Achtung!
Guest: Mr————Ref: 002803189A
Cabin: ____ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 08/20/08 – 08/20/08____ – WANTS MORE HISTORY ON PORTS
Mr————– called the Pursers Office from his cabin to say that he had just attended the Cruise Director’s talk about Berlin. Guest said he was disappointed that the Cruise Director did not talk more about America’s history with Germany as many guests have German relatives. Guest said he wanted to talk to Cruise Director and would wait all day in his cabin until he called. Purser explained that the Cruise Director was very busy but the message would be passed for him to contact guest. Called CD at 2:05pm who stated would call guest.
I did. My travel talks are not historical talks. I certainly try and give as many facts as I can about each site we visit but with limited time and the fact that I am as intelligent as a root vegetable this is not always enough and occasionally I get comments about not mentioning the tours but that I should be talking more about the history…….maybe they are right.
This guest was a little different though because he firstly he refused to talk on the phone and second he told me “I hope you speak clearer in person than you do on stage.”………………..oh joy.
And so we met 15 minutes later in the Lobby, found a quiet corner and sat down. I knew I was in trouble straight away………..firstly ……..he had a beard……………secondly……….he was wearing open toe sandals with long knee high black socks …………….. thirdly ……….. he produced a piece of A4 paper with writing on both sides …………………double sided bugger.
However, what astounded me was that at his feet was a suitcase made out of something that looked like old carpet………….what the $#@!
He was joined by his wife who I shall only mention now because she sat with us the whole 55 minutes and never once said a word ………. not one…………..she just sat there looking at her husband as though she was either too scared to talk or because she had been married for so long to a man with open toe sandals, knee high socks and a beard that she had lost the will to communicate.
They were from a place called “Cokeburg,” Pennsylvania ……….. population ………1,000. I know this because the first thing that was produced from the carpet sided suitcase was a map, showing where his town was and I listened to him tell me how small town USA was the safest place to live. I tried to look interested but I seemed to be stuck in time and I am sure I saw his beard grow in front of my eyes.
Eventually, we got down to business. This was his first cruise and he had decided to tour Germany today without taking a tour and if you thought the beginning of this story was bizarre………well as the saying goes “you ain’t seen nothing yet.”
For the sake of the story lets call our small town couple Fred and Ginger……….only because he looked like a Fred and you can guess what colour hair his wife had…………….yep………..she was blonde …………….kidding.
OK, before I continue this is one of those moments where I have to promise that the following is the truth……the whole truth and nothing but the truth………….in fact if I was sitting on the other end of the cyber thingy I would probably say “what a load of bollocks.”…………
But, you can’t make stuff like this up. So, Fred started by telling me how disappointed he was that I did not talk about the history of Germany from 1940 to the present day and in particular Germany’s close ties with the USA. I wanted to say that it was difficult enough to cram 14 different bits of information on getting ashore, passport control, how to go ashore on your own, currency and 14 different excursions into 45 minutes without 68 years of history…………..
However, before I could say a word he then consulted his fact sheet……………bugger. He told me that 25% of Americans come from German stock telling me that upon gaining independence from the murderous British Empire that there was thought given to having German as the official language. At this point I had two choices ……..beat him to death with his suitcase or try some humor……I went with choice number two and said that I could see that Americans and Germans had a lot in common because both countries like Mr Bean and Baywatch…………he looked at me, paused and without even attempting a smile he moved on.
Next, came his plan. He had organized a car rental and intended to drive to Berlin because he had ancestors there…his great grandfather no less…………and could I show him the way on the map………….to Berlin……….at this point I thought he was joking and I was about to laugh when I suddenly realized he was serious……….he wanted me to show him on the map how to drive from Warnemunde to Berlin ………. me………….someone who can’t even find the space between the two sides of the toilet lid.
Now again, I had two choices, I could have bluffed my way through it and hoped he and Ginger didn’t end up in Austria or just say that I had no bloody clue. I went with the second option……………and when I said that I had never driven to Berlin he looked at me as though I had just told him I had discovered his wife in bed with Bill Clinton …………”But, you’re the cruise director” was his reply. ………….again, I could have said “Yes, I am the cruise director not a human GPS system”…………..but I didn’t, I apologized and arranged for him to meet Heidi tomorrow on the pier who would speak to the German tour operator who would show them how to get there…………..he didn’t exactly jump for joy but I could tell he was OK with that.
He then spoke again in detail about his ancestors and how Germany is so similar to America. It was as he continued to talk I noticed a big jar of powder in his carpet bag………….” I asked, “What is that?”…………and again here I swear on the love of my wife this is exactly what he said.
JOHN WHAT’S THAT BIG JAR OF POWDER
FRED POWDERED MILK. WE READ THAT EUROPE HAS LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH MAD COW DISEASE AND WE DON’T WANT TO GET FOOT AND MOUTH FROM THE MILK IN EUROPE ………SO WE BROUGHT OUR OWN
How I did not just end up on the floor rolling around laughing in hysterics is a bloody miracle………not only had he carried a huge jar of powdered milk from Cokeburgsville but he had combined both mad cow and foot and mouth disease together making it mad foot and cow mouth disease.
So, I said there was nothing to worry about and shook his hand and walked away…………I really wanted to laugh but I didn’t because I suddenly thought who the couple had reminded me off…………the two people from the Wicker Man movie……….or was it a painting? …………standing there holding a pitchfork…………except the pitchfork had been replaced by a carpet sided suitcase and a large jar of powdered milk.
You know, sometimes I worry that one day I will sit down at the computer and will have nothing to write about……….but everyday something happens………..everyday you meet someone who is worthy of a blog…………and Fred and Ginger were just what the doctor ordered.
This morning, Heidi met them as promised and the tour operator showed them how to get onto the autobahn and off they went in their little rented Opal Car to find their roots……………….I am worried about them and shan’t feel relaxed until I know they are back onboard and not foaming at the mouth like a mad cow…………or sheep.
So, as I mentioned we are indeed in Germany and again the weather forecast was as accurate as an Al Jazeera news story. It had said thundershowers yet today again, it’s been dry and although cloudy at times the sun has been in gold medal position for most of the day.
We had a neighbor today in the AIDAbella………….I love those AIDA ships. She will be here with us in 12 days time and I will be having a visit………….can’t wait.
Here are some of Heidi’s photos from her walk today.
