So, here we are in Venice, the City of Lights and the city with the worst service in the entire universe.
Yes, the universe, because if there was a restaurant on the planet Zog that served one-eyed walrus type creatures a plate of three-headed slime maggots ………it would still be better than the service and the food in Venice.
Hold on………don’t panic………..I am not suddenly thinking of myself as a food critic. That would be pretty hard to do considering that if the menu does not have the words “and fries” on it………………… I won’t grace the establishment with my presence. And so it was with this in mind that I answered this comment with fear and trepidation.
Guest: _______ Ref: 002804886A
Cabin: _______ Booking#: _______ Added-Changed: 09/26/08 – 09/26/08WANTS ROMANTIC RESTARAUNT INFORMATION FROM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Mr. _______ came to the pursers desk asking to speak to the cruise director. Purser explained that he was on stage at the show. Guest asked for CD to contact him but not in the cabin as he wants to surprise his girlfriend with a proposal at a restaurant in Venice. Purser said he should return to the desk at 9:30 am tomorrow and that this message would be given to John the cruise director. Guest thanked purser and left the desk.
E mail to CD sent
This morning then I met with a chap called Brett who is here with his girlfriend Simone ……and they have come all the way from New Zealand……..that’s 25 hours of flying time.
Brett has been dating Simone for only seven months but tonight………….he will be popping the question ………and he wanted my recommendation for a restaurant that oozes romance here in Venice……………bugger.
I love Venice, there is no more jaw-dropping sight in the world than sailing into this incomparable city………..except seeing me dressed as a Roman gladiator with the flap on the back of my skirt missing……….that’s pretty incomparable, as well.
Anyway, as I said, Venice is a place you must visit and doing so on a cruise ship is the best way to enter and enjoy that special feeling as you sail past St. George’s Cathedral, the Doges Palace and the domed Church of Health.
However, I have had a dozen or so meals ashore and most of them have been an absolute disaster.
Of course I didn’t want to say this to Brett and shatter his illusions and as I gave him the one restaurant I knew called Il Galliano, which is just off St. Mark’s square and where the food was OK ………just OK. But then, disaster struck ……….Brett said the two words that struck fear and terror into my soul……..he wanted to go to “Harry’s Bar”………oh bugger.
I know lots of people who say that Harry’s Bar is their favorite restaurant in the world. What’s even more astonishing is that a fair proportion of them are Italian.
I must confess that the unique, world-beating charm of Harry’s Bar has always escaped me. The menu, including the fabled risotto and Carpaccio, has been good but, considering it costs the same as a four-day cruise on the Carnival Imagination, it was not even close to being worth the money. The service has always been perfunctory and forgetful; the atmosphere provided by overawed Americans and ghastly, finger-snapping British people in pink shirts and blazers. But when so many people whose taste I trust tell me the opposite, then it’s probably me that’s missing something.
I think the truth is that Harry’s Bar is two restaurants. It’s one for locals, regulars and favored visitors and it’s another for ummmm….well…..me. I’m everyone else. Last time I ate there with Heidi …it was just her and I. The food was carelessly mediocre and the service borderline hostile. ………..and then the bill came……….I didn’t leave the waiter a tip………I left him a spoonful of risotto………75 euros……….for some rice and some sauce……what a load of Il Bollocko.
However, the first time I went with my friends the Bentleys it was incredibly good. The food tasted better……….the service had been upgraded from hostile to flippant. Of course, this was because they were regulars and had eaten there many times before.
I really couldn’t recommend this to a young man from New Zealand who probably would have had to sell all he owns to pay the bill. ……………he wanted to make this a special night ………….. And he was depending on me. Then I had a brain wave and 15 minutes later I had booked him the most romantic restaurant in Venice……….and I was paying for the champagne……………at the Pinnacle Steak House…………right here onboard.
So, he has a table at 7 pm and, after dinner, I have a water taxi booked for them to go to St. Marks Square where he will propose to the lovely Simone on the famous Bridge of Sighs and then go for a gondola ride. …………..I am glad I talked him out of Harry’s Bar……….it’s a wonderful place if you are a “face” and therefore known but if you are a nobody like me…………well……….it just leaves you with a feeling that you just left an Italian version of Fawlty Towers………oh, I hope she says yes …the champagne cost me $40. I will let you know.
The arrival was extra special this morning as the sun was shining and the clear crisp blue sky gave the city an even more special feeling as we arrived. For many of the crew this was there first — and will probably be their only time — that they will experience this and that’s why the crew deck was packed this morning as we arrived.
