I love being at home with Heidi but I must admit…….I think I am a little bored now and that probably means……..I have become boring to others and that’s not good. I have been deeply concerned that my blogs may have become boring, as well.
There’s a man I know who I talk to a lot at work either on the phone or in person— I shouldn’t say who in case he’s reading this — and never, not once, in the many years I have known him has he been able to make a single story interesting. Even if he’d just been mugged by a gang of dwarf Hells Angels or walked into his house to find Cameron Diaz dressed as a naughty nurse he’d still fail to bring the tale alive. And pretty soon you’d be wishing you were a horse………. So you could fall asleep standing up.
Unfortunately, he never has never had Cameron Diaz take his temperature or administer a bed bath or been attacked by tiny leather-clad bikers. All that happened in his life last week was a new delivery of paperclips. And staggeringly, he believed that this was interesting enough to bring up in conversation. Honestly, after a few minutes I gave serious thought to stabbing him in the eye with the sharp end of one of his beloved paper clips…
I believe that one of the greatest gifts bestowed on a human being is not beauty, intelligence or wealth. It’s the ability to make a story live. To take a tale and know instinctively what to leave in, what to leave out and when to add a bit of flavoring.
Of course, it helps if you do actually lead an interesting life. I mean, if Rannulf Fiennes, the explorer had been a carpet salesmen or an IT consultant he probably wouldn’t be much fun down at dinner parties. But when he tells you about sawing off his own fingers while trapped on the south face of Mount Everest – well, it’s kind of hard to mess that up.
I’d rather have dinner on my own than dinner with a dullard. I know people are anxiously waiting for me to get back onboard so I can write about life onboard and the wonderful guests I meet each and every week. And until I do and if this blog and I have become boring…..well, someone please tell me and I will shut up. I love practical jokes and later in this blog I will be telling you about one from the past that I had played on me
But first, commiserations this week to the man from Arkansas, who, having made use of a public toilet, found that he was super glued to the seat. The anonymous prankster had done such a thorough job that the man, 35, had to be carried out by fire-fighters still sitting on the stainless steel pan, pants lowered, and taken to hospital where strong chemicals were required to unstick his buttocks.
“He was somewhat embarrassed,” said an ambulance spokesman said, unnecessarily.
There was no news of whether he had managed to flush. Still, at least the unlucky sod can take solace from this episode. He has learned a valuable lesson that no good will ever come of sitting down on a public toilet seat. (What was he thinking? Women have been perfecting “the hover” for decades.) But he didn’t come out of it looking quite as dumb as my favorite prank victim of 2008…………….Sarah Palin.
In case didn’t hear about this incident, let me refresh your memory. A few days before Election Day, a French-Canadian comedian, Marc-Antoine Audette, telephoned Ms. Palin pretending to be Nicolas Sarkozy. For six excruciating minutes, she spoke to a man using a comedy French accent not unlike Peter Seller’s Inspector Clousseau who enthused over Carla Bruni’s sexual performance and, at one point, broke into song, yet she suspected nothing fishy, possibly thinking that zis is how all ze Frenchies are in zair ‘ome country of Finland. It was fist-chewingly awful and Palin emerged looking as clueless as an Amish Guy playing Grand Theft Auto……….although……………I actually miss her.
When I was on the Holiday as a very junior assistant bar manager, my so-called friends once emptied my cabin of absolutely everything including the bed, chairs and all my clothes. My instinctive reaction was to cry, call “security” then demand that they put my Gabriella Sabitini posters back exactly as they found them, please. But I knew that, in this split second, I’d be forever judged as a bastard if I said what I really thought, so I threw back my head and shrieked with fake laughter, all the time worrying what they’d done with my underpants.
I don’t know how Sarah Palin reacted to her prank, though if I was the idiot in her office who had let the call through, I wouldn’t expect an invite to the moose-hunting parties any time soon. Anyway……….let’s get on with answering some of your questions and comments. First of all, some of you may have seen this comment that I posted yesterday.
Raymond Krygier
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm1. 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 six 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 Lines. 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 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
I wanted to thank Raymond for his award nominations although I don’t remember asking anyone to vote on the worst Carnival crew member. Anyway……Raymond. I have once again forwarded your comments to our guest relations department for their immediate follow up and thank you for taking the time to write. I did reply to you mate and I apologize that you have not heard back. I will continue to try to assist you.
Can I also say hello to some Brit friends of mine Wes and Liz from Manchester. Hello guys……how are you? I know you never actually ask for questions to be answered but I wanted to say hello to you and hope you are not freezing too much up there in Manchester.
OK, on we go.
Rodney (Cruising Crazees) Asked:
John Please Reply
Hello it is good to see that you are trying out this resolution thing it never works for me either but just as you have a thingy coming I had one in September and I am a little younger than you but not much so I as well would like to see her grow up. I was wondering have you had a chance to check into whether or not you could do anything about whether or not I can take my daughter on the bloggers cruise in Feb. I saw you replied and stated you were going to make a few phone calls and see but I do not know if I missed anything since. Please respond to the email attached to this comment and let me know. ThanksJohn Says:
Hello Rodney
My apologies for the delay in answering you. I did ask our loss prevention folks and I am sorry to say that even with one of your family being a nurse, etc they cannot bend the rules. I understand where they are coming from and I also understand how disappointed you must be at this news. I am so sorry I could not help you and if you can think of anything else that I may be able to do for you please let me know.
My best regards to you and your family
JohnJoyce g Asked:
John,
There are about 1,500 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
John Says:
Hello Joyce
What a great idea. The South America voyage will not be a conventional cruise so we need to think differently. Let me check today and pass this idea up the line and I will let you and all the lucky people who are sailing on this voyage know ASAP. Someone (I forget the name, my apologies) had asked me about currency exchange onboard during the cruises. I heard today that we will offer this and the final details are being put together as we speak and again I will let you all know about them very soon.
Thaks for the idea and I hope I get a positive response
Cheers
John
Marcel Asked:
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 10 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 17 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 Says:
Hello Marcel
Welcome to the blog thingy. I am glad you stopped by and I hope you continue to read as much as you can. Congratulations on booking the cruise on the Carnival Freedom and especially the voyage to Limon and Panama. You mentioned the excursions and I would be happy to give you my personal recommendations. Firstly have a look at these links.http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?portname=Limon%2c+Costa+Rica&portcode=LMO®ion=CW
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?portname=Cozumel%2c+Mexico&portcode=CZM®ion=CW
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?portname=Colon%2c+Panama&portcode=CLN®ion=CW
As you can see we have a huge variety of excursions and after you have read about them please send me your questions and I will be glad to tell you which ones I recommend for you……maybe you could include your age and things you are most interested in doing.
I look forward to hearing from you
Cheers
John
jschne1013 Asked:
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 itineraries. I would love to see Russia and England. I understand the cutbacks 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!
John Says:
Hello and thanks for writing in.
Let’s start with Europe. The Carnival Dream will have as you said two Grand Med cruises this year and they are as always proving to be very popular especially as they will be on our largest and most extravagant vessel. We just completed a highly successful Baltic season on the Carnival Splendor and fully intended to continue European cruising this year. However, with the economy as it is it seemed prudent to bring the vessels closer to home? Hopefully we have not seen the last of the Carnival smokestack in Europe and lets see what 2010 will bring and beyond. I personally hope we get back to Europe soon and would love to be a CD on a ship sailing the shores of the UK. As soon as I know I will let you all know here, of course. Can I also say thanks to you for your kind words for Heidi and I know that the support that all the bloggers are giving her is so important to her.
