A few weeks ago, a blogger who was furious that I had been slightly rude about Al Gore, wrote the following: “When I tread in something unpleasant in the street, from now on I will think of you.” A guest also once famously called me “The sperm of the devil” and when the Carnival Glory had to spend two extra days at sea because of Hurricane Jean……well……..what they said is pretty much unprintable, but it was along the lines of the following robust note: “Dear Mr. Heald, you are a patronizing s*** and I am going to get you fired.”
Right now across the Caribbean there are thousands of cruise ship guests who are understanding and sympathetic to the changes forced upon the cruise lines because of Hurricane Gustav. However, there are going to be the small percentage of guests who will not understand why the ship can’t go to Cozumel and a few who will demand that they be given 12 free cruises and a Ferrari because they have to spend an extra day at sea.
At the forefront of making sure these guests do understand and make sure that all the passengers remain informed, happy and content are the cruise directors. They will be making constant announcements, they will be posting maps of the hurricanes path and making sure that the fun continues regardless. So, before I start with what’s happening today here on the Carnival Splendor, I salute my colleagues in the Caribbean whose positive attitude and ability to turn a complaint into a smile is what makes them the best in the business……good luck to you all.
And so back to routine life here in the Baltic.
Except this afternoon……….it wasn’t.
The “Sierra, Sierra, Sierra” call came over the PA system just before 1 pm. This is the signal to the ship’s company that a stretcher team is needed and they were needed at the deck 0 gangway. ……so, I called to find out what was happening in case I was needed………I was.
There were about 50 or so guests in line to come back on board from their time in Copenhagen and among them was blogger and frequent Carnival cruiser Candice.
Candice noticed that some guests had come straight to the front of the line and pushed past an elderly guest who had walking difficulties ………….I shan’t bother to tell you where this group of guests was from as I am sure you can deduce that for yourself.
Now, being the wonderful and caring person that she is Candice walked out of the line ……………down the side of the gangway ……….. leaned over to talk to the gangway security to advise them what had happened and to ask for the guest with walking difficulties to be given assistance…………….and as she did so she missed her footing and fell off the pier into the water.
This was, of course, seen by many of the guests who immediately raised the alarm to the security.
Within moments a life ring had been thrown down to Candice.
A few moments later one of the ship’s officers wearing a lifejacket jumped into the water and held onto Candice.
Meanwhile the doctor and nurses and stretcher were on the scene plus while I and others made sure the rest of the guests were kept back………..we didn’t want anyone else looking down and falling in.
Then came the rope ladder which was dropped the five feet or so from the top of the pier to the water and the officer helped Candice very slowly climb the ladder…………I don’t know if any of you have ever had to climb a ladder made of rope but it’s not an easy thing to do. Eventually after 10 minutes or so from falling in………..Candice was out………….soaking wet……….a little bruised but able to walk to the infirmary. She was given a full examination by the medical team and, after being given the all clear, she returned to her cabin.
I called her a few minutes ago and she is surprisingly in good spirits…………more embarrassed than anything and also annoyed that her passport and credit cards are now at the bottom of the harbor floating around in her bum bag thingy.
I helped her cancel her cards and we are making arrangements for her to get a new passport from the American Embassy in Berlin.
Of course, it could have been much worse. Luckily there was no current and no swells and…………..you know what………..let’s stop there………she is fine and her act of kindness nearly caused her serious injury…………
I shall be making a fuss of her all cruise long. ……………oh by the way, let’s say a huge BRAVO to the officer who jumped straight into the water and held onto to Candice …………..the things some ladies will do just to get a handsome Italian in uniform to give them a hug!
While all this was going on, of course, we had stopped the line coming back on the gangway so that the security staff and officers could help………….there was therefore a 15-minute wait before we started the line moving again…………….everybody, of course, understood …………..well…………..nearly everyone.
