And so it begins.
Guest: Mr. __________ Ref: 002804925A
Cabin: _______ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 09/23/08 – 09/24/08CLOSET TOO SMALL
Mr. ________ was cutting the line and shouting in Russian. Purser asked guest to stop shouting and then went to the back office to ask Roxana to come and assist in Russian.
Guest stated that he was not happy with the cabin. Mr. _______stated that the closet of cabin was too small and there was no space to put the clothes he and his wife had brought. Guest demanded another cabin. It was explained to the Mr_______ that the ship was full and there were no other cabins available. Guest then started shouting again and took out a many $100 notes from his pocket and threw them onto the desk and said he would pay lots of money. Purser again explained that there were no other cabins available. Mr. _______ continued to be aggressive and Purser informed guest that if he continued she would call security. Mr_____ picked up the money and left using many bad words.
And we continue
Guest: Mrs.__________ Ref: 006804690A
Cabin: ______ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 09/23/08 – 09/23/08WOULD LIKE UPGRADE BECAUSE OF EARS PROBLEM
Mrs. __________ came to the desk asking if there was any other available cabins. Guest stated that she was scared of the sea and needed to be further away from it. She wanted to move from deck 2 to deck 7 or above. Purser apologized and advised her that unfortunately there were no available cabins as the ship was fully booked. Mrs. _________ said that she was going to go to cabins on deck 7 and ask people if they would change cabins with her. Purser advised that she should not disturb other guests. Guest left the desk with no further comment. No open cabin letter sent to the cabin.
There really isn’t much to say about those two comments except that to our Russian friends, money is the answer to everything. It wasn’t too many years ago that they would not have had any clothes to put in the closet…………if they could afford a closet …………. and look where they are now.
And, as for the lady who is scared of the sea…………well, you have to feel sorry for her and I cannot imagine the reaction she will get when she knocks on a deck 7 cabin door and says “Hello, can I have your cabin please?”
And here is one more……….yep………..it’s triple strike Tuesday.
Guest: Ms. ________ Ref: 002764673A Owner: (GEEG) ————
Cabin: _______ Booking#: _________ Added-Changed: 09/23/08 – 09/24/08COMPLAINT ABOUT STATE ROOM STEWARD
Mr. ________ called the purser’s office and said that his stateroom steward was not good. Guest said that he had asked for something and stateroom steward had not understood what he wanted. Purser also had difficulty in understanding guest as his accent was very strong and he spoke very fast. Guest is from Scotland. Purser apologized and said that he would discuss this with the Housekeeping Manager. HKM called to say that the guest had asked for a vase for the flowers he had brought for his wife which he had now been given. Letter of apology sent
So, this morning I thought I would give this chap a call to see if his accent was really that strong………………..and bugger me …………even I had a hard time understanding him — so you can imagine what problems his young stateroom steward from Indonesia must have. The guest is from a small town close to Inverness and, my goodness, he is as Scottish as a haggis wearing a kilt playing the bagpipes and spending no money.
There are many regional accents in the UK………….I like this………….it gives us some identity and even if we move from London to Louisville or from New York to Newcastle we still have our accents……………..but will the next generation?
I worry about this because if you think about it whether you live in Michigan or Manchester, Toronto or Tallahassee………….kids all watch the same TV.
British kids today spend half their day watching pink animated programs from America and are becoming a generation that thinks you dial 911 if you want the police and that “colour” has no “u” ……………………and they all talk like Paris Hilton.
A few years ago everyone thought that speaking properly meant you had to talk like the Queen who speaks like she is trying to keep a peeled grape between her buttocks, and that her vocal cords are actually made from glass………….nowadays kids want to sound like Beeonce or Jay Low.
So, although I am sorry for the stateroom steward I did apologize to the guest and explained that maybe if you see any confusion in his eyes that maybe he should write it down for him………….I told Scottie that he had a great steward whom if we could get over the language thing would really enhance his cruise. I would like to tell you what Scottie said in reply………but I haven’t a bloody clue.
I love accents though and one of my favorites is of course the southern American accent. I grew up on this, thanks to shows like the “Dukes of Hazard.” This leads me nicely onto Mr. Al Ernst, Carnival’s 344th best comedian. Well, you may remember that Al recently damaged the tendons in his knee while taking part in the Georgia vs. Arkansas Sumo Wrestling contest where Al was beaten by a man called Mr. D. Pends.
