Good Morning from Civitavecchia. It’s 5:45 am and we are just getting ready to start our debarkation process………….so while I wait for permission to start from the authorities, let’s talk about sex. Last night I had two hours worth of it and it was absolutely mind numbingly dreadful…………..and it’s all Heidi’s fault.
Now, before you start to panic and think I am about to describe my rumpy pumpy sessions……think again. First of there was a clue that this was not going to be the case …………and that clue were the words “two hours”………the only thing I can manage to do for two hours is eat, watch TV and blog.
Nope, my two hours of sex was a punishment for not paying enough attention to my wife and that she said I needed to step away from the computer ………………and watch a movie. “OK,” I said…………we haven’t watched one in months and as I took my place I had visions of explosions, car chases and an all action movie where the entire cast dies ……….. and so does the cameraman………yep, a Steven Van Damm Segal Stallonenegger movie would do me good.
So, I settled down as Heidi put her “surprise movie” on ………..oh, bugger…………it was Sex and the City…..the Movie.
The film needs double doses of Viagra to keep it up till the end. I imagine the make-up and wardrobe operatives who lurk just off screen must have quadrupled since these four friends sat down for their first lo-cal breakfast. ………..the blond one that has rumpy pumpy with everything that breathes now looks like Joan Rivers.
Anyway, I sat through the movie bored and trying to work out why they were all having rumpy pumpy with only their bras on? Is this because American men have lost interest in bosoms or are allergic to plastic?
So, I wasted two hours of my life last night and here I am in the wee small hours of the morning……..which, by the way, is the title of my favourite Frank Sinatra song ……….. disembarking 3,000 people. It’s nice to be back here as the debarkation process is as smooth as a George Hamilton pick-up line. The weather is bright and sunny but cold. I just went outside to the terminal and it was great to see Perry and his staff who run this great operation.
There are now many concerns about Italy’s national air carrier Alitalia. It seems that, as I write, they have 24 hours in which to find a buyer or they are going to be grounded. I will keep you informed about this and, of course, we will look after those guests who have booked through Carnival with replacement flights. Before we talk about this coming cruise, let me show one last comment from this voyage.
Guest: Mrs. F Ref: 002804934A
Cabin: _______ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 09/22/08 – 09/22/08PRAISE FOR STAFF
Mrs. F came to the desk and wanted to say that as a wheelchair guest she has been treated very well. She said that she had been on five cruises on another cruise line and this was her first Carnival cruise. Guest said that her waiter Savio and her stateroom steward I Made have been the best and everywhere she goes crew offer to assist and help her. Guest did say that her only problem was when a group of guests pushed her chair forward a few feet so that they could get past her at the buffet line on Lido deck. Purser thanked Mrs. F for her comment.
There is good news and there is bad news in that comment. It’s great that our staff is so accommodating especially as she is a wheelchair. There is no doubt that the specialist training we give the crew about the correct and proper way to assist with guests with special needs has paid off. Kudos to our Senior Vice President Roberta Jacoby and Vice President J.C. Trueba for setting these programs into motion. The training is given by our dedicated staff are provided with information on how to provide the best possible service to guests in wheelchairs, as well as those who are hearing- and sight-impaired ………… sometimes it takes guests with these challenges to tell us ways we can improve and that information is priceless.
As for the guests who pushed the guest out of the way so they could get to the food in front of her……..well……..I hope they get hemorrhoids just before the long flight home.
And so to this voyage. We have 3,035 guests, 22 of which are under 21…………yep, just 22. Here is the international breakdown.