My best to you and the family
JohnAmor & Lou Asked:
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 Says:
Hello Amor and Lou
OH WOW……….I promise one day we will take you up on this fantastic offer. I think now Heidi and I could drive through America and Canada stopping off at every state and province and find a blogger to share some time with. You live in a truly beautiful part of the world and I hope to see it with you both someday.
Kindest regards
John
retirementman Asked:
I got an idea John. Why don’t you go on the Valor on 25 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, today’s blog you mentioned about tattoos. Well John, I happen to have two of them on my arms and both have large roses. I happened 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. PietrangeloJohn Says:
Hello Paul
As always it’s wonderful to hear from you mate. You are Italian and a friend so please never stop saying Ciao. Oh, how I wish I could be on the Carnival Valor with you mate and see your lovely roses for myself. Maybe…….just maybe……..I can drive to the port on the 25th and visit the ship and meet you all for lunch. What do you think?
Ciao mate
John
bless1045 Asked:
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 Splendor’s retractable roof!! Ken, Stephanie and Ticket to Ride are the cream of the crop.
Love to you three,
Sharon
John Says:
Hello Sharon
Heidi is preparing herself for this test but I know she will be fine if I am there holding her hand. We will love our Thingy regardless of that there is no doubt and even if it has 12 heads and a tail I will give it all the love in the world. Thank you for your nominations and you agree with many on mentioning Ken yet again.
Thank you for all the support and my best to you all
John
Chris Brito Asked:
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 Says:
Hello Chris
I am glad to hear from you here on the blog thingy and I am very happy to hear that you have such great memories of our time together on the Carnival Triumph. I also hope we get to sail with each other soon and until then I hope you will stay in touch here on the blog thingy.
Cheers
John
Roger Tollerud Asked:
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
John Says:
Hello Roger
Your wish is my command. I will write to Captain Volpi and ask if he would do an interview for the blog thingy. He is indeed a great captain and I am sure he would love to do this. I will let you know very soon.
Cheers
John
John Friedman Asked:
John – Momma Mia is fantastic. Lighten up!!! Heidi needs your positive spirit. You think things are tough now??!?? Wait until the “thingy” poops in your hand or pees on you. Momma Mia will look pretty interesting.
John – please reply
Jaime looks like she is fun. Will she be on the Pride when it does the Panama Canal cruise? Would love to meet her then.
Our best wishes to you, Heidi and “thingy” for a joyous and blessed New Year!!!
John Says:
Hello John
You sound like my wife and my friend Mr Bentley both of who is in, love with this movie. There was a lack of car chases and explosions for my liking and I would rather kiss a camel’s bottom then have to listen to Meryl and Pierce howl their way through that duet. Thanks so much for recognizing Jaime. She is on the Carnival Pride for just one more week before heading back to the Carnival Splendor for her South American voyages. I hope you have a fantastic time on the ship and please let me know if I can help in anyway.
Cheers
John
Bob Morris Asked:
Hi John
Thank you for your website blog in describing the wonderful life of Commodore Romano
I wonder if you are in communication with him to ask any personal questions. I am going on the Dawn Princess to New Zealand on 19 January 2009 and on exploring the background of Princess Cruises was delighted to see that they had bought out the Sitmar line. I was wondering if Commodore Romano was an office to Commodore Jorge Petrescue “Captain Jorge” was a personal friend to my father when my father was a Chaplain on the Fairsky back in the early 60’s because of their friendship “Captain Jorge” offered cruises to my family so that he could have some real sea time with my father. Captain Jorge fell victim at early age to cancer. My family has wonderful memories of Captain Jorge and I just wanted to know if the Commodore Romano ever actually served with Jorge Petrescu
with thanks
Bob Morris
John Says:
Hello Bob
I will be more than happy to pass this information on to Captain Romano along with your e-mail address. He is a terrific person and his interview here on the blog has been one of our most popular. I wish you success in finding the information you were looking for. Please let me know if you are successful.
Cheers
John
NICK SIRAGUSA Asked:
JOHN, I FINALLY FOUND YOU. IN NOV 2006 I SET SAIL ON THE CARNIVAL LIBERTY FROM ROME.(YES THE SHIP THAT GOT SICK) ANYWAY I WANTED TO SAY THAT , THAT WAS MY FIRST CARNIVAL CRUISE(ALSO MY HONEYMOON) YOU WERE JUST AWESOME AND I TELL EVERYBODY IN MY FAMILY HOW FUN YOU MADE THE CRUISE. SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET.
THANKS
NICK
John Says:
Hello Nick
I am so glad you found me and thanks for the wonderful words. That crossing as you mentioned was difficult to say the least. I was so proud of the staff that cruise and also of the guests most of who were absolutely brilliant. I hope you will become a regular reader of the blog and as I return to being a cruise director in a few weeks that our paths will cross again.
Cheers
Johnlouanna bender (lou) Asked:
Dear John,
First I have a question I hope you will take a second to answer… Are you by any chance going to be the cruise director on the Triumph the week of Valentines Day this year? My husband John and I were one the one with you last year and you make it a wonderful time… It was our 5th carnival cruise and our 40 anniversary… John and I have 2 grown children and we loved the cruise so much that for Christmas this year we got our son Shon his wife Christy and our daughter Shannon and her husband Mike and of course John and I tickets to hopefully cruise with you again.. Please let me know this will be our kid’s first cruise and I think I am more excited for them than me… If you are please wish them a Merry Christmas for us and thank you again for making our last cruise so special and oh yea thanks for the Champagne. Hope to see you in 6 weeks. Lou
John Says:
Hello Lou.
It is wonderful to hear from you and oh how I wish I could be with you on the Carnival Triumph for your special cruise. Unfortunately, I will be on the Carnival Valor and that means I will miss you. It sounds like a brilliant way to get the family together and if I could be there with you I would be for sure. All I can do is to wish you a fun voyage and hopefully the next time the family sail together I will be the cruise director.
Have a fantastic time and my best to all the family
John
gammy3 Asked:
Dear John,
My DH and I just returned off of the Valor and found the disembarking process very frustrating! We waited almost three hrs before our # was called (it happened on the Miracle too!) because of all the people who carried off 3-7 (yep!) bags of luggage. They were rolling the bags over others feet; others were hitting fellow passengers as they struggled to move all their bags; and yet others were holding up the lines because they could only move a few pieces at a time! Those of us who were watching this debacle were angry because we knew it would take us a lot longer to get off the ship. I don’t mind if a person is in a hurry due to an early airline flight (carnival does let them go first!) but why so many bags allowed to hold up the whole process? Can’t carnival change their policy somewhat and at least ‘limit’ the amount of carry-off bags? (Carry on all they want but only a couple of large ones and a shoulder bag…? per person) I just would like to get off the ship without being so frustrated with those people who don’t seem to mind holding everyone else up! Thank you and happy new year to you and Heidi!
John Says:
Hello to you both.
I am so sorry that the disembarking procedure was so troublesome for you and the fact that you had to wait for three hours is just not unacceptable. As I have written recently here in the blog, we have a huge way to go on some ships to provide a better debarkation service. While some of the delay is due to the strict procedures enforced on the cruise industry by United States Customs and Border Patrol the blame is ours and ours alone if the debarkation process is not a smooth one. I will pass this to the people concerned and I promise and assure you and all the readers that this subject is a high priority this year and we will improve. Thanks so much for your kind words for Heidi and I and I hope that apart from the debark process your cruise was lots of fun.
