Professor Stephen Hawking knows almost as much as God – but ask him why women will spend a week’s wages on a pair of shoes or read Hello Magazine and watch the blank expression steal across his face.
I say this with the greatest respect but Heidi just walked in and told me she had been ashore in Barcelona today and bought a new pair of shoes……….that cost …………and you had better sit down here………………279 euros…………..that’s like…………ten billion dollars. Now, you would think for that price that they come with air conditioning and a satellite navigation system. Obviously the credit crunch means nothing and it’s not just Heidi………….it’s the world.
Do you remember the days when you rented a video for the evening and then sweated over the fine when you forgot to take it back? Now, everyday there’s a queue of people in Sam Goody spending $30 a pop on DVDs. You upgrade your phone when you don’t like the ring tone any more, and you buy disposable cameras like you used to buy disposable razors. There was always one thing though that made me chuckle when I was a Cruise Director in the Caribbean………………t-shirts that have a black and white print on them………….and that change to color when the sun comes out ………..and…………cost $25 a shirt.
I always used to think to myself……………why not go to the shop next door who are offering 3 t-shirts for $25 and that in rain, fog, sleet or snow are always in full colour. I once showed a t-shirt that changed colour in the sun. I held it over a U.V. light and the black and white print changed before everyone’s eyes………….oooohhhhhh………..they went. After the talk a lady asked me “will the t-shirt work in Ohio?”
I met someone famous we have on board this week……………..well…………….she told me she was famous……….and I admit……..some of my American entertainment staff seem to recognize her.
For the last five minutes I have been trying to decide if I should print her name but I have decided not to, only because Tara may be upset……………ooops.
Anyway, Tara was apparently in a reality program which she lost but it made her a household name …………for a few weeks.
Of course, I am talking about the Apprentice where “The Don” looks for a sidekick by setting a gaggle of wannabe “business people” some tasks, which they cock up. He sacks the one who’s cocked up the most and eventually hires the one who’s cocked up the least. It’s the kind of show that makes people like me – that is, people who are barely numerate and struggle with basic adding-up – think we could run business empires, since the candidates (handpicked from tens of thousands of applicants) seem stupid, delusional, charmless, spiteful or all four.
So, I met her last night and I have to say she was totally charming and very, very pretty. I have no idea who Mr. Trump hired but from what I saw …………he picked the wrong one.
It was while we were chatting that I also met another guest who did the one thing……….the one thing that automatically has me wanting to ignore them or tell them to bugger off.
Excuse me
Pardon Me
Sorry to bother you
Can I have a word
May I interrupt you for a moment
These are all opening gambits that will be rewarded with my undying attention and if you are lucky……….a hug.
However…………..if you want to be rewarded with by me inserting a cactus in you…………do what this guest did last night.
He saw that I was in the middle of a conversation and he stood just behind Tara and then slowly raised his first finger and wiggled it to and fro in a come here motion…………..and if that wasn’t bad enough he made a whistling noise with his lips.
Tara turned around…………and I took a deep breath………and continued talking to Tara and her husband…………..he did it again.
And I am sorry to say I couldn’t help myself and ran up to him panting with my hands held in front of my chest……….looked him in the eye………….and barked.
Now, I had gambled on the fact that he called me over like a dog and that I had therefore acted like one would pay off with a laugh……………..ummmm………….no.
I then spent the next few minutes listening to a very angry man complain about the volume of the show and the “near naked costumes.” If I had been his dog he would have probably sold me to a North Korean restaurant.
It’s amazing you know. The show ” Vroom ” was greeted tonight with two HUGE standing ovations and as I stood at the back of the room receiving accolade after accolade telling me it was the best show they had ever seen and how Carnival’s entertainment is the best in the industry………..my proud balloon was popped by one man………and his dog.
Good Morning…….here we are in Barcelona and while Heidi went shopping I started to prepare schedules etc for the next Grand Med cruise. The weather is warm and muggy again but it has been a great day for the guests who all seem very happy.
Here are some photos taken this time by our Dance Captain Claire of Gaudi’s Cathedral and the Barcelona skyline.
Great photos and I hope you all enjoy the ones we post everyday. However, I think you are about to see the photos of the week. Here they are and to find out who this is and what’s going on, you need to go to www.eurodamnews.com.
Have a look at these
Continuing congratulations to Holland America for their astonishing blog which I hope you all have a look at as often as you can.
Tomorrow, I will be slapping on a great interview with the effervescent cruise director of the Queen Victoria . Do not miss that as it is a wonderful window into the Cunard world which is already available through the www.wearecunard.com blog………..more on that tomorrow.
Well, we had two people who did not enjoy Barcelona so much as both were robbed……….by David Copperfield.
One was on the metro and another who was just walking around the La Rambla section. Both said……….they never felt a thing………….it was like magic………….one moment their wallet and purse were there…………the next minute they had vanished. I tell the guests verbally at my talk and in writing in the Capers to be extra vigilant in Barcelona but unfortunately these poor guests have lost money, credit cards and personal items.
We are doing what we can to help.
I want to give you an update on the situation with the shorts. Do you remember yesterday a guest accused someone of steeling his shorts from the guest laundry. He later saw the guest wearing them on Lido deck and demanded he be arrested.
Well today, this angry man called the Purser’s desk to tell us that he had …….ummmm………made a mistake and that his wife had sent them along with other stuff to the laundry in our fill-a-bag for $10 deal.
Thinking about this I have to give credit to the guest for admitting that he had made a mistake and that his demands of arrest and public flogging for the guest he thought had stolen them had been wrong………………I would have said nothing and hid in the closet for the rest of the cruise………………………I wonder if he sees the guest he accused of theft will he apologize? Anyway, the bottom line is that he and his shorts have been reunited and there is a happy ending to this story…………..which by the way, could only happen on a cruise ship.
I wanted to show you a comment and a reply from yesterday’s blog.
Uncle Doug
John, it is good to be back in the blogging world. Our area took a direct hit from hurricane Ike. The only good thing was that we were far enough inland to miss the storm surge. Right now I am blogging from our church shelter where we have been working since before the hurricane. Most of our area, while they still have homes, (many with trees through them) are still without power and may stay that way for a few more weeks.
It is great seeing Carnival committed to the Texas market. I am sure a lot would of made the drive to NOLA but having two ships local keeps the people excited about cruising. The only benefit of Ike is now my drive to the ship is 25 miles shorter.
Hello Doug
I think I speak for everyone when I say how glad we are to have you back and that all of you are safe and well. It must be so hard living as you are at the moment and the fact that you also took the time to write is quite humbling.Thanks for the sincere words and yes, Carnival is indeed committed to Texas and I hope that you and your state have nothing but blue skies for the rest of the year.
