I had two choices………….have my haircut or spend the entire day in the doghouse …….so, that was me off to the Cloud 9 Spa………..and if I am really honest, not before time.
It’s been 5 months since I paid a fortune to someone to sit and cut my hair and yesterday Heidi said I looked like some character from the Back To The Future Movies……….can’t remember the name but he was apparently mad and had hair that looked like he had just stuck his finger in an electrical socket while at the same time looking at photos of Judge Judy naked.
So, at 10 am there I was, sitting in a chair with Batman’s cape around me and a car mat on my shoulders while a 12 year old girl called Katie cut my hair……with scissors that she told me cost $600………….bloody hell, I could have got her a pair from the storeroom for $9.99. Anyway, Katie was lovely and I am sure she is brilliant hairdresser, however she was not the brightest bulb on the tree and for some reason she seemed to enjoy pointing out the bloody obvious.
“Oh, your hair is grey”
“Oh, your hair looks like it hasn’t been cut for a long time”
“Oh, you’re the Cruise Director”
I just sighed, closed my eyes and let Paris Hilton snip away.
When I opened my eyes I noticed I had been joined by a thirty something guest who it appeared was not here for a haircut, but to have his hands manicured. He talked at some length about his how his kids loved Camp Carnival. He then told me that after his hand manicure he was going to have a professional shave, another luxury offered by our Cloud 9 Spa staff. He then told me that he has this done three times a week at home in New York.
How un-busy do you have to be to think “It’s four in the afternoon on a Thursday, so I know: I’ll pop to the hairdresser’s and spend an hour or so having exotic creams rubbed into my thumbs and then because I can’t figure out how to use the can of shaving cream and the Bic I will pay $200 for someone called Guido to do it for me?”
“What do you do for a living? I asked the man with soft hands……………..“I’m a Hedge Fund Manager,” he replied…………..suddenly, everything became clear.
The first time I had ever heard of Hedge Fund Managers was a few years ago when a friend of mine and I went for a vacation to the private Caribbean island of Mustique …….. I will never forget what Spencer told me.
Some of the 90 or so houses that sit like big wedding cakes on the newly mown hillsides belong to high-profile stars such as Mick Jagger, Madonna and Sting — the second of only two policemen on the island. ………………But the vast majority belong, he said, belonged to hedge fund managers.
Having done a little reading in my time I have learned quiet a bit about these green fingered gardeners of money and my new best friend who was now having some poor girl rub the skin off the bottom of his feet…………. fit right into the mold.
Now I can describe these people to you very easily. They are all quite young, and they all appear to be super-fit. None smokes. Few drink. All have swept-back hair and dazzling teeth.
They are also lip-slobberingly rich. There are estimated to be 9,000 funds worldwide which, between them, have assets of $1.5 billion. So they’re not really hedges at all. They’re bloody great oak trees. And that’s great, but before we get too excited, we must first of all try to work out what a hedge fund is.
Well, I decided to ask the man with the filleted feet and the diamond and platinum Rolex what a Hedge Fund is………….this is what I have discovered.
You rent shares from someone who has a lot of them and then you sell what you’ve rented.” Now this, so far as I can tell, is actually called “theft.” Small wonder they’ve all got houses on Mustique. They’re all in hiding from the Fraud Squad.
I would have liked to have asked him more and maybe see if he was interested in planting one of his hedges with me but he was too busy telling me how funny the Morning Show was and how his 9 year old called Heath loved my joke about Tiger’s head being in the toilet because he was looking for poo……………………….bugger.
So, good morning from Tallinn, Estonia where it is as cold as it has been all season …………57 degrees but with a wind that put the word Baltic into the Baltic. Still, it didn’t stop the guests having a great time ashore and unfortunately we have two who enjoyed it so much they are still there now.