Today………and rather unexpectedly we are saying goodbye to Captain Giorgio Pagano. He was due to leave at the end of this voyage but will do so tomorrow morning. I thank him for his friendship and congratulate him on his dedication to the job and wish him a wonderful vacation.
Here is a goodbye note to you all from my friend Giorgio.
I am attaching a couple of pictures, one together with my three children Emma, Joshua and Nathan. Carnival Cruise Lines somehow is their godmother… I met their American mother while we both were working on board the “Mardi Gras,” about 27 years ago, I was third officer at that time, and she was a casino croupier… romance at sea!!
In the picture with my children I am holding the image of the “Madonna di Maralunga,” the benevolent guardian of the sailors from Lerici. It was donated to me by Lerici Monsignor upon our call at Lerici last July. The original painting was found about 700 years ago by three fishermen, washed by the sea waves on the rocks below the castle on the sea side. It was kept in our church since that time, object of worship for generations of “Lericini.”
I am looking forward to my vacation and say a big “grazie” to the officers, staff and crew for all their hard work. It has been an honor to be the captain of the Carnival Splendor and I will return later in the year ready to take her to South America. Ciao to all the bloggers
Captain Giorgio Pagano.
And at the same time we welcome the new master of the Carnival Splendor, Claudio Cupisti. Captain Cupisti and I are old friends and I have watched him grow up through the ranks to captain and, in fact, we delivered the Carnival Legend together back in 2002. It will be great to work with him again.
Yesterday, I came clean and told the guests about my ridiculous mistake regarding the weather in Naples. I have had no further comments and apart from the lady with the giant hands…….. Nobody has said anything…………I can’t believe it. I think this is because the guests are really easygoing this voyage but by now you know when I say that there is always going to be an exception………..and you will meet him in a minute
Time to pause and have a look at some photos of Pompeii taken by Jaime and Claire.
Mt. Vesuvius
Now, let’s return to Chris “Bubba” Roberts for the latest installment from his adventures onboard the Carnival Spirit.
The Fall 2008 Reposition SD1
The view of the Vancouver Terminal as we pulled away for the last time.
So the welcome aboard show went okay last night….fair size attendance, but not packed. Being a travel day, a lot of people hit the sack early. Surprisingly I found a lot of first-time cruises in the show last night. My previous experience with these longer cruises is that there are only a few, but they were quite a few last night. After the show went out on the promenade for a stroll to see what was going on…..to say not much would be making it sound pretty good. I did a head count around the ship after the show. There were four people in the Versailles Lounge listening to the band, about six people at karaoke, there was no one in the piano bar, two people in the disco and about 30 people in the casino. So things were extremely quiet last night. Not only was it a long travel day for most, but shortly after we finished with the welcome show, was when we were entering the Pacific Ocean.
There was a front going across the northwest and so there was a very long swell which was causing the ship to pitch and roll a little more than usual. The captain had said that this weather would stay with us for a few days and then smooth out the further we go. I didn’t sleep well last night because of it. Most people say when the ship is moving it rocks them to sleep, but for me it keeps me awake.
So up early the next morning for a conference call with all of the cruise directors. They scheduled the call for noon Miami time, so it was the crack of dawn my time. While listening to the CD’s and the folks from the office discuss the issues of the day, I was preparing for my Hawaii shore excursion talk. I have only done the Hawaii talk a few times in the past and it has been about five months since the last time I did it, so I was a little worried. The ship was still rocking a bit, so that was in the back of my mind as well wondering what kind of attendance there would be.
The talk went okay…lasted about 50 minutes…covering all of the ports of call. It felt like I was reading the whole time. I really prefer being able to do a talk without having to use notes, but had to get it right, so notes it is. The attendance was pretty good but the audience was pretty subdued with the movement of the ship. Afterwards there were very few questions, so I guess I did all right, or they all had to go back to their cabins to lie down.
The day was busy with activities all though attendance was light. Thankfully tonight is not the elegant night, so hopefully tomorrow things will calm down and the promenade will be a bit more lively for the captain’s party. Here’s a list of some of the things we had going on today…..
Hawaii – Island Style Talk with Dirk
9:00am…………………..… . . . . . . . ……………..Pharaoh’s Palace
Adult Arts & Crafts
9:30am-10:30am & 1:00pm-2:00pm.. . . . . . . Fountain Café, Dk. 2
Women’s Golf Putting Tournament
10:00am………..……………… . . . . ….Spirit Atrium Lobby, Dk. 2
General Knowledge Trivia # 1
10:30am……………………….. . . . . . .……..Fountain Café, Dk. 2
Dance Classes w/ your fantastic Instructors!
