Good Morning.
Guest: Mrs. _______ Ref: 002804156A
Cabin: _____Booking#: _________ Added-Changed: 09/12/08 – 09/12/08ALLERGIC TO FEATHERS
Mrs. __________ called the information desk and informed purser that she was allergic to feathers, she told purser that she would not be able to sleep using the linen provided in her stateroom. Purser informed that housekeeping would be notified to further assist by providing blankets but guest said she was also allergic to wool and polyester. Guest said that on other cruise lines they had provided her with silk sheets and blankets. Purser checked with housekeeping but we do not have this onboard. Purser explained this to the guest who started to cry. Purser took guest away from the desk. Mrs._______ said that she would have to go and buy silk sheets in port but she expected Carnival to pay for them. Purser said she would speak to the chief purser and would contact the guest.
We shall see what we can do for her, however, I doubt we will be paying for silk sheets and blankets. I have no idea how much they cost but, I doubt they are cheap. Still, we are checking with our ship’s agent in Spain to see what can be done.
It really is “one of those cruises” and I went to bed last night hoping Murphy would bugger off but he is still very much here. It’s strange, but in the Baltic where just the word conjures up cold angry seas, we had mostly calm, pond-like conditions. But here we are cruising from France into the Mediterranean and the sea looks like Neptune has given it a good stir with an egg whisk.
Since last night the ship has been pitching and rolling into the swells. As I write, it is improving a bit but there are still angry-looking white horses mincing from wave to wave. As always, when this happens I feel so sorry for the older people who may already have walking challenges…………this certainly does not make it any easier for them.
The ship has been very quiet all morning and even my adventure talk for Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Malaga, Spain, was poorly attended. I normally have 1,500-plus for these live talks but today I only had 600. This has lots to do with the movement of the ship and also the hang over from trans-Atlantic flights into a full day exploring Paris. Still, everyone seems to be having fun and the atmosphere around the ship seems good so far.
Yesterday I mentioned the Russian guests and they have been a lot of fun, as well. The casino manager is walking around with a smile as large as Sergei Loadsofmoneyov’s bank account, as our big group of Moscovites has been camped out in the casino from the moment we sailed. Honestly, I have never seen so much cash. Nobody has credit cards and the roulette tables are rouletting, the blackjack tables are blackjacking, and the crap tables are also doing well. Still, it comes with a price as you will see now.
Guest: UNKNOWN GUEST Ref: 0020904122A
Cabin: ____ Booking#: _______ Added-Changed: 09/12/08 – 09/13/08REFUSED TO PUT OUT CIGARETTE
Russian guest was in the line for the Pursers desk and other guests were complaining that she was smoking. Purser went to the line and asked the guest to stop smoking. Guest said she did not understand and kept saying “Russian.” Purser again pointed to cigarette but guest continued to smoke. Purser asked again and this time another guest who was behind her started to shout at her. Guest then started to shout back in Russian and left the line still smoking. No further action.
The Russians have money……….lots of money…..and we are happy to have them here. However, rules mean nothing to them onboard and it is a challenge for us to try to pleasantly have them understand those rules. It’s hard as well for a five-foot-nothing staff member to tell an ex-Spetnaz commando, complete with a tattooed forehead, not to smoke his cigar in the lobby.
It’s all very well saying that the Soviet empire has crumbled but have you not seen Fatal Attraction? You thought Glenn Close was dead, you relaxed and then, whoa, she reared up out of the bath with that big spiky knife…from what I’ve seen…the Bear has awoken.
Let’s have a look at some photos taken by the ever-wandering Jaime on her tour of Paris. To get the full effect of these photos, may I suggest you hold a piece of very old moldy cheese under your nose or ask a marathon runner if you can borrow one of his socks?
Thanks Jaime. By the way, I stated in yesterday’s blog that the photos were taken by Dr. Jason Wolf……….they were not………..they were taken by Dr. Jason Wolfe. Sorry, Doc, and please can we have more photos?
And here are today’s letters
Now, in an effort to try new things we started crutchiting (spelt correctly) classes today. We bought loads of ummmmm……stuff….and the lovely Lauren hosted the first of three complimentary classes. She had mentioned that she is an expert crutcherter (spelt correctly) so I asked to hold a class. Here are some photos of class one which, as you will see, was attended by 30 guests.
Well done, Lauren
The ship is still moving a little more than normal, so, in consultation with the Dance Captain Claire, I have decided to change the shows from The Beat to Fiesta Latina. The Beat set piece is huge with lots of stairs ……and with the casts safety in mind in was any easy choice to make.
