Friday, August 22nd, 2008...3:17 pm
2009…….A Cruise Odyssey
Without further ado let me tell you that Fred and Ginger are safely cocooned in the bosom of the Carnival Splendor. They arrived back at 8:20 pm. I had actually been truly worried about them………I wrote about them in the blog yesterday and although they are ummm “different”………I still worried that I had not given them enough serious assistance. Had they crashed, were they lost, had they caught foot and mouth mad sheep disease?
Well, I called Fred in the cabin and I expected him to sound surprised that I had called when in fact he was totally non-plussed about it as though I call every guest in their cabin to say welcome home. I asked him if he had discovered his ancestors in Berlin…………..and 20 minutes later I decided that it probably was one of the most stupid questions I have ever asked. Eventually, I managed to get a word in and said I had to go back to the deck party and just before he said goodbye he said………and this is an exact quote “I shall meet you in the lobby directly following your excursion program talk tomorrow to discuss our intentions in Russia.”…………intentions? Was Fred about to invade the country?…………………anyway, I have just returned from our meeting and that’s a whole other story…………for later.
Finally, after many a day the Baltic is bathed in uninterrupted cloudless sunshine. The Lido deck roof is open wide and all is well in the world……….except I am a little tired. Last night I finished hosting the German brass band on lido deck and was then invited to go to the cigar bar by Ken the Maitre D and some cigar loving bloggers who are sailing.
Ahh, the thought of a good cigar and great conversation sounded just great but my body told me to bugger off to bed. These days that is happening a lot and by midnight my body is no longer capable of movement. If you were to use complicated satellite spy equipment you might detect a slight rise and fall in my chest area and a slight downward movement in my eyes……..but that’s it. If someone just walked in and saw me they would pronounce me as dead and remove my internal organs for transplant purposes.
I am fine right up to about 11:30 pm when all of a sudden I hit a brick wall and even talking becomes a problem. All I can say is “uhh” This tiredness lasts right up to the moment my head hits the pillow and as soon as it does, things change. My heart beats faster than Keith Moon of the Who playing the drums……….. on acid………..and suddenly sleeps takes on the form of a beautiful and sexy woman and ………..ignores me completely.
I write a blog in my mind, I write lists, I think about the past, present and future and all the time the digital clock continues its relentless march past 3 am. Then at 4 am, I start to get angry because in 3 hours the alarm will go off and I will have to start work.
This has been going on for about a week now. I have tried everything and even started drinking decaffeinated coffee which tastes like liquid cabbage. I have tried counting sheep which led to the very disturbing addition of me wondering what other animals could jump over a farm’s fence………I tried pigs, cows and even farmers……..but it made bugger all difference.
Heidi has me on herbal remedies which she has been putting in my tea. It’s a blend of herbs and other green stuff and this has not helped either but I have started to like the Carpenters and rather worryingly I have started to find Richard Gere very attractive.
The worst thing about suffering from insomnia is that nobody gives a crap. ……….honestly, try this……I bet you the conversation will always go like this
FRIEND………GOODNESS JOHN, YOU LOOK AS ROUGH AS HELL
JOHN…………….YEAH, I HAVEN’T BEEN SLEEPING WELL. I TOSS AND TURN ALL NIGHT AND JUST CAN’T SLEEP
FRIEND…………REALLY, OH MY HEAD JUST HAS TO HIT THE PILLOW AND IN SECONDS I AM DREAMING ABOUT JESSICA SIMPSON AND A BOWL OF WHIPPED CREAM. I SLEEP LIKE A HUGE CANADIAN LOG.
Why do people do this? If a guest comes up to me and says “Can you help me, I am sight impaired and need to sit close to the stage to see the shows” I don’t answer ‘ “Really……oh my eyesight’s fine, I can see a boil on a bull’s thingy 100 hundred yards away.”
However, last night came good news. I had the best night’s sleep for over a week…………my head hit the pillow at midnight and I didn’t move until the alarm sounded at 7:30 am. ………….and the reason……….a book, kindly lent to me by Fred and Ginger entitled:
The Pennsylvania Germans: Jesse Leonard Rosenberger’s Sketch of Their History and Life -
This book provides an introduction into the life and times of Germans who settled in Pennsylvania. The first permanent all-German settlement was established in America in October 1683 at Germantown, which is now a part of Philadelphia…..feeling drowsy yet?
Germantown would then become the German-American center into the 19th century. This book describes old records, which deals primarily with the Scweinsteiger family, beginning with the pioneer Heinrich Scweinsteiger who owned the largest ………….getting tired now……………..lumber yard in the area………….going for a nap now………….back soon.
OK, here I am refreshed after a 30-minute power nap. I sent Fred and Ginger some gifts today and I am hoping that they forget that they gave me the book………….who needs sleeping pills?………..not me now I have …….The Pennsylvania Germans: Jesse Leonard Rosenberger’s Sketch of Their History and Life …………..bugger……..I am .zzzzzzzzz.
Let’s take a break and have a look at some photos of the Warnemunde Bike Tour with the WONDERFUL Jaime.
Now, here is an e-mail from our I/S Manager Kat.
