The talk in the Heald household these past few days has of course been dominated by the Thingy. Heidi is really “showing now” and looks like…..ummm……….me. One of the subjects we have been discussing is how common it seems to be these days for fathers to have the names of their children tattooed someone on their body……..I told Heidi there was more chance of me having a fish and chips lunch with Michael Caine ….. naked …..than me getting the Thingy’s name tattooed on my back.
Heidi replied that David Beckham the world’s most popular female soccer player has all his kids names scribed on his body…………”Am I bothered though,” I replied.
You see, I have never understood the tattoo thing.
I remember watching a TV program a few years ago and the piece was about unemployment in the wake of some strike or other. One interviewee told us he had all the right qualifications but was always rejected after an interview. He couldn’t see why, but I could. It was the enormous spider’s web that had been tattooed on his face.
There was a time when a tattoo would demonstrate that you had been in prison, a gang or the armed forces, but now pretty well everyone I ever see has what looks like a huge Harley-Davidson motif peeping out of their pants. Has Judge Judy got a giant eagle with a man’s skull eating a snake on her arse? I wouldn’t be at all surprised. Justin Trousersnake has a tattoo on his nipple and I think that says it all.
Of course, when I was 16 I fancied the notion of having a small Union Jack (British Flag) permanently etched into my left buttock.
I didn’t for two reasons. First, the law states that you can’t get a tattoo unless you are drunk. That’s why 18 is the minimum age. Second, a tattoo artist once ran his needle over my forearm to show me just what a painless experience it was. He was lying. It felt like I was being stabbed in slow motion.
What would I have ended up with? A skin infection probably and a smudge on my arse. What’s the point of that? Why endure all the pain and expense when it will be used as much as room service on a cruise ship that charges for a BLT after midnight.
Tattooing has been around since the dawn of time, but if we examine the work of all the great artists — Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet — we find they would apply their skill and dexterity to just about any surface: walls, ceilings, canvas, paper. But not the human body. At no point did Leonardo da Vinci ever think, “I know, I’ll paint The Mona Lisa on Van Gogh’s arse.”
Then look at the average tattoo artist. As portrayed on that Miami Ink TV show.Maybe, if my children were being held hostage, I would let Jessica Simpson loose with the needles, but not a bald 400 pound Hell’s Angel with most of Staples stockroom stuck through his nose. I wouldn’t mind, but most proper artists spend weeks thinking about their work and how it should be approached. What you get from the Hell’s Angel is a five-minute consultation and what you end up with is a doodle. Furthermore, most successful artists learned their craft by wearing berets and walking along river banks. These tattoo guys, you know, learned their craft by pimping someone’s ride.
The only good thing is that when the subject dies, the tattoo dies too. Except in Japan, of course, where you can buy dead tattooed people to turn into furniture. Interesting idea: yakuza scatter cushions.
I watched this Miami Ink program where a Miami Beach girl had an unsurpassed love for Ferrari which was so intense that she had a prancing horse tattooed just above her lady garden.
Now, whenever she bends over, people say, “Err, why has someone drawn a donkey on your back?” It’s crap and she is stuck with it for ever. Oh, I know there are all sorts of procedures these days for having tattoos removed, but they cost mucho dollars — and hurt — even more than having the damn thing implanted in the first place.
Do they work? Well, you only have to examine New York subway train that’s had its graffiti washed off to see the answer is ummm…….nope.
So, it’s a big no to the tattoo. However, I will be standing by Heidi soon to be with her for something which I understand is quite painful. As she is an older mother at 34 she has to have an amniocentesis test to check that the Thingy is not suffering from Down syndrome.
Now, she has already had a blood test which told us she is low risk at “1 in 400″ but on December 30 we received a letter saying that it was highly recommended that she have a further test as a back up. This will involve…..a large needle being inserted into her tummy………and………well you can understand just why I need to be with her. There is, of course, nothing to worry about and it is standard practice for all mothers over 30 to have this done and we already know she is low risk. However, we will comply with the doctor’s wishes.
Now, this has thrown a spanner in the works for my Carnival Destiny dates as Heidi’s test is on the 14 January and I was due back on the 10th. So, no Carnival Destiny. The office are now though finding a ship for me to either be a cruise director on or sail on to write about before the bloggers cruise. I am, of course, dissappointed I wont be on to write about the rock and roll charters but Heidi is, of course, more important than anything else and I need to be with her.
So, the revised plan is as follows.
JANUARY 17 – FLY TO MIAMI
JANUARY 18 – 5 FEBRUARY – SAIL ON TWO SHIPS TO WRITE FOR THE BLOG……….MAYBE CARNIVAL DESTINY AND CARNIVAL IMAGINATION
FEBRUARY 5 – FLY TO NEW ORLEANS
FEBRUARY 6 – BLOGGERS COMMUNITY DAY IN NEW ORLEANS
FEBRUARY 7 – BLOGGERS CRUISE
FEBRUARY 14 – APRIL TH – CRUISE DIRECTOR (YIPEE) OF CARNIVAL VALOR
APRIL 24 – JUNE ? – HOME FOR BIRTH OF THINGY
JUNE? – SEPTEMBER? – CRUISE DIRECTOR – POSSIBLY CARNIVAL GLORY………….I will confirm this ASAP.
