Sometimes, I think my job is nearly as difficult as being a door-to-door salesman …….selling doors. “Hello, would you like to buy a door….oh bugger, you already have one.” Anyway, there are moments when that job may be a welcome break. Here is one example why.
Guest: Mrs. _________ Ref: 002804459A
Cabin: _____ Booking#: ___________ Added-Changed: 09/16/08 – 09/16/08WHY ARE WE PLAYING CHILDREN’S BINGO?
Purser received comment card from Mrs. Johnson. It read as follows,
“Bingo- Why are we playing children bingo? Why not play some that would let us play more than five numbers at a time? We are adults, play making. 1- M-N-K-X 2 eight pack, two four-pack – Don’t treat us as children. What you play… 5 year olds do. We are older than that. I have played three times and won nothing because the games are too simple. I demand a full refund of $30 as there is no chance to win. I expect this to be done today.
[9/16/2008 3:24:48 PM LEES]
Purser tasked cruise director, informing of the comments made. Letter thanking for comments sent to cabin.
Or, translated into English this letter reads.
Dear John:
I have won bugger all and I want my money back…..now.
Well, of course, she is not going to get it. I spoke to her though this morning in person. Sometimes, I wish I could secretly film these conversations but, obviously, I can’t. I especially would have like to have done that this morning as I was threatened with a lawsuit and, while the threat was being made, I got a good look at her index finger, which was being wagged in my face.
She probably wondered why I was bobbing around like a boxer moving my head from side to side, something I had to do in order not to be covered in her spittle, which was flying out of her mouth like a venomous cobra.
I told her that each bingo game was explained before the cards were sold and I casually asked if she knew what the games were and if she didn’t like them, why did she buy the card? Ooops……….she didn’t like that — and her finger now went into warp speed and the spittle became a river of phlegm.
By the time we had finished the conversation, my blue blazer looked like it had been given the good news by a flock of birds, all of which had been drinking prune juice.
Well, as we speak Mrs. Bingo is playing our afternoon “nine games for $10 session,” for which I gave her a free card. When I told her this she turned from Judge Judy on speed to a character from Little House On the Prairie…….it was all she had wanted …… something for free. I was now her best friend and she now finished the conversation by praising her stateroom steward and the dining room servers………..oh well, at least she is happy. If she does win bingo with her free card…………… maybe she will pay for my dry cleaning bill.
Good morning, everyone, and hope today’s blog thingy finds you well. We are at sea today and, tonight around 9 pm, we will sail through the Strait of Gibraltar. I informed the guests of this yesterday, as did the captain in today’s noon announcement and this was the response from one guest.
As yet, neither the captain nor I have spoken to this guest. I think we are both secretly hoping the other one will do it. Right now ….I would rather jog naked through today’s art auction than speak to him as I am just recovering from Mrs. Bingo.
I know he is disappointed and, of course, if he asked I am sure we could find him dinner at the main sitting or he could eat at our many alternative dining areas. I suppose it will be down to me to take care of him. Obviously, the speed required to make Malaga on time tomorrow — and lots of other equations — have been calculated and passing through this busy strait cannot be manipulated by what time we serve dinner.
Let me call the guest.
OK, he wasn’t there; I will try again in a moment.
Let’s pause, then, while we look at the last photos from yesterday’s call in Lisbon and some letters from our guests.
Sailing Away from the Port of Lisbon
Let me try to call Mr. Gibraltar again and, while I do, this let me leave you in the company of a very special gentlemen, sometimes guest blogger, and our man in London, Peter Shanks, Carnival UK’s chief commercial officer.
Hi John:
Have not been in touch for a while – but I hope all is well with you and all of your bloggers. I saw that you rightly mentioned the terrific victory for our friend, Lynn, and her UK Carnival Cruise Lines sales team for being voted ‘The Best Travel Sales Team in the UK.’ I was there at the ceremony and have to say it was well deserved. And talking of awards – two other marvelous things have happened to us at Cunard Line this week.
