John's Replies

November 17, 2008 -

John Heald

Karl Asked:
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)

John Says:
Hello Karl,

It feels such a long time ago since we were together on the Carnival Splendor. I can confirm that the inaugural of the Carnival Dream will be the cruise of Sept. 21, 2009. Inaugural cruises many years ago used to be full of many special features. I have to be very honest and say that now industry wide, outside of the naming ceremony itself most inaugural cruises are pretty much the same as every other voyage. The only difference is we do put a commemorative book in everyone’s cabin for them to take home. You see we want to make sure that every cruise feels special. It certainly will be special if Angelina Jolie was there and while I can’t promise you who will be there for the Dream, I’m sure the godmother will be someone worth a Dream or two. I was just in reservations as you will see from today’s videos and they did tell me that the cabins are pretty much sold out. So I do advise that you book SCHNELL. Ich kann nicht ein suite fur jou helpt but ich will hept viel verisings fur jou……beloaft. dooooooooooooooooeeeeeeeeeeeee
jai frinkyer

John
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Lisa Asked:
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

John Says:
Hello Lisa,

I am not sure about Progresso, while that is certainly the scheduled port of call along with Cozumel there may be a possibility of returning to Costa Maya. I don’t have any confirmation of this but I promise as soon as I do I will let everyone know. There will be plenty of time to book excursions and next week we will release details on the group excursion. Standby for information very soon. Thanks for reading the blog thingy.

Cheers,
John
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Cheryl K Asked:
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

John Says:
Hello Cheryl,

I am pleased to announce that we have a new Chief Marketing Officer, Jim Berra. He is a highly motivated and experienced asset to our company and I will certainly make sure I pass on your comments. They are well founded. The QE2 did get a wonderful farewell and the future is now in the hands of the youngest fleet of ships in the world Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and in 2010 the new Queen Elizabeth. Thank you for the kind words for Heidi and I and also for Jaime. I always look forward to your comments and I hope the blog brightens your day.

Cheers,

John
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Senda Asked:
John,
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now, and I’m one of you more than 1,000 friends on Facebook! :o )
My husband, Don and I (and a couple other friends from our church) are cruising on The Splendor leaving on November 29 (17 more days-but who’s counting?) and was wondering if you could tell me who the CD will be? I was hoping it would be you…
Cheers to you, Heidi and Thingy,
Senda

John Says:
Hello Senda,

Hello my friend from Facebook. I really should pay more attention and I am sorry if I have been remise in replying to you. You will have a wonderful cruise on the Carnival Splendor and your cruise director will be a young man called Goose who will make sure you have a fantastic cruise vacation.

Cheers,
Love to hear from you soon
John
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Glen Bennett Asked:
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!

John Says:
Hello Glen,

I will be happy to do this for you so look out for them in the weeks to come.

Cheers,
John

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Capt Bill Asked:
John, Please reply
I have to say that Linda (DJ’s MOM) hit it right on the Head about the bolg. My Feeling exactly. Please keep up the good work. and for those who have served and are serving thank you for remembering us.

Are you still comming to Boston on Sunday, and will you have time to meet? if Not or youare going to be too tired, No Worries, I completely understand. I know what it is like to travel like you have been over the last couple of weeks.

If you haven’t already talked to the people in charge of promotions about Jamie and promoting her to a higher position with in the company, I suggest you do before yuo loose her to some other
cruise company. we kow they read your Bolg to steal ideas and I am sure they won’t even hesitate to steal personal as good as Jamie.

I was looking back at some old pictures I have of the Carnival Destiny when she came to Boston oh so many years ago, (I remember it being rainy) If I can get them scanned into the computer thingy I will send you copies of them. Was Heidi with you on that trip? I have a picture of a girl who looks like her but I don;t think it was.

