Normal Service has been resumed.
Guest: M_________ Ref: 002803183A Owner: (SLSHEXMGR)
Cabin: _____ Booking#: _____ Added-Changed: 08/19/08 – 08/19/08____- WANTS CHOPSTICKS IN THE DINING ROOM
Mr__________ who is the group leader of a group from Hong Kong came to the desk very upset because he asked for chopsticks instead of silve rwear to be placed at dinner for his group. Guest said that he also wanted them at breakfast on the Lido deck. The guest became very upset as he said that he felt very angry that he should have to ask and that we should realize that Asian people do not eat like Americans. Purser apologized and said his comments would be passed to the Maitre D. Guest then said that he wanted to reserve seating at the shows for his 44 people. Purser said we have no seat saving allowed. Guest was again very upset and said that Carnival was not treating his group fairly.
Tasked to Maitre D and apology letter sent.
This is a new one on me and a very strange request. We frequently have guests from Asia sail and never before have they asked for chopsticks at mealtimes. I do not quite understand how a country that produces some of the most complicated electronic gadgets in the world can be totally baffled by a spoon………but anyway, we have a sushi bar onboard and plenty of chopsticks so these have been placed accordingly at their tables and available at all the stations on Lido Deck.
There, I feel better now and although Kevin may not agree I actually feel cleansed having shared that with you. Let me explain about yesterday later in the blog.
Good morning to you all and I hope you and your families are well and happy. Today, we are in Copenhagen, Denmark where the weather forecast predicted rain and gloom but the forecast was in fact as accurate as Dick Cheney is with a rifle because the sun shone and the temperature reached a balmy 68 degrees …………..perfect.
We had 1,567 guests on tours while the others walked and took the bus into town ……….oh one thing I just learned today………….apparently the local bus company has gotten wise to the fact that they will make more money if they take Euros ……… so ……….after refusing to do so for the first three voyages …………. today………….they did…………smart people the Danes.
As you will have seen on the blog, no day is exactly the same……..you never know what is going to come next…………take this e-mail for instance.
From: Jonny Allcock On Behalf Of travel
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 10:20 AM
To: SPLENDOR CRUISE DIRECTOR; SPLENDOR MUSICAL DIRECTOR; SPLENDOR STAFF ADMIN
Subject: FW: WILLIAMSON/PAUL 20AUG MAN – Flight to Copenhagen this morning cancelled by SK.
Hi
The SK540 at 10am out of Manchester has been cancelled.
Paul is at Manchester airport now and the best they can offer is the SK1542, departs Manchester 1350, arrives Copenhagen 1645 local time.
Can we double check – is the Splendor still departing from Copenhagen at 4pm please as if so there is no point him flying out of Manchester on that 1350 hrs flight ? If the ships departure time is delayed and not leaving until say 7pm then perhaps it is worth the risk?
Await your thoughts but as things stand right now it is highly unlikely Mr Williamson (guest ent Paul Dabek) will be able to make it to Denmark for this one night contract I am afraid.
Best wishes
Jonny Allcock
The acts that appear on all cruise lines are what are known as fly on entertainers. These ladies and gents fly from ship to ship providing great entertainment to thousands of cruise ship passengers.
However, they are at the mercy of the airlines and when planes are canceled or delayed they often miss the vessel. Now, surprisingly this is the first time I can remember an act missing the ship in Europe for a long time and of course he was flying my favorite line Easy Jet who make flying as Easy as it would be for Paris Hilton to understand quantum physics.
So, what to do………well, the Carnival Capers are printed and the guests are expecting a show. So, I have asked the cast to perform one of our lavish production shows called Fiesta Latina.
Now, you might imagine that this is easy…………you just pick up the phone and tell the cast………………do the show. But it’s not as easy as that. Firstly all the scenery has to be set up which in this case takes 5 guys 2 hours to do. Then there are the logistics of having the scenery set because tonight we also have the Past Guest receptions as well.
You also have to make sure the back stagehands are available and most importantly that the cast are ready to perform . …………….what do I mean by that. Well, Carnival has a very strict policy that does not allow any alcohol to be consumed by the cast on the day of a show………….and today, many of them went to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Now, while I do not expect anyone in this cast to drink to excess I was a little concerned. However, I managed to get hold of our wonderful Dance Captain Claire who made sure the message that tonight was a show night was passed onto everyone.
So, I have made announcements, I have made posters………..well, one of the staff has because I don’t know how to and the Maitre D’s will inform everyone at dinner. Paul Dabek, our magician will now fly into Germany and perform the following night.
I should also mention that I did check with the Captain if we could wait for him but buy the time he arrived at the vessel it would have been 6 pm which would have us late into Germany tomorrow…………..and as fantastic a magician as Paul is…………..no act is worth being late into port for………………….well, maybe the Rolling Stones……………..oh, talking of that I wanted to mention Cunard.
I saw lots of you had posted comments following my blog thingy about the Queen Elizabeth 2 and someone called Peter Bearcole slapped something on my Facespace Book page asking with the Queen Elizabeth 2 going, what was in my opinion the most important cruise ship in the world now.
Good question
Well, in the world of vacation giving vessels the Queen Mary 2 takes the prize. Imagine a band comprising Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and absolutely no sign of Sting…………… That’s what this vessel is like to cruiseshipheads………….people who like cars are called petrolheads so we are now cruiseshipheads.
So, Mr. Bearcole…………in my humble opinion The Queen Mary 2 is the ship that will have cruiseshipheads running to see when she is in port.
OK, let’s post some photos taken once again by Jaime on her trip to Copenhagen today. She accompanied the guests on the Copenhagen Highlights Tour………..here are her photos.
I also thought you would like to see some photos of Carnival executives at the press conferences in New Orleans and Mobile.
Here is some interesting news about the Carnival Elation
CARNIVAL ELATION TO SHIFT TO THREE- AND FOUR-DAY CRUISES FROM SAN DIEGO BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2009
MIAMI (August 20, 2008 ) – Carnival Cruise Lines will deploy the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation on a new three- and four-day cruise schedule from San Diego beginning Feb. 12, 2009. The ship currently operates four- and five-day cruises from San Diego and will continue that program through the departure of Feb. 7, 2009.
On its new route, Carnival Elation will depart Thursdays on three-day cruises to Ensenada, providing a value-packed long weekend getaway. Four-day cruises will depart Sundays and visit two ports, Ensenada and Catalina Island.