SEPTEMBER? – INAUGURAL OF CARNIVAL DREAM AND TWO BLOGGERS CRUISES ON CARNIVAL DREAM
Now, in between all of this I will be helping in my role as brand ambassador as requested by our EVP of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez and his department which will involve many more chances to meet you ………yes you……..maybe in your hometown. I also hope to visit the Carnival Dream in April as well as attend the inaugural of the Costa Luminosa and if I am invited a chance to look at the world’s most luxurious vessel…….the Seabourn Odyssey.
However, it is the being a cruise director bit that I am looking forward to the most and hopefully 2010 will allow me many more opportunities to do what I love the most and that’s being a cruise director. Anyway, thanks for your understanding and these extra 10 days will be important for Heidi and me. She is very scared of this needle. I told her it would only be a small prick……she told me she felt better on hearing this as that is what she is used to.
Now, don’t forget that on Monday I will be posting a brilliant interview with Jim Berra, our new chief marketing officer. I have already read this superb piece and he has taken a lot of time to explain what your future holds and why it is so exciting. Jim will be offering a first and exclusive look at what Carnival’s marketing strategy is all about and I promise you …….it’s a terrific read.
A few days ago I posted the categories for the 2008 Blog Thingy Awards and I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to write in with your nominations. Well, we are counting them this weekend and before we announce the winners I thought it only fair to give you my nominations. Now, obviously these will not be counted but what the heck………I would like to share them with you all the same
1. YOUR FAVORITE CARNIVAL SHIP …..AND WHY
Well I guess the answer has to be the Carnival Splendor. Is she my all-time favorite ship………well, probably not because to decide that I have to take in all sorts of emotions. However, the last ship I was a CD on was the Carnival Splendor and she may well be the last ship I deliver as a cruise director. I also loved the lido deck design and that retractable roof was just brilliant. I wasn’t keen on the pinkness of the interior at first but after a few days it started to grow on me and, of course, I began to realize that actually……….the design was fun……..and that’s exactly what you would expect a Carnival ship to be. I loved sailing in Europe and the experiences I shared with Heidi in Russia, Finland and, of course, Amsterdam were incomparable. I do hope that Carnival returns to Europe one day soon however, I do think that the Med and Grand Med cruises go together with the Carnival product much better……fun and European sun…….just my opinion, of course. Anyway, my choice is the Carnival Splendor…….a superb ship of which I have truly wonderful memories.
2. THE OUTSTANDING CARNIVAL CREW MEMBER AWARD
Tough one this. There are many who deserve to be nominated. Stephanie Meads, my long-time suffering assistant cruise director who has put up with my idiosyncrasies and flatulence during three ship deliveries. Jaime Deitsch, who not only was a terrific social host but went on become an instant hit as a cruise director as you read yesterday. My excellent staff on the Carnival Splendor…..Adele,Gary, Lauren, Owen and James Hiyyyaa, all of whom proved that they are the best in the fleet. Then there was Ketut, who was my stateroom steward and anyone who can be as nice and as caring as he even though he had to wash my underwear everyday deserves special mention.
I continue to be so proud of Wee Jimmy and Butch. I consider both my friends and the future of this great cruise line and both have all it takes to be the best in the industry. Then there are all the Carnival cruise directors who each and every day provide the fun we advertise …………they are all fantastic.
However………for me there is one clear winner in this category……..and that is Ken Byrne………..maitre d extraordinaire. You know, Ken and I have been mates for many years. We have lots in common. Neither of us drink……..we both like the odd cigar ……….. and both of us love what we do. Ken is blessed with a huge heart and anyone who has enjoyed him as their maitre d will have experienced his caring and great sense of humor. Yes, we all know about his superb Sinatraesque voice and his witty jokes around the tables but that’s not the reason he gets my nomination. He wins because of the caring and compassion he has for his fellow humankind whether it’s a guest or a crewmember. He is truly a special man.
3. THE OUTSTANDING CARNIVAL SHORESIDE EMPLOYEE AWARD
OK, this is another tough one. It was fascinating for me and others at Carnival to read how many of you voted for your PVP. Embarrassingly, I do not know many of these ladies and gents but it is obvious to me that they are highly thought of and that is wonderful news.
I want to give an honorable mention to my friend Vance Gulliksen, who each and every day regardless of whether he is in the office or taking his son to watch the Miami Dolphins lose, always takes his Blackberry with him. This is because he has to spell check what I have written, as well as from a public relations standpoint, make sure I have not written anything that may embarrass Carnival Cruise Lines…….although between me and you I think he has given up on this one. So thanks Vance because without you there would be no blog.
However, my nomination is Stephanie Leavitt who has become so much more than the manager of the blog. This is only part of her job yet it consumes the most time and she has become a friend to many of you as well I know. She also manages me…..and now that Heidi won’t be traveling with me anymore I have a feeling that this part of her job will become even more important. So, my winner is Stephanie Leavitt……well done Steph.
4. THE BEST CARIBBEAN PORT OF CALL
This again was difficult because I have been in Europe for the last few years. As many of you know I always list Ocho Rios as my favorite Caribbean destination and indeed it still is. However, there is a new entry at joint first place……..and that is……Grand Turk. There is no doubt about it – Grand Turk is THE hottest property in the Caribbean. The beaches are exquisite and the shopping is brilliant. A short distance from the pier is the giant Flow Rider. Now, you don’t have to be a world champion surfer like Gerry Cahill to give this ago but give it a go you must. The backdrop to your family photos of you all doing this is the ship itself…..it’s a stunning location and an attraction that really is just brilliant. Of course, it’s even more fun to try it after you have had a few cocktails at Margaritaville which is right next door. Yep, it is a place you should all visit and is quickly becoming one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.