Hi John
Ana, the Cabin Stewardess from the passenger area near my office came in screaming one day and said “Kat, I almost had a heart attack, I have to show you something that really really scared me”. And she opened the door showing me this:
Thanks for sharing Kat………I sent the guests some champagne for this innovative towel thingy person………………….absolutely brilliant.
Let’s meet today’s guest Cruise Director…….sports fanatic and longtime servant of fun, Mr. Trevor Block
1. Can you tell us which ship you currently are on and when you are due to leave?
FASCINATION UNTIL DEC 4/08. RETURNING FEBRUARY 2/09.
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?
POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR – YORK UNIVERSITY. WORKED IN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT & SUMMER/HOCKEY CAMP MY ENTIRE LIFE. ALSO WORKED IN LAW FIRM FOR 2 SUMMERS IN ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT BEFORE JOINING CARNIVAL IN 1995.
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.
ASIDE FROM CAPERS, SCHEDULING, MEETINGS AND PHONE CALLS…EXERCISING, CATCHING UP ON THE SPORTS WORLD, TALKING TO MY FOLKS & FRIENDS BACK AT HOME TO CATCH UP.
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,
WALK AN HOUR (more people should exercise), & SENDING ALL THE CRUISE DIRECTORS VARIOUS SPORTS TRIVIA’S FOR BIG SPORTING EVENTS AND (ESPN GAME OF THE WEEK, SATURDAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL, RED VS BLUE CARNIVAL COLORS DECK PARTY – RED BULLDOGS VS BLUE LIONS).
5. What has been your most challenging moment as Cruise Director so far?MY CONTRACT ON THE LEGEND 2 YEARS AGO (2006)! BUT THE CROWDS WERE GREAT (AS WAS THE SUPPER CLUB).
6. And, your most rewardingI HAVE 3 OF THEM. 1) FASCINATION 1998 OUT OF SAN JUAN, PR – 6 MONTHS AS #1 SHIP OVERALL, AND 5 OUT OF 6 MONTHS #1 AS CD.
2) MY 2 YEARS OUT ON THE WEST COAST IN CALIFORNIA WAS AWESOME (BEST GOLF ANYWHERE).
3) SAILING WITH BOTH CARLOS BELTRAN AND DOUG FLUTIE. JESS AND I MET BELTRAN AND HIS WIFE WHILE ON THE INSPIRATION AND THE 4 OF US WENT TO DINNER AND A NIGHT TIME CATAMARAN TOUR IN ARUBA. IT WAS ON THAT CRUISE HE WON THE 1999 AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD.
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
3 & 4 day cruises from Miami. Cozumel – Golf or Catamaran tour; Key West – Trolley Tour is always fun AND THE TOUR OPERATORS ARE REALLY NICE; Nassau – Atlantis water park (and golf)
8. Why, in your opinion is Carnival…………..the world’s most popular cruise lineMY LIFE AND 2ND FAMILY FOR THE LAST 13 YEARS. FROM TIME TO TIME I AM THE CHILD WHO GETS SENT TO BED EARLY (AND WITHOUT FRUIT CUP).
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 careerIT WOULD REALLY BE COOL TO GET BACK TO THAT SUPPER CLUB AGAIN (BUT THAT’S OKAY CAUSE THERE IS A PF CHANG’S EVERYWHERE NOW). I DON’T KNOW…MAYBE GOING OUT OF BALTIMORE PERHAPS WOULD BE COOL. AND EVEN THOUGH I AM A NORTH/EASTERNER I WOULD RETURN TO THE WEST COAST IN A HEARTBEAT. WHAT GREAT TIMES WE ALL HAD!!!
10. 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.
FUNNY, DINNER ACTUALLY TAKES PLACE AT MY TABLE UP AT THE SUPPER CLUB – BUT WE ORDER IN DIRECTLY FROM PF CHANG’S AND THE PALM STEAK HOUSE.APPETIZER
LOBSTER BISQUE, CAESAR SALAD CRAB WONTONS, AND CHANG’S SPARE RIBS OR THE SEARED AHI TUNA AND THE GIGI SALAD
MAIN COURSE
STEAK & LOBSTER (FROM THE PALM) AND THEN ORANGE PEEL BEEF, MONGOLIAN BEEF, CANTONESE CHOW FUN, DOUBLE PAN FRIED NOODLES, CHANGS SPICY CHICKEN (FOR JESS) AND EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE MENU AND WE DON’T LEAVE UNTIL IT’S ALL FINISHED!!!
DESERT
BIG FAT CHOCOLATE CAKE (BUT REALLY NOTHING BECAUSE I AM EXERCISING AND NEED TO WATCH MY WEIGHT). CHOCOLATE MOUSSE IS GOOD TOO.SOMEONE FROM THE CRUISE INDUSTRY
PAST – ‘JB’ JOHN BUCCAFUSCO OR MY OLD FRIEND MATT GOODWIN
PRESENT – MY GOOD FRIEND RYAN FITZGERALD AND ISAAC FROM THE LOVE BOAT (IF HE IS STILL TENDING BAR). “ALL RIGHT”!SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD
DON RICKLES OR STANLEY ULLMAN (SAME DIFFERENCE)YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS
WAYNE GRETZKY TAKES THIS PLACE AT THE TABLE BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE A FAVORITE ACTRESS. WAYNE BRINGS HIS WIFE JANET (WHO USED TO BE AN ACTRESS).YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR
ROBERT DE NIRO (AND IF HE CAN’T MAKE IT MATTHEW BRODERICK)YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN
U2 IS GONNA BE THEREAND SOMEONE FROM HISTORY YOU WISHED YOU HAD MET
BUGSY SEIGEL AND MEYER LANSKY (CAN’T INVITE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER).
