Honestly, you would think you are in the Caribbean heading for the Virgin Islands. But we are not ………we are heading to Marmaris, Turkey, and with 80 degrees of sunshine and tanzanite blue water it certainly could be the Caribbean Sea. It’s been a long time since I have seen a totally perfect day like this and if we were carrying anyone under the age of 70, I am sure the water slide and splash parks would be very popular. As it is though many are playing bridge, trivia and, of course, bingo………because that’s the law.
The Lido roof is open, the bands are playing and this afternoon there was the very strange site of my Asian friends from Canada………dancing………..or should I say………ballroom dancing on the Lido ………..in shorts, T-shirts and swimwear. Whereas the duo on Lido usually get requests for Jimmy Buffet, country and light pop music, today they were inundated with requests for “standards” that gave people the chance to foxtrot and the other stuff.
So, good morning from our first day at sea as we head to Marmaris. This morning I held my travel talk for Maramaris, Izmir and Istanbul which is one of the most challenging talks full of historical information. I cover the religious and historical side of Istanbul as well as the architectural wonders of The Blue Mosque which is the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets…..that’s why it’s called the Royal Mosque or the Mosque of the Sultans.
Then there is the Hagia Sofia which during the Crusades was, of course, a mighty cathedral and then during the Byzantine wars it was converted to a mosque……….just by moving the altar to face Mecca.
Of course, and as always, the place every one wants to visit in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar and our tours involving this journey to shopping paradise are selling very well.
In Izmir, we have 2,000 guests booked to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World …..Ephesus and, like riding a bike, the information that I gave game flooding back even though it’s been eight months or so since I spoke about these incomparable places.
Marmaris on the other hand…………well …………my talk was crap. I have never been there and the only information I have is what is written in the guest tour descriptions. I hate that. I hate feeling like I am not giving enough information or being able to add those personal touches you can when you have actually been to the place you are talking about. Oh well, hopefully I didn’t say anything that was wrong ………….we shall see.
OK, let’s chat about our Russian friend from yesterday. You know the one in the penthouse ………..the one who wanted lobster every night and personal massage service in his cabin. Well, I have a feeling that Mr. Snobov had a little too much vodka last night as you will see from the security report…………Da?
Guest Mr______________found sleeping on the couch by the deck 3 lobby
Asst. Stateroom Stewardess _________ came to Security office informed that there was a male individual sleeping on the couch by the deck 3 lobby mid ship portside. Immediately checked the area, found a male guest _________ sleeping on the couch. Tried to wake him up several times but he was unable to get up. After a few minutes Mr_______ woke up and started shouting in Russian. Guest was escorted to his cabin with the help of security guard _______ and security guard________
There he was, shouting again and today we will have a meeting with the guest and explain to him that abusive behavior to the staff will not be tolerated whether he is staying in the penthouse or a hammock. I will leave Duncan the hotel director to do this though as I am sure that Mr. Snobov knows “people” and I for one need a vacation ……… but not in Siberia.
I feel like I am picking on the Russians but really I am not. I was just about to send today’s thingy to Stephanie to slap on but I had to add this late addition. I just got back from the first elegant night captain’s party and I wanted to show you two contrasting sides to the words “elegant.”
First……..we have the Red Hat Ladies. We have a group of 98 all from Canada who are part of an international organization of ladies aged 50 and over who …….. well …….. celebrate life. We are honored to have them onboard. Here are a few photos of how they looked tonight
Then, we have a carbon copy of two voyages ago. I was standing with the captain and two men stood next to us, they were not exactly dressed appropriately and they laughing and talking very loudly. I asked them if they wouldn’t mind moving to the other side so the captain could shake hands with the guests in line……..they ignored me. Then, I asked them a little more firmly and this time they moved but only after spouting off a lot of Russian which probably translated into how they would like to perform medical experiments on my scrotum.
Anyway, they moved and they spent the next 20 minutes leaning over the balcony and sneering at me and the captain.
See you in Siberia.
Well, as promised here are the photos taken by brilliant blogger Dave of the Queen Elizabeth’s farewell tour of the place where she was born……..Clyde, Scotland. To accompany these great photos here is a very special interview with Cunard’s President, Ms. Carol Marlow who reminisces about this great vessel and looks to the future.