5. THE BEST NON-CARIBBEAN PORT OF CALL
I have never sailed in Alaska and I am sure that sailing through this Last Frontier and seeing the ice caps, hills and mountains and the stunning wildlife……..that’s if my Ranger Rover or Sara Palin’s rifle hasn’t killed them all must be astonishing and I must and so must you…………take an Alaskan cruise one day soon.
However, my nomination is…..Istanbul, Turkey……….even though Fatima tried to drive up the forbidden road during my Turkish bath. I hope Carnival returns to Europe and I hope Istanbul is one of the ports of call. If you have yearned to watch bulbous domes and slender minarets silhouetted against the setting sun, Istanbul is the port. You have to see the imperial The Blue Mosque, the crowning glory of Byzantines and Ottomans. The splendid Hagia Sophia mosque which will leave you breathless. To see the city from the water, with one of our special excursions followed by shopping at the incomparable Grand Covered Bazaar is a day none who have done it will never forget.
6. THE BEST ONBOARD SHOW FEATURING THE DANCERS AND SINGERS
Easy…….Ticket to Ride from the Carnival Freedom and the new Vroom show on Carnival Splendor………..Kerry Stables, our choreographer and director at her best.
7. THE BEST CARNIVAL SHIPBOARD ENTERTAINER AWARD
If you see the name Gronway Thom on a billboard or in a daily ship program ……go and see him. His blend of comedy and juggling is unique……totally unique and he has been blessed with a personality which will reach out and grab you. Penny Mathisen is another star who has been blessed with a voice from above and she is not to be missed. I am sure many of you will have enjoyed these two greats on the Carnival Freedom or Carnival Splendor. However…..my nomination goes to Carnival’s 344th best comedian….Al Ernst. Now, Al to me is as funny as a boil on the bottom but his shows seem to be appreciated by so many. But…….it’s not just what he does on stage but off stage that gets him my nomination. He walks the entire ship before and afterwards talking to as many guests as he can. He always has fresh and exciting ideas some of which you will be seeing on your cruise this coming year. So……Al Ernst and if you get a chance to meet him take it …..you will be meeting one of the most genuinely funny and likeable guys in the world.
8. YOUR FAVORITE ONBOARD DINNER MENU ITEM
This is an easy one. The steak you can order anytime from the nightly dinner menus. Not only is it a great cut of meat but you don’t have to pay extra for it like you do on the
“WearegoingtochargeforroomserviceaftermidnightoftheSeas.”
9. YOUR FAVORITE ONBOARD DESSERT
As a diabetic I have to nominate the sugar-free banana cake which if I had my way would be available on every menu as it’s so much better than the other sugar-free deserts. I dream though of the chocolate melting cake and the Dutch Apple Pie.
10. THE BEST BLOG GUEST INTERVIEW AWARD
I can’t really answer this one. There have been so many industry executives and shipboard employees who have given up their time to speak to us. There are some I have never managed to capture or whom I would love to interview this year.
A CRUISE DIRECTOR FROM EVERY LINE
KATHIE LEE GIFFORD – LOOKING BACK AT HER WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES AND HER CONTINUING BRILLIANT CHARITY WORK
AN UPDATE INTERVIEW WITH CCL PRESIDENT GERRY CAHILL
AN UPDATE INTERVIEW WITH ALL THE CORPORATION’S PRESIDENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID DINGLE CBE
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CAPTAIN OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS VESSEL THE SEABOURN ODYSSEY
AND, MANY MORE.
Those are my nominations……………hope you enjoyed them.
I just received these amazing photos from my friends Mr. and Mrs. Gateholes who were celebrating New Year’s Eve in Nassau. There, they celebrate in a very special way with a festival called Junkanoo………have a look ………at these amazing pictures.
Last night I went to a party. As regular readers of this blog thingy will know ……I am not a big fan of parties. You’ve read all about the show business parties that are held this time of year as George Hamilton, Lenny Kravitz, Elton John and Pee Diddly bring glitz, glamour and sophistication to town.
The party I went to last night was just like that because an old mate of mine an old friend hired a village hall in the hellhole that is Surrey the suburbs of London and booked a Duran Duran tribute band to come and play. Did I want to go? Honestly? No…….I would rather have gone on the something of the seas, waited to one minute after midnight and paid for a bagel and a glass of milk.
Our party would be all male and if there’s one thing I simply cannot abide it’s single-sex gatherings. What’s the point? The top five worst experiences of my life have all been stag nights. All that speedboat, snooker cue, business deal, BMW, golf, “Whoa, look at the chest on that” bollocks.
Yes, the men in question would all be old friends, people I hadn’t seen much since going to work for Carnival 21 years ago. But if you’re going to play catch-up, why do it in a village hall while being assaulted by four blokes who think they’re Duran Duran? …… And get this, the tickets were £15. Exactly £15 more than I would pay to see the real Duran Duran.
Still, I went, and it was fantastic. It was just a group of middle-aged people in a room who, for one night only, could pretend they were 18 again. It wasn’t easy. For instance, when I was18 I was very good at carrying up to eight pints of beer from the bar to where we were all sitting. But I seem to have lost the knack. Three glasses had me so stumped I had to make two journeys. And when I was 18 I could stand for more than 10 minutes at a time without getting backache.
Another indication of old age came when I went to the toilet, where I overhead my friend Barry talking on the phone to his wife. “Yes Beverley, I love you. No Beverley, there are no women here. Yes Beverley I will be home before midnight……..luv you.” Now Barry back in the day would drink 10 pints of beer…….throw up ……..drink 10 more before having rumpy pumpy with anything that had a pulse………now he had been reduced to a dribbling middle aged man living under his wife’s iron fist……….poor sod.
