In this age of uncertainties you may wonder to what level a man may admire another man. While it is ok to say “I love the way Dwayne Wade can wander around the court looking bored before exploding to life and scoring 30 points in one quarter “it is apparently wrong to say” I love the way Dwayne Wade wears his suits, he can pull of any look efforlessly and in a pair of tight jeans he looks fantastic.”
You see, I am talking about a taboo subject…………………………man crushes………………….the way you express admiration for other men. I think a man crush starts when you project the things that your man crush subject can do that you can’t.
I started thinking about this last night while I was waiting for British Telecom’s man in India to fix my internet problem. As I waited, there on the TV was the classic show Happy Days and watching Ritchie, Ralph and ummmm……..Thingy…………look up to the Fonz got me thinking. There they were, three nerds adrift in a sea of teenage problems always knowing that they could go to their hero for help. The Fonz rode motorcycles, was as hard as nails and was damn good looking. He was also an unemployed mechanic who lived in a garage and liked to hang out with teenage boys………..but we will ignore that bit shall we. The nerds looked up to Fonzie and always wanted to be with him.
So, here’s a question for you male bloggers. Given the chance, would you want to hang out with other men or women. Let’s make this a bit more selective shall we. Just imagine you had to choose between going on a date with a supermodel or hanging around with George Clooney on his private yacht. Conversation about what’s hot on the cat walk or playing poker and smoking cigars with George? Pretending to be interested in the fact that she has ordered a small salad and a glass of air for dinner or listening to George Clooney tell you about the time he and Brad Pitt went to a lap dancing club. ………….if you voted for George – there my friends……………you have a man crush.
And so it is that I have a confession to make by telling you about my very own Man Crush…………………it is…………………….Michael Caine. I find myself in awe of his incredible acting abilities and his brilliant sense of humour. I actually have a recurring dream about Michael. We are sitting in cafe on South Beach. He is wearing a V neck sweater, immaculate pants and smoking a Cuban cigar. Everyone is laughing at our jokes and jealous of our blokey banter. Everyone wants to buy us drinks and wants to be me………..the chap hanging out with Michael.
Suddenly, Micahel turns to me and says “you know John, you are my best mate, lets get out of here and go and watch Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat and then you can come back to my place and help me polish my Oscar.”
Yep…………Michael Caine……………..my man crush.
Good evening everyone and I am so sorry about the late posting and the content of yesterday’s blog. I didn’t get to finish it until just before midnight UK time and it was, as you could see, rather rushed. We have had lots of problems here with internet connection living in the countryside as we do – and short of building a reception tower in my back yard, I guess I will have to live with these days of bugger all service.
Anyway, let me get on with answering the latest batch of questions marked John please reply.
here we go.
Official Celebrity Chef Of the Blog Kevin
John,
I think I hate airports about as much as you and the rest of the planet do today I had the pleasure of going to the TSA screener before the inspection area handing over my paperwork and ID for inspection he look at it me and then said have a nice trip so i put the stuff away. Got on the line for the x-ray machine took off my shoes belt watch jacket sweater and dumped it all in a bucket that if a x-ray machine could tell if i had a bomb of a cheese sandwich would be impressive to walk through the x-ray machine and have another tsa person ask to see all the crap the first one looked at only 3 minutes ago. I produced the documents again. Walked passed and went to wait for my bags to come out from the machine. Then a shoe popped out, then my belt half way then my jacket then a bucket of stuff from my pockets. Problem where was the other shoe? Yep the machine ate it. in the course of 30 seconds it ate my nike air. I waited and waited and then asked the person sitting on her stool that was affixed to her butt with crazy glue. umm my other shoe never came out. and to this she responds “Sir please don’t talk to me, speak to someone on the line.” So i wait and ask the person on line very politely i might say ” Mame, my other shoe did not appear, is it stuck in the machine?” To this I get ” Ask her she runs the machine not me.” Back to Mrs. Stoolupherbummachinelady, ” Mame she said to ask you to look for it” To this I get ” Male for hand inspection!” And a man walking over to me saying right this way sir. So i say to him sure as soon as my other shoe is produced you my violate my person with your latex covered hand. And he says well sir are you sure you had two shoes and not one? Now because i know exploding in a bararge of curse words will only get my no lube for the anal probe I say yes i put them in the box together and everything came out in pieces. And so he walks around the back of the machine and asks Mrs. Stoolupherbummachinelady if there is a shoe in the machine still. Her response was priceless ” Do i look like i would know if there is a shoe in there?? I just watch the screen that’s all i get paid to do. And so off we went one shoe missing probably about to be disposed of because it was a nike left alone. So off we went behind the smoked screen where he checked everything i owned like he couldn’t tell it was right guard and not C-4 with a fresh scent. Once he and his latex hands were satisfied that I didn’t have a thermal nuclear bomb up my butt next to my WOMD hand book. I asked so my other shoe any idea, and with that back we went to Mrs. Stoolupherbummachinelady . Who was now eatting a Mc-Lard Sandwich with one hand and staring at people’s stuff with her eyes. To have her say oh yes we had a shoe turn up we turned it over to security to be disposed of. So then 15 pages of paperwork about this to get either my shoe or the money to replace it when i turn 80 years old back. Nike I will miss you because i know right now Mrs. Stoolupherbummachinelady’s kid is wearing you. So John Why do you need to arrive 2 hrs early so they can steal your shoes and then check your bum for WOMD. Best to Heidi and the Thingie.
KevinJohn Says:Hello Chef
I wanted to thank you for sharing that brilliant story with us. While you and I and everyone here understand how important security is I think we also all agree that it has in some cases become totally and utterly bonkers. The people manning the security machines have an important and tough job and many do it with pride and with good manners.However, you do get those as you experienced who just make you want to cry………..or vomit. Anyway, hopefully the world will become normal once more and we can all look forward to flying without the ulcer inducing experiences that come with it……………but somehow, I doubt it. Glad to hear from you mate and see you soon
cheers
JohnSarah Jones Asked:
JOHN PLEASE ANSWER:
Good evening!
My family just got of the Inspiration. We had a great time, but we did have one MAJOR problem that I need to talk with someone about.
Can you direct me to someone??? Thanks!John Says:
Hello Sarah
I am glad you had such a wonderful time on the Carnival Inspiration. Why not post your concerns here to me on the blog thingy and I will pass them on to the right people and help you as much as I can.
Look forward to hearing from you
Kind regards
JohnPam M Asked:
John-please reply.
I asked you a few weeks ago for suggestions on what I could do for my daughter and son-in-law’s cruise on the Fantasy January 15. I decided to have their cabin decorated. Thanks for the suggestions. You also told me to get back in touch with you a week before their cruise so I am doing that! Their names are Julie & Chris Carroll and they are in cabin M###.
I will be taking my 18th cruise on Carnival also on the Fantasy on March 30. It is because of people like you that I keep coming back to Carnival!
Thanks John for all you do!
PamJohn Says:
Hello Pam
Thanks for reminding me Pam and I hope they have a wonderful time.
Let me know how things went after they return
My best to you and all the family
Johnmargo Asked:
John , was wondering who is cruise director on Liberty this month / parents may be going on a cruise and They are looking at sailing on the Liberty.John Says:
Hello Margo
Thanks for writing to me. The Cruise Director on your Carnival Liberty Cruise will be the brilliant Steve Knisley, you are therefore assured of a fun time and if there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know.
Cheers,
JohnGail Asked:
What is the blogger cruise on the Dream on 12/03/09 about? Have been on 15 cruises & never heard about this. What do we get for $85 pp?John Says:
Hello Gail,
Thanks for writing, it appears you have done nearly as many cruises as I have. The Bloggers cruises are mostly about people who read this blog and who love life and cruising getting together. For example, in a few weeks time on the Carnival Fantasy, 400 people will join me for fun, private activities and special events and a chance to renew friendships and make new ones. They will also receive in cabin gifts during the voyage. I hope you consider joining us for the next one on the Carnival Dream and maybe I can ask my friends who have been on the last Bloggers cruise to tell you why they enjoyed it so much.