Guest: Mr Ref: 008803704A
Cabin: _______ Booking#: ______Added-Changed: 08/31/08 – 08/31/08UPSET BY WAIT AT GANGWAY
Mr. ——– stopped by the Pursers office very upset because he had waited on the pier for a long time and nobody was able to get on the ship. Purser advised the guest that there had been an incident at the gangway and that we had to stop boarding so that the security and officers could assist a lady that had fallen. Guest said that people should still have been able to get on the ship and it was not right to make him wait for lunch because a lady had fallen in the water. Purser apologized and guest said that he expected some sort of compensation for the inconvenience. Purser said his comments would be passed to the Chief Purser and Hotel Director. Guest left the desk after making a written note of my name and saying he wants to talk to the Captain or the Cruise Director today. Apology letter sent and e mail to CD and CP.
Sometimes I should just walk away and not comment but I can’t. How does someone find the nerve to complain because he had to wait a few extra minutes before stuffing his face with a burger?…..If I had known I would have stopped trying to help save Candice and would have run up to Lido to get him some fries. As for meeting him…….not this time…………and not this guest……..
I would rather bury myself on a beach in France with just my bottom sticking out of the sand with a sign next to me saying “Park evous Le Byciclette here siv vous plais”…. (“park your bike here, please”) than give him the time of day……………….sigh…………but, of course, I am just venting and I will indeed talk to him. I will talk to him and listen to his comments. I will be understanding and attentive and while doing so I will…… in my mind be dreaming of bringing shock and awe upon him with a hot dog.
It was a nice day for a swim though as we have had an amazing two straight days of sunshine. We arrived in Denmark today and the sun stayed with us the entire day. Heidi went out with Mum for a few hours and here are their photos for you to enjoy.
The Opera House
The Peacock Theatre
Elegant Hotel/Restaurant within Tivoli Gardens
Fountains of Tivoli
The roller coaster
Royal Palaces of Amalienborg
At the Harbor
Tivoli Entranceway
So, what was my overall impression of Denmark? Well, they love fish; in fact they eat more fish than anyone in Europe….except the Swedish who are fish.
Denmark has built 5,000 wind turbines and it’s said that together they can produce enough electricity to meet 19% of the country’s (frankly minuscule) needs.
But since they came on line not a single one of Denmark’s normal power stations has been decommissioned. They are all running at full capacity because, while the wind turbines are theoretically capable of meeting nearly a fifth of the country’s demands, they produce nothing at all when the wind drops. So, unless the government decrees that the entire population of Denmark eats nothing but beans ……..I am not sure why they are there.
Danish people also love gadgets and everyone seems to have an Eye pod a wafer thin mobile phone. The shopping district of Stroget is superb and is full of gadget shops.
You can buy (and I am not joking) material that can store and display information from the internet. This means that if, for some reason, you don’t want to read blog on the computer, you can – and I’m not joking – read it on your own trousers.
See the problem? Everything that can be stored as a one and a zero is already stored. So now, in the absence of any new and exciting breakthrough, you’re just being offered the same thing in a slightly different way. ……..and much of it is invented by the Danes.
I recently bought a magazine called “Loaded.” Billed as the international lifestyle technology bible, it is full of gadgets and gizmos that honestly and truthfully make me dribble. I want to own every single thing in it.
Did you know, for instance, that you can now buy a toilet roll dispenser into which you plug your iPod so you can enjoy some Elton John …………while doing your number twos?
Or that you can buy a Media Box? According to the blurb, it is an HDD media player with a 700GB capacity that can upscale the output from your PC to a full-on 2180p HD. I have absolutely no idea what any of this means but it’s silver and black and I want one ………….and guess where it’s made………..yep………….Denmark.
It’s the Bang & Olufsen way. Put some simple Japanese technology in a sleek black box and you can charge the earth. Which is why you are now being asked to pay $200 for an alarm clock, just because it’s Danish, and $25,500 for a TV…………. just because it was designed by a man called Arne.
Of course, you have to see Little Mermaid. This statue sits by the harbor and is of course the most photographed object in Denmark ………….however it is almost permanently missing one of its extremities? How bored do you have to be before you think: “I know. Let’s wade out into the harbor and decapitate a statue?” Danes are though some of the happiest people in the world and you rarely see one in a bad mood.
