If I were to see someone indulging in antisocial behavior, such as talking loudly in a library or urinating in a someone’s front yard, I would roll my eyes and quietly sigh. If it were something more serious, such as putting super glue on cans of prunes in a supermarket or holding a baby over a hotel balcony, I might even say something.
Strangely, however, when I spot someone dropping litter, I am overcome with a sometimes uncontrollable need to perform experiments on his head involving chainsaws and acid.
I felt like this today when I watched a man who was old enough to be my Dad, take something he had just bought from the gift shop out of the plastic bag and without a thought dropped the bag on the middle of the Promenade Deck. Now, it was only 9:20am and deck 5 was very quiet so he probably didn’t think anyone was behind him………..I was though………………and I picked up the bag and ran after him saying “excuse me sir, I think you dropped this.”………..he looked like a naughty boy caught with both hands in the cookie jar and he said “oh, thank you ” took the bag and walked off.
Good Morning everyone, I met this man on the way to the morning show and maybe I chased after him with his discarded plastic bag because I am in a strange mood………..Heidi said I am having a mid life crisis. I have been thinking about this a lot the last few days. I certainly seem to be letting the little things get to me……….the odd comment from a guest, things not going exactly the way I want them and the comment from the blogger Kevin……..is it correct of me to pass on the idiosyncrasies of the paying guest……………am I indeed having a mid life crisis………………let’s see by me publicly listing what’s on my mind.
As I sprint towards old age, there are many things which frighten me. All the hair on my head seems to be growing inwards and coming out of my nose. Why? …….what good is hair in the nose. Why is my brain saying ” hey, send John a load of hair to his nostrils so he can spend 30 minutes a day shouting a painful ” BUGGER ” every time he pulls one out. ………..oh, and why is the hair on my head grey and the hair cascading out of nose as dark as when I was 17 and listening to AC/DC dressed in leather pants. I sometimes wonder as head towards being 44 years old if I have done something for the last time, I mean, you never know and if its rumpy pumpy………………… should I put a bit more effort into it.
Anyway, casting my grumpiness aside I went on to host the first of the morning shows. The weather continues to be Baltic and by that I mean cool, dry and unlike my nose hairs………a little grey.
However, the guests are having fun. My travel talk was very busy and it seems the excursions are going to be busy again this cruise.
I have to tell you something that happened to me in November last year…………..I have not mentioned this to anyone………..except Heidi and Mum and Dad or more importantly anyone at Carnival as I was never certain that they would have liked this………….don’t worry………it’s nothing bad at all………..I am not ill…………well, apart from the diabetes………I am not joining the Moonies………and I have not suddenly liked to wear pink and listen to Liza Minnelli.
Last November I was contacted by a lady called Suzanne . She had been reading the blog and basically…….well………she felt my life and some of the stories were worthy of her writing a biography about me.
She has written biographies for politicians………she told me some names but I have to admit of not recognizing any ………..oh, she has written one about an astronaut who walked on the moon and somebody who was a Joint Chief something and how he now sails a yacht………..I am not going to mention her last name …..well………just in case I say something I shouldn’t.
At first I felt thrilled and rushed off to tell Heidi who immediately brought me crashing down to earth quicker than a rusty old Russian space thingy. I want you to stop and think about that for a moment she said and then she said some very wise words………….let me summaries them.
Imagine finding out that someone was going to write a whole book about you. They were going to talk to all your old friends and all your old enemies. They were going to meet up with your exes and find out what funny little noises you made at intimate moments and why one of them after dating you became a lesbian……….I did imagine it and it scared the crap out of me. Would he find out how on the Holiday when I was bar waiter I pretended to be the cousin of Prince Andrew to a beautiful dancer called Debbie……just so I could …..well, you know. Would they discover the time my best mate Alan and I had dinner in a Chinese Restaurant called The Half Moon and escaped without paying by eating most of the food and then discovering a beetle in our rice………..a beetle that Alan had brought into the restaurant in a matchbox.
How’s that sound? Frightening. Well, I thought about it and its made me feel very uneasy……….I think the medical term is “shitting myself”. I mean, we’ve all done things we’d rather stayed private.
But here was a person with a publishing deal who, in all probability, knew what websites I’d looked at and what brand of underwear I wore.
Then, yesterday, came joyous news. Having looked under every stone, the author sent me an e mail to say she’d stopped the project. The relief was immense. And rather short-lived. Because she followed this up by saying that basically………… “I was too boring.”
Well, I was furious. However, I’m forced to agree. It seems I was born, grew up, got a job on a ship and every day wrote a load of bollocks about life onboard. And that’s it. I am as boring as one of those French movies………..without the rumpy pumpy scenes. I am a sparrow among men. If you could look me up in a dictionary I’d be classified as “common or garden”. …………….the book it seemed would have sold less than ” Vanilla Ice……My Story “……….or ” Great French Lovers of the 21st Century “……….or ” Feeding the 5000 “………the story of how they ran out of food on the inaugural voyage of the Mall of the Seas.