Firstly – at the very same UK Travel Awards there was a very prestigious award for ‘The Best Cruise Line in the UK.’ Everybody was there – our own sister brands P+O Cruises and Princess, both of whom have had a very strong year. As usual, the team from Royal Caribbean were there and as over confident as ever – well, it was a big year for them as they launched the ‘Probably Far Too Big To Be Much Use At All to Anybody With Any Taste At All Of The Seas’ this year. And, of course, it has been a big year for Holland America who showed off their marvelous new ship Eurodam to the UK market. And I have to mention Carnival Cruise Lines, and your own showcasing of Carnival Splendor to our market in Dover earlier in the summer. So competition was tough.
I have to be honest and say I thought one of the big boys would win. Imagine my delight when Cunard Line was named ‘Cruise Line of the Year’ for the UK market. Excellent – lot’s of applause, rush up to stage, look excited, accept award and the next thing I knew I was in the press area being asked ‘So Peter why do you think Cunard Line won?’ That is the moment I stopped in my tracks. Although I had been excited to go up to the stage – I realized it was nothing to do with me, the only reason we had won the award was because of all the people who work on the Cunard Liners. You have heard me say it before – but they and the White Star Service they deliver is just awesome. So that is what I said – and that was the content of the note we sent out to every member of our ship’s company the following day. The most valuable thing about these awards is being able to share them with the people that make it happen.
The fact is – we won because ‘We are Cunard!’ And if any of your bloggers have not yet heard of what is so special about ‘We are Cunard’ – just go on to youtube.com, type in ‘We are Cunard’. And watch the video.
So I thought that was a pretty cool end to our week. That was until I read The Sunday Times Today. They have undertaken a survey to define the top 500 Super Brands in the UK as defined by their readers and a panel of experts. I was a little disappointed to see that there were only 15 travel brands within the top 500. But really pleased to see that Cunard Line was the only cruise brand, and, of the 15 travel brands, Cunard was 7th. Those above Cunard were British Airways, Virgin, Thomas Cook, Disneyland Paris, Eurostar, Qantas, and then came Cunard! So we are in pretty impressive company.
So now I am really proud of the brand, I looked at the criteria for being voted – by consumers – a Super Brand. They defined it as follows;
‘Cunard Line has established the finest reputation in its field. It offers customers significant emotional and tangible advantages over other brands which customers want and recognize’ – As says ‘The Sunday Times.’
Clearly these two awards mean just one thing – your bloggers need to come and experience the magic of Cunard Line for themselves. As do you John, and we need to fix up the voyage for you and I to undertake our ‘joint blog.’
Needless to say I have been brought back down to earth by my family. I had to take the Labrador for a two hour walk (which involved an argument with a golfer – how was I meant to stop the dog picking up his ball and dropping it in a river), had to clean up the garden, ferry my daughters to different sporting events and when boasting about Cunard’s recent achievements my daughters said – ‘Dad – get a life it’s the weekend!
Best Regards
Peter Shanks
Chief Commercial Officer
Carnival UK
Thanks, Peter, and I know how proud you are of the Cunard brand. We are proud to be associated with them, as well. And on a personal note, I will never forget my night onboard the Queen Victoria and my day onboard the leviathan of vessels, Queen Mary 2.
Don’t worry about the golfer. I am sure he and his Rupert the Bear trousers (sorry, you will have to Google a photo of Rupert the Bear) will get over it. Please keep the reports coming, our best to everyone at Cunard, and congratulations to you on the awards. Oh yes………Peter, I know November 11 marks the Queen Elizabeth 2 final voyage……….can you tell us about the plans for this special occasion?
OK, still no sign of Mr. Gibraltar, I will keep trying.
Many years ago I met a cruise director called Bill Panoff, who wore leather pants and did the most fantastic Tom Jones tribute act. Bill is now the publisher of the finest industry glossy magazine ………Porthole. Well, Bill has just published a two-page article about you and me. It’s a brilliant article and features some interviews and photos with some old friends from the blog. To find out more I invite you to check out the October issue. I am honored that Bill has recognized the blog for what it is, a community of friends – a fun celebration of cruising and life. Oh, by the way, we just raced past 2.9 million……..3 million is just a few weeks away.