Here are her wonderful words.
1. The Queen Elizabeth 2 is on her farewell voyage. Can you tell us what that involves and where her last journeys will take her?
She is currently on the first of her Farewell Voyages – this one is around the UK – this is her final ‘Lap of Honour’ round her homeland. I was lucky enough to be on the first few days. We called at Cobh in Ireland – the place where all the great liners used to call when they crossed the Atlantic to North America. Crowds came out to see her leave. Then last Friday, Liverpool – home of Cunard for 128 years – where she had a fabulous welcome with Liverpudlians lining the Mersey as she arrived and a fabulous firework display when she left. We also invited all our guests on board to a Celebration Concert in Liverpool’s magnificent Anglican cathedral. It was a wonderful affair with everyone singing Rule Britannia and waving Union Jacks – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house! She then went on to Belfast, for a maiden call, and a fly past by the Red Arrows, then on to the place of her birth – Greenock, where the crowds were out to see her once again and she had an escort of a naval frigate HMS Manchester – very emotional. . Then she calls at South Queens ferry tomorrow for her last ever call in Scotland – the land of her birth and then on for a final call in Newcastle. After that, she arrives back in Southampton on 10 Oct and leaves that same day for her final transatlantic crossings in tandem with Queen Mary 2 arriving and departing New York on 16 Oct for an emotional final call. Then she has one more Mediterranean voyage before her final voyage to Dubai.
2. I have had bloggers write and say they saw the ship visit the Clyde one last time. That must have been very emotional. Can you describe what happened?
In more detail from Richard Curtis our Head of Marketing, who was there on QE2 for her call at Greenock…..
Sailing towards the approach of the Clyde on a beautiful autumn morning we were first greeted by type 42 frigate HMS Manchester who made a graceful sweep around us and the followed closely behind, occasionally speeding up and drawing level. Over the next hour she was joined by more and more boats, every one packed full with admirers of QE2’s beauty and grace and to cheer and wave their best wishes.
As we got closer to Greenock the flotilla swelled further to several hundreds and included craft of every shape and size including speed boats, pleasure cruisers, yachts, jet skis and several Scottish Isles ferries specially chartered for the day.
On the banks of the Clyde every conceivable space was taken by rapturous admirers franticly waving and cheering.
Finally at 12 noon as we approached her berth QE2 sounded her whistle and was answered by a cacophony of every conceivable pitch.
Such a special moment that sent many thousand shivers down the spines of all fortunate enough to be there, and which will always be remembered as one of those very special and unique Cunard moments.
3. The Queen Elizabeth 2 has carried many famous people around the world. Can you remind us of a few of them?
QE2 has had many famous visitors – a list a mile long! From HM The Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles – who was her first ever ‘guest’ when he sailed on her down the Clyde from the shipyard to the outfitting dock, to Nelson Mandela, President Bush, President Carter, Charles Aznavour, Gracie Fields, Elton John, Dame Vera Lynn, Bob Hope, Dame Beryl Bainbridge, James Cagney, Petula Clark, Dame Judi Dench, Kris Kristofferson, Sir Peter Ustinov, Twiggy, Buzz Aldrin, J Paul Getty Junior, Christopher Reeve, Tony Curtis….the list goes on and on…
4. For those who don’t know, can you tell us what the future holds for this great ship?
QE2 is going out to Dubai in November where she will be a first class hotel ship and exhibition centre, for future generations to admire A new chapter in her glorious life!
5. We are not only saying goodbye to a great ship but also to a record holder. Can you tell us some of the remarkable facts about the life of this great ship?
Yes she is our longest serving Cunarder ever – and we have had over 225 ships over the years! She has traveled over 5.6 million nautical miles, carried over 2.5 million guests, done 25 world cruises and over 800 transatlantic crossings – and as well as all that she is the most famous ocean liner in the world and the best loved ship in the world!
