Bugger… this Facespace thingy has gotten out of control. Stephanie called me yesterday and told me that I have 1,000 friends and hundreds of requests from people who wanted to be my friend and needed a hug. My friend list is increasingly weird – Julian Fennel, for instance. The last time I saw Mr Fennel he was in junior school when we were eight years old……..I hated him because he got to kiss Sally Poole and here he is 30-something years later wanting to be my mate.
Then there is an ex-girlfriend whose name had better stay anonymous. We met on the Carnival Fantasy in 1990 and dated for some time. I told her to bugger off when I found her stealing $200 from my wallet and found out that she was having rumpy pumpy with the Staff Chief Engineer behind my back………..on her back…………………she now wants to be my friend……………I have said yes but only if she pays back the $200.
Anyway, there were many, many outstanding comments awaiting me so I decided to go and find somewhere to answer them. I could have worked in the office but there is a constant stream of people wanting to chat. I just can’t concentrate on writing a blog or replies without complete and utter silence………no music……no TV……..no conversation …………….just the sound of the keyboard………….and the occasional fart.
I could have worked in my hotel room but that is getting smaller each and every day. I have been there for one month now and I am beginning to find it so very claustrophobic. …..and so, feeling very, very brave I decided to go to South Beach….sit at a café …………. and write.
As with most urban environments, there is plenty to do, and on South Beach, there are more than the average city. The first problem was that even before I had opened my laptopdancer computer I knew that coming here might have been a mistake ………………… there were bosoms and bottoms everywhere as the young and beautiful minced on by. There were girls dressed in tight shorts and tighter T-shirts either accompanied by a girl dressed in similar fashion or by a ……………… ummmmmmm ……………….. man ……………. who was dressed in Guucivalentinopradachannel ………….some of these, ummmm, men made Richard Simmons look like Arnold Schwarzenegger………………………..and there was me …………. sweatpants, Miami Heat T-shirt………and hemorrhoids………………I felt really out of place.
Never mind……………I thought I have 1,000 plus friends on Facespace so bugger them.
And so I opened up my laptopdancer thingy and then realized I had forgotten the wireless card thingy. This Harry Potter designed card allows me to hit the internet thingy anywhere ……………..even the toilet…………I know this because I wrote most of yesterday’s blog while reliving myself of Emperor Chicken, Satay Beef and white rice. However…………I had left this magic card in the hotel.
Then I remembered a trick a computer man with a beard had taught me about how you could do something called “piggybacking” …………this word could also be used when describing the ex-girlfriend I referred to earlier.
So, I did what I was taught and that’s when my problem started.
My laptop showed that I was in range of seven different signals. I tried two and they needed passwords but the third one didn’t and allowed me to go online. I started responding to my Facespace page when a very angry Cuban chap stormed up to me and accused me of “stealing his internet.”
It turned out that he was the owner of the cafe on the other side of the road that charged patrons three dollars for Internet access. This man was getting quite hysterical and I found it difficult to stop laughing. I explained to him that I was sitting in a public place and I didn’t even know whose connection it was that I was using. Not that it mattered — if you don’t want someone to use your signal then make sure that they need to use a password.
Mr. Cuban went crazy and said that I was a criminal and that he was off to get the police. I laughed and told him that I’d be delighted if he did. He stormed off screaming and swearing in Spanish……….now as soon as he buggered off I did the same. I might have been full of bravado to his face but the thought of Don Johnson and his friends taking me to jail had me in a cab and back at the hotel immediately.
I thought that this story was so amusing that I’ve been telling everyone about it and about how ridiculous the guy was…… and, in fact, apparently I was wrong……………with many of my colleagues agreeing that it should be a criminal offense to use someone else’s Internet access
I was absolutely stunned – the practice of this “dark art” has saved me many a time when I’ve been trying to pick up my e-mails or send off an article away from home.
I love scouring an area trying to find an open link to send in my blogs. I suppose that it’s the closest I’ll ever get to be a member of the British Secret Service. I get my “equipment” ready – a fully charged laptopdancer computer, a Diet Coke and my emergency ration of hemorrhoid cream……make sure my car is fully fueled and the mission is ready to begin.
Then I get in and cruise around, stopping the car every five minutes or so to see if I can get a non-password-enabled signal while trying not to look too much like a stalker. It’s incredibly satisfying, harms nobody and allows you to read my musings wherever I am in the world. What could be better?
In most big cities, if you’re really organized, you can subscribe to some company, pay a monthly fee, and then pop into places like Starbucks to get online. But why bother when you can do it for free and not bother anybody?
Besides, sometimes I just don’t want a Cappo-Grande-Skinny-Maciatto. I only want to get online for two minutes and send an e-mail while drinking a cup of monkey tea.
I tend to rate hotels by whether they charge for the Internet or not. I had this problem at the posh hotel in Dallas where they charged a fortune for Wi-Fi access.
However after making the Cafe Cubano owner mad and considering he may have returned with his two friends Senor Smitho and Westeno…………..I think that nay have been my last piggybacking session.
There are just two more Dear John letters from Jaime…………here is today’s.
November 11, 2008
Dear John,
Feeling the thrusters going off at 6 am had never been more appeasing and anticipated than after five long sea days. This noise that usually brings on a moan of irritation instead resulted in cheers of excitement. To wake up, look out of the porthole and see LAND for the first time in what seemed like forever was truly an incredible feeling. I rushed off the ship first thing so that I was able to enjoy being in port for as long as possible. As I made my way off the gangway I bumped into one of our friendly Carnival Splendor pursers, after apologizing for running into her, she invited me to join her and her team at the Orient Bay, Bikini Beach. Luckily, I WAS indeed wearing a bikini, later I learned later this article of clothing was not in the wardrobe of many of the other visitors of the beach.
It was such a nice change to be back in the Caribbean with American style school buses, and radio stations. Even the toilets were a nice treat, as long as there was not a 1 Euro charge to use them! Today happened to be a holiday in St. Maarten so even though many shops were closed, the taxi drivers were still working hard to accommodate all of the tourists.