11:00am – 12:00pm……… . . . . . ..Dancin’ Dance Club, Dk. 2 Aft.
Connect 4 Contest
11:00am ………………….……….. . . . . . . .Fontain Cafe Dk 2 Fwd
Introduction to Scrapbooking! (Fee)
11:30am………………….…… . . . . . . …Fountain Cafe Dk 2 fwd
Buzz Word Followed by Jenga Contest ~ How high can you go?
12:00pm ………………….… . . . .………Fountain Cafe Dk 2 Fwd
Ice Carving Demonstration
1:00pm ……………………………. . . . ………Lido Deck Stage Area
Deck Games – Fun in the Sun!
1:30pm……………………………….. . . . . .Lido Deck Stage Area
Dance Class with your fabulous Dance Instructors
3:00pm………………………………………………………… ….Dancin Dance Club
Austin Powers Dance Class w/ your Spirit Dancer!
2:00pm………………………………..…… . . . . . .Pharaoh’s Palace
Digital Scavenger Hunt (Bring your digital camera along)
2:00pm…………………………..….. . . . . . . . .Fountain Café, Dk. 2
Horse Racing – Bet on you favorite & win!! Cash bets only.
2:30pm…………………………..…… . . . . . . . .…Pharaoh’s Palace
Taboo!
3:00pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .Fountain Café, Dk. 2
Showtunes Trivia
3:30pm …………….. . . . . . … … . . .. …Fountain Cafe Dk 2 Fwd
Rubik’s Cube Challenge ~ Can you beat Squishy’s time of 1min 30 seconds??
4:00pm …………….. . . . . . … … . . ….Fountain Cafe Dk 2 Fwd
Geology & Geography of Hawaii Talk w/ Dirk
4:00pm……………….……………… . . . . . . .…..Pharaoh’s Palace
Sports Trivia #1
4:30pm……… . ….……………….. . . . . . ……Fountain Café, Dk. 2
Trivial Pursuit Round 1
Join us daily for a seriously fun trivia. You could be the overall winner and the official Brainiac of the cruise!
5:00pm…………………. . .………..….. . . . . ..Fountain Café, Dk. 2These are just a few of things going today…lots more going on as well.
I have to get down to rehearsal in a bit as I have my show tonight. I hope that with the rocking I will be able to pull it off. I am sure it will be fine…I can shake my tail feather in any kind of weather. Will check in tomorrow and let you know how sea day 2 is progressing.
Thanks Chris. Sounds like you and the guests are going to have a remarkable voyage and we all look forward to the next episode from the Bubba Blog.
I am arranging a Rosh Hashanah service for our guests of the Jewish faith for Monday. We don’t have a rabbi onboard but hopefully we can assist in every other way in making this a special evening. This is also being carried out around the fleet.
The non-smoking policy we have just adopted in the piano bar has been met with nothing but compliments from guests………..except one who had a little grumble but understood. I have to admit I was concerned about the revenue but so far and even though we have a new entertainer there (a great guy named Greg), it does not seem to have hurt. I will keep you all informed. Housekeeping gave the lounge a special deep cleaning at the end of last cruise and it certainly has made a difference to the aroma of Promenade Deck.
Guest: _________ Ref: 002104790A
Cabin: _______ Booking#: _________ Added-Changed: 09/26/08 – 09/26/08NO TV STATIONS
Mr. and Mrs. _______ came to the guest saying how upset they were that there were no American TV stations onboard. Guest states that he had asked his travel agent who had promised him that they could see the channels. Mr.____ said he wanted to speak to someone in charge. Purser said his comments would be documented and someone would be in contact with him. Purser also explained that we had European TV because we are in Europe. Guest would not listen and got quite emotional. Purser thanked guest and Mr. and Mrs. ___ left the desk. E-mail sent to hotel director and cruise director for follow up.
On ever cruise ship, every cruise, there is a man like this. Someone who just won’t understand that it does not matter how much you shout and scream and threaten ……. nothing is going to change. The hotel director and I met with this guest……….by accident, actually, at the Past Guest Party.
And as every one of the 1,200 people greeted us with words of praise and exuberance about the ship and the pending arrival into Venice…………he greeted us with a sentence that included the “f-word” and a desire that this ship be a Princess ship…………because they would have USA TV networks.
So angry was this man that Duncan the hotel director and I decided we should take this conversation away from the door to the theatre and stepped into a “crew only” area to continue. I tried to explain that we were in Europe, etc., etc., etc. etc…blah blah blah…………the same conversation I seem to have at least once a voyage and, most of the time at the end of these conversations, there is some notion that there is nothing that can be done……………….not this time.