Thanks Trevor and if any of you ever need any sports trivia answered……ask Trevor…………he is a fun guy whom I am sure many of you will have wonderful memories of.
So, I have been having a think about 2009 and after much consideration I have decided to join the Foreign Legion.
No, seriously, it’s been difficult and the resulting stress led to my moody blues of a few days ago. Obviously, Heidi is not going to be with me all the time. Of course, she will sail as often as she can but as I have said before, she deserves a better life. Anyway, this factored into my final answer on what I am going to do……here’s my schedule.
First of all let me say at the start that I will not be the Cruise Director for the Carnival Dream. This was the easiest choice of them all.
I have delivered 10 new ships and each time I have been so very proud to do so. However, it’s time for someone else to have a chance to experience the thrill and the guests need a chance to see someone else as their host.
Also……..and I don’t mind admitting that it’s very hard work and bringing this vessel out and writing the blog everyday was quite simply exhausting.
So, there will be another Cruise Director for the Carnival Dream and before you all ask me who…………..I don’t know……….yet. I certainly have some ideas who I would recommend and nearer the time I will do so. However……….I will be on the inaugural cruise………….as a guest blogger………..taking all of you with me for the Dream voyage ………….who knows………..I may still host the naming ceremony, I really enjoy doing that.
Now that’s out of the way…………..let’s talk 2008. I will stay here on the Carnival Splendor until after the crossing. I am still not sure of my exact leaving date yet. I can tell you that “Goose” will be the new CD and I am waiting for him to tell me when he will be ready to take over.
I will have December at home with the family.
In January, just after the New Year I will embark on a Carnival grand tour. I realize that I have been writing about Europe but Carnival has its bread buttered in the Caribbean, so I intend to sail on as many ships as I can to write about what I have seen
I start on the:
Carnival Conquest on 11 January…………..a seven day cruise.
Carnival Imagination on 19 January………….5 day cruise.
Carnival Legend on 25 January………7 day cruise
Heidi then joins me for a few days in the Big Easy before the Bloggers 2009 cruise on February 7.
Carnival Glory 14 February…………7 day cruise
Then home until April 8
April 8 – Trans-Atlantic on Queen Mary 2 to New York, arriving on April 14.
April 15 — fly from New York to Grand Cayman to join Carnival Liberty on Grand Cayman.
Spend 9 days onboard before taking over the Carnival Liberty for the Trans-Atlantic crossing from April 25.
Stay on Carnival Liberty until……………..well, for the Europe season.
So, there you have it. Of course, I have no idea if I will be allowed to sail on the Queen Mary 2……in fact, I haven’t even asked yet. Also, I have no idea if any of the Carnival ships have cabins. Hopefully someone reading this will take pity on me and block one for me.
I thought about sailing on other brands but this time I really want to concentrate on the Carnival brand, hope that’s OK with you.
Have a read of this.
Cabin: ___Booking#: 5ZX074 Added-Changed: 08/21/08 – 08/21/08
____- SHIP IS TOO BIG
Purser received a call from Mr_______ who said that he was having a great time and how friendly the crew were. He had no specific problems but wanted to say that he found the ship too big and preferred the small ship Carnival Miracle ship. Guest thanked Purser for listening. Nothing Further.
I found this a very interesting comment. We live in a world of miniaturization………is that a word? I remember my Hi – Fi system which was the size of a wardrobe and the record player had this giant crane sized arm and a needle that could have been used to inject into a horses bottom.
Now look where we are today………Nano Eye Pods. My Dad has a collection of Leica cameras from 1900 BC and something called a Hassalbladder which needs its own baggage handler when he travels. Nowadays, cameras are lighter than air.
I love big things………which is why Kate Moss does nothing for me.
I like big portions on my plate not pretty food that you need a microscope to see and I like big cars ……….if I had my way I would drive the one my favorite TV detective used to drive. His name was Frank Cannon and he used to drive a car……I have no idea what make it was but it was the size of …………well………..the actor who played Frank Cannon.
Anyway, I have nothing really to add except this is another example of the current question here in the industry…….is bigger better?
And so, back one more time to Fred and Ginger.
Of course, I can understand why people trace their own ancestors and why the 1901 census website crashed so spectacularly when it went online a couple of years ago. It’s for the same reason that scientists study black holes. Wanting to know where we came from is what differentiates us from things with four legs.
Over the years I’ve occasionally thought about looking into my family’s history because, like everyone, I harbored a secret desire to find it was Howard Hughes, King Henry 8th or Winston Churchill.
But the reality is that we come from a long line of dullards, so I’ve never bothered. …………..well………….I did a bit.