6. Carol, you must be quite emotional yourself. What are you own personal memories of the Queen Elizabeth 2?
I have certainly come to love this great ship over my four short years with Cunard. She has such character and those who work on board her as hosts to all our guests do a wonderful job – they are Cunard. I recall joining her one year in Mumbaian sailing to Dubai and having the pleasure of hosting our Full World Cruisers at a spectacular World Cruise Dinner in Dubai – little did we know then that this would be her future home. Then there was the 40th Anniversary voyage around the UK – a voyage that I will always remember as nothing short of incredible – welcoming crowds wherever we went a fabulous atmosphere on board as usual, with surprises each day for our guests and fireworks galore! Then I remember climbing down the pilot’s ladder to disembark the ship off Rhodes, as it was too windy to operate a normal tender operation – and I had a plane to catch! Not something to be widely recommended! Then my first-ever QE2 World Cruise Dinner in Barcelona with Russell Watson singing, and another in Auckland…. And then of course 2 incredible visits to Sydney – meeting up with Queen Mary 2 and dancing round Fort Dennison with Queen Victoria – nothing short of awesome! So yes, memories, I have a few…..
7. I know Her Majesty the Queen came to say goodbye. That must have been an incomparable moment. What was it like?
Her Majesty’s Visit was wonderful. She was delightful, talking to so many officers and crew on a tour of the ship, and then she kindly unveiled a magnificent picture of QE2 painted by Robert Lloyd. We then had a lunch for her with 300 guests which was fascinating. She has some interesting stories to tell herself!
8. The name Queen Elizabeth is not leaving forever though, because next year she will be born again when the new Queen Elizabeth is delivered. This is going to be a remarkable ship and although it is some months away, could you tell us a little something about her?
Queen Elizabeth will be a wonderful ship – she will be a sister ship to Queen Victoria but with some differences, which will give her a personality of her own, but she will still be very ‘Cunard’. For now, though, she must be shrouded in mystery, and we will reveal her next year….
9. It is not only the passengers who are saying goodbye but the crew as well. Have any of them come to say their farewells?
We have hosted several functions on board over the last few years where we have invited back our previous captains, including the visit from Her Majesty this year, and so it was wonderful then to see so many of them. I am sure that our officers and crew will say their own farewells in different ways, but for all of us that have been associated with this great ship the good news is that we can go and visit her when she is in Dubai, so she isn’t disappearing forever. I’m sure we will have meetings of the Queens in the years to come, when we sail Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth past to visit her!
10. Are you taking any mementos from the ship…….not you personally Carol, although if you are, could I have a chair from the smoking room? No, seriously, what artifacts are you removing from the ship to put in the Cunard museum?
Her artifacts and memorabilia are going with her to Dubai. This is because we wouldn’t want QE2 to be without them – or she wouldn’t be QE2 so all go with her to Dubai. What am I taking? My memories and many photos.
A big thank you to Carol. I know how busy she is and for the head of the world’s greatest ocean liner company to take the time to write for our humble blog is very, very special and we say a big thank you to her.
Also, a big thank you goes to blogger Dave who has shared with us the perfect set of photos that not only show off the ship but show the hundreds of people who came to say goodbye. Thanks Dave so very much.
Here’s my Queen……..Sara Palin………..I mean Heidi.
Hello everybody! It’s Heidi here. (Yes, I changed the font and the size)
) )
First of all, I am speechless. I am speechless after reading all the comments on the blog after John announced that we are going to be a Mum and Dad. After reading all the comments I had to take the time and write back to all of you.Thank you SO MUCH for all the lovely words, offers to make the baby presents and best wishes. It’s quite amazing to read such sweet words from people, some of who I have never met. WOW!
I am feeling great in the morning and not so great in the afternoon and evening. It’s hard to get used to becoming tired quickly if you are used to being on the go all the time. I now have to listen to my body and stop when I need to, which takes a bit of adjusting, but with nine days to go on board, it is time to count down.
My colleagues look at me funny when I am eating dinner. I have no idea what’s wrong with beetroot on a bagel or toast with butter and brown sugar?!? I like it at the moment and I don’t like onions anymore.
My favorite potato chip is (was) Caramelized Onion Sensations …. mmmmmm … For the Brits who are reading this, I am sure you agree with me. The Sensations crisps are heavenly with all kind of “different” flavors. A friend on board would buy me a bag when she saw them ashore and did so the other day. I opened the bag and almost used the bag for ….well, I don’t need to explain.