Kind regards, hope to see you soon, JohnBonnie Asked:
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 IllinoisJohn Says:
Hello Bonnie,
I do indeed remember you both and I remember marveling at your spirit considering the terrible loss you both suffered. Well, there is good news and bad news. I will be on the Carnival Valor on the 15th of February however, I will only be visiting for that one week and do not start as Cruise Director to the following voyage, however, the good news is that I will be able to meet you and make sure you and your friends have a fantastic time. Thank you for all the kind words and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Cheers, JohnMort13ers Asked:
John, Please reply
Well I am finally back from the dark side (RCCL) (just made my final payment for the Freedom) Can i get the shore excursions desk for the freedom email’s address. I am want to book a dolphins swim, but i am looking for a specific time, so i can catch up with some friends that have moved back to Jamaica, just want to fit everything in.
ThanksJohn Says:
Hello Mort,
Welcome back and I hope you enjoyed your cruise. It will be interesting to read what you enjoyed and did not enjoy about your experience. Please post your requests for the Jamaican Dolphin Cove experience and I will forward them to the team on the Carnival Freedom. I am sure you understand I can’t give ship’s direct e-mail addresses. I look forward to hearing from you and we will be able to help you.
Cheers, JohnRick H. Asked:
John:
Thanks as always for the laughs!
PLEASE REPLY – We are sailing on the Miracle 3/29/09 (St. Martin, St. Lucia & St. Kitts). The Carnival web site will not let us pull up the shore excursions available for our trip. Can you please help me track this information down? It’s nice to be able to plan some of this in advance, as our travel party includes 5 kids ranging from age 6 to 12.
Thank you, and best to Heidi, Thingy, and the Carnival crew who keep the blog thingy going!John Says:
Hello Rick,
I just checked and the website is working. However, it wasn’t for some time and I apologize for this. Have a read of the descriptions and if you have any questions about what you think is best for you and your family, I am at your service.
My best to you and all the family,
JohnDanny Asked:
Please reply
Hi John
I need to know what size T-shirt Goose wheres and if he has a color preference?
Thanks
DannyJohn Says:
Hello Danny,
Thanks for thinking of the CD, how kind of you. Goos will wear XL and I know he likes bright colors such as red, pink or blue. Have a brilliant time and please pass on my regards to him. Look forward to hearing from you when you return. Cheers, Johnlou-anne Asked:
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 CalvinJohn Says:
Hello Lou-Anne and Calvin,
What a story. I feel so bad for you and the family and for anyone whose vacation is disrupted by lost luggage. I want to firstly thank you for taking the time to praise our Pursers or Guest Service Dept. as they are now known. I will make sure I pass your remarks on to them. I have been flying frequently for the last 20 years and I can honestly say that I have seen a huge drop in service standards regardless of which airline I have flown on. On board our ships, we are constantly improving our friendliness and service which the airlines should copy. I appreciate so very much that saving money in the current climate is not easy and the fact that you and your family are saving so you can experience another Carnival cruise is very humbling. I will check with our head office in Miami about your on board credit, however, I give you my personal promise that regardless of when you sail that this credit will be there waiting for you, ready to spend on a Pina Colada by the pool or an excursion to snorkel in the blue waters of the Caribbean. Thank you for taking the time to write…………..and to write from the heart.
My best to you and the family, JohnHayden Asked:
Dear Jhon
How do you become a cruise director for Carnival? I want to know!John Says:
Hello Hayden,
To be a Cruise Director, we ask that you have a degree from the University of FUN. In other words, a love of life. I suggest you get as much public speaking and entertainment experiences as you can and for much more information have a look at www.carnivalentertainment.com
If you have any specific questions, I will be here to help you and wish you much luck.
Cheers, Johnkiciaski Asked:
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 & GeorgeJohn Says:
Hello Linda and George,
It is always great to hear from you both and thank you for your kind words of support. There is a possibility that I may cover for a few weeks on the Carnival Glory for when Butch takes his next vacation at the end of the summer. However, this is not set in stone and I will promise to let you know as soon as I do. Hope that’s ok and I am really looking forward to seeing you both again soon.
Cheers, JohnAmy Asked:
(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.John says:
Hello Amy,
Can you remember which ship we met on? Thank you for your kind words and I hope you continue to read the blog.
Cheers, JohnRodney Asked:
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 pounds 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 FebruaryJohn Says:
Hello Rodney,
I wish you much success in losing weight, however, I am glad you are doing it after the Bloggers cruise because we will have lots of great food for you to enjoy. I will ask Stephanie now to put the correct link to the Bloggers excursion which I will hope you will join us on. See you soon mate, JohnHi Rodney,
Click here for the link to the excursion. Please note that you need to be logged in to carnival.com. Shore excursions can be booked by going to the “My Cruise/My Reservation” section of the site.
Thanks!
StephanieErin W. Asked:
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 and 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.John Says:
Hello Erin,Firstly, let me apologize for calling you grandma at age 30. I think my questions got pasted together, so sorry for that. We are very strict about which areas are smoke free and I was very shocked and surprised that people were smoking in places they should not be. If this happens please contact a uniformed member of staff, however, I do not expect it will again as we are now very strict on where you can and cannot smoke.
I hope this answers your question and if you like any more information or have any other concerns, I will be here to help you.
Kind regards, Johnlizzielady Asked:
Quiting is so-o-o difficult!
John, please reply!
In just a few weeks my sister and I will be off for a cruise of a lifetime—around SA from Port Everglades to San Francisco on your new Carnival Splendor. One of the important aspects of cruising is meeting new people, especially at dinnertime. Could you possibly arrange the following for us for the first segment?
Early seating
Round Table for 8 (Helps in hearing conversations, rectangular is difficult)
Mixed/varied group—married couples, young and old (Twice at a table for 10—all single. HORRIBLE!)
You are very kind to extend help to your bloggers.
Thanks so much, Carolyn
Next up–Dream!!!!John Says:
Hello Carolyn,
I have forwarded this information to my friend Ken, the Maitre ‘D, who I know will do his very best to assist you and make sure you have a brilliant dining experience. I wish I could join you for this voyage of a lifetime. Please let me know about your experiences when you return. Best regards to all, JohnMSQPON JO MYERLY Asked:
Hi John, I have a huge favor to ask. When we did the two Baltic cruises this fall we really appreciated reading the blogs in the library. We were on the Splendor this and November the blogs weren’t in the library. Is there any chance the blogs could be in the library on the South American cruises? We are going to be on the Splendor for the 14 day middle segment. It would be great to be able to read the blog. Thanks, JoJohn Says:
Hello Jo and Dave,
Of course. I will make sure Stephanie and the staff will do this for you. I wish I could be with you. Stay in touch. Best to you both. JohnCheri Bolchoz Asked:
Please reply
John
No we have not gotten the ornaments.
I just got finished going thru all of our pictures & video from the cruise. The Legends show was really something this time. We got great pics of the surprize guest star. Can’t give it away for those that have not seen the show.
Hope everything is going great for you & Heidi & the Thingy
Cheri & MichaelJohn Says:
Hello Cheri and Michael,
It seems that many of the bloggers are getting their mail now which Heidi and I sent well before Christmas. I am hoping you will have yours soon. I am glad you enjoyed the Carnival Legends show so much, although performing in it, I must admit, is not my favorite thing to do. It’s always great to hear from you and I hope to do so again soon. Cheers, Johncruzn buckeye Asked:
John, please reply
I enjoyed the interview with Jim. I did like the beach ball commercial better than the pinata. At least it had something to do with water! I am looking forward to the new commercials though!
Good for you! That coat should keep you from freezing your arse off! You won’t be needing it soon though, when you are with us on the Fantasy on the blogger cruise!!!
I have two cabins booked. One for myself and my bf and one for my daughter and her bf. We would love a table for ten but we also want to make sure that we are seated together. Is there anyway to get our dining reservations linked so that we are at the same table??
Thanks again for everything you do!
Also, after reading that the excursion is going to be on Passion Island, I have also been reading that several people are considering not going because of the clothing optional thing. My daughter said let me know if you are going naked Mom, because if you are, I am not going! Well…she doesn’t have to worry about that! I am also considering going to a different beach. But, really hate to miss the Bloggers party!