My best to you all
John
golfnfire Asked:
**** John please reply******
We are going ton the Victory Mar 1 out of San Juan. Who will be the cruise director? We like to bring/ take the CD a little something special. Can you tell us what the CD of the Victory likes? Is there some must see, must not miss places in the ports on the southern Caribbean run? Your personal opinion really matters and has always proven to be right on. We went on the Glory Oct 18 with Butch and had a great time. He even spent some time with us. He is everything you said and more as a CD.
Thank You.
Lee & Terrie Rayburn
John Says:
Hello Lee and Terrie
How nice of you to think of taking the cruise director a gift when you sail on the Carnival Victory later this year. I wish indeed it was me who was going to be there. Not for the gift you understand but to meet you……..OK, a little bit because of the gift. If you want to take the CD something may I suggest you make it a gift representing the place where you are from. Maybe a key ring or a hat, etc……that would be just wonderful. You will have a fantastic time and if you have a look at the CD schedule which is posted on the right hand side of the blog you can see who the lucky person is going to be.
Have fun and thanks again for being so thoughtful
Cheers
John
David Davison Asked:
Hi John,
My fiancé and I booked our honeymoon cruise on the Dream for its first sailing out of Port Canaveral (Dec 3, 2009). I have recently noticed that it is now going to be a “Bloggers Cruise.” How would we go about getting in on all the bloggers activities since we are already booked with a different code? I read your blog all the time and don’t want to miss any of the fun.
Looking forward to a response!
Thanks,
David
John Says:
Hello David
Wow……how brilliant that I will get to share your honeymoon with you on the Carnival Dream. Yes, it will be a Bloggers Cruise and Stephanie will now provide you with the fare code, etc. and what to do. Not that you will be spending too much time out of the cabin but I do hope to see you at a few of the bloggers events.
Cheers
JohnHi David,
Simply add the blogger’s cruise fare code to your sailing. The code is PBL. Ask your travel agent or Carnival representative to add it for you.
Stephanie
Sandra Asked:
John please reply
How come the website price for balcony is cheaper on Carnival site than the advertised door buster specials for past cruisers in the New Currents Magazine, price quoted in magazine… $799 4 balcony 4 Valor Sept/09 on line on Carnival site regular price is $749? What’s up with that? That’s kind of false advertising for a special isn’t it?-Sandra
NB Canada
John Says:
Sandra
I am afraid I have little to do with pricing but I know someone who does so let me forward this to them and someone will let me know what is correct and I will pass that on to you. I am sorry if there appears to be some miscommunication on the fares but I am sure there is a simple explanation. I will be back to you soon
Best Regards
John
cruisingrandma Asked:
John please reply.
The reply that you gave CruisinGrandma is not even the question that I asked. The comments were from someone else. All I can figure is that you must have sneezed and got confused. Oh well, it doesn’t matter because by the time you answer I will be on the Fascination sailing away.
My original question on Dec 27 was:
I am taking a cruise on January 1 on the Fascination out of Jacksonville. Now I know that Trevor deserves a vacation but I don’t remember you talking about the replacement Jacques DeLange. What can you tell me about him and what other ships has he been on? Also has the Fascination had the Waterworks refit?
I guess I will find out tomorrow.
I will not be able to read again until Monday.
Love to you, Heidi and Thingy
CruisinGrandma
CarolAnn
John Says:
Hello Carol Ann (is it Carolynn or Carol Ann?)
I am so sorry about sending you the answer to someone else’s question. I could blame the computer but it’s probably due to the fact that I am as thick as a brick when it comes to typing and lap top dancer computers. Let’s try again shall we. The Fascination has had a refit but not the waterworks yet. We have the new dining rooms, sushi bar, lobby bar and all the guest cabins have been upgraded as well as the ship receiving a host of new features which I know you will love. Trevor will be on vacation and his replacement Jacques is already proving to be one to watch. I have never met him myself but his reputation of being an energetic and fun ACD is well known at Carnival. I am sure he will do a great job and I would be grateful for your feedback. Have a wonderful cruise and I am sorry again for the confusion
Cheers
John
Semper Fi Asked:
John please reply again LOL
Ok now that my laptop dancer had her lil fit ….
Ok back to my commercial comment
in both commercials the background news commentator says “A CRUISE LINE” IS GOING FOR A RECORD…. Why not identify the cruise line as Carnival????
Ok
Second request
I run and on line pool league run in pogo games. I would like to ask your permission to include a link on that page to the blog. I currently have 121 members in my league and they are always hearing me laugh when we are playing because I am usually reading the blog. (We actually talk live in yahoo chat while playing.) The addy for the league is http://www.myleague.com/rackemsmackem with you permission I would like to post a direct link to your blog so my members will stop asking me for the addy to it.
Again a very happy new year to you and Heidi
John Says:
Bill and Cindy
Sir…….it would be an honor to have a link for the blog placed on your Pool site. I hope I can provide your friends with some laughter and encourage them to come and try a Carnival cruise themselves. By the way, have you ever played snooker? I love snooker even though I am pretty bad at it. Thanks for the comments re the commercials and I know that each and every one made by a blogger is being read with care and interest by top CCL executives.
Thanks Bill and Cindy and I hope to hear from you soon
John
Joanie in south Florida Asked:
Hello John,
First let me say that I love your blog. So far I have been on seven Carnival cruises. I just came off of the Splendor two weeks ago and I have planned to have my wedding next year on the Freedom. This is my reason for writing. I actually have a question. I have attempted to accomplish this task via many avenues but have failed each time. Perhaps you can assist me. I am trying to obtain a few deck plans (the booklets you obtain from each ship near the pursers desk – not the online version) to the Carnival Freedom. I’d like to mail them to my (non-sailing) wedding guests in advance as they will be able to tour the ship prior to attending the ceremony. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you in advance.
John Asked:
Hello Joanie
I am sure we can arrange this for you. ……let me ask Stephanie to please e-mail Todd on the Carnival Freedom whom if you can provide a mailing address will be happy to send you the deck plans. Congratulations on choosing the ship for your wedding and if you can think of any other way I can help please let me know
Cheers
John
So, my schedule has changed a little again ………well, the bit before I go to the Bloggers Cruise that is. I now have meetings in the office on the 20th – 25th which will include more videos for the blog thingy and a very…….very special blog exclusive. Then on the 26th I sail on the Carnival Imagination to interview random guests and write about the ship and the ports of Cozumel and Key West. Then of course it will be time to head to New Orleans and the Bloggers cruise before finally being a CD again on the Carnival Valor.
Talking of the bloggers cruise, last year one of the highlights was the Jamaican Beach Bash which was attended by many bloggers. This year we have a similar excursion in Cozumel. It’s called Juan’s Mexican Fiesta Thingy and here is the lovely Senorita Stephanie Leavitt to tell you all about it.
Hi Everyone,
I hope you’re all excited as the first blogger’s cruise in 2009 is a month away! The shore excursion should be available for purchase tomorrow. Here are the details:
Playa Mia – Juan’s Mexican Fiesta
- Includes food and drink (including some alcohol)
- Transportation from pier with departure time at 10 am
- Transporation from Playa Mia with departure time at 2:30 pm
- Reserved private area including sun chairs and beach umbrellas
- Facility includes kayaks, paddle boats, water trampolines, floats, hobbie cats and more
- $69 per personYou should be able to book through your travel agent, Carnival rep or by carnival.com.