Algeria
Argentina
Australia 203
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados 1
Belgium 6
Belorussia
Bermuda
Belize
Brazil 6
Bulgaria 3
Canada 732
Cayman Islands
Czech Republic 2
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Cuba
Cyprus
Denmark 2
Dominica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France 1
Germany 1
Gibraltar
Greece 1
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Hong Kong 12
Hungary
Iceland
India 1
Indonesia
Iran
Ireland 2
Israel 14
Italy 6
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Latvia 4
Lebanon
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia 1
Malta 4
Mauritania
Mexico 11
Netherlands 10
Netherlands Ant
New Zealand 37
Nigeria
Norway 2
Panama
Peru
Philippines 5
Poland
Portugal 1
Puerto Rico
Romania
Russia 201
Saint Kitts
Saudi Arabia
Serbia 1
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa 10
Spain 2
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan 10
Thailand 16
Trinidad and Tobago 1
Turkey 4
United Arab Emirate
United Kingdom 88
Ukraine 7
Uruguay
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands
TOTAL PASSENGERS 1408
As you can see, we have 203 from Australia………..that’s fantastic. Whoever is selling Carnival down under is doing a great job. We also have 201 guests from Russia ……………….. oh joy.
Let’s pause for some photos. These are from Barcelona and, in particular, our Montserrat tour. The 185 monks who worship and pray here depend on tourism to support them. The cathedral is stunning and houses the famous Black Madonna to which pilgrims for all over the world come to see. While walking around the cathedral you may be lucky enough to hear the famous Montserrat Boys Choir rehearsing and that is indeed something very, very special.
Anyway, these photos can describe Montserrat far better than I can……………enjoy.
How about this for a brilliant itinerary?
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO OFFER NEW QUEBEC VOYAGES ABOARD 102,000-TON CARNIVAL TRIUMPH IN 2009
New Nine-Day ‘Quebec – After the Glaciers’ Cruises Feature Breathtaking Wildlife and Scenery, Extended Visits to Three Historic Cities Along St. Lawrence River
MIAMI (September 23, 2008 ) – For guests seeking a unique cruise alternative with opportunities to view magnificent scenery and wildlife and visit three charming cities along the historic St. Lawrence River, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate a series of nine-day voyages to Quebec aboard the 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph in summer 2009.
The cruises – Carnival’s first of its kind in the region – will operate round-trip from New York on June 25, July 23 and August 20, 2009.
In addition to visits to the fascinating cities of Quebec City, Baie-Comeau, and Havre St. Pierre, the new nine-day “Quebec – After the Glaciers” voyages include an unforgettable daylong cruise along the scenic St. Lawrence River, home to numerous whales and other marine life, along with awe-inspiring landscapes carved out of glaciers.
Guests can also visit Quebec’s breathtaking nature and wildlife preserves where they can get an “up close and personal look” at the Canadian wilderness and view unique rock formations and native plant, sea and animal life.
The new nine-day Quebec departures are the latest additions to Carnival’s popular New York cruise schedule, which also includes four- and five-day eastern Canada voyages and seven-day fall foliage cruises aboard the Carnival Triumph June-August, and eight-day Caribbean sailings aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle, operating April-October.
“Carnival is always seeking exciting new itinerary choices and these new nine-day sailings provide guests of all ages an opportunity to experience and explore the natural wonders of Quebec, one of North America’s most historic and fascinating cruising regions,” Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “And when combined with a departure from New York – a convenient homeport and an exciting destination unto itself – these voyages are even more attractive,” Cahill added.
He noted that this new program is ideal for multi-generational travel, offering an opportunity for families to experience and explore a truly unique and historic region that is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Exciting Nine-Day Quebec Cruises
Carnival Triumph’s nine-day Quebec voyages are highlighted by an extended 16-hour port call to Quebec City, which includes an optional shore excursion to Montreal, a cosmopolitan city of two million that is home to world-class museums and excellent restaurants and shopping. Guests can also visit breathtaking Saguenay Fjord, home to no less than five different species of whales.The adventure continues with an eight-hour call at Baie Comeau where guests can visit Boreal Park –home to numerous former glacier fields — tour the Glacier Interpretation Center, and partake in a variety of exciting outdoor adventure activities.
