome her when she gets an opportunity to sell hello to all of us.
Thanks for the huge laughs I got from today’s blog and I’m so sorry that you’ve had to tolerate some rather sour individuals on this journey.
All the best to Heidi and the wonderful Stephanie!!
Host Mach
John, Please Reply!
Hi John, I just enjoyed your interview with Ryan Fitzgerald but I am a little confused. I had asked you when Chris Jefferson would be returning to the Valor and you told me September 7th. Will Chris actually be on the ship then, but not as Acting CD or is he arriving on the Valor 9/14? I was really hoping to reconnect with him this trip and was disappointed he wasn’t going to be our CD. I am sure Ryan is wonderful but after getting to know Chris as a social host, I was really looking forward to finally seeing him as the CD.
Thanks again!
Susan Vidi
John,
You going to let us in on the big announcement at 1:30pm in Mobile on Monday on the Fantasy? There is also another press conferance in New Orleans on Tuesday. We are hoping these are finally going to be the ship announcements for the ports.
Dave
John it’s your own fault if you told Mrs Nob that you were from Southend
Glad I don’t cruise with Silversea, I never want to meet her. I know you feel sorry for her but she does have a choice in how she acts.
Oh my!! John you have done it now. The United Jewish Organization will be contacting you. This is a nice way to end the cruise with Mrs. S Nob on board. So, Ms. I am writing to the UJO only was on the cruise for the Anne Frank House. Does she know it would have been less expensive just to fly over the pond, tour the house, one night hotel, then depart the next day?
John you forgot to have us raise the spewing screen before reading todays thingy………………………..the visuals were off the chart………..you in high heels or riding a donkey, my oh my!!
Truly amazing what you go through to adopt a dog if only they could impose some of those screening details on some parents before they conceive.
Had coffee with Bubba on the Spirit this morning and delivered the t-shirt…………..believe he has already sent you the photo.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that you have a ship full of the most contented passengers for this cruise.
Kersplott
“Susan”
John, the lady on the scooter needs to do more homework before she travels. I have problems walking and thanks to the disability boards on cruise critic know how to get where I want to go in Europe. First, she needs a standard (not transport) wheelchair for off the ship excursions. Second, she must travel with someone who can push her. Finally she needs to make private arrangements if she intends to go into specific sites. Did you know there are elevators at the hermitage that are not available to the general public but one russian private tour company is able to use them? I have been to England (can’t use the tube), France, Italy (even Venice), Greece, Israel and Egypt. It isn’t always easy but it can be done without tears.
Hi John,
Yes, can you give us a heads up on the announcements coming on Monday from Mobile and Tuesday from New Orleans? Can’t wait to hear what Carnival is going to do with these 2 ports. Any chance New Orleans will get a ship that does a 7 day cruise? Or Mobile?
Have a good day.
Well, at least something good came out of having Mrs. Snob on your cruise – you have a name for your adopted jackass. My only question is, if the authorities find you are not fit to adopt a dog, do you get to keep Mrs. Snob?
John,
After you had to endure Mrs. NOB for an entire cruise, and put up with her “high class” insults, thought we’d bring you back to reality, with some comments from “the common folk”.
This was posted by one of the “common folk” of New Orleans on the BLOG2Nola message board at CruiseMates about you, the blogger’s cruise, and what it means to the people of New Orleans………..
quote <>> end of quote
Thankfully for every Mrs. NOB you encounter there are 1000’s of we commoners who know how to appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness and consideration, and we can take heart from those like Vince, who I quoted above, who’s actions put those of people like Mrs NOB into the proper perspective. I like to call people like her Castle Trash.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Good evening my ” common ” friend Mr. Heald. What a joke. She of all people calling you and Ken common. Well I;m very happy to be included with you and Ken, two people whom I respect a great deal. On my last cruise, the one I was suppose to meet you, on my last day I had the luck to say good morning to Ken and ask him for a picture. Well I received a picture not of just him but me and him. He was so polite and respectful. Well I wasn’t able to meet my friend but I did meet your friend Ken. Thank him again for me for his politeness and respect shown to a complete stranger, me. I will never forget that moment. I’m now beginning to get that feeling about my next cruise on the Valor. It is so great to look forward to a cruise on Carnival. Well, that’s it for now. Have a great satisfying cruise without Mrs. S. Nob. What a very unhappy lady she is. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
It is so sad when people like Mrs. S Nob have nothing else to do but try and make everyone else as unhappy as they are. Glad you are the way you are it makes this world a better place.