Mr. ABCNBCCBSFOX said, and I quote, “I will be glued to the TV tonight and if I don’t get to see the American TV stations then there will be trouble.” Yep, those were his exact words to Duncan and I…………..and with that…………he buggered off back to the past guest party for a drink and one of those nice little doughnut thingies.
And so, as I write Mr. ABCNBCCBSFOX is in his cabin glued to the TV. I know this because while he was ashore I coated his remote control and the on button on the TV ………….in superglue………………at least I made one of his wishes come true.
Talking of TV, did anyone see Grey’s thingy last night? My friend Kevin McKidd had a role as an Army surgeon last night. I e-mailed him today and he said the reviews had been good………anyone see my mate……..how was he?
You know, I think I am going to place something in the Capers stating that we will not receive any US TV. Honestly, I get this comment every week as does Todd on the Carnival Freedom. They are not normally as hostile as Mr. ABCNBCCBSFOX, but it may help. I am sure that is not the last we will hear from him by the way…….I will let you know.
Anyway, the next generation of cruise directors won’t have this problem because nobody will be watching TV but everyone will be watching You Tube. I see kids watching these all day long and I think to myself how entertainment has changed.
There’s no plot. No Brady Bunch. No tedious instructions on how to make a space helmet out of a plastic bottle. No commercials. Just loads of people falling off their bicycles and catching fire. And when kids find one they like a lot, they watch it over and over again. For free.
How can television possibly compete with that? When I was 11, I watched Time Tunnel and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea because, on a wet Thursday afternoon in October, there was absolutely bugger all else to do.
But things change I guess. My grandfather was born up a chimney and was only allowed out when it was time for him to be beaten. My father looked forward to the orange and piece of string he was given every year at Christmas. I spent most of my childhood watching television Now, kids have got You Tube, Xbox, MSN, MySpace, text, e-mail, PSP, DVD and Tevo.
Every day I write a blog thingy, as I have done for over a year and a half now. My nephew Luke loves me and I love him but, even though I send him jokes and things I have written from the blog thingy, he only has eyes for one thingy. And that’s to show his friends and himself every day the video I made with the flying hand towels in the men’s bathroom.
So here it is again Luke.
There is no solution to this. Forcing broadcasters to make shows for children is a complete waste of time. Because to make anything they want to see, it would have to be a nonstop medley of skateboarders falling over and people getting eaten by sharks.
To make it these days Kathie Lee Gifford would have to be injured every five seconds and then at the end she’d have to explode. And they couldn’t fake it because that’s not allowed any more. She really would have to say: “That’s it for this week kids, and now I’m going to blow up.”
The best thing I can suggest is not to worry. Reports say the vast majority of programs for children are stupid violent cartoons. And this is true.
My big problem is that broadcasters will react to the report by redoubling their efforts to win back an audience that simply isn’t there any more. This will mean there’ll be even fewer programs for those who really do watch television. People who don’t have a PlayStation or an account with Myspacebookface. People who don’t go out on a Saturday night………. We’re called adults.
The message then is simple. Sod the children. And bring back The A Team.
Off to see the Carnival Dream tomorrow……..are you coming with me?
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi…and written in memory of Cool Hand Luke……..Mr. Paul Newman
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Captain Pagano, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, Chris Roberts, Pompeii, Venice
John:
I just asked Vivi about Grey’s and I got a reaction LOL I will repeat but it was all in Spanish so I’ll try.
You can imagine Vivi, you know her……
AAAAAHHHHHH Sexy hot army doctor Love it love it!! I hope he stays. WOW !
She called my niece and both got very excited LOL
Tell your friend he was a hit with all the girls on this family they all love his character.
Hi John, We’re just off of the MS Holiday, and on our way home. We had a great time. This ship has the absolutely friendliest crew we have sailed with in quite a while.
When we were sitting on the Lido deck, the Sr assist, Maitre D’ Romy, whom I must say we enjoyed talking to everytime we were on the Lido deck, mentioned that we would be able to see the Fantasy when the ship turned around. Well I hate that I didn’t get pictures, as the camera was with our luggage. But he assured me they were working on it getting it ready for the bloggers cruise. I understood him to say they were working on the hull????? I could see cranes all around it.
We’ll be with you to enjoy the pictures of the Dream. I look forward cruising on it when it goes out of NYC 11/09. Are you serious about the 2010 bloggers cruise being on the Dream?
As Tory would say WoooHooo.
I missed reading the blog everyday, sure wish it was possible to be printed off and posted somewhere for us bloggers to read when we are cruising.