During the eight-hour stop in Havre St. Pierre, guests can visit Parks Canada Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, which encompasses 93 square miles and includes 900 limestone islands and islets featuring 450 species of plants, over 200 species of birds and a wide variety of sea life. Here, guests can witness the power of the glaciers that have been carved out of stone gigantic monoliths, spectacular cliffs and arches, creating a beautiful natural art form.
I had the pleasure of sailing to Quebec on the Carnival Legend in 2002 and it was remarkable. This is a cruise that will sell very quickly I am sure and continuing proof of Carnival’s commitment to finding new and exciting destinations to tantalize your vacation desires.
Yesterday, you saw a photo of the Carnival Splendor docked in Livorno……..well, look what took our place there today…………..it’s the Grand Celebration
The ship that was the Celebration has certainly been entitled to add the word “Grand” before her name. The changes our Spanish friends have made have been remarkable and it’s no wonder she is a huge success in the Spanish market. And, for the thousands of you who have many happy memories of your cruise on the Cele — as she was known — will no doubt like me be ecstatic that she has been able to continue providing enjoyment to her new passengers.
Well, I admit my diet has not gone well. I am being very careful what I eat……..apart from yesterday……….but I just do not have time to go to the gym. I am really mad at myself but will keep trying. It will actually be easier when I am at home as I can exercise and eat what I want……….and not after 7 pm which is hard to do here.
However, this morning’s news is rather conflicting and a little troubling.
Scientists with beards revealed recently that a child born in 2040 will live five years longer than a child born today. And, by the middle of this century, there will be more people drawing a pension than people going to work. This will have a catastrophic effect on the economy because simple arithmetic shows there won’t be enough money in the kitty to keep all us old people in chips and cat food.
But this morning came a report saying we won’t be living so long after all. Thanks to the efforts of Burger King and its whopping big Whopper and chips and McDonald’s with its McMeals, we’re all going to explode by the time we’re 62.
So what’s going on here? One minute we’re told that we’re all going to live to be 126 and that we’ll have to eat each other to survive. Then we’re told that actually it’d be best if we ate nothing at all.
Anyway, I am determined to keep trying.
I can’t stop thinking about something someone told me yesterday about a system to stop vibration on ships. It has something to do with the propellers being enveloped in a cushion of bubbles…………..and apparently it works miracles. I am not an engineer …………but I am fascinated with the workings of ships. Did you know there is a special paint that can be sprayed under the hull that stops drag and therefore saves on fuel? ………….remarkable.
OK, time for a break as I have to go and meet the shore excursion manager and chat about our Grand Med cruise. Debarkation has finished and that’s 3,000 guests off in 2 hours 25 minutes………….anyway, I will be back soon.
So, here I am back from the travel talk for Naples. I have not spoken about Naples since October last year and just like riding a bike, it all came back to me………however, as the burger that I ate yesterday has gone straight through me my bottom feels like I have been riding a bike with no saddle.
I will come back to the travel talk in a moment with some video.
The crowd looks a little older than last cruise but, as you will see from the video, they are in good spirits despite being jet lagged.
Right as I walked out on stage………..before I had even introduced myself, I was accosted by a lady called Joyce. As I walked out she bellowed……..and I mean ……. bellowed ….“don’t start, don’t start…….I can’t find my friends………announce them,” she demanded
I had held the microphone in front of her so everyone could hear and so I did ………… announce them…………but there was no answer…………..so I looked at her and she looked at me and on the microphone she said “Can you wait until they get here before you start?”
Mmmmmmm……..lets analyze this shall we. I have 1,600 people in the theatre who have been flying for hours and are jet-lagged and who want to know what to do in Naples ……but, according to Joyce I should make them wait until Harriet, Betty and Susan arrive.
Obviously, I said I couldn’t and made some joke about doing a private talk for them later and that it was on video so they could catch up…….and you know what ……Joyce, a 60-something lady looked at me and said “Well, that’s just ridiculous.”….and the whole audience heard it.
Now, this could have gone either way and I didn’t want to carry on and upset her but I had no choice……I had been on stage for five minutes and I hadn’t even mentioned my name yet.
