Good Morning everyone and just before I start, I refer you to yesterday’s blog where I tried a sublime joke which as Heidi said would happen……no bugger got it. I was referring to the time machine and stopping George going to the theater…………obviously I was referring to President Lincoln but in a week where I upset Captain Rude by naming Eisenhower instead of Truman ……………I though I would continue……………but nobody laughed…………..double bugger.
Just before I carry on can I say a huge thank you to all the people at Dover for making us feel so welcome? Homeports are very important to the guests and the crew and Dover has made us feel very at home………..thanks to them all.
So, here we go, it’s good by to the brilliant Baltic and hello to the Med. Let’s see who is sailing with us this week.
We have 3,204 guests.
So, as you can see we have my friends from Russia again. And considering last year I was chased by one, kissed by one, and they always provide us with such great blog entertainment. Let’s see what happens this time.
Here is the last of our cruise director interviews featuring the newly promoted Tory Secoy. I have known Tory for some time and I know she will be a great cruise director. Here is her interview which I hope you all enjoy
1. Can you tell us which ship you currently are on and when you are due to leave?
The Holiday, which is funny as this was one of the first ships I worked on when I started with Carnival 10 years ago…
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?
Many years ago I used to be a dancer on another cruise line. I am also trained in drama, singing (which is my love) and dancing. But time takes it toll, so I don’t dance any more but still do the singing when I can – I would be lost with out it. I get to do what I love and see the world. It is the best job.
3. 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?
I love doing the talent shows as I get to do some of my own stuff such as comedy, singing and dancing. And have fun with the guests, too.
4. What has been your most challenging moment as Cruise Director so far?
As far as the job and everything that goes with it, I find it is the little things that life throws at us that make it hard. I have learned that you are not going to make everyone happy all the time. I’ve also learned not to take it to heart as I used to. And you find some special people along the way who help you. I remember being low at one time and had a guest who I am still friends with. The guest, who knew me from what I was a social host all the way up to being named a cruise director, would send me encouraging letters every day and help me through the bad times.
5. And, your most rewarding.
All the new friends that I have made. It is cool when you can say to people I have a friend that lives there – and that is basically everywhere in the world!
6. On your current ship can you tell us about your itinerary and can you recommend one must do excursion from each port of call?
We do three different runs. I would say any of the ruins and, while in Cozumel, anything related to snorkeling. There is so much it is hard to pick just one.
7. Why, in your opinion is Carnival…………..the world’s most popular cruise lineBecause we offer everything to everyone and we have the best crew of any cruise line.
8. Is there a ship in the fleet you would love to be Cruise Director of that you have yet to be so and what port of call would you like to visit that you have not so far in your career?
There is no one particular ship. I would go for more the people on the ship rather than the itinerary. The crew is what makes the ship — you can have a nice itinerary and a nice ship but if you don’t have good crew, then it doesn’t matter.
9. Every CD has a story to tell from their time onboard. What’s your most recent funny, sad or inspirational story you can share with us?
One time a guest tried to ask me out while we were doing the spoon game, which was pretty funny. As for an inspirational story, I would say all the kind people who I have might over the years and have given me the strength to be where I am today.
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?
Angus burger and curly fries extra cheese. Mayo on the side.
Guests would be Adam Sandler – he would be funny – along with mom who is also funny. Fergie as I love her music, and Albert Einstein. That would be a cool combination.
APPETIZER
Shrimp and avocado finger bites. Served with a splash of lemon and chive seasoningMAIN COURSE Filet Mignon, butterfly with peppercorn sauce
DESSERT
Warm melting coco cakes.
SOMEONE FROM THE CRUISE INDUSTRY
Julie McCoy – Cruise Director from the Love BoatSOMEONE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD
Robin WilliamsYOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS
Natalie PortmanYOUR FAVORITE ACTOR
Will SmithYOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN
Pink FloydAND SOMEONE FROM HISTORY YOU WISHED YOU HAD MET
I have a dream… love to meet Martin Luther King Jr.
Thanks, Tory, and congratulations on achieving your dream of being a Carnival cruise director.
Now, I would like to show you this comment from my great friend Carol
Hi John, Heidi & Stephanie,
Thanks for the replies. I have another question now.