Your friend
John
Doug…….we all hope the power returns soon and you can let us all know how you are doing……….your friends here will be waiting.
Lets get back to last night and my conversation with Tara and my terrible impression of a Spaniel………..should have done a Shiatsu.
After my bollocking………..oh, by the way, the music was not too loud and the costumes are certainly not as skimpy as some of the nipple patch bikinis the Russians have been wearing on Labido deck………I returned to talk to Tara. She had seen what had happened and after telling me about how she thought the show was amazing she told me about her “fame.” She told me that after she did the show that people would see her in the street and while many would shout hello and stop to ask for a photo etc there was the nasty side of the street where people called her names that I couldn’t even begin to put in print.
I can’t begin to understand what it must be like to be famous. Look at those people who turn up on American Idol every week saying that what they most want, what they really want more than anything else, is to be famous.
Now of course fame does have certain advantages . . . but there are obvious disadvantages too, such as for instance the fact that every time you go to a public bathroom people will whip out their camera-phones and try to take photographs of your gentlemen’s area.
I mean, I am not even close to being famous except when I am on the ship where people recognize you and because they do they feel they have the right to come up to me and tell me I am fat or ugly, or that you’re no good at your job.
Try to imagine what that feels like.
The last few paragraphs have all been leading to something that Heidi and Stephanie will tell you, I was actually considering stopping the blog thingy on Wednesday………….and never writing again.
I receive 200 comments or more per week and although we have had some in which bloggers have disagreed with me they have never been personal.
Until this week……….here are two highlights from the 5 very nasty comments I received.
” Your blog is pathetic and self pandering. Give it up now and get a gym membership.”
” Your description of your stay in Japan shows that you are, like most British people, a racist pig.”
There were two more about the hurricane that I won’t repeat but they said such deeply hurtful things about me and the company I work for that I went from wanting to meet these people and give them the good news with my cricket bat…………. to actually talking in depth to Heidi and Stephanie about stopping the blog…………..they really got to me.
Unlike Tara, I am not famous……. but like Tara I am human and sometimes I think people forget that.
Why then, if you read something you don’t like …….just press delete.
Anyway, that was then and this is now and thanks to words of wisdom from my beautiful wife Heidi and the Director of Blog Services Stephanie….. and a few friends …………I have decided to keep going.
I will continue to read each and every comment, positive or negative and not take it personally……. and ignore the hurtful few and respect their opinions and not get mad……………………….although my cricket bat is ready……… just in case.
Sorry to vent everyone but it was a tough few days.
Well, to finish with today I need to share this comment with you.
Guest: Mrs——— Ref: 002890950A
Cabin: Booking#: Added-Changed: 09/19/08 – 09/19/081007 – DANCERS COSTUMES UPSET GUEST
Purser received a call from Security department asking to document a comment from a Mrs______. She stated that the costumes in the show Vroom were of an adult nature and her husband was very embarrassed. Guest wanted to speak to the Cruise Director and had stopped Veejay Security Guard.
Purser took comments and e mailed Cruise Director.
This was sent to me at 5:00pm this afternoon upon departure from Barcelona. So, I called the guest and it was indeed the wife of the gentlemen I had spoken to and barked at last night. She told me that her husband was very embarassed at the costumes. I apologized and said that the Capers does state that they will be wearing “show girl” style costumes . The wife said that she had been OK with it but her husband had decided to leave and was now very upset. I asked if I could speak to him but she said “he is too upset to speak.” ……………I felt really bad. I know he could have and should have said excuse me instead of interrupting a conversation I was already having by wagging his finger and whistling at me to come over…………….I know I was having a bad day having read those nasty comments………but I should have been more professional and not bounded over there like Lassie.
I asked again if I could speak to him but she said he had nothing to say and that he would not be coming to the shows because the costumes had upset him so much. She did say that that they had enjoyed a wonderful cruise but her husband had not enjoyed the shows or my humour as it was too adult rated for him.
So, I have sent them some wine at dinner tonight with a note of apology. …………not for the costumes because honestly……..there is nothing risqué about them. The wine and apology are for my failure last night to rise above the bad day I was having…………what an idiot I am.
I should have respected this guest’s views more and not been argumentative………..I am truly sorry.
Heidi says I need male company……….she says that I have no male friends on board and I need to spend time with men having a conversation about who’d been for their number twos, what the number twos had looked like, what they’d smelt of, how much more there was to come, and whether any records for sheer tonnage had been set.
I need someone who is obsessed with bottoms, bosoms, farting and belching. ………………I wonder if my mate Alan fancies a cruise.
I know it’s been a strange blog today and I thank you for listening……………normal service has returned.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Barcelona, Carnival Splendor, Holland America
John, Don’t quit the blog and don’t dare touch the dancer’s costumes, as its the only reason I go to the shows.
John,
Please remember that you may have the world (ship) on your shoulders, but you are human. I love your blog thingy and PLEASE keep it up. I get up in the mornings, and the first think I do is to check your blog thingy. My husband and I are sailing on the Nov. 21, 8 day sailing, and I look forward to meeting you. I might even have a replacement Mont Blanc for you. Keep your chin (s) up!
Eugenio Eugenio!!!!!!would be more than happy to talk about all those things with you. It is just like him. #2, bottoms, farting and ships. he is says you could be hours talking about pipi and caca (and bottoms and bossoms). Eugenio will be your best companion, He is volunteer ( how do you spell this thing? to fly anytime you want. LOL BTW he wouldn’t be embarrased at all with the costumes. Th
AYYY John anytime you talk about stopping my heart almost stops. Take a break!! Why are you only seeing the bad ones?? And the blessings?? And all the things that have come from this blog? All the friendships and all the people who loves you?? Don’t look at the bad. See the good!! it is so much more!!
You have done so much for me and I’m only one.
I’m worried about you Take a break!! Don’t write so much enjoy the MED
I wish I was there to give you a huggo and t lend you Eugenio, He is perfect for you really. .. LOL Heidi and I could go shopping.
Love you both!
Nanni
Dear John,
I have never been on a cruise.
I will, probably, never meet you in person.
But – reading your blog is a daily routine for me.
It is a miracle how you are able to sit and write these lines everyday, so much from your heart, and with that great sense of humour.
All I am going to say is this – keep on!
There are many, many people out there who enjoy your blog very much – because you are who you are, and you do what you do.
Many thanks for that.
With best regards, from Germany to the Med,
Phil
John, I just read to Pat about Heidi’s 279 euros shoes from Barcelona. She reached for the travel section of the local paper she had just but down and showed me an article the bullet read “BARCELONA ON A BUDGET When pinching Euros in Barcelona, do lunch”. See even way over here in the states we know you would have been better off going into Barcelona for lunch with Heidi instead of letting her go shopping alone.Maybe you will learn a get off the ship for a DAY in port next time.