Carnival has offered a similar, highly successful program from Southern California for a number of years, currently on the Carnival Paradise based in Long Beach, with those departures occurring on Fridays and Mondays.
“Between the two ships, consumers will have a choice of two very popular departure points, Long Beach and San Diego, as well as four different departure days each week to select from,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “These will be the only ships in the Southern California market offering three and four-day cruises starting in 2009, and with short getaways currently a trend among North American consumers, combined with the inherent value of a cruise, these voyages represent an extremely desirable vacation choice,” he added.
Carnival, which is the West Coast’s largest, most popular cruise line, also offers longer length voyages from Southern California. The Carnival Pride operates seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach year-round (to be replaced by the new Carnival Splendor in March 2009) and the Carnival Spirit offers seasonal eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego.
Myriad ‘Fun Ship’ Features
Part of Carnival’s highly successful Fantasy class, the 70,000-ton Carnival Elation features 12 lounges and bars, including a multi-level theater showcasing lavish revues, a 12,000-square-foot health and wellness center, full casino gambling, and a wide range of full-service and casual dining options.Family-friendly amenities include organized programs for children in three age groups – “Camp Carnival” for ages 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – all with facilities, activities and staff for each.
Carnival Elation also features three swimming pools, a 115-foot-long water slide, a one-eighth-mile jogging track and a variety of stateroom categories, each offering the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. Cell phone service and ship-wide Wi-Fi access are available, as well.Reservations
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Elation’s new three- and four-day cruises from San Diego. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
###
Here are today’s letters for the in their Own Words Section
I met Rick Poblaski and his wife at the past guest party tonight and we had a chat. Rick looks great considering he was chasing an armed robbery suspect in Missouri. The bad guy turned the truck he was in into a weapon and drove it straight at Officer Rick’s car……….the next thing he remembers is waking up in hospital with a fractured skull, two broken legs and other serious internal injuries.
That was in February 2007. It is a miracle therefore that he is alive and here to celebrate life with us on the ship……………he and his wife will return to the cabin tonight to find some champagne and strawberries waiting for them ……………….. oh, and they caught the bad guy by the way……………….I am sure Sherriff Coltrane our regular blogging friend will be the first to pay his tributes to Rick.
In the UK those “America’s Best Police Car Chase” and “Cops” are huge hits and so different to car chases in the UK.
I remember one a few years ago. It involved seven police cars, a helicopter and three roadblocks. It all sounded very dramatic, but what made this particular pursuit especially noteworthy was that the police were after a 10mph John Deere tractor.
So why not simply jog alongside the John Deere, open the door and remove the keys from the ignition? Why bring in the airborne cavalry? Why seven police cars? Well, it’s simple. The spectacle of a rosy-cheeked slightly overweight British Bobby running alongside a tractor isn’t very Hollywood.
Whereas using tire-slashing stingers and patrol cars and a helicopter with a infer red heat seeking cameras and machine guns is sure to get the footage on one of those World’s Wildest Police Chase programmes.
I sometimes get the impression these days that the police force is actually a film production company and that pretty soon criminals will be advised that anything they say may be taken down and translated….. for the Japanese market. People being arrested shouldn’t bother with a lawyer…They’re better off calling an agent.
OK, time to enjoy the next installment from our Cruise Director interviews. Today, we feature Paul Santley who is a proud scouser. This means he comes from Liverpool which means he has a brilliant sense of humour which you will now discover.
1. Can you tell us which ship you currently are on and when you are due to leave?
Sensation. I Leave at the beginning of November 2008 Vacation
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 at the Butlins holiday centre’s in England back in 1977 and thought well I’ll try the cruise lines for a change
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.
Planning all the activities and mingling throughout the ship with the most important people onboard (The Guests)
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,
Welcome aboard Show just to share Fun & Laughter the best medicine in the world
5. What has been your most challenging moment as Cruise Director so far?
Trying to buy new underwear last week from Wal-Mart they only had Small, Medium and XXL first 2 were too tight and the last one fit me like a Hula Hoop, an everyday challenge in the life of a Cruise Director
6. And, you’re most rewarding
Going back to Wal-Mart yesterday and finding they had Large in stock Yipeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
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
We go to the Bahamas Freeport & Nassau on 3 & 4 day Cruises I would recommend The Kayak in Freeport and the Dolphin Swim in Nassau a very good choice for both ports.
8. Why, in your opinion is Carnival…………..the world’s most popular cruise line
FUN no matter what age you are
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 would like to have been the Cruise Director on the Ark, with Noah as the Captain. Embarkation would have been so easy each guest would need just one photo between them. No ports of call just day’s & day’s & day’s at sea Ha!!!
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.
Walking along the Lido deck one evening the wind was blowing very strong. Just ahead of me was a very elegantly dressed elderly lady, all of a sudden a gust of wind blew the lady’s dress over head. As I ran over to save her embarrassment I noticed she was clinging on tightly to her hat. I said madam the wind blew your dress over your head and you grabbed your hat Why? Young man she said, everything under this dress is over 80 years old…… This Hat Is Brand New…………..Priceless
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 Spam in a tin
MAIN COURSE Spam out of a tin
DESERT Chocolate covered Spam
SOMEONE FROM THE CRUISE INDUSTRY Christopher Columbus
SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD Eddie Izzard
YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS Susan Haywood
YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR Anthony Hopkins
YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN Paul McCartney
AND SOMEONE FROM HISTORY YOU WISHED YOU HAD MET Cleopatra
Thanks Paul, as you can see, Paul loves life and never takes anything too seriously…………the perfect recipe for a great Cruise Director.
And now…………an apology……………..from me to you.
Yesterday, I was miserable, moody and quite honestly I was a complete and utter bastard to Heidi for which I have apologized in words, flowers and a promise of lots of hugs. My moodiness was down to one or two things. Firstly……….the blog. Kevin’s comment really had me thinking that maybe the blog had reached its peak….was I relying on the odd guest …………by odd I mean……….one or two…………not that someone is odd………although one or two are ………. well ……… a little bit….odd.
Yesterday, for the first time since starting the blog I seriously considered stopping. I stared at the blank screen, the words wouldn’t come and when they did…………..well, you saw how depressing they were. Then there is the subject of 2009 and what to do before and after the bloggers cruise. Well, that’s when the argument started and that’s when my writing became as boring as watching reruns of C- SPAN.