So, I asked the lady to allow me to continue and she just gave me a look……….you know, like I have just eaten something very sour …….kind of look……………much to the amusement of the 1,600 guests.
And, so I continued with the talk and after a few minutes Joyce stood up, walked onto the stage so she could see if her friends were there…………..it was very, very funny. I could have spent more time with her but I needed to press on and I did, with these three interviews. Listen to what the chap from Arkansas says very carefully and you will also hear me make reference to Joyce.
Sorry about the opening few lines and the use of the word “sex “………..I hope I didn’t frighten any of you away. I would never talk about me having rumpy pumpy ………………. especially as Heidi once described the experience as a closet falling on top of her ……….. with the key still in the lock.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Barcelona, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Montserrant, Quebec
No you didn’t frighten me but I was wondering about the 2 hours. uuuuu LOL
Carol:
HI!! Yes it rained and rained. Actually just stopped a couple of hours ago. Everything ok here but some towns are in very bad shape because of flooding. Thanks for asking.
Let me add my congratulations to the staff. No where else can you find people so dedicated to customer service than on a Carnival ship. They are all wonderful.
I am I the only person in the world who hasn’t see any of the Sex in the City thing? I don’t have a clue what the show is about other than sex in a city…
Russians!! We’re in for more fun!!! I’m looking forward to the stories of their escapades!!
I fear the video is stuck somewhere in the ether as I can’t see it at all… I’m sure that the wonderful Stephanie will correct this shortly!
All the best to you, Heidi and the entire crew of the Splendor!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
PS… the Cele looks brilliant, absolutely beaming!!!
At first I thought….whoa……stallion….. but alas no… I too would much rather watch an action flick (and no…..not THAT type)
While the whole wide world is fast asleep… You blog away in your convivial manner which enchants and mesmerizes us and keeps us reading…….and laughing…
The Flying Dutchman
Quebec City is one of my favorite places anywhere. It’s spectacular, in spite of the fact that they speak French. I was just there last year, and I’m supposed to go there again in a few weeks. I just bring a white flag and fit right in with the French. That’s great news!
Jeff
John, 2 hours would have been one heck of a “bedtime story”. I’m sure you would of had us laughing our arses off. I can just imagine how you would fill in the 2 hours with 1 hour and 59 minutes of rapid fire humour and 1 small minute of sex. Sorry for the word small Heidi made me do it when she compared something to a little key.
“BIG” Ed
John please reply
1 question and 1 comment for you, John….
1. Why don’t you include how many Americans are cruising when you do the guest breakdowns?
2. I agree that Carnival has a great staff especially when it comes to special needs guests. I will be using my scooter again on the Blogger’s cruise and on the Dream. I know I will be well taken care of by the crew (and my hubby, of course!)
Thanks John!
Hello John & Heidi,
My husband and I and two friends are sailing on the Freedom next Wednesday, and have tickets on Al Italia to fly out on the 27th. It’s very nerve-wracking, because we can’t do anything until the flights are actually cancelled. I called Al Italia’s customer service on Monday, and asked what would happen if the flights got cancelled. They said they would put us on another airline. All I can say is I’m praying that it all works out for the best. If Al Italia is grounded, I will spring into action as fast as I can. Everybody please cross your fingers for us, and think good thoughts.
Got to go now. See you on the Fantasy in Feb!
Hey John,
Loved that video…so funny. The pictures were great as always, & you never fail to make me laugh.
Jan
John,
Thank you so much for the picture of the “New” Celebration. My wife and I were just going over the new Carnival brochure and we saw the photo of the Celebration and started to reminisce. It was our very first cruise and we still have very fond memories of her. Randy was the cruise director (can’t remember his last name). We had an absolutely fantastic time and we were hooked on Carnival from then on.
I was just telling her that the ship was being sold to a Spanish company, and there appears the photo! She looks fabulous on the outside. I’d really like to see her on the inside some time.
She’s a great ship.
Thanks for the memory!
Your friends,
Lance & Ilda.