If they I had written a book about what I found it would have been called Revealed: Britain’s Biggest Inbred because preliminary research showed that my ancestors back to 1720 — and there were about 1,000 of them — had all been born within 12 miles of one another. It’s a wonder I don’t have one eye and a speech defect and live on a small island in the Bahamas. There are places in the Caribbean where things are relatively close if you know what I mean……..shout “hey, Mr. Boden, I have some money for you”………..and you will get killed in the stampede.
There are many companies in cyber land who promise to prove that you are the rightful Baron De Rothschild of Lapland but when you give them your money, all you get back is some half-arsed coat of arms which proves only that you’ve been suckered ……………for an extra $100 you can buy a piece of Mars.
Even in the real world, life for the history sleuth is hard because 18th and 19th-century handwriting and spelling were lousy. I spent one afternoon reading what I thought was a history of cigar smoking, but it could have been a recipe for Spotted Dick.
Also, while record keeping has always been meticulous in North America and the UK, people were not forced to register births until 1875. Worst of all, you can spend thousands of pounds and travel thousands of miles only to find you are from a long line of pig farmers. Or, horror of horrors …you’re French and Fred is my great uncle.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
42 Comments
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I’m happy that Fred and Ginger made it back without causing an international incident. I’m not very confident about the same outcome in Russia. I wonder how Fred would enjoy Siberia??
I, too, find myself sleepless many nights. May I borrow your new sleep aid??
I’ve got to say that I’m impressed with the towel person. That takes the cake and apparently gets the champagne. Good for those guests!! I love innovation.
Here’s hoping you make the crossing on the QM2. I would LOVE to hear your impressions. I’ve read dozens of reviews about crossings on the QE2 and the QM2 but, frankly, you’re more like us than many Cunard passengers seem to be.
Howdies to the lovely Heidi and thanks to the equally lovely and industrious Stephanie!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
It’s a good thing my boss isn’t here today – I was laughing out loud at this blog. Between the latest exploits of Fred & Ginger and your interview with
Trevor, I was enjoying myself immensely.
I’m glad Fred & Ginger made it back safely, for your sake. So you can stop worrying, until St. Petersburg. Didn’t they go to the German deck party?
Before I forget, Rhiann is one talented artist! That drawing was amazing. I hope you gave her a ship on a stick.
Your itinerary for the rest of the year and 2009 was interesting. Of course I’m disappointed that you won’t be the CD on the Dream, but I’m still hoping you’ll decide to take the first cruise out of NY after the TA. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
You deserve all the cruises as a guest (a blogging guest), I hope you manage to get on the QM2.
Only 39 days to the Miracle (oh yes, the “small ship Miracle”).
Have a great weekend, hugs to you and Heidi,
Carol
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
To comment on the opinion about the size of the ships, I have been on a lot of Carnival ships (including the Freedom) and even though I like all of them, I really do like the size of the Fantasy class ships. The renovations on the Inspiration are really nice.
Thanks for keeping us entertained.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
PLEASE ANSWER A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
Dear John,
First, Cannon’s car was a Mark IV Lincoln Continental. And yes, that was a great show!
About your sleeplessness…you’ve been checked out completely for heart health, yes? I’ve read one symptom of heart problems can be not being able to sleep. Just a thought. Since Fred’s book put you to sleep you’re probably fine.
What a sense of humor the guest has who left the “towel” man for the cabin steward to find!!! I love it. Scott wondered what had been used for the mouth. Do you know? (Question #1)
Thanks for your schedule. When you say you’ll be “sailing on” the various ships, will you be in passenger capacity or will you have duties to perform other than reporting in the blog? Maybe reporting to “management” on the various ships, crews and ports? (Question #2)
I tried that “ancestor lookup” thing and was stymied by lack of information/records kept by family members. Without a good starting point it’s not easy to backtrack. I do know that I’m part French (sorry to disappoint you), part Italian, but otherwise????? Scott, on the other hand, can trace his “history” almost to the beginning of time. He actually became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution this year. I think my ancestors were probably all still in the “old country” at that time. But that’s okay…at least they got here and I was fortunate enough to be born in the greatest country in the world.
Soooo, tonight we’re going to Downtown Disney to see a movie (I think it’s called “The House Bunny”), then to The Adventurer’s Club on Pleasure Island. Disney is closing all the clubs on PI, which is making many (thousands of) people quite upset…especially fans of the AC. The last night for the clubs is September 27, and as we are hoping to leave for a cross-country drive next week, we’re going to make our last visit to the AC tonight. If there are any fans (from Orlando or anywhere else around the country) who are interested there is a petition online to “Save the Adventurer’s Club.” Kungaloosh!!!!
Hi to Heidi,
Your Pal, Myra
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
John:
Glad to hear that you have 2009 “settled”.
Of course, since we have never sailed with you as a Cruise Director, the selfish side of us is wishing that you would still be aboard, when we sail on the Splendor Nov. 17th. This will be DJ’s Milestone Rewards Member cruise.
However, the “friend” side of us wants whatever is the best for you!
Glad Fred and Ginger are safe and sound….but now I worry about Russia. I hope they have a ship tour planned, so that you don’t have to worry about them again!