I still have not decided what to do next year………..I think it may be Carnival Liberty in Europe and before that to visit some ships within the corporation to write about them for the blog………..anyway, I will let you know. The final straw to my grumpiness was when I stubbed my toe……….which resulted in a small dent in our wardrobe and a very bruised finger.
The hardest thing about being grumpy is as soon as you walk out of the door you have to be “Mr Happy ” and last night I had to call on all my experience to make sure I didn’t walk out on stage and tell everyone to bugger off.
However, after speaking to a friend this morning I feel much better…………..I have no idea what next year will bring, my finger hurts and I just spent $55 on some half dead roses……………however, I will continue to write the blog……….I will love my wife……….on Thursdays……….and I will give Carnival Corporation the benefit of the rest of my working years…………as my mate said to me this morning …………… Always look On The Bright Side Of Life.
COME ON EVERYONE, LETS HAVE THE FIRST EVER BLOG SING A LONG
ARE YOU READY
AFTER 4
A, 1 2 3 4
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best…
And…always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the light side of life…
If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle – that’s the thing.
And…always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the light side of life…
For life is quite absurd
And death’s the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin – give the audience a grin
Enjoy it – it’s your last chance anyhow.
So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath
Life’s a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true.
You’ll see it’s all a show
Keep ‘em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.
And always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the right side of life…
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the bright side of life…
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life…
(I mean – what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing – you’re going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life…
Thanks for your continuing friendship, for allowing me to share my good days and the occasional bad one with you all………. and for reading the blog which has just zoomed past 2,720,000.
Your friends always
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Elation, Carnival Splendor, Copenhagen
John
your Blog is read & enjoyed by so many it would be criminal to throw the towel in now just cause of the rare negative comment.
Everybody including the minority of people like Kevin are entitled to their opinion on your blog, however the majority of readers enjoy all you write & understand your sense of humour so we dont take offence.
My opinion is that Kevin is not the messiah….he’s a very naughty boy
Long may you cruise, blog & continue to be yourself
See you in 10 days
Lorraine
PS : a wife is for life, not just Thursdays
Dear John as always loved the pictures.The poor Asian fellow needs a life check.Have the purser put a sign over his station “There are 3000 plus guest on this ship you although special are not the only guest.Have mercy on our misgivings.”I’m sure Heidi knows everyone is entitled to a bad day just try to make the good ones special. Best wishes Gary and Bug
John, did you have a bad day yesterday? Glad you told us you had a bad day we would have never noticed it. So I lift a drink to you a hope you have many better days. It realy must have been bad if you ended up buying Heidi flowers. Well maybe Heidi will take the flower pettles and put them on the bed Thursday signaling that the happy stick is a smiling. A lettle rumpy pumpy always makes those bad days better.
Go for it Tarzan well maybe not Tarzan maybe Humpty Dumpty.
King BIG ED
All my Krewe will put you back together again.
John, as I already said, keep blogging about the odd duck guests. Those are always great entertainment! I wish you would say more about them!
Jeff
Dear John,
Your blog thingy definitely left me smiling today. As soon as I saw the title, I immediately started humming the tune.
I’m glad you’re feeling a lot more cheerful. No one knows what the future will hold (well, maybe Q), but we do our best every day to live life to the fullest for our family, friends & ourselves. Did that make any sense? I think it’s oxygen deprivation from being stuck inside all day. Anyway, stay well.
Great interview with Paul – love his sense of humor. and those photos of Copenhagen really are terriffic.
I’ve got a car (?) chase for you – the other day in a suburb of the City, someone had been breaking into parked cars. The police caught up to him, but he ran away from them down a very steep and winding hill to the Metro-North railroad tracks. He ran across the tracks and jumped into the Hudson River. The marine unit fished him out. May not have been a high speed car chase, but would you jump into the river?
Stay well John & Heidi,
Carol
Your words and thoughts mean so much to so many people! Many (like myself) read the “bloggy thing” to remember past cruises and to help dream about future ones. You help make the countdown to the next memorable cruise (66 days but who’s counting!) go quicker. Don’t EVER underestimate yourself and the positive effect you have on others!
Your’s is a difficult position to be in. You always have to be ‘on’. I think this blog is as good for you as it is for us. We’re family and if you can’t vent to family who can you vent to???
We, or at least I, read this blog to see life through your eyes. Not all things in life are pretty, or funny or even interesting. I reality, it’s not WHAT we experience but HOW we experience that counts.
Rant away when necessary. You can’t drive us away that easily!!
By the way, I’m THRILLED to hear that you’ll be staying with the world’s greatest cruise line… CARNIVAL!!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
John,
You’re the greatest!!!!!!! Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently!!!!!
Dear John,
I read your blog everyday. I love hearing about the difficult guests, they’re my favorite! Please, please, please keep telling your funny stories. In my wildest dream, Kevin will come aboard and we’ll get to see the memo’s from the purser’s desk.
I’ve been reading your blog for three or four months now even though I’ve never had the opportunity to cruise on a ship you’ve been on and I’ve only commented once or twice but today it sounds like you need to hear how much we appreciate this blog.
I think this blog, whether it’s about good days or bad days, interesting guests or challenging ones, allows you and the Carnival Corp. in general to do something that no other cruise line has been able to do and that is make those of us who cruise with you feel like part of the family or at least like good friends. I look forward to reading the blog everyday as in some way, it makes it seem like I’m still connected to the cruising that I love even when I’m not on a ship.
The fact that the company has a human face that we can correspond with is something altogether too rare these days. I’ve never cruised with any other line that actually let its passengers “in” and behind the scenes to get to know the cruise directors and other staff. This family/friends atmosphere that Carnival creates is one of the major reasons I choose to remain loyal to Carnival for my cruise vacations. Why would anyone go cruise with strangers when they can take a vacation with friends and family?
John:
We all thank you for continuing to share your life with us. There is no need to apologize for the occasional “down” day – they are as much a part of life as the best days.
The thoughts of my cruises with you as CD (Ecstasy in ‘93 and Sensation in ‘94) still provide terrific memories. We’ve been on 10 more cruises since then (all with CCL, of course
. No knock on the CD’s since then, but none of them has been able to live up to the Bedtime Story and passenger “Dick Golden” (as you pointed out to the audience, the S&S card had last names first… 
)
Please don’t feel bad about sharing some of your “down” times with us bloggers. We know how good a person you are, and how much you try to please everyone – that’s part of why we all like you so much! If you “vent” to us, you can refresh yourself and be better able to provide many more special memories to your current and future guests. Don’t take it out on the furniture – that’s hard on it and harder on you!