Will ships still be going to Grand Turk now? I know the current itinerary of the Miracle was changed. But after Ike, there was so much damage. The pier was damaged, but is still intact. But major damage to the Cruise Center and the rest of the islands. Any word yet from Carnival? I saw some pictures of the island and thankfully everyone is safe.
Thanks,
Carol
Now, others have asked the same so here then is the official press release issued a few minutes ago by our public relations department.
GRAND TURK CRUISE CENTER SCHEDULED TO RE-OPEN IN EARLY OCTOBER
MIAMI — Sept. 11, 2008 – The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which is operated by Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc, and located on the island of Grand Turk, has scheduled an Oct. 8, 2008 re-opening date, following the passage of Hurricane Ike.
An engineering survey has confirmed that no damage was sustained to the cruise ship pier, which can accommodate up to two ships at one time. Minimal damage occurred to the facility’s retail and restaurant complex.
“We believe we can complete repairs to the cruise center within a 30-day period and bring cruise ships back to Grand Turk,” said Giora Israel, Carnival’s vice president of strategic planning and port development. “We will be able to provide many of the wonderful, beach, snorkeling and watersports experiences that Grand Turk is famous for, along with the oversized pool and food and shopping opportunities at the cruise center, including the extremely popular Margaritaville restaurant.”
Israel added that returning cruise ships quickly will provide important economic benefits to Grand Turk while the island moves forward with its recovery efforts. In addition to its existing staff on the island, Carnival Corp. & plc will bring in a number of additional skilled workers who will be housed and fed by the company. Those individuals will not only repair the cruise center complex, but also assist in the repair of some of the island’s key attractions.
“We will be investing millions of dollars in the coming months to help Grand Turk quickly re-build its cruise-focused tourism. Bringing tourists back to the island as quickly as possible will play a major role in driving the island’s overall recovery,” said Israel.
The Grand Turk Cruise Center is the largest private employer on the island and the cruise center staff, combined with shore excursion operators, comprises approximately 80 percent of non-government jobs in Grand Turk.
Carnival Corporation & plc will also be providing financial and logistical assistance to shore excursion operators to enable them to resume their businesses. Cruise passengers and crew members will be provided the opportunity to participate in volunteer-oriented excursions for those who wish to assist in the island’s recovery effort.
The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which opened in 2006, has become one of the cruise industry’s most popular Caribbean cruise destinations. The $60 million, 13-acre complex features an 800-foot-long private beach, swimming pool and FlowRider attraction, which offers body boarding and stand-up board surfing, in addition to multiple retail outlets. The FlowRider, which was not damaged, will re-open pending the status of power supply on the island. The cruise center’s lush landscaping, much of which was lost as a result of the storm, will be replaced on a gradual basis over the next several months.
The Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to the pristine island of Grand Turk, which is world-renowned as a diving and snorkeling jewel, and also features magnificent beaches, striking aqua-blue waters, and a variety of fishing and watersports activities.
The first cruise ship scheduled to call at Grand Turk will be Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Destiny on Oct. 8. Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise-line user of the Grand Turk facility. Several other cruise lines, both from within the Carnival Corp. & plc family of brands and from other cruise operators, also regularly call at Grand Turk.
Additional information on the Grand Turk Cruise Center can be viewed at www.grandturkcc.com.
###
It looks like there will be a quick return to the beautiful port of Grand Turk with its great shopping, luxurious beaches and, of course, the Gerry Cahill Flow Rider.
So, we said goodbye to Holland yesterday and here are some photos of the departure ………. balloons and all……….taken by master photographer Dr. Wolf
Now, obviously I have to be careful what I say about my adopted country and don’t get me wrong, I love Amsterdam and if I have one criticism of our Baltic run, it would be to stay longer. However………..some of the rules in Amsterdam are utterly bonkers.
The Dutch have just banned the smoking of tobacco in their coffee shops, but customers can still light up their cannabis cigarettes. A team of 200 inspectors will be specially trained to sniff out the noxious weed and prosecute those smoking tobacco.
Did you know also that in the national park which is called Vondlepark, making love in public and “swinging in the park” have been legalized?…………My mate Alan will be very happy at this news……..however…… You are not, however, allowed to let your dog off its lead…………….it’s a mad, mad, world.