I gave them to John to enjoy. Then, the next morning, I opened the cupboard to get some cereal out — and he must have left the bag open, put it back, and closed the door. I can still smell it now. Disgusting! So, no onions or even the smell of onions for me at the moment.
So, nine days left on board, nine days left in my Carnival career. I started in November 1996 and how time flies.
At the moment, there is nothing more I want to do then get home and have all the space in the world around me.
Although we have a bigger cabin than most, it’s still not like home. Being tired doesn’t really go together with this job either so the timing is perfect.
It will be strange not to work as I have worked since I was 13 while I was still at school, no weekend or vacation went by without a job and pocket money. Luckily I have enough things to do around the house and my Mum is coming over for a few weeks which will be great.
Here you have it – Heidi will be jobless, with a growing bump and all the time in the world to have coffee mornings (decaf tea for me) with friends, not having to check my watch all day anymore ………..not bad actually!
So John jets off to the U.S.A. soon and I will miss him terribly but a month will fly by, I am sure.
I am really proud of him and his new adventures will keep him busy which is great.
I will keep you up to date from home once in a while to let you know how I am doing. Until then, I wish everyone all the very best and thank you once again for all the nice things you have sent, written or told me in person over the years.
One last thing……….the thingy is due on May 15………..my Dad’s birthday.
Your friend,
Heidi & ?
OK, thanks Heidi and I second everything she said………except the bit about her being speechless………it will never happen.
Well, I guess I need to mention the credit crunch and meltdown Monday as it was being called. Stocks were falling quicker than Paris Hilton’s underwear and, as I watched my own little portfolio of shares tumble, I was surprised that in the middle of all this mayhem CNN International showed a report by a man with a beard who said “sales of organic food around the world had dropped 25% in the last 6 months.”………………
“I wonder why,” I thought.
People are worried about bills, their house is worthless, food costs more than gold, and filling your car with gas costs more than your car is worth — so it should be of no surprise to the man with beard that people aren’t spending hundreds of dollars on a shriveled up mushroom just so Peter the polar bear has a bigger piece of ice to play on.
Right now we need to be worried about people having jobs and being afford the basics of life. Food, water, heating, gas and cruises. We can worry about the Lesser Spotted Mongolian Bog Pig next year once the credit crunch thingy has buggered off.
I have to admit that I am not the sharpest tool in the box but I really don’t understand this whole thing. ………….let me explain.
I have no idea why falling house prices are such a bad thing. If you stay living there why does that matter? If you decide to move to another house then, yes, you will get less for your house — but doesn’t that mean you will also pay less for the one you are moving into? Then, if you don’t have a house at all…… they’re cheaper……….this should mean that it’s easier for first time buyers to get one?
Except, the banks are not lending you money which won’t happen until confidence returns which, in turn, won’t happen until prices rise again and then none of us will be able to afford it.
So, I guess we are all buggered.
My advice of a few days ago still stands…………….spend your money on a cruise, have fun and ignore the skeptics…………that’s my economic advice to you……………which some may say is like putting lipstick on a pig……………pointless.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and thingy
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Heidi's Post, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Ephesus, Istanbul, Izmir, Marmaris
Heidi…my best wishes as you enter this new phase of your life. I know you will be a wonderful mother. The “jury’s still out” on John. I didn’t know May 15 was the anniversary of your father’s birth. It will be wonderful if your “thingy/your Dad share the same birthday.
Once again…wishing you the best.
Heidi:
We are all very excited about this new chapter in your life that you are starting!!! You will be a wonderful Mum….John will be an excellent Dad and this will be one blessed little bundle of joy.
Linda
Hi Heidi and John; Wonderful to hear from you Heidi!! We have had such an emotional week. We got word that my only sister died suddenly in England and the next day our son and daughter-in-law had their first baby. Our first grandson!
Many tears of sadness and happiness. Heidi, I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and I know you and John will make wonderful parents. Enjoy your time – it will go too fast.
So we are off to England for a funeral and then will be spending lots of time with Ethan.
Then it will be time to plan a Carnival cruise to get away from our Canadian winter. Not even my new grandson makes me want to stay here all winter!