Now, tomorrow we will be in Vigo, Spain. Vigo is a beautiful port dependent on fishing and tourism. Let’s have a look at the tours we offer there. The following is a pasted copy of the cheat sheet notes I use in my talk……..now you can see what I was talking about just a few hours ago.
1. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA FULL DAY – 8 1/2 HRS – 2 MEN
1 1/2 hour drive to Santiago de Compostela
- Panoramic drive through the city
- Inside visit of famous cathedral at PLAZA DEL OBRADOIRO
- Roman, Baroque and Gothic, all combined
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CATHEDRAL
- Guides will show you the silver urn, containing the ashes of the Apostle, Saint James the Greater.
- ancient door of the cathedral, Portico de la Gloria – finest creation of the 12th century European Maestro MATEO.
- TREE OF JESUS
- At the base of the central pillar
- has been touched by so many hands over the centuries that finger-shaped indentations have been worn into the stone.
LUNCH AT the Parador Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos – luxurious hostel built in 1499 by the Catholic Monarchs to attend to the Pilgrims.
2. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA WITH APPETIZERS – 5 HRS – 2 MEN
1 1/2 hour drive to Santiago de Compostela
- Panoramic drive through the city
- Guided tour of old town (20 min)
- Enjoy some APPETIZERS & BEVERAGES at the historic parador before Cathedral visit
- Inside visit of famous cathedral at PLAZA DEL OBRADOIRO
- Roman, Baroque and Gothic, all combined
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CATHEDRAL
- Guides will show you the silver urn, containing the ashes of the Apostle, Saint James the Greater.
- ancient door of the cathedral, Portico de la Gloria – finest creation of the 12th century European Maestro MATEO.
- TREE OF JESUS – at the base of the central pillar
- has been touched by so many hands over the centuries that finger-shaped indentations have been worn into the stone.
3. HALF DAY SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – 5HRS – 2 MEN
1 1/2 hour drive to Santiago de Compostela
- Panoramic drive through the city
- Inside visit of famous cathedral at PLAZA DEL OBRADOIRO
- Roman, Baroque and Gothic, all combined
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CATHEDRAL
- Guides will show you the silver urn, containing the ashes of the Apostle, Saint James the Greater.
- ancient door of the cathedral, Portico de la Gloria – finest creation of the 12th century European Maestro MATEO.
- TREE OF JESUS – at the base of the central pillar
- has been touched by so many hands over the centuries that finger-shaped indentations have been worn into the stone.
- Guided tour of old town
4. PONTEVEDRA, AROSA & VIGO – 8 HRS – 3 MEN
- First a PANORAMIC TOUR OF VIGO
- STOPS AT:
- Archeological site of Monte del Castro (splendid panoramic views of countryside)
- Mirador de la Guia (view over RIA estuary and nearby Ices Islands
- TO CAMBADOS – on Arosa Estuary
- visit wine cellar
- Figueroa Palace & 16th century San Benito Church
- STOP AT:
- La Toja for LUNCH
- TO COMBARRO
-picturesque, now National Heritage Town
- Very narrow streets
- Group of cottages & seaside house
- SHORT STOP AT the Poio Monastery (17th century)
5. VIGO COASTAL & SCENIC DRIVE – 4 HRS – 1 MAN
- Vigo: - important Spanish port for centuries
- Major fishing and industrial center in Galicia.
- Short drive through Vigo to the Mirador de la Guia (panoramic view over RIA estuary)
- scenic coastal drive to island of La Toja, cross bridge to reach island (famous for its medical waters)
- visit the Gran Hotel La Toja for complimentary beverage and some FREE TIME
- 1 hour journey back to Vigo
6. SIGHTSEEING VIGO & BAYONA – 4 HRS – 3 MEN
- Panoramic drive through Vigo
- 20 minute walk UPHILL to Fortaleza Monte Boi = defensive fortress – now national parador.
- walk though village of Bayona, admire architecture and visit the 13th century Romanesque Gothic style – church of Santa Maria.
- visit PORT where Columbus’ “La Pinta” arrived in March 1493 – bringing the first news of the existence of a New World on the other side of the ocean.
- A REPLICA OF LA PINTA RESIDES HERE YEAR ROUND.
