Friday, October 10th, 2008...3:20 pm
Turkey…..For Lunch
I was so mad this morning. During the night we had a guest taken very ill and the infirmary staff spent the entire evening saving that person’s life. So, this morning we arrived into Istanbul and, after a difficult maneuver by the captain to get the ship alongside between the Grand Princess and a cargo vessel, we obviously needed to clear the Deck 0 lobby so we could take the guest from the infirmary off the gangway to the waiting ambulance…….we were supposed to be alongside at 9 am and we actually arrived at 9:20 am.
So, I had staff asking the guests to clear the area. They refused. They were on a private tour and that was more important. I then made an announcement over the PA system and eventually and, with the help of the security guards, the 50-plus guests moved. Not before handing out abuse to the staff…….
I would love to tell you who these guests were but I am sure this would lead to accusations from a few reading this that I was being stereotypical ……….so, I will just say that I hope the guest makes a full recovery and I hope the bus on which these 50 very rude people are touring on today gets a flat tire, the air conditioning isn’t working and that they get back to the ship just as its pulling away.
I wish I could tell you some of the words they used this morning toward the staff……..I wish I could tell you how they pushed and shoved and how one poor dancer, whose job it was to hand out the Turkish landing cards, was reduced to tears by their actions………oh …….and it wasn’t the Russians. She was trying to explain that we needed to move guests so we could take a guest on a stretcher off the ship — and not only did he pretend he didn’t speak English and started to shout, but he actually shoved her out of the way …………that’s a tiny slip of a thing dancer being shoved out of the way by a guest who refused to allow space to take our sick friend to hospital.
Security took care of the situation and it’s a shame they did so with their usual care and consideration…………they should have used a cattle prod.
More importantly, I again want to sing the praises of our medical staff for saving a man’s life last night. I have no idea how the guest is at the moment but I do know that he was given a fighting chance by Dr. Jason Wolfe and his staff. I shall make sure the guests on board know this tonight
I will let you know how the guest is doing ……………….we will be thinking of him tonight.
So, good Morning from Istanbul
Did you know it’s illegal to wear a fez in here? Weird, but true. True and understandable. The fez is possibly the stupidest item of clothing ever invented. You couldn’t take seriously anything that was said by someone wearing a fez. The Turks realized that they were famous for only two things: beating people on the soles of the feet and wearing silly hats. So they banned the hats. Now they’ve got rid of the fez, the Turks are famous for beating people on the soles of the feet and marrying the 14-year-old daughters of tourists.
The food in Istanbul is very good. Sugar-rush pastries which are of course strictly off limits to a diabetic like me …….. bugger.
I passed a butcher’s window in which were hanging the still-connected lungs, heart and liver of three sheep. My favorite thing to eat was a soft bun stuffed with the chopped intestines of whatever animal happened to be walking by the restaurant…….. It’s known by tourists as a Kebab and you will never ever see a local eating one.
I love the local coffee houses, where the air is full of the sweet scent of coconut and apple dispensed from the water bongs that are being smoked. They say you can read your fortune in your coffee cup and having drunk the coffee, I can understand that — there’s half a centimeter of sediment at the bottom of the cup and my future said I had better find a toilet pretty quickly. …………stick to the tea…………it’s called Chi……….and its sweet and refreshing and drunk out of cute little glasses which Heidi insisted we buy 12 of ………I know they will never see the light of day destined like my soap on a rope collection to spend their life in our crap cupboard.
Guests always ask me what is the top site to see……..mmmmm……..that’s a tough one with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia all jockeying for first place.
But, as I say in my travel talk, if you’ve got time for only one sight, make it Topkapi Palace. Nerve center of the Ottoman empire, it was home to the most entertaining rulers in history. There’s been more scheming, sex and violence on this spot than anywhere else on earth………..except maybe Paris Hilton’s bedroom.
The sheer showy excess of the sultans of bling makes Brad and Angelina look like Benedictine monks. In the treasury, gasp at the colossal jeweled pendants, 100 kg gold candlesticks and diamond-encrusted chain mail before seeing the pick of the lot, the Topkapi dagger. With its three immense emeralds, it’s the 1740 equivalent of a gold-plated AK 47.
Our tours include a wonderful lunch at a cafe housed in the royal Mecidiye pavilion, with stunning views over the Sea of Marmara to Asia………and in case you have tried the coffee…….a great view of the toilets.