Let’s have a look at the last few letters from last cruise. By the way………..and for some very strange reason, I have started to count them…………I had 158 Dear John letters last cruise. Each and everyone who wrote whether it be a letter of love, praise, dedication or “Dear John, I hate you more than a boil” letter…….each and everyone of them received a signed photo of the ship and a gift.
Now, the reason I wanted to show you the letter thanking me for the trophy celebrating their anniversary was so I could share in a conversation I had with Mr. Gooch yesterday.
Mr. Gooch is a retired high school principal from Vancouver, Canada. As you know, my Dad is a retired teacher and, as we chatted, Mr. Gooch told me about some of the ridiculous new laws teachers must live by.
He told me about how teachers who, if they see a child choking, they first have to ask first “Are you choking?” Then they may only administer the first aid if they say, or more likely, nod their agreement….talking isn’t easy when you are choking on a piece of Mars Bar.
Otherwise, said Mr. Gooch, they may sue you for assault. You must not refer to the “Heimlich maneuver” (a process where you squeeze the choker from behind, to expel the obstruction) but say “abdominal thrusts” or pay copyright to Mr Heimlich.
There’s more: if a child has suffered a scrape or cut, teachers may not stick a bandage on it themselves, but offer it for inspection, in the hope that the bandage ends up covering the wound. Tricky enough, if the wound is not visible to the child.
One example: when a boy sustained an injury to his back, his parents were telephoned, but were unable to go to assist. Blind panic, until somebody remembered that the lad had a brother in the school. He was rushed to the scene, so that he could lift his brother’s shirt for inspection. You see, touching a child’s clothing is not allowed……….it’s a mad, mad, world.
It’s also a mad, mad world because we pay teachers so little………they deserve so much more.
Did you know here onboard we also are no longer allowed to call “Jacuzzi’s” …… ”Jacuzzi’s”………..this is because ………”Jacuzzi” is a brand name ………….bugger.
OK, so we will have to call them “whirlpools”………..but we can’t………..”Whirlpool” is a brand name, as well………….so……………..and no, I am not making this up ………….we have to call them “bubble pools”………or…….pay “Jacuzzi” and “Whirlpool” buckets full of money…………it’s a mad, mad world.
Can you see a theme generating here?
I just finished a meeting with the spa manager. By the way, the Cloud Nine Spa is one of the highlights of the cruise for many guests and the private suites and massage rooms are constantly booked out.
We now have Chinese medicine, teeth whitening and some other new services onboard, so after being told that my teeth were eight shades darker than they should have been and that some lightly ground monkey scrotum would be good for my diet………Stacey told me about a slightly ummmmm……confused guest last cruise.
There is a treatment called Ionathermie which uses safe faradic and galvanic current to reduce cellulite and comes with a guarantee that you will lose one to eight inches of the stuff. It really works and I know many a person who swears by it. Anyway, once the treatment has been explained the guests are asked to take off their clothes and put on a special pair of paper ……..ummmmmm………underwear.
Now this is because they have to lay on a wet clay and also it conducts the current thingy and…….anyway, they have to wear a pair of paper underwear. So, the young lady giving the treatment did as she has done hundreds of times and asked the guest to put them on saying she would be right back……………..when she came back five minutes later, the guest had indeed put them on…………….her head……………………..it’s a mad, mad world.
And, I was just about to press send when this e-mail arrived. Now, before you read this, let me explain. I held my welcome aboard talk today at 3:15 pm covering the usual stuff as well as an intro to the Paris excursions, etc. I mentioned the Pope is visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and will be holding a mass. This means the roads and the center of Paris will be busy and some areas may have some restrictions. I also mentioned that the Pope was in town to hold a mass just for Carnival guests, as he had just cruised on the Inspiration ………..everyone laughed…………..and we moved on.
Then:
From: SPLENDOR PURSERS
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 6:02 PM
To: SPLENDOR CRUISE DIRECTOR
Subject: UPSET ABOUT COMMENT ABOUT POPE – Mrs. _________Hello John
Sorry to pass this on but the guest insists on talking to you. She just spent 10 minutes with me at the desk and she is very upset and confused. She seems to understand that the ship has arranged a service for the guests with the Pope tomorrow in Paris. The guest thinks this is discrimination as she is not Catholic. I explained that the service was not for the guests but for everyone but she insists you said at the talk that you said it was just for Carnival guests. Please can you call her?