Only you can make a story about sex so funny!
Those pictures of Montserrat are gorgeous! Wow, now I’m sad I didn’t take that tour on the Liberty when I was there. Absolutely amazing and great photography!
The announcement of the Canada cruises in going to be a nice change. New places are nice and those sound great. Always looking for new ports to visit.
It is nice to hear someone say something when things are done nicely and not just when they are unhappy. It means a lot to employees to know that they get a pat on the back from the passengers once in awhile and are appreciated for the job they do.
HA! Oh John….my day would never be complete without you discussing and saying my new favorite phrase “rumpy pumpy”!! I am sorry you had to watch the “Sex” movie too….it was so much better when it was only 30min. long!!
WOW…what kind of man brings his “coke dealer” on a cruise with him…wonder how I get a job has his “beer can opener”….HA!
Dave from Colorado
John:
Great to see the “Grand Celebration”.
This was DJ’s first ship. Now almost 25 cruises later, he just loves them all!!!
I can’t get the audio to work on my computer.
I must be doing something wrong.
Not only am I domestically challenged…I am also computer challenged.
Aaauuuggghhhh!!!
Linda
John,
The new cruise out of New York to Quebec City sounds great. Our first cruise was on theTriumph & I hope to book our second Triumph cruise soon.
Gary
Dear John & Heidi…
Susan and I are writing today to tell you of the wonderful cruise we just returned from. With the great help of our Personal Vacation Planner Natalia Savage we once again went on the Carnival Legend. We sailed on 9/14 out of Tampa. This time Natalia recommended we try a wrap-around suite on the stern. Both Susan and I are now spoiled and would recommend to anyone to give the wrap-around a try. It is absolutely worth the extra money! Natalia did it again. She was above expectation!!! If you are reading this and you are planning a cruise in the future please call her at the Carnival number 800-819-3902. Her extension is 85952. As they say on the commercials….tell them John and Susan sent you!
The Legend once again lived up to its reputation….the service was absolutely without fault! Let me mention some folks that made our vacation special by name!!
Mark Frank and his assistant A Gung were friendly in every way and always spoke to us by name coming and going from the our stateroom. Our room was kept spotless and it was as if they were ghosts. We always saw them in the passageway but never in our room!
The staff of Truffles could not have been friendlier or more efficient. Marcelo Cruz our head waiter and his assistant John Wilmer took excellent care of us at each meal.
In the casino we had occasion to speak with Grant Jeffries (technician). He would always come by and check on us. Laimus Razdevicious the casino host did the same. Everytime he saw us in there he came over to say hello and make sure everything was in order. The casino manager was also very good. Sorry, did not get his name!
By the way, Susan hit a progressive jackpot on a dollar machine for over $16,000 on the second day of the cruise.
Even without the good fortune we wanted to give you guys another big pat on the back for making our vacations special. From the easy embarkation to even easier debarkation it was above expection. I must compliment you on the new service with baggage. Checking your bags on the ship and getting your airline boarding pass is well worth the small fee. Once your bags are left outside your cabin, you do not see them again until you arrive at your home airport.
I do have a suggestion for you! How about getting with either UPS or FedEx and opening a shipping station on board. In many ports people purchase art or whatnot and wouldn’t it be great to be able to have it packed and shipped from the ship. I don’t know if enough people would take advantage but I know many times we have wished we didn’t have to carry something home. Just a thought.
I will tell you that we enjoyed this trip so much that we have decided to book another trip for next year and use the casino winnings to bring along our four children, their spouses, and our 5 grandchildren.
You guys are the best!!
John & Susan from Frisco, Tx.
P.S. John….we read your blog everyday and you continue to bring us laughs and tears. Please continue to write. We hope to sail with you someday!
Hey John,
Great to see your staff complimented for their service to the lady in the wheelchair…
One comment… the whole “lug your own crap off the boat” option is a major pain for anyone who has to take the elevators to get off the boat. Because everyone has to vacate the boat via the same area the elevators get packed. On our last cruise I got stuck for 20+ minutes trying to get an elevator down w/a kid & stroller in tow when I had to make an early morning run to the Camp Carnival room to return our ship-phone.