Keep up the great work!
Rick (a loyal reader and occasional commenter)
PS: An ongoing thank you to Stephanie & everyone else behind the scenes!
PPS: 3,000,000 “slaps”, here we come!
John, what you have to remember is we all have bad days, sometimes several days in a row.
I can honestly say though that if I have had a bad day then part of the recovery process is reading your blog.
It’s a shame we can’t write funny blogs for you to read on the bad days.
As for writing about particular cruisers then keep them coming. It just shows how difficult your job is and confirms that I couldn’t do it.
BTW it seems to me you don’t have nearly enough days off.
You have me worried. We don’t want to lose you!! I fear the day you decide to stop writing.NO, no end… forget it! But I can put myself in your position. It’s the things that you love the most, your wife and family and your job. Many changes in the next months. What to do? It’s scary. Put it in God hands and let it go. In one way or other he will show you the way. What else can I tell you? That you are the best and that we love you. I wish I could give you a hug.
Does the guest from Hong Kong realized that Americans don’t eat like Asians ? It works both ways. If you want chopticks in other places outside Asia carry them with you. Why doesn’t people realize that they are in another country and they have to adapt to them not the other way around. You are at their place and we are not the Kings of the world and it doesn’t revolve around us. Please…
Nanni
Ok here is my contribution… Cheer up Johnny
Hello world here’s a song that we’re singing
Come on get happy
A whole lotta lovin’ is what we’ll be bringing
We’ll make you happy
Travelin’ along there’s a song that we’re singin’
Come on get happy
A whole lotta lovin’ is what we’ll be bringin’
We’ll make you happy
We’ll make you happy
We had a dream we’d go travelin’ together
And spread a little lovin’, then we keep moving on
Something always happens whenever we’re together
We get a happy feeling when we’re singing a song
Trav’lin’ along, here’s a song that we’re singing
Come on get happy
A whole lotta lovin’ is what we’ll be bringing
We’ll make you happy
Come on get happy
Mark
The Flying (Partridge) Dutchman
Hi John
I read your blog every day, love hearing all the news, you make me laugh, smile and you make each day a bit brighter,so dont stop and carry on,as the other bloggers have said we love hearing all the stories. Really wish carnival were sailing in med next july/aug, keep hoping there might be a chance the dream will be ready six weeks early!!! we might join you on the liberty otherwise. All good here in Thorpe Bay (weather just like the Baltic rain,grey).
Just wanted to say Hi and take care of yourself and Heidi
Love Michellx
First a Heartfelt THANK YOU to Rick and anyone in law enforcement you are truly apprieciated.
Now John,
Here’s that part that could get forgotten You are human and as such are entitled to bad days your true friends will not judge or be offended by these times. We stand by your side even if only in spirit offer you silent support and a virtual hug. I think all of us here consider ourselves you friends and in that alone you are a very lucky man add to that a Loving wife and family and you truly have it all. We all get those blue days and you can’t let one negative coment take away what you have you have never bad mouthed any of the people that you have shared with us only allowed us a look into what you deal with onboard as easy as it would be to call names or make nasty comments you have kept yourself above board in all aspect and as far as I see gone above and beyond the “call of duty” by paying for or arranging things at your own personal expense that alone says a great deal about the man you are not who someone thinks you are. That is the true mark of a gentleman in every aspect of the word. There need to be a few more of you out there in todays society. As long as you continue to be you people will be drawn to you. Who you don’t hear from enough are the people who’s life you have made better just because you are you…..As always with deepest regards to you and Heidi you are quite simply the best….Pam
Hi John,
I love hearing your stories…the bad, the good, the funny. We all have bad days, and we all need to vent. I can imagine that sometimes your bad days are a little worse because you always have to be “on” in front of the cruisers.
Today’s CD interview was wonderful!
Clair
Hi John,
Glad you’re feeling better.
No need to explain or apologise about having a bad day, we all have ‘em. I’m just surprised you stay cheerful as much as you do. I certainly could never do your job. Just dealing with one of your “special” guests would undoubtedly turn into an incident of Man Overboard. The only question would be is it me or the guest who would be swimming?
As for Chopstick Man, he should give a little thought to how most asian countries treat their western guests before he gets his knickers in a twist. I had a 2 week business trip to Korea, and 90% of the time my choices were: use chopsticks, or starve. And in the Samsung commissary my only option was to use stainless steel chopsticks (it’s almost impossible to hold anything with SS chopsticks).
Whenever I eat at an asian-themed restaurant I always use chopsticks, partly to keep in practice, but also to try to have the full asian experience, and out of respect to the people who run the restaurant. Also, if I should ever book a cruise on an asian-owned ship cruising in Asia, I would not be surprised or upset if I found chopsticks instead of forks at my dinner table. So why should Chopstick Man get mad when his American-owned cruise ship, sailing in Europe, puts forks on his table? Does he also expect to see chinese opera in the ship’s theater tonight???
Hey, good to hear you’re feeling better. I like this blog because it’s about as close as I can get to the cruise industry when I’m not sailing, so I hope you can keep writing as long as possible. I have to admit, Paul gave a funnier interview than I expected; loved the Ark bit especially.
We finished our Baltic cruise on Aug 6: great time and I would like to get DH to go on the same one next year: still plenty to see.
I have an RSS feed to this blog because I can get that sense of being on holiday and on the ship when I read the blog. I don’t always read everything but I enjoy the anecdotes and the behind-the-scenes commentary. Perhaps, you are getting blogger’s burnout and need to cut down the frequency or the quantity but I guarantee you that you would miss the oppurtunity for that expression were you to quit.
Thanks for you stories, your humor, and your gifts that you share so generously.
best regards Pam
Hi, John!
“Normal service has been resumed.” Does that mean you’re feeling back to normal, or that the IT department has everything running up to par again? Either way, it’s good to see you in much better spirits today.
When I got to the sing-along I put my Spamalot CD in the computer so I’d have the correct “tune” for Look on the Bright Side of Life, and I did, indeed, sing along. This might be fun on the blogger’s cruise. Kind of make it a theme song.
I’m sure Heidi has forgiven you whatever behavior warranted roses and Thursday night looks like a “go.”
And finally, as you have seen, you are much loved and your ascerbic comments about some snooty, weird or otherwise “deserving” guests are perfectly appropriate. If nothing else, you give us and other future guests some valuable information as to what behaviors are NOT compatible with the Fun Ships of Carnival!!!