7. THE BORDER COUNTRY – 5 HRS – 2 MEN
- 1 hour motor coach drive through scenic Galician countryside
- beautiful scenery of Santa Tecla Mountains & River Mino (border between Spain and Portugal)
- visit typical Galician house with chapel
- Drive to Valenca do Minho (fortress walls) on hilltop in Portugal
FREE TIME FOR SHOPPING (POTTERY AND HANDICRAFTS)
- back to Vigo
EASY SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – 6 HRS – 2 MEN (wheelchair friendly)
- Santiago de Compastela’s Cathedral = MAIN SITE FOR CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE since middle ages.
- 1 1/2 hour drive to Santiago de Compostela
- Panoramic drive through the city
- Inside visit of famous cathedral at PLAZA DEL OBRADOIRO
- Roman, Baroque and Gothic, all combined
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CATHEDRAL
- Guides will show you the silver urn, containing the ashes of the Apostle, Saint James the Greater.
- ancient door of the cathedral, Portico de la Gloria – finest creation of the 12th century European Maestro MATEO.
- Guided tour of old town
* Modest dress inside the cathedral
* During mass – no photography
* Coach parking area to main square = 20 minutes each way
* have big breakfast before tour
As you can see, the main attraction outside of Vigo itself is Santiago De Compostela. Santiago de Compostela (also Saint James of Compostela) is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the northwest region of Spain in the Province of A Coruña, it was the “European City of Culture” for the year 2000.
The city’s cathedral is the destination today, as it has been throughout history, of the important 9th century medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James. The 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is known in English as the Way of St. James and in Galician as the Camiño de Santiago.
Over 100,000 pilgrims travel to the city each year from points all over Europe and other parts of the world. And now they will be coming from the Carnival Splendor as over 1,000 people have booked the tour.
I am looking forward to seeing this part of the world but it looks like that may not be possible. I have a plaque exchange ceremony at noon……which, being on Spain, will mean they will arrive next Friday and, if they do show up, I have to host a lunch for the mayor and dignitaries. I should be wearing my shorts and getting off the vessel for the first time in 18 days but…………..I can’t………….and that is a grande Las Buggeres.
Off to the captain’s elegant night party round one back soon.
Here I am and let me share a few of the characters I met.
Let’s start with Harry Rubenstein…………here he is.
Harry had a photo with me as you can see. He is dressed in his dapper suit and doesn’t he look dapper? Well, you and I might think so, but his wife Rachael certainly does not. She refused to leave the cabin saying she was too embarrassed. So, I called her in the cabin and said that Harry looked great and that the captain and I had taken a photo with him.
Now, I would like to say that upon hearing my dulcet tones she said, “OK, I will be there in a moment to share this special night with the man I love.” …. but …………. ummmm …………she said “Well, I don’t care what you think.”……..and slammed the phone down. ……………bugger.
I told Harry that I had probably not helped the situation and his reply……..I mean his exact reply was……….”We have been married for 43 years, she was miserable when I met her and she is miserable now.”………and with that he shook my hand and minced off to get a drink.
I felt awful and I have just arranged for a fruit basket a note of apology to be sent to the cabin………….”She was miserable when I met her and she is miserable now.” ………………. priceless.
Next up is Paul who you will see here in this photo.
Paul is a blog reader and third-time cruiser with Carnival and two of those have been with me. His last cruise was on the Carnival Triumph with me in 1999 which he had shared with his wife Katherine ………..who was working in the World Trader Center and lost her life in the attacks of September 11.
Paul told me that this was his first vacation since that terrible day and that this year, instead of attending the memorial service, he would come on vacation. So, along with his brother and sister-in-law, here he is. There was a smile on his face and a tear in his eye. We had our photo taken and when I introduced him to the captain, those tears multiplied. I will do everything in my power to make sure that while he is onboard ……..that smile ………….never leaves his face.
Finally, we finish back in Mother Russia. Remember, it’s formal/elegant night. Everyone ……and I mean everyone …..was dressed as required and looked great….except these two.
You could see the look of displeasure on the other guests faces as I they came to meet the captain and I. They were lying on the couch playing cards……shoes off………right in front of the captain.
Eventually, I could take it no more so I took the photo and then asked them to please move to another area. Now, I estimate they were in their early twenties and at first they just stared at me before the man grunted “Russia.”
So, I pointed at my JC Penny tuxedo and said “formal tonight”……..the man looked at the lady and grunted something in Russian……..she then grunted back, looked at me and ……… laughed.
Now, either she was saying “Oh look Ivan, there is that pleasant young man who made us laugh at the show last night. I think we should move as he is indicating that we are not dressed properly for the occasion,” Or more likely she was thinking “Bigger fatov bastardov, I moveov forov niet Britishov Pigov.”