Yep…………I was too boring ………………….And so I have decided to start a naked synchronized swimming team for men over 250 pounds………….that’s worthy of a book surely.
OK, here are today’s letters………………..in their own words
Today’s photos are actually some I forgot to post last week…………….actually………….i wasn’t even sure if I should post these. They were taken by the wonderful Jaime who visited Sachenhausen Concentration Camp last cruise. Like me she came away feeling distraught and wondering how this ever happened. It is a very popular excursion and one that everyone who takes it will never ever forget. The guides tell the harrowing stories of the terrors that the poor people faced , stories that will have grown men crying……………..like I did.
Anyway, here are the photos which I thought I should share with you.
The Work for Freedom Sign
Sachsenhausen
Instead of putting flowers on gravesites/remeberence sites, it is Jewish tradition to put stones down because when the Jews fled from Egypt there were no stones around, and rocks will last forever.
Holding Cell
Torture site
This memorial was right outside the actual gas chamber
Gas Chamber
Yartziet Candles in the shape of a star of David and the Hebrew is translated as Ydvor but I do not know what that means.
Another torture site/bunker
The external wall so no one can escape
OK, on a happier note I see many of you are commenting on the CD interviews which is wonderful. Today, i would like to highlight a gentlemen by the name of Carl……who spells his name with a K and therefore his stage name is Carl……..with a K.
Carl has just been promoted this last week to a fully badged Cruise Director and we all wish Carl many congratulations. Here is Carl with a K’s interview which I hope you will enjoy…………take it away Carl…………with a K
1. Can you tell us which ship you currently are on and when you are due to leave
Carnival Liberty – and due to leave September 6th.
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 started off training to be a sports teacher but always had a love for entertainment in comedy shows as I was growing up. I loved the stage from an early age. I started at a famous resort in England- Butlins for 3 years learning the tricks of the trade: Singing, Dancing, Comedy, Presenting etc. Did a few clubs with my own singing and impersonations show and then got my first cruise contract in Europe from Cyprus in 2000, as a production singer. Did one more contract as a singer afterwards before applying to Carnival with whom I joined in Nov. 2001. Started off as a Social Host and worked my way up 2 and a half years to then become Assistant Cruise Director and then Acting Cruise Director last year to just getting promoted full time last week.
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.
My favorite part of the job is definitely being out with the guests and seeing everyone having fun. Behind the scenes there is a lot of administrative work as in charge of the entertainment dept- With this, especially on a ship, it is important to be there for the team- to help them professionally with anything and sometimes personally so it is a very all rounded position. A lot of time is spent providing the daily Capers and announcements, also cheduling the activities and shows, and basically being the hub for everyone to contact. The emailing system on the ship means we get from 50-75 emails a day with requests and projects to cover, so it can be pretty demanding. The love of the job though, and the benefits of the job, far outweighs these challenges.
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.
Events that stand out- I love to promote the music on the ship and I also love the personal touch with the guests so I get a huge kick out of singing and performing in each bar- however big and however small (Piano Bar- Back lounge- Promenade).
- I also enjoy the classics such as the Marriage show but LOVE our new style of Deck party with the Fun Hop before heading upstairs. As strange as it seems, I like the things away from the main stage just as much as being on the stage.
- Then I guess I love the TV shows daily as again it gives me a chance to be one on one with the guests when they call in and find out about the guests and their stories that we have on board.5. What has been your most challenging moment as Cruise Director so far
I guess I have been lucky so far being fairly new to the position so there is nothing that really stands out. Of course wanting to make our guests happy is a goal but is not always possible, so there are requests and concerns that can’t be fully achieved. It is always a challenge when we miss a port or there are slight delays or things when the schedules don’t go according to plan for whatever reason. Luckily again for me I have worked with some amazing teams who have given me all the support to get through them.
6. And, your most rewarding
Meeting the people we have on board and making friends. There is no better feeling than to hear that people have had a good time. To see lounges packed and cheering watching the shows. To hear laughter during the events and to see people feeling sad to leave.
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.
I would have to say my fav ship so far – the Carnival Liberty is beautiful and a great team to work with. The itinerary is 7 day eastern Caribbean – Half Moon Cay- St Thomas- San Juan- Grand Turk.
7 day western Caribbean – Cozumel- Grand Cayman- Ocho Rios.Eastern-
In Half Moon Cay-Snorkeling with the Stingrays- Fantastic, feels like you are really interacting with them and not just watching. Great Guides too!
St Thomas- (I am a big golf fan!! Great course here.) I love St John and a visit to Trunk Bay is a must!! Champagne Catamaran Tour
San Juan- Bacardi Rum Factory- Visiting the largest rum factory in the world- some tasting too!!
Grand Turk- Dune Buggies- Great funWestern-
Cozumel – Big Fan of the Catamarans so sail and snorkel tour has everything- great clear waters and beach time- best way to travel
Grand Cayman- Stingrays are a must if you haven’t done it- I liked also the Shipwreck cove- great snorkeling!