There’s no law saying you’ve got to go to the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest shopping center but, of course, everyone does. There are 4,000 shops connected by alleyways and after passing the first few dozen shops, you will discover that they all sell the same thing. Carpets, fake bags, carpets, fake watches, carpets, fake sunglasses, carpets and oh yes ….. carpets. At least they are honest and will have huge signs outside their stalls saying “genuine fakes.”
It’s no wonder then that Istanbul is one of the most popular ports of call for Carnival guests in Europe. East meets west………the best of both worlds.
Unless you are this chap.
Guest: Mr ________ Ref: 002975279A
Cabin: _________ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 10/08/08 - 10/09/08WANTS TO SPEAK TO CAPTAIN OR CRUISE DIRECTOR ABOUT ISTANBUL
Mr. ________ came to the desk very upset saying that he does not think it is safe for American passengers to get off the ship in Turkey. Guest said that he was surprised and angry that the captain and cruise director had not warned them that if they were American that they may be in danger. Purser assured Mr______ that they were in no danger and that Carnival always has safety in mind. Guest said that he wanted to speak to the captain or cruise director now and he would wait by the phone in his cabin. Guest left the desk before Purser could explain further. Purser called cruise director who was at the show. Phone was answered by ACD Heidi who said she would pass the message to CD.
I called the guest, who, for some reason, felt that being American, he would be targeted by the people of Istanbul. I tried to explain to him that the only danger he faced was getting his pocket picked in the Grand Bazaar or if he ate a dodgy Kebab…….but he didn’t want to know.
This was the same gentlemen who had commented yesterday that he thought we were going to Venice. I think he has some personal issues so I decided to change tactics and just talk to him and, after 20-something minutes, I had failed…………..he was not going to get off the ship…………..and there was nothing I could say to make him change his mind. In his view Istanbul was a place that wanted to cause him harm and, therefore, he will be one of very few who will not get to experience the delights of this very friendly city who welcome tourists from all over the world 365 days a year………………..what a shame.
OK, let’s change the mood now with some photos of Maramaris and Ephesus taken by our Production Singer Lawrence. Here they are.
I have had so many letters this week that I haven’t had time to post any. Here are two though I just read this morning.
And for the first time since I went to the Carnival Dream two weeks ago………….I actually got off the vessel. ………even though I have to complete the crossing schedules, continue with the staff appraisals, blog and host shows…………..Heidi made me disembark.
We went to lunch with the best tour operator in Europe. ……….Seasong’s owner Karen Fedorko-Sefer. We went to a place called Orient Café, which has freshly made Kebab……….so fresh, in fact, that I think I heard my plate go ….baa baa…..my apologies to blogger and friend Lambknuckles.
Anyway, the Cafe has seating outside and although we had a shower this morning the sun came out and it was nice to get some fresh air. So, there I was munching on my sheep and, obviously, many guests recognized me. Some waved, some ignored me, some came over to say “hello” and say what a great time they were having – and one came over and was very lucky to leave without a piece of pita bread hanging from his bottom.
OK, I have said this before and I expect and enjoy it………….I am the cruise director on and off the ship. Most guests though will say “excuse me” or “sorry to bother” …………not this one. He walked over and even though I had just taken a big mouthful of sheep he said “Why don’t you have a bridge instructor?”
As he said this he had the nerve to sit down in the one empty chair at our table and started talking about how Cunard had bridge instructors and how dreadful the decor on the ship was………….Oh, he was British by the way.
Swallowing the piece of sheep and nearly choking as I did so, I apologized and explained that we did not have one and that the decor was fun and friendly and………he then started …………..and no………I am not making this up………he started telling me a joke……..a long joke about a British pilot captured in WWII.
As he was telling the story, I did my best not to look pissed off at that the fact that my sheep was getting cold and when the punch line came I laughed as best I could. There was then a moment of embarrassing silence…………..and then he stood up telling me as he did so that I could learn a lot from Cunard…………….and he buggered off leaving me with a cold sheep on my plate and an overwhelming desire to change my nationality.
I am glad he is a Cunard fan……..so am I………..but it takes a lot of you know what to just sit down without being invited and without a word of apology for the introduction give me a huge bollocking………………..they say Brits are polite and never complain……….I don’t think Mr. Bridge got the memo.