Apparently the main reason why Danes claim to be so happy is that they always expect life to be worse than it really is. They expect to be cold. They expect to pay 90% tax. They expect to be decapitated by a gang of youths who’ve found the Little Mermaid has already had its head kicked off and are now looking for another target.
They are therefore delighted when they get home to find their family still has all their limbs, that the heating is working and that their tax bill’s been reduced to 89%.
So, overall I think the port of Copenhagen has been immensely popular. Our most popular tours are those that see the Royal Palaces, the harbor cruise and anything with Tivoli Gardens in the title.
However………me personally………I love the castles of Zeland tour. The visit to the birth place of Hamlet, the stunning beauty of the castles and the descriptions the guides give of the bloody battles was something I will never forget……….it’s Hans Christian Andersen meets Shakespeare with a little bit of Quentin Tarantino thrown in.
Oh, one last thing. When we leave Denmark we pass under the The Oresund Bridge which is a combined two-track rail and four-lane road bridge across the Oresund strait. The bridge-tunnel is the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe and connects the two metropolitan areas of the Oresund Region: the Danish capital of Copenhagen and the Swedish city of Malmö………………..it is a stunning sight to see and the clearance from the top of the smoke stack is not that much…………I am sure therefore that someone much smarter than me and someone who probably has a beard will have realized that the Carnival Liberty is coming here next year and her smoke stack is much taller than ours…………..just in case Mr. Beard hasn’t realized this…..can one of you remind me next year please?
Let’s get back to Hurricane Bastard……..I mean Gustav. As I mentioned yesterday is a lot involved to move an entire fleet out of harms way from a storm like this. Someone who is very much involved is Terry Thornton our senior vice president of marketing planning. Terry is as you can imagine a very busy man but he took the time early this morning to answer a few questions.
1. Terry, this is a very busy time for everyone and obviously all eyes are on Gustav. Can you tell us about the Carnival Crisis and command center and what happens during on situation like this?We have setup the command center to assist us in handling any significant event impacting our ships. It is equipped with all the technology that we need for communications and handling all the information needs. It also serves as the primary meeting place when we pull representatives from all areas of the company together to discuss the plans for dealing with the situation. All the key decisions are made at these meetings and then the various areas proceed with implementing the plans.
In a tropical weather situation, the first goal is to work with the captains and shipboard management of the impacted ships to ensure that all ships operate safely away from the storm. Generally this involves making minor itinerary changes. There are situations that require more significant itinerary changes and we work with the shipboard team to find the safest option that will still provide our guests with a good experience ashore.
Once these changes are decided, we get this information out to all of our internal teams, our travel agent partners and all of the impacted guests. It’s a big communication job, but a very important process.
We very infrequently have to make a change to our departure/arrival time at a homeport or modify the duration of a cruise. There are a lot of logistics to assist guests with transportation needs in these cases, but we have an experienced team that works very hard to minimize the inconvenience for our guests.
2. Changing a ships itinerary is not as easy at it sounds. What factors are taken into consideration when doing so and what are the challenges with this?Itinerary changes are coordinated between our marketing and operations teams. When they are needed, we look for the best option to provide our guests with a good shore experience. Based on the experience of these teams and the captains and shipboard management, we are generally very successful in finding a good alternative. Once we develop an option, we have to check to see if the port we want is available and have our excursion team get everything setup for our arrival. From there, we communicate the change internally and to all of the impacted guests.
3. I know you were just in New Orleans announcing at a press conference that the Carnival Triumph would replace the Carnival Fantasy in the Big Easy. How excited were they about this and do you have a message to the people of New Orleans?It was very exciting during our recent visits to both Mobile and New Orleans to announce the new Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Triumph programs. Vance Gulliksen from our PR department and I received great feedback on these announcements at the back to back press conferences. We received strong support from all the local officials and port staff and lithe events were well covered by the local media.
My thoughts have been with all the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas ever since the computer models indicated that Gustav could be headed their way. From the news coverage, it seems like there has been great progress in dealing with this type of storm since Katrina with the evacuation and security plans. It is good to see that the residents have been able to move to safer areas. Our thoughts will continue to be with those impacted by this storm and we are hoping that they will be able to safely return to their homes very soon.