Countess Carolyn and Don
John, I still say the best part of that video is Heidi’s laughing. Have they put screens over the top of the WATER CATCHERS yet. The basket right under the hand dryer is to catch the water that is blown off your hands so you don’t have wet floors. You can see there is another basket just to the left of the WATER CATCHER for waste paper. I even think I see a pipe coming out of the bottom of the WATER CATCHER for the water to run away.
BIG ED
Can’t wait for your adventure on the DREAM, I hope you do a video, so we can all be there with you. Mike and I LOVE the videos so keep them coming and try to get someone to videotape you and Heidi together, she will be leaving soon and we all want to get the chance to see/meet her. I am sad I won’t get that chance, and even sadder that we won’t get to see you in November. That is good news though about Todd being the CD on the DREAM. Say, where is Noorjte(spelling?) these days? She was promoted to CD right? What ship is she now on? Your friends, Linda & Mike
Dear John….
Everytime I see that video of the paper towels blowing everywhere it immediately brings to mind the old phrase “The best laid plans”! It is hysterical!
John & Susan from Frisco, Tx.
Dear Mr. Heald
I would like to ask you a few question as My wife and I had plan to sail the Freedom when it first came to Miami. Due to a unforeseen medical truble we had to cansil our cruise. and I never got to meet you. You spoke of the cruise line beinging back trap shooting on the aft deck again can you tell me if they ever did that. Now that I am in better health and can plan a new fun cruise. I look forward to chicking out the three new ships, but I not been able to find out anything about trap shooting yet can you tell me more. I dont know what ship you are on now but i would like to meet you some day from your size and demener i think we would hit it off grand. thank you for your time and I look forware to your reply
D. Comway
aka Fangclaw
John -
I have to agree with Luke – that video is hysterical every time I see it.
Amazing that you can spend a gazillion dollars on a beautiful ship and have something like that missed.
Jon
Hi John, Thanks for showing the new hand dryers again. I love those things. They really work and they make my hands soft. I would love to have one in my kitchen. Any idea how much they cost? I would be tempted to try drying my hair with it too.
Jo
OK John, you’re an organiser and troubleshooter who likes a good cigar – You’re Hannibal.
Bags I be Murdoch – The rest of you can fight over who gets to be BA.
(For the record, as I write, the blog shows 0 comments, no doubt by the time this clears the eagle eyed moderator, there will be nine comments ahead of it, every one of them containing a ‘JH is Hannibal’ gag!!!!)
Donal.
Dear John,
Saw your friend on Grey’s Anatomy and I really loved his army surgeon character. I hope they bring him back for more episodes. Janet
John:
Saw your pal Kevin on Grey’s Anatomy and he was HOT! I hope they bring him on the show for good.
The pictures of Pompeii were lovely. They refreshed my memory of our visit there 20 years ago. Would love to see it again. What an amazing sight.
Tell Mr. ABCNBCFOXCNNETC if he wants to watch television, he should stay home.
Can’t wait to see the pics of the Dream. Have a good night.
Marie
John:
Your nephew has excellent taste in humor (I know probably not spelled ~ spelt or however you folks do it~ right!)
This “no American TV in Europe” will have to be one of the Chapters that we add our “Cruising for Dummies” manual.
I am convinced there are some people who should not be allowed to leave their homes…much less go to Europe on vacation. It truly makes you wonder how they got to the ship and back home again.
Glad to hear the no smoking policy is going well. I think smokers will understand, since it was having an adverse affect on another area of the ship. Plus the Splendor also has the no smoking cabins on Spa deck …woo hoo (where I will be residing SOON in my Spa Balcony) …. so it not completely out of the ordinary for that ship.
Sorry I missed Grey’s thingy. But I am certain that he did a remarkable job.
Thanks to Caroyln for checking up on how our Fantasy ship is coming along …. they have 12 days before we see her first hand!!!!
Linda ( Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John and Heidi,
We are one of those ADULTS? that you spoke about. We stay home in the evenings and watch way too much tv. We have certain shows that we watch every week or if we are cruising we set the tivo to tape them. One of our favorites last year was Journey Man that starred your friend Kevin. I had heard that there was to be a new doctor on Greys’ Anatomy and was surprised and super pleased to see Kevin added to the mix of cast. I know that you can’t get US tv in Europe but I hope that you got to see your friend. He was handsome and very manly having saved several people with one doing a tracheotomy using a ball point pen!
Several years ago when our kids were small we had one of those huge satellite dishes in our yard and we seemed to get any country that broadcast. David says that they were being rebroadcast from US satellites but we sure got a lot of different languages. My favorite being news or sport channels that weren’t quite ready to broadcast. They had some amazing things to say when they thought no one was listening! We don’t seem to get them anymore with the small dishes. Maybe you should get the money guys at Carnival to put up a rebroadcasting satellite just for those that can’t seem to understand where they are, or maybe just a map?