Lets just pop back to the Carnival Conquest where 380 guests are on their way to Houston. I know the guests are enjoying the ship and I am also sure they will be very happy to get home. Then, the ship will start cruising from Houston and boarding her will be Cruise Critic Host Mac (Gregg), and all our friends from the Cruise Critic group. I know they have been very concerned about what’s been happening and I am so happy that their voyage is going ahead.
I received an e-mail from Greg asking if there was anything we could all do for the port of Galveston? Well, firstly let’s say thanks mate for your concern and I agree, we should do something. Let me see how the next few days pan out and then I will chat with you.
Meanwhile, if any of your group of 100-plus has any concerns or questions about your forthcoming Carnival Conquest or Carnival Ecstasy cruise, please direct them to me and I will be happy to help. Maybe you can slap this on the board thingy. Anyway, just to confirm ………….here are the new itineraries for the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy.
Itineraries (changes shown in bold italics):
CARNIVAL CONQUEST:
7 Day Western Caribbean Cruises from Houston:
On Sunday, Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 2008
Day Port of Call Arrive Depart
Sun. Houston (Bayport) 4:00 PM
Mon. “Fun Day” At Sea
Tues. “Fun Day” At Sea
Wed. Montego Bay 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
Thurs. Grand Cayman 7:00 AM 4:00 PM
Fri. Cozumel 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
Sat. “Fun Day” At Sea
Sun. Houston (Bayport) 9:00 AM
CARNIVAL ECSTASY:
4 Day THURSDAY Western Caribbean Cruises from Houston:
On Thursday, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, 23, 2008
Day Port of Call Arrive Depart
Thurs. Houston (Bayport) 3:00 PM
Fri. “Fun Day” At Sea
Sat. Cozumel 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Sun. “Fun Day” At Sea
Mon. Houston (Bayport) 9:30 AM
5 Day SATURDAY Western Caribbean Cruises from Houston:
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Oct. 4, 18, Nov. 1, 2008
Day Port of Call Arrive Depart
Sat. Houston (Bayport) 3:00 PM
Sun. “Fun Day” At Sea
Mon. Cozumel 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
Tues. Progreso, Yucatan 11:00 AM 7:00 PM
Wed. “Fun Day” At Sea
Thurs. Houston (Bayport) 9:00 AM
5 Day MONDAY Western Caribbean Cruises from Houston:
On Monday, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, 27, 2008
Day Port of Call Arrive Depart
Mon. Houston (Bayport) 3:00 PM
Tues. “Fun Day” At Sea
Wed. Progreso, Yucatan 7:00 AM 3:00 PM
Thurs. Cozumel 8:00 AM 4:00 PM
Fri. “Fun Day” At Sea
Sat. Houston (Bayport) 9:00 AM
Still no sign of Mr. Gibraltar.
It’s about that time when people who have been with us since the beginning of the inaugural season start to leave. This cruise marks the last one for Ron Pass, our piano man who has made the Grand Piano bar his own. I know many of you have enjoyed his entertainment and fun. After a well-earned break, he will be heading to the Carnival Valor. I have also requested he join us for the Bloggers Cruise in 2009 and I hope he will be back in Europe with us next year. Well done, Ron, and thanks for everything you do. Now, as for his replacement ………….well………….there may be a last-minute change, so I will let you know who it is as soon as possible.
This afternoon I hosted the Marriage Show, which is always something I look forward to. On this occasion, I had a couple on stage from Hong Kong and there was as cute as basket full of puppies. Married for only three weeks, they traveled all the way to Dover to join us for their vacation. I asked him to show us a Chinese proposal and he sang the most beautiful love song complete with gestures and signs………….there were some wet eyes in the room and at the end 500-plus people gave the couple a standing ovation.