For the first time in along time we have a couple who missed the ship. They arrived at the pier at 4:30pm…………we sailed at 4 pm. We waited as long as we could but as always a tight schedule follows us to Amsterdam so we had to go. Our agent met them and will now organize a hotel and transportation to Amsterdam………….that’s quite an expense for this couple from British Colombia who missed the ship simply because they didn’t leave enough time to get back to the ship. They will now miss 2 days at sea …………..I feel bad for them……………..I cannot imagine how it must feel to come back to an empty dock.
One of our tours in Tallinn is specifically designed for families. The tour centers on a 13th century castle where kids can play with the armor, handle the swords and worryingly fire the cannons and muskets. It’s been very popular this season……………here are a few photos of the castle at Rakvere as visited by our production vocalist Lawrence.
Now, time for a comment.
Guest: Mr ————Ref: 002803396A
Cabin: ____ Booking#: _____ Added-Changed: 08/25/08 – 08/25/08_____- SECURITY TOOK GUESTS PURCHASE AT GANGWAY
Mr. ————- approached the Purser’s office in a very angry way. Guest stated that the security guard had taken a World WarII German pistol and a knife from him at the gangway. Guest said that the security had not given them a receipt for it and was also angry that there had been nothing in writing that these items were not allowed on the ship. Guest said that the gun does not work anymore and that he was in the army and knows about weapons. Purser asked the guest the value of the items. Mr———– said the gun was worth $1,400 and the knife $500. Purser contacted Security who confirmed the items were locked away and would be returned to the guest during debarkation. Purser sent an apology letter to the cabin and confirmation that the ship had his items. Guest has been asked to collect them from security during the debarkation in Dover.
Now, let’s address two issues where we are at fault. Firstly, if we are going to confiscate items at the gangway of course we have to give an itemized receipt although in security’s defense, this is not something that I think they will have come across to often ………… someone bringing a gun and a knife onboard.
Then there is the subject of telling the guests. Well, it is something that I should add to the Capers, especially in Tallinn. Estonia has had an unfortunate history with occupation by the Nazis in WWII and of course being locked into the Communist regime. Therefore, there are antique shops everywhere selling WWII and Soviet memorabilia and it makes sense that I should put something in the Capers about any weapon, etc will be confiscated on the gangway. I have to say though, I do think it a little strange that in the world of heightened security we are all forced to endure that this guest is surprised that we took a gun and a knife from him.
Now, as for the value……….Well, is a gun and a knife worth that?………………..welcome to the weird and wonderful world of antiques.
I am sure that my British blog friends will have seen The Antiques Road show which I know is repeated on PBS stations in America and Canada, plus I think I am right in saying that both countries have their own versions and these programs have made the search for antiques a very popular affair.
I do not know why the world developed a fondness for buying antiques. Perhaps it was the day, at some point in 1922, when people began to think of the past as a better place than the present. Or maybe it’s because we think an Elizabethan Dining Table will hold its value well whereas something that came flat-packed in Cellophane from IKEA will be worthless from the moment you take it out of the box.
Especially if you choose to make it yourself. Because it will be all covered in your own spittle as you foam at the mouth trying to find out why you have three screws left over. Giving your children a beautiful Victorian Vase means something. Giving them a 30-piece cutlery set from Sears will just make them angry.
Now, shopping for antiques is something that Heidi gets very excited about and once or twice she has dragged me along to the antiques fair in Battlesbridge Essex.
I hate it and not just because antique shops always smell like my old woodwork teacher Mr. Barton – Hansen. When you go into an antiques shop, the charming man with the lovely white hair, and the tweed jacket is someone who knows antiques…they are his life.
Then why is it no matter how wise the shop owner looks, you think he’s going to make a mistake and accidentally sell you the chair George Washington was sitting on at the theatre for $89.
You only have to watch the Antiques Road show to know I’m right. All those ladies with their knee-high stockings and their house in the Hamptons imagine their Ming Vase was made by the Emperor Ming himself. But the expert, backed by a team of researchers, the internet and the Smithsonian invariably finds some tiny little detail that proves it was actually made by an unemployed man called Sum Tin Wong who – in 1954. And is therefore worth only $1.99.