Anyway, the rest of the guests were wonderful and Karen sat there grinning from ear to ear as they told her what a beautiful country she lived in and how amazing the places are. Karen is from New Jersey……….she left a top post as the Senior Vice President of Abercrombie and Kent after meeting her future husband on a plane …………. and now runs the top tour operation company in Europe.
Well, here I am back onboard and I am watching another day of carnage in the stock markets which are dropping faster than an elephant wearing concrete boots jumping off a cliff. Apparently we’re all bankrupt, our houses will soon be repossessed, and that if we wish to survive, we must rear our children to be kind, bright, hardworking and, above all, tasty.
Apparently this is not the fault of the world’s bankers, who according to an interview currently on CNBC do a marvelous job making lots of very beautiful television commercials and keeping Mercedes, Prada and Rolex in business. Put hundreds of men in a high-rise building from 6 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, with a working day that starts with someone clanging a huge bell, to play what is, essentially, billion-dollar poker, and what do you get? A whole heap of credit poo.
Talking of poo……………what’s the difference between a pigeon and a banker?…….a pigeon can still put a deposit on a Ferrari.
I was talking to someone at Carnival just now and it was wonderful to hear that people are still booking cruises and why not? We only live once and with the doom and gloom of the crunching credit thingy, we all need something to look forward to and what better than a vacation? So, book now. Everyone who does, gets free laughter and rejuvenation.
As seems to be commonplace now at this stage of my daily thingy I have to comment on the pregnancy and Heidi’s health. Well, she had a good day today and spent most of it contributing to Vodafone stocks by calling all her friends back in Holland and the UK to talk about babies. I know who she is talking to because she uses their names……………let me explain. If Heidi and her friend Nadia go out, they call each other …….Heidi and Nadia. If I go out with my mates Alan and Danny, we will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Bastard, King Ugly and Cheap Git.
Also, since the announcement of the thingy living in Heidi’s tummy the number of creams, lotions, vitamins and creams has risen from 236 to 450. Honestly…….I can only identify three of them.
Toothpaste, deodorant and the one that women use to take make up off. I have four in my side of the bathroom — deodorant, shaving cream, eye drops and my industrial tube of extra strength hemorrhoid cream.
Anyway, today I forgot Heidi was pregnant. She was packing boxes ready for our departure and was struggling to move one out of the way so she could start on the next one. I didn’t really notice as I was busy writing to you…..Heidi looked at me and said nothing……I apologized and she ignored me…..I felt remorse for about five seconds ….. then moved on…………there’s no use in two people remembering the same thing forever.
Oh well, time to go back to the e-mails and delete the hundreds I get a day that say that
if I don’t send this email to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes at 5 pm this afternoon fleas from 12 camels will infest my back, causing me to grow a hairy hump.
What a load of bollocks.
Oh, one thing that is true………….. A lengthy study has discovered that people who secretly dream of Judge Judy wearing only a G-String……. or me…….. dressed as a Roman Gladiator ……always read their emails while holding the mouse.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the thingy
38 Comments
October 10th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I hope the ill pax gets well soon…and that the people blocking his/her way off the ship catch whatever he/she has. Oh, I made sure I took my hand off the mouse immediately before writing this.
I have enough problems as it is….
October 10th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
It never fails to amaze me how callous and self centered some people can be. I join you in wishes that those clods will return to the dock just in time to see the Splendor’s lovely Farcus Funnel fading into the distance… Cretins…
Your paranoid guest reminds me so much of all the people who refuse to debark in Jamaica. They’ve ‘heard’ how dangerous the island is as though pirates lurk around every corner waiting to slash the throat of some cruise ship passenger and make of with their Sail and Sign card and that silly extra tall Margarita glass they’re totting about from the last bar they stopped in. What a shame. They have no clue what they’re missing…
Just this morning I penned a letter to the Guest Relations department of Carnival to thank the entire crew of the Conquest for such a wonderful time. I made a point to mention several people specifically for doing a perfectly stellar job. More of these folks deserve recognition. What are the chances of spotlighting some of the staff throughout the fleet who work so hard to make our vacation experience enjoyable? They deserve their 15 minutes of fame.