Just a tip…some of those “relaxing” teas actually have some ingredients that can cause just the opposite reaction in some people.
I suggest a trip to the sauna and a cool shower before bed!!
Linda ( Mom of your friend DJ)
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I think Fred might be my brother-in-law. He sounds just like him. Be thankful, John. At least you get rid of your Fred in less than two weeks!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Well, when it comes down to it you are right–we caould all be related to Fred and Ginger and I’m not so sure I want to know that for a fact! I’m so glad that you found a good book to help you sleep and that one certainly fits the bill!
Sounds like you will be having a good time moving across the fleet next year. It will be fun to hear about them from your prospective. I do think you should do the other brands as well after Carnival. Now if I would want a job working on ships, that would be the best to go from one to another and with the Carnival family of ships, that would take you through the better part of a year!
The towel person was the best!! I can only imagine the poor stewardess when she saw it at a quick glance.
Woohoo its Friday!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Interesting itinerary, I hope this is for the best and that you don’t have to work too much. Really want you and Heidi to be happy. Perooo John did you forget the Victory ( the one that is going to be in San Juan PR UHHUU? How could you? Many people would like a review of the Victory. Don’t you think????
I guess I’m going to have to start today and get on my knees and pray for the money to go on a Baltic cruise on the Liberty to see you.
Not one of those ships come here. Oh wait the Liberty one day April 20, 12 to 5. Work day…great! LOL
I want a huggo and a diet coke!!!
huggo, huggo, huggo, huggo, diet coke,huggo,huggo
(Don’t mind me. I’m having fun with you. Just a little crazy today. It’s Friday and I am happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Keep smilling Mr. Happy!!
Nanni
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Very glad to hear that Fred & Ginger made it back.
I was so disappointed when I read your list of ships that you will be visiting. You are on the Glory 2 weeks before our sailing. Can’t you push it out by 2 weeks and sail with us on the 28 Feb 2009? I would love to sail with you again. Can I bribe you?
Write soon
CarolAnn
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
HA! John, you always have to have that dig on the Frenchies, eh? Wouldn’t have it any other way, really.
So, bigger = better? I don’t think so, and it’s not just company loyalty speaking. Take the upcoming “Gargantuan (waste of money) of the Seas.” Seriously, how will small ports handle a monster that big -OR- the tourist population it brings weekly? The Conquest-class is just about perfect, though I have to see the Splendor before I make that a definite (and lo-and-behold!, she’ll be just a 2 hour flight from me in March 2009 – GLEE!… now to work on overtime for a Wave cruise…). My family is a fan of the Fantasy- to Conquest-class ships, so anything bigger is just a waste for us.
So, genealogy huh? My aunt traced our Irish ancestors back to about the 1100s, around the area of Newcastle and Cobh, County Cork. My parents went on a tour back in 2007, and we’ll be joing them for a trip to Ireland for their 40th anniversary in 2013. It’s nice to know where your roots are, regardless of any possible treasure or title. That and getting to know relatives via email and videos is a blast!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Hey John,
So glad Fred & Ginger made it back, as I’m sure it would have been your “fault” had they not. Love my new British to English dictionary…I even know what spotted dick is now!! Yay!! Thanks for the pictures I really enjoy them and your comments daily.
Jan
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hi John,
The actor who played Frank Cannon was the wonderful William Conrad. Here’s a bit of trivia for you – when Gunsmoke first started it was a radio show and William Conrad was the original Matt Dillon. He also invented Doc’s last name (Addams) because he thought Doc was a really morbid character, always hoping someone would get shot so he could earn some money, and this reminded William of the Addams Family cartoons.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
John,
I’m crushed — we are booked on the Legend departing February 1 from Tampa to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We’ll miss you by a week. For your information (and suitable for forwarding to corporate for inclusion in your bonus calculation file) we are booked on Carnival for the first time due to your blog. We have cruised with Princess before but want something more fun — you’ve convinced us. Really looking forward to checking out the Spirit class ships.
By the way, keep pushing for a corporate loyalty program in addition to the ones for each individual cruise line.
As loyal readers since April 2007 we will catch up with you someday soon. Your blog is like a letter from home. Keep writing and thanks for the laughes!!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Good evening John. It’s getting easier now to say your first name. Only one thing tonight, after reading your itinerary as I was reading down I was hoping the 25th you would be on the Valor because that’s the cruise I’m taking. Once again, I missed the opportunity of meeting you. Maybe someday, somehow it will work out. Rest my friend. You sound like you are getting a little exhausted. Be carful. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I, too have wrestled with insomnia the past couple of years. Here’s a few things I’ve figured out through trial and error that help me. Maybe some of them can help you, too:
There’s an old saying, “You should eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” This is so true for me. I can eat as much as I want in the daytime, and then if I have nothing but B-vitamins and water from 6PM till bedtime I sleep like a baby. Plus, I lose weight like crazy!
Of course, if someone invites me out for dinner it would be weird to have nothing but water. But I have found that avoiding carbs is almost as good for my sleeping. Potatoes are the worst thing to have. Last night I ordered lemon chicken and green beans, which would have been just fine but it also came with a big mound of white cheddar mashed potatoes which were so good I cleaned my plate! But then I didn’t get a wink of sleep.