4. Let’s finish with good news and talk about some of the fleet’s new itineraries.
We have been working on. A number of new itineraries to provide our guests with even more choices in 2009. Most recently, we announced newer and larger ships for New Orleans and Mobile. In addition, we just announced our new three- and four-day cruises from San Diego.
With the Carnival Splendor’s arrival in the US, a new homeport in Baltimore, new itinerary options from Galveston and New York and the delivery of the new Carnival Dream, we have a lot of exciting new options for our guests in 2009.
Thanks so much Terry and a special thank you to all your staff and everyone involved in the redeployment of our ships during these difficult times.
Well, as I write hurricane Gustav has started pounding Louisiana and while I have lots more to write about the fun and games here on the Carnival Splendor…………some how, it doesn’t seem right.
Tomorrow I will return with a new blog and another cruise director interview but the last words today need to be for the people in the path of the storm especially those who I know are regular blog readers………..you are all in our thoughts.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Hurricane, Terry Thornton
John–some people–grrrr–some people just should be ignored, as should be that horrible man who complained because he could not get to his pommes de terre frites. I know you know that means French Fries in French….I do truly think some people purposefully start trouble because they anticipate if they do, someone will apologize to them even if they are wrong, and will reap some benefit (like a bottle of champagne, etc) from the complaint. Glad Candice is OK….she fell in the water and isn’t complaining, and this man is???
John,
WHY would you even give that guest the pleasure of your company for one second, or the time of day for that matter? I know you’re the cruise director, but put this guy on ignore. What a complete jerk. They certainly do find you. But, it always keeps your blog extremely interesting. And it’s funny how everyone knows the Asians were involved in the pushing incident without them even being mentioned. Just tell the guests to push them right back. That’s what I ended up doing when I was on the Freedom. They’ll feel much better.
Jeff
Candice, Candice, Candice, what a way to become famous on the blog.
I have read you comments many times and never thought you were a show off (just kidding). I’m so glad to hear that you are alright, what a scare that would have been. And as John said it could have been so much worse. I hope the elderly guest that you were trying to get help for is alright also.
John had better fuss over you, you deserve every bit of it.
Carol-Ann
Hola John!!
Difficult day ah? Scary, more for me that I don’t know how to swim. I’m happy that Candice is all right. Bravo to the officer. Tell Candice not to be embarrased she did the right thing. I can’t believe this people especially the man who complained. John don’t talk to him. Don’t give him anything and if he doesn’t return well.. What kind of people are this?? You are giving way to much to people that don’t deserve a thing.
Beautiful pics. You should go with Heidi and her mom . You deserve some time off and Heidi deserves that you dedicate some time to her. go go go!!!
Sending you a big hug I think you need it.
My only comment is if you don’t want a hurricane or other weather event messing up your cruise then don’t schedule it during hurricane season. Damn… it’s that easy. Heck you’ve got Hannah and now Ike stoking up building strength ready to strike…
John & Heidi:
Some people have no care for anyone but themselves! Shame on that cruiser! If it were him, he would be threatening to sue! Please don’t reward his bad behavior!
I hope Candice is ok and please take good care of her! She deserves a good massage, dinner and a frying pan to whack the man that complained of the delay to knock some scents into him!
Please remind your guest to be aware that not all guest are as active as they are and please be considerate of others!
I love the pictures! Maybe one day we can see these beautiful places in person!
BTW John I did the Melting cake today. Turned out great!! Everyone in this family was very happy especially Cristian that ate one every night of our Med cruise and always made a joke of it with Tina. She always gave him the menu and asked what he wanted even though she knew what he was going to order. Every night he will ask Tina to suggest a dessert to end asking for a melting cake. She remembered that on our visit last February and they did the exact same thing but this time she gave him a paper with the recipe like if it were a precious gift and ask him to give it to me, that now I could make him the melting cake. It wasn’t until now that I made it. But it is not going to be the last time.