I also just read the article by Clark Norton about the blog and the bloggers in PORTHOLE magazine. I love the picture on page 56 it does have some beautiful looking bloggers in it. Well at least 3 of they are. He could have cropped it from the right, LOL.
BIG ED
please don’t stop blogging… don’t let a few mean people get to you. I think 99% of your readers love your blog, so why let a small few get to you?
Big hugs from me… from White Rock, Canada (ok… in British Columbia, Canada).
I am sailing the Splendor next May… can’t wait. Too bad you won’t be on it… oh well…
John, The first of the pictures by Dance Captain Claire of the church is almost the same picture in the article I referred to above. Right down to even having the cranes it. I’m now humming your favorite song “It’s a small world”.
BIG ED
Dear John … hang in there!
John, just post those messages “in there owe words” and let us have a bite out of their @ss. You don’t have to say anything just but them there and we will do the rest. If they have a cabin # hoping to get something sent to them leave it and don’t white it out. Remember we almost have bloggers on every cruise now to deliver a print out of our comments by midnight delivery service. The stack of our comments will look like some cruisers sail and sign statement or a copy of War and Peace.
BIG ED
John, you and Heidi are loved so much by your bloggers and without the blog we would all be lost.
Maybe you should do as Heidi suggested and find you a male friend. But I would suggest it not be the one that is so disrespectable as to whistle at you when you are in a conversation with someone else. Better yet, I think you need some time off of the ship. Take a walk and enjoy some of the scenery with your wife. She won’t be cruising with you much longer.
Remember when things get rough, we are all here for you.
Countess Carolyn…..
PS…. Alan, wherever you are, I think your buddy needs you to come cruise with him.
So many of us love you and your blog. You also keep our cruising spirit alive while we are land bound. Where would we be without you John? I know there are always some people who can’t appreciate others efforts, but please don’t let them get to you. I think you are a bit tired and need to get off the ship for a break. It’s a long haul you do there and you have had some very demanding (and rude!) guests! Love you, Gloria
Please, please John. Don’t get discouraged. We love your blog!!!!!! There are always going to be some people who are never happy with you or with anyone else. Don’t take it personally.
* Please reply… when you get time.
Hey John, my family and I sailed with you on the Freedom last year in Europe… and since then I have never missed a day of reading your blog. It always brings a laugh and in today’s world everybody needs to laugh…. so thank you… and please hang in there.
as well…. This March, we ( 4 parents and 4 teenagers) are looking forward to sailing on the new Ruby Princess. Any chance you can use some of your inside contacts to get us some of the latest news on how the Ruby is progressing? Some pictures would be fabulous too!!!
Steve H
i remember taking a young grandson to a show on board one night, thinking nothing of it. we sat down front. the show was wonderful, of course, but boy howdy did he get an eyefull! moral: next time take the young boys to the show and sit in the back! ha ha i shall never forget the look on his face and neither of us knew what to do! live and learn.
and dude, please do not stop blogging. prince charlie gets some nasty comments too (his blog is a LITTLE political) but he just makes a post of them and tells his side and goes on. he has fun with them. could you look at it that way maybe? hopefully?
hey to heidi and stephanie!!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John, three things…
1. Don’t EVER stop the blog. It is my daily dose of humor, and I need it, and I know others do too. You are doing a wonderful thing. Humor is not easy to do, and you do it incredibly well.
2. Relating to number 1, remember what Star Trek taught us. The needs of the many (your readers and fans) outweigh the needs of the few, or the one (the jerks with no sense of humor and no life who berate you).
3. Mr. Wardrobe sounds like a complete sissy. He should indeed be openly mocked. You did the right thing.
Jeff
John, the internet has brought many good things to us; and I don’t know how we would get along without it now. But it has also let the nasties of people spew their venom to all portions of the globe that they could not reach before. The only way to handle them is to ignore them, they are just bullies who want to make themselves feel better by making someone else feel bad; DON’T LET THEM WIN! Not giving them what they want makes them feel bad, so go ahead – make them feel bad.
Please continue to blog for the vast majority of us who love it and love you, please. Get off the ship and take your lovely wife to lunch on dry land – but go in disguise so passengers won’t bother you.
Stephanie, maybe you need to screen his email – filter out the useless bad stuff.
Hugs,
Diane from Texas
Don’t leave us, we love you and your blog. Some people are just mean.
Love Grandma
John, criticism is one thing but personal attacks are a different thing altogether.
I know that many, many bloggers will be offering words of support concerning the hateful comments you received but just let me say this… If people have to resort to name calling and demeaning remarks they betray their utter lack of intelligence. End of story.
I LOVED the picture of Pam on the Eurodam’s bulbous bow!!! Now, that is unique!! I’ve never seen anyone do that before!! Bravo, Pam!!!
Thank you for highlighting Uncle Doug’s letter. He’s one of our Cruise Critic Bayou Bloggin’ With John Heald krewe and we’re thrilled that all is working out for him after the storm. He’s a fine man. Thanks again.
If you ever again feel the need to vent you have my number. We can talk about beans, broccoli and all the associated after effects…
Please tell Heidi that she needs to lock those new shoes in the safe as she’s likely to be mugged over them. Tell Stephanie that she’s the best, as are you, my friend.
Ciao…
Host Mach
Don’t stop your ‘thingy’!
John,
Take a deep breath (that will help filter the air a bit for Heidi). Just remember there are folks out there who are not happy unless they are making someone else miserable. Dont let them push your button.
You are correct in that there is more skin by the pool than on the stage. I always make sure I have a front row seat in the lounge just in case there is a “wardrobe malfunction”.
Monday I get to cruise with fellow bloggers Squidly and Countess Carolyn on the Holiday.
Dave
Dear John,
There was a recent story here in the states of a poll that was taken among Democrats and Independents on the topic of racism. As you know, the upcoming election for president of the US features a black candidate for the first time in history. The poll was taken and the repondents were to check off any terms that they associated with black people. Among those terms were “Lazy” and “Violent.” 40% of the response indicated that these people had at least one or more problems with people of color. 40%. In 2008. Other terms wer described as “Boastful”, “Complaining” and “Irresponsible.”
One man, alone cannot change the negative views of 40% of polled people in a day, a week or a decade. John, there are people in this world that, for whatever reason, just don’t like other people.
As much as people would like to think otherwise, racism is alive and well, 45 years after the Reverend Martin Luther King’s landmark speech.
45 years.
John. You work so incredibly hard to bring joy, entertainment, laughter and humanity to what you do. There is a reason, John Heald, that you are as popular as you are. You can laugh at yourself. Your blog brings joy and entertainment to MILLIONS of people. Guess what? Within those millions of people lurks the jealous, the arrogant, the narrow-minded and the mean spirited.