Making it to the beach was an adventure within itself; the road was narrow, long and quite windy. Traffic lined the one way streets connecting the port to the beach because of this holiday. Luckily, the drive around the coastline was certainly not a waste of time. Guests that have visited St. Maarten before informed me that the island has been significantly improved over the past few years. To be more specific, the houses were cleaned up, the beach was full of white sand and the water was the most beautiful shades of aqua-ey, turquoise-y, greenish blue.
Once we made our way to the French side of the island, lying on the beach and hearing the sounds of the waves in the background was the most relaxing sound I could possibly imagine. The track that I have on my iPod of “songs from the ocean” definitely does not compare. The pursers staff had decided they wanted to go jet skiing so I had the opportunity to tag along. All I can tell you is that I have never driven a jet ski, and I have not ridden one since the age of 13, and I think I swallowed more saltwater than a beluga whale. This salty combination along with the texture of the salt grinding in my teeth was probably the most perfect part of the day. My sore legs and back will help me remember this wonderful experience for days to come.
On the drive back to the ship there were barbeques and streamers everywhere and all of this celebration led to even more traffic. Being back on board the entertainment staff headed up to the Pinnacle Supper Club, for me it was the second time this cruise. After spending time in a bathing suit all day, I realize I can not make this into too much of a habit, but the food is so incredible that it was worth it =). Two more sea days before we return to the States with big smiles, open arms and inexpensive cell phone reception!
See you soon!
Jaime =)
The beautiful Island of St. Maarteen, right near the pier
The drive to the beach
The drive to the beach
The gorges beach, sand and water with the purser’s team!
See you soon! Jaime =)
Now, as promised here is Carnival UK’s Chief Commercial Officer our great friend Peter Shanks to tell us about a very special day and a very special……………………….goodbye.
Farewell QE2 – How Special Was That ?
John
It was a day beyond all days and – as your official UK Reporter – I wanted to share it with you and your many Carnival Bloggers. Awesome is a word one does not use too often – but this was more that awesome.
Of course you will know that the day did not start exactly as I had envisaged. On her way into Southampton QE2 in strong winds gently nudged a mudbank and came to a halt. It was a rising tide, we had tugs alongside, suffered no damage and the ship was shortly back on track. Although we were only 60 minutes late alongside – the media around the world had started the day off with “QE2 runs aground”. When asked later on National TV as to what had happened, I simply said that it turns out QE2 is more attached to Southampton than we thought.
So – next up was preparing to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He duly arrived and came onboard just as it turned 1100. Being the 11th of November and Armistice Day – we therefore started with a 2 minute silence. To do this in the presence of HRH in front of the famous ‘Falklands Corner’ on deck 2 was very moving indeed. As we stood there, two historic aircraft flew over the ship and dropped a million red poppies over the ship. Given that it was the 90th anniversary of the end of World War One – this was a very special tribute and carried out in true Cunard style.
HRH then continued round the ship meeting as many of our current and past crew as he could ,including past Captains. On arriving in the Queens Room we asked HRH on our behalf to present a specially commissioned painting of QE2 to the Mayor of Southampton. We had first shown this to his wife ( or I should say Her Majesty the Queen) when she came to bid farewell in June of this year. Clever strategy – why invite them together when you can get two wonderful events. Even better – HRH decided he would say a few words. Marvellous I thought – the time had come for one of his much loved personal insights. The picture was of QE2 in the Solent weaving her way amongst a flotilla of yachts. HRH is a keen sailor and went on to mention that many times he had to take action as this wonderful liner had him in her sights. If that was not bad enough, he went on to say , Cunard have only gone and built two even bigger liners to get in the way of my yacht. There we go – mission accomplished. My objective throughout the QE2 farewell celebrations has been to promote the fact that although QE2 is moving on we have two other fabulous liners and Queen Elizabeth on the way – and here we were with HRH endorsing the story himself. He went on to say that his one regret was that he had not had the chance to cross the transatlantic on a Cunard Liner. Now we are about to launch some fabulous Wave offers for QM2 transatlantics and I will make sure that HRH gets a personal mailing !
Now I have not mentioned the heroes of the piece yet – the Cunard crew. They set about serving lunch for HRH and 70 guests in the famous Princess Grill. They served immaculate smoked salmon, beef wellington and coffee. We only had 55 minutes for lunch before being out on deck for a very special fly-past. The Cunard team delivered – infact they did it with time to spare and nobody felt rushed. It was a beautiful lunch and our famous White Star Service was very much in evidence.
So out we all went onto the upper decks. We were expecting a Harrier Jump Jet from the Royal Air Force at 1340. Now for those of you who may not know what a Harrier is – it is a vertical take off fighter aircraft. They came into service at the same time as QE2 in 1967 – and played a major part in the Falklands War alongside QE2. So at exactly 1340 the jet whistled in. It stopped dead in it’s tracks just 500 feet opposite the funnel. It hovered, bowed it’s nose in respect, turned and then screamed off into the distance at full speed. Unbelievable, one iconic engineering feat paying tribute to another.
We bid farewell to HRH, it had been our pleasure to have him on the ship and he made the day very special indeed – especially for all those amongst our crew that he was able to meet.
Let me now fast forward to 1830, with all guests embarked for the final voyage of QE2 .No normal voyage – this is the one that sold out in 36 minutes at full brochure price. We had already made the front pages and lead story on the TV bulletins with our mudbank incident. But now the media interest for the departure was at fever pitch. Our President Carol Marlow was hosting a special event in the upper level of the QE2 Terminal. I had volunteered to be the co-presenter on the 60 minute live BBC coverage of the departure. The water was full with hundreds of small boats, tens of thousands of local people lined every inch of water, helicopters were in the air the ship was ready to go and the fireworks were primed.