So, I asked again, very nicely, but they completely ignored me and kept playing cards. Now, I had two options here. Either call security, or just ignore them. Calling security would have just caused a commotion and disturbed the other guests, so I simply said one of only two Russian words I know which is “sbasiba”……..which means “thank you” ……. and I carried on introducing people to the captain. Chief Purser Lui came over and told me this was the lady who had been smoking in the line at purser’s office………….suddenly it all became clear.
Arguing with them was as pointless as a snooze button on a smoke alarm……… but I was really mad at the way Nora Titov had spoken to me and……. in front of the captain. The rest of the Russian guests I met tonight were all charming and wonderful — we even had one Russian guest present a pin to the Captain. Honestly, I am not being disrespectful ….we want Russian guests onboard but whether they are from Moscow or Mississippi ……we certainly don’t want guests like Ivan and Nora Titov.
It’s now 7:15 pm and I am just off to the 7:30 pm party. I just called Stephanie, my assistant cruise director, to see if they are still there and………….yep………..they are indeed. But, I will leave them in peace, partly, as I said, because I don’t see the point of making a public example of them.
Of course, I have to be sympathetic. They probably spent most of their childhood surviving on one potato a week and trying not to be sent to Siberia. So who can blame them for suddenly finding money and arriving on the ship with a devil-may-care attitude, Versace sunglasses and extraordinarily tight Speedos?
The only problem is that they all look so sinister with their pasty complexions and their Special Forces tattoos. You get the impression when they look at you that they’re imagining what you would look like with no head. So I will allow them to sit and play cards which will make sure that I don’t end up being stabbed with the poisonous tip of an umbrella or having a dash of polonium sprinkled in my cappuccino.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Ivan and Nora Titov
Filed under: Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Paris
John,
where can we buy “blog thingy” gear? ie: T-shirts, etc?
Hi John,
I just can’t imagine that woman who is so allergic doesn’t bring along her own sheets, etc. My very skeptical (lawyer) husband said that he would want a Dr.’s note proving this to be true.
I admire you in that you didn’t just tip the couches over with the “lovely” Russian couple. I would be fired or on medication within days doing your job.
Hope you get off the ship soon & have a well deserved break.
Jan
Get her cotton sheets!
100% cotton wouldn’t be wool or polyester or contain feathers.
I think it’s funny she requested silk right away and didn’t bother suggesting other fiber. I’m *sure* she doesn’t go around wearing nothing but silk.
Okay, so my last statement about pursers being a flashpoint for aggravation was perhaps too simplistically stated and I partially retract it; two bad encounters on a single ship for me obviously does not equal all of Carnival pursers for all time, everywhere.
Anyway, I am certain I am not the only person who believes that the only thing your guest suffers from is Special Snowflake Syndrome. I know Carnival considers all of its guests to be special, but this woman is Special with a Capital S and that’s not good. Feather dander I can certainly understand but the fact of the matter is that if she were truly allergic to wool and polyester, she’d have sensitivity to about two dozen other things that would have left her wheezing and popping red with hives the minute she stepped on board the ship for the first time.
Sorry to hear that you’re having problems with certain Russians. Do you think they know better? I think they do, too. I think maybe they’ll get over it after a few days of no one confronting them.
John it is your fault. You keep saying “Welcome home Welcome home” so they are at home…
No really I think they are hiding behind the “I don’t understand” to do what they please.
Oh well.. Like Paul smile. Keep it up!
Nanni
John, I would keep an eye on Mrs. Silkwormmy. When you see here wearing something made of wool or polyester you just go up to her and and say NICE SILK, liar. If you do pay for those silk sheets I bet you any money they wont be there on debarkation day. If she buys them I even bet they wont be white.
I think it’s time the pursers/security office hires one very large Russian. Now I’m not saying their dress code was wrong because there isn’t a formal dress code for all around the ship only in the dinning room. Sorry to say you were wrong to try to get them to move they were breaking no rules. BUT as to the smoking go get them. I’m a smoker but you will not see me smoking in a non-smoking area. But I will call that big Russian security person to remove the first non-smoker that gives me a dirty look while I’m smoking in an approved smoking area and have them taken to their own area. You know the ones I’m talking about those fanners that wave their hand in front of their face while giving you THAT look.
Nice pictures Jaime took of Paris.
BIG ED
PS; Make my silks red.
John:
This “allergic lady” should carry a silk travel sleeping bad.