So, as a failed sumo wrestler, Al decided to revert to his old job and went out to entertain the guests onboard the Carnival Glory…..here is what happened to Al….in his own words.
After doing three shows last night on the Glory (by the way, the two-comedy cabaret shows…really do work…) and getting seven to 18 laughs per show, I would consider the night a success. Of course, it is difficult and embarrassing to go on stage with your crutches, so I figured I could get by without them during shows…….bad decision.
So I spend the night on painkillers and thinking that amputation is still a good option.
I wake up with a better attitude and feeling better and determined to use the crutches – I decide to go to Lido for lunch. So, I hobble to Lido.
I find a table. Put the “assist sticks” in the corner, and go to the buffet. (No way can I balance the buffet and the crutches).
When I get back to the table, the crutches are gone, wondering why someone would take them to pursers’ office like they must have been forgotten…
As I begin my slow and frustrating search, I end up on the back of Lido…I find two kids using the crutches like they are Star Wars light sabers…
So resisting the urge to do anything that would lose my job or end up in jail…I nicely disable Luke and Darth Vader of their weapons…
In my eagerness to get some relief, I began walking with my new multi-purpose weapons/crutches about two-steps when I realized one of the “star warriors” messed with length adjustment… and BOOM…Gimpy takes a fall like a Saturday Night Live skit… So now I take pills for my hip, ankle and knee.
I now sit brooding in my cell (cabin) …planning the “E Man Empire Strikes Back”…
Hope you’re all well…
Take Care,
Al
E Man who is now the “G” Man (gimp).
Can you imagine that kids would do something like that? Supposing they had stolen the crutches of someone who wasn’t using them for sympathy and a way to get girls ……….like Al. Seriously though, it is a shame that kids would do this and I hope that their parents used “force” — not “the force” — but a good smack on the bum.
Anyway, thanks to Al for sharing the story and I am sure that this is not the first time people are laughing at stories about his crutches. Tune in next week for more stories from the E Man or log on to www.alernst.com or www.southernsumowrestlersindiapers.org
Let’s take a break and have a look at some photos from Jaime’s trip to Cinquaterra last Monday.
The Hillside of Cinque Terre
The Hillside of Cinque Terre
Manarola – One of the quaint little villages we visited
Now, following on from yesterday’s press release about the Carnival Triumph’s 2009 nine-day cruises to Quebec and beyond, I thought you may like to see some photos of what to expect………………have a look at these.
Well, the Carnival Fantasy has entered dry dock for her big renovation and, of course, the addition of our “Evolution of Fun” upgrades. In the days ahead I will be posting an interview with Carnival Fantasy Hotel Director Mark Hoffman who will keep us up to date on what’s happening.
Its funny isn’t it that sometimes it takes one person to point out something that you have been doing for a long time ………………and it’s not correct.
Here’s what I mean.
Sheryl
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!
Sheryl, I am so sorry. I guess I took it for granted that people would see the international list I post and subtract that total from the number of guests onboard which I also mention ………… however………..I can see that I should actually write that number down…..so starting now…………I will.
This cruise we have a total of 3,035 guests of which 1,408 are non-U.S. citizens, which we means we have…….ummmm………..can’t find a calculator ……… ummmm ……. bugger ………….ummmm……….lots of Americans. ……………..hope this helps.
Rest assured Sheryl that me and the staff will make sure you are looked after and I am truly honored that you are both coming on the Bloggers Cruise. See you soon.
So, here we are again in Naples, Italy and I am so glad the weather was not what it was forecast to be. I looked up as I usually do on weather.com the forecast for Naples and was met with the words “heavy rain,”………………So that’s what we placed in the Carnival Capers and that’s what I informed the guest it would be over the PA system……………..and this morning……………….was it raining hard?……………was it buggery?
The sun was shining and, although a little windy, the temperature was a balmy 70 degrees and by 1 pm it was 76 degrees. ………oh, don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining but I felt silly that I had got the forecast so wrong……..oh well, I am sure the guests don’t mind.