Exercise is also important, especially something that gets me breathing hard for several minutes. Here’s something you can do in your cabin so you won’t be bothered by crazy guests:
Get a chair with a high enough seat that when you sit in it with your feet on the floor your knees are bent at about 90 degrees. (Remember right angles from Geometry class?). Sit your bottom on the very edge of the seat. Hold both your arms straight out in front of you as if you were sleepwalking. SLOWLY stand up. Now SLOWLY bend your knees till your bottom touches the chair, but DON’T sit down! Keep your arms sticking out in front and slowly stand up again. See if you can repeat this 10 times. You’ll be breathing hard, your heart will be thumping, and your legs will feel like rubber, but I bet you will sleep better that night!
Good luck!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Hey John, hearing the stories about Fred and Ginger, and the two of them being from Pennsylvania and possessing an indifferent tone when they talk to you reminds me of the “American Gothic” painting. I really can’t explain why I made this connection, though…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Gothic
Anyway, that is an AWESOME towel person demonstration by those guests, and that bike tour looks like something I need to do one day in the future. Looks like you have a busy 2009, I’ll be looking forward to reading your guest blogs onboard the Dream, Glory, and Liberty…
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
John, one question. If you leave the Splendor after the crossing, when is Heidi going to join you? If I remember her blog right , she said she wanted to do her Christmas shopping in Miami?
Hmmmmmm better make the little Lady happy
I need to get a copy of the book that is as good as a sleeping pill, boy I could use a copy lately.
It’s exactly one month until our cruise on the Holiday 9/22. I have no problems sleeping on a ship, it lulls me to sleep. It’s the best rest I get.
Good luck on the Russian revelation, hope it isn’t shocking.
Countess Carolyn…………
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Connon was played by William Conrad and he drove a Lincoln Continental – and your right it was a grand big old car – it fit Connon, who was a big old guy
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
John -
First of all, let me tell you that I totally empathize with you about sleep problems. They can be horrible.
I was diagnosed with severe Sleep Apnea in February – I was averaging 69 airflow interruptions per hour when they tested me! I had spent most of the prior twelve months with poor or no sleep because of the escalating apnea. And, who knows how long I have been suffering – it only takes an average of five airflow interruptions an hour to be diagnosed.
So – and this part of the comment is directed at Heidi – keep an eye on his sleep patterns. If his sleep patterns do not become consistent (i.e. – he gets a good night’s sleep when he actually gets the time to sleep), he may very well have a sleep disorder that should be diagnosed and treated.
Now, onto Fred and Ginger. I totally understand their desire to know their ancestry. My family has been blessed with an ancestor in the early 1900’s who collected all the family records and gave us a geneaology that goes back to 1629. Prior to this date, we suspect the origin of the family is Germanic, having fled the Protestant Revolution to England and then almost immediately to the new world.
It is fascinating to discover relatives – I have actually connected with two different relatives in the last year through work.
As for your schedule next year – would it be considered stalking if I suddenly won the lottery and decided to take the same itinerary?
BTW – does Carnival ever hire Frenchmen? I can’t recall seeing France on any name tags.
All our love,
Jon and Kathy
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Hi John,
Please thank Jamie for the pictures!
Good luck with Fred and Ginger…you haven’t heard the last from them!
I’m so happy that Hedi will get to have a normal life, but I’m not sure how normal it will be since she is married to you.
Not being able to sleep is just awful, watching the clock, knowing it’s ticking closer and closer to the time you need to get up. It just makes me mad that I’m not asleep, which makes it that much harder to fall asleep!
Princess Susan
Hi Stephanie!
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Hi John:
I am glad Fred and Ginger are ok, but, fear for them in Russia! I will re-read the part of the Germans in PA history book tonight so that I may get a good night’s sleep. I nearly passed out at my computer reading it.
Best news yet! You will be our CD on the Liberty for our Baltic cruise Aug. 25th 2009! YES!
Hope you will catch up on your sleep tonight. Fondest regards to you and dear Heidi.
Marie
Marie
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Please Reply
John
Your pic are great. We just hit the 99 day mark till our Freedom Cruise. I know you have been quite busy as you always are & doing a great job,
But I was wondering when you might be posting the Freddy Tattoo. If
Looking forward to meeting up with you in San Juan on Dec 8th.
Take Care
Cheri & Michael
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:40 pm
John,
I too am glad that Fred & Ginger made it back on board and that you are getting some sleep at last. I know that now that you have a plan for where you would like to be next year it too must help you to be able to relax.
Ken, Lyla and I look forward to seeing you on the bloggers cruise and then I am happy to see that you will be heading to the Glory. Perhaps we will be on the same flight back to Orlando from New Orleans. You are welcome to stay with us if you have a lay over in Orlando and we can take you over to Port Canaveral for the Glory. Plus you can see the IceBar here in Orlando then.
We were sad to see that you won’t be on the Dream as CD but we already promised Ken Byrne that we would be there so we will get to be passengers with you on hopefully on the inaugural cruise.