Smiles and hugs to both you and Heidi.
Your Pal, Myra
OK, Hello John.
Another great blog as usual.
One thing tho……
Is the magician (Paul Dabek) fellows agent (or whoever wrote the delay letter) name really “Jonny Allcock” ?
Thats gotta be a stage name!!!
Cheer up John.
Phil & Liz
John, you have such a huge heart, you truly do. When someone has a bad day that is acerbated by nervous things one being someone just had to let you know how to run your blog, how can you not be angry. Just so you know, everyone has a bad day and you can not beat yourself up for having one. You have made amends to the one you love and to those you talk to on a daily basis. You truly are very kind and so very sweet. You will decide what to do when your tour of duty on the Splendor is over. Try and think of how much you love to make people smile and how much you love what you do. You will find something perfect for you and Hedi; something that will make you both happy.
Looking forward to coming aboard the Splendor and meeting you and Hedi.
Keep smiling John, you truly are an amazing person. Just ask the bloggers, your crew and Hedi.
Hey John,
We love ya warts & all. Keep the blog coming!!
Jan
Again your comparisons make me laugh out loud and its so true that the Asians do produce some of the most complicated electronics–but hey Americans are not the only ones who use silver ware to eat! In fact, everyone does but the Asians don’t they?
Glad you are feeling better today and are making it up to Heidi with the half dead roses.
Again you supplied me with a new fact–I had no idea that entertainers flew in to do one show and got off again to go to another ship–holy shrimps that would and could be a huge hassle trying to coordinate those travel plans!
Paul sounds very funny and of course I have very found memories of the Sensation.
John:
It was good to see Paul Santley again. We sailed with him on the Holiday back in 2003. He is the one that taught me the Lion King song (Can You Feel the Love Tonight) that I now sing at karaoke.
It is one of my favorites.
He also had to endure a “horrible” try I gave at a song with the cover duo “The Breeze” on that trip. I found out after I agreed to sing that they could not transpose the song into my key. It was a disaster. One day I look forward to sailing with him again!!
As for “off days”…remember it takes the valleys to appreciate the view from the mountain tops!!
I learn a very interesting “fact” yesterday on Oprah. Dr. Oz was on the show.
WARNING: it is a little “racey”. (I don’t want to offend anyone.)
It is about weight loss in men. For every 35 pounds a man loses in weight, he gains an inch….”elsewhere”.
Yet again, another benefit of weight loss!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
One of my favourite sayings “Always look on the bright side of life” (not always put into practise) but worth striving for.
Another favourite “life is just a bowl of cherries”.
Looking forward to 30th August and catching up.
Suzanne & Lisa
(Downunder)
hello john
hope you feel great today,
and remember NOLA,,
and let the fun begin.
hope that Kevin ass isnt booked on that cruise.
we may make him walk the plank!!!
dont worry about what he says,
I think he is reading to many Al Gore books.
like his latest “Sour Grapes”
that Fay isnt gone yet ,,over by Port Canaveral they had 25 inches of rain in 2 days.
hugs to all
tom & jane
Hey John
Thank’s for the sing-a-long I needed it. The summer in the air conditioning service business with the rich and famous of the Hamptons has me just drianed and reading your blog makes me remember why I do what I do. To cruise on Carnival with my Jeanne.
I look forward to enjoying every moment with her on Splendor and seeing you and Heidi in 10 days.
Thanks again,
Ray
John,
I have only commented a few times, but read your blog thingy everyday. It has been a real treat getting to know the Splendor, and also you and Heidi, and now we get to meet lots of other CD’s.
You are certainly entitled to a bad day now and again, don’t let the Kevin’s of the world get you down. Keep up the good work, we are relying on you.
Steve and I will be cruising on the Splendor, but not until January, at which time (if I understand your schedule) you will have returned to the UK. We so wanted to meet you after discovering the blog, but maybe some other time. The BC is too close to our January cruise so will have to wait. I have a couple of friends joining you Aug 30th BTB lucky buggers. I have told them all about you.
Any idea who the CD will be to fill the gap before the South American voyage?
Our best regards,
Marlene & Steve
STOP BEING A DOORMAT.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!
John, your blog is such a blessing to all of us. Your sense of humor usually keeps us laughing, but you always manage to also show your compassionate side. Even when you talk about the odd duck, troublesome passenger – with the same thoughts we ALL have when dealing with those people, you always go WAY above and beyond to make the person happy. Much further than I – and I’m sure many others – would go, and Mrs. S Nob was no exception.
Thanks for sharing all your days with us – even the bad ones! I agree with the previous posters – you can always vent here, and I hope that doing so helps you get to feeling better.
Although my inclination would be to send a virtual hug, I know how you feel about those.
So, here’s a virtual pat on the back. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your time with us every day.
John, love your explination of yesterday. We all have those days. Some are worse than others. You are a great Cruise Director who works and worries too much.
I can’t wait to meet Paul Santley in 46 days, Whoooo Hoooo and to see the Sensation for the first time. We are treating my daughter and son (who is visiting from Germany) to this 4 day and it sounds like we will have a great time with Paul.
Officer Rick & his wife Terri enjoy yourself with John and get well soon. We thank you Rick for all that you have done for the public safety. I will keep both of you in my prayers.
CarolAnn
Hello John,
Glad you’re feeling better today. No one can be happy and feel great all the time and it’s even more difficult for a person in your position who has to at least appear jovial as part of your job.
Keep posting about the strange guests you have on board. Since you’re not giving their names there shouldn’t be a problem with it. It makes us feel that much more intelligent.
I know you’ll make the right decision about the future for you, Heidi and Carnival. I wish you were coming back to the States since we’d have a better chance of seeing you again but we know you prefer to stay closer to home now, especially since Heidi won’t be on the ship with you.
Smile!
George and Linda
Almost forgot 192 days until the Glory.
CarolAnn
John, I’m glad today is a better day! I sent you a hug yesterdy. Can I expect flowers, too?
John,
Please continue the blog. I have been reading it since you started writing, and I love to read about your unusual experiences with “people”. Last year my friend and I sailed with you on the Freedom for the Med. Cruise. On August 30 we will join you and the wonderful Carnival crew on the Splendor. We have a special present for you. We will leave it for you at the purser’s desk. I think it is something that you use quite often.
You have really had some weird ducks on the last few cruises. Is it always like this? Some people need to realize that everything is not about them.