Way to go Candice!! Again this cruise we have a dichotomy of good guests and bad guests. Someone who’ll go out of their way in kindness and others who just want it their way. I think I’d throw about 20 guests a cruise overboard If I had to do your job John.
Cheers,
Brad
Hi John,
Your blog thingy gets better and better every day! Thanks for doing what you do so well – Senior Cruise Director AND World Champion Blogger.
You’ve probably answered this question countless times, but could I please possibly ask it once more?
Will you still be on (or returning to) the Carnival Splendor once she starts her Mexican Riviera itineraries?
Thanks again for the great work!
I’m glad to hear Candice is OK, save for her embarrassment. Perhaps the pushy guest & impatient guest could have their seating arrangements changed so that they can enjoy each others’ company every evening at dinner? I’m sure they have lots in common!
As far as Denmark – beautiful pics! Wish I was there but, alas, I am here with 59 days until my next cruise.
Hi John,
Thank God that Candice is ok! I’m sure that is an experience none of you will ever forget. What do you think about telling about this experience on your future Welcome Aboard shows? You could emphasise how important it is to not break into lines and cause disruptions that can happen because of your unthoughtfulness & rudeness to your fellow passenger. Maybe the rude ones would never think you were talking to them, but it’s just a thought I had. I hope Mr. Complainer has indigestion for the rest of the cruise.
Thankfully, New Orleans seems to have been spared the worst of Gustav. Although Louiseanna has suffered a blow it doesn’t appear to be anywhere near the damage of Katrina. Believe it or not, our government was even paying attention this time. Wonders never cease!
I loved te pictures Heidi took. We took the Castles
tour and it was really nice. It is so hard to believe that someone actually lived in these.
Hope Candice is ok.
Jennifer and Danny
John,
I must confess I eagerly await the day when we see a note from the purser’s office that reads “Guest told to ************ and get a life, CD to dress up in Nelson Muntz costume and follow guest around pointing and going ‘Ha Ha’”
On a more positive note, things look a lot better in New Orleans now, I hope the passengers who were concerned over the weekend have found some comfort and peace of mind.
Regards to Candice,
Donal.
Hi John,
If it would have been him next time just let the guests board then, but not helping him. Okay a life-jacket would do.
He does not deserve nothing no apology,nothing.
Another selfish person.
Two years ago me getting back home on a Swiss Airline flight to Europe, we did have a 2 hour delay leaving Miami because of a technical problem. Beeing off the Continent a passenger got a stroke. So we had to return to Canada/Halifax hospitalizing him.
Without our 2 hour delay we would have gone to Ireland Dublin, which we did : Our flight crew did have to stop because of their hours on duty and we did have to refuell as well. Swiss Air did fly in another Crew. None, none did complain about our delay. It might have been one of us. We only did Boooh our new Crew: They wanted to do the saftey drill the third time on one flight.
Within a week I got a letter from Swiss Air them apologizing. They did save a life!
I only came back home late for 6 hours so what.
yours Ralf
John again my friend you are a saint!!!! They people you have to put up with. Maybe you could suggest to the guest he falls in then see how much he appreciates the carnival staff and what they did for him. Sounds like a carnival is doing an amazing job making lemon aide out of Gustav’s lemon’s.
John,
I’m glad Candice is alright. Thank you to the officer who jumped in.
Can’t believe that fellow was upset because he couldn’t get to lunch.
It takes all kinds.
Hi John & Heidi,
Candice – what a way to get some recognition! But I’m glad you’re ok. And all because more people couldn’t do the right thing and wait patiently on line. Sounds like NYC at rush hour.
Some people are just plain obnoxious – First Captain Rude, and now this guy – Mr. I want to eat.
Great photos from the previous blogs – Blogfather.
Let me catch up on the rest of the blog thingys. And everyone down south are in my thoughts, along with anyone in Hanna’s & Ike’s paths. And I just heard another storm is developing further out. Very busy season. But hopefully not devastating.
Hugs,
Carol
John, I continue to read and enjoy your blog every day. The interviews, the pictures, the stories about funny/crazy/obnoxious/wonderful guests keep me laughing, entertained and sometimes astonished. While it is amazing to me how you can remain calm and gracious when dealing with such rude behavior I do salute your patience. Don’t let these toxic people get you down.