Take care Hello to Stephine , Heidi and Desk, (My wife just shook her head when I told her the Babies name) and let’s not forget Jammie,

Your Friend In a COLD Boston (by the way the weather should be good Mondayt and Tuesday, But Cold)

Capt Bill

John Says:
Hello Capt,

Please no need to thank me for honouring those who have and are serving. We owe you all so much. Jaime is a fantastic kid and the world is her oyster. I wish I had time to meet you in Boston, however at this point I don’t have time for anything accept good old work. However I hope one day we will meet.

Cheers,

John

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Allan Carrie Asked:
(Please reply)
Hello John… I’ve been reading your blog thingy since July when we booked our first cruise for the Nov 30th sailing on the FREEDOM. Would you tell me who the Cruise Director will be? We are only a few weeks away, and I can hardly contain myself.

Thanks in advance.

John Says:
Hello Allan,

Thanks so much for reading the blog. You sound very excited about your Carnival Freedom cruise and a chance to meet one of our very best CD’s, Todd. Have a fantastic time and I wish I could be there with you.

Cheers,
John
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Catrin Asked:
John, (please reply)
I may not post often, but my husband and I have been faithfully reading your blog daily…. it is one of the MUST Reads daily!
I am glad we have had the priviledge of cruising with you… not once, but twice…. for I can hear your voice when I read what you have written….. your wierd humor and wonderful take on things is so entertaining!

As far as Tea and Coffee go… I am a tea girl, but not real tea.. just a good ole cup of Lipton Tea for me. BUT imagine my horror when I found out my 10 yr old has discovered Coffee! On a recent trip to Boston, I asked Matthew what he got with his spending money….. Clam Chowder and Starbucks Coffee – Yikes!

We have just booked our 9th cruise on Carnival – on the Pride in April… on her brief stop in Miami before she heads to Baltimore.. and this will be our first AFT Balcony – I hope they are as special as others claim they are!
I am going to have to Keep Matthew away from the Specialty Coffee Bar… I can see him getting chummy with the Barista!

Quick Question…. just being curious here….. just how many Cigar Cutters have you recieved since you blogged about your terrible experience at the airport? Of course I wanted to buy one too, but I read that others beat me to it!

Hang in there at those meetings, you will be home with Heidi and Thingy before you know it!
Catrin

John Says:
Hello Catrin,

Clam chowder and coffee sounds like a great combination to me. Congratulations on booking your 9th Carnival cruise and I promise you the aft balconies truly do give you the best views you could possibly imagine. Have a wonderful vacation and I’m glad you enjoy my silly humour.

Cheers,
John

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Tracy Asked:
hi john hate to bother u but we are cruiseing dec 1 to the 5th on imagination my son is very picky he loves grilled cheese please could u get that on the menu and breakfeast he eats it for breakfeast lol.im in a i guess a jr suite i read something about a breakfest menu. whats that? do we get a 24 hour menu? ty so much if u could get grilled cheese on the menu. ty

John Says:
Hello Tracy,

I am sure we can ask the matire’d for a grilled cheese sandwich for your son. Please ask your matire’d, mention me and the blog and I’m sure they’d be more than happy to help.

Cheers,

John

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PLEASE NOTE THAT JOHN WILL NOT BE REPLYING TO COMMENTS UNTIL THE END OF THIS WEEK ONCE HE RETURNS HOME. THANKS!

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6 Responses to John's Replies

  1. John says:

    Hi is there anyway we can get a free upgrade to a suite? It is my mothers 70th Birthday and my husband and kids are bring her on a cruise for the first time in her life. She has never been on vacation and she deserves this and so much more. Just wanted her room to be upgraded if possible. Come on John I know you have some Juice. We are sailing Dec 13 and her name is Alice Trombetta. Thansk for even reading this
    Kim

  2. Grilled Cheese sandwiches are available 24 hours a day from Room Service. They seem to have an annoying habit of putting lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on all the sandwiches, so be sure to tell them to leave off.

    I’m sure they can do something in the dining room for you.

    If you order a turkey sandwich and a BLT from room service, you can even make your own club sandwich. Yum.