They are very thin…about $70 and you slip into them just like you would a sleeping bag (only no zipper.
But I would be curious (since your ports can be chilly) if you see her wearing a wool, down or polyester coat or jacket!!! Just a thought…. if I did, I would call her on it!!!!
Personally, I think you should have one of your Russian speaking crew have a good “long” talk with your ill mannered cruise guest. And let them know that “Russian” is no longer going to be used as an excuse.
I mean if you can put the French TA in her place when she was so rude to the crew on Lido (grinding her cigarette into the flooring)…then you can take on these two Russian Idiots!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
golfnfire,
On the right sidebar above you will see “Bloggers Tshirts!”. You can click on that and order T-shirts.
BIG ED
Hi John…
What is the status of Costa Maya? Will they be reopening soon?
Diane
I simply don’t understand it. Some people are just anti-social and have no place in polite society. Boris and Doris should sail on the Moscow of the Seas and inflict themselves on others.
The pictures of Paris are beautiful, as opposed to the French who only think they are. By the way, regarding the picture of the Arc de Triomphe… what triumph do the French have to celebrate… garbage collection?? Just a thought…
Thank you for what you’re doing for Paul. He deserves to smile.
Ciao…
Host Mach
John – I don’t know how you all put up with all of the ‘interesting’ people you end up with on the ship. I just cannot believe how rude, unreasonable, and demanding some people can be. Better you than me.
Good evening John. It was very nice of you to have Paul continue his cruise with a smile as much as you could. In that smile still he still hurts.
What is it with these Russians? Once again, disrespect should never be allowed at any time. I agree with Big Ed. Carnival should have a burly, strong, muscular Russian security guard to inform these rude who will not follow with the necessary rules. If they do not want to dress up, that’s fine but keep away from those that do enjoy a special evening. Maybe if you get yourself a special tattoo that could show them just how powerful you are. Maybe not, I wouldn’t want them to laugh. LOL.
Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
crutchiting? now I love to crochet and have since I was 7 and from the pictures I would have been the youngest there… oh well, I still love it, I love to make any thing from blankets to toys to even using the really tiny thread to make doilies… not sure if you even know what that is… ask Heidi… The class looks like fun, right now I am planning to crochet a teddybear… anyway I googled your spelling and it could not find whatever crutchiting is instead it gave me crocheting…
Keep Smiling and coming back with the amazing blogs…
best to you and Heidi
The one
and only 1
Heidi-Beth
dude, my next cruise is october 4th on the fantasy. i would like blue silk sheets please. bwahahahahahahah
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Dear John do you ever feel like we are losing the battle to these loonies in the world. There just seems to be no end to the expectations of people are there rights to impose there outlandish quirks on others.Sometimes I feel the life as we new it will be gone forever replaced by god knows what.What could be next public nudity or even worse rumpy pumpy in the open.Let me step off my soapbox.John what kind of camera does Jamie use? I love her pictures.Best wishes to you all.Gary and Bug
John: These people know what a softee you are and are trying to pull the wool (silk) over your eyes. Give her cotton. She knew she was alergic before she got to the ship. She should have made her arrangements beforehand. I am sure the other ships do not provide silk sheets. If you do buy her a lovely set of sheets, please keep them nice and safe for my sail on the Liberty 8/25/09.
As far as the Russians go, they too were jerking your you know what. They knew they were annoying everyone. If they will be ignored for the next 10 days I am sure they will have a great time.
You are a saint.
God Bless,
Marie
John,We will be on the Holiday in a week, if you would please arrange it, I would prefer red satin sheets. The blanket you generally have in the rooms are brown, I would really prefer white. I always bring my own pillow, you need not worry about that. It’s been on every Carnival cruise ship we have sailed on and all over the Caribbean.
The nerve of people. She should bring her own sheets just like I bring my own orthopedic pillow.
I taught my self to crochet (spelled correctly) when I was a teenager. I still crochet (spelled correctly) baby blankets for special friends, but not too often anymore due to pains in my wrist. I would have loved to been in the class., though. Since I am self taught I’m sure I could have learned a few things.
I guess we should not complain about Murphy being on the ship. He does make for funny blogs….. giggle
Countess Carolyn …counting…. 9 days until the next cruise.
Hi Heidi, Stephanie and Suze
Where are you Suze ????? we miss you…..
John have you forbid her to blog?
You are a funny man and I hope to get the opportunity to meet you on our first carnival cruise next week! I love to read your blogs.