CruznJohn Says:
Hello Cruzn,
Great to hear from you. Let’s start with the excursion which is to Playa Mia, where clothing definitely is not an option. Although the sight of me in a pair of Speedos maybe scary for some. It is going to be a great day at the beach and I can’t wait to see you all there. As far as the dining is concerned. If you booked with the Bloggers cruise fare code, you will be in the dining room with all of us, so you will be able to sit all together. It will be great and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers, Johnglendora spinks Asked:
This will be the second cruise that my family have went on carnival together. There will be more of us traveling this time around 42 people so far. I must say it has not been as smooth sailing. Last march when we planned to go to Mexico everything went much better. We have encounter so many problems this time am afraid to go on the ship. Maybe we should have followed my first insitinct and went on Royal Caribbean the one I wanted to sail on. My sister insistent that we sail carnival. The customer service have not been the best, and there are still lots of unanswer questions. You can’t get return phone calls from espicially from supervisor. Everytime I see this commercial I wonder just how well our cruise is going to be. Our sailing is on march 8, 2009 I surely hope this isn’t the last time.John Says:
Hello Glendora,
Obviously, I am very glad you did not decide to sail with RCI but with us. Your group of 42 will have a fantastic time, I promise. Please let me know what your specific concerns are and what help you need and I will make sure I do my very best for you and your family. Let me know what ship you are sailing on and what you need help with, as soon as possible.
Best Wishes, JohnTim Kriebel, MCPO, USN Retired Asked:
John: (Please Reply if you see fit).
Since the Carnival Loyalty Program is beginning to surface as a topic and will be under review I’d like to offer a few suggestions. Wife and I have cruised 20 times on Carnival, out of four Ports of call, Port Canaveral, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa, so we are loyal to the brand. Here are my suggestions for improvement in order of our priorities:
1. Priority Debarkation – This is sometimes handled well, but for the most part it doesn’t live up to the benefit as stated in Carnival’s literature. In too many cases, Platinum folks must wait until all self assist depart the ship. That is unsatisfactory. Carnival needs to look at Port Canaveral as the Model for this, in particular the Glory. On Glory, all Platinum gather in the lobby at 7:15 AM, the CD or assistant leads them FIRST off of the vessel. Have cruised Glory 6 times and every time the debarkation is excellent. Miami, which used to be the worst has improved. Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale are miserable. I’ve even been in a situation where we were told to meet in a certain place, where a Carnival Rep would meet us and lead us off the ship only to have no Carnival Rep show up. Too many times I hear the excuse that Customs & Immigration is the problem. I frankly don’t believe it. Why has Miami improved and Port Canaveral been consistently outstanding? Seems to me Carnival could fix this by working closely with all who are involved.
2. Carnival provides a nice gift for each Platinum cruiser in the cabin. Thanks, it is appreciated, but consider rotating the gift at least quarterly. Some of your loyal passengers cruise 4 times a year…so it would make sense to vary/rotate the appreciated gift. By the way, we have ten Tote Bags and ten Thermos’s….interested in buying some???
3. Suggest a separate past guest party for Platinum guests. Platinum Sign & Sail card required for entry. This should be easy to provide since there are probably an average of 40 such folks on a cruise….and would be more intimate than the traditional past guest party which has to be held in the main showroom on most cruises. It would also be a great opportunity to provide info and get direct feedback from your more loyal guests. Could also be a special occasion to celebrate some member’s 25 th Cruise, 50th, etc. Good PR I would say. We don’t generally attend the current past guest party because they don’t really make us feel very special.
Other than these things we really appreciate the Platinum status and the benefits provided.
Regards,
Tim Kriebel, MCPO, USN Retired.John Says:
Hello Tim,
I want to thank you so much for taking the time to write to me with these great suggestions. I want you to know that I will pass this on directly to Jim, our Chief Marketing Officer. Our Loyalty programme is very important and needs to be something that is given a new lease of life and Jim is the man to do that. I happen to agree with many of suggestions, especially a bigger selection of in cabin gifts and a special Platinum Guests party. I promise you I will give this my fullest attention. Expect to hear more about this very soon.
Cheers, johnJeff Asked:
For John – please reply….
Since I’m going to be on the Splendor next Saturday (the 17th), I was thinking of blogging about the cruise and supplying photos (being an actual photographer). I wouldn’t actually post the blogs until the following week, since I wouldn’t be able to download the photos from my camera, and I really don’t feel like paying the internet rates on the ship. What are your thoughts on that? I thought you might find it interesting from a vacationer’s (holidayer’s?) point of view. If not, no problem.
JeffJohn Says:
Hello Jeff,
It will be fantastic to see your photos and read about your experiences. Please feel free to post your comments and pictures when you return and I will gladly put them here on the blog. Have a wonderful cruise and look forward to seeing your photos soon.
Cheers, JohnSpencer Cooper Asked:
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 YouJohn Says:
Hello Spencer,
The Carnival Dream is going to be a fantastic ship. I can tell you that she will not have a deck 9 forward retractable roof like the Carnival Splendor, however, she will have a huge waterpark which will be breathtaking. The mini golf course is also going to be our best ever and I will pass on more information about this as soon as the plans are finalized. I hope to see you on board. Cheers, JohnZach Asked:
Hey John!
My family and I stopped cruising with a certan line with a big blue anchor, because they had a cerfew for geusts 17 and under. We did not know this untill we were on the ship and reading the daily anouncement sheet. The way i look at it, i pay just as much for my 15 year old son as i do my 21 year old daughter. My children are on vacation, and i dont think the cruise line shoul put a “bed time” on them. They enjoy late night snacks and early morning strols, and as we all know there is nothing more magical then a ship at night all light up in her glory. Please tell me as Carnival grows, they will not decide to do this. Please Reply =)
-thanks, ZachJohn Says:
Hello Zach,
Although, I may joke about our competitors, I am always careful not to be too critical and never to be unprofessional with my comments…………although sometimes, I probably do step over the line. However, in this case I must say that this law of a curfew is, in my humble opinion, terribly wrong. Yes, there are a few teenagers who can get a little out of control but the majority of kids that age are well behaved and have every right to enjoy unlimited time with the family and unlimited time to enjoy the guest facilities. Carnival has no plans for this. We believe in family vacations and we also believe in the strength of our Club O2 facility which provides entertainment and fun for the 15 – 17 year olds. I hope you and your family experience a Carnival Fun for All cruise very soon.
Cheers, JohnJudi G Asked:
I need rather quick 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!.John Says:
Hello Judi,
I hope you get to read this before you depart. I am sure the weather forecast will improve. All of our excursions are superb and I think it’s best that I forward this to the Carnival Legend Cruise Director and ask her to get in contact with you at the start of the voyage so she can answer any of your questions. So, expect a phone call from someone once you are on board and my personal suggestion would be to take the island tours if the weather is not too good. I hope the sun shines for you, have fun!
Cheers, JohnBob Says:
Hi John
Thankyou 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 becaues 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 have 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
Please see your answer from the incomparable Captain Romano.
Hope you are well
Best Regards
JohnDear Bob,
I never had the pleasure of meeting or sailing with Captain George Petrescu.
I joined Sitmar Cruises in 1977.
Unfortunately Captain Petrescu passed away in 1967.
I have heard a lot about him and can tell you he was a really liked and very respected Captain.
Commodore Cesare Ditel served as a Deck Officer under his command and he has some great memories of Captain Petrescu.
I hope you will have a great time sailing on board the beautiful Dawn Princess and I am sure you will enjoy meeting Captain Dino Sagani.
Best regards,
Commodore Giuseppe Romano
Master – M/V Emerald Princess
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post your comments and if you need an answer I will be happy to reply to those who ask me to do so.
A few weeks ago I told you all that I would be needing your help and advice as we continue to keep Carnival at the top of the industry.
Your thoughts are going to be very important to us this year and over the next few weeks I will be talking to you about some of the areas we need your comments on. I want to talk to you over the next few days about some of the areas on the vessels where you…………..the guest……………spend your money.
Now, I would be a first class idiot if I tried to pretend that we don’t want you to spend your money onboard and that part of this subject is to find ways of getting you to spend more…………….we do………..we want you to spend loads of dosh (www.urbandictionary.com ) on board but…………….we also want to know where you want to spend it and on what. We want to improve and we want to have things available that you want to spend your money on and have fun doing so.
Therefore, over the next few days we will cover the following.
