Pirates used to be fun with their wooden legs and shoulder-based parrots and cries of “shiver me timbers.” Say the word “pirate” and you and I see a salty sea dog with gunpowder smoldering in his beard. They would all wear long black or red coats and have a patch over one eye ……unless of course they were really stupid pirates and have patches over both eyes …… sorry ………. old cruise ship joke.
Red Beard, Black Beard, Johnny Deppbeard were all pirates who, despite the plundering and pillaging that was forced upon thousands of innocent victims, have been portrayed as warm and cuddly and about as dangerous as a Florida retiree armed with a stick of celery. On board the ships of Carnival we have our photo team dress up as the pirates of yesterday complete with hooked hand and our guests have their picture taken ………….. although this may be fine for the Caribbean I never quite understood why we did this in Finland during our Baltic cruises.
However, during the last few months we have come to learn of a new type of pirate …one armed not with a rusty sword but with rocket propelled grenades and machine guns.
So, I was asked by a blogger my opinion as to whether should piracy be taken seriously in the cruise ship world. German cruise company Hapag-Lloyd certainly thinks so. It recently evacuated its 246 passengers and most of its crew on a round-the-world cruise in the port town of Hodeida in Yemen, and has flown them to Dubai. And all that to avoid the risk of encountering pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
A skeleton staff navigated the ship on the three-day trip to Dubai, while the passengers wait to rejoin it in a five-star hotel. The cost of this operation has not been disclosed, but I imagine it to be damn expensive.
In fairness, Hapag-Lloyd is reacting to a warning issued by the German government following the surge in the number of attacks by pirates on ships. A few weeks ago, for example, the American ship Nautica was attacked by pirates, but the ship managed to outrun them……..or out sail them or whatever the correct nautical term was.
Other cruise lines, however, are continuing to travel through the region. And they’re quite right. Events such as the Nautica attack need to be taken in context. The threat of piracy is very minimal. Plus, cruise ships have decks which are too high for the small vessels used by pirates to access and they sail at faster speeds.
There are other things that I believe passengers should worry about before being attacked by pirates…..and at number one has to be ……..being seated at dinner next to some people from France.
Here is the next batch of questions that I have been asked to reply to.
Here we go.
Sergio Medina Asked:
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 piqued 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 figured 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
-Elation February 12-15 2009
John Says:
Hello Sergio and Irma
What a great question. What is the difference between a 7- and a 3-day cruise. Well, actually…………not a lot. You see, Carnival practically invented the short cruise some years ago and the idea was of course to get people “pregnant” on cruising. And it works. We do this by packing most of what you would experience on a 7-day cruise into a 3-day voyage. You will have an elegant night, deck party, three fantastic shows, music, dancing, karaoke and many of the activities and events that are normally spread over 7 days. Now, should you decide to book this Valentine romantic trip on the Carnival Elation your cruise director will be Stuart Dunn from Australia who, as many will tell you, is one of our very best. Many people often say to me “I have never cruised on Carnival before and I want to try it, what voyage should I take?” In answer to this I often recommend the shorter cruise which I know they will have a brilliant time on and will have them begging for more…………which, of course, is exactly what we want them to do.
So, go and have fun and enjoy three romantic and fun nights together.
Best to you both
John
Vinny Asked:
John Please Reply:
A little off topic. I am very eager to book a cruise for the summer of 2010. Do you know when Carnival will be releasing the new itineraries?
Thanks!
John Says:
Hello Vinny
I know many people are waiting for the 2010 ship deployments and itineraries…….I am one of them. I promise that as soon as I get confirmation I will post all the news right here. It shouldn’t be long now mate.
Cheers
John
C Morrison Asked:
Please reply if possible.
Hi John,
Love your blog and I am hooked on it and also on Crusin’. July 2008 was the first cruise for my Hubby and I. Sailed on Glory with Butch (he is great). I don’t have not one complaint about our cruise. My father had passed away Dec. 19, 2007 so my sister and I have had to care for our legally blind mother. She was hopping to get to go on a cruise with us but she had has cancer last year and it returned to make a long sad story short she passed away the well before Thanksgiving 2008. She was ready to go home to the Lord so we were thankful for that. This is just background on where I am coming from. I read the post by Tim Kriebel and was very put off at his attitude. High and mighty to put it nicely. He doesn’t want to associate with the people who are not Platinum members because he doesn’t feel special. If I had read his comment before we went on Glory we would probably not have gone. That is just the attitude I thought cruises would have. However I know that most cruisers are great fun loving people. I just felt special going on a cruise. We are already booked on Glory Sept 05 .Time is passing slowly reading your blog makes me feel a part even when not cruising. I am sorry if this is to long and everyone is entitled to their opinion but I never feel that you act high and mighty or uppity. You come across as a great guy and CD. I hope we get the honor of cruising with you sometime.
Please give my best to Heidi and Thingy.