My heart goes out to Paul, as a 9-11 survivor I understand how difficult the day can be and I am glad to see that he is honoring his wife’s memory by enjoying himself. If my husband had been in his position it is exactly what I would want for him. Thank you for the beautiful tribute you did this past Thursday.
Happy Sailing to you and Heidi.
Ed I like your way of thinking with what the silk lady is wearing—-
Thanks again John for putting a smile on my face—– boy do I need a cruise—and can hardly wait to cruise with you and Heidi again in Feb—-along with some other cruise friends too–and new friends too !
cheers
April
John,
You are having trouble on this cruise with the Russians and on the last cruise many of us had trouble with the Orientals. I did not know that people could be so rude. They seem to travel in “herds” and just love to push everyone else out of the way. I was at the gift shop waiting on the salesperson to buy a gold chain and a young woman tried to take the chain out of my hand in order to buy one for herself. After 12 days of listening to their chatter and being pushed around I never want to visit any of the countries in the Orient.
Keep the blog thingy going John. Love it love it love it.
In regards to the who claims she is allergic to feathers, Maybe she could join the crutchiting class and make some sheet from a couple of yards silk. You can purchase some from where she normally shops at Walmart. Oh! By the way, I didn’t know you were sailing on Noah’s Ark, I saw a picture of at lease one Zebra who’s mate refused to show up.
Happy Sailing
Darnell
Hi John,
Sorry for being AWOL, but I have had to keep an eye on a couple of hurricanes and the aftermath.
I enjoyed visiting Paris on the Carnival “Paris On Your Own” tour .
As you recall (probably not), it was just before Bastille Day. In anticipation of the event, the French were practicing retreating.
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/paris3/IMG_6641.JPG
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/paris3/IMG_6656.JPG
This one needed more hamsters:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/paris3/IMG_6665.JPG
great blog John and great pictures from Jamie!
Hi,
John, what is crutchiting? Looked like CROCHETING to me! Haven’t left a comment in a while. How is everyone? The things you said the other day, John, about Sept.11, were very touching. I had forgotten to put out the flag that day, but when I came home, I remembered that I hadn’t (felt guilty ’bout that). So I went out, put it up, and then felt a lot better. “I’m Proud to be an American… and God Bless the USA…!”
BTW, I tend think also, maybe, that lady with the allergies was, ummm…faking it!
Sue
Dear John,
I just found out that your Jaime is from our home town ! In fact, she went to high school with my daughter ( not too long ago ! ). Friends of ours
( and hers ) recently sailed the Baltic with her ( she will know who I mean ), and I am sorry to hear she will be on vacation the week we are on the Splendor ( December 6 ). I found out that she went on her first Carnival cruise for college spring break, and loved it so much, that she made it her career after college. Ah, to be young !!!!
Regards, Sheila
She’s allergic to feathers, wool, AND polyester? Did she forget to mention cotton, rayon, and nylon? Yeah, and I’m allergic to women. COME ON! I hope I don’t read that Carnival gave in and bought Mrs. Itchybottom silk sheets! She’s pulling the “wool” over Carnival’s eyes!
Jeff
Yes John, the Russians are back, and they are trying to make it known around the world. Frightening.
Jeff
John…. I wish you well with Ms. Allergic for the rest of the cruise!! Please do let us know if she gets her silk sheets! If she does, on future cruises I might develop a few allergies!….LOL
Mr.Bill….. I TOTALLY love your new gif….. Mr. Bill!!!
Be well! and good luck!!
Jane
John–I think you should get this lady her silk sheets (if she were truly allergic, she would travel with her own linens. Another case of someone trying to get something for nothing). I would make sure I got an California King Flat Sheet–as big as them come–and wrap her in it along with the troublesome Russians, thusly mummifying them, and ship the whole mess off to Jamie where she can bury them under Le Louvre.
Hi John,
It’s me, PennyB from New Orleans. Looks we got by another big one with the passing of Ike. The poor people of Houston got it this time. I’m so sorry they will have to go through what our city had to with Katrina. We were gone for a month and actually had only minor damage to our home. It was all the missing services like power, food, gas, etc. The poor children too. We still have to be very careful about what is said about approaching storms as they have very clear memories of past events and evacuations. I’ll bet you’ve never been evacuated by helicopter from a roof top.
Please pray for Houston and their people.
PennyB
P.S. Please pass on to Todd (Freedom 10/1) that I’ll be the lady in all the wrinkled clothes. I’m afraid to unpack after the 2nd storm.