John we are still loving your blogs and hope that you continue for a long time. Tell your friend that we gave his new character and his performance 2 thumbs up!
Barbara and David
Ah, my friend… isn’t it amazing how even the most basic technology seems to escape some people? US TV in the Med… perhaps you should play MASH dvds or perhaps episodes of Friends. If this television junkie doesn’t understand why American TV isn’t available in the Med perhaps he’ll believe that the cast of Friends are back together again.
Pompeii is, as always, shocking. The pictures are wonderful.
Lucky, lucky Bubba!! With the exception of the long period swells I can’t imagine a better place to be.
So, tell us… did Simone say yes to Brett? From the moment you mentioned ‘romantic diner’ I was thinking ’supper club’. Perfect.
Thank you for the reprise of the paper towel video. It’s classic! I guess there’s a little bit of YouTube kid in me, too!!!
Thanks so much for your helps with the Burks today. I’m sure that you converted those two RCCL faithful into die hard Carnival fans!!!
Ciao, my friend!! When next I write I’ll be reporting from the Conquest!!!
Host Mach
Wow Captain Pagano is going to South America with us! It is going to be a pretty good reunion along with Mr Ken and Katarina my dining room server there will be 2 other people from the table doing the B2B2B We are going to have a blast wish you were going to join us.
In a couple hours the final dam ship will leave Juneau and we will be shipless until the end of April 2009.
Thanks for remembering Paul Newman he is the only actor type I have ever had a crush on and I was really saddened to read of his passing this morning. Maybe I’ll put on “Slap Shot” tonight and get my hockey and Newman fix all in one.
Wonder what would happen if you stopped putting TV’s in the cabins all together.
That is a wonderful proposal scenerio you have put together for Brett and Simone…….how can she refuse.
Keep up the good work John. Heidi have you started a count down yet?
Kersplott
hi john- did not see the grey’s anatomy show, but if kevin mckidd was anywhere near as good as he was as vorenus on the series “rome” then this is just another step up the ladder to deserved fame. terry and danielle charlottetown, prince edward island(where we had two cruise ships in today, a HAL and a brand X, both the tallest building on the island!)
Tell Mr Amerian TV that he can watch american TV on http://www.nbc.com in the internet cafe at his leisure. Also, instead of watching the boob tube, maybe he should watch his wife’s boobs since he is on vacation.
Hey John,
Saw your friend, Kevin Mckidd on Greys Anatomy and…woohoooo…is it Hot in here all of a sudden? Oh it’s me…one word…Sexy! Wow! I agree with the others, and I hope he becomes a regular on the show. Oh, and he’s a good actor too! Wow!
SuefrmNarrowsburg
Hi John,
The weather blunder was the most hilarious thing you have ever done and it would have been fine except weather girl has no sense of horror, i mean humor. Congratulations Heidi for buying the shoes.You deserve every inch of it and hope you could blog where you wore it and show pictures for us ladies who loves shoes.
Your friend was great on Grey’s Anatomy. And, it was the two hour season opener, so he got a lot of screen time.
John, quit beating yourself up about the whole Naples/Naples thing. Everyone makes mistakes and you have to admit, it didn’t hurt anyone (no matter what hummer hands thinks). So… stop thinking about it — it’s in the past!
Ann
John- Just caught up on the blog following our great trip on board the Splendor from Dover to Rome. We had an amazing time. Your team does a great job making the cruise experience top notch. We loved our spa cabin and the access to the thermal suite area. The ship is beautiful! Thanks again for a great time.
Pat & Kristin
The blow dryer reminds me of buying gifts for the children for Christmas, staying up until 3 a.m. putting slot AA into BB and then they play all day inside the box it came in.
Waiting for news for the Bloggers cruise so I can make flight arrangements. 132 days to go.
Ciao, Kathleen
John,
Great Pics! Did you get a chance in seeing the pic I sent you on facebook? It was a Carnival ship in San Juan back in the early 70’s. I can resend to you again since I have it on a different computer. Anyhow, say hello to Heidi.
Luis
See John, that’s why not everyone will go to Heaven-there are actually people who won’t like it! And many of them have cruised with you. What, except Heaven, could be more wonderful than to be a guest on a Carnival cruise ship? With all the beauty and comfort, every reasonable need, want, or wish of the guest met, beautiful things to see and do, lovely things to eat but no dishes to wash, all play and no work. But here come Mr. and Mrs. Grumpy Butt, complaining that all is not geared to their whims. Too bad you can’t do as St. Peter would-hand them a pitchfork and a glass of ice water and tell them to go to Hell. Oh well.
