Comments on: A Winter’s Day http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/ The official blog of Carnival Cruise Line's Sr. cruise director, John Heald Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:56:41 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Greg http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-67518 Greg Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:36:14 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-67518 "In fact, why bother telling us anything because either the plane is going to reach its destination, or it is going to plunge into a mountain at 500 mph and explode into a million pieces. Either way, you will not be needing a “whistle for attracting attention.” " I might have agreed with you about life jackets until Sully put his A320 down on the Hudson a while back. Now they look like a rather good idea again. As for the bit about the mountainside, that is a common belief that is totally untrue. People survive airline crashes. Commonly. Routinely. (To the extent that an air crash is routine.) Look it up. Check the stats. “In fact, why bother telling us anything because either the plane is going to reach its destination, or it is going to plunge into a mountain at 500 mph and explode into a million pieces. Either way, you will not be needing a “whistle for attracting attention.” ”

I might have agreed with you about life jackets until Sully put his A320 down on the Hudson a while back. Now they look like a rather good idea again.

As for the bit about the mountainside, that is a common belief that is totally untrue. People survive airline crashes. Commonly. Routinely. (To the extent that an air crash is routine.) Look it up. Check the stats.

]]> By: Luis Torres http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47287 Luis Torres Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:53:53 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47287 Dear John and Heidi, First off let me tell you I enjoy your blog. You do not sugar coat things because they are what they are. Maria and I recently returned from the very same two day Splendor to Bahamas and had I been anywhere near when Ken was threatened I would have warned the gentlemen that he was threatening me as well. Better yet my cop instincts might have kicked in. That individuals attitude is totally unacceptable. As you state had that happened in our post 9-11 era this individual would have been brought up on charges by the FAA and U.S. Marshalls. I agree with you that the same should be on cruise lines many folks come on board and do nothing but get intoxicated and get violent if you let them. I would not even wait for the next port, I would steer the cruise ship to the next civilized port regardless of country of origin and drop the folks that act like wild animals. On a different note we had a great time even though it was very short trip (looking forward to the Freedom in February). Ken even took care of my spouse and I on a table for two and our hostess (Bianca) was great as well. We have not had one bad cruise yet. The embarkation could have been smoother but it all was a wash once we got on the ship. So let Ken know we appreciated his hospitality and his entire staff. Had a chance to see one of the crew members that was on the Freedom in December 2007. Anyway, take care and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and Heidi. Luis & Maria Torres P.S. John if you go to my facebook I have a video of Ken singing on the Splendor trip. Dear John and Heidi,

First off let me tell you I enjoy your blog. You do not sugar coat things because they are what they are. Maria and I recently returned from the very same two day Splendor to Bahamas and had I been anywhere near when Ken was threatened I would have warned the gentlemen that he was threatening me as well. Better yet my cop instincts might have kicked in. That individuals attitude is totally unacceptable. As you state had that happened in our post 9-11 era this individual would have been brought up on charges by the FAA and U.S. Marshalls. I agree with you that the same should be on cruise lines many folks come on board and do nothing but get intoxicated and get violent if you let them. I would not even wait for the next port, I would steer the cruise ship to the next civilized port regardless of country of origin and drop the folks that act like wild animals. On a different note we had a great time even though it was very short trip (looking forward to the Freedom in February). Ken even took care of my spouse and I on a table for two and our hostess (Bianca) was great as well. We have not had one bad cruise yet. The embarkation could have been smoother but it all was a wash once we got on the ship. So let Ken know we appreciated his hospitality and his entire staff. Had a chance to see one of the crew members that was on the Freedom in December 2007. Anyway, take care and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and Heidi.

Luis & Maria Torres

P.S. John if you go to my facebook I have a video of Ken singing on the Splendor trip.

]]> By: jspirit http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47279 jspirit Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:28:11 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47279 Ken will bend over backwards to please a passenger. It urks me to think how rudely he has been treated. Regards to my fav M'D! Ken will bend over backwards to please a passenger. It urks me to think how rudely he has been treated.
Regards to my fav M’D!