Ocho Rios- of course the Dunns River Falls is a must too but try to see Dolphin Cove- great Dolphin tours but has a beach- Nature trails- Shark pool and lots more.8. Why, in your opinion is Carnival…………..the world’s most popular cruise line
Carnival I believe is the most popular because I feel it appeals to everyone- There is so much to do or so little. Whatever you want you can do it- relax- party- get involved- relax by the pools. I think we have the best group of crew members anywhere and this is huge. The crew that I work with are genuinely the nicest group of people I have ever met!
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
I LOVE the Carnival Liberty and feel extremely proud and privileged to be here in this position. I will be sad to leave it. I love the West Coast as well and I do think my fav ships are the Spirit class- The Pride I love and also the Miracle- having been privileged to bring it out new. I love the 7 day runs the most so that it gives me a chance to meet everyone. A stop off in either Puerta Vallarta or Cozumel is definitely top of my list.
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 us
Just last cruise we had a wonderful lady called Mary who sailed with one of the social hosts on the Carnival Freedom earlier and she recognized him. I got to know the family well and became friends throughout the cruise. She had beaten breast cancer twice and was a keen promoter of the Walk for the Cure event that we have on board. With her help and a very heartfelt letter which I read out on the TV she helped us get a record close to 400 participants. I was extremely proud and in fact think it is the proudest thing I do in my week’s work; every time I am able to promote the event it is just amazing.
Funny events in my last two months include a simple sneeze from the Captain whilst I was performing the Boat drill announcement made me lose my place..arrggghh – to me not being able to say the word ventrilaquist (don’t think I can spell it either!!) over the Tannoy!
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.
APPETIZER – Garlic Mushrooms–Yum Yum
MAIN COURSE- Fish and chips (no that’s just the English in me!) mm.. Chicken Fajitas
DESSERT – Baked Alaska- Praying for it to added to the Staff Mess List!
SOMEONE FROM THE CRUISE INDUSTRY – YOU John of course!! Ha ha (bonus points??) and Wee Jimmy…Because I think he still owes me money!!
SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD – Lee Evans- Funniest Comedian I know- Very humble guy too!
YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS – Sandra Bullock
YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR – Christian Bale
YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN – Michael Buble
AND SOMEONE FROM HISTORY YOU WISHED YOU HAD MET- Winston Churchill
Great job mate and I know many of you will be cruising on the Carnival Liberty soon and you will have a wonderful time with our newly promoted Carl with a K…….he is going to be one of the best.
So, as predicted in this little blog thingy there are two major pieces of news which will have the people of Mobile and New Orleans wanting to whisk our President Gerry Cayhill up in their arms and give him a big old hug…………….he likes that by the way.
Here’s why:
Pictured here at the press conference in New Orleans to announce Carnival Triumph being homeported there starting in 2009, is Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Vice President of Marketing Planning Terry Thornton; in the background from left to right is Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange and Lieutenant Governor for the State of Louisiana Mitch Landrieu.
Congratulations to both ports and I hope it shows Carnival’s commitment to bringing the ships as close to YOU as we can………..now…………are there any other requests for home ports…………lets hear them?
Well, its been a strange day and somewhat……… its been a strange blog. I felt old today and it was hard to get out of bed and looking in the mirror and seeing the hanging Gardens Of Babylon extruding from my nose didn’t help.
And although the guests are wonderful and so far apart from the lady with the ” doll sized husband ” who you can see in the video just posted……….they all seem normal, I have not had a good day.
The final straw came when I stubbed my toe on the corner of the bed………..it hurt like hell and to take the pain away I found myself punching the wardrobe door in frustration.
Well I seem to have broken one of my fingers. It’s bright blue, won’t move and looks like a burst sausage. How can this be? Bruce Willis finished off a whole skyscraper full of baddies without so much as tearing his vest, whereas I hit one Italian made wardrobe made out of cardboard and I come away a broken man. I am just going to go to bed and hide until tomorrow……………..oh, I have to do two shows first…………..bugger.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Berlin, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Mobile, New Orleans
As odd as it may seem, it’s we who are ordinary and boring that keep the world moving in the right direction. I wish I could have been a spy, an astronaut or perhaps a butcher… something exciting but nope… I was destined to be me and that’s fine. Wanna trade places??
What wonderful news for both Mobile and New Orleans! I first sailed on a Carnival ship from the port of New Orleans and had intended to again until Katrina changed my plans for me. Now, I once again have a reason to sail from there!!!
The pictures of Sachenhausen are chilling. I find it amazing that certain Iranians don’t believe the Holocaust occurred. Pathetic…
Cheer up, John! You have a wonderful job, a lovely wife and 2,500,000 people who think you’re the best!!!
Ciao, my friend!!!
Host Mach
Ah John, I think you need a hug (( )). This has not been a good day but I do hope that tomorrow is better for you. Just think Mrs. S.Nob is gone, you have a litterer, but it could be Mrs. S.Nobs brother so you could look at it that way.