I would never want to hurt any ones feelings so please do not post this on the blog or if you do please don’t put his name in it.
I just felt I wanted to get this off my mind.
If you have time I would appreciate a reply on this and if you think I am out of line please let me know.
Thanks,
Love the Glory!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Says:
Hello
Thanks for the beautiful comment and my sincere sympathies regarding your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. How correct you are when you state that the majority of people who cruise with us are indeed spirited and fun and one of the great pleasures about cruising is of course the chance to meet and become friends with people from all over the world. I know all of us here at the blog are thinking of you and I hope one day that we will be on a ship together. Please write soon
Sincerely
John
Tom & Jane Asked:
PLEASE REPLY
hello john
how about this RETRO TEE SHIRTS
FROM
Mardi Gras….
S.S. Festivale….
S.S. Carnivale….
three sweet ladies, almost brings a tear to my eyes,
and it just did…. wow
we sailed on all three….many times
god were old…
Teary eyed in Tampa
Tom & Jane
John Says:
Hello Tom and Jane
How are you?
You know many of my colleagues still have original Mardi Gras, Carnivale and Festivale shirts and I wish I did, as well. It’s a great idea to have some retro stock in our onboard gift shops and its one I will certainly pass along. Those three ships set the tone for where Carnival is today and it would be brilliant to see their names festooned on clothing items one more time.
See you soon
Cheers
John
The Bears – Barb & Carl Asked:
Hi John (please reply),
Hope you and Heidi had a good time at the charity event. I’m sure Heidi looked lovely and was the envy of all the other women there. And just think you were the lucky man to escort her and the wee Thingy.
While Carl and I will be enjoying ourselves on the Bloggers Cruise my parents are going to be leaving Miami on the Carnival Miracle. Can you tell me who the CD will be? They will be taking a back to back and are really looking forward to it. It’s been a few years since they have cruised.
Thanks John!
Hugs!
Princess Barb the quiet one of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe
John Says:
Hello My Bear Friends. I hope you are both well.
It won’t be long until we are all together and having some blogger fun. Meanwhile your parents will be onboard the good ship Carnival Miracle and will have the one and only Brent who will be there until Feb 25 when Malcolm In The Middle takes over.
They will have wonderful back to back cruises I promise
See you soon
Cheers
John
timothy bohman Asked:
Hi john. Jenny and I were wondering if you will be the cruise director on the dream in April of 2010. We won’t book that one unless you are our cruise director.
John Says:
Hello Tim and Jenny
How kind of you to ask. I am not sure of my 2010 schedule yet but there is a chance I may be CD on the Carnival Dream sometime next year. I hope it is when you are due to sail and thank you so much for asking. The Carnival Dream will be our biggest and best ship yet and it is no wonder that it is selling faster than photos of me……naked. Seriously, it is proving massively popular so book your state room soon and hopefully we will be able to enjoy this ship together
Cheers
John
Melissa Jurgensen Asked:
John pleases reply.
John,
Cancelled the cruise I had originally scheduled with RCL in April and I am happy to say that I am coming back to Carnival. There more I thought about it I didn’t want to pay for my steak dinner, my sandwich at 1 a.m. OR see the need for a rock climbing wall or an ice skating rink.
Anyway, sailing on the Valor’s 4/16 and 4/26 Western Caribbean sailings on a back to back cruise for my mom’s birthday. Do you have any idea which night the past guest party will be? We don’t want to schedule an excursion that gets us back to the ship later in the day and have to go to the cocktail party all sweaty and hot from our beach excursion. Ha, ha!
LOVE the cocktail parties and I never miss them.
The itinerary is:
Miami
Sea Day
Grand Cayman
Roatan Island
Belize
Cozumel
Sea Day
Miami
Thanks!!!
Melissa
John Says:
Hello Melissa……….and YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ……. If you could see me now you would find me doing an Irish jig dressed only in my underpants. I am proud to welcome you home. The past guest party will be after sailing from Roatan Island and starts after the ship sails so you will not miss out on anything. Please remind me a week before you sail if you can.
You will have the most fun cruise ever……………I promise. See you soon.
Cheers
John
Brenda R Asked:
John please reply:
Did I understand that the bloggers excursion Juan’s Mexican Bash is clothing optional?
If so, why isn’t 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?
John Says:
Hello Brenda
I once again apologize for any confusion that my poor attempt at humor may have caused. I think when originally describing this excursion mentioned that Big Ed and I would be naked but that of course was a BIG joke albeit not very funny. The tour will be fantastic and anyone found taking their clothes off will be thrown into a pit of iguanas. See you soon and my apologies for any confusion.
Cheers
John
Jeanne Asked:
John Please Reply
Dear John, (LOL)
I last saw you were 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/add’l 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 explanation as to why the change and why out Travel Agent was not notified 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 Heidi on your bundle of joy.