You can’t change that, any more than you can change the weather, or the tides. It’s a fact of human nature. Period. Just like racism.
Your record speaks for itself. You are THE most popular cruise director on the seven seas. You are the most REQUESTED cruise director in the entire industry. RCL has been stealing your routines for years (they have NO imagination).
To quote the inimitable John Cleese… “I think that sometimes you do something that makes a small group of people laugh, which is all we were trying to do; we were just trying to make each other laugh.”
John, you make more that a small group of people laugh, you make millions laugh and cry and care for each other.
From where I sit, you my friend, are one amazing individual. My wife Ilda and I hold you in very high regard. Certainly there will be individuals who will always try to undermine the accomplishments of a successful person out of jealousy.
These individuals are not worth the time, or energy it would take to try to convince them otherwise.
I implore you to continue the blog. If you piss-off someone, good! This world needs a little more “from the gut” honesty and a LOT less PC!
It’s what makes you stand out from the crowd of vanilla. You tell it like it is… warts and all.
Keep up the fantastic work. We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful wife in February when “Big Ed’s” Evil Krewe embarks on the BC Version 2.0 out of the fine city of New Orleans.
Look out for us!!
Yours in the spirit of FUN and all things real,
Lance & Ilda Gunberg
John,
I want to apologize….for people not understanding humor sometimes! Any loyal reader of your blog knows that you have an amazing sense of humor and if its crude, we know there is no intentional insult behind it!! This is why we love you and continue to visit your blog thingy!! Keep up the amazing work, the smile, and most of all, the laughs!!
Dave from Colorado
Dear John:
Sorry you were having a bad day. I am not surprised after reading about some of those rude persons. Do not quit the blog, and, do not take those coments to heart. We all love you!
p.s. please take my husband on a cruise, you will be best friends as he loves bottoms, bosoms, farting and belching.
Marie
John,
Don’t let those comments get you down. I am a big fan of your blog and can’t wait to see you again on the BC2. I am missing a week of school just to say hi to you and the lovely Heidi…well ok to go on a great cruise too.
Keep those blogs comming.
Your Mate
AJ
John:
As your “cruise Mom”, I would always want you to do what is best for you and Heidi….because you two come first.
As an addicted reader, poster and generally in love with this BLOG…of course, I would never want it to end.
Unfortunately, not only are you famous….but the entire cruise world has access to you via the Internet.
The Rich and Famous are all shielded by their publisists and assistants, 40 foot fences around their homes and jet black bullet proof glass in their limos, private cellphone numbers etc.
NO ONE can reach out and “touch” them.
Sadly you personally have to deal with every whiny, ranting, nut job with the IQ of a squirrel that can turn on a computer and access your email address.
I truly do not think it is the complaints that bother you. We learn from complaints. That is why we do better the next time. It is the irrational ravings of a dog with rabies that you are going to have to learn to file in the trash can.
I have a “fix it” personality. I always assume that if you simply explain the FACTS, that reasonable people will understand. The problem only comes when you are not dealing with reasonable people.
Just like the Ritas of this world…nothing and no one will ever change their minds. And you are just going to have to invoke the Cruise Directors Serenity Prayer that I sent you!
I do agree with Heidi, you need some “guy time”.
Here in the South..that is what hunting is for. All the guys go to deer camp and swap lies, fart, burp and generally see who can “out disgust” the other.
But whatever happens and no matter what anyone else says….”WE KNOW THE TRUTH”!
You and Heidi are wonderful. Carnival is wonderful. Cruising is wonderful. And as long as YOU KNOW IT AND WE KNOW IT…that is all that COUNTS!!!
Linda ( Mom of your friend ~ and current burb champion at our house~ DJ)
John,
I will share with you the philosophy I live with, the one that gets me through the day to day grind:
“Don’t let the bastards get you down”
John, DON”T quit the blog. PLEASE!!!!
We thought the Vroom show was fantastic. Don’t change a thing.
Jennifer and Danny
Stephany, any news on the hotel in New Orleans yet? Danny is getting ansy.
Thanks, Jennifer
John, Don’t waste your time reading all the NEGATIVE GARBAGE! Those people are so miserable with themselves they have to take it out on someone else, in this case YOU! I can’t believe a grown man would be offended by the showgirls! What a prude! You better NOT stop blogging! We all LOVE you and don’t want to lose you ever! How much euros were those shoes in US dollars? See, if you had gone ashore with Heidi and taken her to a nice restaurant, you could have saved that money that she spent on shoes! Don’t be so hard on yourself! We all LOVE you LOTS! Your friends, Mike and Linda P.S. Only 62 days till the Splendor! WOO HOO! Can’t wait to see Nanni, and Empress Bee and Sarge! And Nanni’s family!
John,
You’re used to be abused somewhat occassionally by the passengers on the ship, and you can react immediately to the situation, and calculate the best way to respond. And you have lots of experience dealing with that.
On the Internet, the negative comments leave you feeling more like you’ve been caught by hit and run drivers. People can get very mean and nasty when they are anonymous voices.
I’ve been “working” on the Internet for the past 12 years on cruise sites, and I know how you felt when you were attacked. There’s little recourse left to make you feel better either, and other’s words become very personal.
All you can do is let your skin thicken (like really really old cruisers who’ve sat in the sun for 93 years), and remember there’s thousands of people you’ve touched with your your words, the information you share, the feelings you share, and your humor.
You reflect on all of them, and that gives you the lift you need to continue doing what you do. And you do it VERY well!
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Two things:
1] Keep on blogging
2] If, as Heidi says, you need a male friend on board, I’ll “bite the bullet” and spend the next couple of months aboard “Splendor”. I’m anxiously awaiting my cruise/plane tickets…
Hello John,
We just got off the Glory this morning and I had to read your blogs to catch up but I haven’t read the comments yet but will.
Thank you for putting us in contact with Butch. He helped us with our Cruise Critic meet and greet. Butch is absolutely amazing and truly is the Energizer Bunny. I don’t know where he gets his energy but we could never keep up with him. He even got us to join him in his disco dance class and the video kept playing on the TV every time we looked. Since you’re not going to be the CD on the Dream we think Butch would be perfect and hope you keep him in mind.
I’ll have to re-read some of your blogs to make comments but a few quick remarks. PLEASE don’t stop blogging based on what a few people say. It should be obvious that most of us love you so just forget their comments and move on. Also the mother of the 9 year old is just way out of line. We see a lot of home schooled kids in the RV lifestyle but they’re not that possessed. As Nani said just being in Europe is an education. The cruise should be fun and we’re afraid that the little girl will probably drop out of college and run away from home.
Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the people affected by Ike. It’s ironic that we’re in Florida and were not affected by the storm but our home area in Indiana is flooded.
Thanks again just for being here.