I am very sorry you will not be selling your books and having a book signing party on the cruise my husband and I will be on. Perhaps that is a good thing for you but look how much fun we would have had reading all about YOU. I am very disappointed. How rude of your author friend, you are not boring. She could have lied to you and said that she was in a bad place in her life and that she just could not do your beloved story justice. What that have killed her to say that? You just can’t trust people to lie any more. It was not like she was right in front of you, where you would have known she was lying. Oh well, those treasured secrets will stay just that, a secret for all to wonder about.
Keep smiling John, I know better days are in store for you. Just remember Mrs. S.Nob is finally gone and it can only get better.
You are not old ( at least I’m not and we are the same age) and don’t you dare make me feel bad. I have gone through that stage already. You have so much to be happy about and you have to make others laugh. So cheer up put on your best clothes and charm everyone out there as always. I’m sending you a big huggo just in case you need it. Take care of that finger and please tell Heidi to hang in there and that this family sends her a big kiss
Love you!!
Nanni
John,
Feeling old? I totally understand. I turned 40 this past weekend. My wife had a big party for me with our friends and co workers. She even got me an “exotic dancer…..” When my wife told me to sit in the chair in the middle of the floor I knew what was going to happen. Now let me say I have never been to a booby bar or had an exotic dancer. When she asked what I wanted for my 40th B-day I said without thinking two 20 year olds. Had one of the Dohhh moments. So hear I sit in front of everyone waiting for the dancer. The music starts and there is a BIG woman in my way. So I kept looking around for the “dancer” and trying to get the VERY large 350lb woman out of my way… Well guess what???? She was the “exotic dancer”. A tub o. So there I am doing every thing I can to keep her off me so the chair would not collapse. It was all in fun and boy was it funny. Everyone has heard about it so when I go around town I hear the fatty jokes. But I can tell you that the 40 year old rumpy pumpy is just as good as the 30 year old rumpy pumpy. Cheer up. We have 58 days til we sail on the Glory.
Lee
BALTIMORE,MD or NORFOLK,VA (for more than short trips) those of us in the mid-atlantic need you close florida is great but it would be nice to travel from home and not have to worry about airfare (1 1/2hrs from Baltimore and 3 from Norfolk still not to far to drive) I could do so many more cruises when the schools are closed if they were closer…..Thanks for getting the interview with Carl…..with a K out before we leave sat. I had heard a little about him from reading the other blogs on carnival for the ship everyone seems to like him alot…..Take care look forward to catching up with what I miss when we get back..Pam
Hello John, nice reading that interview with Karl with a K since I sailed with him onboard the Liberty a few weeks ago. In fact, the Q&A was really similar to the Q&A coffee chat he held on that last fun day at sea. Hope you can get over that ‘midlife crisis’ you’re apparently really soon; maybe the audience reactions from the two shows can cheer you up a little bit?
‘Cheerio,’ until that next blog is posted.
John,
I returned to the blog this evening to read your promised post, and now I’m very concerned about you. The interview, pictures and announcements were all nice, but the rest of the post made me feel you have something really serious on your mind. Are you worried about leaving Heidi at home while you are still cruising the high seas? Are your feeling okay? Taking your meds, etc.? Is there some major career decision you must make soon and are distressed about? Whatever it is, I hope you will over come it and be yourself again soon. It seems you’ve been sort of blue for awhile now.
Certainly, if you just are feeling “old age” creeping up on you please remember how many of us, your loyal fans, are considerably older than you and I believe most would tell you, as will I, that nothing really changes a lot if you just keep a positive attitude and safeguard your health. To me, you’re a youngster (one of my daughters is your age and the other is a year older). You have at least half of your life ahead, SO CHEER UP MATE!!!
Your Pal, Myra
John, I’ve not seen a comment from Todd Inman, the poet, in awhile but I’m sure he would have fun putting these things into a poem.
Nose hair that grows
toe that glows
finger that looks like a burst wurst
JTODDINMAN where are you. We need your words of wisdom here.
BIG ED
Port Hueneme, California….I believe it is the only deep-water port between San Pedro and San Francisco. Could Santa (or Funship Freddy) make it a home port, pleeeeeeeeeeease?
Terri
Poor John, we all have those days and yours is cold and grey today. The photos relfect your sad mood as well. Sorry we can’t all be there in person to give a big hug! It will get better for sure. Don’t worry about the book either–you are writing it online every day and look how many people are reading it! See, you really are worthy and interesting since we all log on every day to see what you have thought of to write about each day. There is no better medicine than laughter and nothing better than a friend that can make you laugh. We love ya John!
Great interview with Carl with a K which in itself is pretty funny. Did I miss it or did he not tell us where he is going after he leaves the Liberty?
Great news for Mobile and New Orleans. Ok, I must get something done tonight–I promised myself I would go do the Wii Fit thingy, so I will.