CASINO
ART AUCTION
BAR
PHOTO
BINGO
SPA
We may cover some other areas as well but for now…………those are the areas I need your honest thoughts on. Remember, the reason I am asking you this is because they are your ships and we want to have the best facilities possible. We could just boldly make changes without asking our guests’ opinions as most other cruise lines have done and will do or we could change absolutely nothing thinking everything in the garden is rosy. Not at Carnival…………………..this blog is one way for you to post your thoughts and suggestions knowing that each one will be read not just by me but by people very high up……………..some of whom have beards which means they will listen and act on what you say.
Therefore, today’s subject is:
THE ONBOARD GIFT SHOPS
We think our onboard shopping experience is brilliant. They have recently brought in a huge selection of jewelry and fine luxury items while keeping faith with the old faithfuls like Inch Of Gold and other daily specials.
So, with this in mind I wonder if you might take the time to write your thoughts about your onboard shopping experience. Now, I could ask specific questions but I don’t want this to be too regimented. Maybe you could tell us the sort of merchandise you always buy when you cruise. Do you think they have a good selection and do you have any suggestions on what you would like to see for sale in the shops the next time you cruise. We want your onboard shopping experience to be the best and we can continue to make sure this happens through your comments and suggestions……………………….so…………………..let’s see what you all have to say. Again, this will help us of course but ultimately it well help you all enjoy your onboard shopping experience that much more.
I look forward to reading your thoughts.
The news here in the UK as in North America continues to be one of gloom and despair and honestly…………..I am getting tired of it.
The fact is that millions will not lose their jobs. And for them (you), 2009 could well be the best year in the whole of human history.
Partly, this is because you will still have money in your pocket and that money is going to go a damn sight further than it did last year.
You’ll be able to buy a house for what a car used to cost and a car for the 2008 price of a cell phone.
What’s more, shops will be so desperate for your business they will offer you a night with their prettiest checkout girl if you even look like you might buy a new pair of underpants.
Mostly, though, 2009 will be a great year because, as the recession bites ever bigger chunks out of the economy, banks fold and cities fill with dead dogs, we’ll all stop worrying about things that really don’t matter. When the world was rich, the people in power had nothing much to do except feel guilty about all the money that was pouring in.
So, to make themselves feel better, they invented a problem with the climate and said no new roads could be built in case a family of armadillos got squashed by Mr and Mrs Smith’s new Lincoln Navigator.
And get this………….. They even insisted that vehicles being used by the troops in Afghanistan meet all the latest emission regulations.
And we let them get away with it because we were way too busy imagining that Paris Hilton was in some way important and which 15 year old to vote for on American Idol.
We’d all gone bonkers.
We sat around nibbling on our African, nuclear-free potato chips, worrying about whether our vegetables were organic and if OJ would be found guilty this time.
It was a load of frivolous nonsense and now it’s all going to stop because it’s hard to worry about whether Britney Spears is wearing knickers and whether they’d been made in a Thai sweatshop when your unemployed next-door neighbour is smashing his way through your sitting-room window to steal your last can of Campbell’s soup..
Similarly, when three million people are out of work, paying off $500,000 mortgages on houses that are worth $9 and eating their pet cat because things are so tight, no politician is going to stand up and say, “What about the polar bears?”
During times of proper trouble, people concentrate on what matters in life.
This is why I have such high hopes for 2009.
Because instead of making everyone wear high-visibility jackets and forcing us to go on six-week courses before being allowed to climb a ladder, Obama and Brown will be working non-stop seven days a week to prevent the world from disappearing under a mountain of dead dogs
You and I, meanwhile, will stop trying to help the polar bear and maybe do more to help our neighbours and friends instead.
I’ve already decided that, if things get tough, I’m going to try and do my bit for the world.
This means I shall eat Simon Cowell.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi.
Filed under: Bloggers Cruise, Caribbean, Destinations, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: art, bar, bingo, Bloggers Cruise, Caribbean, Carnival Dream, Carnival Splendor, Casino, Couzmel, cruise, fun, onboard, photo, shopping, spa, vacation
Ah, I loved the bit on your “man crush.” I think the funniest display of this was when Mike Meyers gave a tribute speech to Sean Connery at the AFI Awards.
Hi John,
Quick answer to your question about shopping on board. Usually I buy postcards, pens, magnets, cigarettes for my office crew and the occasional t-shirt for my grand-nephew. In the jewelry shop it depends on how much money I have available, but my last cruise I bought an extraordinary blue-diamond ring. I told you the merchandise is fantastic. I will also buy watches, scarves & sometimes handbags.
I’m sure I’ll think of something else, but got to catch my bus.
Enjoy the weekend,
Carol
I’ll go with the model over George Clooney any day. Heck, I’d go with Roseanne Barr over Clooney. But I think I have a man crush on you, John! LOL!
Jeff
What we like to buy on board are things from the logo shop. We would like to see plenty of things to choose with the name of the ship or Carnival.
Hi John, We’ve been enjoying all your blogs lately and are glad to contribute our 2 cents of ideas/comments to Carnival. I LOVE onboard shopping and go every day to see what is “new” and enjoy the variation from day to day. However, after 4 cruises, I have enough Carnival wear (about 6 tshirts) and trinkets. I mostly am something of a magpie and am attracted to glitter, especially rings, necklaces etc. and I do buy some every cruise (and in ports too!). I’m never looking for real expensive items, mostly just costume jewelry. I have considered buying the Guess handbags, but never did yet. I mostly have learned NOT to bring home little “tourist items” and definitely not BIG ones! I love the scrapbooks and scrapbooking items available onboard–just perfect for the cruise pics! There are some nice clothes that my teens daughters like, especially the ROXY clothes. Otherwise, they don’t find much of interest. Since kids influence their parents’ spending and you are mostly cruising in family-oriented areas, you might consider more “teen” items. Gloria
I’m looking to buy things on ship that I can’t find off the ship. For us, it is all about the souvenirs. Things that say Carnival, even better, the name of the ship, even better the year and itinerary. We always buy tshirts, magnets and Christmas ornaments (you could use more of those). We also will buy duty free items, if it is cheaper than at home.
John
Please reply.
I’m confused reading some of your question and ansa’s.
Did I read one that said clothing was optional in the dining room on the Bloggers cruise.
Hope you have a BIG napkin !!
Excellent post, John. Thanks for openly being one of the first people I’ve seen to post a sensible and positive outlook on the current economic situation. I, for one, am looking forward to personally doing my part to spur things in the right direction on what I hope to be the first of many trips aboard Carnival. Best wishes!
Hey John,
I like looking in the shops daily & appreciate it when new things are added, instead of the same things all week long. Sale tables always perk up us gals, too. Not so much the jewerly, but gift items to take home like Christmas ornaments & things unique to the cruiseline.
Thanks for another great blog. Hope Heidi is feeling well.
Jan
Hi John,
Just a couple shopping comments….
1) “One Day Only” shopping on Carnival Ships is a joke. I think it probably works for those who are cruising for the first time, but the rest of us know that the items will be available that day and every day the rest of the cruise. Plus, I have seen the same Carnival Pocket Tshirt on clearance since 1999. I think many offerings are old and stale (Yet, I continue shopping on board!).
2) A few years ago, the Gift Shops offered a wonderful Thermal Mug that I used to refill my lemonade on the Lido Deck. They did not sell this mug the last two cruises… it would be a great idea to sell it again!
3) We were on the Legend in 2005, and the Shops Manager was hysterical! He made the whole shopping experience fun for everyone! The raffles were not only crowded, but a fun time! I suggest all the shops are managed by enthusiastic people who not only love to sell, but love to entertain!
4) More mid priced jewelry! Either jewelry is in the hundreds, or thousands of dollars, or it is $10.00. I would have loved to have found a ring or bracelet in the $100.00 – $300.00 range.
Oh….and maybe the most current magazines? Although I do read a book or two on my cruises, sometimes reading magazines is fun too.
Catrin
THE ONBOARD GIFT SHOPS
John, all you have to do is walk around any cruise and look at the people and ask yourself – can they buy a t-shirt for themselves in the gift shop? We are getting bigger. Those XL shirts and those “One size fits most” item just don’t work for most of us. I know the shops are limited in space but they can carry a reasonable float of bigger sizes.