Good luck with all your future plans!
Hi John.
I think that you need to placate the guest who complained about being delayed for his meal. I suggest that you send him a nice burger from room service by way of apology.
Even this may not satisfy him, so why not send him a burger every half hour, day and night, for the rest of his cruise!
(Then ask Customs to give him a body search as he leaves the ship………)
Some people – Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Hope Candice is ok and not too shaken by her ordeal – it must have been really scary.
John, I almost thought you got some balls. I jumped for joy when you said “As for meeting him…….not this time…………and not this guest……..” but then you had to say “but, of course, I am just venting and I will indeed talk to him. I will talk to him and listen to his comments”. He’s just lucky I was not in line at the Pursers desk. The Purser would have been able to go get a tea because I would have given this passenger a piece of my mind just hoping he would take the first swing.
I surely don’t want to read tomorrow that you sent him a basket and wine to his cabin. You can send him a note saying you gave it to Candice instead.
BIG ED
PS; Glad to see New Orleans didn’t get hit as bad as last time.
John- I just returned from the Splendor last week – I was the passenger who broke their ankle in the Hermitage, had surgery in a Russian hospital and spent the night there, was wheelchair bound for the last week of a once in a lifetime cruise which meant no tours of St Petersburg,Tallin or Amsterdam. But all that aside, the Carnival Splendor staff went above and beyond in their caring, kindness and compassion. I am 49 years old and never had any health issues in my life- but when something like this happens you are dependent on the kindness of strangers. I assure you that if this gentleman was in the water, the whole story would be different on why he wasn’t rescued faster. There are some people who are always looking for a free whatever- you will never satisfy them. As for me- I will forever be grateful for all the staff who took the time to hold a door open, ask how I was, the dining staff who rearranged our table,the room steward who made sure I had lots of pillows for my leg,and the medical staff. You have no need to explain anything more to this person. Your priorities were in the right place.
John,
We were with you last time in Copenhagen, it’s a lovely place. We were on our first cruise (chosen by our 11 yr old son) and had a fantastic time. I agree with the comments above about the complainers, we heard guests telling others they should complain more as they would get a discount, how mercenary are these people.
Mind you if my wife had known that she would be rescued by a uniformed Italian she would have been straight over the side…
Now, missing Cozumel would be a big bummer, but sheesh, poop happens! I would much rather miss it and have an extra day at sea, which is always nice to begin with, then to attempt to go and not make it. What do people expect when they are cruising during hurrican season??
As far as the other man, people never cease to amaze me with their selfishness.
Dear John Thank goodness Candice is alright. I wonder if Mr.Goofy Goober would have felt the same if it had been him in the drink.This uncaring donkeys behind does not deserve yours are anyone else’s time.It never ceases to amaze me at peoples disregards for others.Best wishes Gary and Bug
John, please continue to send best wishes to Candice, who stood up for what’s right when she could have blended into the crowd and left it up to others. Or no one. How you talked to Mr. Lunch with a straight face I don’t know. But please, no gifts for someone like that. I understand a sincere note acknowledging his distress, but to reward callous behavior is not what’s best for all the other Carnival guests.
I continue to have a concern that you are stereotyping a whole nationality as rude. So, as I would say to any family member, I say to you: it’s not everyone of that nationality. If Carnival knows certain situations bring pushing (debarkation; buffets) station a crew member there to hold the line a minute, then let a few through.
We leave on the Glory 9/13, Ike or no Ike. The captain can take us to Bermuda for all we care, just get us on the ship!
What extremes of human behavior. First Candice trying to help out another person. Then the height of egocentricity ….Mr MY lunch NOW. So glad Candice is alright. The other one makes me ill.
Hope those worried about family and homes are feeling a bit better now that Gustav has weakened.
I am glad Candice is ok! As for Mr. Oinker, he should be thrown overboard. I really think Mr. Oinker does not deserve ANY kind of compensation for his “trouble.” Really…a woman’s life versus his Oinker obsession…..