Thanks for the good news on the Heidi front, or bump, as the case may be!!! Please tell Stephanie that I think she’s perfectly brilliant and WAY overworked!!!
Thanks for all you do for us out here in the blogging community.
Ciao…
Host Mach
October 10th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
P.S. John Congates to you and Heidi and the thingy you will make a great father well wishes to Heidi
D. Conway
October 10th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
You should tell Mr. Bridge that when the (London)bridge was sold to Arizona back around 1968 that all the bridge instructors went with it, and that he’ll have to go to Lake Havasu to find one.
October 10th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Dear John high praise for the Dr. and the crew for acting as all Carnival personnel I have encountered with care for their passengers.As for the petty and trifling guest who act worse than a spoiled child. One day they may need help and they will get there just rewards.I do pray the passenger will be alright and our prayers are with them.p.s.I warned Lambie to take a chill pill before reading the blog thingy today. Best wishes Gary and Bug
October 10th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hi John,
The usual thoughts from me about the people you have to deal with on these cruises. I’ll refrain from typing them out this time, as my rants don’t get posted anyway.
But that was a great joke about the pigeon and the banker. I just burst out laughing. Thanks as always,
Jeff
October 10th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
How horrible to become ill and almost die, but then when you can be taken to the hospital once the ship docks you have 50 obtuse pax that think their non Carnival excursion is more important than a life. I do not know why said pax are still on the ship. They are lucky that Carnival is more tolerant than I would be. My sincere prayers are being lifted up for a full recovery to your pax. To those that decided to get in the way, I can only pray they are not on the ship tonight and that you can announce they are not and why you are happy. Of course Dear John, you would never ever say that, but the rest of us can.
This last cruise of yours on the Splendor, well it should be going a lot better and I am sorry it is not.
My best to you and Heidi, I so miss being on the ship and the wonderful cruise we took. Mike keeps waiting for the menu, it never arrives LOL.
Keep smiling John, the people that are idiots will get theirs one day, I guess we will just have to wait.
October 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
OMG, you mean to tell me that I have been dreaming of you dressed as a Gladiator? When I read that I immediately took my hand off the Mouse! BTW, you better move those boxes for Heidi or else! AND, you know you too are excited about becoming a daddy Mr. Matcho! Your fish did a good job of swimming! HA! What date do you officially leave again? Don’t forget to post your P.O. Box in the U.K. where we can send presents for the new bambino! Ciao, Linda & Mike
October 10th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
The guest who insinuated himself into your lunch to complain reminded me of several folks my wife and I encountered on the Splendor this past July.
We found the Splendor to be brightly decorated, fun actually. A few have the idea that complaining is an occupation they qualify for and commented that they didn’t care for the pink and the bright decorations.
We found the most effective reply was, “You know this is Carnival Cruise Lines. Doesn’t it seem like a Carnival to you”? You know, fun and games and bright decor?
The photos are great, keep them coming and thanks.
October 10th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I think it is very sad that someone is so misinformed and fearful that they would miss one of the great experiences anywhere in the world. I fell completely under the spell of Istanbul when we had a 3 day post cruise stay there. I told my husband .. we have to see everything we will never be back .. which turned out to be a good thing to say as our next cruise 10 months later started there.
I believe I have sailed with those passengers who were not interested in the sick passengers well being. It is sad that some people are just so self centered but it is a fact of life. My best wishes to the unfortunate cruiser who took ill.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
John, I hope that gentleman will be okay. I know he had good care from your fine medical staff on board.
Shame on those people who refused to make way for the medical emergency! I say to tell the pastry staff to reward those social idiots with a batch of ex-lax brownies. :-D)
(Ooh, that was mean, wasn’t it?).
Well, you know what I mean. Some people just don’t have common sense or courtesy.
My best to you, Heidi, and baby Heald….
October 10th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hi Daddy John and Mama Heidi, Boy that sounds great………
Prayers are going up for the sick passenger. Please let us know how he/she is.
I simply do not see how you keep your temper in check. I would have pushed several of them overboard to get their attention. God doesn’t like ugly and the 50 passengers will pay one of these days.
Don’t forget to give us the PO box number for the wee little’s gifts….
Countess Carolyn and Don
Hi Stephanie , how’s your mom?