George and Linda
John,
Please hang in there. You make my day when I can go online and read your blog. Keep sharing your life with us through the blog thingy.
Big Hug
John,
We just returned today to Miami Beach after cruising for a wk. on the Liberty. As usual, everything was great! We loved it! Our cruise director, Steve Knisley was excellent, but don’t worry, you are still #1! In Feb. we are planning to catch the Splendor in Buenos Aires, Argentina & visit some South American port cities. Will you be our cruise director? We hope so!
The Santanas, your friends from the Freedom
John,
Please don’t abandon the blog! Those comments are only from a minority of people… Live and let live is all I have to say about that.
Anyway, I like the dancers’ costumes. But then again, I’m biased, simply because I’m male, and I think all the women look gorgeous no matter what they wear.
John,
How can you even think those rude people that write and say those nasty things and the same type of people on board have any idea who you really are. I totally agree with Lance and all he said. And as Big Ed said, there are bloggers on every cruise. Let the bloggers have at them. You really need to take that stroll around the deck at night with Heidi like you used to, get off the ship(it will survive) and spend these last few weeks with the one you love(it’ll save you money).
We all love you and you have brought laughter and tears to millions.
Sharon
Good evening John. I also get a little hot once in awhile but like everything, time passes. As far as Heidi wanting you having male friends, ” bottoms, bosoms, farting and belching,” that’s me. When do we get together? Soon I hope. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Dont quit your blog thingy.
There are some people that are so unhappy that they think they need to make everyone else unhappy. They are so insensitive and rude, you shouldnt even give them the time of day.
My husband and I look forward to reading your blog every day. You truly are talented.
Thank you for all you do.
John:
A month ago I wrote something in my blog. I call it Pay it forward. It was about friendship. I don’t know if you got to read it. I don’t even know if you have ever read my blog but I want you to read this one. It was for my blogger friends and specially for you. I want you to read it if you can. Maybe it will make you feel better.
http://nanetteali.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/pay-it-forward/
Dear John don’t give in to these vermin who don’t like there own misery.What you do is good for our soul.I as well as many many others look forward to your wit and humor every day.I am president of our resident council in our Apt.There are 100 plus residents all elderly and disabled.Some times I feel like I have the biggest nursery in town.With all the crying and nagging every day usually by the same people.I think of resigning every month but then someone will come along and say something nice about the way things are run and I continue.I have continued for four years.When I first ran for this position I told everyone here the good lord couldn’t please everyone so I knew I couldn’t.I just do the best I can.John what you do is good continue on my friend. Gary and Bug
John,
I enjoy reading your “blog thingie” and your delightful view of yourself and the world around you. I can’t add any more to what others have already said about some people never being pleased or happy or never wanting you to stop blogging. In my opinion some people are only happy when they making others miserable. I’m so sorry you met one of them on a day that was bad for you to begin with.
I will probably never meet you in person but I consider you a friend through this blog. I want you to know how sad this Texan would be without you and your blog in her life.
Kathy
Hi John,
I was sorry to hear what those people wrote to you. In my current job, I have a position where I deal with the public on a daily basis. A certain percentage of people seem to think it is okay to say whatever they want, regardless of how rude and hurtful it is. And, in my opinion, those people can be even more nasty when writing. For me it was hard, but eventually I had to develope a thick skin and attempt not to take what’s said to me personally…after all, they don’t know me.
Anyways…please keep on blogging. You are a fabulous cruise director and your blog things is fantastic.
John,
Like a basketful of sweet, delicious and juicy apples, please don’t throw away the whole basket just because one is rotten. Once I heard this from a friend. A few people’s envy is the result of your sweet success. If you were a nobody, no one will sling mud on you. Think that the negative comments are challenges and a test of your determination. If you are determined to succeed, you win but if you quit, you lose.
The husband, I’m almost certain, must have been embarrassed on their wedding night lol… unless they were both fully dressed. Has this couple ever been to Vegas?
John,
You are never going to please all of the people all of the time. This is a fact. No matter what you do there will always be someone that will be unhappy or have something negative to say. You have to hold your head up and love what you are doing. You have to do the blog because you LOVE it and it makes you happy to make so many people happy each day (my family included). You have no idea how many times your blog is a topic at dinner.
We had the privledge to sail with you on the Liberty and during one of your shows ( nightime stories???) the audience member said “Help me Help me Save me Save me”. When my 2 daughters were taking a jr lifeguard program this summer, my other daughter and myself had to be their victims. We were laughing uncontrollably out in the ocean saying help me help me save me save me. When the other two got out there to “save” us they were laughing to. When we got back to shore they said remember the cruise with John?
Please think about all the good you bring to people and ignore the bad as long as you feel good about yourself and what you are doing.
Sorry this is so long, but you are part of our family and we would be dissappointed if you stopped the bloggy thing.
Breath deep………Kim Parker
John,
you are the MAN! don’t let those buggers get you down, keep you head up high man.. you ROCK!
bobbyfk
John, please never stop blogging. Every morning I start my day by reading your blog. It always makes me laugh. I will be on the Splendor with you on September 23, only a couple more days. I am so excited. I hope I get a chance to meet you. I may be a little star struck if do. Stars entertain and your blog is entertaining to me. So, don’t give it up. It’s a wonderful gift to be able make people laugh out loud. Unfortunatly there are miserable people out there, just feel sorry for them,life is passing them by. Sheila
“…… sorry to say I couldn’t help myself and ran up to him panting with my hands held in front of my chest……….looked him in the eye………….and barked.
Now, I had gambled on the fact that he called me over like a dog and that I had therefore acted like one would pay off with a laugh……………..”
“…. should have been more professional and not bounded over there like Lassie…”
John – you should have raised a leg and treated him like a lamp-post.
—————————————-
About the nasty comments – 5 out of 2.9 million visitors – that’s less nutters than you get on board! Ignore them, keep on blogging – we think you’re great!
—————————————–
Astros 77 – “don’t dare touch the dancer’s costumes” – funny enough, that’s what my wife tells me, too!
John,
You need to break out the tube of cream Sandra and I gave you on our cruise earlier this month! Seems like now is the time it might really be needed!We both loved “Vrooom” and like others thought the show was top-notch! And, you, of course, are the very best! I agree with the other advice you’ve been given this morning–as you can see everyone loves you and would stand by you in a heart beat.
Linda
So now we need pictures of the gals in costume, so we can all judge for ourselves!
John, thank you again, for your blog.
I’m sorry that you have had so many barbs shot at you lately. As others have said, you brighten the day of thousands by sharing your day with us. The good, the bad, and that is in between.
As Kuki pointed out, the internet has opened up a new avenue for some individuals to attack another. They spew their anger with flying fingers, and with one little button, it is sent flying to the faceless person, somewhere in cyberspace.