]]> By: Holly http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47252 Holly Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:55:43 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47252 Hi John, We are so excited to find out that you will be the CD on the Carnival Valor in March. My sisters and I were on the Freedom with you last March for our spring break and had the best time we have ever had on a cruise. Since hearing you are going to be on the ship our excitement has grown 150% - March 8 can not come soon enough for us!! See you soon!!!! Hi John,
We are so excited to find out that you will be the CD on the Carnival Valor in March. My sisters and I were on the Freedom with you last March for our spring break and had the best time we have ever had on a cruise. Since hearing you are going to be on the ship our excitement has grown 150% – March 8 can not come soon enough for us!! See you soon!!!!

]]> By: Chicago Heffy http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47248 Chicago Heffy Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:01:29 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47248 Hi John! I just wanted to let you know that I've been reading the blog since day one and it's fantastic. I just booked the valor on 3/8/09 and I'm very excited to sail with you! Hi John! I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been reading the blog since day one and it’s fantastic. I just booked the valor on 3/8/09 and I’m very excited to sail with you!

]]> By: jean http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47234 jean Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:39:33 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47234 Yep John, Having sailed the Med on the Carnival Splendor with Ken as our Maitre'D I'd have to say he's the dog's bollix!!! Up the Dubs............... Yep John, Having sailed the Med on the Carnival Splendor with Ken as our Maitre’D I’d have to say he’s the dog’s bollix!!! Up the Dubs……………

]]> By: Suzanne http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47197 Suzanne Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:27:23 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47197 John, one thing I forgot on my comment about cruising and smoking was the casino, my word that was the worst casino I've ever been in..I'm happy though, I had a budget of over 1000..no lectures, for the casino and because of the smoke, I just couldn't stay, I brought it all but 50. dollars home with me..now I have a spanking new computer...so I have to wonder how many dollars Carnival are loosing by not putting in a ventilation system that works in there. I could only find 4 slot machines where you could not smoke but big deal the person sitting behind me was smoking like a chimney..so if this cruise had a strike against it the casino would win for sure... John, one thing I forgot on my comment about cruising and smoking was the casino, my word that was the worst casino I’ve ever been in..I’m happy though, I had a budget of over 1000..no lectures, for the casino and because of the smoke, I just couldn’t stay, I brought it all but 50. dollars home with me..now I have a spanking new computer…so I have to wonder how many dollars Carnival are loosing by not putting in a ventilation system that works in there. I could only find 4 slot machines where you could not smoke but big deal the person sitting behind me was smoking like a chimney..so if this cruise had a strike against it the casino would win for sure…

]]> By: Mr Bill from ZydecoCruiser.com http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47175 Mr Bill from ZydecoCruiser.com Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:58:10 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47175 ***** John, Please Respond ***** John, Glad to hear Ken will be on Splendor for the South America sailings. I'll only be able to make the 2nd leg for the Around the Horn bit, since I can't miss the Carnival Fantasy Bloggers Cruise out of New Orleans. Accurate information about what visas/payments are necessary for US citizens on the South America cruises seems to be lacking. I do understand there are some reciprocity fees that US citizens are charged, since that is what the US charges for their visas. For example, Chile has a reciprocity fee and it seems Argentina is going to implement one before the Splendor South America cruise. One question I have is: Are these/will these be applicable to cruise ship passengers, and if so, is there a way to avoid a log jam of passengers trying to disembark in a port having to stop to pay a fee? The next questions are obviously How Much and What Forms of Payment, When and Where? I'm sure others on the 1st and 3rd legs will have the same or similar questions. If you can find out and answer on the blog, that would be great! Also, if the information could be made available on Carnival.Com and kept up to date? Thanks John! Regards to Heidi, and Little John Thingy. See you in February! bill ***** John, Please Respond ***** ***** John, Please Respond *****

John,

Glad to hear Ken will be on Splendor for the South America sailings. I’ll only be able to make the 2nd leg for the Around the Horn bit, since I can’t miss the Carnival Fantasy Bloggers Cruise out of New Orleans.

Accurate information about what visas/payments are necessary for US citizens on the South America cruises seems to be lacking. I do understand there are some reciprocity fees that US citizens are charged, since that is what the US charges for their visas.