The drawback with your position as Cruise Director is that you must always have a “smile” on your face. That can get very tiring….. Before I retired I was an administrator in an elementary school. I had to smile at some of the parents who were always complaining. All I really wanted to do was to kick them out of the building. So- I understand “a little bit” how you are feeling.
Hang in there —– Tell Heidi Hi
Hey John,
Im Dave, 18, from Scotland. I’ve been reading this blog for around a year now, and admittedly, havn’t posted any comments. I’ve been in love with cruises and your blog gives a real insight into what really goes on.
I felt the need to comment today to give you a bit of a kick up the ar*se. From what I’ve seen, the role of a cruise director draws mainly from entertainment and organisational skills. You clearly have both sorted. Being Carnivals only senior cruise director, although you will probably deny it, you are clearly a step ahead of the others.
The feat of effectively scheduling a daily programme for over 3,ooo people takes great skill. What i find amazing though, is your attention to detail. Most people would brush aside a complaint or two, after all, whats 1 in 3,000. But yet you constantly question whether you took the right response. Most people wouldn’t.
I’m sure you get enjoyment from positive feedback from your guests. Seeing guests (i didn’t call them passengers!) singing, dancing, talking of the great port they are in, must be a pretty positive aspect of the job, knowing you’ve done that right.
And then, as if your not busy enough, you then come on here and fantastically entertain thousands and thousands with your daily antics. I bet if you were to sit every single reader in an arena (probably a stadium) and have them listen to you talk rather than type, and seeing how many people laugh and smile when reading this thing, youd start to cheer up.
Laughing is the universal language of the world, it shows friendliness and happiness. It brings people together and provides an escape. The ability to make people laugh is one of the biggest skills a person can have. It doesnt matter your colour, age, height, size or beliefs.
As far as not posting on the blog the complaints of certain guests, i feel you’ve done everything you should have done. Too many people initially could see this blog as nothing more than a maketing gimmick. Yet you continue to show Carnivals faults. The problems make this blog interesting. Everybody suffers from problems. A happy hunky-dorey blog wouldnt cut it. Furthermore, the idea of 3000 happy smiling bouncing guests aint gonna happen either. When you post things like what Mrs Snob has been up to, and we read it, its not her actions that entertain us, its reading how its dealt with that is interesting. You never release names, therefore its not ridiculing any individual.
Next year, i’d be sad to see you leave Carnival. Clearly, your top of the game at what you do. Then theres thousands of here whose days made a bit better by what you’ve talked of.
People who stay within their comfort zones are boring. They never amount to much. Look at your daily life. Look back at what you’ve acheived. Listen to all the guests thanking you on disembarkation.
If that cheers you up, and makes you smile, score. You’ve won.
Can you settle for walking the dog each morning on your way through country roads to buy a pint of milk?
I’ll hopefully start commenting each day, i have no idea why i havnt up till now.
All the best,
Dave
John – Keep up the good work. We all enjoy the blog more than you will ever know. Thanks !!!
The stories about “odd” guests and grumpy guests make me laugh and shake my head. I have been a food & beverage director at a country club and know some of these people of whom you write. Honestly, unless you have “served” the public, you can’t begin to believe that there are so many egocentrically entitled human beings (my favorite expression when I piss and moan about ‘em!). Being on all the time is not easy and when you have to vent, you have to vent.
Thanks for you bloggy thingy. Someone very special once told me that we can learn from people who annoy us…we can learn not to be like them.
Cheers!
Hello John, Heidi, Stephanie and all from the Bristol race track.
It’as hot here and getting quite crowded. We have set here this afternoon watching the old campers, middle priced RV’s and campers coming in along with the million dollar Pervost motorhomes. Don’t I wish I could have the money that all of theses RV’s and campers represent. Boy would we be rich
Don and his buddy have gone to the truck race while I stayed back and am saving the money my ticket would cost. We have the deal I take the money that my ticket would cost and go do whatever pleases me with it. Of course as Heidi and all of the women of the blog can tell you, that’s shopping.
John, I am so sorry that one person has been responsible for making you feel so depressed and doubting yourself, and your blog. Granted he has the right to think what hewants , but you can bet he is in the minority. He belongs right with Mrs. S Nob and a lot of others. I don’t think they like themselves much less anything or anyone else.
So chin up our friend, smile and forget they exist. We all love hearing about these people and all of the things both funny and sad.
I also want to say hello to Caroleen who has joined with a lot of us, as a breast cancer survivor. There are 4 of us in the Evil Krewe that are BC survivours and I’m sure a lot more in the bloggers group.
Congratulations Caroleen, enjoy you hubby and life, your 5 years in remission will be here before you know it.
Countess Carolyn…………..15 year BC survivour
John -
You simply CAN NOT retire as a CD before Mrs. Missingthesmokefreeparadise and thebloggerfkamissingthesmokefreeparadisebutlookingforwardtothenearlysmokefreecarnivalfreedom2009blogger’scruiseherewecome get a chance to cruise with you as the actual CD (not just the Blogger’s CD, as on the Fantasy).
Please keep us informed of your schedule. I don’t know if another trip to Europe is necessarily in the books anytime soon, but who knows.
Keep your chin up and the blogs coming. You are the Blogmeister, the Master of Disaster(ous) Passengers, the Highness of the Thursday Happy Face.
We who miss you salute you.
Jon
John
Please don’t stop the blog- you need to remember that just like Ms S.Nob is one in a million, so are the negative opinions that get stated as well. You blog brings a bit of sunshine to the dreary Florida skys- and if this rain keeps up one of the Carnival ships will be able to dock at my front door and pick me up in person! Sending lots of hugs to you and Heidi. Deby
I also read your blog every day and I hope you do not quit writing. You always bring a smile to my face and I thoroughly enjoy hearing your stories; the good and the bad.
Your blog gives me a new appreciation for your job. I had no idea you received complaints about such silly stuff.
Keep up the good work. I appreciate what you are doing.
I haven’t posted in a while, but I’m still here … reading every single day!
We all have down days and days we feel really old! I am almost 49 years old and I have many days when the old lady in the mirror scares me! On good days my heart feels 16 and my age doesn’t sway me.
Regardless of what Suzanne whatever her last name is – we all have a story to tell and our goal in life is to make a difference in this life! You sir, have done that for many, many people. Your story might not be what sells millions of books but it is a story worth telling! And you do it every day on your blog thingy.
We love you John! (and Heidi too!)
Karen R.