Oh they all try to look pleased with the valuation. But they’re not. Inside, every single one of them wants to smash the Vase over the bearded expert’s head.
Anyway, I hope the gun and the knife is worth the $2,000 the guest spent ……..which by the way is probably the amount in fines he will have to pay if he tries to take it through security at the airport.
We are going to take a break today from the Cruise Director interviews and instead introduce Tim Cabral to you.
Tim and I worked together on ships for many years and now he works in the Miami office. We are great friends and ……….well rather than me waffle on ….have a read of this.
1. Tim, can you tell us about your career so far with Carnival Cruise Lines.
Sure, my career began as the DJ on the “Fun Ship” Holiday in 1990. I joined right out of college, where I studied Radio Broadcasting. In 1992 I was promoted to Entertainment Technician, 1994 Technical Supervisor, 2000 Technical Manager, then in 2004 I was promoted to a new position in the Entertainment Department, Manager of Special Projects! John, to be honest, I’ve got one of the most amazing jobs at Carnival!
2. Before we talk about your current position what are your memories onboard as on DJ and Technician.
The most exciting times were the Fantastic Deck Parties we hosted together! It was great to see all the ships entertainment staff out on Deck, doing what we love, entertaining our guests!
3. Now, for the present. Let’s start with the part of your job that involves providing the ships with some of the iconic features we currently have. What can you tell us about what’s already in place.
We’ve added Mini-Golf to all our ships, including your amazing “Pirate” course on the Carnival Splendor. Mini-Golf has been such a huge success across the Fleet for us! We’ve also partnered with M&M’s to bring our Guests great Family Halloween cruises throughout October called “Frightfully Fun.” I’ve recently been invited to join some very talented people at Carnival, assisting with design and themeing of the next generation of the incredible WaterWorks experience!
4. Obviously with the competition looking over our shoulders you can’t be too specific but what’s the future got in store.
For the Competition’s eyes I can tell you were adding “Stamp Collecting”, “Cattle Ranching”, “Rowing Classes”, “Watermelon Bowling”, and the very popular “Paper Plane competition” as well as many more fictional events…! Kidding of course, we’re placing a large range of new Activities for 2009, adding hours of “Fun” for our guests of all ages.
5. Given on blank piece of paper and an unlimited budget what do you dream of one day placing on our Fun Ships?
Sorry, those are locked away, in my desk, for future presentations….!
6. Now to your other job, your involvement with large entertainment groups and charters. What is your role?
My role is in the Pre-Production, and Planning of all our Musical Themed Charters. We work closely with the Producers, and Artists to make their cruise an incredible music experience. We’re looking into the future, and being able to provide these events with Full Production, giving us the ability to accommodate more and more charters! They are such a great experience for both the first time cruiser, and the Professional cruiser!
7. Can you tell us about some of the groups and singing stars you have worked with?
Sure, I’ve had the AMAZING opportunity to work with Tim McGraw, Journey, REO Speedwagon, STYX, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Mayer, Donald Trump, Regis Philbin, Kathie Lee Gifford, Barenaked Ladies, 38 Special, Kenny Day, Boyz II Men, Isaac Hayes, Neil McCoy, Suzanne Somers, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Deborah Gibson, Richard Simmons, Terri Clark, Peter Noon & and Herman’s Hermits, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Pam Tillis, Chubby Checker, Corey Schmidt, Sister Hazel, Collective Soul, Lyle Lovette, Patty Smith, Nelson, JoDee Messina, Bill Engvall, United We Funk, Jane Seymour, Roy Clark, Charley Pride, Marshal Tucker Band, and many many more!
8. What about the future, whose sailing with us in the months ahead?
Brian McKnight will be on the Liberty this Month! We’re also happy to have back Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Mayer, plus all the amazing talent sailing with us on our Christian Charters, and we’ve just starting working with Rick Springfield. There are many more artists who are in the planning stages of some incredible Music Cruises….!