My strategy for co-presenting the live BC broadcast soon became apparent to all. No mater what I was asked I was going to refer to the future of Cunard , the wonderful Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and of course Queen Elizabeth. The wonders of live television – as I have learnt from watching the more astute politicians, you can say exactly what it is you want to say no matter what the question. After all ,why let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Well I sort of achieved my objective , but I have to be honest and say that the evening was of course about a very special lady – the QE2 – and rightly so.
Like all good ladies, having been fashionably late in the morning – she left on time to the second. The presenter asked me afterwards , as we stood at the bow , how was I so confident to say live on TV that the ropes would definitely be let go in two minutes and she would come of the berth in four minutes. I told her it was just the confidence I had in the crew – the real answer being the blackberry messages I was secretly glancing at every few minutes.As to what happened next –pictures say it better than words. QE2 slipped of the berth lit up by flash bulbs from ship and shore and sound drowned out by the band. She moved slowly down to salute the many thousands of local people escorted by hundreds of boats. Just at that moment we relayed a message in person from the Captain to giant screens ashore. He finished his few words with ‘ she will never return to Southampton again………………’. Then – the mighty QE2 whistle sounded, everybody cried (except me because I used to play rugby) and the fireworks then lit up the sky.
As the fireworks finished you could just pick up the sound of thousands of people with ‘Three Cheers for QE2 – hip hip , hip hip, hip hip ‘. And then the QE2 slipped through the dark and off to the next chapter of her life in Dubai.
All of us who work with Cunard are so very privileged to be part of such a special brand. The one word that binds us all together is ‘ proud’ . This was an event of which we can all be proud and an event that hopefully will persuade more and more customers around the world to come and share in the pride of the Cunard brand.
We are Cunard !
Peter, I know how busy you are and to take the time to share this with our thousands of readers is just brilliant of you. The past has sailed away in the shape of the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the future is already here with the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and of course……………………………the new Queen Elizabeth. I hope Peter will continue to share his Cunard adventures with all of us. For more photos please visit www.cunard.com.
I would like as many of you to vote as possible on this fascinating subject.
It will be interesting to see the results. I certainly think choice is the way to go and this blog thingy is a great tool to see what you prefer.
I see many of you enjoyed the video yesterday and I promise many more in the future. Remember, on Friday I will be going home………………….to the Carnival Splendor to welcome her back to Miami. I will be taking the video flip thingy with me.
We are still working on the details for the next 2009 Bloggers Cruise on the Carnival Dream and hope to announce this very soon. However, yesterday I saw the gifts we will be giving each and every blogger during the Bloggers Carnival Fantasy cruise on Feb 7…….and I have to say…….they are brilliant. I can’t wait for you to see them. ……………one is ………….well…………….very unique. Are you coming?
Here is a message from Heidi which I have cut and pasted thingy.
Hello Everyone.
I wanted to say a big thank you for the lovely messages you have been writing to me on the blog. Yesterday I went for a scan. I really wished John could have been with me but I know he has a job to do and he shouldn’t feel bad. He will not listen to me though so maybe you can tell him. My Mum came with me and it was nice to have her by my side. The pictures of the Thingy made me so happy. I saw the Thingy’s feet and head and it was dancing around having fun. I am 14 weeks pregnant and the thingy will arrive on May 15 which was my Dad’s birthday. He is watching over me.
I really miss John and can’t wait to see have him home. I will even forgive him if he leaves his underwear on the bathroom floor and I have those big forceps that Big Ed gave me on the Bloggers Cruise to pick them up.
I hope you all saw our PO Box address and I promise to reply to all the letters and cards which I have already received.
Thank you for being such wonderful friends
Lots of love
Heidi
x
What can I say……………….Normally I like to ease you into the workday morning in the same way that you might pour a pint of cream onto a Lionel Ritchie love song? But today, I’m afraid; I think the cream has turned sour. If you’re five years old a year is a fifth of your whole life, which is why it seems to go on and on for an eternity. But if you’re 43, a year is a 43rd of your life, which is why it passes like winter’s day in Finland. When you’re 43, time passes quite literally much faster than when you’re five. When you’re 75 time is hurtling by at such a rate that driving your small car is like plunging through a tear in the space-time continuum (sorry, Star Trek thingy reference.) The throttle pedal is a hyperspace button.
This is why old people drive so slowly; because 12 mph to someone from a retirement community in Florida is like 1,000 mph to a teenager. When you sit behind them at a stop sign wondering why on earth they won’t pull out, it’s because the approaching truck that, to you, is moving at 14 mph is coming at them like the Starship Enterprise on warp factor 10. I have to admit that I did not have much patience with the Cadillac that, from behind, was apparently being driven by four wisps of white hair and two pairs of knuckles. I had to hold my temper with this one, especially when it stopped at a set of green lights. What are they all doing, these old people? I thought they only ever went out on a Saturday, taking their nose hair to the mall, and then crawling home again. Of course, it’s not hard to work out what’s happened. Old people are now damn fitter than they used to be. Elderly people are no longer content with a hardboiled egg and a nice view of some flowers and trees. They want to get down to the Home Depot for paint and three bags of cement. Others go to the gun range to test fire their Magnum 45. Some of them even want to keep on touring with their rock ’n roll bands. And that’s fine.
Except, of course, that while they may be physically capable of working on This Old House …………asking a punk who tried to steal their purse if they “feel lucky” and singing I Can’t Get No Satisfaction, there’s no getting around the pace-of-life problem when they get into the car.
It was while I was sitting behind the pair of knuckles at the green light I realized that it would not be long before I was one of them……………I realized that I had more years behind me than in front of me.
I know I should tell these feelings to bugger off ……………. But, the feeling old thing has been on my mind ……………….especially with a Thingy on the way. ………………….I hope the Thingy will make me feel young again.
Thanks for listening
Your friend
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John,
How wonderfully delightful to read today!!! I too often piggy back… altho’ I call it pirating a rogue network… AYE, sounds more fun!!! BUT, piggy backing can have it’s merits… hummmmm
CUNARD… How blessed we are to have a vision into that voyage… I would have LOVED it… I will sail on CUNARD!!! AWESOME is right…
And Heidi… isn’t it amazing how small but perfect your baby is!!! Thingy is precious… and you already are and will be a PERFECT Mum!!! Just remember, on the Blogger’s Cruise… It’s OK to take a nap, or sit down, or just RELAX!!! It’s TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE!!!!