As always a fantastic blog. Beautiful pictures and a great interview. Nice to meet Ryan. My son and his wife will be sailing with him in Feb. for their 25th wedding anniversary.
Hope the next cruise brings you only happy contented passangers.
Hello to Heidi and Stephanie for all the good work they do too.
Good Night to All
Kathy
John:
Mrs. S. Nob is not only “common” … she is uncouth (awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : rude)
She is yet another shining reminder that money can not buy you “class”. (She and Paris Hilton)
Glad she will soon be gone. Good riddance to bad rubbish!!!!
If the “karma gods” are any good at their job….they will make sure she learns about your blog. Although she is so sad and pitiful, she probably would not recognize herself.
About dogs….I don’t know the “pound to dollar” conversion rate….but our little 8 pound precious costs us easily $1,000 a year. This year we will be taking 7 cruises …. so that mean $150.00 per trip for the “doggie dude ranch” alone.
Then once a year it is $300.00 for all the shots, tests, etc that he must have… to be allowed to go to the “doggie dude ranch”.
His grooming is $40.00 every 2 months….so there is another $240.00.
Then there is food and the other necessities of life that he must have.
Price it out per pound….. and that would be one expensive Korean meal.
If you need a reference, have them call me!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ and owner of an 8 pound Peekapoo named DAKOTA)
John, if this is the way you act when you are a millionaire then all I can say I’m glad to be a commoner.. a southern commoner no less.
We are going to Dollywood tomorrow, per chance we run into Dolly there, do you want to send her a message of any kind? I’ll tell her you do a great impersonation of her and if she should ever need you to stand in for her, should she ever need someone to take her place in case of an emergency, to fill free to contact you thru the blog
Countess Carolyn………. not a pest
John….you on a donkey. Oh, the amusing vision that brings to mind. I understand wanting to rescue a dog, but in your terms, has Heidi gone bloody bugger mad with adoption of a donkey?
And I think it should have been a blog contest….naming the donkey……poor thing…..
MrS. Nob is probably quite un-common. She certainly is lacking “common” courtesy, “common” ettiquette, and “common” decency.
How sad for her, really.
But….soon, new guests, and new stories to share.
Oh, by the way….nice to learn you have that 45″ TV….are you able to watch it from your en suite hot tub?
Terri
A good evening to all wonderful common people and I guess that includes John and Ken. This was one of the best blog readings. Such a variety of entertainment and topics. It gave me some grunts and smiles, but the finale was the best…..a donkey named Mrs S Nob. When I read that, I just cracked up and started clapping. This bloggy thing of John’s is the best. Hope you know we appreciate your time and effort in putting this all together for our reading pleasure. Tank U Veddy Muchly…………
My first cruise was on the Triumph back in 2005 with Chris Jefferson. I would love to see her again after her refit.
I’ll miss your stories about Mrs. S.Nob but not her. Honestly, calling you and Ken “common”……what does that make her?…..she has earned her name!!
Hope next weeks passengers are friendlier than her……
Cindy
John,
Ahh Mrs. Snob i hope the gangway is secure when she is about to go wouldn’t want something to happen to her. Talk about a unhappy person, it’s sad there are people like this in the world. As my friends from Australia would say what a down right git she is. I hope silverseas welcomes her back with open arms so she never returns to the fun ships with all of us commoners.