There is a limited amount of space, so please book before February to ensure you can join us!
See you soon
Stephanie
So, as you can see it’s going to be a fun day. As well as the complimentary food, drinks and all the other stuff that’s included I will be hosting some special bloggers activities and James will be teaching us a few beach dances. So grab your G Strings (Big Ed and I are sharing one) and I hope to see you soon. I am sorry that the tour is limited and I do suggest you book ASAP…….see you there.
Well I went to the doctor and got good news and a bollocking. The good news was that my cholesterol level was normal at 3.1……..don’t ask me what that is in US/Canadian scale but it’s good and because they didn’t find any bacon in my blood and urine I got a gold star. My sugar level was also good as was my blood pressure. They did it twice during the consultation. The first time it was 139/90 and then just before I left they did it again and it was 131 over 88. The bollocking came though about my weight as Doctor Ramitin told me I needed to lose 60 pounds which is about the same as a baby Yak. And so the battle begins and I know I have to win it…..and I will. Goodbye carbs, goodbye sauces, hello chicken and fish……..bugger.
I’m actually loathe to write anything about “fitness” (“fatness” is more like). The moment you tackle any issue like this in print then you are deluged with assistance from the Herbal Life brigade offering you some of their teas which will help you lose weight and leave you with an arse that looks like a chewed orange.
However……I have started the diet and…….I have something else to tell you. I’ve now passed the seventh day, no cigar smoking barrier and really feel that I’ve kicked the filthy habit. I’ve tried to give up before but I always secretly knew that it would only be a matter of weeks before I was back on the Cubans again. The problem with giving up is that no one actually believes you as they’ve heard it all before so many times. I do actually have a strong reason for quitting this time.
Heidi will be I am sure something of an alarmist when it comes to our Thingy’s health. No, maybe that’s unfair; she will be more proactive when it comes to illness than I will be. For instance, if the Thingy gets a cough, Heidi will be up in the middle of the night ringing the doctor, steaming up a bathroom and opting to sleep on the floor beside the Thingy’s bed. I, meanwhile, will do the “relax, everything will be OK” approach favored by many lazy fathers.
Heidi feels that it’s best to prepare for the worst where illness is concerned and so it was Christmas morning, I innocently complained of a “burning feeling” on my tongue. Heidi investigated the offending orifice and announced that I had cigar cancer. I immediately collapsed into a heap of weeping jelly. It was only after about 10 minutes that she managed to calm me down and pronounce the word properly – she had, apparently, actually said “canker.”
I was so relieved I didn’t have cancer that I immediately went out into the garden and lit up a celebratory cigar. My happiness didn’t last long. Heidi told me I had several cankers on my tongue and that this was unusual. She headed straight for the dreaded internet to confirm her suspicions. If any of you have ever tried to self-diagnose using the internet, don’t. There is no good news available on it. Obviously, a site that tells you lots of cankers on your tongue could possibly be a sign of mouth cancer but is probably something more innocent would get sued by someone.
So, within seconds, Heidi was reading me my death sentence. “You have a 25 percent survival chance and a maximum of two years to live.” She almost seemed to be relishing the news. For someone so terrified of these events she has an almost unquenchable thirst for gory detail. By now I was lying on the sofa in a serious state of hypochondria. I was getting heart palpitations and would need a new pair of underpants.
“This is because of your cigar smoking and lazy lifestyle,” screamed my, non-smoking, non-drinking, no red meat eating, yoga-loving, pregnant wife. “You’ll never live to see the Thingy grow up. You’re a selfish bastard.” I was beginning to wonder whether this was a normal way of treating canker patients?
I gave up cigars there and then …….that was seven days ago. Today, during my diabetic session with Dr.Ramitin I told him……. “I have mouth cancer, sorry canker,” I said, trying to hold back my unmanly tears. “Let’s have a look,” he said. He poked around my mouth with that weird instrument that appears to be a rather unhygienic, used Popsicle stick.
After a couple of seconds, he told me that I was probably a little run-down and recommended an antiseptic mouthwash.
“So… I’m not going to die?” I asked him through misty eyes. “Not yet, no, now bugger off.” I left the surgery in a happy daze and got back into the car next to Heidi. “Well… how long have you got?” I could see she didn’t want it to last too long. “I’m going to live. It’s just cankers,” I replied. And I could swear that, for a fleeting moment, she looked disappointed. Then the moment passed. “I’m glad you’re not going to die,” she said. “Me too,” I replied. I reached down for my last Monte Cristo Number 2. I stroked it, I ran it through my fingers, I sniffed it from top to bottom ……… and then threw it out of the car window and we drove home.
Since then I have not had a cigar. I am going to try my very best not to have one ever again…….it’s going to be tough especially as I am giving up red meat, sauces, and anything that contain the bad sort of carbs. My bottom is already paying the price with the extra amount of green food I am eating. Today, I embarrassed Heidi because I accidentally farted as I bent down to tie my shoelace…..in the middle of the supermarket …..still as my Dad always says. “Better out than in”…..rather like Simon Cowell in a lifeboat.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, heidi and the Thingy.
Filed under: Bloggers Cruise, Caribbean, Destinations, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Bloggers Cruise, Caribbean, Carnival Dream, Cozumel, cruise, Europe, Playa Mia, South America, vacation
Good luck with the weight loss, John. I know it’s not easy. I, myself, lost 65 pounds a few years ago.
Take care of yourself, Heidi and the Thingy!
Melissa
John, you are always welcome to live vicariously through me. I will still be eating red meat, chocolate, fatty foods, sauces, and anything and everything, including smoking cigars. Like I always say, I would rather die enjoying the food I eat, than die from the stress of worrying about what not to eat. Now fill up that plate!
Jeff
WOW! You’ve given up the cigars??? Now, I, too gave up smoking a few weeks ago. It’s a tough thing and I still have weak moments. It seems to me from the men I know who enjoy their cigar, this is much more than just given up the smoke; it’s giving up a simple pleasure. Hats off to you for your sacrifice and best of luck with it! Hope Heidi has a good reward for you!
Dear John & Heidi
Great Blog Today
We are with you on the diet. Gained 5 lbs over the Holidays. Have to drop the carbs as well. Congrats on the labwork being so well…………………
Congratulations on the 7 day Cigar sobriety. I know your smoker friends are going to hate me for this, but they have determined that there is another thing out ther calleed “third hand smoke” it is the smoke that lingers in your clothes and hair that goes around others. I just heard about it on the news the other day. It would be better for the baby not to have it around Thingy.
NOT TO SCARE YOU AND HEIDI As for the “canker scare” we had lost a 51 yr old niece last year to mouth cancer, she started out with sores that she thought was cankers, they proved out to be cancer, she had them removed and it came back, she ended up having her mouth, tongue removed, the cancer got worse and spread to her bones and lungs. we lost her within 2 yrs of initial diagnosis. Like I said it won;t make your smoking buddies happy but your wife and lungs will be happier..