I can tell you to not take these comments personally, but I have never been the victim of such personal attacks. Knowing my personality, I would probably turn my computer off, indefinitely, and just curl up in my comfy chair.
I’m sending a cyber-hug to you and hoping today is a better day.
John, For heaven’s sake don’t give up the blog. What would all your loyal fans do to keep in touch with you and cruising? We all love you and your sense of humor and patience with some of the idiots you have to tolerate. The poor, pitiful man who was offended and upset by the show could have left when he first saw the costumes. No one had him locked in his seat. He must have the intelligence of a dog biscuit!
Hang in there and ignore the rude and ugly people. Jeri
Hi John and Heidi!
Please don’t let the idiots get you down! When these people act so miserable on a European cruise, you really have to wonder what kind of miserable existence they lead in their everyday lives. I could never do your job, and wouldn’t have lasted a week at it.
On a lighter note, I am very glad to be back online after almost a week of no power. Although Ike wasn’t a hurricane any more when he blew through Ohio, he still packed hurricane force winds last Sunday, leaving millions here with no power and plenty of destruction. It was heartwarming to see people pull together to make the best of a bad situation. Thousands are still in the dark, so I guess we are some of the lucky ones.
As always, our best to you both and hang in there!
Wow John, I feel famous now. Our home was mostly spared by Ike. We are here at the church helping others who were not so lucky.
I guess Goose will be gone from the Ecstasy when we sail next month as he will be joining you soon. I am sure his replacement will be just as great. It is nearing the 30 day mark and we are ready.
Hi John,
Long time Carnival Cruiser and blog reader from Florida here.
Do not even consider giving up writing the blog due to some folks who need to get a life. However, on the bright side, when you decide to retire from Carnival you already have a second career to look forward to. Since you have to deal with so many different ***holes you could be a great proctologist.
Keep up the great work both on the blog and on the ship.
Chris
John…you are an amazingly, wonderfully, giving man…..every time there is a sick and sad human commenting with venom, you MUST counter with immediate recollection of all your family here, and all the passengers, whose lives you have touched so deeply with love. It will erase all that hurt in a flash!!
I am one of those lives, and so is my Mom. Finding Cruise Critic in January 2008 set us on a path of returning joy such as we never thought would happen again after we lost my son. Getting to spend time with my CC family, Mach, Lambie, all the Krewe, my Crazies, and of course right here with my blogger family, brought back laughter and hope, what a wondrous gift you give!! And we are just the smallest fraction of the people you touch. All of us, let all of us erase the pathetic few that can’t stand the happiness we have here.
Today is my Mom’s birthday, and we are off to celebrate! This morning we were giggling that next year, for her 75th, we will be on the Conquest with our Crazies!!! And Mom does not know, but we will have an aft balcony to celebrate in style!!
We love you John and Heidi, and Stephanie!!!
Floatie, and birthday girl Mama Floatie :>)
Just curious about Mr. Lassie…Is he an adult? People continue to amaze me!
Keep your chin up John! There are more of us who enjoy your blogs and can see them for what they are…entertainment. People aren’t forced to log in and read, yet somehow they must continue to and post such nasty comments!
By the way, it appears we will be sailing together on the Legend in January! That will be cruise number 4 (or 5) with you for me!!
Have an awesome day!!!
JOHN THE GREAT,,,,
the world is full of @ss holes.
sometime they get on our Fun Ships.
dont let those bastards get you down.
keep on bloggin,,and we will keep on reading and enjoying your comments.
you are such a great writer.
your florida buds
tom & jane
can you hurry up 02/07/2009
John:
Just returned from a TransAtlantic cruise on one of those mini-mall of the seas ships. Unfortunately, we were unable to get workable internet the entire time and I took my computer so that we could keep up with your blog that all my friends love! So this is the first one I have read in over two weeks and was horrified to find that you had been receiving enough “bad press” that you were considering quitting the blog thingy–please no!!!
I got to see some of your beloved England and London is quite a lovely city. We stayed near Hyde Park and sloshed through all the sights as it rained most of the time we were there. But I found everyone there to be helpful, pleasant and quite proper. We found a wonderful neighborhood pub a few blocks from the hotel and had great food and company there too. Then we were off to Harwich to board the ship. Weather was overcast, cool and misty when we arrived and it was the beginning of things to come. We did the first port of LeHavre with the lunch cruise in Paris on the Seinne–now for those of you that have never been, LeHavre is 2 1/2 – 3 hours from Paris one way so even though the countryside is farms and pretty, its a long time to be stuck in a bus with a tour guide who barely speaks english. It was nice to see Paris and the cruise on the Seinne was excellant but I have to say that one picture we took summed up what Paris is in my mind…there was a couple who walked from one of the shops, he dressed in a suit and she is in a short knitted tight fitting dress with spike heeled shoes, a scarf around her neck and a huge bespangled 10,000 euro purse on her shoulder (Heidi’s shoes made me remember this) and they walked to the curb, put on their helmets and got on their scooter (she having to hike up the short skirt to sling her long slim leg over) and they were off!
Nex two ports were Plymouth and Holyhead and we had a lot to see and do there–both canceled as tender ports–seas way too dangerous to tender. After reading your blog for so long, I was anxious to hear how they handled this as I now know how difficult it is to rearrange things. It took them awhile but they put out a revised paper and made some new activities for people to do if desired. There of course were those that we heard that grumbled that it wasn’t that bad and we should have been allowed to get off. Second morning when the Captain came on and said we would not be stopping in Wales either it got ugly. It just amazes me that people cause a scene–do they believe that if they yell loud enough the captain will change her (and it was a she) mind and immediately drop anchor and let them off? Those that weren’t complaining were lined up at the excursion desk when the announcement was made that tours would automatically be credited back to your ship board account. Again it took awhile but they revamped and got another paper out with new activities–perhaps I was more sympathetic after reading your blog what it takes to do all that. As you had stated on numerous occasions, US tv is not broadcast there and no one had any info on the hurricane and many were from that area. They did not do any special job of giving the passengers updates on what was happening and since the internet was not functioning as well some of the passengers were frantic to get information to or from family. You have always done a good job with that and I feel that they failed in that aspect miserably. The stops in Ireland were wonderful but the surprise of the cruise was St. Johns, New Foundland! What a beautiful, quaint and friendly place that is!! The people couldn’t do enough for you which is such a surprise to those that travel alot. You can take a cab from the pier for an hour tour of the city for $40–no arguing and they will take you to see the tourist spots or show you what they love which is what we had the driver do and it is absolutely beautiful. Can’t say enough about how lovely it is there–apparently one of the “Queens” was supposed to be there the week before but due to rough seas could not get into the harbor which is so narrow I was suprised we got through it but wow it is wild to see the docks and mountain tops lined with people watching and waving as you sail out.