Every elevator was full of guests taking multiple suitcases off the boat who were getting in the “Up” elevator to ensure they had room to go down.
Thankfully I could “give up” and carry the stroller/kid down a few flights of stairs to get to Lido and roll to the back of the ship – but I don’t know what wheelchair bound guests would do!
The Carnival crew does such a great job getting suitcases off the boat you guys should just make it mandatory. Self-assist just make sit inconvenient for everyone else on the boat…
THANK YOU JOHN!!!!
that “coke dealer” was just what I needed to end a horrific day I will retire with a smile as always when your blog is the last thing I read at night.
Love the idea of the Quebec sailing my high school is currently looking for a 2009 cruise to have a mini reunion on and I think I just found the destination thats going to take a lot of pressure off me to organize this thing too bad we can’t get you on it with us..
as always Loved the blog and can’t wait to hear what happens with the passengers on board this week if the video is a sampling it promises to be highly entertaining.
wish you smooth sailing, sunny days and lots of good blog material
always, Pam
John, Please remember if you or anyone else has hemorrhoids, you have a cure (compliments of The Girls from NC)- Preparation H.
John,
I am so glad Carnival has gone the extra mile and given their staff special training to better assist people with disabilities of all types. I do, however, have a suggestion to better help your guests with visual imparments. Would it be possible to make the Capers available in a large print version?
I have just recently talked with my Personal Vacation Planner about special services available for my girlfriend who is visually impaired. He stated that the capers were available in Brail but wasn’t sure if they were available in large print, but in true Carnival “customer first” style, he was going to check and see if they couldn’t have them enlarged for her.
You mentioned in today’s blog that people are living longer. With that, vision loss is becoming one of the most common types of disability. Making the Capers in a large print version is just a small thing Carnival could do to make the crusing experience more enjoyable and more accessable for everyone.
Thanks again for everything you do.
Codfish
P.S. I just love the term “rumpy pumpy”
John,
First I want to thank you all for a wonderful trip to Northern Europe. We were on the inaugural cruise of the Splendor. You might remember me as the passenger who portrayed Dastardly for the 2nd time on your cruises. I had a ton of fun doing it this time as well. I do believe I was supposed to receive a copy of the show in my cabin and we never did receive it. I do hope it is still possible to obtain a copy.Our sailing was on July 13th and I believe our room was #1450. Please let me know about this and also where you will be next year. We may just have to make 3 in a row on your ship. Thnx Bob”Dastardly” Walker
Hello John and Heidi,
Hope all is well with both of you. I am back at work in Iraq after spending 7 months recouping from a stroke I had on Dec.11 of last year. Everything is going Great and after therapy I am at 98% normal. I am wanting to take a cruise of the Greek Islands next year and hope you and Heidi are on the cruise. Well you both take care and I will check in on you all soon.
James Nolan From May 25 cruise on The Freedom!!
Well, that’s 1600 enemies that Joyce has made, even before the ship sets sail.
On my last cruise we had 3 old dears who always walked slower than everyone else, and always, always got in the way.
I was even stuck behind them at Heathrow on the way back. Three times. I don’t know how they kept getting in front – but every time we got past – 5 minutes later, there they were again.
It was like the “Tortoise and Hare”
John:
I finally got to hear the video….woo hoo.
It was a hoot.
Btw, I discovered if I have the “mute” clicked on my computer…it won’t play any sound.
Told you I was computer challenged!!! LOL
Linda ( Mom of your friend DJ)
I love John and Susan’s suggestion of a UPS or FedEx shipping station on board. Everyone buys souvenirs and it is a challenge to get them safely home, especially when flying. I’ll bet many, many passengers would use this service.
The Quebec cruise would be awesome if one could Embark/Dis-embark and Quebec.
I would love a round trip cruise 3 hours from my house.