God Bless you all!!!
Lambie
Warwalking… we call it warwalking… looking for unsecured wifi networks. I don’t consider using that signal theft at all. You’re right, if they don’t want people outside of a given location to use it require an encryption key or build a Faraday cage around the building. It’s no more theft than watching what the someone’s TV while standing on the sidewalk. Let them close the curtains…
Please tell Jaime that I’ve loved her Dear John letters. They’ve been wonderful, allowing me to follow the Splendor all the way to Fort Lauderdale.
Please tell Heidi that I send my love to her and Desk.
And Sir… you aren’t old. If you’re old I must be ancient and I’m not old in the least!!!
Thank you so much for all your help with Jacob’s problem. You’ve made him and his mother both very, very happy. Did I mention that this is their first cruise? Probably not but thank you again.
Ciao for now!!!
Host Mach
John, growing old sure beats the alternitive. I have at least 10 years on you. Of course I have not had to deal with some of the odd guests as you have. But then you have traveled the world visiting exciting ports. You have a great job that you do very well. No whining just because another year has passed us by.
Now whining about old girl friends or odd guests is still allowed.
John, what is this the 1,ooo,ooo time you have asked us about dinning. Everytime it comes out the same way. WE WANT SET SEATING. We like the same waitstaff everyday. We like eating with the same people everyday just so we don’t have to spend the first half of the meal introducing each other. In theory it sounds great till you talk to people that have been on a ship with anytime seating. On port days when everybody comes back to the ship late and maybe rests a little before going to dinner only to find out so did everyone else do the same thing. So you wait for a table just like you would at Red Lobster on a Saturday night dinner time. If you have a group that needs a larger table GOOD LUCK.
Or if your like me and don’t want a booth you will wait even longer for seating only at a table. Then I have to stand while someone finds me an armless chair to fit my BIG BUTT. With set seating that chair will be at MY TABLE every night.
Sorry John I just can’t agree with you on this, NO WAY.
BIG ED
Don’t worry John the thingy will make you feel, well older, I am 38 and I have a 17 year old son that is a senior in high school and my wife and I just had another thingy in september. No there were none in between. I guess the reason I feel old is I have something to compare it to my son seemed to be so much easier t take care of and I don’t remember being so tired with him. My wife seems to think she doesn’t feel older with the new one but I sure do.
I look at it this way if it made you feel younger everyone would have them at our age.
You seem to have more energy than I do so you are probably going to be OK.
Hi John,
Best Wishes Heidi and Stephanie….
John, still lovin the blog even through the transition. I do have one itch tho that’s not bein scratched. I used to love to read about the guests that did or said crazy things. The incident reports that U added were stg I looked forward to, daily.
I’m not trying to add to Jaime’s list but is it possible to get a few of these a week? Maybe not just from Jaime?
All the same, faithful reader… not goin anywhere!
Hi John,
I will again state my opinion that there should be set dining times. Talk with your friend Ken and have him tell you why anytime dining is a bad thing.
Heidi – I’m glad you’re doing well and your pregnancy is coming along nicely. May will probably be here before you know it. John will be home with you soon.
Linda
JOHN
FREE STYLE CRUISING SUCKS
tom & jane
Carnival Concierge Club Members
Carnival
Dont
Change
A
Thing !
John & Heidi & Desk
I love the letter from Heidi. I am so glad that everything is going well for her. My feelings about age are a little different from yours since I had that scare with cancer. Every day is great and even though I just had my 60th I feel very young compared to last March. My energy level increases with each passing week, so remember that you only feel old is you think you are. You of all people know how to live life every day, so just keep doing it.
Love CruisingGrandma CarolAnn
Hi Heidi, so good to hear from you. I hope you are taking this time to pamper yourself, get all of the rest you can, and sleep late. You and John are going to make marvelous parents and we are so veryyyyyyyyy happy for you. We hope to see you and that sweet little one on the bloggers Dream cruise 12/09.
next year.
Countess Carolyn and Don
What a lovely blog today John, you really do know how to entertain us. I “piggyback” all winter when we go to Texas. Hey it is free, and like you said if they wanted to keep it private, make them have password. I have a My Space page John, but I honestly do not have a clue what I am doing over there, so I only go when someone has sent me a message. I would love to be your friend, but since we have met and I come here, I would like to think I already am
Jaime, loved your Dear John today. I really LOL when you mentioned how nice the restrooms were. I honestly do not think the entire time we were in Europe, there were two restrooms alike. To be honest, I couldn’t have cared less about paying to pee, I just wanted to be able to do so in a place that was at least clean. And find the “button” to flush. I am sure you are very excited about coming back home to the US.
Ah Heidi, what a wonderful day you had. I am sorry John was not there with you, but he will be home very soon. I am so glad your baby is doing so well. Spring can not come soon enough for you and John, what a lucky little one. The both of you are so blessed, I hope only the very best for all of you. I will always remember how sweet you were when we cruised in September. Please stop in more often, it is always so nice to hear from you.
Keep smiling John, you truly do make me smile every day.
Hi John, you talk about being so old.. hehehehehe Here I am pushing 70 and you think you’re old……. lol. You don’t know what old is ….yet! snicker
God has been so good to you. You have the love of a beautiful wife and a baby on the way. You have a good job and the adoration of all of us bloggers. Enjoy each and every year of the life you have ahead of you. Make all of the memories you can and enjoy them.
And once again my opinion on the open seating in the dining room………….. well reread Big Ed’s comment… I say ditto!
Countess Carolyn…….. 17 days until we leave on the Splendor
John,
When you are “war driving” as it is called, looking for an open internet connection use Net Stumbler.
http://www.netstumbler.com it is a small program that tells you when there is an access point open and tells you if it is locked or not. We use it all the time when traveling. Even hooked up off of another cruise line when docked in St. Martin on Carnival.