Pictures are lovely, Heidi!
John, here’s a MUCH better idea!:
Have CANDICE deliver the gift to Mr. Can’t-wait-to-stuff-my-face, and have her offer an apology for daring to fall off the gangway and cause him a delay. That should humble his butt right quick.
Thanks to these pictures I’m experiencing a bit of “homesickness,” having lived in Europe for 14 years thanks to the US Army and practically growing up there. I just found a few boxes I had stored away from that time and came across several pictures and souveniers from Amsterdam and Berlin. My wife hasn’t stopped laughing from looking at the pictures of me then. But it’s brought back all the bittersweet and fun memories, just like your blog reports from there. Thanks, John, for the great nostalgia!
I have to ask why on earth would you give this complaining guest the time of day? I know you are the public face of the cruise, but everyone who demands an audience with the president does not get to see him. Nor do they get to see the press secretary.
In my never to be humble opinion, the guest’s complaints were heard by the Purser’s desk. You have delegated and should not be expected to spend another moment on this issue nor should you profer any compensation to this “complainer”.
You wrote last cruise about so much time you spent on one or two guests (the funeral director). Now I am smart enough to know about artistic license, but clearly your time is important.
You are not going to be able to please 100% of the people. Maybe you should concentrate on the ones that you can. I think those are the ones that should receive your investment. Sometimes you have to fire a customer.
My other question is what score did Candice receive on the technical merits of the water entry? Surely even the French judge did not withold points?
Best
John,
Please please please don’t reward bad behavior, and if Carnival wanted to extend my cruise by two days, I’d be ecstatic!
Jeff
What would this “man” have done if it was one of his loved ones that fell overboard? Leave them in the water and go for lunch?
Probably…
John
If you can please give Candice a big hug for me. I witnessed first hand myself–no not me–someone falling into the water and how fast the response was— and also deal with health issues that cause both my mother and father in law to move slowly–
Thanks for alway making my day—-sometimes with laughter and sometimes with tears—–
Cheers
April
Hi John/Heidi:
I don’t even know where to start.
I”m glad Candice is ok but its amazing that the passenger had zero sympathy whatsoever for what had just occured.
Great interview with Terry today. Definitely seems like they have their hands full in Florida right now.
Thanks for posting and hope all is well.
Take care!
David
John:
So glad that Candice is ok. I think we all need to learn how to say “Stop and get your arse in the back of the line” in Japanese and Chinese…so we will be prepared! LOL
Stellar performance in patience with Mr. “I need to eat”. Not to worry, “someone” will put him in his place before it is over with!!
We are in Galveston awaiting the Ecstasy. We are staying at Harbor House (which is right at the pier literally). DJ’s friend Nate is here as well….so they have had the chance to meet. Super nice family.
The Galveston port area has a few blocks called ‘The Strand”…just is kinda like the French Quarter with shops, restaurants and bars. It has been a lot of fun.
We look forward to getting on the Ecstasy tomorrow. We also look forward to making these 3 days the best that Goose and his staff and crew has ever had.
It is going to be a blast…and if someone wants to bellyache…they had better not make the mistake of doing it around us….because we will set them straight!!
Let me gives HUGE kudos to Carnival. A) Their priority was to keep everyone safe, in a dangerous situation. B) We were given the option of cancelling. C) Carnival is giving us 50% off this cruise PLUS 50% off our next 3 – 5 day cruise. (which we will be booking as soon as we get home)
If folks want to complain, then A) they should not book during hurricane season B) they shoud have purchased travel insurance.
We are having a great time and the party will continue come Wednesday.
We are also very pleased that Gustav was not as bad as it could have been. The commercial levees in New Orleans held.
Tell Goose to eat his Wheaties…we are going to have a 3 day blow out!!! Karaoke….here I come!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John:
So glad to hear Candice is OK. Special thanks to the Crew who helped her out. As for the obnoxious jerk – someone should spit in his next burger! He doesn’t deserve your time let alone an apology. Keep doing the great job you do and forget about the weirdo’s!
Sue K – in Pittsburgh (still!)