Hi Heidi- I meant to tell you that when you come to Miami to go shopping if you want/need a shopping partner just let me know and I will gladly come along. My brother lives in Miami and I should go visit and of course I never need an excuse to go shopping! : )
Kim
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:04 am
Any Carnival ship with the Jumbotron at the pool area is my favorite. John Carnival needs this idea on every ship ASAP !!!!
MARK……eViLfRoG
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 am
John please reply….. do not post on blog till read by John.
John,
As an avid blog reader since the beginning I have seen the many changes in you over the last 2 years, and i have to say that the events of the last 3 months have me extremly worried about you.
Cindy and I have sailed with you on 5 occasions and each time you…yes YOU made the trip special, yes the ships are beautiful and the crews are the best but its your personality that radiates thru the ship and makes the cruise more enjoyable.
Over the last 3 months i have noticed a very disturbing change in your writings. While they are still enjoyable they are not the John that I know .
I certainly agree that both Heidi and you are entitled to have a life together on solid ground, and truth be told i started noticing the change in you and your writings when you announced that Heidi will be retiring and accepting the full time job as mistress of the house.
if i may be so bold ….i was a very bad mistake for you to take the european tour circut. reading your writings it is obvious that you are not equiped to deal with the SNOBS that travel on that circut. I realize that it will allow you to be close to Heidi but i am sorry to say my friend but you are way out of your comfort zone.
As far as you doing a tour of other ships at the beginning of the year all I can say is what a waste of time, while i am sure it will make some interesting blogs any job/assignment that takes you away from working directly with the passenges is a total waste of talent.
John please dont take this personally, we love you not because you are the best cruise director,but because you CARE about the 3000 + folks put in your charge ( example: please re read your blog on Mrs S Nob) you bent over backwards to make that lady feel special. Its not about helping her John, its about the fact that, while to a point it is your job however you went well beyond the job description of a cruise director.
The only reason that i am writing this is that we have met personally on 2 of our 5 cruises with you and both cindy and I care about you and Heidi.
My advice to you (for what it is worth)would be to take more time off to be with Heidi and for you to get your butt back into southern waters where you belong.
I think that Carnival Corp knows your worth, and it would be in there best interest to get you back south and to give you the time that you and Heidi deserve together.
I hope that you read this and understand what it says and more important where it is comming from. Both of us care a great deal about you and Heidi and want the best for both of you and if that means we have to loose you as “our” cd well then so be it, the future cruises wont be the same without you but we will feel good in the knowing that you and heidi are well and HAPPY.
John get off the Splendor asap it is taking way to big a toll on you. And please dont turn into a “cruise critic” it wont be what you do best.
Bill and Cindy
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Dear John so glad Fred and Ginger found there way back safely.It does sound like you have a very busy beginning for 2009. As for everything bigger is better.I am one of those who being plenty big enough for my own good love the smaller ships.They are easier to find your way around.I will be on what I call the little ship that can and does on 9/22/08 on the Holiday.I tell people she can give you a great cruise experience and a lot of fun.She also does give you great food and service.That makes and unbeatable combination. Best wishes to Heidi and Stephanie from Gary and Bug
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 am
Hi John,
Looks like we’ll miss you for New Years Eve on the Splendor. BUMMER!! I’m eyeing the June 26th cruise on the Liberty to Celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Maybe we’ll get to meet you then. Sleep tight.
Cheers,
Brad
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:44 am
OH John, WHY WHY WHY can’t you be onboard the Liberty now..we sail in just about 14hours and I truly wish you were going to be there with us but at least I know that while planning my first ever European cruise I now know what ship to select for summer of 2009 better late than never I guess. I will look forward to travelung with you again….glad fred & ginger made it back on board on time but am sorry that you will be forced to endure another “talk” with them about Russia I will eagerly be waiting till I get back to catch up the withdrawls are already starting I can feel them ( might just have to break down and buy the small minute plan to keep up) ……Now just as an FYI. and maybe I’m the only one I like to read the “in their own words” letters however recent blogs are coming out as only half of the letter on screen leaving me to quess at missing words maybe someone could check into it….(but at least they are now large enough to read)…..anyway signing off to finish last minute packing before we head out Have a great week I know I will…Regards.Pam
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 am
John, many are interested in their heritage. My uncle traced our alleged lineage back to Benjamin Franklin. However, in researching it myself, I found that Franklin had 2 sons. One, born to his wife, died at age 5. The other, who sided with the British in the war for independence and became Governor of New Jersey under the king, was born to another woman not Franklin’s wife. So, either we are descended from a 5-year old kid, or a misfit Tory that Franklin referred to often as “the little bastard,” and not, I might add, because of his uncertain parentage!
Sometimes, life comes at you fast!
Rus (Terry Benjamin) Franklin
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:44 am
URGENT – STEPHANIE – PLEASE ASK JOHN TO REPLY
Hi John
Did I read it right – are you on Carnival Liberty next summer in Europe?
We will get to meet at last!
Myself and Michelle (DW) will be on board 13th August (Baltic 12 nights) and it will be brilliant to meet you after reading your blog so long.
We’re pretty committed Princess cruisers – and we LOVE Sabatini’s (whoops – corrected my spelling – I wrote Sabatitis….) but we had a great cruise on Carnival Conquest out of New Orleans the year before Katrina spoilt that beautiful town.