Judy and Andre
Hello John and Heidi! I am so happy to hear your news on the “thingy”. May God bless your family and I look forward to reading about your new adventures in your career and in your family! Heidi, enjoy your new career of being a mom, there is nothing like it. What a blessing to be able to be at home and raise your little bundle of joy. Take care!
I was so happy to hear that you are going to have a baby, I haven’t looked at your blog since last week so was crying at my computer catching up . Heidi and John I am so HAPPY FOR THE BOTH OF YOU. When we were with Bubba I even asked him, so tell us are John and Heidi pregnant, he said not that he knew. Always thinking of you both even when we are not cruising with you! I remember when you both were just”seeing”each other on the Triumph. I told Mike what a great couple! I am so happy for the both of you and please keep us all posted, as I know you will. John Congrats on both being a Dad and the new beginning of a new adventure with Carnival. You deserve it all. My Best to you , Heidi , and little thingy.! Cheryl
Heidi, well it sounds like you got everything under control even John. Now just the final count down to leaving the ship. I hope before you do that you and John get to take one of those late night moonlight strolls around one of the top decks.
I was going to suggest two names for the “thingy” Edward for a boy or Edwardine for the girl until I read the last line of your post. You have learned well from John on how to make us get or keyboards wet. I can see now the boys name is already picked out and it’s not a John Jr. You and John have told us many times how you miss your Dad. I’m sure your Dad will be watching over you and the “thingy”.
UNCLE BIG ED
Congratulations!
Thingy will be born on my 48th Birthday
Oh Heidi, we are all so happy for you. What a new a wonderous experience for you both, but expecially you in the months to come. How wonderful that the baby is due on your dad’s birthday–just in case though, if you feel the need to go early, mine is the 12th!
I know what a wild time it must be to think you are leaving a life you have known for so long but it will be wonderful to have your mum there to visit and help you plan the nursery. Yuk with the onions–you need to get one of those signs with a circle and a line through it with an onion in the middle to put on your cabin door and then outside your door when you get home.
We are all anxious to hear from you at home and please let us know more often how you are doing and what you and mum are up to while John is off on his new Carnival adventures.
John, I know that I am not stupid and it escapes me as well about the housing decline and I agree–if I get less then I pay less for the new one–yes? Why am I now going to have to repay $755 billion dollars because people that sold these mortgages were greedy? Sorry, I think it was a bad idea to bail them out–they US government surely won’t bail out my business if I make bad choices will they? Ugh!!!
Heidi:
It was so nice to hear from you personally. As the mother of two I know how you are feeling. This tired feeling will pass in a few weeks and you will have a lot of energy to put into your home for the next few months. Then the energy will again dip, but, the excitement of the new thingie will set in for the final long weeks. When you and John set eyes on Healdthingie, it will be well worth all. I wish you a happy retirement and and enjoyable pregnancy. I am sure John will be lonely without you, and, when the time comes for him to get back to work after thingie is born it is he who will be crying.
John: Do not even think of playing hookey from the August 25th Baltic cruise. I will be dying to see the pictures of your beautiful thingie. (The baby one that is!).
Marie
Heidi,
Am so thrilled that your little one is due on your dad’s birthday. If it’s a boy, perhaps you’ll name him after your dad?????????
Hi John/Heidi:
First a warning…Beware of Fatma as you head towards Turkey. I recall your wonderful experience with her last year.
Nice to hear from Heidi, and its so exciting reading about all the changes that are ahead for you guys.
Great pictures from Dave and the Cunard visit a few days ago. Quite a memorable experience.
I can’t believe those 2 guys and the way they are dressed for formal night. I understand that not everyone goes and gets dressed up for that night, but when its the captain’s party…i’m sorry, but that’s not acceptable.
Oh well.
Thanks for another great blog and keep posting.
Take care,
David
It is sooo good to hear directly from Heidi that she is doing well, and acting very pregnant as she should. Your food aversions may last the whole pregnancy, and possibly beyond, but that is OK. Little Bit will be worth it, this mother of three can confirm. And to have the wee one due on your dad’s birthday brought tears to my eyes. The very best to you three.