Take Care
See you in 32 Days
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
WORST CARNIVAL GUEST
raymond cryer or krygier what ever.
lighten up ray baby
remember its the FUN SHIPS
maybe you should try holland america
or
bitchalittleoftheseas
John so glad to hear you quit those nasty Cigars. Can I have your Cubans .HEHE
Hi John/Heidi:
I gave up smoking as well (or trying my best) so we will be able to work on this together.
Good luck and think positive thoughts.
Congrats on the other good news from the doc.
Take care.
David
When I was on the Holiday as a very junior assistant bar manager, my so-called friends once emptied my cabin of absolutely everything including the bed, chairs and all my clothes.
Crimony!!! Why do so-called friends do things like this? Perhaps boredom….. I too fell victim to this delightful situation. It was back when I lived in the dorms many moons ago. A group of friends and my suite-mate were gathered in my room and I was headed out to the bar that evening. I told them to just lock my door when they left….and not to steal anything…….. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that.
When I got back in the wee hours of the morning I opened my door to find….everything gone….
The bed, the dresser, my clothes, the desk, the carpet, the mirror, the windows and screens, the mirror, the lights, the telephone, and even the rod in the closet. Everything in my room was GONE except the one thing I detested…. a dreaded dilapidated chair covered with ball point pen graffiti that my room-mate had left after he moved out.
The Flying Dutchman
Well… there goes that cigar we were going to enjoy together… nuts…
Hopefully, giving up cigars will improve your health and keep your wonderful wit at the level we all love.
Boring?? This blog could never be boring! The blog is as much you as it is Carnival so stories of a cruise director’s life on shore are as much fun and interesting (almost…
) as the crazy things had happen on board.
Good news about all your tests and whatnot, John!! Bravo!!!
As always, please pass along my howdies to Heidi and the Thingy!!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
PS… do you need my address to send those now surplus Siglo Sixes to???
No, you are not boring friend even outside the ship. I’m afraid you are never going to be boring. I can’t wait for the stories you are going to make as a father. Glad everything went well with the doctor.
WHOOOOO HOOOOOO for the diet and for no smoking.
Hi John:
Glad to hear things are normal in the Heald Household. Don’t quit smoking, just don’t light up the next one…worked for me, but then I gained 60 lbs. The doctor said the weight was safer than the smoking.
About the weight loss program, a great feature of the Carnival ships is the track up on top. In the early morning, you can walk around the rubbery track and enjoy the young lovelies with buns of steel running along like they are machines.
I make good a speed of 12 minutes per mile and many of the world class runners on your ships make about 6 minutes per mile, I think. So, when I take my morning walk, I get passed a lot and receive wonderful inspiration and feel good for the rest of the morning. Some of them said they were dancers and were in good shape, mama mia. You probably know most of them.
Seriously you will need some endorphins or whatever to make you feel better since you will probably graze instead of eat proper food, and you will not have the good old nicotine to give you a buzz. You can get some good feelings with a brisk 30 minute walk and it will also be a great time to enjoy the wind at your back when you walk towards the stern. When its hot, the ventilators are nice and cool.
One last point on drastic eating changes. Be sure that you maintain protein. We are not built with cow or horse parts, our system was finalized about 10,000 years ago when wild game and berries was the best we could get. The folks that ate the weeds and other green plants were too slow and dumb and got killed off by the meat eaters, survival of the fit you know. If you find yourself all stiff, hard to bend over (not what you are thinking John), and forgetting why you went into a room, it is probably what you are eating. Good Luck!
Don’t pregnant women look great?
Will we have chainsaws to use during our volunteer day? I can’t carve Indians out of trunks,or even ice, but I can cut up a lot of stuff, quick. Let me know if I need to bring my chaps.
regards
Dear John (Please Reply),
First off thanks for answering my last letter about the port of Boston – though I am not sure why you called me cruising grandma since I told you I was only turning 30 on the April 18th Glory sailing?! Anyway my question is about smoking on the ships – I have been on the Glory twice in 2008 and both times heard the announcement about where you can an cant smoke – yet people smoked just about where ever they pleased with no corrective action. At times they were even given ashtrays to put next to the no smoking table sign! While I don’t mind if people want to smoke, I would like not to have to smell it in all the public areas.
Thanks John and good luck to you and Heidi!,
Erin W.
Hello John,
Just read the new currents issue on your page. it’s splendid. I hoped you, and Heidi had a great holiday, and newyears. I had 11 swedish viking family members over for 2 weeks! Since I’m the youngest it was they’r pleasure to beat me up for no reason. But it was fun. I would love to see a Roberto Vapoli interview like Roger said. I met him last year oboard the Fascination.
from, JAKE S.
John or Stephanie please reply
Thanks John for the reply and trying to get my thingy on the cruise. I myself could stand to lose a few punds and eat better and blah blah blah…..I am really going to try once we get back from the Bloggers cruise in February…I am glad that everything went well at the doctors and that you kicked the cigar habit.
I also wanted to know exactly what the excursion isn’t one on the carnival site that says Play Mia-Juans mexican fiesta, there is one that says Playa Mia Beach break deluxe…is this the one.
Thansks again for the effort.
See you in February
John, I am so proud of you. Dieting not just for your sake, but so you can be healthy and live to see the wee little one grow up and maybe give you grand wee little ones. And giving up your cigars…….. that is even better than dieting.Your clothes and your breath will no longer stink like cigar smoke. I have a suggestion. How about getting a piggy bank and along with the money you are having to pay for the penalty of saying bad words, how about saving the money you would have spent for cigars. Start a savings account for that wee little one so when he gets old enough to drive, he can have the car that his Pop has so dreamed of owning………….
When my daughter-in-law was pregnant with my first born grandaughter, all of her grandparents laid the cigarettes down. So it has been 24 years and @@ pounds since I’ve had a cigarette. After I quit smoking I found that my sinus infections were caused by those foul things that I had been puffing on for 30 years. Live and learn.
Countess Carolyn .. very proud of her favorite CD
John,
Thanks so much for replying to my internet question. Now for the important stuff. Losing weight is very difficult, but I know you can do it! I’m not going to give you any suggestions about that or about the cigar thing. I just think that little Thingy will be incentive enough. And remember, we’re all cheering you on!
Joyce
Ok, I know you started this out asking if you were getting boring…but I haven’t laughed this hard–no, not even yesterday over the coat as picturing Heidi investigating the “offending orifice” and her diagnosis of Cigar cancer. I picture the two of you like Luci and Desi….you haven’t lost it John…you can still make me wet my pants laughing!
I know its tough but there are a lot of us doing the same as you–doing the right thing to get healthly and stay alive for those we love…and we can do it!
Ok, sorry to make it short but I have to go change underwear now…
John, If I share my g-string with anybody it for sure would NOT be you. Plus I think the both of us need more like the ZZZZ-string. We could use a G size as a head band.
If the Juan’s Mexican Fiesta is anything like last years beach bash we are in for another great beach party. But the only way you will know is if you book it but you first got to book the bloggers cruise on the Fantasy.
BIG ED
BIG ED
(Reply, only if you wish)
Bless you and your blog! I previously posted and have since found the answer to my questions. Guess it was a good thing I didn’t add to reply. Please wish our mutual friend only the best and much happiness. Believe I met you a very long time ago, didn’t we?
Hope you have a great 2009.
ATTN: BLOGGER’S ATTENDING THE FEB CRUISE
I noticed there were a few questions regarding the shore excursion. Please note that the tour for John’s blogger’s will be called “Juan’s Mexican Fiesta”. I know there is a Play Mia excursion for the same price listed on carnival.com, however they are not the same shore excursion. I will post a link to the exact shore excursion as soon as it’s up on the site.