Painting the ship
You know, it was amazing to see all the locals and tourists take photos of both ships. Just 20 years ago they were behind the old iron curtain yet here today are two huge ships carrying Germans and people from all over the world on amazing vacations.
The same can be said about Europe…………Carnival Corporation ships can now be found everywhere. Take the port of Civvitave …….Civativecia…….Civitavacria…………the port near Rome. Tomorrow the following ships will all be visiting:
AIDACara
AIDADiva
Carnival Freedom
Noordam
Emerald Princess
Ventura
Costa Romantica
I make that 16,000 plus guests all of which are experiencing the wonders of Europe……………what a wonderful cruising world and a sure sign that Carnival Corporation rules the waves.
Kevin…………..I have mentioned this name a few times and totally forgot that there are two Kevin’s. One is the chef blogger from New York who has been a true friend of the blog since day one and the other is a gentlemen with the same name who has different opinions but whose thoughts are most welcome and respected here on the blog thingy…..just didn’t want you to get the two mixed up.
I want to thank you all for your kind words after my “Looking On The Bright Side Of Life” blog…………I have read everyone of the 68 comments and I feel so privileged to have you all as friends. I see that you all want me to keep writing………..so I will. I will probably have bad days now and then and as long as you don’t mind sharing those bad days with you and being a grumpy old blogger now and then.
I also had a call from PA 007 who told me that if I stop writing the blog that his or her dull as ditchwater life in the cubicle will be all that he or she has left and to snap out of it…………I did…………..thanks PA.
Let’s have a read of today’s cruise director interview. This young man is someone I care about a lot. He was with me as Entertainment Staff and Assistant Cruise Director for two years or more. I was hard on him, I was tough on him and there were days he probably would have preferred to sit on a ham-slicing machine than work for me………..but, it was for one reason.
I wanted him to be a Cruise Director ASAP and I wanted him to be Carnival’s best ever Cruise Director…….well the first part is done ……….and if he wants……….the second part is more than achievable.
Here’s Butch.
1. Can you tell us which ship you currently are on and when you are due to leave?
I am currently on the Carnival Glory home ported in Port Canaveral Florida. We rotate Eastern and Western 7 day cruises departing on Saturdays. According to the computer system it says that I will be here until Dec 31, 9999…….That is a long contract!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?
In college I studied Theater and Communications, although from a very young age I was always on stage in Community Theater and continued to excel as an actor in high school and college, I always thought I would go down more of a business route…..possibly Public Relations or Marketing, I never envisioned myself as a Cruise Director. Shortly after graduating from college I moved to Cooperstown, New York and accepted a job as an Event Coordinator for Glimmerglass opera. Although I loved my job and the company, I was working extremely long hours for very little reward, in the Fall of 2003 I left Glimmerglass to pursue an Arts Education Outreach position at Appel Farm Arts in Music Center in South New Jersey.
My job was to work with Theater Artist and develop an outreach initiative in the inner city communities of South Jersey. It was a terminal position only in place until the goals were reached. In the Winter of 2004 I packed up my Dodge Neon and drove across the country home to Minnesota, no job, no home, and quickly running out of funds. It was shortly before Christmas and my Father surprised us with a cruise for the holidays.
We took a cruise on the Carnival Conquest out of New Orleans and one night during the shows we were watching the Cruise Director and my father turned to me and said, “Son, that’s you up there…..you should do this.” So with some influence from my very persistent dad (who I believe just wanted me out of the house again) I applied. Two weeks later Carnival called and at the end of March 2004 I joined my first Carnival ship which, funny enough, was the Carnival Glory. I started with the company as a Social Host and at first intended only to stay for one contract, however, at the end of my first contract I was lucky enough to meet John and Heidi Heald.
I have said this before and will continue to stand by this the rest of my Carnival Career; John helped me see how special I could be and challenged me to be the best host I was capable of. I re-signed on the Glory to work with John and at the end of my second contract John asked me to be on the inaugural team of the Carnival Liberty which was set to cruise a new European itinerary. Being a part of the delivery of a new ship has definitely been a highlight of my Carnival career.
At the end of the first European season on the Liberty John promoted me to Assistant Cruise Director, which prompted me to re-sign on the Liberty to take it back to Europe for a second year. As our Liberty team was getting ready to take a break, John pulled me into his office one day and said to me I had a choice to make. I could travel with him and the team to take out the Carnival Freedom or I could take a shot to be a Cruise Director.
So I departed from my Carnival Liberty Family and the safety net of Mr. Heald and was given the opportunity to fill in for full time Cruise Directors who were on vacation. I traveled all around the fleet filling in for 6 – 10 weeks at time for a couple of years before getting my full promotion to Cruise Director.
My mom will probably be the first to tell you that I was born to be on stage. In a family with eight brothers and sisters I was always trying to find ways to grab attention (many times often landing me in trouble). I believe that I am doing what I was meant to do, being a part of making our guests vacations memorable is the most rewarding feeling….and to experience this week after week has made my life complete. I am doing something that I absolutely love.
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.
So many things go on behind the scenes that I think that most people never realize. There is the managing the entertainment department; musicians, singers, dancers, social hosts, entertainment technicians……sometimes I feel like I have 65 children. It is a strange dynamic when you live with the people you manage, sometimes you are boss, sometimes you are friend, other times you are dad; offering words of wisdom and advice.
When the guests do not see me I am busy making schedules, creating new activities, working with my managers to improve entertainment and activities. Also, I don’t think that many folks realize that the Cruise Director is a key person in the overall safety of the ship, attending weekly management meetings, running a guests safety committee team and participating in drills and on-going safety trainings.
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,
Anyone who has cruised with me before knows that I love to dance and my Disco Dance Class is one of my favorite activities of the Cruise and definitely a highlight for the guests.
5. What has been your most challenging moment as Cruise Director so far?I once had a crew member who had a family member pass away. Telling them this sad news was heartbreaking and I hope I never have to do this again. It made me a better person though and a stronger one as well.
6. And, your most rewarding
I feel blessed everyday out here. I see that people work hard for their vacation time and to be a part of special moments in people’s lives everyday is more rewarding than words can describe.