Blessings,
Jeanne & JimJohn Says:
Hello Jeanne
First of all please except my sincere apologies for the change to your scheduled itinerary. I know that when we make changes like this it disrupts people’s hard earned vacation plans so please know that we don’t make this changes unless we really have to. I will get back to you in 48 hours with the official explanation which I will now ask Miami to give me. You will enjoy the Mexican ports for sure and if you have any questions on the sights you should see please let me know here on the blog thingy.
Once again, my apologies and I will return with the official answer very soon.
Best Regards
John
cruzn buckeye Asked:
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 definitely 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 ones 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
John Says:
Hello Cruzn Buckeye
Oh, my goodness. You were on the Julio cruise. I remember that one very well as I think by the end of the seven days everyone including the captain was calling me Julio. That was one fun week. I think others may be a little confused about the dining question on the bloggers cruise so I thought I would ask the lovely Stephanie to explain here exactly what is happening.
HI! I can’t give you the final details just yet, but will be able to give everyone an update after the 20th. But, we will have a blogger’s only dining room. So anyone booked with the farecode will be seated in the same dining room. Details on the seating arrangements/”assignments” will be posted next week. Thanks! Stephanie
There you go and hopefully this arrangement will make everyone happy. I will be wandering table to table as well and as I won’t have time to eat will be nibbling from everyone’s plate….especially Host Mac’s.
See you soon and call me Julio will you when you see me.
Cheers
John
Beth T. Asked:
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 Says:
Hello Beth.
Thank you for the kind words especially toward Jason Vega who you mentioned has taken care of your food allergy requests. I can assure you that once onboard that service will continue as the dining staff and chefs make sure you only receive what you have requested. It sounds like your husband is in much need of some rest and relaxation and loads of fun. Can you send me his name please and your cabin number and I will ask one of the staff to surprise him. Please send this to Stephanie and I ASAP.
Have a wonderful cruise and my best to you both
Cheers
John
Ray Czenszak Asked:
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 dropped. I’m taking you on a cruise for next New Years and we will be dancing at midnight. She is booking Carnival Miracle for next New Years Eve. I was wondering though is Carnival Dropping the Fuel Surcharge at this time, like the other lines. Because we received 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 Says:
Hello Ray
Great to hear from you.
I was sorry to hear about your unemployment concerns but I am sure that this year will bring you much luck and happiness. It seems the end of 2009 will be marked in a very special way thanks to your beautiful wife and celebrating New Years Eve onboard is something everyone should try at least once. Can you check with your TA again as Carnival did indeed cancel the fuel surcharges some weeks ago. Please let me know if you need help with this further.
My best to you both and happy New Year
John
Bob and Donna Asked:
John please reply –
John,
We are really getting excited about celebrating our 30th anniversary on the Carnival Legend departing in two weeks on January 25th. This will be our first Carnival cruise and it’s because of your blog thingy. We’ve been daily readers for over a year now and had to give Carnival a try (we’ve cruised with Princess before). Sorry you will not be onboard with us as previously scheduled. We’ll have to catch up with you another time.
One question — I sent an online reservation request for the Supper Club for Tuesday night of our cruise (1/27/09) to celebrate our anniversary in style — I’ve heard nothing back (cabin #7). Will this be confirmed when we get onboard or will I have to check on my own? It would be nice to know that the request was received.
Best of everything to you, Heidi and the Thingy in the New Year.
Bob & Donna
John Says:
Hello Bob and Donna
When someone says that they are taking their first ever Carnival cruise because of the blog thingy I feel so very humbled. I know you will have a great time and I will confirm your supper club reservation has been made so you have no worries there. An invitation will be sent to your stateroom once onboard. I hope you will write to me via the blog when you return and let me and the bloggers know all about your experiences. Have fun and thank you so much for all the kind words and support of the blog thingy.
Cheers
John
Jim Eakins Asked:
Greetings John,
We are Canadian “Colonials” and will understand if you would prefer not to answer our request.
We are also rather new to the cruise game, with only two cruises under our belts as it were. We are, however, doing our level best to remedy this shortcoming and are booked on Splendor’s South American oddesey and on the Dream’s second Mediterranean cruise.
We very much enjoy dressing for dinner in the main dining room. We enjoy the conversation with our fellow cruises, great table service, ambience (with a view if at all possible) and, of course, great food and wine. On our first cruise we said not a word and were assigned a super table with wonderful servers. Our second cruise put us right beside the main entrance to the dining room: cold, drafty and noisy. The Maitre Di, however, was most accommodating and moved our party into an anti-room, with a fantastic window view, for the second and subsequent evenings.
My question then: “what is the best way to secure desired seating in the main dining rooms for we humbled masses who do not yet hold that special Platinum reservation perk?” I have been told it is best to head immediately to the main dining room upon boarding; check the seating plan and then “beg, whine and snivel” to secure a more desirable table. Not being particularly comfortable begging, I wonder if there is, perchance, a better and more civilized approach?