9. Without naming names too much have any of these “stars” been demanding…….do you have any stories to tell.
One of my most memorable experiences to share is the night I met Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon! After their show on the Triumph in 2004, he thanked me for such a great job, and invited me to join him for a drink, it was unbelievable! Best beer I’ve ever had! Then on the Victory, we were invited to join John Mayer, and his band to watch Super bowl 08′ great time, and great conversation!
10. Here’s that blank piece of paper again. Is there one show, or one group or one production of any kind that you think would be brilliant to host on one of our ships?
John, there are a few artists I would love to have onboard! Garth Brooks, Boston, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, and the “Holy Grail” of concert cruising, Mr. Jimmy Buffet himself! I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them all in concert, and they’ve all produced amazing shows! I would love to get together with them, and create that experience onboard!
11. Family Life?
Thanks to you, and Heidi, talking me up all those years to Shelley, we’re now married with two amazing children. We enjoy traveling, cruising and most of all camping!
Here are a few of the stars Tim mentioned.
Well, a great interview and a very funny one as well…….love the Watermelon Bowling. Tim will be at the center of a lot of the new fun designs you see onboard and has Carnival blood racing through his veins. Talking of racing, Tim and I have some great ideas linked with NASCAR and ….well, if I told you the rest I would have to borrow the German antique pistol and shoot you all………….although I would need 200,000 bullets…….that’s what our readership is now ….. 200,000 approx readers per month.
I am going to ask Tim to keep us in the loop as our “music cruises” are planned……..maybe some of you will be onboard to experience it for yourself………….who would be your dream team………..a Carnival cruise and who, providing the music?…………….it would be very interesting to hear who you would love to see onboard.
Thanks again to Tim and to all of you for reading.
Goodnight
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.
Hi John & Heidi,
What a great interview with Tim! Sounds like he really enjoys what he does. And wouldn’t a Jimmy Buffet cruise be the best? I’ve been on one Rock n’Roll oldies cruise before out of Miami and I would love to do another. (Won the free cruise bingo with my sister!).
So what’s the latest with Fred & Ginger? I thought you were going to tell us they were the couple who missed the ship.
Have a good night,
Carol
Any chance of getting Englebert Humperdinck? Just kidding, I just like saying the name. How about anything non-country? Dagnabbit!
Jeff
I am sure that your hair looked like Biff’s from back to the future. I never saw the resemblance until now, but if you go to this website http://www.sogwap.com/biff.jpg the similarities are uncanny! So your new nickname is Biff!
Ooooo… NASCAR!! Now, you’ve got my attention… not that you ever lost it!! Please… information as soon as possible!!
Please congratulate Tim for having the most remarkable eyebrows in the entire universe!!
When next you see Mr. Hedge Fund please ask him to toss a shrubbery my way! Even a small shrubbery will do!!!
Wonderful pictures of Tallinn again!! Please tell Lawrence to be careful around the tallish gentleman with the very serious looking battle axe thingy…
Pass along my howdies to the lovely and talented Heidi and, as always, my thanks go the ever so hard working Stephanie!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
John, Judge Judy is going to get you yet. How could you even think of seeing Judge Judy naked, you got to be sick. Be sure to tell your doctor these strange things run through your mind. (I got to laugh J J is on the TV right now as I type. Pat loves the show)
Boy is Tim a lucky man getting to work with all those stars. Now what about NASCAR if you don’t tell me I’m sure Carolyn will get it out of you, right Carolyn?
BIG ED
Pssssstttttttt John. Stephanie will give you my email address and you can email me and tell me all about the Nascar secret. I promise I won’t tell a soul , well except for Don. Well I might have to tell DJ too, he’s a big fan of Dale Jr. Am I right DJ?
Don has been a Nascar fan ever since Adam and Eve manufactured the first race car and built the Daytona speedway. I think he bought the first tickets, too 
John, did you know that I read in the paper the other day that Judge Judy makes $45 million a year. Her dude in the uniform makes $500K.