Back now and looking forward to reading the blogs and sailing the Spendor in 61 days!
Signed up for the blogger cruise, looking forward to it. Here is a joke for you.
Three football fans were out for a ride when one noticed a foot
sticking out of the bushes by the side of the road. They stopped and
discovered a nude female, dead drunk.
Out of respect and propriety, the fan from OU took off his cap and
placed it over her right breast. The Arkansas fan took off his cap and
placed it over her left breast. Following their lead, but with some
grumbling, the University of Texas fan took off his cap and placed
it over her girly part.
The police were called and when the officer arrived, he conducted his inspection.
First, he lifted up the OU cap, replaced it, and wrote down some notes.
ext, he lifted the Arkansas cap, replaced it, and wrote down some more notes.
The officer then lifted the Texas cap, replaced it, then lifted it again, replaced it,
lifted it a third time, and replaced it one last time.
The OU fan was becoming annoyed and finally asked, ‘What are you, a
pervert or something? Why do you keep lifting and looking, lifting and looking?
‘Well,’ said the officer, ‘I am simply surprised. Normally when I
look under a Texas hat, I find an a..hole.
LET THE FOOTBALL SEASON BEGIN!!!
Hi John please do not stop the blog,we may not always have the same views(but thats what makes us individuals) but I always respect your right to say what you think as I know you respect what others have to say,in a nutshell we ENJOY you Heidi and Stephi, XOXOXO!!
-from Sandra a French/German Canadian
TxLadyDi and Mach (and a lot of others) have the gist of it, John: personal attacks on blogsite are nothing but the sign of a coward and bully. These are the kind of people that would never, I repeat NEVER, have the gall or courage to do so in person, for fear of retribution. It’s all anonymous and in a perverse way they get they jollies from victimizing someone. Don’t be a victim. Like Di said – don’t let them win, doing so makes THEM feel bad and eventually they just go away.
And I’m not a fan of bloggers “flaming” others with differing opinions, or even attacks. So keep whiting out the pertinent info (last names, cabin numbers, etc.) for the “In Thier Own Words” letters. Anonymous public retributive actions only make the situation worse and can get YOU in trouble, even though you might not be the one that performs the act. Don’t want to have our favoritest, bestest Cruise Director in the WORLD fired for something that’s petty, ya know?
Keep your chin up, mate. There’s (many!) more of us that appreciate you than those that want to drag you down!
John,
Can’t add anything more. Just remember that you get many more positive responses. You can’t please all of the people and some are impossible to please. I just discovered discussion forums and your blog this past year. I can’t believe how insulting and mean people can be. :-0 I’ll just give you a hug.
Had to chuckle about Mr Embarrassed, what was his honeymoon like? I think he “enjoyed” the costumes too much, KWIM. hehe
KathyG
John ,
My fiancee and I love the blog. Please keep them coming don’t let the few negative people stop you. Your humor and blog are amazing. As I have said before I will only sail carnival because of you. In fact my fiancee and I don’t want to take any other holiday besides carnival. Oh and I would have acted like a dog but I would have also slobbered on the gentleman. He was sure quick to complain but slow to read the caper and slow to have manners. John keep on going but not for the Bloggers but for yourself. As much as we all love it you need to love it as well. Hope your days get better and take some time for just you and Heidi.
Carnival Lifer,
Andrew
ps I could be your male company I love all those things you mentioned…..
John don’t pay the nasty few any attention they are not worth your time. Please don’t stop blogging I look forward to reading it everyday. Just remember we all have your back.
Take care John and Heidi
James
John:
Another thought came to me last night….
perhaps it is time that you stopped trying to be the entire Guest Relations Department for Carnival.
I would suggest that Stephanie limits the emails you get to :
1. Those from Bloggers
2. Those with request for the ship you are the CD on.
3. Those with small request that you can easily delegate to the CDs of the ships involved…such as Meet and Greets etc.
Any emails that should have gone to Guest Relations to begin with, Stephanie can just send them a quick email back saying:
“This has been forward to Guest Relations for their consideration. They will be in touch with you!”
Small changes like this will enable you to continue with the Blog you love and not feel responsible for every move that Carnival makes.
Just a thought…..
Linda (Mom of your friend ~not happy because Jr just blew a tire in Dover~ DJ)
Please, please, please do not quit writing your blog thingy. There will always be those negative few who make themselves feel superior – even if just for a moment – by criticizing others. When it happens and it will happen again remember your statistics. My guess is 99% of your readers or more love your blog. Ignore that 1% who would probably if the truth were known love to BE you. You have talent.
Sincerely, Sue – an avid blog reader.
Dear John & Heidi
Been catching up on a weeks worth of blogs
S I G H
DON”T let the b@stards get you down John!
They are a small minority, whether they are onboard or on the blog. That 1% out of the 100.
We all love You…
Take Care
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
Dearest John & Heidi.
Everyone before me has stated everything there could be said to you both so I will just leave you huge mental and emotional hugs. Please know that you both are thought of so well by so many. Our world would surely be a little darker if we didn’t have you both (and Stephanie too.
).
Hi John,
As my grandmother used to say when ever I was upset about something “…and this to shall pass.” If you counted up all the bad comments you have recieved, would they even come close to the amount of good comments? I don’t think so. So file those bad comments in the round file basket and keep reading the good ones. We are all entitled to a few off days, and you my dear friend have had your share as of late. Just don’t dwell on them. You need some time off with your beautiful wife… you are entitled. And Heidi is right… you need some male companionship. So, Alan…. Your mate needs you!!! I would also be willing to share Carl. He would love nothing more than to sit and have a cigar and a few laughs with you. Feel free to call, I believe you can access our phone number through Carnival.
Any way…. No giving up the blog. We love you and Heidi and you are a household fixture here!!!
Big Bear Hugs!!!
Princess Barb
Who is this Tara?
Dear John,
A caring,compassionate man like you will always take to heart the rotten things that a few people say to you and forget the many wonderful things that over 99% of readers say to you!
Please remember how much we enjoy the blog thingy and the wonderful things you describe with such flare and vision and take some time out for yourself and to spend with your lovely Heidi.
Keep your head up high,
Joan
John,
I’m so glad that Heidi and Stephanie convinced you to continue with the blog. (Thank you ladies!) Others have already said it much more eloquently than I could. You’re a warm, caring person. Please don’t let the nasty comments get to you.
I’ve not been posting comments very often, in part because I didn’t want to add even a small amount to your work. I now see that wasn’t a good idea because the result is that I’ve been neglecting to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. It always adds a bright spot to my day.
I hope there will be a Cigar Bar get-together on the Bloggers Cruise 2.0. I’m something of a light weight, so I’ll be bringing a blondie for myself….. assuming smoking is still allowed.