John Says:
Hello Jim
You have no reason to feel uncomfortable asking and I am glad you did. I have forwarded this to my friend Ken Byrne whom you will love and who is quite simply the best maitre d in the industry. I know he will make sure you have a great table and if you need any wine recommendations or have any dining questions he will be the man to look after you. Enjoy the brilliance of the South American voyage and enjoy your time in the dining room mate.
Cheers
John
Carmen Asked:
John, I am really enjoying this blog. All my cruises have been on Carnival, but since you don’t sail to Northern Europe, I decided to try the Emerald Princess. This is very helpful information. One question my husband wanted me to ask – is there a Lido deck like on Carnival ships with a buffet? Thank you and enjoy your cruise.
John Says:
Hello Carmen
I am sorry that we are not sailing to the Baltic this year but am though very happy that you decided to sail with Princess to see these magical places. Their Grand Class of ships has a massive range of Lido delicacies and of course you must try my personal favorite one night …………Sabatini’s. This Italian restaurant serves food just like mama used to make. Not my Mama, of course, but if you the want the best Italian food served family style………..then Sabatini’s is not to be missed. Enjoy a movie under the stars and the great lido food served at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Have a great cruise and thanks so much for reading the blog thingy
Cheers
John
Ronda Long Asked:
**please reply John. Thank you. **
Hi John,
Love your blog – first time I’ve posted although I’m a dedicated reader.
My husband & I cruised with you as the CD 3 times, 1st time was a family cruise on Fascination back in 1995. Then we followed you (stalked? ha-ha) and did Carnival Destiny and Triumph cruise because you’re such a blast as CD. We are getting ready to take our 8th and 9th cruises. Going on the Carnival Splendor on 1/17/09 and then on the Carnival Freedom on 1/25/09. My husband surprised me and changed our Freedom booking to a suite. I’m wondering if you’d mind letting me know a little bit about VIP status. I think Mike (the husband) expects a marching band to greet us (ha-ha) but I can’t really find any details about VIP except express embarkation and debarkation. Do we have someone to do our laundry every day? Oh wait, is that me? Doing 2 cruises back to back is a challenge packing-wise because I believe it’s just about at the point where the airline charges you a million dollars if you actually dare to go over 50 lb per bag, or bring an extra one (if you haven’t figured out by now, I’m a bit of a wise-donkey’s butt).
Also, we are going on the Dream on 2/6/2010. Will you be the CD on that sailing? We’d love to see you again. You’re the best! Not that the other CD’s are bad; you’re just awesome!
Please tell Heidi I loved her post. She said she feels like there’s another woman in your lives, the Raspberry. I have the same problem only it’s called sports on television (American football, NASCAR, Celtics basketball, Red Sox, paint drying contest ha-ha).
I wish you both the best of luck with the amniocentesis. It will be fine. My husband & I had a little daughter born 3/8/03, Rachel Michelle. We stopped cruising for a while because she was born with a very rare terminal genetic disorder, COFS Syndrome. She died almost 2 years ago on 1/15/07. I say this only to let you know that yes, no matter what the test shows, or what baby Thingy turns out to be, you will love that baby unlike anything you’ve ever loved before. It is the greatest thing in the world, to become a parent.
Sorry for the long post. But since my last name is LONG, guess it would have to be – lol.
Best wishes to you, Heidi, and baby Thingy.
Ronda (here in freezing cold Maine!)
John Says:
Hello Rhonda
Let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to write and then say how deeply sorry I am at the loss of your daughter at such a young age. Words cannot express how truly saddened I was when I read your e-mail and I am sure she must have given you many wonderful memories to treasure forever. Heidi and I have been blessed with our Thingy. We never thought we would be so indeed we are counting our blessings.
How fantastic that your husband has bought you a suite for your forthcoming cruise. While you can still do the laundry why not let your state room steward take care of that for you. You will enjoy special embarkation and debarkation as well as a surprise or two. The suites are fantastic and will make this already superb cruise that extra bit special.
Please keep reading the blog and let me know if there is anything else I can do for you
You are in our thoughts tonight
John
While I am on the sad subject of bereavement I was informed today by my mate Host Mac that one of our regular readers, Stitch, lost his mother unexpectedly yesterday. Stich was due to join us on the bloggers cruise and I would ask that you think of him and the family today. Our deepest sympathies go to them all.
Thank you so much for your input regarding the art auction. Once again your opinions have been well noted and will help to shape your future cruising experiences. …………….. let’s move away from the art and go onto something else today.
For many people — especially men — a spa conjures up images where well-heeled ladies in fluffy dressing gowns while away the hours replete with mudpacks and cucumber slices over their eyes. I must admit that I am not a big fan of all that massage stuff and considering the last time I had one I farted on the massage table I don’t think I will ever have one again…………….much to the delight of the young lady who was in the firing line.