So in other news I see carnival is due to make a announcement in mobile and nola this week i guess they will tell all of us what ships will be moved there and what their itenery will be 5 days or more and so on. I am happy your going to be spending time in euro’s so you can be closer to Heidi and the dog if they approve your DNA and status as commoner. don’t forget you feed dog’s DOG FOOD. But i am sad that you won’t be sailing the Caribbean I do fly but with the price of airfare and the euro being so much stronger than the dollar unless carnival is going to drop the prices I won’t be sailing in Europe. And that is disappointing because I love Europe but it’s too expensive for a American right now. But i am happy to say that the people of european nations and unions have been coming to the US in droves to spend their money here and buy all sorts of things. I was at dinner a few night ago in East Hampton ( where people like Mrs. Snob think they belong all by them selfs with the tan people) and they actually had the prices in euros next to the dollar prices on their menu’s.
Heidi who is going to clean up after John when you leave? I feel for that poor cabin attendant who is now requesting a transfer to another ship on another line to avoid this issue.
Have a great remainder of the cruise and offer Mrs. Snob the newest carnival excursion Cruise Ship water skiing, until she falls then it’s deep sea fishing. Where do you think the fresh fish they have on board come from ?
Kevin
John,
i have just one question today,(i know that you find it hard to believ lol)
what did that poor donkey ever do to you to be named after your special guest???
hmmmmmmmm.. wonder if maybe we should call PETA…….
Bill
I’m looking forward to meeting Mr. Fitzgerald in person on the Triumph November 30th!! Can’t wait!
Just think John, now you can finally make Mrs. S.Nob happy. This just proves that she really is an @$$!
Keep up the great writing John.
Mike
omg…You make me laugh all the time but this time with the naming of the donkey brought tears to my eyes…I am glad that woman is out of yours and Kens hair and hope I never have the misfortune of meeting her..I will see you guys in 90 days..
Good morning John,
Well done………………..you named an ass for another ass. Be sure to send the real Mrs. S. Nob a picture of your newly named addition to the family.
Just a thought………………wouldn’t Mrs. S. NOB’s comments to you and Ken be considered harrassment? Calling you “common”? What a piece of work she must have been all week.
Good luck with the dog thing………hope you don’t get something small and yappy.
thanks for the CD updates. We’re on the Miracle in Feb…………hope to hear who’s going to be the CD then.
All the best from,
B&D from Canada
PS moving in two weeks back to Stratford.
Congrad’s John
I just just spilled my coffee reading the name of the donkey. Fits perfectly, the front half is Mrs. the back half S.Nob…..
Cleese’s good buddy Eric Idle, wrote a song “Always look on the Bright Side” for the Life of Brian…Might I suggest you think of that song when dealing with the donkey,,,,I mean Mrs S.Nob.It works for me…. Wonder how it would sound played on steel drums??
daytonadan
I’m sure you’ll meet all the requirements for dog ownership and it will be well worth the time and expense. I’m assuming you will still be getting a German Shepherd that suits you – not some other breed. Oh well, all dogs are a joy! It will be be neat to have your adopted donkey too. Mrs. S. Nob – perfect name. I’m sure you’ll let us know how this all works out. Jeri
Hi John.
I suppose you must get paid fairly well for what you do, although job satisfaction must rate highly as well but all the money in the world could’nt stop me keelhauling some of the passengers you write about! We are going to be 1st time Carnival cruisers 30th Aug, so i’ve never met you yet but I am full of admiration for you, for the way you deal with people & the effort you put into your blog.
With this in mind, I hearby promise not to bring you any complaints I may have but write them of a piece of paper,(biodegradable of course) and chuck them over the side and just get on with having a great time.
Less than 2 weeks to go, see you soon.
Tom & Donna Ayres
John, I love reading your blog and haven’t left a comment before but damn if that visual of you on a donkey doesn’t have me LMAO at 11 am on a Sunday!!!
As for Mrs. Lumberjack Penny, yes indeed, where she lives is quite rural. Halifax (where Carnival docks) is a 4.5 hr drive to Sydney, without even carrying on to Mr. & Mrs. Lumberjack’s abode. It’s fabulous that she’s been able to cruise on the Splendor!