They are off exploring Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast and it’s the perfect day to do so. It’s a busy day in port with us, a something of the seas, one brand X, and one of the ships with graffiti on the bow. I met with Adolfo, my friend and the owner of the largest tour operator in Naples, and while we were chatting I met the cruise director of the something of the seas…………..actually…………I should be professional here ………….I met a senior…..very senior officer of the Legend of the Seas…………..and you know what? …….. he reads the blog.
I hope I don’t get him in trouble for this and, just in case, I won’t mention his name. Anyway, Adolfo introduced me to him and he was so complimentary and said that he reads the blog everyday because so much of what I write happens on his ship, as well. In fact we both spoke about this cruise and how with strikes and possible bankruptcy threatening, that all of a sudden Alitalia have started losing luggage. We have 16 missing here and there is even more on the RCI ship.
I asked him if he gets mad when I make fun of the ship names…………..he said that he thinks it’s very funny but he is sure some people back in HQ do not. I explained that even though we are rivals and that as long as people are taking cruises that’s its good for us all ………… he agreed………….he then said his ship was better…………I told him to bugger off ……………we shook hands…………..and left as friends…………………it made my day that he reads the blog. And it was great to meet him.
Just to go back to the luggage thing. I spoke to our Chief Purser Lui and they have found some of the bags and they are being delivered to Venice. I as always feel so bad for the ones who are without. I will keep you informed.
I want to go back to this accent thing again and tell you something else I can’t stand – people acting like they’re from the islands when they’re really not. It seems that you see everyone these days going for the West Indian handshaking technique of balled fists and knuckles touching…….and on the ship everyone does it………meet a waiter from Bulgaria or a photographer from Bali they will all want to touch fists rather than shake hands.
And I saw many a teenager during the summer dressed like Snoop the Dogg — baggy trousers, chains bigger than those attached to our anchor and with more gold than the King of Saudi Arabia
Ever wondered why their trousers have to be worn so low on the hips…………… that you can see their man gardens?
Apparently we’re even starting to speak Blinglish, peppering our everyday conversations with words like “mon” and “phat.”
So, if you can’t beat ’em join ’em.
Me a hope that everything is irie mon ……….me soon come back with anover phat blog ting.
Peace out dog
Nuff respect
Pee Johnny and Hi D
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Al Ernst, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Triumph, Cinquaterra
At sporting events my wife and I have gone from high-fives to fist bumps. At our age our coordination is not what it used to be so we had a few “whiffs” on the high-fives. Very embarrassing. Our fist bumps are much safer for us (and for the people around us). There is no chance of me wearing the baggy trousers. I really don’t want to show my cleavage nor cause indigestion to people behind me.
Hi, John!
Love this post. The complainers, the pictures, Al and the brats, the accents and last but not least the fist bumpers. Hey, it’s what Barrack and Michelle do. (Gag me with a spoon!)* No one wants to be an original anymore, just a carbon of the most current fad.
Did you miss me? I haven’t written in a while. Been touring the U.S. via auto and had a great time. Did read the blog from time to time just to see what you were up to.
Got lots of laundry to do, so gotta go.
Your Pal, Myra
*Can you tell how I’ll be voting?
PS: Hi to Heidi
A big ‘hey y’all’ from this southern accented gal! Glad you like our accent, John. Tell Al we miss him back here in Georgia, and hope he heals fast and doesn’t lose his sticks again!
Duchess Sandy in GA
Hi John, Thanks for a wonderful 24 days on the Splendor. Our trip home was smooth and uneventful. Thanks also for putting the current temperature on the the television as I asked. I have always found it frustrating to have to read in the Capers what the next days weather is going to be. I really appreciate knowing in the morning what the temperature is so I know what to wear.
Now would I be pressing my luck if I asked for a clock in the room? It wouldn’t have to be fancy. Just a digital lighted clock do I can see the time in the middle of the night.
Love the new Canadian ports and cruises out of New York. Any chance Carnival will go to New Zealand and Ausralia? We love cruising and discovering new places to visit. The Far East would be good too.
Thanks for listing how many Americans are on each cruise. I always wondered why you didn’t.
Jo and Dave Myerly
Hi John/Heidi:
You just made me think of Madonna, who developed that fake accent of hers. Haha!
Great pictures today…Thanks for posting.
So you met an RCI-officer who reads your blog daily? What a feather in your cap.