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 rotate a 7-day voyages that goes to the eastern Caribbean (Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten) and the western Caribbean (Cozumel, Isla Roatan, Belize, and Freeport). Currently I am in love with Roatan…….a small Island off the coast of Honduras that is virtually untouched. Last week I had the opportunity to check out the Pirates, Monkeys, and Birds tour that took us to Gumbalinda Park where we played with Monkeys and Tropical birds, it was a blast. Other tours that in my opinion are the best. Belize: Any of the snorkeling tours that take you to the reef; the best in the Caribbean. Cozumel: The ruins of Tulum are stunning. St. Thomas: Any of the Tours that bring you to Trunk Bay. St. Maarten: The island tours that bring you to the French Side of the island are all great…….when you get to the French side you really feel like you are on the French Riviera.
8. Why, in your opinion is Carnival…………..the world’s most popular cruise line
Because we are fun…..we don’t take things too seriously here, we have created a vacation atmosphere that just lets folks really let loose and leave the stresses of their real live behind.
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 careerI would love to go to the Carnival Spirit; Hawaii and Alaska are two places I have always wanted to see.
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 usAbout six months ago when I was Cruise Director on the Pride I met a very special family whose oldest daughter had a rare form of cancer and wasn’t expected to make it through the end of the year. As a final wish before traveling overseas for a series of experimental treatments their daughter requested that they take a family vacation; they ended up on the Pride. I spent a lot of time with this family and a very special young lady who made me realize that life is fragile and to live each day to the most. I often think about my young friend who was more than inspirational to me and thank God everyday that I have the opportunity to not only make people smile, but be in a position to also touch peoples lives.
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
My Mom’s Minnesota Wild Rice Soup.MAIN COURSE
My Mom’s Meat Loaf.DESERT
My Mom’s Strawberry Short Cake.SOMEONE FROM THE CRUISE INDUSTRY
John & Heidi Heald of Course…..I miss you two!SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD
Stephanie Meads….Assistant Cruise Director of the Carnival Splendor.YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS
Patty Lupone.YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR
Alan Cummings.YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN
Renee Flemming……I’m a big Opera Nerd!!!!!AND SOMEONE FROM HISTORY YOU WISHED YOU HAD MET
Winston Churchill.And I know that they are not on the list, but I would have my parents there as well……….I am so lucky to have the most supportive family in the world and would be nothing with out the sacrifices that my parents made for me.
This cruise the demographics have suddenly changed. While we have lots of UK guests, lots of Asian guests, everyone has a lot more in common. The average age has suddenly shot up from 47 to 55………..that’s a big difference.
This has had an effect with our Carnival Legends auditions. It seems that nobody wants to play the part of Madonna, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and James Brown. In fact we had to cancel the show last cruise. Now, we have half of Hong Kong wanting to be Frank Sinatra and Elvis but again this week it looks like we will have to have a different show rather than Legends……..and that’s a shame because its a great show.
So, it’s now 7:45 pm. In a few minutes I have to go to the Lido Deck to introduce the German Brass band and make sure nobody asks them to play Edelweiss. I will also be calling Fred and Ginger’s cabin every 10 minutes to see if they are onboard. Considering the Fred is worried about becoming mad from drinking sheep’s milk, he is very brave to rent a car in Germany.
If I was arrested in China for wearing a T-shirt saying how terrible they were to force that little girl to sing behind closed doors because she had slightly stuck out teeth, I would not try and defend myself. I don’t speak the language and I am sure the result would be me being found guilty and within a few minutes I would be sharing a cell with a man called Yu Mi Man.
And yet, when we go on vacation to a foreign land we quite happily rent a car and drive somewhere trying to read signposts we don’t understand, road customs which are completely different and if you are me……..everyone is driving on the wrong side of the road.
In the UK for example if someone flashes their lights it’s a polite gesture giving you permission to come through ahead of them. In other countries such as France and Greece it means “I am not stopping for you Mr Tourist” and you won’t realize this until you wake up in hospital eating mashed potato through a straw.
I remember the first time I rented a car in Orlando. This was many, many years ago when there had been some high profile tourist shootings of some British tourists. I remember the rental car guy saying that if someone rammed the car from behind do not get out inspecting the damage because they will shoot you and steal the car.
His advice was “try and outrun the car and drive around until you see a police officer.”………..well, I don’t know about you but every rent a car I have ever had has been driven so hard that it won’t go over 65 mph. If you try to go any faster, the breaks will not handle it; you will bounce of the Florida Turnpike and be eaten by an alligator.
Then there is Italy. Changing lanes on an Italian road is as dangerous as creeping up on a sleeping lion, lifting his tail and tickling his scrotum with an ostrich feather. If you don’t change lanes and drive to slow they blow their horn and ram you at the same time.
You will not be surprised when I tell you that the worst place I have driven in a rent a car is France. This is because if you do get caught speeding and they discover you are in a rent a car and a tourist they will impose such a huge fine on you that you will have to sell your house and all your worldly possessions to pay for it………….if you don’t pay they will take your car on the spot………..and your wife ……….. who will fall in love with their Gallic charm and leave you to live a simple life with officer Jean Paul in Provence.
And so to Germany where as you might imagine, things are a little bit more organized except there are death traps everywhere ……………. the exit signs of the autobahn have huge signs that read “Aus Fart” ………this will make you laugh so hard you will crash the rent a car into a the fart sign………. and die. This though does not worry me because Fred and Ginger have bugger all sense of humor.
I will let you know tomorrow if they make it home OK. Also tomorrow, I will tell you my plans for 2009.
Thanks again………………….for everything
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John:
That is the name of the book you will write…
“You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!”
And this is why we rush to our computer every day (usually checking several times a day)….to see what the day has brought!!
Today delivered in spades.
First of all, we have read your schedule. You don’t have a space 55 minutes laying around to get a history lesson on Germany. This fellow needs to understand that Cruise Directors and Tour Operators do two totally different jobs!
Can you imagine these folks at the airport explaining a jar full of white powder to Security?
I wonder if they got the 55 minute German history lesson. Somewhere in airport land, there is a Security Guard saying “Gezz, you can’t make this stuff up!!”
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
sure glad there weren’t customers in the store right now… I was laughing out loud. Some people I tell you… crazy. The fart sign is good too… now i have to go to Germany to check it out for myself. Thanks for a great blog… keep it up, even on a bad day.
Here’s hoping that Fred and Ginger made it back on board. Or maybe not. Perhaps they found their roots in Berlin and elected to plant some of their own. Whatever the outcome I’m sure it’s going to make for great blog fodder!!!
The pictures of the AIDAbella… lovely. Every time I see the bow of an AIDA ship I think Picasso.