John,
As you are surely aware, I lost my job to company wide lay-offs 6 weeks ago. I know all about grumpy days. I’ve had so many in the last few weeks, I’m surprised my family, (including my Krewe family) and friends are still speaking to me. But the one bright spot of my days have been your blogs. You make me laugh, when I need it; you make my cry when I need to. Sometimes you make me laugh so hard, I cry! Please, don’t stop writing.
Love to you and Heidi!
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single
John,
Thank you for all you do. And thank you for today’s sing-a-long.
I read your blog daily and am what is considered a ‘lurker’ (i.e. never posted). Many of your posts have moved me to replying but let’s just say today the sing-a-long hit the mark (it’s been a long day, week, month, year….)
We have never sailed with Carnival however many times with Princess. We have our first cruise with Carnival on the Conquest November 30. Can not wait!
Keep up what you do. You’re the BEST!
REPLY AS SOON AS YOU CAN MY FRIEND JOHN.
I’ve always begun my comments with ” Good morning, good afternoon or good evening ” but not tonight. You have really made me feel very sad this evening. No matter have much I have been down, your comments from your blog always brought me up and prepared for the next day. You have no idea of how much power your blog has. You personally always had the strength to go on. How could one person, ” Kevin “, who ever this unforunate individual is, can make you suddenly feel that maybe the blog should be at its end. What about the many bloggers who totally love what you do and say and basically look up to you. Please my friend John, look at the the many good things about your blog and the great things it has accomplished. Get off your ass my friend, smile, laugh and just remember even if only one person was to read your comments, that one person is valuable. We know, you and I and the many bloggers are of value. Even though I may never meet you my friend, I’ll always use that term, ” my friend ” with love, respect and emotion. I will be looking forward to your words in the blog tomorrow. Don’t let me and others done. Ciao John.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, don’t let anyone say that you’re not the best, not even you!!! Heidi can, but only if you’ve been naughty!
The old saying goes “If you can’t please everyone, you have to please yourself”. And well you should too! In doing so, you’re also pleasing a lot of other people. After all, 2.7 million people can’t all be wrong can they?
I think it’s silly how those guests from Hong Kong would request chopsticks, especially if they’re going to be eating non-Chinese dishes anyway.
And the seat-saving… my parents made me piss off SO MANY PEOPLE by making my siblings and I save seats for them while they dilly-dallied around the ship. I still feel bad.
Dear Cruise Director John, seems we have a bit of ddéjà-vu with respect to Kevin’s message. You try, try, try to please (to a fault at times) a guest and in the end you can’t please all the people all the time regardless of how hard you try. I happened to be on the cruise and in the same dinning room with Mrs. S.Nob. Now I’m a bit miffed that she sucked so much energy from both you and Mr. Byrne that I saw it on your sleeves and demeanor. Kevin is entitled to his opinion, however your blog has been true to the good, the bad and the almighty ugly since inception, PLEASE don’t ever change or feel that a very, very small minority of opinion should change what you began. If you decide to alter the thingy because of today p/c bs, then by all means STOP…no need for a sugar coated waste of our time, give it to us as you have or STOP.
An annoyed Carnival paying client.
46 and 196 days and counting.
Amanda,Catie and I love you both..Keep up the good work and Thanks for letting us be a part of your world…enough said.
John- don’t feel down in the dumps! Remember how excited and happy my dh ( you know now that means dear husband) and I were to meet you on the famous “original inaugural Baltic Splendor cruise”!
You help so many people laugh and have the time of their lives! Take a pat on the back for that !
I hope you got my comments from Carnival which I sent in after our cruise. You and Ken ( our all time fav M’D) are such hard working people you must never feel underappreciated for your efforts.
Hope I made you smile now, and if you need a reminder I have a lovely digital photo of us which (if I could ever get my kids to help me with) I could send to you if you like.
Cheers! Keep your chins up!
I’m glad to read you’re in a better mood. Everyone has a day here and there that throws them off. Just know we are all here to support you. The reason I read is to view someone else’s life for alittle while. If you cut parts out we’re not really seeing whats going on. It’s your life, it’s your blog, it should be done your way. Nice to see you did something nice for Heidi to make it up to her. Have a fantastic day!!!!!
Hi John,
Dont let ‘Kevin’ get to you.
We read the Blog because you do share all with us. All the company stuff, all the personal stuff. The good and the bad. Thats what makes your blog and thats why nobody can say it’s just a big advertising gimmick for the company.
Continue to post John, continue to get guest interviews and here’s an idea for you. What about a guest blog from the readers.
The same who, where, when – maybe once a week – from a reader.
Just a thought.
Keep up the good work.
DM
Hi John
Get out of my head!!!!!
I blogged “always look on the bright side of life” when I was feeling down last month!
Do take Liberty next summer – I’ve already booked for it and having read your blog so often, I would love to meet you.
I promise not to complain about anything …………..
God Bless you John!!!
Your life is… well… it’s always out there in front of all of us and the guests!!! Your private time is nil or close to it!!
You always have our love and understanding and prayers!!! We’re all in this together and have chosen to be here. Since the first blog of yours that I was introduced to, I have been part of your family!! It’s been WONDERFUL!!!! I love every word of it!!!
And how I anticipate and long for February!!!
God Bless you John!!! and Heidi and Stephanie and Alan and PA007 and your Mum and Dad and sister and Heidi’s family… EVERYONE you’ve introduced to us!!! We’re all in this together and we’re here for each other!!!
Lambie
HI John/Heidi:
Cheer up partner. We all have bad days. Again, the blog is an open forum for people and we all have wide ranging comments. I think with 2.7 million people having read this site, its kind of hard to just end it.
Gorgeous pictures out of Copenhagen. Almost seems like you are there.
Interesting interview with Paul. I bet he has the passengers in stitches every week.
Thanks for posting and i hope things improve soon.
Take care,
David
John,
It must be very hard to always appear to be happy when deep down inside you can scream, but we have all been there. I admire you for always trying to keep a smile, you do a great job.
We all have bad days, and that is when we reach out to a good friend and vent our feelings. We feel better after and that hopefully is one of your reasons for your blogging.
It’s just all part of being human and we love you, grumpy or not. You have so many other qualities.
So, suck it up Nancy and keep going for yourself and all the people that care about you.
Ciao, Kathleen
John,
I can’t imagine a day not being able to read your blog. Wether it is a good day or bad that is what makes it so great. Whatever you decide to do in the future I hope you will always continue to include us. It is nice to know you are human also!