For example, Chile has a reciprocity fee and it seems Argentina is going to implement one before the Splendor South America cruise.

One question I have is: Are these/will these be applicable to cruise ship passengers, and if so, is there a way to avoid a log jam of passengers trying to disembark in a port having to stop to pay a fee?

The next questions are obviously How Much and What Forms of Payment, When and Where?

I’m sure others on the 1st and 3rd legs will have the same or similar questions.

If you can find out and answer on the blog, that would be great! Also, if the information could be made available on Carnival.Com and kept up to date?

Thanks John!

Regards to Heidi, and Little John Thingy. See you in February!

bill

***** John, Please Respond *****

]]> By: LambKnuckles http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47173 LambKnuckles Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:02:44 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47173 Good Mooring John!!! I find myself reading the blog a day late... And this being a holiday week in America... our office is squeezing five days of work into three and eve leaving the stock market unattended on Friday... well, we are leaving someone to answer phones and direct buys and sells to home office... Anyway, I expect our wek to be hectic and full!!! You mention walking on a crisp autumn's day... LOVE IT!!! DO IT!!! How can someone not love the freshness of the air and the beauty of the autumn?? And you describe it EXACTLY as I do... it's CRISP!!! I love strolling on the ship in the dark and quiet of night (wishing more of the lights wer turned off, but I find those dark and wonderful places...), and many times find myself on the bow, through one of those "secret doors" where the winds tosses my hair in every direction but out of my face... and it bites at my face in such a loving and pleasing manner... I can feel it!! Big Tex... Your photos, football, WONDERFUL!!! I'm in love now!! But why do you keep going of to the sea?? No, come see me!!! Or better still, stow me away in your cabin... :) John, hello to your mates Alan and Alison!! What a wonderful evening!! My regards and love to Heidi... I remember the fake smell of lemon in cleaners did me in when I was pregnant... But Liverwurst and Mint Chip ice cream were my cravngs... I'm off to start the first day ofmy three day week!!! Bless you and God Love you!!! Lambie Good Mooring John!!!

I find myself reading the blog a day late… And this being a holiday week in America… our office is squeezing five days of work into three and eve leaving the stock market unattended on Friday… well, we are leaving someone to answer phones and direct buys and sells to home office… Anyway, I expect our wek to be hectic and full!!!

You mention walking on a crisp autumn’s day… LOVE IT!!! DO IT!!! How can someone not love the freshness of the air and the beauty of the autumn?? And you describe it EXACTLY as I do… it’s CRISP!!!

I love strolling on the ship in the dark and quiet of night (wishing more of the lights wer turned off, but I find those dark and wonderful places…), and many times find myself on the bow, through one of those “secret doors” where the winds tosses my hair in every direction but out of my face… and it bites at my face in such a loving and pleasing manner… I can feel it!!

Big Tex… Your photos, football, WONDERFUL!!! I’m in love now!! But why do you keep going of to the sea?? No, come see me!!! Or better still, stow me away in your cabin… :)

John, hello to your mates Alan and Alison!! What a wonderful evening!! My regards and love to Heidi… I remember the fake smell of lemon in cleaners did me in when I was pregnant… But Liverwurst and Mint Chip ice cream were my cravngs…

I’m off to start the first day ofmy three day week!!!