Butch Begovich. What a guy. You sure know how to build a cruise director, John. I sailed with Butch last year on the Conquest and he was an absolute joy. If we could harness Butch’s energy we wouldn’t have to drill for more oil… we could run on Butch Power! He went out of his way to make sure that I had a wonderful time. There aren’t enough superlatives for what an excellent job he does. Bravo.
I’ve got to agree with you about driving in Italy. Everyone with a Fiat and a five speed thinks he’s driving Formula One. Even pedestrians lives are at risk as Italian drivers are fond of using portions of the sidewalks as thoroughfares…
Hope the lovely Heidi is well and that Stephanie is getting a chance to rest… sometime…
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
John,
Thank you for correcing the who’s who cinfusion. Sounds like your going to have some week with the yokales. Butch sounds like someone who really loves what he does, best to him and of course Heidi.
Kevin
Ps did they pack mosquito nets also to prevent malaria and avian flu?
John,
On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I apologize for the oddities that you have encountered. I myself, am half German (mother) and English (Staffordshire) and Irish (father). I do not feel the need to boast my heritage so please be assured that Pennsylvania is not a strange land, just a land full of strange people (lol). I hope that Fred has a foreign driver’s permit and doesn’t get stopped for driving too slowly….
Susan
Great to see Butch is now a CD!
I was on the Liberty in the inaugral European season and he was fantastic!
As for Fred and Ginger, well…… all I can say is,
OH MY GOD! It takes all sorts doesn’t it?
Wow Powdered milk…thats too rich for words I thought I was bad taking powdered creamer since I don’t like liquid (makes the coffee to cool to drink I like it center of the sun hot) But I have never heard of that one needless to say I had to take a minute to catch my breath great interview with Butch I can’t wait to see who’s next how bout wee Jimmy soon (is he a CD yet) You know kinda reminds me of the TV interviews they do after any kind of disaster here in the US they inevitably find the most “redneck” person out there to talk to I could almost picture him doing that…..Great pic from Heidi I can’t wait to get to europe myself…Looking forward to hearing you plans for 2009 I’m thinking of booking my next cruise this week while on board maybe If I know where you will be I can book for that…Take care Regards to you and Heidi…..Back in a week …Pam
From Swing Time (in honour of Fred and Ginger and for that matter Frank Sinatra…..and another ploy to get John out of any rut he may be stuck in)…. Nice job PA 007 BTW.
Now nothing’s impossible, I’ve found for when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.
Don’t lose your confidence if you slip, be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up, dust off, start over again.
Work like a soul inspired until the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired, but you be a man, my son.
Will you remember the famous men who have to fall to rise again,
So take a deep breath, pick yourself up, start all over again.
Mark
The Flying (non-tap-dancing) Dutchman
Hey John,
OMG!! That part about the powered milk had me laughing so hard! I don’t know how you keep a straight face…you are a true professional.
Jan
John
I can’t believe that you were worried about having nothing to write about. LOL
Diane
Hi John,
Good to see you in a better mood. We all have a bad day on occasion. You would think the gent after researching about his ancestry and history, would have taken the time to check on the mad cow disease. We have a comic over here that sums it up nicely, “here’s your sign”
I just got done booking the first “official” sailing of the Fantasy out of Mobile for Nov 10th, 2009.
We are anxiously watching TS Fay at the moment. It wont impact my cruise on the Holiday in 9 days, but my wife’s niece is currently on the ship. When it comes back into Mobile on Monday, the tropical storm will be visiting my house here in Mississippi.
They should have some nice seas coming back into Mobile Bay. Always fun to watch folks try and walk down the Promenade deck.
Dave
Steph, please have John answer! We just booked the bloogers cruise and Danny wants to know if you need any more help to build the room for the school? We were told the hotel was booked up. Is there any other hotel you are using? Are the tools going to be there or should he bring hos own?
Jennifer
John we also want your plans for the rest of 2008, please, if you can, thanks loads. .
Please also note that I am part German on my father’s side, but I guarantee you I don’t come from the same clan of Germans as your Fred and Ginger, I promise……..:-)
Thanks for another good laugh.
Countess Carolyn
Dear John: What a day you had, but so glad you keep your sense of humor. You keep us laughing every day. You really should write a book. We believe every story you tell us, I know no one could make this stuff up.
Glad to hear Butch made full CD now. I remember him on the Liberty as a fine young man.
Looking forward to see what your schedule looks like for 2009.
Thank you for all you do, Mary Lou
Do you always have such strange people on the cruises? These cruises in N. Europe seem to bring out all the “weird-ones”.
I will be awake all night because I will not be able to sleep. I want to know what you are doing in 2009.
John,
I have to tell you that I think you are a brillant writer, your imagination boarders on insanity, and that is my kind of humor.
Counting down the days to the bloggers cruise!
Ciao, Kathleen
John, see just like I said in the last post. You can take a simple story about a German road trip in a rent a car and turn it into a story that’s just a “……… load of bollocks.”
Heidi, nice pictures except for one thing, you forgot to drag John off the ship with you. Buy youself a pair of handcuffs and slap them on John and drag him off the ship screaming if you have too. Then just bring him back to the cheers of all the passengers standing on deck waiting to see who will miss the ship leaving.
Dr.BIG ED
says get him off the ship for a day.
John -
Loved the interview with Butch – I totally agree with him about the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. Kathy & I visited them on our first ever cruise. If I have to rate tours that I have taken, my rankings are 1) An Exclusive View of the Vatican, 2) the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and 3) Alhambra.
Hope all comes out well with Fred and Ginger. Can’t say as I understand them, but I understand the worry when one goes off on their own in a strange country. After all, you are a father figure to 3,000 people every cruise and fathers worry.
Jon
Hi John,
I was emailed by a friend whom has cruised with Carnival but had never read your blog. Being in marketing I have enjoyed seeing the various avenues Carnival uses to not only bring in clients, but maintain them. She notified me that it “seemed” like I was being mentioned..and the horse butt comment didn’t go unnoticed! I’m up for comparing!
Myself I am a veteran of over 20 cruises and I have never once cruised Carnival or any over their brands (Holland America and Cunard pre Carnival). Nothing against the product at all..Carnival has cornered the market in “having fun” and have grown the industry by leaps and bounds. To be frank I’ve never been that impressed with the finished product over at Carnival to feel compelled spending my hard earned money and valuable time off with Carnival. It isn’t a question of being snobby, or my expectations better. It’s simply comfort and desire and those are different creatures for different travellers. In short I admire the success of Carnival but I’ve never been impressed with the product used. And less so as I see more and more of it spread out in the company with different names and colors on them.