Also, at 1980s gigs the audience provided their own eerie light by holding cigarette lighters aloft in the ballads. Not last night they didn’t. The light came instead from a million shiny bald patches. Viewed from the back the audience really did seem to be a big flat reflective disco ball.
Sadly, with no hair to let down any more, the audience had tried to dress down instead. This meant Boxing Day corduroy and quilted sleeveless Puffa jackets teamed with training shoes. It wasn’t a good look. But then looking good wasn’t the point.
At most middle-aged parties the hosts try to be sophisticated and grown up. But why? We have to be responsible when we’re at work, and mature when we’re at home with the children. Surely on a night out we shouldn’t be quaffing cheesy peas. We should be getting drunk and shouting.
In Surrey that night we parked on someone’s lawn, drank gallons of beer from plastic glasses, never spoke about schools and listened to music that wasn’t sung by men with low slung pants or women who wished their girlfriend was hot like me…
This brings me on to the band. If you closed your eyes you really could imagine that it was LeBon and his friends up there. And if you opened them again the illusion didn’t really go away. Wigs and lots of denim did create an illusion that they were the real deal. The lead singer even seemed to have a length of authentic hosepipe down his pants.
Of course, the biggest difference between this party and the ones I used to attend with this same group of friends many years ago is that this morning I awoke with no hangover …….although if I had I would not have minded.
We moan about hangovers as we grow old. We complain that when you’re 40 rather than 14 they’re so much more difficult to shift. But a hangover is simply a reminder that you had a good time. You should learn to embrace it.
I certainly used to embrace mine. Along with the lavatory bowl, and all the soft furnishings in my house, for several days afterwards if it had been a very good party.
And here’s the thing. You can do it too, for nothing. Why waste a fortune on linen and roses? Why try to be like Elton John or George Hamilton when you can rent a room, hire a $500-a-night tribute band and then flog a hundred tickets at $15 a pop?
No one will feel very glamorous. They’ll feel something so much better. Young.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Filed under: Alaska, Caribbean, Destinations, Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Alaska, Awards, Caribbean, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Valor, cruise, Grand Turk, Jim Berra, Ocho Rios, vacation
Hi Heidi & John: First off don’t worry about that needle Heidi. My daughter in law has had this test done 3 times, and on the first baby they said she had a 75% chance of a downs syndrome baby, and we worried needlessly because he was born normal, and she has had 2 more boys since, all just wonderful! She wasn’t even 30 yet when this happened! I asked her and she said the needle wasn’t bad, so don’t worry! John, how can you be on a cruise ship in June when Heidi is due in mid May? Wish we were going to see you on the Valor on 1/25. You will be away from Heidi on your birthday then John! Jan. 22nd is your 44th birthday right? Send us a video of the blooming Heidi! Linda & Mike
John
Should the opportunity present itself we would love to have you interview Captain Roberto Volpi. We have sailed with him many times and he is our absolute favorite—Also he gives the best noonday update from the bridge we have heard. Always full of good information and many times very funny.
Thanks and regards.
Roger T
I’m happy that you are staying with Heidi that is scary and one really needs the husband no one else. Although I’m glad the infamous alpha beta protein blood test(or whatever it’s called) came back good. I was worried about that test because I have known sooooo many people that had that test and came back wrong( the timing has to be perfect) and had to go through the hell of waiting two weeks for the amiocentesis result thinking their baby is wrong. No one of them has been right. All the babies are perfect. So I’m glad you didn’t have to go through that so don’t worry. Anyway we will be praying.
So it seems we have to wait up to Dec 9 to see you. Nobody wants to see the Carnival Victory?? ahhhhhhhhh!! LOL
You are right about Ken I didn’t nominated him because we hadn’t have the pleasure of having him as Maitre D per se so I thought that maybe that wasn’t fair but the two times I had the pleasure of coming to visit he has shown clearly all that qualities. And yes you two are so much alike;
A huge heart, caring and great sense of humor. A special person who also gives great hugs just like you.
And he sings aaaaaahhhh!!
So it seems you hear about the charging for room service? You are terrible!
Many hugs to all
Nanni
Nice blog. I go on cruises to feel young again–get away from the “young adult” children whom we embarrass no matter what we do and let our hair down–forget about all those parental responsibilities. I like not having to drive after drinking and it being warm (usually!). Haven’t felt the need to embrace the toilet bowl yet! and I don’t miss it! Gloria
John–Lately I’ve had the thought of having a teeny, tiny Robin tattooed on my ankle, I guess as a rebellion to getting older. My son’s girlfriend promises to go with me and that it “won’t hurt much,” but I’m still too chicken.
I’m on a diet too–but if someone put a chocolate melting cake in front of me now, I would self-destruct!
John…
I too was asked to do the amnio test, but I refused… So I had to sign a letter saying I was refusing doctor’s orders… But I was 35 at the time… and ‘older mom’ and they said I had to… Nope! I didn’t!!! Wouldn’t have made a difference anyway…
But we LOVED the sonograms all the time… Now Mary did go straight to neo-natal when she was born: she was late… she wouldn’t breathe… and she had a cleft… But after her 10 weeks’ birthday, she had she first surgery and I wouldn’t trade her for anything!!!