John,
You are not boring. You bring laughter to all of us in blog land. You have a gift for writing and entertaining those of us who cannot cruise every week. You keep us going until our next cruise.
Yes, I was glad to see that Mobile is getting the Fantasy and New Orleans the Triumph. Will definitely be looking at sailing on the Triumph soon. We have already sailed on the Fantasy once and have a cruise booked on the Fantasy in March, 2009. While I enjoy sailing on the different ships, flying is such a hassle these days. It is going to be nice to have a new ship close to home to sail on.
Hope you have a great cruise this week. Don’t hurt yourself.
Cruisingeagle
Oh John,
I’m so sorry you’re feeling blue today. I don’t think it’s old age – at 44 you’re still a spring chicken! – I think you are just tired from working so hard. Can you hand the reins to your Assistant CD for a day? Or at least get off the ship at the next port and have Heidi take you far away from the passengers.
Hope your hand feels better soon!
Hi John!
I just got one child dropped off at soccer practice and came home to start dinner. I decided while it was cooking to check the blog. (Glad I did!)
You know, John, all of us go through periods when we feel old and we start to wonder what we have really done with our lives. This happens to me periodically. You have touched so many lives with this wonderful blog. You have introduced the world of cruising to people who wondered what it was all about.
I was having lunch with my professional mentor one day. We had just gotten back from a fabulous cruise. This gentleman was very serious and approached everything in a serious manner. We had been talking about our vacation and he asked me if there was really enough to do on a cruise ship. He loved to sit and read so I told him that he would love it. He could find a quiet chair somewhere-not around the pool- and he could sit and read, watch the ocean, and nap. I remember telling him that he should give it a try sometime.
Unfortunately, he never did. He died of cancer almost two years ago. If you had been doing your blog, I would have pulled up some of the entries and shared with them with him.
One of the most important things you do is keep those of us who follow the blog connected to Carnival. It is so hard getting off the ship and returning to reality. Thanks to the blog, we can still retreat and remember.
For the passengers on the ship, you go out of your way to make sure they are enjoying themselves. Your morning show brings a light side to life on the ship. You really try to make everyone feel like they are special.
Your life is far from boring. There are brighter days ahead.
Take care and try to look forward to better days.
Ruth
John, don’t worry about the biography. I was thinking more about your writing your memoirs. I think a good working title woud be something like – ‘I’ve met them all!” About all the interesting and rude/annoying people you’ve met… but remember – no real names!
Hi John: So sorry you broke a finger. I’m sure the good doctor on board can fix up. He took care of my husband’s earache pronto when we sailed with you on the July 25 cruise.
I am so sorry to see that the Triumph is moving to New Orleans. My very first cruise was on the Triumph sailing from Miami to San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Marten with my daughter-in-law. I’ll never forget that cruise with Malcolm as the CD. Then I sailed the same cruise with my hubby a couple years after that also on the Triumph. I remember laughing so hard all the time as we always got lost going anywhere until the final day of the cruise we would finally know our way around.
Keep up the good work with your blog. I read it every day and always brings a good laugh.
Regards,
Mary Lou
Thanks for another great blog, John! I know I don’t post here very much but I have been reading from almost the beginning and can’t wait to get home each night to read what you have to say. Absolutely keep the stories of crazy guests coming – they keep me laughing at how ridiculous we humans can be and remind me of my days in the hotel industry.
Congratulations on the promotion to Karl with a K – we just returned a few weeks ago from the Liberty and were lucky enough to have him as our cruise director again after sailing with him last Halloween as well. He deserves it and really goes the extra mile to keep everyone entertained as well as be out and about getting to know the guests. What ship is Karl due on next?
If you are reading this, Karl – thanks for another great cruise and for making the Cruise Critic group onboard on July 26th feel welcome and helping Mike and me celebrate our 10th anniversary. Hope to sail with you again someday. I promise I’ll try to keep Mike in line.
Jocelyn
I almost forgot- thanks for the pictures on the blog.I understand the comments that you made in the travel talk. The concentration camp is not for everyone, however, it really made me stop and think. It is very important that we remember some of the sacrifices that were made of people ahead of us.
Ruth
John:
Everyone has “grey days” and thank goodness we do…it helps us truly appreciate the majority of “fabulous” days that we are blessed with!!!
I know all about “boring”… I am an accountant.
I wanted to be a private investigator or an entertainer….and I was a singer; back when Moby Dick was a tadpole…but I saw the “wisdom” of going to college and getting an education….and keeping the singing as a hobby.
Thank goodness for karaoke!!!! LOL
As for a permanent port, how about Charleston, SC?
May the bright sunshine of friendship shown to you every day by all of us Bloggers who look forward to our “chats” clear up even the “dreariest” of days.
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ almost a Milestone Rewards Member and he is really looking forward to that sticker~DJ)
awww, Hey John we all have bad days…most of us get another chance to do it all again tomorrow in a much better way. Take care & know that total strangers love what you do here everyday.
xxoo
Jan
Hi John & Stephanie!