Sorry to read about Al’s additional injury. It seems like kids have been a big problem for you onboard since I believe they also tore up those nice leather couches in the cigar lounge?
Oh well. Good luck with this journey.
Thanks for another great blog today and keep posting.
Take care!
David
John:
I must admit that I am kinda partial to my Southern accent also.
Having never lived north of Bowling Green, Kentucky….of course it does not seem like an accent at all.
I always have to stop and wonder what folks from up North are commenting on when they say something about our accent.
A couple of years ago, my niece married a young man from England (born and raised in Liverpool).
And we still can’t understand him. But he is a wonderful fellow and we are trying to teach him “southern”.
To bad it wasn’t the mad Russian’s luggage that got lost…then he would not have to worry about complaining about closet space.
I am assuming that the lady that is afraid of the sea has an OV. Perhaps if she swapped with the interior cabin across the hall….she would be happy. I am sure that someone in an interior would LOVE to have an OV! She will have a lot better chance of that then getting some from Deck 7 to move to Deck 2. THAT was priceless!!!
Having raised 2 sons, I can not imagine either one of them even thinking about touching someone else’s crutches. But again they were raised with that one simple principle…”if it ain’t yours, don’t touch it!”
15 days and counting until we get to meet Mr Mark Hoffman and see the Fantasy transformation in person. woo hoo!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend~ who is not allowed to wear anything but normal respectable clothing~ DJ)
John, what a start. You get a triple threat, triple play, a hat trick of guest in one day. I hope somebody is saving all these because they will make great stuff for your second book. That’s if you ever write the first one on the blog.
Having a CD from RCL saying he reads your blog and that it’s funny when you make fun of the names of the ships has got to make you very proud.
BIG ED
Jo, at Wal-Mart you can get a little digital clock the lights up when you push the button on top for 3 dollars. I got one for on the ship. They work great.
Jennifer
1. Look where the Russians are now you ask? Yeah, they’re flexing their newfound military wealth in the Caribbean, trying to cause WWIII.
2. There’s a woman on the cruise who is afraid of the sea? Ummm, I have to ask… what the is she doing on a cruise?!?!?
3. That’s too funny about the Rival of the Seas.
Jeff
eh….ah…. John….. The list thingy of international guest ? You have us in that one is ok with me(speaking spanish and all that) but today you said that that list is for the non US citizens so we are not supposed to be on that list then because we are US citizens. So In what list are we then UH? LOL Put us in the fun people list. It doesn’t really matter in what list I am as long as I am cruising. BTW I want Jaime’s work, Cinque Terre is on my 5 top to do list.The Amalfi Coast !!
I want to go back so much and right now is so far…… This morning as I was headed to work I kept thinking about the friends that I miss so much that we are actually today in the same place, my favorite place on earth. Glad that you got to know the other CD ( he sounds nice) I guess it was a pleasure for him to meet you. 
I’m going to ask my sister if she knows which CD is on the Legend and if she has worked with him. I’m curious.
Opps!! you meet and officer not a CD.. And I complain because the kids don’t read………..
Yo J!
Hope your chill-axion in your crib knowing an RCI CD is reading your burnin’ up blog thingy!
It is always good to know the competition, part of my family sailed with RCI for years and we made a deal….you come sail with us once on Carnival and if you don’t like it, we agree to come do at least on cruise on RCI…..and yet, I still have not stepped on a “Not Fun of the Seas” and my family will soon be on our 3rd Annual Carnival Cruise Spectacular!
And no matter what anyone says….you are still the most dope and phat CD on Carnival and any home boy would be lucky to cruise with you!
Dave from Colorado
It takes all kinds… and all kinds of accents apparently. It does make it interesting!
I met a gentleman from Scotland a few years ago, probably the same gentleman you have on the ship, whose accent was so thick and guttural that for nearly half an hour I thought he was trying to clear his throat… not talk. Here’s hoping the cabin steward doesn’t sprain an ear trying to understand the guest.
I KNEW that we were in for more Russian adventures!! How fun!! Please let us know how these turn out!!!
As for the Legend-in-their-own-minds of the Sea, at least her cruise director has a sense of humor and can spot talent when he sees it. I wonder what he refers to Carnival ships as???
Cinquaterra… lovely. What a very special place that is!!
Ya’ mon!!!
Host Mach
Sup yawl?