That isn’t to say I did not want to ever sail with Carnival. If I could have done it all over again I would have sailed on the SS Mardi Gras in a hearbeat but events were never lined up to allow me to do so. Unique both inside and out, something I find hard to come by in the industry today. Originality among other things has become more and more expensive as well these days.
From a marekting perspective Carnival has become the industry leader. But I don’t see that same strength in their design method with the excpetion of the QM2. For some it isn’t as important where they stay but for me the two go hand in hand. How does one know they don’t like your product if they have never experienced it? Good question…I may be swayed who knows. It would be interesting if there is a segment of the market not covered by Carnival..over looked and underdeveloped.
With clients John I was trained by someone who was legendary in my business. The first rule drilled into me and everyone after me was simple..”unless you have mastered the art of juggling chainsaws you never talk about our clients, period. Otherwise I promise you at somepoint it will make you bleed”. Now her temper was legendary and I remember people always avoided eye contact with her, I think she loved every minute of it!. But it stuck with me. I am sure there have been more than one client of yours you’d like to tie to the anchor chain while in port. But, publically vent about a paying customer and sooner or later it comes back. People are generally supportive of open airings like this, until it is about them.
But your blogg is indeed something to take in and read. It’s strength I suspect is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed and Carnival’s clients have an enjoyable and interactive way of staying intouch till their next cruise.
Now about the butt comment….
Best,
Kevin
You definitely hit the mark when you picked Butch out as the next “best ever cruise director.” He certainly has a magical quality about him and I agree that he is doing what he was meant to do.
I got the opportunity to cruise on the Glory recently and it made my entire summer (which had been ever so slightly on the wrong side of crap-tastic until I got on that ship). I very nearly contemplated starting my career as a hardened criminal by finding a place to stow away and never leave. I’ve been daydreaming about my vacation ever since.
I have no doubt that Butch is going to need his own fan club before too long.
John, I am so happy that you are not only feeling much better but will continue with the blog. I do not think I mentioned that yesterday, and I apologize for that omission. I feel bad that I did not start posting on you blog until your first cruise on the Splendor. I have been reading it for a long time, but being the selfish person I am, you are on the ship I will soon be on. So, I just had to read all about her. It is so nice to read that most of the blips that were at first a nuisance, have finally been ironed out
I almost peed my pants reading your story on Fred and Ginger; it was so funny. How you kept a straight face w/o LOL and rolling on the floor, I will never know. You have the most interesting, if that is even a way to describe them, guests. They are on every cruise. Your right, you can not make this stuff up. Comedians could never come up with any of the things you have told us.
Heidi’s pictures are beautiful. I so look forward to seeing the Splendor. I am glad that the link I gave you, as well as another poster, so you could see what ships are in port the same time the Splendor is; has been a help to you.
Keep smiling sweet and funny John. This sounds like a great cruise.My best to Heidi.
Poor Fred & Ginger! I have been to Germany but my son who lives there is the designated driver. Those people are crazy on the rode (not as crazy as the Greeks). They drive sooooo fast that it is scary! We were going to Frankfurt one day, my son was driving at 90 miles an hour and people were passing us. He didn’t want to drive like he usually did because he didn’t want to scare us. Lord.
Hope the Fred and Ginger get back in one piece.
I remember Butch and you of course from 2004 when we sailed with our family on the Glory. I hope he is still on the Glory on the 28 Feb 2009 cruise that I have booked (#9). We had a ball on the cruise and my grown children loved it. We have film of Butch teaching them the dance steps.
Count down has started for the Sensation, 45 days. I am so excited.
CarolAnn
P.S. I have to share this – After 43 years – I have been smoke free for 32 days! Yeah!!!!
John – I certainly enjoy your stories every day. Just nine more days until we leave on the Caribbean Princess out of NYC.
John, As always, very funny stories that just have to be true….you couldn’t dream up stuff like Fred and Ginger. Glad to see that your natural humor has been restored (but feel free to vent occasionally and let us know how you’re feeling…all part of any true blog!). I’ve been enjoying the interviews with the other CDs and all the fabulous pictures. Take care my friend and maybe Dr Ed has a good idea about getting off the ship a bit more! Gloria
John,
You write the book I will buy it! I will even read it!!
Good Luck to Fred & Ginger hope all goes well. Looking forward to your news about “2009″ can’t wait!
Till Then
Kathy
Hi John,
You now have two new readers to the blog thingy as I laughed so loud when I read today’s blog that the 2 people who sit next to me at work had to come and see what I was reading.
John:
They say lauging makes you live a longer life. That is why I can’t wait to finish dinner and read this blog. You are going to make me a real old lady. I can’t wait to read the Farty road signs when I get to Germany next August on the Liberty. I hope your schedule will have you on that great ship. You are a great soul and are much appreciated and loved.
I was just remembering you being knocked flat on your back by a large woman on the Glory. You were hit so hard your shoes fell off. A lot of us in the audience had to leave for the nearest restrooms. Another few years to my life.
Thanks again!
Marie
Well, if they make it back from Berlin (??? fingers crossed!), tell Fred and Ginger and their jar in the suspicious carpet purse “danke” for transporting us all to the Twilight Zone —– we are can hardly breathe over here!!!!!…NEVER laughed so hard. When our tears dry we will try to finish the rest of the blog, right now we can’t see straight. And “double sided bugger”….oh my gosh, reminded me of Jack Lemmon in The Out of Towners…running around all upset with his hand scribbled list of names. You should show that movie in all the cabins tonight.
John~
You cannot stop doing the “blog thing”. I have read every one since we cruised on the Splendor from Genoa to Dover. I look forward to the stories and all the laughs I have in reading them.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Sue
Good evening John. I feel weird saying that and not Mr. Heald. Oh well. I’ll try. That man must think you are machine, knowing every road in Germany. People are really unusual but I guess that makes me one of those people. Inform Heidi that the photos she took were excellent. I agree with Big Ed, you need to get off the ship and live a little, breathe a different type of air and see other things other then the things around the ship. You better becareful my friend or you will burn your self out. I’ve been enjoying your report about the many different Cruise Directors. It’s to bad I’m so old or I would try to get a job as a CD. I’d love to spend time with the many visitors and I’m not afraid of a little work. If I was twenty years of age I”d like to try but you can’t go back in years. Well we’ll see you tomorrow. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John you gotta be making up these passengers. No I guess your not. We have delt with some like you have when booking cruises.