John if you could please reply to this question:
“Carl with a K” says he is off the Liberty next month, on the 6th. Will he be on the Liberty for the sailing of November 29, 2008? I’m booked on the liberty that week and would love to know.
Thank you for the help and for the amazing blog. Keep it up!
Kudos to my past cruise social hosts James and Lauren, and to all the Splendor staff for the beautiful photographs.
We had the pleasure of sailing with Karl the other week on the Liberty. We were on the 7/25 sailing. Karl is our favorite CD. He is a lot of fun. Has he said what his next assignment is. What ship? We really hope to sail with him more. Cheer up John, i come here to get over my post cruise depression. We need you focused. Anways, great interview as was the others.
cheer up john,,,dont let that KEVIN JERK
get you down.
we think you do a great job!
also ,maybe all the bloggers should vote
that kevin clown out of our blog.
rccl is looking for one more a-hole
Fay missed us,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sweet
your buds
tom & jane
John:
You are the greatest. My husband Bob and I have been on 25 cruises and you are the only one we remember. We sailed with you on the Glory.
Our first cruise with Carnival was on the Holiday, and, you were probably our bartender. I do remember the CD on that ship was a lot of fun, but, do not remember his name. He was a young 40 ish man, and, his line was Lady, Lady, Lady. Is he still with carnival? I hope tomorrow has you feeling better.
Marie
John, I’m sending you a hug. It is so normal for everyone to have a day or two when things just seem out of sorts. Call it whatever you want. Your job requires you to be “on” everyday, and that is so difficult. Being the profession that you are, I can see that you put a smile on your face and the guests never know that you have a care in the world. That is not easy. Your are such a caring person and exceptional as a cruise director. I’m praying that tomorrow will be a brighter day for you.
John, now you have made me feel ancient ….sigh I have children your age and you’re old? Guess that makes me old as Methuslah………. sigh
Boring? not my friend John Heald, He’s the only man living that can made my hubby laugh…out loud no less.
What you need is a bloggers cruise around all of your blogger friends with no Mrs S. Nob around to bug you. Well guess it’s a good thing we weren’t all around when she called you common, she might be walking the gang plank.
We all care about you my friend. Now go get a hug from Heidi. maybe you’ll luck up and the smiley stick might be smiling or maybe even laughing out loud……..:-)
Countess Carolyn……………… not a pest remember?
Hi John,
In your pictures can you show the picture of a brig.
The place where security puts people that mis-behave on a cruise. We have never seen one. And we only hope to see the one you show as pictured and not in person.
We do behave on our cruises.
God bless ya,
Suzy
We are going on Glory in 24 days. We are excited to be cruising with my nephew and his friend. His friend is a “Elvis impersonater”. His friend is going to do the Karaoke as Elvis. He is really very good. So we hope to see him get to preform on the main show when they let the guest perform.
Will send you a pic of Elvis after our cruise.
I’m so excited.
Suzy & Charlie
Steven & Dj (Elvis)
Dear John….
As we get older it seems that we lose hair where we want to keep it and it suddenly starts to grow where it has never grown before! Nothing we can do except cut them!
As for the fine upstanding gent named Kevin….
@#$%^&*())_ him!
Stay as your are John! Do not second guess yourself! Life will be no fun if we cannot laugh at ourselves and others. Susan and I laugh all the time at ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. The things we humans do…..By the way there is plenty of laughter left for others as well!
Don’ change…..we love you just the way you are!
Any bloggers on the Legend on September 14 please contact Susan and I for a get together! We are in cabin 8268!
John & Susan
P.S. We are booking the Triumph out of NOLA for a family cruise!
John,
Hope you have a better day tomorrow. You spend so much time making sure everyone else is enjoying their day, you need to do that for yourself occasionally.
Thanks for the pictures of the concentration camp. It’s important that we all remember and say a prayer for those people.
Loved the interview with Carl with a K. He was part of Todd’s team along with Big Tex when we sailed the Miracle out of Baltimore a few years back. What a treat that was. He’s very talented and deserves his own ship. Congrats to him on his promotion.
Take care John,
Lisa and George Kilmartin
John;
Your only 44, not even dry behind the ears yet, there’s still a long way for you and Heidi to go. And remember, ” They also serve who only sit and wait”.
bob
Hey, John.
Sorry to hear you’re having a “down” day. I’m feeling a little old today myself. Someone at work had found a picture of me that was 20+ years old and was showing it around. One of my co-workers who had seen it told me how good I looked in the picture, but then had to go on to say how much I had changed.
That’s okay, though. My sweetie still loves me.
Pat
InMN253
Dear John,
(You may respond to this if you wish in the blog or e-mail it to me).
The Northeast has a much harsher Winter than the Northwest. Besides, we don’t have hurricanes here. With Carnival having so many ships, why is there no Carnival ship homeported in Seattle that could ply the Alaska itinerary in the Summer and a roundtrip down to Mexico in the Winter? Is it for the same reason that there is no bloggers’ cruise in the west c0ast?