Thanks and see you soon!
Hi John,
Congratulations on a good health report & on your diet. We want you around to entertain us for many more years.
I’m worried about Heidi & her appointment with “The Needle”. I certainly hope it turns out to be not so bad but I imagine worrying & thinking about it must be very stressful for her. When it’s over I think you should arrange for her to have a day of nothing but pampering. I suggest a facial, a manicure, pedicure, & a pregnancy massage.
Hello John and Heidi and Thingy,
John glad to hear the news from the doc.
Your blogs are never boring keep up the good work
enjoy them every day.
Take care of Heidi and Thingy
Papanh
John , one year ago we were in the sunny south. I never thought that going on a cruise would ruin a persons mental state during the cold winter . We are convinced that when they take the pictures for the boarding pass there is some mental mind game taking place . One that makes you wish you had gotten the full card at bingo , or that the lotto 649 was your winning number because its cold , Christmas is over and the cold raw wind should be a warm breeze . You can hear the cruise director introducing the shore excursions. You wake up from dreaming you had just reached the buffet and realize it was not the knapkin falling off you knee but the cat pulling your sheets off cause he wants you to get up and feed and put him out.
Then there are the moments knowing it will take another 2 years to save the money for your next cruise and you scan the internet looking for any online contests you can sign up for. Oh you know you will never be picked or win – cause only the ones who have money win those trips. So its back to reading your blog , hoping to feel the fun , the adventure and the warmth of the sun in your words. Cruising with Carnival was so awesome . We lost our luggage , mind you that did kind of suck , but we had our bathing suits. I did not care that it was our anniversary cruise , honeymoon and my 40th birthday cruise . We had over packed anyhow and I got a few items in SanJuan on our first stop. The Cruise staff were awesome , they laundered and gave us laundry money and keep after the airline till we got our bags . Mind you the last night of the cruise. They also offered us cruise ship credit for the next time we cruise if in a certain time frame. We likely will not get to use it , but even so we are starting a savings for our next cruise. Your blog and the web sites certainly help us pass the cold winter , and we are hooked on cruising for life.
I did want to try and be you for a day – but alas I am a Canadian and the contest was for Americans only.
If I was going to be you for the day …. I would have definately been the bomb – I would have been up promptly at 5 am – would have to be the first day of the cruise …. and welcoming all the cruisers to a perfect day at sea would be a peice of cake . seeing as it would have been a mardi gras theme we would have celebrated with a mardigras bead collecting day of events , from water slide races , mini olympics, scavenger hunts , games of chance – and making of masks for the ultimate mardigras ball . And this time I would make sure I had a gown to wear to dinner . Mind you John you talk about loosing weight – last year I would have given my eye teeth to loose 10 pounds for the cruise . I did not and my rather round figure was not really what I wanted to take on the cruise .. however this year my 37 pound loss from having a major stomach ulcer has me thinking I would make nice skinny John for a day.
I went on evrydiet known to man and the best one I found is called a stomach ulcer .. not that I wish that on any one – but for me it worked .
Well John here’s to Carnival Cruise – 100% best vacation we ever had . If I was going to be on that cruise with you being you for a day I would definately get my kids names tatooed on my back
and you could get Thingy on yours – ( hey they do do the air brush tatoo on the ship.)
Have to go put wood in the wood stove and get cozy work is just around the corner .
Your blogs are awesome it really makes us stay motivated in the saving for our 2011 cruise hope its on the newest ship – ONE CAN ONLY DREAM .
Hey John,
It has been forever since I have posted on your blog. Mike and I are finally in Texas on the Gulf Coast for the winter. My internet connection is not the best, but at least I can get on once in a while.
I am glad you stopped smoking the cigars and of course that you do not have Cancer. For some reason I can see you sitting there and Heidi saying that.
I do wish you luck on your diet. I know how hard it is to loose weight and worse, keep it off.
I am glad that you are home and able to spend time with your Heidi, but I so miss it when you are on a ship and tell us what has gone on during your day.
Keep smiling John, my best to Heidi and the baby.
Hello John,
Your blogs are not boring. They’re different than when you’re on a ship but still good. Don’t stop writing them.
Glad to hear you’re giving up smoking and will make good on your promise to lose weight. Those things will make a big difference so you can have a lot of years with Heidi and “Thingy”.
I have a question about your schedule. You mentioned from June through September you might be cruise director on the Glory. If so, what happens to Butch? I know he’s going home in a few days for vacation but then he was going back to the Glory. Would you both be on the Glory for a while?
Have a magical day!
Linda & George
Not to worry John–You couldn’t be boring no matter how hard you tried! We love to read what you have to say–IT IS ALWAYS ENTERTAINING! You have a way of turning something that could be boring into something amusing. After all this time, you still have all of us looking for your next words every day! If you could only see how many times each of us log on every day waiting for your blog, then you would know how hooked we all are!DON’T YOU EVER STOP WRITING THE BLOG OR I AM AFRAID YOU WOULD HAVE A REVOLT ON YOUR HANDS!!!
Sheryl
Hi John
No you will never be boring – you just don’t have it in you. No my dear not in your vocabulary at all.
Like you I need to lose 50lbs and obviously Christmas really helped me gain a few more. I started being careful again what to eat so that I can lose some of the excess before I get to go on my South American cruise. I always gain weight when I am on a cruise and hope that I can try and be stronger in saying no to that wonderful chocolate melting cake!!!!
Anyway John I just wanted to wish you luck in your goal and with thingy coming it is a great incentive to finally stick to it.
Eva
HI JOHN
HERE WE ARE AGAIN
BELIEVE TO YOU BRITS
AFTER ALL THE CIGAR STUFF
YOU HAVE COME OUT WITH AN ELECTRIC CIGARE
I HEARD IT ON THE NEWS TONIGHT
http://gadgets.biteus.org/mini-electric-cigar-avoid-smoking-ban/
UNREAL
THE TUCKERS
ARNOLD & ELIZABETH
John,
Good luck with the weight loss and cigar smoking cessation. I know it is difficult, but the thingy is SO worth it. And when I was exploring the Cigar lounges on the Carnival Splendor and Carnival Freedom…the lounges STUNK, reeked from smoke. Beautiful lounges but smelly! The less smoke that goes into your mouth, body, room around you, the better for all 3 of you.
Keep up the good work. Heidi and Thingy deserve a healthy John!
Julie ( who is currently working off the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor and Holiday meal pounds on her new Wii Fit…Fun and effective…4 pounds gone…20 more to go to goal!)
John, thanks for the news of the currency exchange for the Splendor South American Cruises – even if I AM forgettable! Can we please say YES, YES, YES to Joyce’s suggestion re the Internet minutes – this is a BRILLIANT idea!
We also believe that the loyalty points should be counted by days – 49 days around South America should not be equal to 3 x 4 day cruises.
We’re counting down …
Dear John
Please Please Please Rply
I have booked a cabin fr the Dec 3 2009 Dream Crusie. But saddly the cabin i got is cheaper then signing up for the bogg crusie, can you do anything so i can meet you and shear in the fun.
Dconway
aka David and Diana
Dear John,
I never realized what Lou and our only daughter were going through when I was still smoking, especially in the car until I rode in a car of a smoking friend lately.