However, over the years I have had the full pamper treatment, including a seaweed bath, hot stone massage, reflexology, etc. There is no doubt that our spas are some of the best at sea with the Cloud Nine Spa on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Dream at the top of the list. So, I ask you. What do you like at the spas onboard? What are your favorite treatments? What can we do to improve? Once again………the floor is yours and I look forward to your opinions.
So, as I mentioned, the other night I dressed as a waiter and went to a posh hotel in London where I sat eating an overpriced and undercooked dinner………..all in the name of charity. While I had no problems in paying £125 for a steak drizzled in some kind of pepper sauce knowing that this money went to help sick children in Africa………..the charity auction on the other hand was another matter.
I am sure many of you will have been to the sort of evening where you’re expected to buy raffle tickets at $20 a time and then, throughout dinner, girls in charity T-shirts arrive just before every one of your mouthfuls of steak to put $50 notes in one of their buckets. And then, with the auction, they start on your credit card.
All these auctions are pretty much the same. Someone makes a heartfelt, tear-jerking appeal on behalf of the charity, and then up pops some sweaty, half-cut minor-league celebrity who’s a mate of someone on the committee. For our event it was some lady with humungous breasts who apparently was a soap star actress here in the UK.
The first item for sale, which was a weekend for two at some golfing hotel and country club, went for an incredible £3,000. This was bought by someone desperately trying to impress everyone on his table with how much money he’s got, hoping that if he spends enough money he will get to have rumpy pumpy with the big-breasted soap star.
Of course, as you sit there with your slimmed-down wallet, empty after paying £250 for a bit of meat from Publix, you begin to feel so poor and hungry that you wonder if you shouldn’t be on the receiving end of some aid. But you forgive the vulgarity because, of course, the money’s going to help a very worthwhile cause.
Is it, though? Or is the money going to the waiters, and the people who cooked the horrible food, and the people who printed the invitations, and the florist and the band, and the owners of the house hotel where the event is being staged. If I am asked to attend one of these events again, I won’t ask which soap star is going to do the auction and what sort of peacock will be used to garnish the roast swan, I only want to know how much of the proceeds will actually be going to charity.
On another note may I take this opportunity to apologize to you all on behalf of the entire United Kingdom for the despicable behavior of Kate Winslett at the Golden Globes last night? She was shaking her head, clutching at her chest, and repeating: “Oh my God, oh my God” in a shaky whisper, all while trying to claw her way across a crowded room to a microphone, where she finally cast a teary glance at the assembled stars, actresses, actors and Tom Cruise.
When she started speaking I expected some kind of extraordinary revelation. “After hundreds years, I can confirm that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is over,” she might have said, through her sobs. Or: “I’ve been informed that Dow Jones is up 500 per cent, Bernie Madoff has found his missing $50 billion, and everyone has their jobs and savings back…….oh and I actually saw someone using the climbing wall.”
I know she was proud to win the globe thingy but her speech was nearly as bad as Gwyneth Paltrow’s snot-infested Oscar speech of a few years ago. …..Kate’s behavior was definitely not British and watching her proves that there is just not enough vomit in the world.
Well, tomorrow Heidi will be going for her test and at this point I don’t know who is more nervous, me or her. Amazingly, she is being very brave and was actually able to find some humor in the situation. This morning we were talking about the procedure and I held her hand over the breakfast table and told her that when she is on the doctor’s table that she should close her eyes and not worry because she would just feel a little prick …… to which she replied “Oh good…….that’s what I am used to.” ………… bugger.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Filed under: Caribbean, Destinations, Travel | Tagged: Carnival, Carnival Dream, Carnival Splendor, cruise, fun, Hapag-Lloyd, John's Replies, Pirate, vacation
Once again, I am of no help in the voting, this time on the spa. Much like with the shopping and the art auctions, being a guy, I just don’t so any of those things. I just need well stocked bars, great food, a casino, and a nice workout center. Those are the things I partake of on cruises.
Jeff
John doesn’t need to reply BUT I want my message forwarded to him since it is a reply to his note.
John,
Thank you for welcoming me back to Carnival! I am very excited to be sailing on back to back cruises on the Valor in April however, I hate the fact that I will miss you by a few days. However, you said this will be the best cruise ever and I have no doubt about that. My experiences with Carnival keep getting better and better.
As requested I will definitely send you a message a week before or sailing.
My best to you, Heidi and the Thingy!
Melissa
Dear Heidi and John;
We will be thinking and praying for the 3 of you tomorrow.
A big hug
Love;
Nanni
BTW No comments on the art or spa. We don’t use them.
One of the ships we were on had two hot tubs back in the spa area. I thought this was a great idea. Away from the kids and the noise. I have not seen this on any other ships but would be a great addition to any new ships.
John will you please make up your mind. First you say that you and I are going to the Juan’s Mexican Bash in thongs. Then you say we will be naked. Now were back in thongs again. I’ve had that thong in and out of the suitcase so much I guess I will just leave it in there. Either way I think we will be buried in sand up to our necks by all the other men.