OK, I finally got to speak to Mr. Gibralter. He truly does not understand why we would dare to pass by the rock during his dinner. I apologized and explained that the ship needs to sail at a designated speed to reach the port of Malaga on time tomorrow. He told me basically the same stuff he had written in his letter. He could not understand why the Something of the Seas had managed to pass through the strait in such away as not to interrupt his grazing schedule.
Anyway, I gave him some dining options and I think, in the end, food is the most important aspect of his cruise because he refused each one of them.
As for the amenities and toilet paper……well, all I could do was apologize that the soap, etc., was not to his liking. As for the toilet paper, I agreed with him……..and……I suggested he do what I do………..use the shower curtain.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Splendor, Cunard, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Peter Shanks
John:
I know there has to be a part of you that just wants to stand there and tell these idiots to pound sand up their lower orifice.
Bravo on your control and patience!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Sounds like a rough day at the office John! Sometimes you just please everybody…just go to bed saying “bugger off” and wake up tomorrow with a fresh start!
Good to hear the Conquest Crazies are going to be alright!
Hope everything goes well tomorrow!
Dave from Colorado
Hi John,
Mrs. I-want-a-free-bingo-card & Mr. Gibralter – what a day you had! Funny thing, she said nobody wins at bingo – I don’t know, my sister & I won the free cruise some years ago, and she just won about $800 on her most recent cruise. Tell her to go play in the casino.
Loved the rest of the photos from Lisbon.
How cute that Chinese couple is!
Almost time to leave for the day,
see ya tomorrow,
Carol
The changes to the itinerary are posted at Cruise Critic. Thank you.
Each and every member of Cruise Critic who will be sailing on the Conquest and Ecstasy in the very near future (somewhere in the vicinity of 500 or so…) thank you for all you’ve done for us… and all you’ve put up with from me.
I’m sure you understand how important the few days that folks can spend on board are. They get to be pampered, sleep in, laugh, act like kids and fulfill dreams. Losing that one chance in a year to relax and refresh would have been a terrible loss for them. Again, thank you.
Can I have a few moments with Mr. Gibraltar to explain math? It never fails to amaze me how dense some people are. Thank God for the other 99.99% who make folks like him bearable…
The pictures of the sail away from Portugal were stunning and the pictures from the Marriage Show are precious.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon, my friend!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
twice we have passed through the straits of gibraltar on carnival and sadly have yet to see it so i “sort of” understand mr. rock’s unhappiness. both times for us it was not dinner that prevented us from seeing it but that it was dark outside. but i have looked at lots of photos and know that i have been there so i’m fine. sorry mrs. bingo spit on you dude! and sorry i laughed so hard too.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Again, I thank you for the tropical info update. Who needs KHOU?
I just saw a news item on the net about passengers dropped off in New Orleans. At least one individual seemed to believe they had not been treated with compassion and kindness. I diasgree.
As to those few people who choose to hold Carnival responsible for mother nature’s wrath, nothing you can do will make them happy. And, Carnival is not their mommy.
The accomodations that were offered to the guests inconvenienced by Ike were more than gracious, in my opinion. Had I been on the ship, I would have been quite satisfied.
Keep up the good work folks. We will continue to sail with you.
the shower curtain… you made me spew my drink from my nose (I know, bad visual)…Just checking in to say hello to y’all.
Sending hugs your way!
John, again, why do you give in to these idiots? Giving Mrs. Bingo a free card just rewards her bad behavior. Stop it!!!
Jeff
I have to admit, I agree with Ryan about the ’show’ in the dining room. Everyone always seems kind of embarrassed when they are over.
We’re sailing on the Liberty in November and have signed up for the Flexible Dining option. I’m hoping it’s also a no-show zone!
I’m really not a curmudgeon, though I know I sound like one!
Thanks for the amusing ‘blog thingy’!
John…
I do not agree with the letter writer who said few people enjoy the dancing and singing by the waiters. I love it!!! Have i seen it alot? yes but i still enjoy it . They certainly don’t look embarrased to me. They look like they are having a ball!