Good luck, we are on the Freedom on the 22nd. Wish you were there. Any other CD will be a disappointment.
Bill
My dad and mum had a baby when my dad was 46. He said Tim kept them young!
I think it’s normal to look at one’s life and take inventory when you are facing a momentous occasion like you and Heidi are right now. Enjoy it, you will be a great dad!
Karen R.
If Cafe Cubano was so concerned about people using his wireless signal, why didn’t he password protect it like everyone else? Sorry to say, but your friends and colleagues are wrong (and I hope they don’t work in Carnival’s IT department) — if the signal is open and not protected with a password it is perfectly fine to assume that you can use it. In fact, some people leave their connections wide open just so that people can use it if they’re passing by. This is no more “theft” than listening to the radio.
ummmmm, i SO know how you feel with the internet and all, i feel the same way…… when i am on carnival ships!!! internet should be free everywhere i believe! but no, i pay for it in both homes and on the iphone thingy too, and still have to pay again on the ship! ha ha ha
oh well, at least i can use it! i am thankful for that.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John:
My Mom was 47 when I was born. Dad was 51.
I was the youngest of six.
My sister and sister-in-law called the family together to announce that they were pregnant. They were so thrilled to be pregnant at the same time…and then Mom added…”So am I”!
Needless to say, I was not planned.
Mom (who lived to be 97) always told me that I kept her young.
And so your Wee One shall keep you young!!
We leave tomorrow for Fort Lauderdale. We board the Splendor on Saturday for our B2B and then onto the Freedom for an 8 day to Panama.
We won’t be back until November 30th….so I will miss your Blogs. : (
But I promised to catch up when I return and read each and every one.
So good to hear from Heidi…I know she will be thrilled when you get home.
Can’t wait to see Jaime again on Saturday!!
And a big “shout out” to my PVP Thomas Burke (Ext 86225 for anyone looking for a great PVP)(who has my cell number on speed dial) for the excellent service he has always provided us.
Safe travels John….”see you” when we get back!!!
woo hoo!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John
Thanks so much for sharing the QE2 with us. I have never sailed on one of the Cunard ships, but I have spent several nights aboard the Hotel Queen Mary in Long Beach. Much history there as I am sure there will be on the QE2.
Please don’t feel old. My motto is growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. You are only as old as you let yourself be. As for Desk, he/she will only bring out the child in you. My dad was 46 when my youngest brother was born and he said he felt rejuvenated….lol
Heidi….it was wonderful to hear from you. I know how excited that first scan can be. You will be a great Mommy and I know John will be a wonderful Dad. Please keep blogging for us. We love to hear from you. Take care and hope to hear from you again soon.
My best to both of you and Desk!!
Gloria aka Sue
Here! Here! Big Ed. Anytime seating is a lot more waiting, than set seating. Even if you make a standing reservation (what’s the point!) you have to wait since no one knows what table to go to. Also you have to start “training” your waitstaff from the begining (I don’t like lemon in my water, etc!) I like being able to walk in, sit down and know who’s going to be there. Sometimes, I’ll switch chairs just to make it exciting!! And the wait staff always seem to enjoy serving you more when they see you every night. They even miss you if you go elsewhere for a meal. I like that feeling of being taken care of. That’s why I cruise.
Seeing the QE2 sail into history was amazing. She was/is a great ship. She will be missed.
Cheers!
Derek
The Thingy will make you feel young. And, you don’t know that more than half of your life is behind you. My mother-in-law is 86 and still going strong (and driving in FL, by the way — LOL).
So, quit feeling so old!
Can’t wait to hear more about the BC2 and BC3.
Ann M
John,
You are not old! Thingy will make you feel young!
You are worrying for nothing. You will be a fantastic dad.
Your blog is getting me so excited to get on the Carnival Splendor with Jamie’s “Dear John letters”. I have until December 6th to wait! Oh and I got upgraded to a suite on the first leg of my sorta Back to back. I get to board VIP on Nov 30th on the Carnival Freedom! YAY.
Keep writing the blogs, you make me laugh and cry and sit on the edge of my seat some days!
Heidi,
Thanks for sending us a note. We worry about you and Thingy. Did you read John wants to name him or her, Desk? I dunno, but I think you can find a prettier name for the wee one : )
John,
Having just gotten off the Spendor prior to the Transatlantic crossing, I vote for the current seating process. I love sitting with the same group of people every night. It was great fun to get to know them over the course of 12 meals. I love having the same wait staff also. I wanted to somehow pack them into my suitcase and take them back to the USA with me! The thought of standing in line to wait to eat is not a very pleasant thought to me. I can do that at home.
Out trip on the Spendor was wonderful. Can not say enough nice things about the whole experience. Our only disappointment was that you had left the boat before we got to sail with you!
So our vote..keep assigned seating. We loved it!
Heidi,
Thanks for the blog; I have missed not hearing from you. Glad you and thingy are doing well. It’s nice that you have your mum to be with you. Sometimes a girl just needs her mum. Thanks for sharing John with us.
John,
Your not old. I don’t think you will ever allow yourself to get old. You will feel very young again once thingy gets here and you realize how much you don’t know. Once you hold thingy in your arms you will never worry about your age. You will worry about thingy all the time.
About the vote, I again agree with Big Ed. Why fix what ain’t broke?
Princess Susan
John,
It was so good to finally hear from Heidi.
I hate to tell you this after what Heidi said, but, there is nothing like the first sonogram. To finally see the baby you are carrying and have not felt move yet, and see your baby moving in you—wellll
it’s indescribable. When you get home and go with her for the next one, you will see what I mean. I am anxious to hear what you have to say then–perhaps you will be speechless.
Old, you? Never. You have the energy of the energizer bunny. I was 38 when I had my only child and he will be 25 next month. They keep you young and your mind very acute. You have the advantage of age and life experiences to pass on that young parents do not.