BIG ED
Hi John/Heidi:
. We have always been very happy with those spa services.
Love Heidi’s comment at the end. Good luck tomorrow. All will be fine I’m sure.
I agree that I’m curious as to how much of the money raised goes to charity. 100 percent? 25 percent?
I always get a massage or 2 when onboard and love it. My wife would get one everyday if she could
Have a nice evening. Take care!
David
John, Heidi and little Thingie:
Just a few words to wish you all well tomorrow.
I am sure all will be well and I wanted you to know that I will be thinking of you.
Marie
Heidi and John,
The amnio procedure is actually very safe–it is all done while the “thingy” is being viewed with the ultrasound machine. Of course, as with any procedure, they have to inform you of the potential risks. Did you know that you can find out not only the sex of the baby, but if it has light or dark hair or eyes, as well as all the pertinent information they are screening for? I will be thinking of all 3 of you tomorrow! Please send us a blog John as soon as it is over so we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief!
Sheryl
I think the SPAs are beautiful and can’t wait to see the one on Splendor as we sail around South America. We use the treadmill some and the hot tub if there is one. After paying for the cruise, air, pre and post hotels. tips, VISAs, passports, excursions etc…. we can’t use the SPA services. They just cost too much. It cost my daughter $125.00 for a pedicure on Valor two years age. She was 18. The high pressure sales were too much for her to resist. I said then that I would not purchase SPA services again.
I know I would enjoy the pool on Splendor. We don’t have a SPA cabin and the daily rate is high. …. oh, well…
We have been on 35 cruises. We love Carnival. This trip to SA will be our 12,13 and 14 cruise on Carnival. Just being on the ship is a wonderful experience.
In 8 cruises, I have never treated me to a Spa Treatment….
But… maybe a nice Scalp Massage may be in my future on our Pride Cruise in April!
I guess I am just weary on the strong selling techniques I have heard you receive afterwards…. just like the mexican’s I will just smile with a polite “no thank you”.
John and Heidi,
I will be thinking of you during your amnio tomorrow. Catrin
John ,our thoughts and prayers will be with both of you tomorrow as Heidi goes thru the procedure.
Hugs and love to both of you
Countess Carolyn
Way to go Heidi and good luck tomorrow!
Ah, the spa……Now I have to say first that my upcoming cruise on the Splendor will be #18 & 19 so that said here goes. On my first cruise on the Sensation, we all had a spa treatment and at that time it was a massage and seaweed wrap. We all loved it and went more than once. The next cruise was the Destiny and we of course all booked massages again. It was good and we loved it but at least 15 minutes of our 1 hour treatment was spent trying to sell me “product”. I was very angry. Our next two cruises were on Princess and again this happened to everyone in our party that went to the spa so after cruise #4, I never went again. This is where marketing goes terribly wrong–they may have talked me into spending $100 on product but they lost out on countless hundreds from me alone for treatments I didn’t purchase on future cruises. Now on the Splendor we have booked a spa cabin because the use of the thermal suite and thasso pool are included with the cabin. I am very excited about this as I have used thermal suites at local spas and they are great. I’m not sure I will book any other treatments because I don’t want to be pressured to purchase “product” I don’t want and I don’t want to have to repeatedly say no thank you. I may tell them up front my thoughts on the sales pitch and see what the response is. It is also nice to have a mani/pedi on longer cruises.
Ok, that’s my 2 cents on the spa!
John and Heidi,
Jo Ellen and I will be thinking of you tomorrow and pray all goes well for the test.
John – about your comments yesterday about musicals……… Jo and I have been to many theater shows and enjoy the London shows the best. The musicals are always the best. I am sorry to hear y you can’t enjoy them.
On the question of SPAS, we seldom use them and occsionaly I go and do some exercises on the treadmills or weights. Jo has tried the pilates and was getting into it and the instructor left. The one who took over on our following cruise was not at all into individual instruction for new pilates people and she quit.
I personally think the SPAS are overrated and much too expensive and they are alwasy trying to sell you some stuff that makes you slimmer, prettier, less ugly, show whiter teeth, fancier nails, or whatever. I don’t want hot rocks or oil placed over my body. I do not like that at all and stay clear of people pushing and selling snakeoil and those kinds of products.
I enjoy just being myself and being a guy. An occsional beer/mixed drink, good food, some wine, seeing the ports and nearby cities over the world, an occasional casino visit and above all meeting new people and pleasant conversation. That is all I need and the simple things in life suit me fine.
Dave Myerly
Cruising the world and meeting people.
Love it, love it, love it. Heidi you are beautiful and great with the words at the end of John’s blog. A little prick, Oh my.