I started smoking cigarettes when I was 16. I quit smoking in 1993, after 39 years of doing it. I tried quitting many times along the way. I don’t know what made me quit. I just did one day at a time, one week at a time, a month at a time and finally, I told myself that I was ready to go another month without lighting a stick.
The formula therefore is, if you did not die for not smoking a cigar for one day, do it again for another day, and another day for a full week. If you are still alive, do it again for another week for a full month and so on. Just think of “You’ll never live to see the Thingy grow Up” whenever a craving gets to you.
Anyway, good luck and keep up with the will power to quit.
Amor
p.s. Suggestion: When Chris “Bubba” Roberts go on vacation, how about taking his job for a week of the Glacier Bay and one Northbound and one Southbound on the Carnival Spirit?
Hi John,
Thanks for the acknowledgement, I get your drift.
By the way it is very cold in Manchester at the moment, it went down to minus 5 last night and we woke up to 6 whole inches of snow.
The city comes to a standstill as does most of the country because we are not used to it.
I know our American friends will be laughing at that thought of ONLY minus 5 and 6 inches of the white stuff. We have friends who live in Manchester New Hampshire and they regularly get 6 feet of the stuff and plunging temps, but still manage to survive.
Hope all goes well for Heidi.
Looking forward to 2009 .
All the best.
Wes and Liz
Dear John ,
last evening we read your blog with our Children . Our son is an ultra conservative workoutaholic, he plays every sport going and he was more interested in the pictures of the gym on the liberty than any of our other pictures except those that had scantily glad girls in the background… Anywho , he was very much interested in why you could not be using the gyms on board the ships you work on and with such an awesome buffet and the track and all you should be able to be James Bond. So for the next hour we discussed the excellent food choices on board and that your must have a busy job. I want to thank you for planting all the thoughts of being a cruise director on board of a cruise ship . Cause last night my dreams were of being onboard as a cruise director- It was all good until I woke up this morning having dreamed the ship was awaiting an ice storm . The ice storm was being forcast on my wake up radio alwrm and in the dream we were waiting for snow turning to freezing rain around mid evening turning to rain with 2 cm expected prior to the rain turning back to snow.
So I pulled myself out of bed and cursed the cold Canadian Weather coming crappy weather and wished I was able to be on the bloggers cruise. Alas I will have to wait till 2011. By then Thingy should be two and you will have found that ultimate diet cause in the terrible twos thingy will keep you hopin. once they get out of the baby stage your get up and go will have to be there. John do listen to your beloved she is right get going cause you are going to need it .
enjoy your day
regards from
Storm stayed in Canada
NO CIGARS?????
OK???? and WOW!!! I guess there goes one of my FANTASYs!!!
Now what else were you saying today in your blog???? Oh, yeah, BORING???? Never happen!! Never in a million years could our WONDERFUL JOHN be boring!!! Your JOY OF LIFE (I won’t speak frog here) is TOO FULL!!!
Topics: You need topics… What I’d love to read:
Imagine what Thingy is doing right now… what’s Thingy thinking??
OR The DREAM… tell us the summer and fall schedule and ports!!! And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us Half Moon Cay can be one!!!!
Write a BLOGGER’s SONG… teach us the words and melody…
Go through all the CARNIVAL ships and tell us the funniest story your’ve heard or had on them.
Make a date with Her Majesty, the Queen… tell us what you discussed and did…
And while you’re at it.. WORLD PEACE!!! How will we ever accomplish this??
John you are our light, our beacon, our JOY!!! If we listen to your stories from the loo… and stories about number 2… we’ll listen to EVERYTHING!!!
BLOGGER IS ONE MONTH AWAY!!!!
SEE YOU THERE!!!
Bless you!
Lambie
John, I have just watched Good Morning America. One thing I learned this morning is that smoking can cause pancreatic cancer. Since you already have a problem with your pancreas not producing enough insulin there by making you diabetic, I’m so glad you are giving up the smoking that might cause other problems with the pancreas.
We’re so proud of you John. Keep up the good work and take it one day at a time.
Countess Carolyn and Don
I need rather quck help. I apologize if you’ve addressed this question, but I’m new to blogging! We are taking the Legend out of Tampa this Sunday and there seems to be rain predicted in every port (e.g. 60% chance in Cozumel and Belize) Do you have suggestions for what to do in these ports in crummy weather? We’ve been lucky in all the other cruises we’ve taken. Thanks in advance!.
Dear John, glad to hear you want to get healthy. But please don’t give up everything or you will not stick with it. And Heidi sounds a lot like I did when I had my first child, 38 years ago. You will both be fine. It worked for us, I’m 57 years old and have been married to the same man for 39 years. Now my question, on your cd schedule Big Tex is not listed. I’m sure he is with his real name but I don’t know it. We were on the Fantasy [when it was out of Mobile] and he said he was going to the Valor. He is one of our favorites and would like to know where he is. Thank you, Lynda
Hello
Joyce g , John
My answer to your question:
As i did back to back cruises in 2008, i can tell what happened. April until May i stayed on Freedom (7,7,14 days) and on Imagination Nov (3,4). Just do buy your internet package and do tell the internet manager, asking i did have no problems at all to reactivate my unused minutes. Carnival does not run the internet. They did a contract with a company name??? (they are running the internet on some more cruiselines as well).
John, Heidi,Thingy
Had to catch up many days reading
Best wishes to all of you
John see you on DREM TA and??.
Ralf
Dear John , I am going to tell you about our cruise experiences . A few years ago we went on a cruise and it was a last minute thing . Our sister in law got us an interior cabin on the Liberty as she had booked over 40 people for her big 50th bday bash. She called us and all we needed to do was get our flights . See we have three kids (MONEY) and an old home and live in Canada (long way from the Dock in Florida) So I hunted high and low for the deal of a lifetime on pane tickets (major surfing of the net and we only have dialup ) UGG … So then we got tickets only catch we had to drive to Boston – which was cheeper (cause we have kids) . So we got to take the cruise , trip of a lifetime . mind you we could not go on any excursions and we could only do what was included in the cruise . We missed out on a lot of things but all in all you made our cruise cause it was the trip where you found big al and we still laugh and joke about it . So when we got home we were still in awe , for the intire year all we thougt of was getting to to go again – not easy with a family – so we decided to start saving. We saved as much as we could and finally got the chance a year ago to go again – best deal was the liberty again , but we were happy , we had to take another interior cabin but thats fine we just wanted to go . So we dodged a major storm , made our connections from Canada and landed in Florida , to find out all our luggage was gone – we had our bathing suits and a carry on with a few items and the winter as well as one change of clothes for the cruise . You see we had never planned a trip and this was one we hoped we would really have as our special trip I had never expected to loose the luggage and there really was not much we could do . The Carnival members were excellent and we were treated so well , we were so impressed by the pursers and the help they gave us , the over 50 calls made to Air Canada (horrible service ) and we just kept washing our clothes . the only thing that we missed out on was the picture taking on formal nights , the fancy dinners and the captains night , We did not have formal wear .The clothes eventually showed up – on our last night on the ship we got back from the bahamas stop and there it was – a little to late , I think it was just sent from Miami to the Bahamas. Our trip back say major delays and we had the worst ever service again from all the people in Air canada – worst experience ever was the Montreal airport minus 25 and we were the ones in summer wear on a freezing side walk waiting for a shuttle to take us to the hotel from hell – we got a package deal through carnival ( they partner with aircanada ) The trip was instantly brought down . i caught a cold and ended up with pnumonia – so it was a trip I like to think of as wonderful while on board the Liberty , with a few things that caused upset . So we did get ship board credit – which we will likely not use . We have been entering all contests in regards to getting a cruise or travel money and have not won yet .My biggest dissapointment was filling out the porthole contest and coming up with a major plan for being you for the day to only find out that I was not able to enter cause its only for people who live in The USA . Us canadians have to do it the old fashioned way – save and go . So we are saving for the next one , we hope to reach our down payment goal next winter and then we will have to save and pay down on it and hope to be able to set sail in january of 2011. The ship board credit will likely not be valid , can you check it out .