So, pick up that pouting lip, put a big smile on your face, and get really excited that you are getting ready to experience a type of love you didn’t know existed.
Sharon
ps Did Heidi sent you the sonogram pics?
Hi John,
You are certainly not old!
In my humble opinion anytime dinning is the way to go, and that is how I voted. Assuming that the Carnival ships would have the same set-up as I have had on Princess ships, people who like assigned dinning times with assigned tables, and the same wait staff would have that option, along with people like my family who enjoy the option of having a dinning room experience, at the time we choose, at a table by ourselves.
Jaime – Your Dear John letter have been wonderful.
You’re NOT old John! You will get there someday, just not yet. You’ve got too much ahead of you. Teaching and bringing up your little one will be rewarding and fulfilling. Yes, trying at times, but the unexpected hugs, kisses, and “I love you Daddy”s will make those moments pale. Be loving, be firm, and be patient. Everything else will fall into place!
I personally have the “Peter Pan” syndrome….I may grow old but I refuse to grow up!
Love to Heidi and Thingy,
Maribeth Kring
John Please Reply:
Ok, this is something I was thinking of that is something to discuss with the big guys while you are doing all your meetings. You need to suggest that Carnival give more credit for cruises over 7 days. When trying to get to VIP status I was extremely surprised to find that the number of days of the cruise you take does not matter. I was told that basically you get one credit for each cruise regardless of the number of days so a 3 or 4 day counts the same as a 12 or 14 day and that doesn’t seem fair, is that true? It appears so if I look at my cruise history online. Just a thought of something that would make people feel the longer cruises gained some additional benefit.
QE2 I was following on Cruise Critic since they had someone there. Sad day to see her go but what a farewell!
Mach had it right–if its not secured, its not a crime so enjoy…I’m just surprised that he found you!
Heidi how nice to hear from you and John did such a good job with the cut and paste thingy. I know that he misses you and Thingy and can’t wait to get home. Can you believe that he will be welcoming the Splendor to the US in a couple days and then he will soon be on his way home to you!
So glad you had your Mum with you. I was with my daughter for a lot of it as well as her husband traveled as well. It is amazing to see the baby moving and you can tell the head and arms and legs, I just don’t know how they can tell the sex but they do–they were right both times and the second time it was twins–one each! I’m so happy for you that things are going well. I’m looking forward to cruising with my grandchildren for the very first time on the Splendor in just another week. It will be a memorable week and John has helped to take care of things. We look forward to hearing from you after John is home as well. Take care of yourself and baby.
Jaime has such a cute writing style–its fun to read how someone much younger looks at things. She has done a great job blogging through bringing the Splendor to the US and I hope to have the chance to meet her and Goose when we get on next Friday!
Cheryl
Oh, I forgot–dis the old girlfriend and the guy that kissed the first one!
John;
Older people usually don’t like change. They like set seating.
Bob
Hi John,
Just a note from “The Girls in NC”. Do you need another tube of your special cream? It seems as if you are using a great deal of it lately.
If you are old, I am ancient and I don’t feel ancient (most of the time). Remember age is only a number….
On our next cruise (July, 2009)”The Girls” are going to Alaska. Linda has been there before, but I haven’t. I know that we will have a great time on another wonderful Carnival ship.
Tell Heidi hello for us – I know that you will be very glad to get back to her and Thingy (only you would call your baby Thingy).
meant to post this the other day… football: San Francisco 49ers; Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers…. just in case no one else mentioned it…. by the way… for Heidi’s next scan….doesn’t Carnival have videoconferencing so that you could “be there”….
John or Stephanie – please reply!
I have been looking at the excursions for the Bloggers cruise in February. If you look at excursions through your booking on Carnival.com, it only shows excursions for Cozumel. Is Progresso being replaced? If so, what port are we going to?
Thanks in advance for the information!
Lisa
Hi John,
For those on the New Orleans Carnival Fantasy Blogger’s thingy, or any cruising from New Orleans within the next year (guides are published annually), here is the link to “Best of New Orleans” by a local weekly rag, Gambit, August, 28, 2008.
http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2008-08-26/cover_story.php
Info on much more than food, but obviously, has a section on food.
bill
Space the Final Frontier…
Warp Factor 2 Mr. Sulu.
Bite me you overbearing egotistical bastage. The camera doesn’t always need to be on you. I do want my own ship someday. I’ve been sitting in this frakkin helmsman chair for far too long.
There is a deep psychosis there. You hate me …you really must hate me. You didn’t invite me to your wedding and even if you had I wouldn’t have gone since I would not have been the star of the show….Fire the damn photon torpedoes then.
(over the Enterprise comm…. system the voice of Scotty) ……Up your shaft……
Ok George and Bill…… just kiss and make up already….
The Flying Dutchman
For Lambie: Heidi isn’t going on the bloggers cruise now that she is pregnant, didn’t you hear that?
For Big Ed, actually some people would prefer anytime dining because you don’t have to rush to get to the dining room by a certain time. We live everyday going to restaurants and having to wait for a table, what makes this so different? Change can be wonderful, give it a try! Linda
It was soooo good to hear from Heidi. I hope the thingy is born on your dad’s birthday, it would make it so special. Take care and John will be home soon. See you in Feb.
Love, Danny and Jennifer
Hi John, Heidi & Desk,
It was good to hear from Heidi and I’m glad things are going well. It seems “Desk” already wants to join in Carnival’s Fun.
This time I changed my vote to anytime dining. After my experience in the dining room on the Miracle with the 2 losers at my table, I decided that I really like being in the dining room but not always with the same people. Maybe if there had been other people at the table I wouldn’t have minded, but the first night it was just the 3 of us. And since the Miracle only has 1 dining room, it was either the supper club or the Lido deck for me, which was ok. But on elegant nights, I like the dining room. So to elaborate on my choice, if there are 2 dining rooms, perhaps one should be designated as anytime dining. But I should have the choice of my assigned table or going elsewhere.
Did that make sense?