So here goes my suggestion. With all the bar codes, scanners inventory control programs on the market I’m sure Carnival can keep the right amount of larger sizes in stock. Lets say your start with a float of just 2 of each 2x, 3x, 4x item. If the inventory control at point of sale shows lets say you sold both of the 2x then when the ship gets back to home port you put 3 2x into the float. When at the end of each cruise you have 1 item left in stock you know you have found the right float. Nobody didn’t find the size they wanted.
Inventory control works the same way for any item. If you have a high profit item you don’t want to run out on the first day of the cruise of that item. So you increase the inventory of that item on the next cruise. Just an example why have 10 cases of cheap rum making $1 a bottle and only sell 5 cases and 2 cases of Bailey’s making $5 a bottle but selling out the second day of the cruise. When you could have 5 cases of Bailey’s and making $5 a bottle and have it sell out on the last night of the cruise or better yet 6 cases and 3 unsold bottles left in stock and nobody being told sorry were out of Bailey’s.
If a ship ran out of toilet paper 2 cruise in a row I think you would increase the float in the stores so it wouldn’t happen again. Well I would hope so.
BIG ED
Hello John,
We usually buy a t-shirt with the name of the ship and/or itinerary on it. The problem for me is that they’re usually too large. A small woman’s size would be great or a large youth size. I have a t-shirt from the Freedom from last year’s Med cruises that I can’t wear out because it’s just too big.
Hope to see you on the Glory this summer. Let me know ASAP if you’re going to be on her so I can get my travel plans settled.
Linda
John,
Oh, please, do not eat Simon Cowell! Some of his nastiness could rub off on you!
On to the Gift Shops!! I would really like to see something other than T Shirts and Sweatshirts in larger sizes. Since I don’t fall into the small, medium or large category, I would love to see some of the nicer clothes in larger sizes. Also, possibly some bathing suits in larger sizes for those who forget to pack one. It would also be nice if you had some nice cards for those who don’t want to just mail a post card home. Or, for those who want to give a special thank you card or birthday card to someone on board–or perhaps just an “I Love You” type of card. I always bring cards with me now, because I always want to write a special thank you to certain people on board such as our waiters and bus boys, wine steward, etc. I know I would rather receive a card rather than a note written on Carnival paper. I love the jewelry and cologne/perfume selections that you have.
Thanks for allowing us to have some input! The more input we have, the more we spend!
Sheryl
Hi John,
No time like the present to plug my website for the upcoming Blogger’s cruise out of New Orleans:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/Blog_2009/index.htm
This will be followed by an almost B2B cruise on Carnival Splendor Around the Horn:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor_09/index.htm
It will be fun to have dueling blogs again!
See you in a few weeks!
bill
The gift shops are my main focus, needed are more items for children different from what is already on the ships, (same on every ship) as my grandkids have it all already. Need more variety.
We love the logo items (magnets, keychains, mugs, t shirts and hats etc.).
Yes, us Platinum cruisers want different gifts, we have so many tote bags and coffee decanters already. How about Logo coffee cups, t shirts, a gift bag with magnet, pen, photo album, whatever, but something different! Mike wrote to Carnival recently that they should make a Funship Freddy lapel pin, like the pass cruisers pins, and Funship Freddy keychains with a small stuffed key fob. They would make great past guest gifts, or to be sold in the gift shops. And a funship freddy funnel hat for kids. The one Carnival sells is for adults (the one Mike designed and sent the picture to Carnival, and they made that hat), he would like to see them for kids, we would definitely buy them for our grandkids.
Cigarettes, they don’t carry Winston Lights, also the prices are almost the same as Mike pays in Florida. St. Thomas actually has the best prices.
Video’s available in the gift shops with the theme of the ship we are on, much like the video’s carnival used to sell when we wanted to book a cruise on a particular ship, you could buy a video of that ship for $7.00 in advance. I would love to have those video’s for each ship, where you get a profile of the ship, inside and outside on deck.
NOT the video’s shot during the cruise, but a video shot without people, just views of the ship – inside and out.
Mike and I spend a lot of money on pictures we have taken on the ship. We spend about $300 per cruise. It would be nice to get buy one/get one free photo’s after spending the first $100.00, or some kind of incentive like a FREE album, or FREE 5×7 with purchase of 8×10. Right now you can have other sizes made but are charged for them, the only incentive they have no are the 4 free wallets on certain nights, if you buy the 8×10.
Loyal Carnival cruisers (Platinum) should get a $10 shipboard credit per how many cruises they have taken so far (so if you have been on 15 cruises you would get a $150.00 shipboard credit per Cabin)- NOT per person! Carnival wouldn’t go for that I am sure!
OR, for Platinum guests (buy one/get one free) shore excursions.
And last but not least, Autographed photos of John & Heidi to be given to all Platinum members who have at least sailed with John a few times. HA! HA!
I am sure I will think of more in the next few days.
Mike and I can’t wait to see you on 1/25-you promised, don’t let any of us down, ok? Thanks!
See you soon! Linda & Mike the handyman!
hi john! i did my bit for the economy today, i booked four cruises…
and hi kevin! good to hear from you! i understand those people sitting on a stool looking at your stuff going through their machine at the airport. the last one i had was so bored she had a clicker and was looking at luggage at other airports.
john, see you on the 25th i understand! wonderful!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John (Please reply)
Here I thought a cruise this year was not going to happen because of me being unemployed.
Then Jeanne surprised me New Years morning and said you have taken me on six Carnival Cruises and last night we went to bed before the ball droped. I’m taking you on a cruise for next New Years and we will be Dancing at midnight.
She is booking Carnival Miricle for next New Years Eve.
I was wondering though is Carnival Droping the Fuel Surcharge at this time,like the other lines.
Because we recieved a note of the charges from our Travel agent today including the fuel Surcharge.
My Jeanne is the best.
Best of luck with the Bloggers Cruise wish we could have joined you.
Regards
Ray
John my vote is for Clooney. Man crushes are ok i think, I would love to spend a day with Denzel.
John ,
Iam wanting to thank you for the lengthy reply to our email . I am so impressed with the carnival cruise line and I thank you for checking into our on board credit, we are really hoping we get the chance to sail sooner than later . All in due time .
The Carnival staff are the best and you prove it in this blog alone. We all expect to be treated as we treat others. I think we are all just the same old , sameold trying to do a job and none of us like to be treated poorly. I am however not sure if the airline staff realize their short tempers often lead to many very disgruntled passengers . Like the woman whose child through up and ended up having to sit all through the flight smelling like 3 week old milk left out of the fridge. the stewardess just kept her distance .
I think that all guys have man crushes they all like to smoke cigars , fart and commiserate over sports with guys. Of course thats more fun than a fancy restaurant and having to act like the proper fellow your mother raised you to be. The whole thing is men like to hang out with men and you do not have to be a star to attrach them . Look at the classic bar (Cheers) , or even Mash. Women are much in the same , except we would rather go to the mall, hit the spa and talk about our men while we are getting our hair done , no pressure and much more interesting then pretending we did not notice the fart.
I hope that our next cruise enables us to cross paths, you can hang out with my hubby and I will go to the spa with Heidi-
We will certainly be in touch and I thank you again for answering our questions on the ship board credit . It will certainly make a difference in our trip having the extra when the time comes.
Enjoy your weekend .
Please reply
John, I did not realize when I booked the tour for the Juan’s Mexican Bash that it was clothing optional.
Your reply to a blogger
Great to hear from you. Let’s start with the excursion which is to Playa Mia, where clothing definitely is not an option.
Since I do not care to see a woman’s or a man’s body in the nude form, how can I get our money reimbursed? I charged it on my charge card.
Thanks
Countess Carolyn
If we are adding to a Platinum wish list, I think a reasonably priced unlimited Internet package would be at the top of my list.
Cheers!
Since I, by nature, am not a big shopper I probably won’t be able to help at all with the gift shoppe question but I’ll give it a shot.
I go into the gift shops to by a good bottle of scotch at prices I can only dream of at home, pick out a couple cigars and, often, some Carnival logo wear. So, good job with the liquor… generally there are wonderful stocks of pretty much anything I might want to purchase but on occasions the Sheridan’s seems to go missing before the end of the voyage.