Bless you and God Love you!!!
Lambie

]]> By: Suzanne http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/11/22/a-winters-day/#comment-47167 Suzanne Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:59:26 +0000 http://johnheald.wordpress.com/?p=7320#comment-47167 Hello John, Well I am back from my first cruise, my first smokey piano bar Sam's, my first Nick & Nora's my first aft balcony..my first everything, I bloody loved it...I loved the ocean, day and night, I thought I would be scared I wasn't..I loved getting my sea legs, I did not get seasick even though I kept taking my ginger..so here it is my review from the eyes of a first timer about smokey piano bars, when I first went into Sam's (Carnival Miracle) there were about 10 people some smoking, that was around 7:30, of course I ordered a couple of drinks I had research to do, around 9 p.m there were about 25 people, around 10:30 and another round of drinks there were around 35 people..we had such a good time, it was smokey, and even the people I was travelling with were smokers, but not to the point where I would complain or leave..although my clothing did smell so bad to me I had to seal it up in a bag the next day.. maybe the trick is to have a few drinks join the party..The worst part for smoke was coming out of our cabin everyday and smelling old stale smoke in the hallways, we were two doors down from a couple of heavy smokers, and that was worse than anything any bar could throw at you, I'm glad we brought some bounce sheets with us, which kept the cabin fresh, wish I could have kept the hallway fresh, I think they should have smoking decks and non smoking decks and see which ones fill up first (if Carnival use this idea they owe me a cruise LOL..I'll do anything to cruise again..I think there is a name for that anyway I digress..) Sam's piano bar was kept so clean everyday and there was no trace of smoke anywhere not on the ceilings or furniture, I think they did such an excellent job of cleaning Sam's that you would not smell the smoke when you first went in..and if you smoke you know that it leaves a sticky yellow film on things if it's not kept up.. I had to go back several times to Sam's just to get a fresh perspective every other day..and would go back there in a heartbeat and if I could play the piano, and sing I might have asked for a job application..I am an ex smoker, a lung Cancer survivor, I used to smoke a pack a day..and am now very sensitive to smoke, I only go to pubs at home very occasionally and would go to any bar on the ship any time...I like the mix of smokers and non in a perfect world I would like a couple of bars to be non smoking, but I don't drink enough anymore probably since I stopped smoking, to have it be profitable for Carnival to do that, and by the end of the evening if it gets to be too smokey for me that's my cue to leave, I was happy that the dinning room, theater, and a lot of public areas were non smoking...bottom line it was not that bad..and would cruise again in a heartbeat...even if they don't change a thing.. Cheers, Suzanne Hello John, Well I am back from my first cruise, my first smokey piano bar Sam’s, my first Nick & Nora’s my first aft balcony..my first everything, I bloody loved it…I loved the ocean, day and night, I thought I would be scared I wasn’t..I loved getting my sea legs, I did not get seasick even though I kept taking my ginger..so here it is my review from the eyes of a first timer about smokey piano bars, when I first went into Sam’s (Carnival Miracle) there were about 10 people some smoking, that was around 7:30, of course I ordered a couple of drinks I had research to do, around 9 p.m there were about 25 people, around 10:30 and another round of drinks there were around 35 people..we had such a good time, it was smokey, and even the people I was travelling with were smokers, but not to the point where I would complain or leave..although my clothing did smell so bad to me I had to seal it up in a bag the next day.. maybe the trick is to have a few drinks join the party..The worst part for smoke was coming out of our cabin everyday and smelling old stale smoke in the hallways, we were two doors down from a couple of heavy smokers, and that was worse than anything any bar could throw at you, I’m glad we brought some bounce sheets with us, which kept the cabin fresh, wish I could have kept the hallway fresh, I think they should have smoking decks and non smoking decks and see which ones fill up first (if Carnival use this idea they owe me a cruise LOL..I’ll do anything to cruise again..I think there is a name for that anyway I digress..) Sam’s piano bar was kept so clean everyday and there was no trace of smoke anywhere not on the ceilings or furniture, I think they did such an excellent job of cleaning Sam’s that you would not smell the smoke when you first went in..and if you smoke you know that it leaves a sticky yellow film on things if it’s not kept up.. I had to go back several times to Sam’s just to get a fresh perspective every other day..and would go back there in a heartbeat and if I could play the piano, and sing I might have asked for a job application..I am an ex smoker, a lung Cancer survivor, I used to smoke a pack a day..and am now very sensitive to smoke, I only go to pubs at home very occasionally and would go to any bar on the ship any time…I like the mix of smokers and non in a perfect world I would like a couple of bars to be non smoking, but I don’t drink enough anymore probably since I stopped smoking, to have it be profitable for Carnival to do that, and by the end of the evening if it gets to be too smokey for me that’s my cue to leave, I was happy that the dinning room, theater, and a lot of public areas were non smoking…bottom line it was not that bad..and would cruise again in a heartbeat…even if they don’t change a thing..

Cheers,
Suzanne

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