I also sympathize with the lady in the scooter but feel that she didn’t do her homework before choosing a European holiday. Unfortunately, as has been stated, not all cities and buildings are as accessible as those in the US.
I work for a high-end hotel chain and we have many historic properties that, due to their age and complex layouts, only have a handful of accessible rooms and public areas. Plus, those accessible rooms may not have all the bells and whistles associated with a modern cookie-cutter hotel.
There have been many an upset customer stating, “But that doesn’t comply with US accessibility laws.” No, but they’re travelling outside the US so all bets are off in that regard.
I’m also enjoying the CD interviews and hopefully you’ll speak with the CD for the Freedom which I will be sailing on my first cruise next March.
All the best to you and Heidi!
Kristen in Moncton, NB, Canada
Thank you as usual for the laugh this morning about adopting the dog with a donkey thrown in for good measure. You are so funny the way you describe situations is priceless!
I personally would have been willing to help Mrs. Nob to pack to get her sophistacated arse off the ship as quickly as the gangway was placed.
Sad for the disabled lady but you are right and I saw that when I was in Europe on the Liberty, I don’t know how their own disabled citizens manage in those cities to get around because in many places it hard enough for those of us without them to do it.
I have lots of memory’s whith the Valor.
Hi John..Did Mrs. S. Nob ever say why she sailed on Carnival this time instead of SilverSea or Cunard? Maybe they have barred her from sailing with them?? Anyway if that’s the kind of people on those lines I think I will pass on them.
Diane
It seems the name Penny is becoming quite popular although I’m really a Penelope – just like the famous one although I could be her mom or almost her grandmother. I can’t wait to hear from “Penny of the Woods”. She sounds like a remarkable and strong woman – I’m proud we share the name. Also a hello to Penny from Ontario. I guess we are all “Lucky Pennies” to share blogs with John. I’ll finally get to cruise with John in February and am looking forward to the Bloggers events that are planned.
Penny B from New Orleans
ARGH! What is it with people and their feelings of entitlement?!?
Sorry, John, Mrs. Scooter Lady and Mr./Mrs. Anne Frank Tour have just hit a nerve with me. As Mach says “You are on (bloody) HOLIDAY, people!” Why do people like that feel it’s justified to lash out at Carnival as being “discriminatory?” That’s utter garbage, Carnival treats all guests equally and that’s like a VIP. They should be looking to their travel agent (or themselves) for not being proactive enough. Cruisers like Linda (Mom of DJ) are inspirational in that aspect! They take some responsibility to make sure things are right and do some work on their end.
Grrrr… I just can’t help but admire you, John. I would not be able to maintain one bit of politeness or decorum towards people like the above. This whole recent spate of “Me! Me! Me!” in the world just gets my blood boiling.
OK – vented! On to more fun stuff, like your DONKEY?!? What’s next, mate, a coffee farm? Though this could bring a meaning to when you say Heidi has been “riding your (ahem!).” Don’t get too bothered by the interview process, they just wanted to make sure you wouldn’t be taking on more than you could handle since they’ve already rescued the dog once. Our local Humane Society did this when we adopted a kitten in April. Has anyone noticed the requirements for adopting an animal are pretty stringent: interviews, licensing, monetary commitment, etc. … but any fool can have a baby!?! Sorry, looping back to Mrs. Scooter and Mr./Mrs. Anne Frank Tour.
Love the pictures, keep them coming! Brings back such great memories of my time overseas with the Army. And keep the deck party going for Warnemunde! I can’t wait until the (passable) Oktoberfests here in Colorado this autumn!
I don’t want to waste time discussing Mrs S Nob but I wonder if she’s thought about the after life? She’s going to be surprised at the number of “commoners”. And I don’t think it’s going to be the destination most of us are aiming for.
John,
Not sure if you head the sad news yet, but the beloved crew member hangout in Cozumel, Mexico “La Choza” is gone. Apparently the roof caught flame, and the entire restaurant came down with it. Not sure if you had the pleasure of starting Cozumel days here ever, but please pass this news along to your crew onboard the Splendor.