The great value of this cruise tempted us, and having read your blog we really got the impression that Carnival really cares about the guests (an impression that we do not always get on Princess, sadly) and we thought it was time for a change.
I’m not only looking forward to the cruise – but also to reading your blog about it.
See you in August!
Andrew & Michelle
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 am
John
Will you still be on the Splendor on the Nov. 21st sailing? I hope so. I booked it because you were the CD. I have sailed with you on the Freedom and the Triumph. You are the best.
Jim and Joy
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Good Morning John!
I have not written a comment in several days-thought it was about time! You need to write a book when you retire about your experiences on the ship. I was glad to hear Fred and Ginger were fine. I chuckled, however, when I saw that they were planning their own thing in Russia-RIGHT!
Good luck with that one. They won’t make it off the ship.
I meant to tell you when we were sailing with you- our family found a fish and chips place near Hampton Court Palace. As we were leaving, I noticed their dessert menu and there it was-Spotted Dick! So I asked, “What is spotted dick?”
Now I know. No, we did not try it, but at least I have an idea of what it is!
Well, we have grandson’ soccer practice today and then we need to do some cleaning at the house. I will keep reading as much as I can!
Cheers!
Ruth
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
Greetings from the lovely Eurodam, enroute to St. John’s, NF, where we are enjoying sunny skies on the Labrador Sea. It is good to get your itinerary, John, so your loyal followers can keep track of both you and the lovely Heidi. Hugs to you both!
Duchess Sandy and Duke Dick
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
John…
They made it back onto the ship… EXCELLENT!!!
Oh… the Towel Man, boots and all… LOVE IT!!!
Sleeping: Glad you found something to help!! Now just remember, when counting sheep, there will be one Lambie jumping over… best be careful.. I just might stay!!! :-O
I give great, relaxing back rubs and I know who deserves one!!!
Come in early for your Conquest sailing… Let the CRAZIES host a gathering in your honor!!! Just let us know and we’ll take care of everything!!!
God Blees your sleep… Multiple what little you get… let in refresh your body, mind and soul!!!
Lambie
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Get some rest and take care of yourself. In 2009 do try to sample some of the other cruise lines in the family, (Princess, HAL, etc.) We always enjoy reading your comments about those other ships as well.
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Hi John,
Lucky me seeing you on two of my Liberty cruises beeing cruise director. I do not remember Heidi on board TA 2005 on Liberty am I wrong?? I do remember Stefanie,Butch, Nolan, Kelly but no Heidi??
I am living in Germany I would like doing the bloggers cruise, but I did set up my itinerary for 2009 already. I am a very selfish person, sorry: Why not doing a bloggers cruise on Carnival DREAM on the crossing Oct 2009?
I would like reading your answers on our “please answer” questions again.
As I did ask a while ago about booking flights out of London getting your answer asap helping me very much, some more people might be interested as well.
If worth do please answer.
Greetings to
John and Heidi
Ralf
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
John,
I can honestly say I know how you feel. In all my years of cake decorating I recieved very few complaints and if there was one, I would try to fix it to the customers satisfaction. Some thing were very trivial, but non the less important to the customer.
However, there came a day when enough was enough and a cake almost was up someone’s bottom. That is when you know it is time to retire or find another occupation, or do prision time.
Good luck in 2009. I can tell since I have been reading your blogs that you are ready to put a ship on a stick up someones bottom, so it is time to move on.
Ciao, Kathleen
August 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Hi John
Wonderful blogs as always!!
In reading this blog, do I understand that you will be on the Liberty Northern Europe in August 2009?? I am hoping so, because I will be sailing on that one with the same group that went on the Freedom last year.
I admire you for all you do. I don’t think I could possibly keep up with all that you do. I am enjoying the CD interviews and can hardly wait for one from Risa and Todd. (I like that Todd…LOL)
‘Heidi: Thank you for sharing John with us. I can hardly wait to see the both of you on the Blogger cruise in Feb!!
Take care and see ya then!!
Gloria aka Sue
August 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Hello, John
I had Trever when I sailed onboard the Fascination in December, and I just saw her in key west on auguest 9.
from, JAKE S. ( :
August 25th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
So Fred/Ginger made it back and are going to invade Russia. I can’t wait to hear more.
I enjoyed the interview with Trevor and its nice that he helps bring all the CDs together with sports tourneys.
Hope everything else is going well and i’m excited to read about your schedule for the next few months.
You’re going to have your hands full.
Thanks for posting!
David
August 29th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Hi John,
If I am reading your calender correctly (and I am tired so there is a chance I am not) You will be on the Liberty when we sail on it 4/18/09 eastern caribbean. If that is the case WE ARE ECSTATIC!!!!
We first sailed with you on the Liberty in the Med.
We chose this cruise because A) We LOVE Carnival B) We LOVED the Liberty C) We didnt really get a chance to enjoy the ship first time around with so many interesting ports.
If indeed you are on this cruise, it will be like coming home and I hope we get a chance to meet. I wanted to go on the blogger cruise but because of previous plans we were unable to.
Hope to see you on the Liberty in ‘09.
Kim Parker
August 19th, 2009 at 12:03 am
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