Hi John.
I know exactly how you feel about litter.
I’ve just come back from a week’s holiday in Ibiza, and observed a guest throwing all sorts of rubbish into the flower bed behind him instead of into a bin.
Now I spend a lot of money on my flower beds and gardens at the Caravan Park, and I had to restrain myself from going straight over – but had that been one of my customers, my reaction would have been immediate and very substantial.
Kind of equivalent to “do that again and you’re off at the next port”.
The thing is, these kind of “people” don’t see what they are doing as wrong.
Anyhow, I’m not in the business of changing my customers’ behaviour – I’ll just choose not to have customers who don’t know how to behave.
“Zero Tolerance” – Count me in!
Here is a big hug for you John; I was on the 25th July Baltic cruise with my husband, and you were so nice to me when I saw you on the top lido deck at the German Band party but I did not want to disturb you, my husband said something to you about me being ’scared ‘ to talk to you, and the next thing I know there you are, walking towards me, arms outstretched ready to give me a big hug, so John, here is one from me!
Love n hugs
Gill and Tony
xxx
great news about karl with a k become a full time cruise director, we had him last year we was acting cd during halloween on the liberty he did a great job, anyone that does have karl as cd you will enjoy him. He is the only cruise director (after 47 carnival cruises) that had dinner with me and suzann up in the super club and it was beore the legend show. We really enjoyed it. Hint John maybe one of these times lol, maybe September 1st for my birthday on the Splendor. John you know you are still my number 1 see you in about 10 days
Good morning John,
Please don’t feel blue. You have a great wife, great job and everyone loves you (well, maybe not Mrs. S.Nob).
Very sobering photos of Sachenhausen, one of the 3 camps my sister’s mother-in-law was in. This time instead of laughing and spraying coffee on my computer, the tears started.
You asked about homeport choices – well, you’ve known mine – NY and I remember what you told me, but I can still hope, can’t I?
Big Ed asked the question – what about the one size fits everyone else robes?
Here’s a kiss for your hurt finger and a hug to help make you feel better,
Carol
John, Like the others before me, I will remind you that no one can be “up” for unlimited days. Yet when so many count on your positive, cheery attitude, I know that must be very difficult for you.
I had to walk away for a while and come back to the blog when looking at the concentration camp photos: so real, yet so hard to imagine the hatred of misguided followers of the regime. Thank you for sharing that we must never forget.
When feeling blue, “blue” things happen: witness the toe and the finger. So I am passing you my sunny, wonderful thoughts and with these positive waves coming your way, things are sure to brighten up!
Have a dazzling day!
Karen
Good Morning John,
I can feel your pain! I’m a teensy bit older than you and the only advice is this……………………………….
getting old is NOT for sissy’s! Your bottom is trying to introduce itself to the back of your knees, the “girls” are trying to see what your navel looks like, your jaw is trying to get a front row seat to see “the neck” and your joints take turns each morning to see which one can cause the most discomfort! Other than those few little issues getting old is not that bad (snicker). But here is a bit of good news….if you got out of bed on the right side of the earth that is reason to celebrate even with all that other “stuff” going on!;D
As far as your “mid life crisis” think of all the good things you have done and all the people you have met. You have become a big part of a lot of peoples’ lives. So as the English would say “stiff upper lip” (snicker, snicker). Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy the wonderful, interesting and successful life you have. You are surrounded by people who love you, a great job and good health.
Joan
Savannah, Georgia would be an ideal port. It is a beautiful historic city with a beach nearby.
Hi John! I wanted to post a picture on here of one of the memorable moments my family had while on Splendor last week. But I don’t think I can. I promise you it’s a fantastic snapshot!! My sister (Erica) and I wrote a letter that you read, and also got my mother to verbalize “i love you!” publicly! It was WONDERFUL! It was very difficult for her to do that ..but you got her to do it!! Thank you!! I apologize that we never got to introduce ourselves to you in person. You’re busy and we were kept busy with the activities as well on the ship.. Thanks for the laughs and joy, and also for the souvenirs and champagne! You’re a good bloke, John. Cheerios! God Bless as always
Hi John and Heidi, Danny and I returned home safe after having our flight delaye 3 hours and missing our connecting flight in Toronto, we were put up in a hotel over night, and finally getting back to Maryland 11 hours late. We had a fantastic time. St Petersburg with the evening at Catherans Palace was our favorite tour. Thanks for the picture you signed for my birthday.
Tell Steph we said hi.
Jennifer and Danny
Hey John!
Thanks for the cruise director interviews. My soon to be wife and I can’t wait for our honeymoon on the Destiny on 10/6/08.
I must say, when I read your headline regarding Carl…with a K, I was excited. You see, on my parents 2nd Carnival Cruise, they had the pleasure of cruising with Karl on the Pride in ‘03, I believe. I can’t wait to tell them about his promotion and there’s no doubt in my mind that their next cruise will be on his ship.
Thanks for the interviews!