Good evening John. I along with the one blogger who wishes to find out about Carnival’s Itinerary for year 2010. After my cruise on the 25th of January, I usually take about a month and then I go to my travel agent and figure out wish cruise I want to take in 2010. I want to either have the Splendor, the Dream or the Freedom next year depending where and when it will be. Also I would like to see if I could find a cruise of 8 to 10 days if possible if my wife OK’s it. Ha,ha.along with that I would hope to find a cruise that would have you as the CD if possible. Sooooooooo, time is the essence give a day or two. Ciao again my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John:
First of all, I am not a Spa person. I know that is a SHOCKING thing for a lady to say…but it is the truth.
An occasional manicure is about as close to a Spa as I get (well as close as I got) UNTIL the Splendor.
Oh my goodness….(picture Kate….clawing her way to that Thalasso Pool)….. it was heaven.
Steaming my voice in the Turkish Sauna…relaxing on the heated ceramic beds overlooking the water….bubbling to my heart’s content every day (sometimes twice a day) in the Thalasso Pool.
Needless to say, this “anti Spa” person has a Spa cabin booked for the DREAM!!!! woo hoo
LOVED IT!!!!
On a sadder note….I hope that Stitch realizes that all his Blog Family is with him right now…. holding his hand….keeping he and his family close to our hearts….through this time in his life.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I love the spa. I treat myself to at least one message per cruise. On one of my first cruises the spa had a special on deck – a fifteen minute upper neck and shoulder message. It was a great treat especially for people who had never had one before and wanted to try it.
CruisingGrandma
Hi John
I always spoil myself with some treatment at the Spa on your ships. I was really impressed with the one on the Spendor and enjoyed a day using the Thlasso pool and other amenities. It was great to spend a day all to myself and rejuveniate after two long days of tours!
I would have loved to spend more tranquile time at the spa however at $35 a day it adds up. Maybe there could be a better “special price” put together?? All these extras tend to add up and one has to decide about all the different things being offered and what to choose.
One thing I would really like to see is more classes in the fitness area, especially in the afternoon or during the day. There is always a fitness class at 7am or thereabouts and then nothing more during the day. Also how about some dancing exercise classes. Something like “Zumba” would be a great fun class to introduce. We need more activities to keep us busy on board!!!
Thanks John, good luck tomorrow with the test our thoughts are with you, Heidi and Thingy.
Eva
John & Heidi,
Thinking of you both tomorrow, sending our best.
Ray and Deb
Hi Juan and Big Ed,
You’ll probably need some Mexican sunblock:
http://www.superlaugh.com/fun/sunblock.htm
bill
John, The hot rocks massages are the best the spa can offer.The only thing better would be to lower the price a bit. The art auctions are not worth the glass of champagne they try to bribe you with. You mentioned H.A.L. We sailed on the Eurodam last November. The ship was beautiful & there shops were all in one ( strange). We are glad to be comming back to Carnival where there are more smiles & friendly faces. Hope everything goes well tomorrow. Larry & Connie
Hi John and Heidi
Just wanted to say I hope everything goes well with the test tomorrow.
All the best to you Heidi and the thingy
James
I love the reflexology.
I will be thinking of you, Heidi and the Thingy tomorrow.
Ann
Our thoughts will be with you and Heidi tomorrow.
Danny and Jennifer
Please Reply,
John,
I wrote late last year with a question regarding special events that ocurred on board during New Year’s Eve. You assured me there would be many and asked me to share my experiences upon my return. My family and I sailed on the Conquest and all I can say is whow!!! To say the ship was hopping with excitement, energy and entertainment would be an understatement. Everybody, and I mean everybody (crew included) was in the spirit of the event. From the balloon drop to the multiple live music venues the Carnival staff did a wonderful job. Hats off to Ralph (the cruise director) for putting it all together and executing the fesitivies flawlessly. Based on the response of my family I believe a Carnival cruise over New Year’s Eve just became a ne family tradition.
The next day when the tempo slowed and the hangover passed I began to reflect on how the world of cruise travel has changed over the years. I am roughly your age and took my first cruise in 1975. While the majority of change has been for the better, there are some things I miss. Anyway, I was wondering if you create a list of the top ten or so biggest changes you have seen in the cruise industry (both positive and negative) since you signed on with Carnival? I believe your readers would enjoy your insight and perspective. As I have only discovered your blog six months ago, if you have answered a question previously similar to mine please accept my apologies.
One more quick question off the subject. I was surprised to find that Cavier was no longer available in the Supper Club or anywhere else on the ship. I was told Carnival was no longer offering it on their ships. Did I understand correctly? If so why the change?
Stephen Smith
John.
Thanks for the reply on the dining. I am looking forward to Stephanies post on or after the 20th>
Hope everything goes well for you and Heidi and Thingy today, I am sure all will be fine!
As far as the spa, I have only used those services once. I had the spa taster, which I loved! However, the 20 to 30 minute high pressure to buy the products has turned me sour on the idea of using it again. If it was just a quick 5 minutes with maybe giving me a price list that would be so bad. But I had no intention on buying the very high priced products that she was trying to sell me and told her so. She then said she was required to do this and just kept on. If they quit doing this high pressure thing, I would certaininly consider using the spa again. Do you think that will happen?