Tatooos… well, then again, maybe I would trade her… She has tattoos… first one on her 18th birthday to honor her Dad’s death… second to honor a close friend’s death (he was a firefighter)… next… next… next… and on to seven! Lord, help her, please!!!! Only two are visible when she’s dressed and none if she wears long pants and long sleves… Yep, I still love her!!!
Me… NONE!! None now, never will be…
You’re right about Stephanie being the best shoreside Carnival employee… I apologize for not saying that myself!!! I am quite embarased!!! She is WONDERFUL, PERFECT, and IRREPLACEABLE!!!!! Love her to pieces!!!
And love to you and Heidi and ‘Thingy Heald’
Lambie
WOO HOO!!!!!!!!! FIVE WEEKS!!!!
I had the test and, if you don’t see the needle–it is huge–it wasn’t that bad. Of course, they gave you a local where the needle was going to be put. The worst part? Husband had to carry the fluid to a lab about 40 miles away. My words to him as he left? “Don’t drop it.”
Tucker in Texas
John, Congrats on the great news, I had a great time years ago when you were working as CD on the first sailing of the triumph out of miami. I wish you and your wife the best in the future and hope to catch you soon on our next vacation. Have you ever worked as a CD out on the west coast? Would love to see you when the Carnival Splendor comes to long beach. Best wishes to you and your wife and thank you for making so many peoples vacation the best!
-Chris
Long Beach, California
John and Heidi,
I was 38 when I had my only child. At that time, I wasn’t really given an option and had an amnio. I was about 8 weeks pregnant and sorry to say, it hurt like —-.
The results came back in the second trimester and was normal. Question is, if the test comes back abnormal, what will you do about it? If mine had come back abnormal, I would not have had an abortion and would have loved the baby as much as if it was normal. So why did I put myself through such a thing to begin with? Would never have if I could do it again.
Regardless whether you have the test or not, you will love that little thingy more than you can even imagine.
John, I didn’t get my votes in, but if I had we would have had the same answers. There is nothing like the Spendor’s retractable roof!! Ken, Stephanie and Ticket to Ride are the cream of the crop.
Love to you three,
Sharon
Hi, John,
I know you’re an Aston Martin man, but thought you might appreciate the following: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090103/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_supercar (if you haven’t already seen it.)
Jamie: Great job on the New Year’s Eve party! Loved your Dear John letter.
Heidi: Good luck with the “needle.” John may pass out, but I’m sure you’ll do just fine.
Your Pal, Myra
1. YOUR FAVORITE CARNIVAL SHIP ……………..AND WHY – The Carnival Paradise when it was a smoke free ship.
2. THE WORST CARNIVAL CREW MEMBER AWARD – Every member of the bar staff on the Carnival Destiny’s April 6, 2008 cruise that was assigned to work the captain’s welcome aboard party and / or the past passenger party. During both the parties I asked 6 different people for a pop to drink. Everyone who I asked refused to serve pop during the parties.
3. THE WORST CARNIVAL SHORESIDE EMPLOYEE AWARD – This is a tie between John Heald and the so called guest relations department. On November 13, 2007 I sent a letter to Carnival Cruise Line. When I had not received any type of reply by the middle of February 2008 I posted a message on John’s blog. In his blog dated February 20, 2008 John said he was to contact somebody about not receiving a reply to the letter. I waited and waited for a reply that never came. On November 9, 2008 I posted another message on John’s blog. On November 11, 2008 I received an e-mail from John saying that he was contacting the director of guest relations. To this day I still have not received any type of reply from guest relations.
4. THE BEST CARIBBEAN PORT OF CALL – St. Thomas, USVI
5. THE BEST NON-CARIBBEAN PORT OF CALL – Hilo, Hawaii
6. THE BEST ONBOARD SHOW FEATURING THE DANCERS AND SINGERS
7. THE BEST CARNIVAL SHIPBOARD ENTERTAINER AWARD – Christopher Alan Graves in the “Swingin’ with the band” show.
8. YOUR FAVORITE ONBOARD DINNER MENU ITEM – New York strip steak with the peppercorn sauce.
9. YOUR FAVORITE ONBOARD DESSERT – Warm melted chocolate cake.
10. THE BEST BLOG GUEST INTERVIEW AWARD – who, out of the year’s captains, corporate executives and special guests I interviewed, did you find to be the most captivating? – Joe Farcus
Hi John and Heidi,
I also refused to take the Amnio test, when I was pregnant at 38 with our third child (and yes, ummm…. we should have named her Triumph!). I just didn’t find the need in taking a test, because there is nothing I would or could have done if by any chance she had down syndrome. I would love her just the same.
It really IS a personal choice for you, but please do not thing that it is something that MUST be done. It is a CHOICE! I know Heidi is taking wonderful care of herself, and it looks as if all the other tests are coming out A- OK….
I loved your nominations for your awards,…. and the stories behind them!
Happy New Year!
Catrin
John – please, one more vote of something I forgot.
BEST CARIBBEAN PORT – how about Progreso? We werer just there and loved it!!! Least commercialized, great shopping, $1 Coronas on neat public beaches, and a dock that goes 4 miles out to sea. It’s like a real Mexican town that hasn’t turned into a mile long Diamonds international store.
You and I may be the only people left without a tattoo and I am with you – not for me. Amnio is scary but mostly to “thingy.” You will be in our prayers. Take care, eat right.
Hi John/Heidi:
Good luck with the test. All will be fine I’m sure.
Glad you commented on the pain factor with a tattoo. That is the part that has always scared me.
I enjoyed your nominations and agree with a lot of your choices.