And you’re not getting older John – you’re getting better. And besides, I’m older than you are.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John, who hopefully will reply…
We were on the original in the end not so official maiden voyage of the Splendor… You now the baltic one wich in the end was the 4th cruise or something
We missed the special feeling, we missed the inuagural events, we missed the splashing of the bottle, we missed Angelina Jolie… hmmm you also missed her 
We are now thinking about joining the Dream for it’s hopefully real inaugural on sept. 21th 2009 … I now you already covered it a little, but is it sure to be the inaugural, will we be able to attend the inauguration ? Will it be something special to be on board this time ? I have to say that on the splendor altough the itinerary was great we didn’t feel special or in any way first time splendor cruises…
Hopefully you can shed some light on the things that are going to happend when the dream arrives. I hope Angelina is going to be there… Can you arrange a date ?
Do you have any clue on availability of cabins… 2 days ago 10 cabins in the category we were wanting to go for were free… at the moment only a guarantee is available … or maybe because we now the best cruise director of the world you can get us some free upgrades… to a suite
Hope to hear from you…
Karl (The Netherlands)
Hi John!
Nice to hear from you today.
Great set of pictures from the QE2 sendoff. It sure sounds like it was one heck of an affair. Thank you to Peter for posting all of that and i hope they send pictures along when she arrives to her final home in Dubai.
Congrats to Jaime on making it to one of my favorite islands in the Carribbean. From the pictures posted, it does sure appear that the area has been built up and refurbed considerably.
Congrats on Heidi’s scan going well. You’ll do fine Dad and i’m sure you’ll feel a lot younger.
Thanks for another great blog and take care!
Thanks,
David
Dear John,
You PROMISED to not dwell on “aging!” Now, STOP IT! Anyhow, in this day and age, you’re likely only half way through if you make healthy choices (weight, food, exercise, driving habits, etc.) which you will find easier to do once Thingy makes his entrance as you will want to be with him and Heidi for many, many years!!!
Otherwise…great post. Man, Jaime really was glad to hit the beach. Too much “sea” may not be her cup of tea. And Peter’s description of the QE2 festivities was beautiful. I’m sure you would have loved to be there.
Also, thanks Heidi, for checking in. Glad to hear things are going well, and I know you will be soooo glad to have John home again. Take care.
Your Pal, Myra
Have to agree with the comment that both assigned and anytime dining is the best. We have met some wonderful people and had good times with them. If you get incompatable folks, then ask for a different table, no big deal.
One cruise we sat at a round of 10 and the other 8 were all from a Kibutz in Israel. What a hoot that was. One fellow asked if we kept guns in the house. We do and he did; so see, you find common ground. He drove a tractor, I drive a tractor, that was good. Self reliance conversation, even better.
We have had anytime dining on other lines and it is a good choice also. The waitstaff is willing and trained to bring you what you need, lemon for your water, big chair, your corked bottle of silverado cab, just ask.
On the Splendor out of Dover I couldn’t figure out why the anytime diners were seated 15 minutes before the assigned diners. Maybe it was because we were going to Russia and we had to be prepared for rules just for the sake of rules. I did manage to sneak by a time or two, heh heh.
It is nice to be able to miss your assigned time in port and go anytime and still get good service and a nice meal. Why do people have to be limited to one or the other?
How did the gent across the street know you were using his WAN?
Cheers Mate
Linda Hernacki
I use your own words to prove my point “We live everyday going to restaurants and having to wait for a table, what makes this so different?”. Well paying $3000 for the cruise is the reason we should be able to walk right to our table. Have our waitstaff say “Good evening Pat and Ed did you have a good day today”. Have the cocktail person bring you your first drink without even asking what you want because you told them you will have the same drink everyday. Pat’s lemon on the table by her seat everyday because she said I will have ice tea everyday. Not having to retell the waitstaff you can’t have certain foods everyday. Being able to start right of talking to your tablemates about their day in port not wasting time doing the my name is game. And most of all and I agree with you no standing in line waiting for a table like you do at home at the Olive Garden. CARNIVAL is not your Olive Garden or Red Lobster it is many many steps above that.
Plus you always have anytime up on the Lido already.
BIG ED
Thanks for the blog today, John. So glad Desk is growing and developing. We didn’t have sonograms when my kids were coming along so my “daughter” turned out to be my younger son and I’m so glad.
I am 72 and my grandkids call me Hot Rod Grandma. I was shuttling them to school and had to get them there by a certain time so as they came on the train, I had to hussle. How about averaging 80 mph most of the way. Not many moved faster than me. I don’t plan to slow down for several years yet.
Anytime dining works best for me. I have been on cruises with assigned dining and had tablemates that were so irritating. When one travels solo, one is usually put at a table with other misfits and it isn’t much fun when you can’t move away unless you eat in the buffet. I request my favorite waiter and they put me wherever and it works great for me. Even on the QE2, we were placed in the back of the dining room and had terrible service – wonderful ship, terrible service. What does one do?
I am so looking forward to the bloggers’ cruise on the Dream. Take care of yourself and keep on blogging. Your blogs make my day. Thanks again.
Big Ed: You are paying way too much for your cruises-$3,000! Who do you book thru? Anyway, we all have our own opinions, isn’t that nice that we can voice them? I like meeting different people, and with freestyle dining you get to do that. As I said we are all entitled to our own opinion. Linda P.S. John asked, and I answered. As did you.
John:
I think that there needs to be an option for set seating, at least for dinner. We are a family with 3 kids. We spend many days on the run, and as a result wind up having to wait for tables at restaurants.
Of course, this continues while aboard — for breakfast & lunch. This is OK, as it fits with the way we cruise. However, it is nice to have the set dining time and table at dinner. No waiting, no wondering where you will sit, no having to re-introduce yourselves to wait staff and table mates every day. Rather, it provides for some continuity and stability in our daily schedule. Are there times we have to hustle to get ready for dinner? Of course! And soon enough, the kids are off & running to Camp Carnival activities again! But the fixed dinner arrangements provide for some set family time each day.