Bless Heidi for standing by you on your good days and bad. I am sure she knows just how much you really love her!
Loved your interview and pictures as always they were both great. Thanks to Officer Rick for his service!!
Have a better day!!
Kathy
john, sitting here kinda trapped at home by the tropical dodah…. and you hit me with Bright Side…love it you made my day…. you my friend are a true pythoneer….. Thanks mate.
daytonadan
The interviews with the Cruise Directors are really great. Could you please post a schedule of the Cruise Directors and when they will be on what ship at the conclusion of the interviews? Actually, this would be a nice addition to Carnival’s website.
Many of us sometimes book according to the Cruise Director.
You are doing an excellent job at entertaining the guest as well as everyone reading your blog and we appreciate it.
Dear John,
I’m so glad that you have climbed out of your little ” funk “. Life is full of challenges and you have quite a monumental task in putting on a happy face on a cruise ship day after day. I think you are due for a nice relaxing vacation away from work ( although many of us think you have the best ” job ” in the world ! ). And, you get to cruise for free …. how great is that ????
Just try to keep in mind that you have so very many friends out there, and you have made a big difference in many of our lives. As my mom used to say….. ” this too shall pass ” …. close your eyes and picture sailing into St. Thomas on a clear, gorgeous day !
We love you !
Sheila
John, I have subscribed to this for a long time. Now I feel it’s important to stop lurking and start complimenting. The best parts of the blog are the complete honesty, the insight into jobs we’ve hardly ever heard of, and the fantasy life we lead with the beautiful pix.
Thank you for all the work that goes into this blog. Your readers take it as a compliment when you share your mood; why not? we feel like your family. We sail on the Glory on 9/13; it might not be as much fun as when you launched her in July 2003, but it will be like coming home to family.
Since that time five years ago we have become close with another couple who are sailing with us for the second time (Princess to Alaska last year, now the Glory 9/13) and we feel blessed to have this new adventure on our special ship, the Glory.
You started us off right, with Carnival, and now here comes cruise #7 with Carnival. Keep us entertained and we will let you know when your style might have to be tweaked a little. For instance, maybe future examples like Mrs. S.Nob should be one week removed from the actual cruise as you describe her? Some on board that specific week surely knew her by name, and that’s a little too personal.
Maybe a bit more anonymity, but do continue to let us know how you handle everything. I get so irritated with you catering to those who are so mean-spirited, and how you worry about them! I don’t want it to be easy to pitch a fit and wait for the strawberries to arrive free!
But then I realize your kindness is meant to inspire me to be kinder. I’ll order the strawberries to the room on our 31st anniversary, thank the staff that does such a good job, and enjoy being with DH. See what an influence you have? Thank you John.
John,
I have recently found your Blog and trully enjoy it. It would be a shame if you stopped writting it. I don’t know if I will ever make it on a ship you are CD on. So far my wife and I have one cruise under our belt (Alaska last year) and have one booked. But I think we are hooked. I do have a question with the Triumph moving to Mobile from Charleston will Carnival be moving a ship to Charleston? It is a easy drive for us and with air travel the way it is we really like finding this port.
Billy
John:
I really miss your replies to blog-readers’ posts. Did it simply become too much?
I know that doing that….well, even doing the blog….is time-consuming, but we do appreciate you taking the time to write your blog!
Terri
Hello John & Heidi
HAng in there JOhn
Everyone has those days
Hells Bells I had one yesterday!
We love you, no matter where you are, no matter what the day, no matter what the weather.
Thanks for cruising thru this life of yours that you share with us, all the storms you whether, all the people you meet..
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Hi John:
I started this day feeling very, very down. Your blog as always cheered me up and made my day a little brighter. Please, please, please don’t ever stop writing – we need your wit to brighten our lives.
Sue K – in Pittsburgh
John,
Wow, complaining about no chopsticks makes it sound like they have never used a spoon and a fork before… I have never used them before and probably never will. A kid’s spoon probably holds more food than that…
Great photos as always and a great interview with Paul! His sense of humor is great and I have enjoyed him as cruise director. I’ve sailed with him twice and I’m sad to hear that I won’t see him, for the third time, on the Sensation next week since I had a major change in my plans.
I hope your days get better. Don’t let Kevin get to you. I usually catch your blogs around lunchtime at work and lunch won’t be the same without your daily blogs. Keep on writing. You’re the best!
Cheers,
Alex G.
Hey John! First, know you are loved, look at all the words of encouragement and comradie above these! You’re a good guy with a big heart (except for those Frenchies
) and it shows since you had some remorse and made up to the one person who should be most important in your life, Heidi. We all love ya, even if you get a case of the grumps!
Second, Paul is a cheeky git! That “joke” about the 80-year old with the new hat has been floating around for years. I’ve seen it at least 5 times on Cruise Critic alone! Is that what a “scouser” is, then?
Third and final – you are a bad, BAD man! My co-workers around me are staring at me now that I’m whistling “Bright Side of Life”! What’s next, the “Camelot” song?!?
Heidi, take this post of John’s and print it out comments and all. Then tape it on the bathroom mirror so when John feels down in the dumps he can sit there and read all these great comments.
John, everytime you even hint at quiting the blog you get these kind of comments from us “pest” that post everyday. But what you really got to take notice to is the “lurkers” that say they have never posted a comment but felt this was the time to tell you how they felt about you and your blog thingy.
I think even if you were not with Carnival we would still be reading your blog thingy. You would find some way to tell us about walking your dog to make us put our drinks all over our computers.
So John just keep doing it the way you have for all this time. It’s not what you write about but how you write about it that keeps us coming back day after day.
BIG ED
THE “BIG” PEST
John,
Thanks for YOUR continuing friendship and sharing YOUR good days and the occasional bad one with US!
Cathy & Tom
Hi John,
we all have our ups and downs mate……and dont even dream of stopping the blog…….we bloggers wont let you……you make us cruise with you around the world and put a smile on our face whatever your mood.
So cheer up……you have a great job but a very demanding one.
Cheers
Norman from Sunny Malta
John,
Sorry you had such a bad day yesterday, but we’re all entitled to them. Your friends and family love you good days and bad…all of us bloggers consider you friends/family so we’re honored to support you even on the bad days.
Keep up the great work,
The Kilmartins
I’m glad to read you’re in a better mood. Everyone has a day here and there that throws them off. Just know we are all here to support you. The reason I read is to view someone else life for a little while.