Have a nice weekend and take care.
Thanks!
David
Hi John and Heidi
Great Blog
Sending Hugs to you. Having the Amniocentesis test is a “piece of cake”. I had one done 26 years ago and they numb the area first before they put in the “long needle” which feels like a little pressure..and they have come a long way since that time then in OBSTETRICS. It is good that you will be with Heidi, I was alone when I had mine. (my ex chose work over me) hence why he is an ex) but my sone he’s my “baby” he just went home after spending the holidays here.
Thank you for sharing your schedule and you award picks with us. We agreed on several.
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Greetings to you three! (John, Heidi, and Thingy Heald)
Hope everything is going swimmingly. I’m with you, John. I don’t understand tattoos… I’ve got step kids who have them and when I saw them I smacked myself on my head and wondered what the heck they were thinking (I couldn’t smack them on the head… they would have smacked me back, so I just smacked myself to save them the trouble…LOL!) I just don’t get it whatsoever.
Please don’t get a tattoo…the risks just aren’t worth it. Plus, when you’re 90 years old it will look real funny!
Big hugs to you an your growing family!
Hi John, Heidi, and thingy. Know you would always be with Heidi with anything. You are a great husband and Dad. Try and reassure Heidi the amnio isn’t as bad as she thinks. It is very frightining going into it but really not bad at all, mine was 31 years ago! Please keep us posted on how it all went. Again with the amnio they will ask you if you want to know what the thingy is. Can’t wait to see you and Heidi by web cam on the bloggers cruise SEE YOU SOON> My best wishes to you all. Mike and Cheryl
Hey John and Heidi,
It has been awhile since I have written, but think about the two and a half of you.
My side kick (Jeanette) and I decided that we would get tattoo’s this past year!!! Just another thing off of the bucket list and it wasn’t bad at all. We will show you when we see you on the Bloger’s cruise next month. They are done very tastfully and I am sure you will agree. I am glad I did it! Can’t hardly wait for the cruise.
See you soon, Hugs all around…
Kathleen
Hi John & Heidi!
Happy New Year! I have kept up with your blog constantly but haven’t posted in a while. I so look forward to all your adventures and stories!
I will keep the two of you in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Going through any type of test isn’t fun but will be good piece of mind for both of you that Thingy is a healthy baby! Be careful when you get the report. I can’t remember if you know the sex or not but it will more than likely be on the report too if you don’t already know!
I was looking at your new schedule and you have my hopes up that I may actually get to cruise with you as our director after all! We are booked on the Glory 9/5 so if you are taking the CD during those months next summer/fall, please stay on there until after we sail. I know they are bringing the Dream out near the end of September! Please keep us informed of your schedule!
I have to agree with you on the Tattoos! I don’t have any or a desire to get any! I just think about what all these people that have had it done will look like in 50 years, YUCK!!!
Again, we will be thinking of you!
We will be on Destiny Jan 26th hope to see you. Really enjoy reading about all the different ships. We have been on 6 different ships and look forward to all the rest. Keep having fun
Ok have to agree about the tattoos–just don’t get it and they really look dumb when you get old and wrinkled. Tattoos and piercings are two things that will keep someone from getting a job where I work and a lot of places whether they admit it or not.
Will be thinking of you and Heidi and glad you are staying with her because it’s one of those things where you just don’t want anyone else.
Love the pictures of the celebration in Nassau–they are beautiful.
Can’t wait to hear about the plans for us next week in the interview.
The Splendor, Stephanie and Grand Turk–wow I did really good with my nominations!
I try never to embrace the toilet bowl and thank heavens that hasn’t happened in a whole lotta years!
Why do the test? Have you thought what you would do if the test came back positive? As long as Heidi is feeling well and there are no red flags…let nature take its course because unless you have a cure for Down Syndrome, knowing early doesn’t do anyone any good? Maybe that is just my belief?
I got an idea John. Why don’t you go on the Valor on the 25th of January where you, Empress Bee, Linda Hernacki, and myself get to meet and sit and talk for some time, probably a small time but at least I could finally meet you. Oh by the way, last night’s blog were you dealing with me since I enjoy ending all my comments with Ciao and I guess that really bothers you. Also, todays blog you mentioned about tattoos. Well John, I happen to have two of them on my arms and both have large roses. I happene to love roses. I hope that won’t affect the chance of meeting you because 1. I say Ciao and 2. I have two beautiful tattoos. See you some day( Ciao ).LOL
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John and Heidi, Please show us a picture of Heidi as her tummy expands as that wee little one grows. I think there is nothing anymore beautiful as a pregnant woman.
This time 49 years ago, I was pregnant with my first child. My son, whom you will meet on the BC. His birthday is 5/27. I told you Don and I were old enough to be your Mum and Dad….
I am so glad that my son and his wife will be able to take their first cruise with you as the blogger’s CD. They could not have chosen a more enjoyable way to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, even if they did have to wait a few months to take the cruise.
I was only 19 when I was pregnant with him. So I didn’t have to have the needle thingy. But even if the doctor’s had said I needed to have one, I would not have chosen to have it. It would not have changed anything. If he had been Down’s Syndrome I would not have aborted him. I would have continued on with the pregnancy.
I’m glad you will be with Heidi. You are a wonderful hubby and will be a great father, ……….. even if you won’t have his/her name tattooed on your body.
Countess Carolyn ………old enough to be John’s mum lol
How many have seen the new PEPSI commercial and thought it was going to be a Carnival commercial until you saw the PEPSI can at the end. Pat and I did.