Nasty little varmints that stole Al’s crutches and made light saber use out of them. Dem Tiefs!!!! Duh chirren thez dayz…. ine kno but sumetin musse be wrong …. vy would dem do such a ting????? ……. Complete and utter lack of respect for pretty much everything…
Hey…. your friend Howie M. likes that fist bumpin thang as well
The Flying Dutchman
John,
i loved the use of Jamaican at the end of the Blog. I hope meeting the something of the seas guy shows you reach more people than you think. Love the blog. I also have a Q will Al be on the Glory for the Oct 4th cruise. My fiancee and I are on that cruise for our honeymoon I have mentioned it before but you may not remember. Anyway we were just wondering if we will see him we kinda feel like we know him.
Hey John,
Did you know that the low baggy pants “trend” started in American prisons? No belts are allowed…can you imagine! That was a shocker to me, and some cities are cracking (pun intended) down on this & actually writing them up with a fine. Of course they will come back & appeal, but at least it is a start in the right direction.
Loved the pictures & the story from Al. Our kids would have needed the crutches if my husband had been told…they knew better.
Jan
I too was wondering why the lady with the seaphobia took a cruise?! Betcha she goes to Cap’n Eddie’s Fish House and says she’s allergic to fish!
About the little clock-should I take one on the Spirit? I’ve been told to take a surge protector if I want to plug much of anything in. Bloggers, I’d welcome any and all suggestions of handy nifty things to bring along on next month’s cruise, plus ideas about what we really don’t need and should leave at home. (I expect egos, worries and hang-ups would be first on the list of leave-behinds!) Pat
*Please respond*
Hello John!
As mentioned before, my friend Sarah and I will be sailing on the Splendor on Nov 29th-Dec 6th. We are very excited however there are only a small number of shore excursions that are listed as available. We have heard there are contract issues with some of the tour companies but that excursions would be posted by end of August. Its close to the end of Sept and nothing has really changed. This sailing is also scheduled to head to Casa de Campo, Domican Republic. Is there a a possibility there might be a change in ports due to safety concerns? Just wondering if you knew anything or could find out more information for us! Thanks!
Also wasn’t sure if you had heard…another line is piloting a program on a few ships. If a guest would like a Premium Steak in the regular (non speciality) Dining Room they will be charged a fee of I believe $14.95. Would you please pass on to the powers that be at Carnival that this is NOT a good idea! I will not list the reasons why as you and others can figure them out. Carnival has such a wonderful product and spectacular food and service and it would be a shame to see Carnival move in this direction!
Hope I didn’t stir up too much!
Take Care
Ashley
ps – Did I miss the Wee Jimmy interview? I swear I read every single CD review!
huh? what do you mean we have accents in the south? we do??? dang…
oh, and there is no “u” in color! ha ha ha ha ha
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Pee Johnny and Hi D – that’s a good one.
BTW – did you hear about the couple who confused vaseline and putty? Their windows fell out.
J with a K and Kath E
Hi John,
We had an experience with an extreme Scottish accent on our trip to Scotland in 1981. The further north we went the people became harder to understand. When we were in Edinburgh we stopped to decide what we wanted to do next but we had a map in our hand. A very friendly man stopped and tried to give us directions but we have no idea what he was saying so we just said thank you and he left.
I don’t know what the Russians with not enough closet space could bring with them. We always bring more than enough “stuff” with us and we always have room. The only comment I would make would be to have one closet able to accommodate long dresses. Even my dresses are folded up on the bottom and there aren’t many women shorter than I am.
Have a great day!
Linda
First time blogger but no stranger to Carnival! I’ve also met you John about 6 years ago on the Triumph. I’ll be going on the Splendor out of Ft Lauderdale. Will you still be working on the ship around 11/21?
Sorry, back to your blog. You mentioned where the bagging pants come from. It actually originated from prisons. A lot of the kids today feel it’s all about being ‘all that’ but only if they knew the real deal. Some will say it was because prisoners aren’t allowed to wear belts & that’s why the pants fall off. However, many know it was the ’signal’ for other prisoners who are ‘missing the comforts of the ladies’. (no need to go on). I can’t stand the bagging pants & let’s talk about how tight all the clothes on the girls are! Ridiculous! Well that’s it for now. Looking forward to more blogging! Thanks for being here!