Diane
Dear John I was just curious on how you see the change in dealing with complaints this day and time differ from the past as when you began.Do you see it getting so outlandish people will have to forgo vacations like cruising where they are confined to a ship where rules must be observed.I worry about this generation of do what you want when you want mentality will doom the things we love.I know these characters like the Mrs.Snob and Mr.Rudes and the want something for freebies are gaining in prevalence.The staff of Carnival and any one who deals with the public day to day has my admiration and respect.Best wishes to all.Gary and Bug
I sailed on one of the ships you were on and you did a fantastic job! I now have one booked on the Liberty for Sept.27…hopefully no hurricane but if so I’ll just take a side excursion on a hurricane tracker plane…lol… can you tell me who is the chief cruise director on this cruise…we also had Karl with a K on one of our cruises. Got a call yesterday from Carnival with a fantastic offer for the penthouse…am older then dirt so will pay if off monthly or they can pay for it from my insurance if I crook…again lol. I love to get involved with karaoke and games so hope we have a good one.
Again let me tell you how much we enjoyed the cruise with you.
Sincerely,
Micki Buck
+++ John please reply+++
I have a group of 19 going on the Glory 10/18. My mom is from the same city in Va where the Planters Peanut company headquarters is. I know she is bringing Butch some “fresh roasted” cashews, p-nuts etc. The rest of the group is from Tenn. and we want to know some special things Butch may like.
Thanks
Lee
PS: we are avid blog readers and I’m still waiting to find out how to order a “climb this T-shirt.”
It’s been a while….and John is tempting me with his blog titles as of late……..
.
.
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
We’ve been sailing with a cargo full of, love and devotion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
To rock the boat, don’t rock the boat baby
Rock the boat, don’t tip the boat over
Rock the boat, don’t rock the boat baby
Mrs. Bingo getting upset that she spent money and didn’t win…….and there is no way to win since the games are too simple……….clearly thinking logically escapes her as well….
Using that very flawed logic I should waltz right back to Vegas and demand that my money be refunded that I unfortunately lost at games I didn’t win…..the slots and table games are all rigged and in favor of the house….. and that’s not fair……. So I will be expecting MGM/Mirage and Harrah’s to be cutting me some nice checks soon….I accept PayPal….. Donations are appreciated….
As far as the Bingo games being simple…..what sort of cut-throat Bingo did she expect on a ship? Making a Bingo in the various standard patterns on a card seems fairly commonplace. Perhaps using more scientific terms may make her more satisfied…..like rhombus. quadrilateral or trapezoid…..
Good idea!!!!
Or let’s confuse the vast majority of guests and play crazy bingo patterns in which cards should be rotated in 90 degree increments for a winning bingo pattern match (by 90°, 180° or 270°) ……or better yet….. Wild bingo patterns with scattered patterns whereby the bingo pattern stays the same but can be located anywhere on the card.
Mark
The Flying (“B-3…….0-69″) Dutchman
So THAT’S why I’ve never won at Bingo!
It was the GAMES that meant there was no chance of winning! (I have no idea how those other people that always seemed to jump up and yell “Bingo!” managed it!) It wasn’t just my bad luck!
That’s it. I want different Bingo games. And I want one that guarantees I’ll win. The big jackpot. Or the cruise. Either one; I’m not fussy!
Terri
John & Heidi,
I live for your blog every day. You made me laugh when I was going through chemo and so down. I know that I am not the only one who feels this way since you have almost reached 3 million readers.
How you are able to talk to some of these demanding, self centered, arrogent people with out actually telling them where to get off, I will never know. Your compassion is also endless. I can understand why Heidi loves you so much.
I would like to sail with you again but I’m not sure I can make it to Europe and I will not be able to make the 2nd blogger cruise next year, maybe the 3rd one.
I am so looking forward to taking my son and daughter on the Sensation in just 18 days. He has never been and because He is going through a nasty divorce from a German woman who is using his son to hurt him, I want treat him to the best time and educate him in one of the fun things in life. Carnival Cruises are the very best.
Love CarolAnn (Grandma)
P.S. I have been totally smoke free for 60 days now and counting.