Cigars… I know we can’t have Cubans in the gift shop as they are illegal for Americans to purchase but could we have more of the good non-Cubans in stock? Generally, I walk in and there six or seven cigars scattered around the case like afterthoughts…
Logo wear… Every cruise I buy clothing with the Carnival logo. I LOVE wearing the stuff!! They’re great conversation starters and wonderfully well constructed. The problem is that half the shop is ladies wear, one quarter of the shop is liquor, one eight of the shop is trinkets one sixteenth of the shop is rum cakes and this little spot over here… between that corner and the first shelf to the left is where the men’s stuff is… MORE STUFF FOR US… PLEASE. And please, please, please make it guy stuff… not the stuff our ladies would buy for us.
Regarding the economy… guess why so many people are out of work… They’re out of work because people stopped buying things. People stopped buying things because the media told us we were in trouble. WE are the economy. If we spend people work to build what we buy. Be a patriot! Go out there and buy stuff!!! Even better… go on a CRUISE and buy stuff on the ship!!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
I am the unusual woman who hates to shop. I go into the shops one time each cruise only to buy a t-shirt for each grandchild. Now what I would buy and pay $30 to $40 for is a complete set of menus. By that I mean the menus from my current cruise including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as specialty restaurants.
Hi John!
Great posting today and Michael Caine is a good choice. I like the thought of being Leo DiCaprio’s wingman or Johnny Depp.
I think the gift shops are great since pricing is usually fairly competitive to what’s on land. Its all about timing and selection. It has supplied what I am looking for.
Have a nice weekend and say hi to Heidi/Thingy.
Take care!
David
Hi John
I have been reading your blog almost every day, but work and such has kept me busy, so I haven’t been able to add my comment.
I am glad to read that Heidi and little Thingy is doing well. I know she isn’t looking forward to the amniocentisis, but I am sure all will be well.
As for the gift shops on board the ships, I have to agree with some of the above comments that all the merchandise is basically the same on all the ships. As for the items I purchase, I collect coffee mugs, therefore I buy a coffee mug with the ship’s name on it. If I have already been on a particular ship, I don’t usually buy any souvenier type things. (There are only 4 ships still in service that I haven’t cruised on) After 42 Carnival cruises, I do own several t-shirts and sweatshirts with the logo on it. I don’t know how much more variety that could be added though. I am not a jewelry and perfume person (makes hubby happy), so I cannot comment on those.
Hubby and I are booked on the Valor for March 29. I do hope that you will be there as CD. Please respond when you can and let me know for sure. We would love to see you again. Of course we will see you on the blogger cruise in Feb and at the charity event.
One last thing, is the Juan beach break with or without clothing? It is confusing and I don’t dare go without clothing. The beach would evacuate immediately…lol
Take care and give my best to Heidi. Hi to Stephanie. See ya in a month!!
Gloria aka Sue
Hi John,
We do usually shop in the shops onboard, and have gotten some great deals with them being duty free. Items we particularly loved getting were higher end perfumes for much less than at home, and watches. My mom , brother and I now all officially have Citizen Eco Drive watches from the Carnival onboard shops, and much less than we’ve seen at home or on shore.
Suggestions: I mirror other comments by asking for larger sizes (2x or 3x) in the cute Carnival apparel. I’m on my way to being a smaller me, but can’t I rep my love for Carnival in the meantime?
I appreciate us being able to provide direct insight into the goings on at CCL! I also must say that your blogs about the Caribbean convinced me to convince my mom to book us a cruise for May on the Freedom. Yay!
Hi John, Heidi & Thingy
I would love to share our gift shop experience with you! We were onboard the Splendor for the Transatlantic Crossing. Day three my husband and I were wandering around the gift shop and I spotted a Blue Diamond wedding band and engagement ring that I fell in love with. My original wedding bands unfortunately had to be cut off my hand about 10 years ago but that is another story… We left the gift shop without the rings so that we could think about it since this was a big purchase for us and we had planned and budget for this cruise for two years and swore we would not leave the ship with a huge sign and sail account (haha)! Long story short we ended up going back a few days later and purchased the rings(Patricia in the shop was outstanding!). We were a little concerned but we figured with the one year guarantee if once we got the rings appraised at home we would return them if they were not worth what we had paid.
Once we got home one of the first things I did was take the rings to get them appraised. Was I in for the shock of my life when I found out that the rings were worth double what we had paid for them! I am not a jewelry person so normally I would never even think to purchase jewelry on a ship but after this experience the only place I will buy any jewelry is from a ship!! We also purchased all of our gifts for the family onboard (including a stuffed Freddy for the dog)!
Kellie
John,
First and foremost I buy scrap booking supplies. Whoever gave you and Carnival the idea was brilliant (cough, cough) (this coming from the scrap booking princess!)
I also buy a magnet of the ship for my frig, a coffee cup with the ship and port of calls on it, Christmas ornament of the ship, a ship model and a t-shirt. I used to buy beach towels when they had a picture of the ship on it but now it just says Carnival. I also used to buy Waterford Crystal the ships would carry. I miss that. Then when it comes to jewelry, I usually pick out one very nice piece for me and one very nice piece for my daughter.
I’m sure I will think of more items in the next few days.
See you soon (I hope?)
Hi John!
On many cruises all the sales are the same as I do only buy embroidered t-shirts.
TA Freedom in 2007 i got a set T/Sweater (read and grey) bringing back on my 2008 cruises. Many guests asked where to get it. No more available.
I am always buying ships logo items. caps, ships mugs, itinerary mugs , pens, postcards..
Price range onboard gift shops is o.k.
Bought watches on board even cheaper than ashore.
I as well would like to get different platinum member gifts. Got 6 thermos bottles in 2008. This year booked on four cruises please some more variety.
Arriving into Ft Lauderdale on Splendor, I did a back to back on Imagination (3/4) nov 2008. Pampered beeing platinum, i still had to ask getting the ships logo smokestack pin.
Good idea hosting a platinum past guest reception.
Ralf
Hello John,
‘
In the shops I always purchase a collecbatble ornament model ship, and big model ship.
John,
I read your response to the person who had a concern in reference to his cruise on the Inspiration. I would like to know how I direct my inquiries directly to you. In reference to inquiries directly to Carnival, I was on the Inspiration on November 6th. I have sailed with Carnival six times, Princess twice. I have sat through many end cruise sessions in reference to completing the cruise card & that each cruise should be nothing less than excellent. After no response to the cruise card, I wrote directly to Miami. After about three or four weeks I received a letter thanking me for my letter. The letter indicated my three concerns would be called to the attention of the various department heads. I tore the letter up initially. Sometime this weeked I plan to write to the Chief Marketing Officer you included in your 1/5/09 blog. If repeat guests are a concern, the response I received to my letter is not to way to retain Carnival guests. For the first time, I have reviewed the rock climbing website & I am now on their e-mail. All it would have taken was an apology & a discount on my next cruise. With the problems I experienced on the Inspiration cruise, I am hesitant to sail Carnival again. Also, I was very positive Carnival when talking to people about Carnival, which is no longer the case.
Gary
Hi John,
you asked what Carnival cruisers purchase in the gift shop,We look for the crystal and the LOOSE GEMS,we only found the loose gem sale once and that was on the Legend,please offer this at least once on every 7day cruise(or longer) My daughter and I purchased ALOT of the gems and we will eventually have them set,but it was so much fun looking at all the cuts available,
-Sandra
Canada
Hello John,
Having to pick between Clooney or a supermodel is a bit unfair. Clooney would of course equal a better time. That doesnt automatically mean a man crush.
Now lets say Clooney vs. Reese Witherspoon
Reese being a normal person and not some bulemic walking manequin. Someone who could probably relate with us a bit more. And be a good time probably. I bet the majority of men would pick her.
Take Clooney still? Then you have a man crush.
Thanks for reading, see you 2-22-09 Valor
Randy
John, Please Reply…
Dear John,
I really enjoy your blog–thank you! I hope all is well with you and Heidi and Thingy!
My husband and I are departing on our first cruise on Jan. 25 on the Triumph! We can’t wait!
First, I wanted to thank Carnival, and especially Jason Vega with Guest Access Services–I have a very specific food allergy diet and was a little nervous about how to deal with it on the cruise, but Jason was great about explaining what Carnival would do to help me, and what I would need to do to ensure I was taken care of. I was completely amazed when Jason started listing the many specialized food options that I would have. I’ll certainly have a lot more options than I do at home! All I can say is, “Wow!”