John, Please send that old grouch some Ex-lax. Then maybe he will give a shit.
Normally I would be averse to stereotyping an entire cultural group too, but it seems to be rampant. A friend who recently vacationed in Hawaii reported the same problem there with Asians-shoving their way to the front of the line, being grabby, etc.
OMG! Thank God Candace is OK, and had some fun with a handsome Italian to boot! I think Mr Lunch needed an up close and personal demonstration of what happened to Candace and caused his delayed lunch, with no one troubling to follow after him, honestly!
It is mind-boggling to think what Carnival does to maintain our cruising experience with the storms approaching and/or right there! We have crazies sailing on three different ships this week and several next week as well. It has made me dizzy just trying to follow those three sails, much less all of them! One thing I know, we can count on being safe and having a wonderful time anywhere you take us!! Bravo to Terry and the whole team! And Bravo to all the CD’s who deal with all the frenzy from a few passengers with a smile!
We are hearing today that although Gustuv did not approach Katrina in devastation, thank God, we need prayers for all those who were affected by this storm, that they can get home soon and suffered minimal damage.
Hugs and love to all of you!
Floatie
John…
I am never surprised… but wish I was… at the rudeness of people… Food over life saving… getting to the front over being careful with an elderly guest… Hummmmmmm…
Maybe it’s the Danish in me… But I love life and wish the same for EVERYONE!!
Now I’ll ketchup on today’s blog…
Lambie
OMG poor Candice! That had to be a frightening experience. I’ll bet that water was cold too. Tell Candice if she gained some weight she wouldn’t have lost her bum thingy..lol You are way too nice. I would have had to push the complainer in to see if he thought others should be delayed until he was rescued. Humanity never ceases to amaze me.
Beautiful photos Heidi and I hope you and mum had a wonderful day.
Terry I’m sure has underplayed the logistical nightmare of moving ships to other ports on short notice. Guest who sail Caribbean itineraries during hurricane season should me made to sign a separate statement stating they completely understand that there is a 50-50 chance they may not be going on the itinerary they planned–even so I doubt that would stop the complainers from complaining. Oh well…
And another one is on your cruise. Geez, it just does not end does it. When a cruise becomes available, I wonder if there is always someone that just has to take a cruise and always has to be an idiot? I am so glad that the woman is safe and that you are taking care of her.
Heidi took some great pictures, loved them all.
I can only imagine how it must be when hurricane season is in full force when you work on a cruise ship. Having them come one after another can not be any help at all. I am sure most pax understand why the Captain does what he does but it is not surprising that some do not. They cruise during hurricane season but can not understand why they can not go the port that they want. How anyone can get through life with that kind of understanding is beyond me.
Keep smiling John, there are more of us than of them.
Hi John,
It seems like a lot of the people posting here on your blog know you or you them. Well, I’m a newbie, just got back from the Western Carib on the Carnival Glory and I’ve got a few things to say to you. First of all, holy smokes, you can pick your people! I’m betting you get lots of great feedback regarding Butch, the Glory’s cruise director and I just gotta add my voice. What an absolutely amazing guy. He’s so professional but fun and also personable and humble. He really made our cruise FANTASTIC! And he knows how to pick his people as well, his whole staff was just as approachable as he is. We were fortunate to chat with him for a few minutes about his meteoric rise through the ranks of Carnival. He attributed much of his success to you, which is why I wanted to commend you for spotting his potential.
Secondly, what kind of a crazy person complains about MORE TIME on a cruise ship??? I was praying Gustave would intercept us and force us to spend more time aboard, but alas, it was not meant to be.
I’m really enjoying your blog, it’s the next best thing to being on board!
Regards,
A hooked new cruiser,
Holli
So Mr Munchies was afraid to miss the lunch line eh? Did he not know about the the pizzeria??!! Further proof that it takes all kinds! And BRAVO Candice! For not only taking a stand in try to help someone who needed it (we need more of these vs Mr Munchies type!) but also taking a dip where few have dipped before and scoring a hug from an Italian Stallion! Big day! Perhaps you could post a photo of our hero John…!
cheers!