Thanks
Rebecca
Pursers Office
So, I called the guest who is, as Rebecca said, a little confused. She was very upset as well (as she is of another religion) that I had arranged a service with the Pope and nothing for her. So, after a little explaining and a lot of apologizing that my joke was in poor taste and not funny, she was OK. She then said that she had seen me before as a cruise director. “Oh, I said, what ship?” I expected her to say the Carnival Freedom or Carnival Liberty ……………..instead she said………….” Sovereign of the Seas.”………..
I was about to tell her that I had never even been on that ship ………….. but ………… instead …………I said, “Well, it’s great to see you again.”…………I didn’t want to argue ……….. and here once again was proof positive……………it is indeed…………a mad, mad world.
OK, Showtime in an hour so time for a shower. I had one at lunchtime………… but I just spent the last few hours talking about Paris!
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Amsterdam, Carnival Splendor, Tory Secoy
Now that’s funny. (Mrs.Pope)
Thanks you.
Heidi,
If you ever need to find John on this cruise he most likely will be on the Lido checking out the Russians men in their thongs and Speedos.
Heidi, maybe you will get a chance to see the Pope and ask him again if he can make John a Bishop. That way you will ONLY have to kiss his ring.
BIG ED
So to be a Carnival cruise director I see your favorite musician has to be Michael Buble or Pink Floyd. I guess this means my wife and I would be great cruise directors since her favorite singer is Michael Buble and mine is Roger Waters. Where do we sign up.
so… where is WeeEeeeeeJimmy? now all the other interviews are great too.
keeping up with the blog thingy and enjoying all of them
best to you and Heidi
the one
and only 1
Heidi-Beth
“OK, so we will have to call them “whirlpools”………..but we can’t………..”Whirlpool” is a brand name, as well………….so……………..and no, I am not making this up ………….we have to call them “bubble pools”………”
John… if there was broccoli on the menu might those bubble be emanating from somewhere other than the jets??
What wonderful news about Grand Turk! Friends of mine will be sailing at the end of October and they were distraught that they would not make it to Grand Turk! Bravo for Carnival in their efforts to help rebuild the lives and the economy of GT!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
by the way… when I sail with you on the Splendor can you arrange an audience for me with the Pope?
John:
I was born and raised in Vicksburg, Ms. I probably know Faye and Jim!!! It is so neat to see someone from our little hometown traveling so well!!!!
I could use an Ionathermie treatment…but I am afraid as much cellulite as I have would require more than a little “electric current”. It would need more in lines of a month’s worth of production from the Hoover dam!!
I still may try it some day!! We will just have to warn maintenance to make sure all the batteries are fully charged! LOL
Sorry I did not get your joke about George. But I do have a good excuse, since we have not been off the ship but a few days…..I still have my cruise brain in gear.
There is a picture of the Fantasy in drydock in Mobile on Cruise Critic …thanks to “00cruzman”
who shot it while driving down the interstate.
Can’t wait for October 9th!!!! woo hoo
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ now 12 pounds lighter and the owner of a new treadmill, since I broke the one that was only 4 months old!!)
I guess they just were not designed for 5 miles a day!
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO Carnival!!! I am sooo happy to read about the plans for support of Grand Turk!! I have been glued to the live video from GT television and it is heartbreaking to see!!
Sign me up for the re-building team!!! I will be there on Destiny on 11/5 and I am so there!! Don’t know how I will fit more stuff in my suitcase since I have to get on a dang PLANE to MIA, but I shall figure it out!!! I will have time to shop n MIA for stuff to bring, please let us know what we can donate to the island John!!!
Love to you all!!
Floatie
John – So I guess you really are a spy from the ‘of the Seas’ corporation who has been put on Carnival ships. Finally, the truth comes out. Anyway, we are all glad you’re here even if you did work on Sovereign of the Seas in your prior life.
John -
I was sorry to read that this was the last of the CD interviews. We had such a wonderful time with Ralph Valente on the Conquest this summer on our first Carnival cruise, I was looking forward to seeing his at some point (is he on vacation now?).
We so appreciated how much fun he brought our way, and after a couple of months of reading your blog thingy, we have an even greater respect for all the things he must have been dealing with while offering us such a good time.