    Below are links to the room service menu that was on Splendor and I think is fleet wide by now:
    http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/stateroomDirectory/sb15%20-%20room%20service.jpg

    http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/stateroomDirectory/sb16%20-%20room%20service.jpg

  3. "BIG" ED says:

    Mr Bill from ZydecoCruiser.com

    Thanks for that club sandwich idea never thought of that. We love the BLTs and you just made them even better.

    BIG ED

  4. Maria says:

    Hi John,

    My husband and I are crusing on the Splendor on Nov. 29th. this will be my last cruise for a while as I am starting a lenghty health regimen in January. We are so looking forward to this cruise (our 5th with Carnival). I hope that “Goose” our CD is as entertaining, funny, and wonderfull as you. I have enjoyed your blog for about a year and look forward to your zany daily entries. I was hoping to make the bloggers cruise, but alas, maybe in 2010 when you decide to do another and this time maybe Heidy and the “thingy” might join. Let Senda know that we would love to meet her and Don, I would love to give her my cabin number so that she could contact us if that is ok. Thanks John you are the best.

    Maria

  5. Don Oldford says:

    Hi John, we had the pleasure of cruise with you on the Glory a few years ago and are still laughing!

    Which ship are you sailing on in June 2009?

    We are planning another family trip and our boys are asking to cruise with “Funny John”.

    Thanks, Don

  6. Nancy - Columbus, GA says:

    Dear John, (Please reply) with a hello to Heidi & Desk,
    I have an objection to Cheryl K.’s question to you about Carnival giving more credit (or some other form of reward) to people who book cruises over 7 days or more vs. those who only book 3 or 4 day cruises. My understanding of the VIP program is that it is a “loyalty” reward program, is it not? How do you qualify giving your passengers who may “choose” to cruise with Carnival, maybe 1 or 2 times (but for cruises with a duration of 10 days or longer) versus those passengers who, due to time constraints or budgets, “choose” to cruise with Carnival 3-4 times, but only for 3-4 days at a time? No matter what – a “choice” has been made to cruise with Carnival, versus sailing with “Extra Charge for the Seas” (sorry if I borrowed one of your lines!) or some other cruise line, has it not? I would truly hate for Carnival to try to make some kind of “class distinction” between us cruisers! I’m afraid that is what would happen, if Carnival somehow started distinguishing between “long voyage” cruisers & “short voyage” cruisers!
    I would certainly have no problem with Carnival possibly rewarding “long voyage” cruisers with some sort of party onboard while sailing across the Atlantic or something, but I think it would be detrimental to the general cruising public to think that each and every time a Carnival ship sailed – there would be some indication that “long voyage” cruisers & “short voyage” cruisers were being treated by Carnival “differently” in any way, shape or form. It wouldn’t take long for the general public to find out this sort of information and I don’t think they would care for the distinction – especially for people who, through no fault of their own, simply can’t or won’t cruise for longer periods of time than what they have been!
    What would Carnival do for someone like my husband and me, we now have a total of 12 cruises with Carnival, with #13 coming up in January ’09 – our cruises have a maximum of 12 days and a minimum of 4 days? We are in Platinum status – are we supposed to be knocked back down to Gold because out of our 12 cruises, 1 was a 4 day, 6 were 5 days, 4 were 7 days and only 1 was a 12 day cruise? We have cruised in total 3o times – soon to be 31. Carnival has been our #1 choice since 1997! We celebrated our 20th anniversary on that Celebration cruise and have been stuck like glue to Carnival ever since! But the key word here is “choice” – we have chosen Carnival now more than 12 times and I think that is what the VIP program is all about and what it was designed for – to reward people for “choosing” Carnival!
    Thank you John for letting me vent my opinion and I do hope you pass along my comments as well as Cheryl K.’s!

    Please tell Heidi & Desk hello and we hope she is coping well – since we already know you are not! Try to stay home for awhile and just chill!

    All the best,
    Nancy & Doug

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