Love ya!
Pat
InMN253
John,
The major rules. We need your blog to brighten our days. Keep on blogging.
Charlotte
Hey John, stuff happens, some days people take much more than they give and no doubt you finally reach a moment of weakness and think, why continue writing….ah but a new day dawns and upon further review you quickly realize the naysayers, rudies and hurtful arrow slingers are less than one-tenth of one percent. Those poor lonely souls are not enough reason for you to stop. Carry on bringing smiles and tears of joy and spreading laughter to so many each and every day. I continue looking forward to your wistful writings.
Cheers my friend and thank you.
Ray
Can I see a picture of Heidi’s shoes?
Kathy
Your blog is the funniest thing I read online. PLEASE do not stop! We all love you here.
The tone and way you write makes us feel like we’re onboard with you everyday.
I wish you and Heidi lived next door to us.
Kathy
Don’t let the negative buffoons get to you. Your ardent blog thingy which has become an integral part of the daily routine of many… is at times entertaining with your wonderful wit and charm and at times heart wrenching when things don’t go so well or when a tragedy befalls someone, or when some mean, arrogant, condescending twit gets to you so much your ego is bruised…… You run us through the gamut of emotions and share much of yourself in your daily experiences….the good, the bad, and the ugly (no offence to Alan)….Don’t quit the blog because of the jerks of the world.
The gentleman that didn’t appreciate the dancer’s costumes and became embarrassed at the show……hmmmmm perhaps he became a little excited ……drat those male hormones that seem have that particular effect every time……and sometimes and the most inconvenient times or locations……which in turn led to a possible embarrassment ….If indeed he found himself in that type of predicament just uhhhh don’t stand up for a while……..
Can I book a cabin overlooking and with a walkout deck on the bulbous bow…. That looks really cool.
Mark
The Flying (sometimes sitting) Dutchman
Ok John,
Now I feel like a total jerk….I have not been able to keep up with the blog due to job responsiblities.
I come home exhausted…much to tired to get on the computer. Please , please do not stop the blog.
It is my lifeline to Carnival.
John, I am sure you remember Amanda and the note she wrote you prior to our getting off the Splendor. She often asks me if I have been able to check the blog and what is happening on the ship. It keeps her connected also. Do not let a few negitive comments stop the blog! Most of us are totally devoted to it.
Promise I will try to do better!
Ruth
John,
Don’t stop the blog thingy. I enjoy reading it everyday afterwork to remind me of the reason I work….to pay for my next Carnival Dream Vacation.
John,
I’m just catching up after the weekend, and was distressed to read that my daily blog fix being withdrawn was even being considered.
I think the fact that the number of comments on this post is probably well over double the usual tells its own tale.
I think Linda is on to something in her post – A bit more vetting and moderation would probably do no harm at all.
Your blend of humour, information and observation is damn near perfect, and speaking as a broadcast news journalist, I must say you are one of the best writers I’ve encountered in a long time.
We have a very succicent phrase here on the Emerald Isle – **** the begrudgers!!!!!!!
Just ignore them
Donal.
John, I am behind on reading your blog following a terrific cruise on the 9/13 Glory eastern run. Someone obviously was dissatisfied with something. Could you please contrast that with my party of six, who had an absolutely fabulous time and never bothered Butch except to say hello every once in a while? For eveyone who seeks you out there are probably more than six of us just cruisin’ along. Haha.
John, I read your blog almost everyday. Don’t let the haters get you down, they are just jealous because you have a more sparkeling personality than they do! Love the part about bounding up and acting like a dog! Totally Priceless! I know that dealing with cranky people who are too busy complaining about the costumes that the showgirls are wearing isn’t easy. Maybe you should point out that they can see the same thing on TV or in a magazine in the check out line at Wal-Mart. Being a travel agent (who loves selling Carnival Cruises and sailing on a Carnival Cruise ship) we deal with the public all the time; so I understand the position that you are in more often than not! Keep up the good work John, don’t quit the blogging and tell Carnival to start giving you “hazzard pay” for all you have to put up with! XX OO …RRG109 a travel agent in Oklahoma!
JOHN, PLEASE RESPOND!!
Now that I have your attention….I just wanted to agree with previous posters. 5 ding-bat, mean-spirited people out of 2 million! Actually, your stats are excellent. Please don’t stop blogging. WE LOVE YOU. However, you do need to take a day off and spend some quality time in port with your beautiful wife. Now…GO! Enjoy yourself, and come back with a renewed spirit.
Big hugs,
Lori
Hi John/Heidi:
I personally don’t feel your comments are racist or anything. Some people just need to relax.
I am sorry that it upset you and i can see why you would be annoyed.
That is a cool pic of the Cunard front. Very unique.
Thanks for another interesting blog today.
Enjoy sharing your new-found celebrity status with your buddy Tara.
Take care.
Thanks!
David
Hey John!
I just wanted to say…
I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE GOING TO CONTINUE BLOGGING.
….That’s all.
Oh, and I wanted to ask you if you were going to post the Cruise Director schedule for next summer…?
It’d be great to have you as a CD… if I can completely convince my parents that we should go on a cruise… again… or, if you can’t be the cruise director on my next cruise, perhaps… Ryan Ryan Dandelion? (I had him last cruise and he made it very fun.)
Anyways, I’m happy to hear that you’re going to keep blogging. I enjoy reading it and get a nice chuckle every now and then.
Take care,
Annie
John,
Don’t you dare stop the blog thingy….. I love to read it every day….I have met the same stupid people in the education world (before I retired) ….now I just cruise around the world and don’t think about them…..the shows and the costumes are wonderful and beautiful…. especially Vroom……. tell the man to grow up or stay home with his head under a pillow or in the sand…..I feel sorry for the little girl whose mom wants her to study all the time…. that is the reason some children do not like school…….let a child be a child and have fun…..I do hope that Heidi loves her new shoes…….she deserves them….you need to get off of the ship and take a long walk with your wife…… you will feel much better….. hang in there….we love you and your humor…..
Dear John,
All the above comments should convince you that you have many fans. It does indeed give a us a daily dose of humor along with fascinating looks at the doings aboard the ship we all wish we were on. It reminds me of the jingle played on the old Candid Camera TV show-”, it’s fun to laugh at yourself, it’s a healthy thing to do. It’s fun to look at yourself as other people do!” (I think those are the right lyrics.) Your blog is priceless. As for those who don’t find it their cup of tea-why are they reading it? And, if Mr. Prudence didn’t like the showgirl costumes, perhaps he should spend next vacation handing out bingo cards down at the nursing home.
Many thanks for the nice thing you had Bubba do for Randy on the Spirit. It made her day and mine. Can’t wait to see them both in Hawaii in 2 weeks! Pat