John…
I think I’m cruising from Galveston in one week… I hope I am!! And your blog this morning was just what I needed to take my mind away from IKE’s aftermath!
Oooo, would you be sure those silk sheets make it to my cabin on the 9/21/08 Conquest?? I’ll send my booking number if you need it!! TYVM!!!
And a second set for daughter’s bed… after all it’s her birthday cruise!!! Merci beaucoup!!!!!
I love to crochet, just don’t seem to have the time… But the ladies looked like they were having fun!!! I guess we won’t do that in the Caribbean?? That’s OK, I’m not sure what it would look like after a few FunShip Specials, anyway!!!
Thank you, John!
Lambie
Mrs. Silksheets should have mentioned her allergies when she booked her cruise. Then you could have ordered her some silk bedding from Harrodds……..
……..and charged it to her S&S account.
John -
Regarding Ms. Silkysmooth – doesn’t she have enough brains to make her special needs known before showing up on the ship 3,000 miles from home? I agree with those posters who suspect you will see her in a wool sweater at some point in time.
As for me, I don’t like the twin pushed together double bed. For the Blogger’s Cruise, I request a Sleep Number bed (California King size, please – another instance where one size does not fit all). Also, I am allergic to certain detergents, so please be sure that my sheets, which can be satin or silk, but not cotton, are washed in only those detergents that I am not allergic to.
And, while we are talking about it, I don’t like the couches either. Please replace the couch with two oversized Barcaloungers that vibrate.
And, since Kathy likes baths, but I like showers, please put us in a Category 12 suite.
———————-
As for Mr. Snappydresser, I have one question. If she was miserable when you married her and she is miserable now, why did you marry her and why are you still married to her? If going on a cruise can’t cure her funk, it seems to me that she needs some serious medications.
John, I hope Carnival isn’t foolish enough to buy that lady silk sheets. If she needs silk she should have brought her own. What did she sleep on the first night, before you got to your first port? I am sure she is faking! Don’t call her bluff! If SHE wants silk she needs to buy them! You called Stephanie your assistant CD, I thought that was Heidi’s job? When is Heidi leaving by the way? Isn’t it soon, October? Get off the ship in the next port, you NEED it for your sanity. Heidi, make him get off! Unless it is Paris, then I think you better not! HA! Or Russia! UGH! Can’t believe how arrogant those Russian’s are! I feel for Paul, having lost his wife at the World Trade Center. Glad to see he is back to enjoying cruising again, as they say, Life Goes On! Your Friends, Linda & Mike
Hi John,
Tell Jaime “thanks!” for the cool photos of Paris (loved your quip about the ’smell’, though, heh). I didn’t know that Renault had a public area that displayed its formula cars until now. I’d probably check that out before seeing the Eiffel and Arc…
Sorry John have to scold u on trying to make the “NOT DRESSED UP” Russians move they were not bothering anybody and as Im a cruise buff and waiting for my 4th Carnival Cruise to roll around,heres my 2 cents……….if your not going to the Captain cocktail reception 4 past guests or going to the dining room for formal night then I do not think the The Rest of Us who do not enjoy dressing up or do not like pretending like we are better than everyone else,(I purchase Balcony and spend AT LEAST 2 grand on the ship on gameing and tours and AT LEAST 1500 at of calls,because is MY vacation NOT the crews or the \Captains,sorry just MHO from a very humble funny social Canadian,btw I see the Carnival Victory ALOT docked in the local port Saint Saint NB I can not wait to B cuizin
John-
It looks like our cruise critic group is about 45 people. We have 90 on our list but a lot of them are not active. We are on the Transatlantic Oct 29 cruise.
1) We would like your recommendation for a meeting time and place 1st day (so as to not interrupt muster or early dinner seating).
2)Can you get reservations at the Pinnacle Rest. for me and my Boyfriend? Approx 730pm
I look forward to meeting you in person. I really enjoy your blog!
Thank you
Patsie
2)
Good Afternoon John,
When your Russian guests give you that blank look and say “russian” maybe you should give them a “blank” look back and say “English”. Or maybe just nod your head and say Si Si ;D
It never ceases to amaze me about how some people think they are so much better than anyone else. I salute you for your patience, if it was me I would really hate to think what I would be doing 2 hours into your job. Probably drooling on myself and babbling (in any language but russian) or locking them in the brig. You do a great job and I believe that the majority of guests on each cruise are fantastic people. I do believe that the few “loonies” on each cruise just make you appreciate all the fantastic people more!!