Second, I would like some advice on how I can help make this cruise amazing for my husband. Although I will be celebrating my birthday on the cruise (the Big 4-0–AIGGHH!) I really want this cruise to be about him. He’s an amazing husband and father (although the kids are staying at home!). He works in a very high stress job putting his life on the line to protect everyone else, and the rest of his time is spent as a volunteer helping the youth of our community. He deserves some real fun, so I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Thank you so much, and take care,
Beth
John, Please respond/Forward.
I am heading out on the Freedom on 4/5/09
my question to the Freedom shore tour desk is I want to sign my 2 sons up for Just the dolphin swim at the earliest possible time, so after I can meet up with some close work freinds that have retired to Jamacia. What time is the earliest, and how can I reserve just the dolphin swim.
Thanks for all your help…. Paul Moriarty
My husband and I love the selections in the gift shops. I think that the selections are varied for taste and budget. I can get a reasonable fashion ring or splurge on a diamond ring.
But we would love to see more ship related items. We’re up to our 17th Carnival cruise, and we always buy the gold ship ornament. Our goal is to have every ship. The problem is not all of the ships have these. We also love ship hats/tees/sweatshirts. More selection of merchandise for that particular ship would be great. Sometimes the selections are limited. My fave is the Gear sweatshirt I got on the Victory w/ the C22 design. I had hoped to get one for each ship too…but I’ve never seen these on any other ship since.
Just remember some of us are there because of the ships.
Carol R
Regarding the onboard shops….I tend to spend alot of money on the ship. Mostly this is spent in the casino, but I would love to be able to browse the shops for something of interest to me. That would include clothing, bathing suits, wraps/cover ups for the lido deck, sandals (like high end flip flops etc). The shops seem to be so very limited in there selection. A “resortwear” type of shop would get more of my money. In the past I have purchased jewelry, sunglasses (great selection of the high end brands by the way), liquor, and those darned Carnival brand sleep/lounge pants for my daughter. She requires a pair of those pants every time I cruise! I would also like to see a selection of best seller paperback books and/or magazines. This is just my opinion!!
Hi John,
I spend a good bit in the gift shop. The problem I run into is the size selection for the t-shirts. The sizes will be all small or all x-large. There is not enough of each size in all the different t-shirts. It shouldn’t be too hard to have all sizes in all styles of t-shirts. I also buy Christmas ornaments of the ships. I like the pewter ornaments but on the last couple of cruises the gift shop has not had them.
I would love for the shops to carry a puzzle of the ship. I love to put puzzles together and it would be fun to come home and put a puzzle together of the ship we just cruised on.
Keep the items reasonably priced. I look for things that are related to the cruise and that I can’t get at home.
Have a good day.
John, please reply
Just wanted you to know that we are booked at Juans Mexican Fiesta! What fun this will be! You know, when I read the name of this excursion, it brought back great memories of a cruise with you as the cd. We were on the western route going to Mexico. You were so funny on that cruise! You definetly helped feed my addiction to cruising! The part of this that brought back the memory was your calling this “juan”s fiesta!
You said at your show that you would like to be called “Julio” pronounced Hulio! I also remember that our capers at the end of the cruise was signed, Julio! I also remember that during dining, you had a mexican band serenading all tables! wow, what a fun cruise that was!
I have a question. You replied to my dining question but not sure I understood. Yes, we are booked with the bloggers cruise code. We booked with the Cruise Critic group! You said that we will be seated together with my daughter and her bf. Just wondering, will there be assigned seating in the dining room?
Also, regarding the gift shops, I mentioned before about the t-shirts and how us ladies would like to see more of the ones with the designs that are on the men’s, only in ladies sizes, not long and narrow. I also like to collect coffee mugs. I like the onces with the ship and ports of call. Sometimes, there are only the real fat ones. I would like to see
more selection of sizes and styles of mugs.
thanks for all you do, take care of Heidi and Thingy! Looking forward to our cruise with you in FOUR WEEKS!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!!
CRUZN
Can you just sell George Clooney in the gift shop?
john
my dear old mother always loved the nba games. she said it is the most exciting sporting event if you only watch the last five minutes
Princess Susan
I remember when you suggested scrapbooking to John way back at the start of his blog. John said “What is scrapbooking?”. Well you showed him didn’t you. I wonder how much money CARNIVAL made on your idea. Maybe one day CARNIVAL will give you a cruise for that great idea.
BIG ED
ONLY 4 WEEKS TO THE BC
PS. If you want to see the Webcam of the Fantasy in port of New Orleans go here.
Sorry here’s that link
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2008/10/14/carnival-fantasy-webcam/
BIG ED
We usually just buy a T-shirt and a polo shirt for us. We like the logo or picture of the ship. I like pin collecting. Although I like our past guest pins, they look alike. Except for our Elation pin which has a picture of it. Some fancier pins to buy would be nice. (they also don’t take up too much room).
Dear John: As far as the ships stores go, I always buy t-shirts with the ship name on it and also from each port of call. I have a lot of t-shirts! Also bought diamond earrings and a diamond breacelet on the Liberty med cruise a few years ago. Get many compliments on them and the prices are great. Lee has bought three (3) of the Lamborgheni watches (one with diamonds). Two were for him and one for the grandson. He loves watches. I also buy all the photos taken (good or bad). You never can have enough memory reminders of fun!
John Please Reply
Dear John, (LOL)
I last saw you was on the Jan. 31, 2003 sailing on the Triumph. You made my 2nd cruise with Carnival fun. The trip was with friends (30+) and we had a great time watching you around the ship. I am set to sail on Feb. 17th 2009 with my BF (of 3 yrs and we are very happy) on the Carnival Miracle. We picked this ship because it was scheduled to go to Panama. After working with a travel agent here in MN and paying for the cruise/airfare/addtl night at hotel in FL (to make sure that we are there on time, you can never guess with the winter weather here in MN) We find out that the Miracle is not going to Panama but making two stops in Mexico. While I enjoy Mexico I have been there several times and wanted to go somewhere I have never been before. I guess what I would like to know is why the change? I have heard several reasons and not sure if any of them are correct. We will make the most of our Mexican stops but would like more of an explaination as to why the change and why out Travel Agent was not notifed of the change (she says she did not know about it till I brought it to her attention) I found out about it when I went on line to complete my Fun Pass.
Thanks for your help John and best wishes to you and Hedi on your bundle of joy.
Blessings,
Jeanne & Jim
OK.. I have a man crush on CNN’s Anderson Cooper. It’s his smile. Though difficult to say what type of person he would be unscripted.
But the top of my list is Angelina Jolie. With those lips it wouldn’t matter to me what she was saying…. I’d make up what I wanted to hear.
With that in mind, I’d like to see Angelina Lip pillows for sale in the gift shops
Other than that I’m not a big onboard shopper, so I’ll keep those thoughts to myself.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
John please reply:
Did I understand that the bloggers excursion Juan’s Mexican Bash is clothing optional?
If so, why isnt this mentioned in the description of the excursion. I agree with the lady above. How do I get my money back, if this is the case? I think something this important should be listed in the description of the excursion. Also why would this be selected for a bloggers exclusive get together?
My wife and I aren’t rich enough to afford the jewelry, so we really only looked at the liquor and novelty items (tshirts, logo items, etc).
The liquor isn’t any cheaper than our store back home, so at best we save a couple of dollars on sales tax. Plus, we can’t drink it right away, we have to wait until we get off the ship. We ended up buying in Cozumel instead. I know it’ll never happen, but perhaps you could give us our alcohol right away rather than holding it until we get off the ship. It might make up for lost profits at the bar.
Also, the liquor tasting was a disaster. A bunch of college students came out of the woodwork and mobbed the table. My party was scared away.
Finally, on our first cruise on the Ecstasy, there was a $10 store. On our next cruise on the Conquest, that store wasn’t there. We liked the $10 store and bought several things from it. Perhaps there could be a $10 corner.
Hi John
Will keep and eye out for the ornament.
The on- board shops are great. We always get our christmas ornament, except when I forget.
Usually by a coffee cup & t’shirt with the ships name on it.
On the Carnival Liberty last year, Michael got me a beautiful piece of tanzanite slide. which I truely love, knowing it is a one-of-a-kind. I wear it all the time.