I’d like to be in her will……bugger I’m older than her so I’d probably never live to inherit anything. Well maybe I could get the dudes job, but come to think of it my uniform doesn’t fit anymore. I can’t button the buttons or zip the ……oh well you’ve got the picture……..giggle
Countess Carolyn…… still not the pest
Hi Stephanie, you have my permission to give John my addy.
Hi Heidi , Are you’re counting down the days until you get to go home and houseclean? I’m counting down the days until I can get a break from the housecleaning and board the Holiday in Mobile, AL
27 days and counting
Tim is quite the name dropper!
My dream team ?………..On a Carnival cruise __________, providing the music?…………….
I would have to opt for the Holy Grail…..Mr. Jimmy Buffet
Speaking of music…..
I remember back in the 80’s some long time ago I went to Washington DC over the 4th of July and in those days the Beach Boys would routinely play the at the National Mall ….until some pompous bureaucrat buffoon (James Watt) decided this was not the appropriate “element” and banned rock bands …..and thus my entertainment on the holiday at this venue was switched to the more ”wholesome” ….Wayne Newton…. gads….
Not that I have a problem with Mr. Las Vegas….just not my first choice….
Other choices….. artists who have substantial repertoires and great stuff with which to sing along
shaaaaa
R.E.M
(the new lead singer kicks @ss)
Billy Joel
Elton John
Chicago
Journey
(for the older cruisers…) Neil Diamond (again slight gads there)
The Flying Dutchman
Good evening John. I loved the interview with Tim. Is there a way for me to find out which cruises have the music individuals and what ship they will be on? It would be interesting to know so when the time comes to make my plans for my next cruise it would be great to know ahead of time. Tell Tim, what about the Beach Boys? They would be great. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
PS John, if you will tell me the secret I’ll help you get even with Big Ed for his April fools joke, but don’t tell him ………
Countess Carolyn……..formally with Big Ed’s Evil Krewe
Love your blog – to paraphrase a line from the movie, As Good As It Gets, it makes we want to be a better cruiser!
I especially enjoy the interesting passenger stories, but do have to express some sympathy for Mr. Weapon Man. On one of our 10 or so cruises, when my son was younger, he’d bought a balsa wood toy sword in one of the ports. I thought Security was a bit out of line to confiscate that – but they did! We live in the NYC area where there’s lots of security on the transit system – and his little sword raised nary a protest there.
John:
NASCAR…. yes, Countess Carolyn is very correct. DJ is an avid, die-hard Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan.
In fact, we just realized that the last race of the year is November 16th and since we will be in Fort Lauderdale on that date (getting ready to sail out on the Splendor the next day)…we are thinking of trying to grab some last minute tickets.
We have been to the Homestead track before when there was not a race going on. They gave us a nice tour. We were in Miami to sail out on the Paradise back in 2004 and swung by the track to look it over. Very nice!!
Dale Jr. even did a Nascar cruise one time and I could kick myself for not taking DJ out of school to go on it. If Dale Jr ever does it again, we will be there!!!
So sorry to hear about the couple that were left behind. Those are hard lessons learned when you travel.
A thought just occured to me…since I am older than dirt…I am an antique…I wonder if my value has gone up!!!! LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend, and avid Nascar fan, DJ)
I’ve gone on the No Calif KAT Country cruise one other time and this Sept 7 out of Galveston … They do it every year. So Country is good. Oldies would be great.. Music themed cruises would draw alot of cruisers I would imagine. For me, another interest is wine. A wine themed cruise with Carnival would be fun- I’ve seen some with other cruise lines. Great blogs- always funny and side spliting. Keep up the good work…. Hello to Heidi too.
Hi John
Glad to know you will be back on board next Saturday. I have been telling my Maltese group what a fab c.d. you are and I’m sure you will prove me right. Will look forward to see Ken again. I tell you- you have one hell of a maitre d with Carnival.
See you soon.
Sahha!!
George
I’m with Tim–I’m on if Jimmy Buffet cruises or your favorite Barry Manilow!:-)
I want his job but I doubt I would be as good at it!