John, I love your economic advice. Life is short–go cruising! And so we will…in November.
Duchess Sandy and Duke Dick in GA
Dear Heidi:
many blessing for you and the baby. Please take care and keep in touch.
You don’t know how happy I am for you. You are going to be a great mother. About being at home without a “job” LOL Prepare yourself because you are not going to be bored . You are going to have plenty to do don’t worry. It is not easy but it is very rewarding. I stayed at home with my kids for 10 years and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I miss that days. You see your Dad is present in the process from the beginning.
Un abrazo grande
Nanni
Heidi what great news – to be born on your dad’s birthday would be a true blessing. Take care of yourself and congratulations once again.
John – Don’t worry that you’re too old for this. You’re only as old as you think you are. Wait a sec., are you old enough?
Heidi – Try a little cinnamon on the brown sugar and toast. My wife assures me its to die for…
Heidi-So nice to hear from you again. While you are at home I have one word for you…”rest”! You’re going to need it as the next 20 or so years will have you running here there and everywhere. But what a joy it will be. We will miss you on the Blogger’s Cruise, but hopefully we will be able to see you maybe via satellite. Make sure to take good care of yourself and I look forward to more blogs from you in the future.
John-I like your thinking on economics. Ever thought about running for President? You’d get my vote for sure!
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single
Heidi,
Tears still well up in my eyes when I think that finally after all of the months of trying and all of the prayers said, that you are going to have a wee little one. But when you told us that the little one is due on your father’s birthday I about lost it again. Your Dad is sitting up there watching over you and I’m sure he will be close by when the little one is born.
I was expecting my first born this time 48 years ago, he was born in May also, and it only seems like yesterday. Enjoy every moment and every kick when that wee little one starts moving. That is the most amazing experience.
We all love you and John to pieces and we are so very happy for you.
Countess Carolyn and Don …….
Dear John The Grand Lady of Cunard has done her job well and deserves her rest.A job well done to the QE2 and crew.
Heidi enjoy your time of leisure and get plenty of rest you deserve it. Hum mm.. didn’t I just say that.Best wishes to you all Gary and Bug
It’s so nice to hear from you, Heidi. I hope everything goes well for you and congratulations once again
)
)
If your baby really would be born on 5/15 – what a way to comemorate your dad.
You will be in my thoughts, please don’t be a stranger and write often.
Good Luck
Hi Heidi! Wow, I think your dad is watching over you two. How ironic that your due date is his birthday! What was his name? I guess it is a forgone conclusion that if it is a boy his first name will be after your dad, right? And if a girl- Jonell? HA! I hope you and John can have one last picture taken of you two before you get off the ship. John promised to leave an autographed picture of you 2 for us, we will be on the Nov. 21st Splendor cruise, cabin 7408, don’t forget John, ok?
Yes, please keep us informed of how you are doing during your pregnancy. When you find out if it will be a girl or a boy we all want to know. Where should we send any gifts for the baby? PLEASE RESPOND ok John/Heidi! I know what you mean about morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day. I was never able to eat tuna fish when I was pregnant years ago. And I too could not stand the smell of onions! Hopefully, it will be over before you know it. It will be such fun decorating the nursery too! And, I guess you will get a puppy when you get home? Enjoy your time off because once the baby arrives you will be working full time again being a mum! All our Love to you both! And of cause the little thingy too! Linda & Mike from Florida
Heidi,
Glad to hear you are doing well. How wonderful that the baby is due on your Dad’s birthday.
It will be wonderful that you will be spending more time with your Mom, too. I’m sure she will be doting on you in your condition.
I’m sorry I won’t be meeting you on the Blogger’s cruise but I’m wishing you and John the best of luck as you become parents. Now the challenges of raising a little one will begin.
Charlotte
We will really miss Heidi “The Blonde Bombshell” on future cruises Aug17, Aug21, & Feb. in South America, but wish you well and hope you have a happy time with “the Heald Thingy”
John enjoy your new work assignment and be careful. Its a jungle out there especially around Miami.
Heidi and Thingy need you around.
Thanks for everything
Best to you both.
Dave and Jo Myerly
Dear John & Heidi….