Thanks!
Dear John and Heidi
Thanks again for a Wonderful blog,
great interview with Ryan
If the lady in the wheelchair had done her homework , you do mark the tours where they are wheelchair accessible.
You and Ken must have been dying inside to holding the snickers to be called “common”
Lets Hope the Woman NEVAH crosses Carnival’s path again…
all I can ADD is what did the jackass do to be named after Mrs S Nob?
ALL the best from the Southern “Common” Folks
The Tuckers
ELizabeth & Arnold
Bon Voyage MsNob…if the evil krewe was aboard the sailing…you’d be walkin the plank !!!
John..did she at least enjoy Ken singing to her?
Oh well….keeping score John (2.6 million) A+ and the complainers (6)…John’s approval rating 99.999%
I think you will keep your job John !!!!
Mark
John Please Reply !
I am going to be sailing on the Splendor on December 6, 2008…. will you be there as well ??
Your blog is so terrific, and so are you !
Hi
Looking forward to joining the Splendor tomorrow with Sing Live.
From
Canadian
Nancy G
From the UK
and Jess (The Audience)
Ps Met you before on the Glory and Liberty. Still think your the best and funiest Cruise Director. See you in either the Jazz Bar or Piano Bar with Ron.
Perfect! Mrs. S.Nob is an ass, after all! Hilarious stuff!
Hi John,
I wanted to respond to all the questions that you were asked for adopting a dog. I have volunteered in the past at local shelters, and the questions they ask are quite common (minus the donkey questions). Some of these animals have been abused or given up because people just can’t care for them. So, they are just making sure that you are the right fit to adopt an animal. I am so glad that you are adopting from a shelter verses puppy mill.
Good luck and take care!
Annette
John…
My eyes THANK YOU!!!
What ever you discovered. EXCELLENT!!! I can read the letter you attach!! I can read them!!! They are big and I CAN READ THEM!!!
GOD BLESS YOU!!! Or Stephanie or someone!!! How marvelous!!!!
I love to travel in Europe… but we too learned that Mom’s wheelchair or scooter does NOT work very well!! It’s OK, we work around it! The fact that my Sister lives on the fourth floor (America’s third floor) and there are no elevators, is one thing… but public transportation, roadways, sidewalks, etc… just don’t work well. We get quite creative over there!!! AND PLAN AHEAD!!!
Penny. I hope you post and let us know which Penny you are!!! I hope someday to find you on a roll call I’m on, I’d LOVE to meet you and learn what it’s like to truly “live in the middle of nowhere!!”
God Bless you and Heidi and Stephanie!!!
Lambie
John… where will you on December 6 ? We are sailing on the Splendor … exotic eastern caribb. that week, and would just Love to know you will be there with us !
Of course we will have a wonderful time anyway, but your presence would just magnify the fun !
Best Regards, Sheila
How befitting to christen your ass after one.
Mark
The Flying Equus asinus Dutchman
Hi John,
I just was wondering one thing. In the written letter about not being able to get the tour they wanted, couldn’t they have booked it before traveling via internet? When we went on a cruise in March we prebooked all our excusions online to make sure we were able to do what we wanted. That just makes sense to me, but what do I know? Anyway have a good day.
Melissa
Once again, yay Heidi! Gotta love another animal lover. John, please understand that adopting isn’t always easy, but these folks are just trying to make sure that the dog that goes to live with you stays living with you. Too many times people have good intentions and mean to do well, but we all know good intentions don’t put food on the table. The hassles will be totally worth it when you have a hapy Heidi!
Hi John/Heidi:
ZING! That was a great way to end the blog…
I really enjoyed Ryan’s blog today and his story about the family from Arkansas was so funny.
A coworker across the desk from me just got a miniature donkey. Needless to say, it is quite a funny joke going around the office.
Good luck with the dog application. I look forward to hearing more.
Thanks for another great blog and hope all is well.
Take care,
David