Funny you should be talking about Cunard and the Queen Mary 2 today. We got a lovely brochure in the mail today from Cunard about cruises on the QM2. It looks like a fabulous ship and we are looking forward to one day cruising on her (when we can be away for longer!). I’m glad Cunard is so appreciated in England!
We’re enjoying all the antics of your guests….and we’re glad that Carnival has been able to utilize the port in Houston. So much easier for so many people than having to sail out of a further port. GLoria
John…
We LOVE YOU!!! (Have I said that before??)
Yes, this group is the 210+ CRAZY CONQUESTADORS on the CONQUEST… this is one year before the COMMITTED CONQUEST CRAZIES cruise… For that we sail on 09/20/09!!!
The CRAZIES are a bit bigger than this group on Sunday… about 100 bigger and we still have a year to gather more!!!
This Sunday, we’re sailing from the new port… test cruisers…
I promise a complete review of the terminal, process and sail away!!! And a lot of patience KNOWING this is their first weekend!!! It will be PERFECT!!! Getting all of us onto that ship… PERFECT!!!!
You know… I didn’t realize we could complain about dinner time and natural events… On the Ecstasy last Feb… I didn’t get to see a sunset! Why did you schedule passing the sunset at 6:30pm when you KNEW I would be dining??? I am so disappointed… I will expect a make-good cruise ticket in my Texas Christmas Boot!!! PLEASE???? I can cry if it will help!!! Or raise my voice??? Or stand on a chair??? Or….
Just call me the Complaining Sunset Lambie…
LOVE the photos… thank you!!
Lambie
Hey John,
Leaving tomorrow for Miami to hop on the Liberty this weekend..I’ll be sure to stop by a few times while I’m onboard…lost Grand Turk due to the storm, but that’s far from important. I kind of wish we were going just so we could do those volunteer oriented excursions they’re offering. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery. Anyway, enjoy the Med, and thanks again for all of your help!
Kyle Darin
Fabulous photos of Lisbon…what a treat.
Sorry you had to deal w/someone that doesn’t understand that bingo is a game of chance. I never win either, that’s why I never play.
And, someone that can’t make a change to his eating schedule to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I must say, though, I do agree to an extent with the letter writer who spoke about the singing in the dining room. My biggest complaint there is that I feel like the meal is rushed just so they can perform. It’s not so bad a couple of nights, but every night can get annoying. Just my 2 cents.
Lisa
Hi John I have played bingo on ever ship we have sailed on and have yet to win, so I think I deserve a free card too………… snicker. Just have the room steward place it on our bed when he makes it up with the red satin sheets Monday before we get to our room on the Holiday.
counting down the days.
Carolyn
To Carol Ann………….. Crusinggrandma
I glad to hear the chemo treatments are over with and just a memory. Also Congratulations on being smoke free for 60 days. I laid my cigarettes down when my DIL was expecting my first grandaughter. It’s not an easy thing to do. I admire you .
I wish you were going to be on the BCv2 so I could meet you.
I think it was you that told us about the website to adopt a soldier. I just wanted to let you know that I adopted a soldier as did 2 others of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe. It is really a rewarding experience. So much so I am seriously considering adopting another one. Thanks so much for telling us about the organization.
Countess Carolyn ( an angel to a soldier in Iraq)
maybe you should give a free cruise to the 3 millionth visitor on here John
great blog as always and I am sad to say i will not be around to see/post on your blog next week because i leave on Monday for my Miracle cruise
Bobbyfk
Thank you for the laughs that started my morning! As always, very entertaining.
It’s terrible, isn’t it.
If only Gibraltar could be moved to just outside the river entrance to Lisbon, it would be much nicer to see at sailaway.
I suggest you get several of the ship’s crew to purloin a couple of tenders and a tow-rope, to put this right immediately.
Until then, the ship should sail backwards at reduced speed to pass Gibraltar at 10am tomorrow morning. I’m sure that the guests who miss tours in the now-cancelled Malaga call will understand.
As for toilet paper – just reply to the guest
“I am in the smallest room in the ship. Your complaint letter is in front of me. Soon, it will be behind me.”