Susan and I have never met you but we are proud to call you friends! We are so happy for the two of you! A child is a wonderful blessing!
John…I have another suggestion, maybe you could have a town hall while the bloggers cruise is going on. I’m sure all of us would love to hear from not only you but other Carnival Senior Management! Talk about an opportunity! They could get a first hand review! They could ask questions and get suggestions from people that really care! Of course I’m sure you are quite capable of handling those chores and relaying them! It’s just always good to see the big wigs (including yourself). By the way….we would love for Heidi to be there! See if you can’t get her excited to come. I’m sure someone could hold a great baby shower for her!
Just a thought!
As always we can’t wait for Feb!
John & Susan from Frisco, Tx.
As QE2 begins her final lap around the isles on her way to her new permanent berth in Dubai the significance of her many years of unparalleled service comes to mind. She is a true legend with a rich and vibrant history. A grand vessel which will continue to serve an adoring public, but in a different way.
The throngs of people standing to see her off are a testament to the high level sentiment this unprecedented Cunarder.
Just as QE2 is concluding her sea-faring years Heidi too will be hanging up her clogs. Plenty of rest and a break from cruise ship stress is just what Thingy requires. I wish the best to your now growing family.
The Flying Dutchman
Dear Heidi,
There is a little package being sent to Chris in Miami for you and John.
Inside the package will be some socks to help your legs during the pregnancy. I also sent some for John as he’ll be up nights feeding the “thingy” I’m sure and will need the added “support” LOL.
Let me know how these work for you and all the best .
B&D from Canada.
How wonderful to hear from Heidi! Hello, Heidi!!!
If I learn how to curse in Russian do I get to be an obnoxious lout on my next cruise, too? It occurs to me that some Russians need to have the price of their bookings adjusted as an aggravation tax…
The pictures of the QE2 are wonderful, the pictures of the Russian twits not so much. I could care less if they don’t want to dress for elegant evening but they need to go inflict themselves upon innocent folks elsewhere and leave elegant evening to those who understand it.
The interview with Carol Marlowe was superb. I wonder if she needs a male secretary???
That’s all from me for the moment!!!
Tell Stephanie she’s doing a bang up job!!!
Ciao !!!
Host Mach
Heidi, thank you for the blog today, the future is ahead
for you and may the next 7 months go smoothly for you.
Our daughter was born on my birthday and I can’t describe in words what a feeling that was, and the ironic thing was, we had the same doctor deliver us.
John please help Heidi pack for the trip home, on second thought Heidi get someone to help you so it can be done right:)
Best to you both
Papanh
Congratulations to both of you!!! Heidi…don’t sell yourself short. Your new “career” may not pay well but, it will be the most rewarding, difficult, time consuming job in the world. I have that same job and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Spending quality and quantity time with your child is the most fabulous years of your life…Enjoy every moment! I do!
You will both be amazing parents!
Good evening you two beautiful people. Tonight John, I will spend the time with Heidi. I so happy to have had some time learning about you during these year and a half. You are a very beautiful woman and I must say that as I told John, I’ve thought that a pregnant woman was most beautiful because she always seemed to have a glow about her. Life for you and John will change, but for the good. My heart was full of tears when you told us that the little one was going to be born about the time of your father’s birthday. I will pray for that. Keep healthy and sound and prepare for the happy day. Remember Heidi, when the day comes to go to the hospital, take good care of John. I found that the wife is the one who is most in control on that day and the husband, well, he’s a little nuts. I know was. This little thingy will have the love of many people who love you both. Ciao my friends.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John…
We STILL MUST CRUISE CUNARD!!! We MUST!!
I am in love with the thought of Cunard… Not forever and not solely… But I MUST treat myself at least once in this lifetime!!!
Heidi!! How wonderful to hear from you!! And what a special blessing that your ‘thingy’ is due on Dad’s birthday!! I’ve offered my birthday of May 7th in another response… NOPE!!! I pray yours is born on Opa’s birthday!! What an honor and privilege that would be!!! I’m sure you and Oma will be smiling and hoping for that!!!
God Bless you!!
Lambie
Dear John and Heidi,
For those of us who might want to send something for the little baby, what address would we send it to? I would not want a package going from ship to ship..the baby could be a year old before the package arrived at the correct place.lol
Any names picked out yet?