Another good sign in Germany is Umlitung. Spelling
It means detour. My days in Germany many many years ago we used to tell the new guys comming in to follow that sign to a great Chineese Restraunt.
I hope this gets posted. I have yet to see any of my comments posted.
Keep of the great blog’s
Tim Dewing. Lakeland Fl
Dear John,
We love your blogs and we hope you never stop writing them. The stories you share of all your adventures and encounters are wonderful. I live my dream of being a CD thru you. And I know others are living their dream of cruising on a vacation thru you as well.
Kendra
Hello John,
I can’t believe Fred and Ginger – well maybe I can. I hope they made it back to the ship on time. It can be a challenge driving in a foreign country but it’s also fun.
Thanks for doing the feature on Butch. We’re looking forward to meeting him on 9/13. Thanks also for having him get in touch with us. He is taking care of everything for our Cruise Critic meet and greet.
George and Linda
OMG, I was laughing so hard and out loud, that my son and my husband both yelled at me to be quiet!!!!!
Another wonderful blog John, and you’re right……you can’t make this stuff up!!!! LOL
Cindy
The mad cow thingy reminded me of William Shatner in Boston Legal–at least his is funny. I don’t know how you kept a straight face! The people who wear knee socks and sandals are just the type of people who rent cars in countries where they don’t know the laws and can’t read or write the language–yikes that is scary!
Great photos Heidi of the Aida and the famous lips. Saw one of the ships in St. Lucia and it definately inspires people to take photos.
Nice story of you and Heidi being Butch’s mentors too. You must be proud of him.
Can’t wait to hear about Fred and Ginger tomorrow and your 2009 plans as well. I think it would be really nice to visit all the ships is the Carnival family of ships and write blogs on each of them–that would keep you busy for awhile huh?
Good night all…
John,
Enjoyed today’s blog immensely!!
I think you and Heidi unwittingly aided and abetted Frank & Ginger’s drug importing endeavour. After the 55 minute conversation their “altered state” should have been obvious when you saw the jar of white powder. You should have dumped the contents out on a coffee table and snarted sniffing. You’d likely have got lifelong immunity to Mad foot & cow mouth disease.
Sadly there’s been many mornings I wake up with cow mouth. Not sure why, I guess… just cud.
Nice to see the interview with Butch, and nice to see he’s CD. I remember when you assigned me to work with Butch and Stephanie when I was writing a “day on the job” article during the Liberty crossing. He’s an energetic and delightful guy.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Great blog.
Please don’t start giving history lessons. There are probably ships that have history lectures, but they are not called “The Fun Ships”. If that is what he wanted, he should have done a little research and sailed with them.
I really don’t know how you kept a straight face about the powdered milk. You are a strong man and deserve a beautiful solid gold ship on a stick trophy.
Keep laughing,
Ann — (proud to have ancestors from the murderous British Empire)
Hey, John,
Great post today. I really enjoyed it.
In regard to the Glory…when the port at Costa Maya reopens will the ship go back there and drop Isla Roatan from the itinerary? When we were on her last year she had just begun visiting there and it was a very nice place.
Also, as for Belize tours, I don’t much like snorkling, etc., so we did the horseback tour. It was really fun. We drove forever (or a couple of hours it seemed) almost to the western border. The road was a very narrow two lane thingy with horses and donkeys tethered at the side of the road. And we saw Menonites in a buggy. Apparently there’s a fair sized community there. At the ranch we rode horses all through the woods, then had a very nice lunch in the restaurant and were entertained by three musicians. I think the place is actually called a resort, and it was really pretty. They have several cabins and lovely landscaping. I would recommend it to anyone.
Well, I hope Fred and Ginger got home safely. Will be waiting patiently for the news tomorrow, as well as your schedule.
Hi to Heidi.
Your Pal, Myra
PS: Tropical storm Fay just won’t go away. She has been hovering sort of half on/half off the east coast of Florida for two days now and much of the area from Merritt Island to Sanford is flooded. People have been rescued from their homes by policemen using huge military looking vehicles. I guess since the winds weren’t so bad as expected, people thought there wouldn’t be any problems, but because the storm is sort of trapped between two “fronts” it just can’t go anywhere and just keeps dumping more and more water in the same areas. It’s being measured in feet instead of inches in some places. It’s rained quite a bit here in Clermont (Orlando area), but we’re much higher that the coastal areas, so mostly our empty lakes are being refilled which is a good thing.
Anyway, it’s pretty soggy all across central Florida right now with no relief in sight for a couple more days. Love that liquid sunshine!
I worked with Butch on the Liberty back in 2006 when he was promoted to ACD. I can vouch that he will one day be the next John Heald! Butch is as kind and funny off stage as much as he is on stage.
Anyone who has an upcoming cruise on the Glory will be impressed with him. Good work John!
When will we see a interview with Risa Barnes? She so far has been my favorite CD to work for!
Hey John,
Great interview with Butch. We also got to sail with you Heidi and Butch on the Liberty and he was great! As were you and Heidi of course! Very glad to hear that he is doing so well with the company. He was a hoot!
Also glad to have you back to your old self…taking the many good days with the occasional bad one. Glad our Kevin is off the hook! LOL! Go Evil Krewe! Looking forward to continuing to read this blog for a long time to come.
Waiting with baited breath for Fred & Ginger’s safe return. Hope they didn’t Aus Fart in the wrong place!
Mike
Guten Tag Johan & Heidi, (OK, so I’m not German),
You’re right – if you hadn’t said this blog was the whole truth, I probably would have thought you made it all up. How in the world did they get the powdered milk through U.S. Security? I would have loved listening to that conversation.
Someday I hope Butch will be the CD on one of my cruises.
Maybe you should suggest to Fred & Ginger that they take an AIDA cruise because of their German roots.
Can’t wait for the next blog thingy, so have a great day,
Love,
Carol
How embarrasing that Fred and Ginger are representing Pennsylvania. I also live in Pennsylvania and can assure you that we are not all that crazy! I had to look up Cokeburg on the map to see how close they are to where I live and thankfully they are 3 hours away…..Thanks for the stories and I thoroughly enjoy the crazy encounters you have with your guests! Keep it up!! Can’t wait to hear about your ’09 schedule.