Hi to John’s Mum and Dad and Heidi’s Mom, all soon to be granny’s and papaw………. Oh and can’t forget, Auntie Suze, too
October 10th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I hope the sick passenger does recover. My thoughts on the crowd besides ditto of yours are that you can only imagine how they would react if it was them or their family member that needed to be taken to an ambulance.
I’m glad that most guests respect your personal time if they see you off the ship–not this time though..sorry. I love the fact that you bought 12 of the little cup thingys for the crap cupboard.
Heidi gave you the “look”. I love the look and used it frequently–perhaps that’s why I’m not married anymore…you need to not let her lift heavy boxes so now I’m giving you “the look”.
The pictures are great and especially the toilets.
Fat Bastard used to be my favorite weekday red wine…
October 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
John -
As always, there are passengers whose brains are clearly less capable that the brain of the brontosaurus. Unfortunately, it appears as though you have several of those passengers embarked.
Jon
October 10th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
John, first of all, let me say that I was glad to see on your previous blog that the lovely Grand Turk, which we visited on Imagination, is back to normal. My Dune Buggy tour on that trip was really a highlight for me!
Secondly, this guest of yours has a problem thinking Turkey is not safe. Either the man is a bumbling idiot who didn’t know where his cruise was going at all or he is looking to make trouble. Maybe him and the Cunard bridge player can make friends and sit the entire trip together in the card room.
Some bad news from my end–which I am sure you will empathize–my brother’s Bells Palsy, long gone from many years ago, has reappeared today. I wrote to him via email (he lives in Los Angeles) and was calling it “Mr Bell.” He’ll probably have no idea what I am talking about…..
October 10th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
John, the first part of your blog left me so angry! I forget how self-centered some people can be. My prayers are with the guest and family members.
Great pictures!
I’m glad that you are Heidi had a few hours away from ship (even though your meal was interrupted).
Take care of Heidi and enjoy your last few weeks on the ship!
October 10th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
John,
How pathetic and selfish that those passengers were only focused on their precious shore excursion. No one could have foreseen that and thanks to the medical staff on board the passenger at least has a fighting chance of making it.
Loved the pictures. Makes me want to return to the Mediterrean.
You are right, John. People can not take the money with them. What are you going to do,folks? The money is yours and you should enjoy life. Why let it sit around and dwindle away in this financial dilemma? When you take a cruise, you will be pampered and treated like royalty. Everyone owes it to themselves to enjoy life a little.
Take care of yourselves. It will not be long until you return home and can get some much needed rest.
Ruth
October 10th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Ugh John, please let us know how our sick passenger is faring, and we can send the blogger squad to take good care of the bunch of putzes who think a tour is more important FTLOG!!
Our Lambie is needing distraction this week John, I do think you will have provided this today…Oh dear….
Love you all, ESPECIALLY my new niecey or nephew thingy…and you and Heidi and Stephanie of course….:>)
Aunt Floatie
October 10th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
John Please Reply***
On our cruise critic roll call for the Liberty next week 10/18 people are starting to get a little scared because of the delay out of dry dock for the Fantasy
Please assure us all is on schedule
We wish you were joining us
October 10th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Our prayers are with the ill passenger and shame shame shame on the self centered people who could not be moved to accomodate a fellow human being. Maybe the downturn in the economy will have a silver lining and we will start to value people over things again!
October 10th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Bravo to the doc and crew for getting this guest the medical attention they needed. Last month on the Elation two hours out of Carbo San Lucas our ship turned around and headed back to Carbo because of a seriously ill guest. I couldn’t believe that some quests were more concerned about their next port than the well being of the quest. We got the guest off back in Carbo later that night and the ship actually made it to the next port with no lost shore time. Again, great job by the Carnival. crew.
Also, been to Turkey, walked the streets of both Istanbul and Izmir with my wife and friends without any problems (except for being flipped off by two young boys in Izmir for not contributing to their pan handling request).
October 10th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
John, can you tell me the name of the Captain of the Carnival Destiny. We are booked for the cruise leaving Miami on Dec. 11, 2008. I’m a retired United Airlines Captain and always enjoy meeting the skipper on our cruises and swapping captain stories. Thanks much, Tim Gallagher
October 10th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
John Please Reply,
Hi John and Heidi,
We have cruised with you several times on the Triumph and you are the best. We just arrived home from the Mexican Riviera on the Pride. It is a beautiful ship, but without you it wasn’t as much fun.