Best wishes,
Sharon
Hi Heidi
It is so wonderful to hear from you. Again, I say congratulations to both of you on the addition to your family. I am sure your Dad is very excited to know that the little one is due on his birthday.
Please don’t fret and think you will be jobless. Being a full time Mum is probably one of the hardest but most fulfilling jobs you well ever know. Enjoy every minute because time really does fly.
Take care of yourself and listen to your body, it does know what’s best. Give my best to John.
Gloria aka Sue
Dear John and Mam HEidi
Been catching up on the Blogs
CONGRATULATIONS on your impending parenthood and HEidi on your “retirement” How exciting your life is going to be. DOES THIS mean you are NOT going to get your puppy now? I hope your “thingy” is born on your Dad’s birthday. That would be soo special. I hope you will think of us and keep us in a “pre natal Blog” of sorts while John does his thing for Carnival. and you can insert it like he does Bubbas blog. Aren’t te red hat ladies something. we ran into a group in SAn Francisco and it was neat!
Loved the Pictures of the QE and the interview with MS Marlow. and of Course you had to have THAT 1 % with Mr Snoblov.. Never fails John
Take Care
and we are SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH!
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Heidi,
I’m so glad to hear from you again! I am sure you are going through multiples of different feelings right now. Leaving your job with Carnival, John working without you, being home all the time, and watching that little bump grow into a beautiful baby soon. I agree that when you get home, get all the rest you can! I have no doubts that you are going to be a great mum. Please make John read his book cover to cover! Do they make one called Babies for dummies?? LOL
John,
Congrats on the new job! How exciting! A new adventure for you. Plus becoming a dad. Your life will never be the same…it is going to be so wonderful. Please try to spend special time with Heidi on the ship for the next eight days!
Princess Susan
Dear Heidi and John,
We haven’t been posting a lot but are still reading the blog (since last year March!!!).
Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met jullie zwangerschap!
Beijos&knuffeltjes,
Thais and Fabian
Heidi and John,
I am just now catching up on a week’s worth of blogs. What a delightful surprise to hear the news about the impending arrival.
I can’t think of 2 more deserving folks to welcome a bundle of joy into the world. I know you’ll be the greatest of parents. He or she is a lucky little bugger.
Heidi, good luck on your return to home. You’ll be missed, but this will be the perfect time for you to nest and prepare home for the baby. Get lots of rest and take good care of yourself. We’ll miss you on the blog…be sure to hop in occasionally with a guest submission so we know how things are going.
Best wishes to you both,
Lisa Kilmartin
Heidi (and John)
Jobless??? Hardly. I didn’t go to college but when people ask me if I have a degree I tell them I have a M.O.M. (Masters in Motherhood). Being a mom was and will remain the best and most rewarding job I ever had.
As far as the “morning sickness” – I found that taking my pre-natal vitamin before bed (instead of in the morning) helped.
Best of luck to the three of you! Please keep us posted.
Sue K (in Pittsburgh)
The Red Hat Society is a really big deal. Not sure just what they do, but they will get together and wear said hats, all over. I went to a funeral and there at the front of the Church were a slew of them, and yes all in their red hats.
Ah Heidi, thanks for checking in on more time. I hope you feel better soon. Being tired and not feeling well, is no fun. In another month, you should be feeling better. You will enjoy being at home even if John is not there, that month will go fast. I think it is so great that you were the last one I saw when we got off the ship and I hoped that you could start that family soon. Guess you were already in that family way and John’s duty is done. Many blessings to you, John and your baby. Please stay in touch, we love hearing from you.
John, your days are getting shorter and shorter. I am sure you and your staff are getting sad, but new things are going to happen in you and Heidi’s life, and that is a very good thing.
Keep smiling John, and keep the Russian drunk and passed out but hopefully in his Stateroom, at least he is not yelling at anyone then.
Heidi,
Great to hear from you. Congratulations on the baby. I know you have been wanting this for a long time. How neat….he will be born in spring.You have to let us know as soon as you know whether it is a boy or girl.
Enjoy your time at home and keep us informed.
Ruth