I hope you will consider profiling him at some point.
Tom
John…..
Thank you for explaining the comment about the time machine and keeping George from going to the theater. I was racking my brain to figure out what you might have been talking about and finally I assumed it was an incident known to every English schoolboy, and that my knowledge was woefully lacking! Sorry you had to explain your joke — I know how awful that is! L*
Love to you and Heidi!
Terri
Hi John and Heidi
I would like to take to say how much we love your blog. It makes me laugh and also makes me feel like Im not the only one in the world who thinks like this.
I have sailed on the Liberty and Splendor.
Please could you say a massive thank you to all your staff. They work so hard and put up with so much. I don’t know how you do it sometimes your amazing people.
I would also like to say that I think you are right to tell these stories about rude people on board eg Mrs S. Nob. I have to say this person is the common one without manners or class. She needs to remember how lucky she is to be even given the oppotunity to travel on these ships. By looking at the Tv News or reading a newspaper this should remind her of that. People in world less fortunate.
As for the people who are in such a hurry. Relax, slow down your on holiday WHATS THE HURRY?
I’m on holiday I will take my time thank you very much.
I’m very glad that lady who fell in is ok. Well done to the her for looking after other people.
How is the lady who she was trying to help? Hope she is ok to.
As for the guy who complained about being delayed because of the accident. SHAME ON YOU.
Well done to the Hero who jumped in after the lady.
I have to say these groups of tourist do push everyone, including people who have a walking stick. I have to make sure that i stand between my mum and people who push when we are on the stairs. They bump me but they get a shock when I don’t move (I’m stronger in my legs than they think). I also slow right down just for a laugh. When they look at me funny I point to my mum and they look ashamed. I also make sarcastic comments like
“Ok people this is not fast enough get back up them stairs and do it again. It’s got to be faster if you want to be competing in the Olympic games. Not good enough Faster Faster Faster. I’m timing you.”
My advice is slow down or you will miss the world go by and how about taking a photo of a memory with your eyes instead of a camera.
Well I hope this makes you feel better that 99.5% of passengers love you and the staff.
Keep up the Good work (You are my Favourite Cruise Director) and keep smiling.
LUV
Jess
Ps Heidi did an excellent job when you went off ship in Amsterdam.
PPS Hope this isn’t to much complaining lol
Dear John looking forward to seeing Tory Secoy.I’m sure she will do a good job.Before long you want be able to say good day or even hello.It will offend someone are someone will hold the rights to the salutations.Oh well strange times we live in.We have to learn to go with the flow.Best wishes to Heidi and Stephanie. Gary and Bug
dover port is a great they do a great job just home from a great cruise ….thanks john and heidi you guys are the best
Great news!
I’m off to register ‘bubble pools’ make cheques payable to me please….lol
D
Hi John (my great friend) & Heidi,
Thanks so much for the update on Grand Turk. Unfortunately, my cruise is right before that date. So I guess it will be Tortola or somewhere else for us. I’ll just have to go on another cruise to go back there (bugger!!!).
John, have you been moonlighting for Mall of the Seas (spying perhaps?)?
After all your stories and Mrs. Pope, it truly is a Mad, Mad World.
See ya later,
Carol
Thank you for the update regarding Grand Turk as Larry and I are looking forward to visiting there again in November. We’ll be on the Splendor cruise taht sails from Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 17.
Yes, it is truly a mad world these days and getting strangier all the time. I’m glad we have retired from education as the bizarre rules would drive one crazy.
John…
The POLITICALLY CORRECT COPS of this world just love to lie in wait!!! I am PROUD to say and boost that I am POLITICALLY INCORRECT!! I am human and I am caring and I hug and touch and look into your eyes whenI talk!!! And I joke and I kid and I’m CRAZIES, too!!!
I LOVE LIFE and everyone around me knows it!! As do YOU!!!!