BIG ED
Dear John,
We hope we are the first one to offer you our home for your pre and post respite when you cruise to Alaska. As you know, we live in Seattle and if Carnival does not include Seattle as one of the homeports, Vancouver, BC is just 3 hours drive north and the sceneries are fantastic. We don’t have a Land Rover but another British brand car is just sitting in our garage (hope it’s still with us when you decide to come). In other words, you three (you, Heidi and the thingy) may stay with us before and after your cruise as an alternative to a hotel stay. Seattle International Airport is just 15 minutes away. We have three extra bedrooms in our little house.
Lou & I are both retired and have all the time to drive you around as you wish.
Please respond.
Amor & Lou
John,
Please tell Heidi the Amniocentesis test isn’t bad, it’s more scary than painful. I didn’t feel any pain with mine. Heidi needs you there John for support. I’m sure it will all come out fine. I got a beautiful and very smart girl. I count my blessings everyday!
john wow jan 22 is ur bday mine is jan 28 cool.
Yes Big Ed, I too saw the commercial and thought it was for Carnival till the end when I realized it was a Pepsi commercial. The colors make you think Carnival! I also agree with so many readers, as I had said my daughter in law 4 years ago was told the baby could be a downs syndrome baby, and we worried needlessly for weeks, with her 2nd and 3rd she refused the test, and all was fine. So, you don’t have to take the test if you don’t want to Heidi, really wouldn’t change anything anyway, you are too far along to even think of aborting. Whatever GOD has in store for you will be a miracle in itself! Linda
I’m with you on the “Tramp Stamps,” John. As that sage Ozzy Osbourne said, “If you want to be different today, DON’T get a tatoo!”
Hey john since I’m going to be on the January 17th cruise on the Splendor, I think you should visit that ship again!
Jeff
Hi John,
Tell Heidi not to worry about the needle. I’m an OB nurse and it’s a very fine needle and doesn’t hurt at all.
My question for you is that I see that Carnival has two cruises to Europe in Oct 09. I was blessed to have sailed with you on the Splendor. It was the most amazing cruise. You left the ship the end of our cruise. I was wondering if Carnival was going to add any additional iterniarys? I would love to see Russia, England.
I understand the cut backs because of the economy but am hoping that carnival will consider additional ports of call in the future.
Happy New Year to you, Heidi and the thingy!
Big Ed,
I saw the Pepsi commercial and thought it was a Carnival commercial too! Great minds think alike.
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single
I had to have the amniocentesis and the key for Heidi is to relax. It’s not as bad as it seems and the doctor knows exactly what to do. It was scary, but knowing your thingy is healthy will be a great relief! Best of luck!
Hi John,
First, my best to you and Heidi. I found a reference to your blog in the newest edition of Currents I received yesterday. I’m pretty new at this blog stuff and I was hoping to find info about excursions. I noted a question from Semper Fi on December 10th about a trip they are planning to Limon, Costa Rica and Colon, Panama. However, I have not seen an answer. Maybe it goes directly to them – I don’t know. Anyway, my wife and I are sailing on the Carnival Freedom on January 17th and will be traveling to Cozumel, Limon, Costa Rica and Colon, Panama and have the same question(s). I have searched the World (wide web) and find it difficult to get much information. Seems like this blog system might be a way to get some good feedback about the excursions. Any info is better than no info. And there seem to be a lot of very nice people that provide input to this blog. Anyway, we are truly looking forward to our sailing in 2 weeks and will enjoy the trip even if we can’t find much info about the excursions. Best wishes to you and your family.
JOHN!!
There was an article on the local newspaper about the Dream and they mention your blog:
Además tiene un ‘link’ para el blog de John Heald, director ‘senior’ de cruceros de Carnival, que lo llevará a una excursión exclusiva tras bastidores y le dará detalles de la etapa de construcción en que se encuentra.
http://www.elnuevodia.com/diario/noticia/deviaje/revistas/el__fun_ship_mas_grande/513087
Heidi,
Please remember this is a test you can refuse. If the baby has Down’s, there is nothing you can do to change that. The amnio can however, have risks. Just my two cents!
Hi John….Love to you and Heidi. I will say a prayer for you both regarding the Amnio…Here they are not required, (you can sign off and refuse) but may be “across the pond” I suppose. Amnio’s can be risky but most are done now with the assistance of an ultrasound machine so the Doc can be very accurate…. (I work in OB) I can certainly understand wanting a clean bill of health for the precious thingy to ease worries…But Heidi is not an old Mum….We just had one the other day that was 41…Had a healthy, beautiful baby boy. I am sure all will be fine with your new blessing and am wishing you both peace and happiness!
John, I am still enjoying the commercials when I see them. I saw the beach ball on TV tonight and yesterday I saw the pinata when I went to the theater to see a movie. It is even more impressive on the big screen.
I hope everything goes well with the test. You and Heidi have such wonderful days ahead with the wee one. I’m sure it will bring more joy than you can imagine and all the anxiety and worry of the pregnancy will be soon forgotten.
Hang in there, Mates.
Shirley
John,
You are such a wonderful husband for staying with Heidi. Sometimes fear is our worst enemy but the baby will be just fine and so will Heidi ! You will be great parents to little Thingy!
Mike & Lori
Hi John & Heidi
So glad you decided to stay with Heidi during this time. She will be so greatful to have you by her side.