John:
I know that you are not a big fan of painted decorations on the sides of another line’s cruise ships. How do you feel about the huge lips and eyes on the AIDA ships?
Paul
here is hoping you make a guest apperance on the Freedom April 5,09 …………….
Thanks for writing……
You have so much material for a book. I hope you are keeping all of these journal entries in an archive for later use. You have met so many funny and unfunny people on this ship. I know I will be watching everyone as we take our cruise next Sat. for some extra special characters.
Love your blog (although I really, really dislike that word)
Hi John, just a thought, how about including in your blog, a cartoon drawing of your more ‘eccentric’ guests, which can then be auctioned off to the following weeks cruisers. It would give us something else to look forward to and at least one passenger would come off the ship with a masterpiece. The downside is you will have to go to art school, or maybe Heidi is an accomplished artist as well! 8 days to go…
Still reading your blog daily John. I am constantly laughing out loud.
Well done Butch, I was on the Liberty Transatlantic in 2006 and remember his energy and sensitivity, loyalty and kindness.
Wow! You must be a saint to deal with these nutjobs. I would last 5 minutes in your job, due to telling these idiots to screw off, though I wouldn’t say “screw.” They do make for outstanding stories, though, and I’m glad you’ve decided to keep telling them, in spite of what that uptight jerk Kevin said.
That all being said, I have to say something. It’s very funny when you make fun of the other cruise lines, particularly Norwegian’s goofy looking ships. Well, I have to tell you, Aida’s ships look totally ridiculous too. I do laugh when I see them, and wonder, why?!!? Why would they do that to a beautiful ship?
Maybe Fred and Ginger were on to something ? ??We’ll be on the next sailing, Aug 30th. Look forward to meeting you. Terry & Carl European English:
The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.
As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as ‘Euro-English’ .
In the first year, ‘s’ will replace the soft ‘c’. Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard ‘c’ will be dropped in favour of ‘k’. This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome ‘ph’ will be replaced with ‘f’. This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.
In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the s tage where! more komplikated changes are possible.
Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.
Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent ‘e’ in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.
By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as
replasing ‘th’ with ‘z’ and ‘w’ with ‘v’.
During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary ‘o’ kan be dropd from vords kontaining ‘ou’ and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi bl riten styl.
Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.
Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas.
If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl
George and Linda have already posted to thank you for arranging our meet-and-greet, 9/13 sailing of the Glory, but here are thanks again! Butch will be our CD and it was a treat to get to know him through the blog thingy before we meet him in person.
Why not use the blog thingy to give us tips that are not available to the average bear? Such as the CDs profiles (if Carnival updates the site), the link to finding out what ships are in port with us on certain days, and the schedules of the CDs’ contracts. No guarantee that the CD would be there, I know they go to week-long meetings every once in a while, but it is interesting to know before booking. I have to say there is one who would cause me to choose another Carnival ship if I saw the name listed.
Maybe the Legends show should have a selection of age ranges for the possible entertainers being showcased. A selection of 15 roles/costumes/props if 10 appear on stage? That would take care of the fluctuating age demographic.
Planning to shoo Fay away from us here in Orlando today, and get ready for 9/13 on the Glory! Thank you John and Heidi and Stephanie for entertaining us and enriching our world.
I’ve been on 10 cruises and enjoyed every one of them. I have yet to have the pleasure of John Heald as my CD. With that said, the only CD I can remember by name is Butch. I remember something from each of the others; I remember well and fondly my encounters with Butch.
While standing in line for a coffee near the beginning of my cruise, I met Butch. We talked briefly; he asked my name; and, to my amazement, he called me by name every time we passed in the corridor or saw each other thereafter. Impressive. Not only that, he was full of energy and enthusiasm at all times. Again, impressive.
Some day I hope to sail with John. Right now I am currently considering booking the Glory just to have the opportunity to cruise with Butch again.
Good job and thank you, Butch!
John,
Great job as usual. As for Fred and Ginger, let me give you my two cents. Our school in New York offers the German language students trips to Pennsylvania to see German culture in action and hear the language spoken. I’ve never been there, but I’m sure the citizens celebrate their German heritage. Fred is just a little misguided in his quest I’d say. Have you ever seen the movie “European Vacation” with Chevy Chase? Same thing.
No driving in Europe for us-the trains are the way to go! We value our lives too much! I could not even watch our guides drive in Italy…
Great job as always and good day or bad,we enjoy the blog.
John, I just had an idea for all of us wishing you were on our particular cruise. Taking a cue from the lady with the world’s smallest husband, have a World’s Smallest Senior Cruise Director John Heald created complete with a tuxedo for elegant nights and a Dolly Parton outfit that way you could be with us always…………whatcha think?
Disco Dance Classes with Butch……..one of the best memories from my TA on the Liberty 2006. I keep my dance step instructions handy and do a review before each cruise. Butch is great!
I have now installed a permanent anti-spewing screen in order to protect my computer………..yes there is no way anyone could make up those stories.
64 days and counting until Freedom and then it will be the Splendor again for South America. I am actually considering Mexican Riviera December 2009 which would again be the Splendor………………maybe I should just get a permanent cabin assignment.
I don’t know about you John but after watching those drivers in St Petersburg, especially the buses, there is no way I would ever try driving there even if I could read the signs.
Think I might venture out to the Waffle House for breakfast.
Kersplott
That was too funny!! I laughed so hard. Thank you for lighting up my day.
How you can keep a straight face is beyond me.
Keep blogging!! There are lots of us out here reading (enjoying) but not necessarily writing you back every day.
Hi John,
Great interview with Butch. I met him first on the TA crossing on Carnival Liberty Oct 2005. I met him again in 2007. I did the crossing on Freedom Oct 2007, Tod Wittmer beeing the cruise director.
Tod talked on the morning show about Copenhagen, the City in Germany. Many people got after him. Me returning to the Freedom staying from 12 April 08 until May 08 I met Noortje, Tods assistant cruise director. She had a look at me: “I do remember you”. So I told her yes and do tell Tod Copenhagen , Capital of Denmark is not part of Germany, she remembered me doing the crossing in Oct 2007.
28 Days on board this year and you are familiar to all the staff.
I met you and Heidi the last time the morning you and Heidi leaving the Freedom in Rome with all your luggage you even offering the next available elevator to me, which I refused.
I met Butch again after finishing my crossing Oct 2007, just walking down the road to Carnival Victory adding an eastern caribbean Cruise him beeing the cruise director. Great Guy. He really got a little bit jealous me showing the Freedom TA Sail and Sign Card, him not having a chance visiting the ship.