When we look back on our trip , we do have fond memories , me I did not really want to wash clothes – but did, have no fancey pictures it was my 40th birthday present , and the honeymoon we never had , and it was not what we thought would happen – Air canada never did a thing for us – they put us in a hotel , where we had to sleep on the bed covers cause the sheets were beyond horrible, and we still refer to that stop as dropping into the bowels of hell – no one would speak english to us , help us out , or even give us food vouchers – but we got through it and looking back we realize the cruise was 100% better . Our only other thing was you were not on board and we really wished to see you again , but thats ok we read your blog and there were a few funny moments on the lIberty and there were some great entertainers . I wanted to share this with you as I know you maybe do get o put a few cents in with the people who matter and we would like to maybe use the ship board credit if and when we go and the limit for the credit is only valid for two years from last january and we will not get to go next january . please check into it for me our email address is above . please email us . and let us know if you find anything out . , And if you know of any contests I am always filling them out – ones I qualify for .
thanks
ps good luck with your appointment , we are keeping all of you in our prayers and will certainly be happy when Thingy gets a name .
lou-anne and Calvin
Happy New Year John and Heidi and Baby Thingy!
Just got off the New Year’s cruise on the Glory and it was awesome.
If you want help losing weight, John, you should sign up for Butch’s Disco Dance Lessons. Butch – who is an amazing cruise director, by the way – must be made of rubber. I was one of the non-dancing wimps who sat in the audience and watched – and laughed hysterically – and could just imagine you up there shaking your thing.
Although my New Year’s goal should also be to lose weight – you should organize a weight loss contest for bloggers – I decided I would rather be happy. So that was the resolution I made at the stroke of midnight as the ship’s horn sounded: To Be Happy. Which means, of course, that I’m busy planning my next cruise.
Take care,
Joan
Please reply
Hi John
I need to know what size T-shirt Goose wheres and if he has a color preference?
Thanks
Danny
Hi John,
Congratulations on giving up the smoking! The wee little “Thingy” will benefit greatly from this. My children suffered from chronic sinusitis for many years before thier father quit smoking in the house. It made such a difference in thier lives and mine.
Boring??? You could never be boring! Not even if you tried!
The Bloggers Bash sounds great. We had such a good time last year…. can’t wait for this one!
Hello to Princess Heidi and the wee Thingy!
Hugs!
Princess Barb
John, good for you! Changing bad habits is hard, but very worthwhile.
Some time ago there was talk of Alaska as a possible bloggers’ cruise destination. It’s time to start thinking of 2010 and I would love to be with you on a BC finally. Each BC so far has been at a time when I have made other plans and couldn’t change them. Although I would probably go anywhere (there’s no such thing as a bad cruise), I would love to do a summer cruise to Alaska. So please set the 2010 dates ASAP before I manage to have conflicting plans again.
Hey John,
YOU could never be boring if you tried. I can only surmise how you would describe Cameron Diaz in a naughty nurse outfit cavorting with dwarf Hell’s Angels….(I am making a mental note…would be good screenplay “Diaz and the Seven Biker Dwarfs”)
Tell Heidi not to worry about the AFP (Alpha Fetal Protein) test and procedure. I had it twice and the procedure wasn’t horrible — it was waiting for results on one that was horrible. Samantha’s test came back positive for Down’s Syndrome — and it was a hell for 3 weeks before we found out it was a false positive. Turns out they gave me the test two weeks early — hence bad result. But, as you’ve seen Sam she’s not Down’s, thought at this time she’s currently afflicted with TIS -Teen Idiot Syndrome. Grrr…
I’ve been on a new fitness regime for a few months — 15 pounds lighter. Woo hoo! So…instead of smoking our usual cigar on the Blogger’s Cruise I invite you to join me for my 3-mile morning walk around the deck. What do you say?
Getting healthy for the ‘thingy’ is a good idea — you’ll need lots of energy to keep up with the 2 AM feedings.
Send my best to Heidi and the ‘thingy’ and see you on Feb. 7.
Best,
Anita
Anita Dunham-Potter
Looking forward to seeing you again on the Bloggers cruise. I will have that cigar with you since I was planning on having one with John also. I may turn green but it will be worth it.
BIG ED
Only 1 more month
Oh, John….you could never be boring! I actually forward your blogs on to others in my office. I know when they have read them because I can hear their laughter….which is usually followed by a phone call to let me know they are now drying their eyes from laughing until they cried. You are the best. Congrats on throwing out those horrid cigars. I have also started cutting back on the carbs, etc. Too much “crap” over the holidays. Any way….keep up the good work! Send my best to Heidi and the baby!
Hugs,
Lori
Hi John:
Please reply
I don’t know if you remember me? My sister and friend and I were on the Freedom last year with you. My sister wrote to you, we are both widows, she has the wonderful gift of words and you read her letter. You were just diagnosis with belles palsy. I hope you have recovered fully? And congratulations to you and your wife on your up coming bundle of joy. Anyway, I will be turning 50 on February 17 and will be celebrating on the Valor with 4 girl friends. I just read that you will be going to the Valor and was hoping you will be the CD the week we will be there? Three of the ladies have never been on a cruise, and this is only my second. Since you are the best, I want them to experience the best cruise director there is. If you are not scheduled on the Valor that leaves Miami on the 15th of February, WILL YOU ? I could bring you a hat or key ring?? Cubs or Sox’s?
Best wishes,
Bonnie from Illinois
John I cruised with you in October 2006 and had a wonderful time. I’ve taken 5 or 6 cruises since then and you are by far the best cruise director. When I play the DVD of the talent show for my family and friends, each and everytime I play it I just about fall out of my chair with laughter, and everyone else enjoys it also. I look forward curising with you again. I want to congratulate you and Heide on the little one, and Happy New Year to you both.
Margie from Kentucky
PLEASE REPLY: Dear John, My wife and I were on the Carnival Valor 7 day cruise to the W Caribbean this past November 9 and were extremely pleased with our experience. She was called last week regarding your latest promotion and at the time turned down the offers as the economy is tight. However, it peaked my interest and decided to browse the website to see what kind of deals you had. I saw the Elation 3 day cruise sailing on February 12 to Ensenada from San Diego at $159 pp for an Ocean View and booked it as I fiugured it was an excellent way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I was reading in the Carnival News Section that this is a new itinerary for Carnival and it is modeled after the three day cruises from Los Angeles. I have only been on 7 day cruises and was wondering what in your opinion is the biggest difference between a 7 day and a 3 day (with the exception that it is shorter), Also, do you know who the CD will be and if there are any special activities planned for that weekend, being that it is Valentines Day. Thanks
Sergio and Irma Medina
R186-Elation February 12-15 2009