Your friend on Gray’s Anatomy was not only hot but mysterious. I kept thinking he would turn out to be a medic pretending to be a surgeon, a figment of someone’s imagination, or a visiting spirit. Great job! Too bad you missed it.
Only 8 days till Hawaii and I’m obsessing about dropping a few more pounds so I won’t be ashamed to wear a swimsuit, and cramming a few more things into my luggage without increasing the weight of the suitcase. Perhaps I will fly like a bag lady, wearing all my clothes in layers. Thanks for the Bubba blog. My Hawaiian friend Randy says the Spirit is wonderful in every way, that her Alaska cruise was incredible-but cold! Pat
Hi John
I just noticed that the Splendor will be in port on Dec 8th, the same day the Freedom is there (my cruise yippee!). Will you still be on the Splendor then? What do you recommend to do in San Juan at night?
I am taking my 63 yo Dad and my 20 month old daughter on their first cruise!
Hi John,
.
I have been a fan of Kevin’s for some time now. I was so sorry to hear those crazy network people cancelled “Journeyman”. It is so great to see him now on Gray’s Anatomy. He was wonderful and I look forward to seeing him again. BTW – you can catch full episodes of the show at ABC.COM. I think Heidi will love it too
Cheers, Roma
P.S. Tell Kevin he should book on Regis and Kelly so I can hear his real accent
I love it!
Wow, Kevin McKidd is your mate huh? He was great on the Grey’s thingy! I think they are trying to figure out what “Mc” to name him now so he must be there to stay.
People and the TV thing–Americans are so self-centered–why do we think the entire would revolves around us? I was just over there on a cruise and I have to say John, you Brits have some of the funniest commercials I’ve ever seen! They had news from America–most of it about Sara Pallin or the 1st “Dude” and the “other cruise line” we sailed didn’t have any other channels either. I have to wonder what cruise is able to get them while in Europe or on a TransAtlantic since I read a review on Cruise Critic just yesterday about someone complaining about the same thing and saying they were able to get it on other lines–which ones?
Great photos of Pompeii!
Hi John!
It’s the weekend and I am catching up on the blog.
It is amazing that people will actually spend money on a cruise and want to sit in their cabin and watch television. Get a life folks!
Yesterday I had the television on just for some background noise while the grandkids were playing(Like I needed any more noise.) Amanda walked in the room and asked me to switch it to Nickelodean. When I did, there was nothing on. The screen said, “It’s get outside and play day on Nick.” I thought that was a brillant idea except it was raining and they could not go outside. I mean you are sailing to all these phenomenial ports and folks want to watch television.
I loved the pictures from Pompei. It brought back memories of the Freedom. That was our first port…but I must admit, after I had been there I said I had seen enough ruins.
Our daughter, Nikki, has this urge to visit Venice. I am sure she has just built up this image of what it is going to be. Your feedback on the restaurants was interesting. I’ll be sure we eat on the ship and return for dinner. I think the advice you gave the passenger was excellent.
It looks like we might be booking the Liberty for next summer. Will you be the cruise director?
I am hoping we get to sail with you again.
Well, I need to move forward and catch up on the rest of the blog. Talk to you next weekend.
Ruth
Dear John,
Mike and I loved our 9/11 45th anniversary cruise, and all thanks to you and your staff. I can not say enough wonderful things to say about the Splendor and our fabulous time we had in Europe. Oddly, we did not spend copious amounts of time watching TV, and not having American stations was not something either one of us cared two cents about. I did enjoy watching the big screen with your Morning Show and once in a blue moon did catch a news cast, but other than that TV was not the reason we wanted to come to Europe. Isn’t that odd, we did not miss TV and some think their world revolves around it. Guess they are the unlucky ones to think that TV can replace the wonders of Europe.
It has taken me two days to get to some kind of normal. We are both so tired, not sure even what time it is LOL. Being retired has made it easier, we do not have to go back to work YEA.
Keep smiling Dear John, you are truly an amazing man with a heart of gold. And speaking of gold, I have my ship on a stick, both of them, in a special room with a light shining down upon them with a magic button that if you touch my ships on a stick you will be blown to smithereens. So far, no deaths to report. You can only be so careful with solid gold plastic ships on a stick.
Thank you John for the amazing memories, it honestly was a cruise of a lifetime for both of us.
Tell Heidi, it was a pleasure meeting her.