An added bonus — the same table mates. Over the years, this has provided great entertainment for us. One cruise we were seated with a family who came to the table with 2 drinks each (even the teenagers), ate minimally, then they all went to the disco until closing time each night. Another year, we were entertained by Earl from “Venzewaler” (he said he had lived in Venezuela for many years; the Southern accent made you wonder…)
Lately, we have had the opportunity to cruise with friends and family. Take it from one who’s been there — it’s a lot easier to seat 19 people (including 8 children) when there is a routine. And if you think it’s nice having the wait staff know your preferences, let me be the first to tell you it’s even better when they know the preferences of your children!
‘Nuff said!
Thanks for sharing your adventures, as well as the farewell from Peter and Jaime’s continued reports.
Best to you, Heidi, Thingy (“Splendor”?), Stephanie, and all the others that help make this blog thingy happen.
PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE AWARDS ARE OUT
Best Megaship – Carnival Freedom
Best Value for the Money
Best Short Duration Cruises
Best Shore Excursions
Best Children’s Program
Best Entertainment
Best Mexican Riviera Itineraries
Best Web Site
BEST MAIN DINING ROOM CUISINE
So with that last one I rest my case. If it’s not broke don’t fix it. Assigned seating is a big part of CUISINE.
There were 48 total awards and our CARNIVAL received 9 of them. CARNIVAL Corp. Family of ships received over half of the total.
BIG ED
Hello John, Heidi, and “Desk Thingy”
Great Couple of Blogs lately
I have to tell you John that a picture of the Pinata made it into the Tampa BAy Times day before yesterday .
Loved the Blog from Peter with the Pictures from the QE2.
AND HEIDI! It was soo good to hear from Heidi. I hope ehe emailed you a copy or picture ofm the sonogram John and I know you can’t tell too much on a sonogram picture unless you look at them all the time , but it STILL is “Thingy’s First Picture”
AS far as the meal vote. I voted and I am the old school want my own every night waitstaff.
Liked the pictures from Jamie. reminded me of our cruise on the Glory to St Maarten.
and John you are not old. You are as young as you feel, and yes there might be days you might feel older , depending on how bad of a day you are having or how many angry Cubans you have chasing your as$. When I met Arnold he told me he was a 19 yr old trapped inside a 52 yr old body..LOL.
In your video you said you missed the entertaining the audience. You might not realize it. But we are your loving audience. Your Blog and your video is your show, you really are still doing ” the show” you just don’t have the orchestra or the big curtains!
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Not everone wants to eat on the lido every night just because they didn’t make their assigned dinner time. Or because the table mates they were assigned were horrible people. I should be able to enjoy the wonderful food in the dining room without having to rush to get ready every night. I don’t always want to eat dinner at 6pm and I shouldn’t be force to on my vacation. I also shouldn’t be forced to sit with the same people every night if I find that they aren’t compatible. Big Ed and others are entitled to their opinion but it would be nice if they could respect the fact that people who don’t agree with him are entitled to an opinion also.
Hello John,
It was so nice to hear from Heidi. And also so nice to hear she’s doing well. I’m sorry I won’t get to meet you on the Blogger’s Cruise Heidi, but I’m so happy for the reason why not.
I agree with the “fixed dining” people. We tried “anytime dining” twice on Princess this year. Unfortunately, I have to agree with a fellow passenger on the ship who said, “Anytime dining is not any time.” Whenever I tried to get a reservation for 7 or 7:30, I was told 6 or 6:30 – or 8:30. Since the main showroom only seats 800 on a ship that holds 3100 passengers, we ate at 6 every night in order to get finished in time to get seats for the main show. We normally ask for 2nd seating, and walk from the dining room to the theater after dinner. Even if we dawdle, we can always be sure to get a seat – somewhere. I was an only child until I was 11. I hate the thought that I might miss something good. And in my opinion, 90% of the time, the show is good, if not excellent.
I really enjoyed the Cunard interview and pictures.
About internet access – it should be free.
See you in Feb,
Cheryl D.
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Another vote for Anytime dining. It is one thing I am looking forward to on our NCL (did I say that out loud) Christmas cruise this year.
Planning on Christmas 2009 on Carnival Triumph out of (where else) New Orleans !!!
Hopefully it will be an option fleet wide by then.
Choice is good and change happens.
More on anytime dining —
I have experienced it on other cruise lines, including Princess, and it works quite well. I love it.
As you know, on some cruises with extended stops in some ports (St Petersburg and Warnemunde come to mind), the dining rooms in effect do have anytime dining. There is no rushing after shore excursions or missing dinner all together. In addition, if, on the first night, you are seated with a bunch of losers, you know it is only for one night.
What does the staff think? If they are stuck with a table of chronic complainers, they know it is probably only for one night, not the entire cruise.
I think it is a win-win to offer anytime. It works.
Change happens. You can embrace it or get run over by it.
Hi John:
Well, I voted for anytime dining – but with some reservation, i.e., most of my 46 cruises have been a set dining time and it was very enjoyable, especially sharing the comaraderie with new/old friends.
This past cruise on Emerald Princess we went to anytime dining and we thoroughly enjoyed it because we felt that we were truly on vacation – not having to act like Pavlov’s dog – hurrying to make cocktails, hurrying to get to dinner on time. Anytime dining let us tour as long as we wanted, shower when we wanted, nap if we wanted. We met lovely people the first night and we agreed that we were compatible and we discussed meeting at the same time each evening. We opted out of this as we also enjoy meeting a variety of people. We felt less stress than we’ve ever had before. After all, isn’t this what vacation is supposed to be.
Unless we are travelling with a group of friends and/or relatives that make up a table, we will gravitate to anytime seating in the future.
I do have to say that it is noticeable that
the service is not quite the same in the anytime dining because the servers do not have the opportunity to get to know you and I miss that.
Love to “thingy”
Auntie Joan
Love the Blog,Would LOVE ANYTIME DINING Thanks!
-Sandra