Our daughter picked us up at the Atlanta airport and gave me a gift of a baby hat to announce her pregnancy( A HUGE surprise) and then as I was catching up on your blogs I found that you are also with child or a thingy as you put it. My daughter is due June 15th so I will feel as though I am having 2 new grandchildren next year. Congratulations and all the best to you both and of course best of health to the little CD.
PS..Why don’t they have nightlights in the bathrooms.. I hate getting blinded during a night run to the potty!! Please suggest this to Joe Farkus.
How do we find out how many cruises we have taken? I am almost positive it is 10 as our first was on Carnivale.., but I don’t know if it counts.
Thanks.
Donna
October 10th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
There comes a point when Carnival & it’s staff need not be polite and trying to ensure that all guests are somehow happy with their cruise, regardless of how ridiculous their complaint. If, for example, people refused to move out of the way for a stretcher coming out of a hotel, police would be called to the scene and they would be removed. End of discussion. Shoving the dancer out of the way, or anyone else, is assault and that individual should be evicted from the ship, in my opinion. I do not comprehend how you manage to not say to these people what you’re thinking in these situations. Kudos to the medical staff that kept this guest alive.
October 10th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Please keep us posted on the passanger taken off for medical reasons. Also, it just goes to show that ignorance is everywhere, it has no boundaries.
Congrats on Thingy 1, and raising Thingy 1 will make rasing Thingy 2 MUCH easier!!
Be well! and hi to Heidi!
Jane
October 11th, 2008 at 3:37 am
Does thingy not get a capital letter until it’s born!?!?
Sheesh!
=) ::smiles::
Jaime (from the Entertainment Staff, who gets to print the blog everyday so subsequently gets to read it!)
October 11th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I used to read emails while holding my mouse, but no longer…..
….. not since the cat ate it.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:21 am
John, I’m sorry that your lunch was interrupted, and wonder how Heidi would have felt if you’d asked for Kadin Gobegi for dessert - it’s delightful little pistachio pastries which translate as “Ladies’ Navels”. Perhaps it’s just as well you’re diabetic!
Could Stephanie please answer this question …
Stephanie, we know that people don’t usually want to receive mail when they’re on a cruise, but as we are planning to do the three back-to-back Splendor cruises around South America in 2009 (which add up to a total of seven weeks on board), we wonder if there’s any way we can have mail sent to us at different ports? If so, how should it be addresssed?
Thanks!
Frances
October 11th, 2008 at 7:50 am
John…
Thank goodness Squidly warned me to calm and take a chill pill before entering your blog thingy…
My friends??? My fellows lambies being slaughtered, hung out for viewing, and eaten. Show me to this Brit-Bugger of a nuisance and let me take out my aggression… ahhhh calm now… calm Lambie…
I accept your appology… When in Rome — I should say Turkey — do as the turkeys do. I too love the kebob… and even the lamb in Greece… and most Mediteranean countries… oh my… what am I?????????
But… Now you also say they love to adorn their weapons?? And they appreciate the EMERALD… I LOVE EMERALDS!!! Hummmm… This must be a beautiful country!!! Lambies in the fields and Emeralds on their weapons…
I doubt you know I work in investments and the Stock Market and this has been the week from Hades for me and clients… and for all of us… I was just away at sea on the Lovely CONQUEST — that’s when the downturn began in earnest. But… my Lord… When does it end????
My personal goal for each and every client I talk with: to leave them with a smile or good laugh!!! Your blog thingy and my cruises are sometimes the fodder to prompt such good spirits. I love to cruise… I love to laugh… I love life… and I try to share all that with each and every person I meet!!!
JOHN, IT’S ALL A PART OF LIFE AND LET’S LIVE IT AND LOVE IT!!!
God Bless your guest who was taken by stretcher. God guide the doctors who helped. And let Him take His revenge and recompense all those who hindered that exit… Why are people so ingnorant to their fellow humans???
John, take care of that great woman of yours!! And your little thingy she’s nuturing… May you have a lifetime of smiles and joy!!!
God Bless all three… and Stephanie too!! Without the lot of you… We would be staring at blank pages… Your lives have a high purpose and meaning!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Lambie
October 11th, 2008 at 8:44 am
John,
Having been involved with a medical incident on board Carnival’s beautiful Valor last year I can attest to how wonderful and terrific the medical staff are.