Ed in SC
John,
You are very entertaining and have people who love you. I suggest a punching bag instead of innocent furniture in the future.
Too bad there’s not a lot of tropical islands to visit.
You are not old nor boring. You are tired of your diet.
Pictures of the concentration camp are important to remind people how cruel we can be if we let let them. We must not forget.
More west coast ports would be nice. Port Hueneme would be nice. I could cruise and visit family.
Kathy
John,
My wife and I will be on the Liberty Nov. 1st and were wondering whether Carl with a K would be back on board when we cruise or if he is being assigned to another ship. We have cruised with him before as a social host and really enjoyed him and were hoping he would still be on board as our CD. If Carl will not be the CD could you please tell us who will be our CD when we are on the Liberty on November 1st.
Thanks,
Stingray
OH MY GOD, I’ve been on a diet for 6 weeks loosing weight for our Aug 30 departure and then you go and announce you want to start a naked syncro swimming team. But its ok John, give me a week on-board and I should be back up to weight.
Hi John/Heidi:
Growing up I was always taught “Never Forget” so i was very pleased to see the pictures you posted today.
Great news for the folks in Mobile and New Orleans. What is going to happen to the Holiday once she leaves Mobile? I can’t believe all the changes.
Thanks for another great blog today and cheer up!
Take care,
David
The life and times of John Heald. That author/biographer obviously didn’t possess enough talent or didn’t want to exert any type of effort in composing your tale. Given a suitable writer…… your story could be spun into an intriguing and entertaining read………
Almost like a 3 ring circus….In ring 1 Regis throwing tantrums … in ring 3 Howie Mandel being a royal snob…….and in the center ring…..Mrs. S. Nob’s pretense on being queen B of the universe scoffing at the rest of the world because they are so beneath her…..
Good Times…
Mark
The Flying (Circus) Dutchman
Hello, John do you know if the carnival dream or magic will have any european sailings that are not inagular?
Pleas let me know, beacuase I am in the process of looking for a ship in the dream class if it will do the medetranian, and will you be on any ships in that class? I know your not dealivering it, however it would be nice to see if we could arrange to sail on a ship in the dream class in europe while your the CD. And another question that you may not be able to answer, but I understant that It might be a secrete of carnival that they are not releasing. Is the carnival pinacle are real project?
from, JAKE S. ( :
Hello, John do you know if the carnival dream or magic will have any european sailings that are not inagular?
Pleas let me know, beacuase I am in the process of looking for a ship in the dream class if it will do the medetranian, and will you be on any ships in that class? I know your not dealivering it, however it would be nice to see if we could arrange to sail on a ship in the dream class in europe while your the CD. And another question that you may not be able to answer, but I understant that It might be a secrete of carnival that they are not releasing.
Is the carnival pinacle are real project?
from, JAKE S. ( :
John:
So glad you are feeling better today. I just want you to know that I so enjoy your blog. I do not miss a day of your great wit. I was so happy to read that you may be on the Liberty next summer as we have booked the Baltic cruise for August 25, 2009. I am so enjoying your daily descriptions of the ports and especially the crussengers. Don’t even think of stopping this blog.
Marie
John,
Karl has a lot of friends. My wife & I were on “The Miracle” out of New York with Karl soon after its maiden voyage. Karl’s parents were on the ship. The combination of Karl, CD Todd Witcom & Big Tex was the best we have had on five Carnival Cruises. Congratulations to Karl, he earned the promotion. I’m looking forward to learning who will be the CD on “The Inspiration” on November 8th. Beautiful ship, great food , etc. are nothing without a great CD & staff.
Gary
Boring?????????? Never!!!
You are full and wonderful!!!
And we love you for being just that!!!
Keep up the great work… you’re a SMILE MAKER and a HAPPINESS GIVER!!!
Lambie
John,
The Hebrew spelled out in the photo reads “Yizkor,” which is a verbal form meaning “remembrance.”
Oh John, me thinks you complain too much about age. After all it’s only a state of mind. I just completed the last cruise with you and here I am a 60 year old lady traveling single who met a nice gentleman traveling solo and we almost got into a little rumpy bumpy ourselves. At least there was a lot of flirting. So, you have a lot to look forward to in your golden years. By the way, we met at the adult pool on the Lido Deck. Is there no way to keep the 10 year olds out of our hot tubs and pool? There seemed to be no responsible supervision from the Carnival staff and I was astounded to see six kids of various ages eating corn on the cob in the adult’s hot tub. This area should be reserved exclusively for adults; it’s our only quiet place to go for sunshine and relaxation.
But what a wonderful cruise and John, you are fabulous. I’m sorry to hear you won’t be launching Dream next year. I’m disappointed you won’t be there to entertain us. It won’t be the same without you. Hopefully, I’ll catch you on another cruise someday. Just a side note. We had booked a private excursion with a reputable tour company in St. Petersburg and had no problems at all disembarking or with customs. Everything went very smoothly. Keep up the good work.