Bagging pants originated from the prisons. Prisoners are not allowed to wear belts. However, it also was a ’signal’ for those missing the ‘female company’ that those with the pants hanging off their ‘bums’ were ‘available’. Kids today feel it’s the ‘cool thing’ but it’s the ’stupid thing’!
Hey John! I’ll be on the Splendor 11/21 out of Ft Lauderdale. Will you still be on board? Hope so!
I love it that the RCI officer reads the blog–I’ll bet behind the scenes you guys could share info on unruly passengers like Vegas Casino’s do on people that try to cheat them–what a concept. That way when the Russian complains about the lack of closet space, you could pull out the list of all the other cruises he has complained about the same or similar things and have security remove him! Competition is healthy and its nice to meet other people that do your job, after all you have a lot in common when you do the same thing.
Poor Al, what will happen next?
Jo, I have a cheap travel clock I keep in my luggage but I also think there is one on the phone–isn’t there John?
It is great to have the weather and temperature on the TV in the morning as with your situation today, things do change and it’s nice to know what it is currently anyway.
I enjoyed the story about the lady afraid of the sea on deck 2 who was going to start asking people on deck 7 to switch cabins with her. I wonder if she started with the suites?! I actually read a review of Carnival Victory from last month authored by a passenger whose travel agent messed up the cabin bookings and they didn’t get the adjoining cabins they requested – so they expected the Purser’s staff to contact the passengers in the adjoining cabins and ask them to move! They were very unhappy that the staff refused their request and decided they’ll never cruise Carnival again. I’m glad I’ll never meet them on a cruise, then!
John
Great blogg funny about the accent. I have a coment for mickeyspal
Who cares.
John,
You just can’t make this stuff up. You need to write a book.
Andy
Another great blog.
Some of these comments are really hysterical, and at the same time, it is really unbelievable that people actually have the nerve to complain about such things. I always appreciate every single thing that any and every crew member does, as I know each and every crew member works so hard every single day, mostly for their families back home. I really hope that some “bad comments” do not hurt some crew members who could in actuality, be among the best in the company. I also hate to hear and it upsets me when someone ever even considers decreasing a tip or not tipping.
As for the woman who is afraid of the sea… I’m afraid that she booked the wrong vacation…
I’m sure tomorrow will be a whole different day with many more stories. Looking forward to them. Thanks John as always, and be well.
-Matt
John – the simple answer to your problems is…
Кабины на палубе 2 имеют более большие шкафы и я уговаривал повелительницу обменить кабины с вами
(It’s Russian for “The cabins on deck 2 have much larger closets and I have persuaded a lady to swap cabins with you”)
Yo John & Heidi from Nu Yawk (Just imagine the accent),
I see I’m not the only one that wants a clock in the cabin. It’s one thing to open the curtains to see if it’s still dark out, but what do the people in an inside cabin do? I’ll have to check out the phone to see if there’s one there like Cheryl said.
What a great itinerary for the Triumph. I’ve been to Quebec before, but not on a cruise. This would be fantastic – like Alaska without the snow and the really long trip getting there. If I wasn’t booked on the Dream next November, I might consider it. Hopefully it will still be offered the year after. Thank you so much Carnival for adding more voyages from NY. I may never fly again!!!!
I also want to praise my Vacation Planner – Ian Cort (1-800-819-3902, X85440). Not only does he make things easier, he is always asking if he can do anything more. The other day he called just to wish me a Bon Voyage & see if I had any questions. This morning I had a voice mail from him to remind me that instead of Grand Turk, we are going to Tortola. Could you please pass along my compliments to his supervisors in headquarters or let me know who to write a letter to so I can praise him more fully. He is just amazing and what’s even more so is when we first connected and started talking about where I live, he is familiar with my area. For those of you that don’t know NY, every neighborhood has a name. Here he is in Florida talking about areas in the Bronx. What a coincidence. Just another example of Carnival’s fantastic staff.
You too, John. I don’t want you to feel neglected.
Hopefully that storm that Nani had in Puerto Rico won’t change next week’s trip. Right now it looks like it will come up this way over the weekend.
May you & Heidi have a wonderful day, along with the Russians, etc. By the way, that passenger who is scared of the sea and wants to change cabins – why is she on a cruise? Or why not book an inside cabin so she wouldn’t even see it? I definitely wonder about some people.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John!