Take care
Joan
PS GO PISTONS (counting the days till the season starts)
John, I was just looking at the aft webcam. It must have been one of your Russian men in a thong, YUKKY. Please tell them to stay away for the path of the webcam.
BIG ED
John, some people will just milk anything! I am allergic to a lot of detergents, soaps and such and breakout very easily and to be honest, was a bit worried before our first cruise, but I just figured that I’d take a wait and see attitude and f all else fails, that’s what benedryl and such are for! Well apparently whoever makes the decisions on the laundry detergent and soaps and shampoos at Carnival takes these things into consideration because I had no problems at all! No itching, no burning, no red welts…hmmmm….maybe I’m just allergic to not being on vacation! Silk is NOT the only alternative! If someone said they were allergic to cotton I would just plain not believe them. Just because she can turn on the water-works is no reason for her to get her way! It is nice of you to want to help her though.
If Boris and Natasha were not going to the Captains Party or the dining room for dinner, who cares what they wear? On our next cruise we will most likely not participate in formal night because I don’t want to pay for the extra bag on the airlines only to have it end up in the Bahamas while we are in Alaska! Believe me, my luggage has more air miles than I do! Luckily we live in the San Diego area so if we go somewhere from the San Diego pier, we can take whatever we want, but these darned airlines are really getting carried away, in my opinion!
Mike
John,
Maybe you should learn to speak at least a few words in Russian?
Just a suggestion!
Amen and amen, Mike, I also plan to skip out on formal nights because (1) we don’t like to dress up and (2) we don’t want to pay extra to pack the dress shoes, clothes, etc. (3) it is our vacation, not the crew’s. So Nyah, nyah!
I have much sympathy for the people who lost their young son, and am very happy that they had some fun and laughter-it is so healing! But did anyone else find it funny that she said she had not had so much fun and laughter since her son died? Just the way it was worded, you could take it either way. That’s one of the things I love about the English language. One of those things you hear that makes you giggle but you try really hard not to, because it would be in terrible taste, so squelching the giggle makes you snort while your beverage shoots out of your nose-oh dear-please forgive me! I know she was really saying that she had fun and laughter before, but not since, her son died. Now, if I were to say I had not had so much fun since my mother-in-law died, you could take it the way it sounds!
By the way, how soon before one’s cruise should we reasonably expect to know our flight details? It is now 21 days till we cruise, and still the Carnival web site says “flights pending”. I think we have a right to be concerned.
The crocheting seems like a great idea-one of the many things I put off learning until retirement-along with knitting, chess, and bungee jumping. Well, it may be too late for the latter. Pat
John,
Don’t let the silk lady get to you. Just watch what she wears on the cruise, sneak up behind her, and yell “Busted”! As for the Russians, we have many of them here in our city. Most are very nice but you get one or two who are obnoxious. Bottom line is, they know English! They are just bluffing. You are doing a wonderful thing for Paul. Keep him smiling and laughing. Harry’s wife made us laugh and laugh and laugh. Sounds like you are in for a very interesting cruise! Hope we get to sail with you one day. You’re great! Our best to you, Heidi and Stephanie.
Mike & Lori
For the peach of a guest that demanded silk sheets and blankets…… I would suggest the removal of any of the offending bedding material and replace her sheets and comforter with burlap and fiberglass.
I’ve got an itch to scratch….. I need assistance
Perhaps it was best to leave el Russian hoodlums alone…..or they may have hauled out and brandished vicious looking machetes which they had snuck past security and then proceed to carve up the couches (or something …someone…else) with them
The Flying Dutchman
Hi John/Heidi:
I’m sorry, but its just funny seeing how “casual” these 2 guys are knowing that everyone else is walking around in suits, tuxedos, etc.
FYI, I like Harry’s tux. I think its a great look. I just hope that my wife and I are not like that after 43 years of marriage.
Hope the waves have improved for everyone. White caps aren’t that fun.
Thanks for another great blog today.
I appreciate it.
Take care!
David
John, I am back in Canada after taking the last Baltic Cruise. As you mentioned, the sea was as calm as anything and I am not a seafaring person. As new cruisers, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and attended each and every one of your talks. I hope that when we go on another one you will be the Cruise Director. Interesting about the computer glitch in Dover – I think we experienced the same thing when we boarded, however, everything went extremely smoothly and calmly.
Hey John,
If you can’t get people like that to move I’d just call the on board photo guys and ask them to come setup some of their lovely backdrops in front of your unsightly guests