Hi John,
It’s me, PennyB from New Orleans. I leave on Sunday for Rome and then onto the Freedom on Oct. 1.
I wanted to tell you about our Cruise Critic group. We have over 100 active posters and have many fun things planned. We are meeting at Trevi the night before the cruise, several are meeting for dinner, several are sharing transfers, meeting at airports, and this is a group from all over the world who don’t know each other. We do have 17 Aussies, 3 from Holland, a crew from Canada, the the rest from the US. We also have a bride & groom on their delayed honeymoon. We will be wearing blue bracelets with Carnival Freedom on them (in case we get lost), I have one for Todd when I get onboard. We have a Meet & Greet planned on board, a printed roster with everyone’s info, and some special prizes for those who attend.
And… we are all very happy to be with Carnival on this exciting adventure.
I’ll see you in Feb. on the Fantasy.
Ciao for now.
PennyB, soon to be in Rome. aka – the wrinkled lady
Speaking of sex… everyone keeps talking about the new Carnival expose Cruise Confidential by Brian Bruns. Have you read it? It’s a positive tell all of ships and hilarious, but there is a lot of talk about sex among the crew. I was wondering if you’ve heard of it or read it and would love to hear a comment about whether it’s as accurate as the author claims.
John,
It was so nice meeting you and Heidi on board!! Thanks again for putting my book in the Splendor’s library.
Mom and I are both looking forward to returning to Europe with Carnival on the Liberty (booked on that twice next year) and I certainly hope Carnival expands it’s European market to include more ports.
On the LONG plane ride home we were sitting behind a woman who was also a passenger on the Splendor and all she did was complain about the horrible food on board. What made it even stranger is the fact that she carried on and on about how wonderful the food on our Delta flight was. If you’ve ever had food in the coach/economy section of a Delta Airlines flight you know it’s toxic, so we’re convinced the woman was crazy.
Cheers to you both and looking forward to returning to Carnival! The only cruise line I will sail with.
Melissa
John, Susan’s idea of FEDEX or UPS being on the ship is great. A joint venture between Carnival and one of them would be wonderful. You wouldn’t have to worry when shopping how your going to get it all home. It could even be used to ship your luggage to the ship and back home again. The only problem I could see is customs.
We don’t fly but I could still see us using it just to save the carrying all the stuff of the ship we bought.
BIG ED
I just discovered your blog and I love it, love it, love it!!!
I am booked on the Liberty leaving Dover on 8/25/09 and will stay on her until 10/1. This will be my first time on Carnival. I understand you will be the CD, and I am so excited to meet you. I am an older lady and travel alone, but can’t think of a better way to see the world safely and comfortably.
Please keep on blogging. And I love the pictures. Makes me really eager to visit the ports.
I will probably be one of those tortoise people so be prepared. I don’t move fast, but I get there.
Hello,
PennyB from New Orleans – We will be on that cruise too. I haven’t had time to go on the Roll Call for months, and the last time I did, I didn’t see anything about a meet & greet. (?)
John, I want to echo those in favor of a way to ship stuff home via Fed Ex or however. I know you are allowed to mail yourself home a package worth a certain amount each day. ($200 or thereabouts, if I remembered right). But who is going to take the time out of his/her vacation to go find an open Post Office, and mail a package? Especially on a cruise, where your hours in port are limited?
The pictures of Mont Serrat are beautiful, as are all of the pictures you post. I wish I had booked that excursion. Oh, well, next time we go on a cruise that stops in Barcelona, we’ll have to make that a priority.
See you in February.
My wife Janet and I just returned from our 5th trip on the beautiful Carnival Glory (our first trip was with you on the inaugural trip in 2003) and it keeps getting better. The staff did a wonderful job of taking care of all of us, and the cruise director Butch did a great job keeping everything upbeat and fun. His dance class was hilarious! The entertainment was top notch. We enjoyed the bands, the dancers, singers, and comedy. We cannot say enough good things about the folks wearing the vests…they are constantly working and always smiling and making things comfortable for guests. The experience is always wonderful, and we look forward to another cruise soon!