I was cruising with my brother who is diabetic and has also had heart bypass surgery and although we did everything we could to be safe, my beloved brother one evening had a medical issue. Needless to say we were very scared but your terrific medical officers and nurses took control and everything turned out good.
This was my brothers first cruise and he was very hesitant in the beginning to even go but after the incident he stated that he would never be wary of cruising again as long as such a competent staff was aboard.
Anyway, just wanted to add my small 2 centavos.
Michael and I will be off in 15 days for our Victory cruise then back and planning for the Bloggers cruise. I can’t wait!
My best to you, Heidi and the babe.
Sallie,
Thong Princess of Big King Ed’s Evil Krewe
October 11th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Hi John,
I just arrived home on Oct 6th from my cruise on the Splendor. We toured Rome, Naples, Dubrovnik, Venice, Messina, Barcelona, Cannes (oops this one was cancelled due to bad weather) and Livorno. The cruise was fabulous. We thoroughly enjoyed all of your shows especially the morning show. Your specific suggestions and recommendations in each port were a great help..and the cannoli in Taormina! Mama miaaaa!
I commented to my husband when I arrived home (I cruised with my aunt) that I was so shocked at the rudeness of some of the passengers. Men and women stepping on heels and pushing into the dining rooms as if the ship is going to run out of food. Hellooo??? It was the same at the ports men and women (especially the men for some odd reason) pushing and hurrying to get off of the ship as if they had only a half hour, when in fact they had all day.
The Carnival staff was top notch. We even had a new Captain join us in Venice and he was stellar as well.
Thank you for a wonderful cruise! Good luck to you and Heidi. I have three children and love every minute of being a mom.
Ciao,
-Julie
October 11th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Please reply
1st Congrats on your new bundle of joy
you ask me to remind you about the Christmas ornaments. the ones I need are The Celebration (if possible), The Sensation, & the Glory
I guess you will not be on the Splendor when it goes to San Juan in Dec. If there is a way to have the ornaments sent to the Freedom for our 11/30/08 cruise. Our cabin is 9270
Thanks for all your great help, hopefully we will meet soon.
Everyone loves Michael’s tattoo of Freddy Funship
take care
Cheri & Michael
October 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Mr Heald, I really enjoy reading your blog. My concern is that after several stories of rude and sometimes dangerous behavior of some guests, there does not seem to be a policy of how to deal with them. What if there had to be a ship evacuation? After reading how ineffectively you have gotten certain groups to comply, I fear a time when it be imperative for them to folow directions. I think this matter needs to be addressed and not in a politically correct manner. It seems that you are letting the behavior of a few overwhelm the enjoyment of everyone to enjoy their trip.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hi John & Heidi - Susan from the West Midlands here. I have just come back from a two week holiday and have spent today catching up on all the blogs I have missed and am really pleased to hear the baby news. Congratulations to you both.
Heidi you are right about the Sensation Crisps they are the best. Try the Chicken flavour if you can’t stand the onion ones anymore.
John good luck with you new role with Carnival but please don’t give up being a cruise director. Hopefully will see you next year as looking to do the Dover to Rome cruise on the Liberty next Sept.
Susan
October 11th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Thanks for the photos, the story and your thoughts on Bankers! I agree, we only live and everyone should continue booking cruises. I will be on the Carnival Destiny 10.16.08…
October 11th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
BTW, I will be updating live reviews and photos of the Carnival Destiny on 10.16.08 on twitter. @cruisesource.
Rich Tucker
October 13th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
Judge Judy wearing a g-string? Oh my!!!
What a great set of pictures today. The history just leaps out of the picture.
I hope the guest who had to be taken off ill in Turkey is ok. I look forward to hearing more.
Great blog today and keep your head up.
Hard to believe the nonsense you sometimes have to deal with. What ever happened to common decency?
Oh well…
Thanks for another great blog today and keep writing.
Take care!
David
October 18th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Dear John,
I read your blogger in the library while onboard the Splendor. I wanted to reply but the internet connection onboard was too expensive and too slow
It was unfortunately that medical emergency happened, and it was just unbelievable that we had those rude passengers onboard with us. luckily, I did not meet them on the ship.
Hats off to your medical staff!
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