Ahhhh. Customer complaints. We love them. Soft, strong, and very absorbent.
Hi John,
There are some people who would not be happy in the Garden of Eden (AND A CRUISE SHIP IS CLOSE!)
About the bingo queen… On a Holland America cruise a few years back my husband & I played the three games one day. I won the first game and he won the next two ! He was booed as he collected his second jackpot. But the crowd was laughing and willing to return to see if they could get as lucky.
See ya for the Transatlantic (and Gibraltar).
Stacy & Jack
John,
I honestly don’t know how you do it! You are such a great Cruise Director. You try so hard to please everyone but bottom line is —you can’t! I loved your comment about the shower curtain. You have such a great sense of humor. Thanks for the laughs. We sail on the Destiny in just three days! We are so excited.
Mike & Lori
Hi John. Your blog is brilliant, the humour so British. Love it. Mrs. Bingo should have been there when I won the big jackpot on the inaugural cruise of the Freedom from Venice. It is paying for another cruise on Carnival in November.
Keep up the good work you are doing. Love to Heidi.
I read all the good bits of the blog to my husband every day. Keeps us both laughing in our retirement. I cannot believe that some people are so rude and beligerent to you and the staff. They need to get a LIFE. Some people will never be happy however hard you try.
Thanks again.
Val. in Ontario,Canada
Okay John, now that little interaction with the Bingo-brat was hysterical! First of all, in Bingo, the game is over when someone wins…ergo, SOMEONE WINS! But then to be happy as you treated her to another round of, what for her, is obviously a torturous pastime, well that is truly justice! And what is better is that she was happy about getting a free card to a game where”nobody wins”! So tell the truth John, don’t the wind-up of some of these irritating confrontations make you chuckle?! I would have headed straight for a closed door so I could laugh out loud! Just imagine that stupid vacant, smiling look as she clutches that free card in her gnarled claws, quickly followed by a startled look as the lady next to her yells “BINGO!”, and the smile slowly fades and the spittle starts to fly as she bitterly shreeks to herself “Noooooooo! Not again!”. hehehe Okay, yeah, it has been one of those weeks! Truly I was imagining one of my own clients, but heck, they’re all alike! Chin up John, it’s only life! No reason to take it too seriously!
Mike
Hi John/Heidi:
Quite an accomplishment for Cunard and a congrats are in order.
Great pics today and i really enjoyed the story about the couple from Hong Kong.
That’s a great story about Mrs. Bingo. Seems like its another type of person every week for you.
Hope all is well.
Thanks for posting!
David
Thank God for the lovely Chinese couple who made up for goofy-bingo-lady and nutty-dinner-man!
Hi John,
My job deals with the same kind of people that you
do and it can be so frustating but I just laught it off in the parking lot with my co nurses before going home, other wise it will drive you bonkers.I have a lot of sympathy for you and I hope you will continue to express your frustrations in the blog thingy as you call it coz most of it seems unreal but hilarious.
John,
Thank you for the blog thingy. I’ve enjoyed reading it since I returned from my cruise with you and the Splendor back in August. My partner and I cruised on the July 25 Baltic cruise and had an absolutely wonderful time. I just wanted to reply to the letter Ryan wrote on your current cruise.
My partner and I cruised on Splendor with 3000 other people and never a once saw posted “Friends of Dorothy” get togethers in the Carnival Capers. With that being said, we never had any problems meeting other gay men or lesbians cruising on our ship. We all ended up dining together and meeting up in the evenings for shows or dancing. Any gay man worth his weight in pink feathers can pick out another gay couple from at least 100 ft away. I found it refreshing to have dinner every other nite with the ladies at our table. Having the FOD posted in the Capers is a nice thing to do, but not always necessary.
Again, thanks for your posts and all the laughter.
Cheers.
Joe
you were our first cruse director on our first cruse. Just finished our seventh with
Ralph on the conquest,his imitation of dolly parton was to funny. but your style
and performance is yet to be matched.
keep the hummer