I am not one to tell you what to do but I will give you my thoughts on this test. The amnio test does have lots of risks such a fluid leakage and other things. If this were me, I think I would opt to not have the test done because of the risks and really unless you know in your heart that your are gonna abort the baby if he/she is Downs Syndrome there is no point. Downs Syndrome is not gonna change how much you love this little one when it arrives.
Being the mother of a Special child I can tell you whole heartedly that if they told me Cody was gonna have the brain damage and severe developmental delay he has I still wouldn’t have given him up. He is my Pride and Joy!
The decision is of course yours and we support you no matter what you choose to do, just wanted you to know that it is an option.
Send some pictures of Heidi with her baby bump, they are always the most beautiful photos.
Again, thanks for the great blogs, keep up the good work! Can’t wait to hear about the excursion in Cozumel we are all so excited.
See you soon!
Cindy & Kevin
Hi John,I asked for the needle test,but my Doctors refused as it is an invasive procedure and may cause harm,my kids are fine and if they were not I would love them just the same,
-Sandra
Bid Ed,
I also thought that the Pepsi commercial was a Carnival commercial until the end.
John,
There are about 1500 passengers booked on the Splendor SA cruise doing all 3 legs. I have a question & hope you can check with corporate about it. Is it possible to make an exception and allow us to carry our unused internet minutes from one leg to the next? I know this is not Carnival policy, but this is not your usual cruise. And there are at least 1500 of us involved. My friends on Cruise Critic & I would like to know what you can do to help us out.
Thanks,
Joyce
Hi John,
Did someone buy you the Jeremy Clarkson book for christmas. Led Zep or Duran Duran……………… tee hee.
John – you are a good husband to be with Heidi for the test. It may not be a piece of cake, but helpful for peace of mind. I’ll be thinking of you. I’m kind of hoping though the doctor will inadvertently mention the thingy’s sex!
John, Just a note regarding the “pinata” commercial. Looks great and I am sure it will be a hit. It played quite a number of times and each time was enjoyable.
Jim
John Please Reply!
I have a few questions about the Dream.
I know before when they first brought out the information about the Dream it said the Dream was going to have a two level mini golf course. I was wondering if that is out of the picture now.
Also I was also wondering if the Dream had one of the retractable roofs.
Thank You
I also thought that the Pepsi commercial was a Carnival commercial too because of the same slogan. I figured out at the end that it wasn’t.
I thought I was the only one that noticed this!
Happy New Year,
Taking 4 days off means a lot of catching up to do with the blog thingy.
But first I want to express my condolences to the lost crew member and his family, and his extended Carnival family. How very sad.
After hearing your complaints about fireworks being the same thing over and over again, it’s obvious to me you have not seen the latest editions. There are new colors & intricate designs. Maybe you’ve just been working while the world celebrates and haven’t seen the shows.
Great job Jaime – I can’t believe you were just a rookie last year on the Imagination. You were so professional & never missed a beat. Congratulations on a job well earned.
John, you mentioned buying Heidi a ring and how expensive it was, and I agree. But here’s an idea – next time you’re on a ship, go into the Jewelry Shop and look around. I noticed on my last 2 cruises that the jewelry shops were obviously upgraded – both in quantity available and quality. I know jewelry and the quality was exceptional. Many, many things to choose from – and the friendliest sales people around.. I’m sure you could find something for Heidi. Plus, don’t you get a discount?
I’m taking your interview with Joe Farcus home with me so I can read about the Dream at my leisure. I think I’ll even save it so I can become familiar with her layout before November.
Hugs,
Carol
**please reply John. Thank you.**
Hi John,
Love your blog – first time I’ve posted although I’m a dedicated reader.
My husband & I cruised with you as the CD 3 times, 1st time was a family cruise on Fascination back in 1995. Then we followed you (stalked? haha) and did Carnival Destiny and Triumph cruise because you’re such a blast as CD. We are getting ready to take our 8th and 9th cruises. Going on the Carnival Splendor on 1/17/09 and then on the Carnival Freedom on 1/25/09. My husband surprised me and changed our Freedom booking to a suite. I’m wondering if you’d mind letting me know a little bit about VIP status. I think Mike (the husband) expects a marching band to greet us (haha) but I can’t really find any details about VIP except express embarkation and debarkation. Do we have someone to do our laundry every day?
Oh wait, is that me? Doing 2 cruises back to back is a challenge packing-wise because I believe it’s just about at the point where the airline charges you a million dollars if you actually dare to go over 50lb per bag, or bring an extra one (if you haven’t figured out by now, I’m a bit of a wise-donkey’s butt).
Also, we are going on the Dream on 2/6/2010. Will you be the CD on that sailing? We’d love to see you again. You’re the best! Not that the other CD’s are bad; you’re just awesome!
Please tell Heidi I loved her post. She said she feels like there’s another woman in your lives, the Raspberry. I have the same problem only it’s called sports on television (American football, Nascar, Celtics basketball, Red Sox, paint drying contest haha).
I wish you both the best of luck with the amniocentesis. It will be fine. My husband & I had a little daughter born 3/8/03, Rachel Michelle. We stopped cruising for a while because she was born with a very rare terminal genetic disorder, COFS Syndrome. She died almost 2 years ago on 1/15/07. I say this only to let you know that yes, no matter what the test shows, or what baby Thingy turns out to be, you will love that baby unlike anything you’ve ever loved before. It is the greatest thing in the world, to become a parent.
Sorry for the long post. But since my last name is LONG, guess it would have to be – lol.
Best wishes to you, Heidi, and baby Thingy.
Ronda (here in freezing cold Maine!)
Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently. You are on the right track for sure!