Hi John/Heidi:
I was really enjoying this blog but now have this picture in the back of my mind of a locked closet door with a key sticking out.
Kind of sad seeing the Grand Celebration picture. Brings back many, many memories. I’m happy she’s able to continue journeying across the seas.
Gorgeous pictures from Montessarat. I can’t believe how close the mountains/cliffs are to the town.
Thanks for another great blog
Keep ‘em coming!
Take care.
David
John,
I have photos of the new celebration sailing down the grand canal in venice from last night I will forward once I have a computer to download them too.
Arriverdice from venizia roma tommrow
Kevin
Ps john is right I had to take a loan to pay for harry’s bar in venice
John, you are the most entertaining guy; you really make my day. First prize at Bingo at the nursing home-30 minutes if sex. Second prize, 2 hours of sex!
John, do take care of yourself; as I’m sure your Dr. has told you, diabetes affects every system of the body. When I did nursing in the dialysis unit at Wake Forest NC Baptist Hosp., the great majority of the dialysis patients were diabetics. You are too precious to lose. The world needs more folks like you. Pat
Hi John & Heidi,
We have now been back in Australia for about 10 days after our wonderful cruise (once again) on Splendor, thank you both again for making it so special with the champagne and fruit basket, not to mention our genuine gold plastic replicas of the ship. Have just been catching up on all the bloggy things and feeling very nostalgic reading about the Mediterranean tour as we did that on Liberty a couple of years ago and would love to go again.
Not hard to believe that there are 203 Australians on the cruise, it seems that they are increasing all the time. We think it is word of mouth, everytime we come back and rave about Carnival, there are more people logging onto the site to check it out. Multiply us two by all the others that have had the Carnival experience and you can imagine how quickly the word spreads. What we need now is for you to decide to come down here cruising and bring all our Canadian/American/UK friends with you. They constantly say they would love to come to Australia but it is too far. Our answer is if we want to see anything we have no choice than to travel for around 24 hours. Maybe a cruise downunder would be the incentive to get them here???
Please say hi to Romeo in the El Mohito Bar and Amela in the Black Pearl Dining Room for us. After checking our onboard statements we worked out we had partaken in approximately 70 drinks at that bar don’t know how we found time for our tours. We did meet some great people and we all tended to gravitate there at the same time for a catch up. Any of you who see this, we will be emailing you very soon.
John look after yourself you weren’t well when we left and Heidi said you were very tired. It does not sound like you have had much rest since so take care.
Suzanne & Lisa (Downunder)
I was going to ask the same question as Sheryl above. Why arent the number of Americans listed when you give the nationalities of the guests?
We also sailed on the inaugural sailing of the Splendor and we got to know Bob “Dastardly” and his wife Lin Walker. It was so much fun seeing him (for the second time) in your bedtime story.
The cruise was fantastic. It was also great reading the comment from the lady above (in the wheelchair). Savio was our waiter, and we agree with her…he was the best!
John, I loved the pictures of Montessart! We did that tour a year ago and enjoyed it a great deal. In fact, I wish we could do it again. What an unusual place.
I also wondered why there is no mention of the U.S. citizens on board.
I agree with whoever mentioned that the self assist to exit the ship is a bother. The lines are getting longer and longer and people bumb into everything and everyone. Just waiting for your turn seems to be more sensible. (Of course, having a platium card I would feel like that.)
I must also agree with John and Susan regarding the Legend out of Tampa. What a great ship and marvelous crew. We will be going on our forth cruise on the Legend on Dec. 28 (our 52nd wedding anniversary) We think our Carnival Vacation Planner is the best ever. So – contact Juan Rodriguez at Ext. 82397 for really outstanding service! You can say “Mrs. Green sent me.” Have a great new cruise
Hello again!
I got to this one also. Thanks for the fabulous pictures. I just keep thinking that it will not be long until we are back with Carnival.
Take care!
Ruth