Hi John, Since you have a computer room onboard (“the web”) why not have Alex burn some CDs daily of the news and sell them to those having television withdrawals (see, a new revenue source)? Not only can you get recaps on each networks website, but you can go to http://www.ew.com to see Entertainment Weekly and even get many favorite episode recaps (in writing), including Grey’s Anatomy. I, too, missed the season opener as we were arriving into the USA from our flight from Rome this past Thursday evening. I know I can see it in reruns so it’s no big deal to me, but after reading that your friend Kevin was on the series now, I googled to find episode photos of it.
Change is hard for a lot of people who are stuck in a daily grind/routine, and I’m not making excuses for this guest’s comments and behavior, but perhaps he hasn’t had a real vacation in a long, long time.
If you have one guest who complains each cruise about missing American TV, you probably have a few more who are missing it too and just too polite to mention it. So, here’s the opportunity to use the technology that is available and give them an option. Now, how to train the travel agents to give correct info is another thing.
About the hand dryers, did you ever notice how the force of airflow smoothes the skin…..do they make a portable one? (hee….hee).
We loved our London to Rome journey on Splendor and you and the crew are to be commended on great service. Hoping Capt Pagano’s early departure doesn’t mean anything is amiss at home. We are thinking of you ALL!
Karen
John,
I just can’t believe that someone would go all the way to Europe on vacation, just to watch TV!!! We have been to Europe twice and the only thing we turn the TV in our room on for is to watch your show and see the positioning of the ship. Who cares whats on TV at home!!! We can catch up with that on the internet when we get back!
So…. did Simone accept Brett’s romantic proposal???
Hello to Heidi! BTW when are we going to hear from her?
Hugs!
Princess Barb
We were on the eastbound transatlantic voyage on the Freedom in April. There was a stretch, in the middle of the Atlantic, where there was little TV coverage at all. (Not under any TV satellite cone.)
It was wonderful. We enjoyed ourselves so much on the ship.
Hey, John,
The pictures from Pompeii are wonderful. I note you did not post any from the walls of those homes containing erotic paintings, and accompanying statuary.
Maybe you should start your own version of American TV news. Put on your best USA accent and read the news with a little CNN or FOX symbol in the corner of the screen and no one will be the wiser. Could you maybe make arrangements for Mr. ABCNBCCBSFOX to be air lifted by helicopter from your ship to a Princess ship?
I wonder if Big Ed may be right about the “water catcher” beneath the handdryer in the men’s room? It makes sense. And there does appear to be a waste basket (or holder) beneath the paper towel dispenser. Perhaps a screen or mesh cover of some kind could be placed on the “water catcher” so that water would go through, but no paper could be put in the container. Just a thought.
The video IS hilarious!
Hi to Heidi!
Your Pal, Myra
I have so enjoyed your blogs from Splendor. You really are terrific at what you do. We have been entertained by you on a previous cruise and had so many laughs!! In 125 days, we will be joining the Carnival Splendor in Ft. Lauderdale and sailing to San Francisco…50 days. We are praying that you and Heidi will be onboard to greet us then. Will our prayers be answered? Best wishes and keep ‘em laughing!
Hey there — I NEVER and I mean NEVER miss Grey’s Anatomy so of course I saw your friend. He was wonderful. It looks to me like he is going to be a new cast member as he seems to have a “thing” for one of the regulars. How fun to know famous people!!!
I think your mate Kevin played a great part on Grey’s Anatomy, I bet he will be back some other time.
Our friends have just returned from a BTB on the Splendor. We spent some happy hour time with them last night. They had a wonderful time and asked me to say hello to you, so from Dick Little and Anita Little hello.
Looking forward to some DREAM pics.
A stupid question, who goes on a cruise to watch tv? The only time we watch it is to see your morning show or re runs of your talks, and of course to check the dreaded sail and sign statement.
Great photos of Pompei.
Suzanne & Lisa (Downunder)
You’re mate Kevin is McHotty!
Hi John:
I did see Gray’s – and your friend was HOT!!!!!! I was hoping he would stick around for awhile.
Sue K (in Pittsburgh)
John and Heidi,
Urgent Please Reply
That video was so funny we have tears comming out of our eyes we are laughing so hard.
Now how many times do you think someone who reads your blogg is going to try that stunt. I know I am in December on the Freedom.
Hi John/Heidi:
Great pictures from Pompeii. Thanks for adding them.
Seems like Bubba is busy with the repo cruise. I hope one day i’m ablet to fit one of these into my travel schedule.
Who cares about American TV when you’re on vacation in Europe? If its that big of a deal, go on the internet and look it up.
Its always something my friend.
Great to hear from you and hope everything else is going well.
Take care!
David