Tulum is one of my favourite ports of call. I always wanted to see Tulum. After checking I ended up doing a cruise in 2002 on a Carnival ship, Jubilee, now cruising in Australia: Pacific Sun.
Even parking a rental car inside a parking garage for five days!
That`s how I started cruising with Carnival meanwhile beeing a platinum member.
After finishing the crossing on Splendor I am changing to Port of Miami doing a 3 and 4 day back to back cruise on Imagination. Next year I got a fully payed Booking on Carnival Liberty TA April 2009 to Dover, lucky not choosing Freedom again and reservations on Liberty in August (Chance you beeing the cruise director??) and Dream TA in October fullfilling one of my dreams arriving on a cruise ship into New York.
I read all of your blogs not missing one of them, posting sometimes. Please do not stop the blog.
You are providing theeeee one and only look behind the curtains. Thank you so much.
As you told our roads are some kind of special, but me beeing to Greece and Egypt their Bus Drivers are like Formula one racing drivers.
Those Guys do even know the so called German “Autofahrergruss” = upright middle finger
one of the most worse offences not beeing that cheap a police officer seeing it.
John even the US try to drive on what you do call the right side of the road. You should remember St Thomas. They are using the same (I do call it the wrong) side like in England.
See you on the crossing
yours Ralf
Boy oh Boy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,just a short note to let you know we have a “groovy” talent show planned for the bloggers cruise. Hope we can pull it off without incident. Can’t wait to see everyone,,,,,,,,,,my palms are getting sweaty again just thinking about our next cruise. Take care and see everyone soon!
John,
I have never laughed so hard as I have today reading your blog about Fred & Ginger.
I enjoyed the interview with Butch and look forward meeting him on September 13.
I’m in the group of CC members that will attend the CC Meet & Greet on Carnival Glory. Thank you and Butch so much for making this possible for us.
We will be sure to send you a group picture of us during that meeting.
Have a great day,
Suzy
John…
Maad cow or SHEEP??? Sheep, errr, Lambies, NEVER get mad… maybe we get even… but NEVER mad!!!
I just smiled as you unfolded this blog!!
WONDERFUL!!!
I half expected the jar of powder to be ancestors… coming home… OOOOOoooooooohhhhhh….
Have a delightful day… I’m catching up today with all my missed blogs… Life keeps moving here, and I’ve missed some of yours!!!
Labie
I swear this is the truth. We were at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC a couple of years ago and a group of these tourists all jumped out of a rental car and took off toward the winery leaving the last member of their group, an elderly man, to fend for himself. He exited the car and fell striking his head on the pavement which caused a large gash on his head. He was bleeding profusely and my husband ran to help him. Finally ONE member of his party came back to check. Security has come by then and called an ambulance to take him to the hospital to be checked out. I really felt sorry for them in a strange country and only one young lady in the group spoke English. She did thank us for helping him. It blew our mind that no one waited with the slower member of the party to exit the car and get into the building. What’s the hurry?
Great to hear from Butch! We’ll be sailing with him in November on the Glory. Whoo hoo!
You made me chuckle with the driving differences – especially when you mentioned flashing your lights. In Canada, that is a “heads up” for vehicles approaching you that there is a police car beyond and they might want to slow down to avoid getting caught speeding. We are just such a helpful bunch here! Haha!
Oh my…Fred and Ginger! Are you sure that was powdered MILK in the jar??!! Wow John…when you mention these misfit guests, I LOVE the clients that I have! As an agent, I have my fair share of…umm…well those that really make me work for my commissions, but when I see some of these, I thank my lucky stars that none of these are my clients!! Haha!
Keep up the outstanding work John! You’re still my hero!
Cheers!
I was just on a carnival cruise, the Glory in fact, and Butch was our cruise director. He was amazing!!!! I loved every minute of it. He was funny and entertaining. Whenever we had the chance, my sister and I would go to the things he was hosting or whatever. The second part about Butch in your writing, I think he is on his way there, to being ‘Carnival’s best ever Cruise Director.’ Just something I wanted to share with you and let you know what a GREAT job he’s doing.
Hi John/Heidi:
I really enjoyed Butch’s interview today. Seems like he’s so enthusiastic in his position and i’m really happy for him.
I really enjoyed the AIDA pics and I can’t wait to see more in a few days.
Thanks for another great blog today.
Take care,
David
Hey John
We just want to make a comment on Butch, He was our cruise director on the Victory in Dec.07,
The very first day i made the mistake of sitting in the 3 row in the middle of the lounge with a shirt that said “STAY BACK” I’m allergic to stupid!
Well this was a perfect invite for Butch to pull me out of the crowed and ask me questions…..now he pulled up a gentlemen named Monroe (married 60 years) and another guy (Newlywed) can’t remember his name sorry, and me (just divored) Butch did not know this and asked who we were with Monroe said his lovely wife Betty everyone says ahhhhh!…newlywed guys says my beautiful bride everyone says ahhhh!…..NOW me Butch the awesome guy that he is asks me who i’m with…..i say my girlfriend…..Question…and her name….Answer…..Sandra….Question…how long have you been together….Answer…almost 2 years….(This is where i get into trouble)…Question…and have you said those 3 magic words (I love you)to her….Answer….NO!!…..Question why?….Answer….I Don’t Know!!!..everyone goes Booooo, SO!, Our great and wonderful cruise director tells everyone in the lounge that if and when they see me they should come up to me and tell how wonderful love is. Which in turn everyone in the room did for the next 7 days, But to add to my woes Butch goes over the intercom the next morning and reminds all to let me know how wonder love is and being that it is formal night in the dining room and that i could get Sandra a beautiful coresage from the shop….i had people come up to me all the time (mostly women) to tell me all about love. With that said….We had the best cruise ever Butch was fantastic and we have tried to find out what ship he was on so we can go again. we are going on the Mircle on November 13/08 and are looking forward to a great time, can you pass on a thankyou to Butch from us and please let him know that I have told Sandra that I Love Her and we really did enjoy our time on the victory and we wish him all the love from us, He is a special guy and we will never forget him.
Roy (I Love Sandra)
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
I just had the pleasure of sailing with Butch last week. He is the best CD EVER! He made the cruise! I will sail any ship he is the CD of. I also agree with him about Isla Roatan, what a beautiful place!