My grandkids loved your joke about Tiger too–they saw it on one of the videos you had on the blog a couplle months ago. I want some of those hedges too but I still don’t understand the concept. I’m not sure I would be good at growing them.
I have to agree about the antiques–I don’t like the smell either–always reminds me of my great grandmother’s basement we were banished to play when we went to visit her as kids. Yuk.
Oh, and I forgot to tell you yesterday that I’m sorry that you still have that cold. It is miserable to get one that hangs on forever like that. I’ve had those before too and they hung on so long that I didn’t even remember when it went away–just one day noticed that I was actually breathing normal and my head didn’t echo. Hope yours goes away soon.
Hello, John
I am know starting to do interviews on my blog whith people in the cruise industry.
Just wanted to let you know.
from, Jake ( :
John please pass on to Stephanie – I finally figured out how to get my picture on the blog with her help – Thank you Stephanie!!!
John great blog. Would love to know about the musical cruises of the future.
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
You asked for ideas from us so here is one from me.
What do you think about a giving past cruisers credits for introducing new people to Carnival. Maybe for every 10 new people who actually book and cruise with Carnival for the first time, Carnival could give the past guest a free cruise. OK maybe dinner at the supper club for two.
What do you think?
I can guarantee that I have introduced more than 10 brand new cruisers to Carnival just in the last two years.
We are such big fans that it is impossible for these people not to get infected with the Carnival cruise bug.
And my Vacation Planner has to be the best. (MLerner@carnivalpvp.com) Michael Lerner has helped me to plan 8 cruises for my husband and I (the first one was through a travel agent) with a ninth already planned and a tenth under contemplation (they will be booked just not sure when). He even helped me with encouragement when I had cancer and had to change one of my cruises. Everyone at Carnival treats you like family not customers.
He has also helped with all of the other new cruisers that I have introduced to Carnival. When it comes to cruising Carnival name comes first then your name then Michael’s.
OK get back to me soon.
CarolAnn (Grandma)
N A S C A R ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
WOO HOO!!!!!
I’m so ready for this cruise!!!
When??? Where??? Who???
Well, of course it has to be “off season,” so that limits the months… PLEASE SHARE!!! PLEASE!!!!
John, Tim is an animal!! He’s having the time of his life!! Carnival gives both guests and employees the best opportunities!!! His SMILES are WONDERFUL!!!!
Missing the ship… coming back to an empty dock… I just can’t imagine the feeling… I pray this never happens!! We were late coming back from a Carnival booked excursion in Progreso once… but the Elation was patiently waiting for us!! Not too late, but about 20 minutes… But, to miss the ship… YIKES!!!
Another day closer to BLOGGERS!!!
All my best to you, Heidi, and the handy-dandy Stephanie!!! Prayer always for Alan!!
Lambie
John,
Please provide us details on the music cruises when they become available. I have to agree w/the folks Tim listed on his wish list…but I would add a couple: Led Zeppelin w/Jason Bonham and Eric Clapton.
Anxious to hear more about the music cruises of the future.
Lisa
My dream music cruise would be the Canada cruise with my favourite Canadian band Great Big Sea! I would deviate from it’s current schedule and make it a Maritimes cruise by adding Charlottetown – P.E.I., and St. John’s – Newfoundland ~ making sure to keep its stops in Halifax – Nova Scotia, and Saint John – New Brunswick. I know Newfoundland is not historically part of the Maritimes but since the band is from there it would only be fitting. The ship could be a giant ceilidh or kitchen party!
John, urgent, please respond!
Hey John, it’s me, you’re longtime blogging pal Jeff. So I want to join you on the Liberty next May 9th for the Baltic cruise, but the problem is I’m now single, and I’m sure that single occupancy costs twice as much. Do you know of any solutions?
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi Paul,
Carnival.com has a special section dedicated to theme cruises. This is where you’ll find information on the music cruises and other fun cruises. Here is the link- http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/specials/theme_cruises.aspx?WT.mc_id=HThemeSpecials.