I know I will hug many new friends this weekend as I meet evacuees from Ike… I will bandage scraps and bumps on kids and adults alike.. yes, I do have to ask permision, but PTL I may touch to help them… I even have to ask unconscious people if I may touch them… but I’m allowed to assume consent if they don’t respond……
What a fun and silly blog today!! So true and so MAD MAD MAD!!! …and sad…
John, I cruise in nine more days… the CONQUEST!!! I can’t wait!!! I TRULY can’t wait!!! I get to meet Ralph “Wee Jimmy”… and I pray he’s had enough rest to be ready for the 200+ CRAZY CONQUESTADORS!!! And the Wild and CRAZIE ‘Scots of the CRAZIES!!! (That would be Cap’n CRAZY and MachScot!!) We’ll be there!!!
If you can… please make time fly and the clock hand move FAST FAST FAST!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie and family and all in the path of Ike – past and future! And with you and Heidi… and with Ralph…
Lambie
So glad to hear that Grand Turk will be open in October so we can visit there in late November on the Splendor! WOO HOO! Linda & Mike
Wait… the principal’s name was Mr. “Gooch?” And he was a principal in Canada? For real? Oh my! Are there any Canadians reading this blog? Kids are vicious. That principal must have been tormented by the kids! The Canadians here must know what I’m talking aboot! Way too funny!
Jeff
hi john
just a quick word,,,,
pray for our freinds in TEXAS,,
we are all thinking about them.
my GODSPEED
John, Heidi, and Stephanie
Hope this cruise is wonderful for you all and we’ll be thinking of you sailing through the Med.
John, thanks so much for the shout out to Gary and I. With all that you do it’s really touching that you would have time to remember us. We’re gonna join you on a “Funship” A.S.A.P. Also to Countess Carolyn, your words of encouragement meant so much.
So again, a heartfelt thanks and enjoy our cruise for us. If you can please post some pics, we’ll be watching!
Cheers,
Gary & Di
Wonderful Pictures of Dover John, I understand that the Cruise Directors of carnival are alot alike but I think Skippy and Tory are to much alike at least in their food choices (Just picking on you looks like part of skippy’s interview stayed on page when you posted tory’s answers to her CD Table question) I thought it funny that they both had “Matin Luther King – I have a Dream” listed but Either way these Interviews have been great Maybe you should consider doing the ACD’s as well, or the Matre’D’s It gives us all a look into the crew we would never get otherwise…Keep up the great work..Smooth sailing and all that
Hi John/Heidi:
You learn something new everyday. I didn’t realize that you would have to pay $$ just to use the terms jacuzzi and whirlpool. I’m upset that i didn’t think to trademark bubble pool sooner.
Great interview with Tory and i liked the pictures as the ship left Holland.
Hope all is well and take care!
Thanks again,
David
Hi John & everyone,
I don’t know if you’ve seen the pictures of Hurricane Ike hitting the Texas coast, but this is one scary-looking storm. The storm surge looks like something out of a disaster movie. I read that’s because the Texas Gulf shore region is so low, the waves get really high (or something like that – correct me if I’m wrong, please). That’s why 6,000 people were killed in the early 1900’s. I hope everyone stays safe (and the ships of course) from this storm.
Have a great weekend,
Carol
hi john and heidi- we have cruised with you several times, read the blog every day with great pleasure and commiserate with the abuse that you have to endure with a smile on your face. it is cathartic that you have this blog where you can vent a little and say the things that you wish you could say out loud. this being said however, i am not going to let you off the hook so easily! we, as canadians, really dislike the “vancouver, canada”, “toronto, canada” quotes and postings. would you be inclined to say “los angeles, usa” or chicago,usa”? it is sad to me that the world assumes that we all know in which state these cities are. we have only 10 provinces and 3 territories, most more vast than 6 states combined, and we are very province-proud. vancouver is in british columbia, toronto is in ontario, montreal is in quebec, charlottetown is in prince edward island. we love to hear these names, as all citizens of the world love to hear of their home. that is my catharsis handled for the week! just a heads-up for you: i recall that last year you received some flak about forgetting to mention the real thankgiving- the canadian one, when the north american continent was first discovered centuries before columbus- it is oct 13th this year. with the canuck population on your cruises usually second only to the americans, i am sure that a mention would be truly appreciated. thanks for your time.
Stephanie,
Just want you to know that both you and your mom are in both Jim and my prayers. I know it’s tough, my mom is also on meds for Parkinsons. Just try to remember the many good days you both still have together.