I have been reading your blog almost since the beginning and absolutely love it. Your personality and blogs really make me laugh and smile on even some of my crummiest days.
I sailed last year on the Carnival Freedom in March 08 (my third cruise with Carnival) and was astonished at how many kids were on the ship because it was spring break. Typically we cruise in January and avoid all the kids but this time was unavoidable because my brothers fiancee had my first niece at the begining of December.
Nonetheless, you were our cruise director and you made the cruise better than any of my past cruises. I do not know why I waited so long to commet on your blog because I absolutely love it!!! We are sailing on the Splendor in January 09 for out 4th Carribean cruise, I was wondering if you will still be on the Splendor for this cruise, I sure hope so. We would love to sail with you again as we think you are the best cruise director ever!!
Hope this comment finds you happy and well!
Take care,
kathy =)
good blog
to dumd & dumber
im with mickeyspal
and i care
My husband use to work with a Scottie, I liked to hear him talk too, He was nice enough to share a cookbook with me from Scottland… anyway Kevin’s mom was scottish too I wish I could have met her. Anyway… for the most part we both sound very New Englandish (Yankkee if you please and not like Boston, we know how to use an “R”), that is all fine but we live in Florida and this where our 2 sons were born, so to answer one question they speak just as we do (yankkee), and have very little to no southern accents, no matter how much their old school teacher sounded just like a southern belle.
Wish you and Heidi all the best
the one
and only 1
Heidi-Beth
Hey John, you HAVE to comment on this… did you see where the Extra Fees of the Seas is now charging extra for steaks? Oh, this is right up your alley of things to make fun of…
Jeff
Last week on Carnival Glory and loved it. This week home and wished I was still on the ship. Wanted to say a HUGH thank you to you, John for contacting Butch for us. Butch set up a Meet N Greet for us Cruise Critic Members on Glory 13th – 20th Cruise – in the Cin-A-Bar. And he took time out of us busy schedule to stop by and say hello. Thank you Butch, your the best!
–We loved Butch our CD and loved our waitor staff: Alvin & Antonio. We loved being in the dining room with “Mr. Vee that MatriDee”. It was so much fun on Glory.
Suzy
“the Queen who speaks like she is trying to keep a peeled grape between her buttocks, and that her vocal cords are actually made from glass”
John, you have a way with words!!!
Hi John,
I almost forgot – do you want me to relay any message to Lenny Halliday?
Suzy – Mr. Vee was Maitre D’ on either the Valor or the Imagination – sorry having a senior moment – but it was a lot of fun there too. If it’s the Valor, I know I have a photo of him with this little boy who wanted his autograph.
Take care,
Carol
Love your blog today. Hats off for all the patience you and your staff have to show the passengers from “heck”.
I took your advice and booked the Triumph for the 6/25 cruise to Quebec. I’ve been to there before on one of the “Graffitti” ships – prior to Grafitti – but didn’t get to see everything. So, here I go again.
I wonder if the lady from deck 2 could handle the St. Lawrence channel. I guess water is water, no matter where.
Until tomorrow …..
Hi John,
Sailed with you in May of 06 and May of 07, but this year some friends dragged us with them on a RCI and we just got back Sunday. Let me tell you, we will NEVER go on RCI again! The food was ok (no lobster and this was a 12 day cruise) the decor of the ship was boring-the only thing was good was the employees, but we can get that with Carnival. For 12 days, all we did was compare our past cruises to what RCI did not offer or did not meet up to Carnival’s standards. (Love your blog, as we have been reading it since you started it.) Keep up the good work and say hello to Heidi for us!
Hi John!
Just started reading your blog about a week ago, but really enjoy it! Glad to hear ya’ll like our southern accents!
As far as kids swiping poor Al’s sympathy sticks – here’s one for ya – on our last cruise on the Holiday, my hubby & I both brought our mobility scooters. Needless to say, these things don’t exactly fit into the ship’s public restrooms! We left ours outside the loos – well lo & behold, when we returned, there were adults sitting on them! How can you expect kids to respect other people’s stuff when grown-ups don’t?
Hope we get to meet you on a Carnival ship soon! (if we haven’t already! sorry – our memories are not what they used to be!)