Don’t be surprised if you see a familar face there
Stephanie
$1,400 for a non-functional pistol? It had better been signed by someone VERY famous and have all the letters to back it up. Any firearm I am going to spend that kind of money on better dang well be functioning. Of course I wonder how unfunctional it was? He might be having a very fun conversation with the BATF if he brings in back into the US.
Hi John, Heidi and all the bloggers:
Just wanted to thank everyone for all their support and blessings to Tony and I reguarding our handicap daughter, Vicki. She is a blessing and we learn so much from her. We have come to realize that the main reason she is here on earth is to teach people what love is all about. Her favorite word she can say is “happy” So whenever she meets anyone she asks them “happy?”, which makes most people smile. She is 20 years old and Tony and I have only taken 2 vacations without her.The first one was 2 years ago on the Carnival Liberty where we met John as the CD. We had a wonderful trip with alot of laughter. So when we found out that John ws going to be the CD on the new Spendor we had to book it. We told our friends and they all decided to come with us. My older daughter voluntered to watch Vicki at home for almost 3 weeks while we went on the cruise and to London for 3 days before the cruise. We had a great time but I have to agree with John reguarding the Asian population on the cruise. By the end of the cruise there were alot of angry people, tired of being pushed around. I was not going to let them spoil my vacation, so I just ignored them. I did however discover how they were always the first ones on the tour buses. When the number for the tour before them was called, they would sneak in with the prior number that was called and then go to their bus number which of course has not been called yet. I did not find this out till the last tour I went on. Maybe there should be someone by the staircase to look at the tour numbers to make sure this does not happen on future cruises.
I do however have to agree that John is working to hard to please everyone. I noticed unfortunatley that John is more behind the scene, then in his previous cruise we had with him. I would have liked to see him more upfront with his smile and laughter. I missed seeing him more but I do understand why. This Balitic cruise takes alot of patience and time to get all the tours and ports correct. He keeps stating that the line for immigration in Russia is bad. John: it was just fine. The people in my line all understand and applauded you for how well everything went. Start spending more time with Heidi and start to slow down trying to please all those s-nobs..
Hope all goes well on your future cruises..
Pam and Tony
I bet a music cruise with Jimmy Buffet would be a sell out! Looking at videos of his concerts, the ship may run out of alcohol.
John,
Hi, just a note…for some reason my sons collect swords. So we try to buy them one in every port. We have always gotten a receipt for them, and have no trouble picking them up after the cruise. The only thing that has ever bothered me is when we turned it over to security, just to board the tender and see the guards playing with the swords. This was in Belize and they had a beautiful hand made cover for them. But they were fine when we picked them up. Wait, we saw them playing with the swords in another port also…can’t remember which one right now. Since we drive we have no trouble getting them home.
princess susan
Hi Hedi and Stephanie
Hi John/Heidi:
What a great blog today.
It was really cool to read Tim’s interview and get to know the man behind the themed cruises that I see so much information.
Good luck to the man who bought the gun and knife. I hope he is able to check it back to the states. What a nightmare.
Thanks for another great blog today and take care.
David
Please respond
Three (3) things -
1. Is there an official hotel in New Orleans prior to the bloggers Cruise? This is only a couple of weekends prior to Mardi Gras and hotels are filling up on weekends already and I need to make plans.
2. Who will be the Cruise Director on Carnival Ecstasy leaving Galveston this Nov 1st.?
3. Any other Bloggers going to be on this ship at the Ecstasy Nov 1st. besides me?
John,
Did I ever tell you about the day my son saw his science teacher at a Jimmy Buffet concert? We told our kids they could go as long as they made it on time to school the next day. No easy task since the concert was 3 hours away in Toronto on a school night. Anyway, the 12 year old boy wonder made it to school by the morning bell. His teacher cruised in a few hours later.
So yes, Jimmy Buffet would be our vote, but on a personal note, could you please look into booking Sir Paul? He might be a bargain now that he has to pay those child support bills and allimony.