I’m sending the letter below to you with the “Urgent Reply” only because I hope John will get a chuckle out of it – if he wants to post it, that’s ok if not that’s ok also. Please be sure that that he know’s it is “tongue n cheek”, and is meant to give him a laugh like he gives us each and everyday.
Thanks for all you do to help put this “blog thingy” out for all of us to enjoy each day.
Ruth C
Ruth and Jim Cooper
Dearest John,
Now that you are finished with the Baltic cruises and are heading toward the Mediterranean I thought I would take a few minutes to write you and let you know that we will be on the Oct 17th and 29th cruises.
I have learned so very much from your blogs and thought that perhaps it would be best to write you in advance and let you know our expectation so that you can prepare.
Let me first say I have sailed on Crystal, Celebrity, RCCL and Carnival so, as Mrs. S. Nob would say, “You will need to meet and exceed my expectations.”
Here is a list to help you prepare for my husband Jim and my arrival:
and the birth of our first child (Oct. 5, 1971) I feel that this should qualify us to sit at the captain’s table each and every night.
1. Someone on hand to unpack our bags, and of course repack them at the end of the
cruise
2. Since we are celebrating our 43rd Anniversary (February 23), my 62nd birthday
(Sept. 11) Jim’s 72nd birthday (July
3. We will need our deck chairs reversed between 10:30: and 12:00 each day we are at sea and will be in the pool for 15 minutes between 11:00 and 11:15 each day at sea. This information will give you time to arrange so that my hair will stay dry while I meditate.
4. Promptly after each shore talk please plan on setting aside 1 hour to discuss the shore excursions we have planned for the next day. You may pick the place that we will meet.
5. Since this is our vacation, please see that the weather will be enjoyable and that the roof will be open for our days at sea. I really don’t sunbath; however want to enjoy the lovely blue skies you will be planning.
6. I do want you to know that we have not booked any excursions that involve horses, however would like you to add one since they are one of my most favorite animals.
I’m sure that there will be other topics to address as they come up during the cruises and that you will be able to handle them with your usual grace and a basket of fruit, bottle of wine and if necessary the cruise and all shore excursions free of charge. Please be reminded that I do have the presidents of Carnivals home phone number, as well as the board of directors, on speed dial in the event that you have not meet our needs efficiently.
I’m sure letting you know of our expectations in advance we can of course avoid any unpleasant blogging. Look forward to seeing you on the 17th, please be sure that when we arrive there will be no one falling off the side of the ship and therefore delay our boarding. As I said before I have found your blogs most useful and entertaining and hope that you will take this note with the “tongue n cheek” humor it is intended.
Ruth & Jim
P. S. Since we will be in Rome I am assuming that you will arrange a private mass for all of us with the Pope to.
John, our thoughts and prayers are with the people along the Texas gulf coast as they deal with the destruction of hurricane Ike. The city of Galveston which home ports the Carnival Ecstasy and Conquest will have major destruction. Like New Orleans it will take years to overcome.
Hi John,
With the up-coming Federal elections in both the USA and Canada, I was wondering what arrangements CCL makes to ensure that crew members; who are citizens of USA or Canada, have an opportunity to vote for their new leader.
Thank you
Sean
Hey John, just wanted to say “Thanks!”. I was thinking of you today while this crazy woman was standing at my desk for 15 minutes screaming at me because I could not give her an ETA on something I have nothing to do with! I just sat back and thought of you! I felt like asking her if she had been on a cruise lately, but why poke the bear in her cave?! She wouldn’t have understood anyway. I finally just looked at her and said “I am so sorry, you are right and I am wrong!” That took all the wind out of her sails and she stalked away. One of the guys I work with looked at me and couldn’t believe what he heard. Like I told him, “That cost me nothing, she’s gone, I’m still right and it is finally quiet around here! Thanks for being such an inspiration! LOL!
Mike
Actually I did look at it and thought….hmmm to which theater would he be going back in time to rescue George….
I made the subtle mixed up presidential switcheroo humorous connotation but didn’t comment …..sorry ……
Someone did get it
******************
yesterday’s blog where I tried a sublime joke which as Heidi said would happen……no bugger got it. I was referring to the time machine and stopping George going to the theater…………obviously I was referring to President Lincoln
…. I dream about being able to go back in time and telling George not to go to the theatre ………..
**************
Mark
The Flying (by the seat of his pants) Dutchman