There could be a little more varity of kids (age 4-6), we always like to get the grandsons something, not a lot to choose from.
Back to our recen cruise on the Carnival Freedom, A few things I felt I needed to bring to your attention.
1. We had the most fantastic two weeks, alot of the thanks goes to : Todd W. CD, Josh(Big-Sexy) Asst CD, TJ, Steve.
2. We had an issue on the 2nd leg with the photo gallery, that really was not handled. As you know we renewed our vows on the 1st leg, Well they had these Crystals that spin & you have the photo placed in the crystal. The 1st day of the 2nd leg I ordered 3 of the crystals with on of the pics from our vow renewal. I was told they would be ready the last night of the cruise. These were to be Christmas gifts for our childern. The last night I went to get my crystals & was told They could not do them, because, they ran out, and the machine was messed up. I explained, That I handed them the crystal off, the table the 1st night of the cruise, they did have other orders behind them, people were picking up. They finally did two of the crystals, put the quality you can clearly see is not right. I did get credit for the one I did’t get. I feel they should have printed them as orders came in & not wait til the last night. They did the two crystals in an hour.
Sorry to be long winded on that
3. An extreme Thank you needs to got to the Security & purser desk for handling this. When we disembarked on the 14th of Dec & drove 8 hrs home, we relized we had left ALL of our jewelry in our safe in the room. The safe was locked. After a very expensive. shore-to-ship call, I found our jewelry was safe, and would be sent to Miami on the 20th. We got our jewelry on the 24th. I can tell you that will never happen again.
Thanks for listening. Hope Heidi is doing well
Cheri & Michael
John, (please reply), My husband and I (his first cruise, my second) are booked on the Feb. 7th cruise on the Carnival Fantasy with two other couples. We found out after booking that it was the blogger’s cruise. I have read your blogs before and really enjoy them. We did the “already booked” signup on the blogger’s cruise website but haven’t gotten any emails about anything. I was just wondering how we know for sure that we will be included in the blogger’s events.
Thanks for your help and after reading all the great stories about trips with you as cruise director we can’t wait Feb. 7th to get here.
Looking forward to cruising with you.
RoJeana & Mark
LaFon & Avery
Lisa & Ricky
Hi John
Well I’ve been lucky in that Harold has purchased some beautiful jewellery from the Gift shop for me and I agree with a former blogger who said her appraisal was more than what the purchase price was. The pieces offered are unique and of good quality.
My suggestion would be to have more books and magazines (gossip rags) to read by the pool. More candy (chocolates) for those afternoon munchies while reading!!! Make soda pop more reasonably priced.
One concern I would like to bring to your attention is something that happened on my last voyage in November last year on the Liberty.
There was a sale on boxed watches at $20, it had been well advertised and there had been quite a crowd. It was very badly organized and dangerous in the way it was handled. People were already in the gift store and when the time came for the “sale” to start it was a mad rush (and you think the Pinata commerial would have been a crush) this was terrible. People were shoving and pushing and boxes being grabbed. It was very disturbing and alot of people just left while others just pushed and grabbed armloads of boxes to take to the cashier. Besides it being a dangerous situation it left a very bad taste on anyone who was better mannered and tried to wait to get to the counter (and never got anything for it). If there is something like this then they should either allow only so many people in the gift shop at a time or find another way to have this type of sale. Maybe ensuring that there is enough inventory for cruise duration might help in not having a repetition of such madness?
Well that’s my two cents worth!! Thanks John for the great job you’re doing for us cruisers.
Eva
Hi John,
Here is my experience with Carnival’s gift shop. A few years ago we sailed the Liberty and my husband forgot my luggage home. I tried to get something wear in the gift shop. Problem is I am not a small woman and the clothes are for the smaller ones. I did manage to get a pair or shorts and a t-shirt that fit. My suggestion is to carry larger sizes. I did finally manage to get clothes in the ports, but I don’t think my husband will ever forget my luggage again.
We also purchase the pewter thimbles. Please don’t discontinue them. My goal is to have one from each of the Carnival ships.
Say Hi to Heidi.
Tom & Michelle
Hi John! We always purchase liquor and Christmas tree ornaments (we use these to remember each cruise and have a wonderful time decorating the tree each year!). We usually purchase a piece of jewelry, such as a watch. And, I usually purchase 1-2 $10 watches, because some of them are really cute and…they’re $10.00!!
John
We are about to embark on our 29th Carnival cruise (Spirit 31 Jan) so we have bought just about everything you can think of but my wife suggests gold charms for a charm bracelet that have the CCL logo or the particular ship with its name, etc.
Thanks for asking.
Roger T
Hi John, I’m writing this while the yelling from the other room is deafening. The Philadelphia Egales are playing the New YOrk Giants and this house is definitely Eagle country. So above the roars I will try to keep my concentration and type away here.
On each cruise the only things we buy are christmas ornaments, cartons of cigarettes, alcohol and cruise ship named apparel. We are not into the jewelry and perfume stuff. I know there are many people interested in that but we are not them.
We cruise in 60 days and I cannot wait. Make sure the Miracle has plenty of named items available for the 3/13/09 sailing. Gotta go the Eagles are getting ready to score.
Let’s see….what do we purchase….liquor (can’t beat the prices) and logo clothing. However, I would also agree with previous posters, you need larger sizes. Getting things for the grandkids (at least for now) is not a problem…however, shopping for hubby’s nephews….forget it. Hubby also loves (I don’t know why) the inch-of-gold. Maybe there is some repressed Italian in him. Keep up the good work. It’s nice to know Carnival is always working to improve products and services and asking for input. Wish I could say I was seeing you soon.
Hugs,
Lori
Hi John,
As far as on board shopping is concerned for me and the wife we always like to purchase something that is specific to the ports we are visiting. Our favorite purchase for every port is a christmas ornament.
We appreciate the jewelry, as I oftentimes purchase a gold charm for the wife’s bracelet to remember the cruise. There is always a load of candy, enough tobacco, and too much booze.
Hi John,
Basically, the only thing I buy in the gift shops are Carnival memorobilia for myself and all the suckers, er, friends back at home. I’m not a big shopper, so really all I need are souveniers of the ship. Now, if Carnival wanted to sell me various t-shirts from each of the ports we visit too, that would be nice.
Hi John,
About the shopping. I always get a “gold” ornament of the ship, a T shirt with the ship’s name and preferably the itinerary. Jewelry is on the list too, rings, watches & bracelets. I like to look each day for something “new” and fun. There could be more choices for the “womens” size. Lots of choices for smaller women and this goes for “big” men how about 3x in T shirts…. Thanks for the great blogs, I’m on the Paradise this weekend and the Splendor in May Take care Hope you’re back on a ship soon, miss those blogs & pics
Hello John!
We were on the Freedom with you in August of 2007 for our 30th anniversary and we brought you Cannoli’s from Taormina. Anyway – we will be taking our 18th Carnival Cruise on The Splendor beginning in Buenos Aires on February 17th 2009. I was VERY disappointed earlier last year to find you were on a Blogger’s Cruise the week before the Splendor sails from Buenos Aires and I thought that maybe you’d get off that cruise, fly to Buenos Aires and pick up the Splendor. Now I see that you will be on the Valor on Feb. 15th. Oh My Goodness ! We’re so terribly disappointed that we won’t cruising with you on this trip! I have also contacted Ken Byrnes of the Dining Room and he will be on vacation. Boo hoo! Between the 2 of you, the trip on the Freedom was beyond a normal cruise. We will miss you much. But my sadness will be better once I spend money in the shops! We always get T-Shirts with the ship’s name on it and sometimes they just don’t have a wide variety of sizes. I think we also need some paperback books and magazines. I’m soooo done with the Art Auctions – at least the Peter Max and the other stuff they are selling. It would be very nice to see a different variety, as you previously suggested with autographed photos, memorbilia, etc. Just something DIFFERENT would be nice! Love the poolside games, the trivia contests, the scavenger hunts, the towel folding demo’s and of course, the dance instruction! We’ve sailed (sadly) with RCCL and NCL and (ugh) NCLA and hands down, Carnival just ROCKS ! Carnival is definitely where the Fun is ! Can you post your Cruise Schedule? We aren’t done with cruising in 2009 and if we know where you’ll be, we just might be on that ship ! Cathy H.