Also, I read that you are maybe going to CD on the Dream in 2010! I would love that. Actually, when I booked my 2/27/2010 cruise on the Dream, I had picked that early date in the hopes that you would still be there! What are the chances of that?
cruzn buckeye
We are thinking of your trip to the doctors today . You will be just fine as will your dear wife and the baby.
We woke up to the storm that wasn’t today . You know we were really looking forward to having a snow day . The one that you do have to shovel , cause its just to windy and the snow is not going to stop till late . So much for that . Off to work and then resume the family duties of driving kids to Hockey , and basketball.
As for the cruise question of Spas , never got the chance to be a part of it. The costs are high and the thing is my husband is not one who understands relaxing while you have seaweed put on your skin . he loves the gym , loves the steam room , hot tub, but the whole idea of paying money to have mud put on your face does not mean anything to him . I think as part of the cruise all wifes should get a free spa treatment for having packed the bags , organized the house , and kids prior to leaving and for having to say yes dear that matches – wear it .
I am sure a lot of wives would love to do the spa treatments – there needs to be two lists of the cost – one that the husbands see and the real one the wife pays. See my husband thinks you could just get off at the next port go to the local beach , slather the beach sand on and grab some seaweed and place it over you face – spend the money on the coconut rum drinks and vola you have had a great day at the spa.
have a great day John and Heidi – all will be well .
I look forward to booking my spa appointment as soon as I board the ship. While the services are expensive they are comparable to what you would pay on land and they tend to be better. The only negative comment would be the “sell” at the end of the appointment. I actually dread the end of the appointment where you have to tell a sometimes pushy therapist that you don’t need anything. I didn’t experience it on my last sailing, so I’m not sure if it’s been eliminated or I just got lucky. I’d appreciate it if the therapist could just hand me a sheet w/ prices and check off what she’d recommend and then tell me I could get anything I’d like at the front desk. No pressure.
Dear Heidi and John
First the very best at Heidi’s Doctor visit.
I have to admit,I did not read though the blog where Jeanne and I gave our list opinions.
I just want to say here, on all Carnival ships the SPA’s are Great! Just would like to see more specials that way everyone can experience what Carnival SPA’s do best.
Like you John I would not line up to be waxed.
A few years ago on the transatlantic Liberty Criuse
I was feeling kind of worn down from all the crawling and climbing though the Mansions of the Hamptons,fixing Heating and Air Conditioning for the rich and famous.
Jeanne told me why do’nt you get a message since you have never had one it might make you feel better.
We booked a couples float message special and from then on I had at least one massage on every criuse we have been on.
I have always come out feeling Great!
All the Best.
Ray and Jeanne
P.S
Please keep the stem and sauna rooms free to all Gueast.
I feel they are great and also peeks interest for other SPA services. Maybe some small SPA sample products in state rooms would be nice too.
Thanks for your reponce taday too John.
Prayers are with the three of you today. About the spa experience. The first cruise we were ever on 9 years ago was disney ( Been with Carnival ever since with the exception on Costa last year) Disney had a couples cleansing something or other. We had different muds and lotions and potions, the spa person would open the door very discreetly and hand us another lotion and tell us where and how to apply. Very nice liked it a lot. Also would like to have both men and woman in the spa area for the hot steam or dry sauna don’t know if that would be exceptable. but miss my hubby when doing the spa thing.. I would also like to see couples massages. Thanks Julio and see you in a few weeks!!!
John, please reply
As cruise travel agents we do not have many perks but one of them is being able to do site inspections on cruise ships. Usually the cruise line will provide a lunch for the travel agents. This past week we received an invit to inspect one of the newer cruise ships that sails from Ft. Lauderdale. The curise line name begins with a C but is not Carnival. Our Sales Develement Manager informed us that the cruise line was going to charge us $25 per person for the lunch and inspection of the ship. We take these ship tours so that we know the product we are selling.
Have a great day and good luck to Heidi and Thingie.
John,
PLEASE REPLY
My suggestion for Carnival is in the photo department. I’m sure you may have heard about this before, but here it goes. My family spent a week at Disney a couple of years ago and they of course have photographers all over their properties wanting to take your picture. Before they take your picture they swipe your “photo pass” so all your pictures are available to look at online to pick out what pics you would like or you can even buy a cd of all the pics for something like $150 at the end of your trip.
I know this would be quite a task to implement something like this on your ships, but it would be so convenient for all the guests. I’ve yet to hear anyone say “I can’t wait till after dinner to go fight the crowds at the photo gallery to try to find one of our pictures!!!” You could make them available throughout the cruise to view in your cabin on the tv so people could order individual pics to be printed during the trip, or guests could wait till the end to purchase the rights to all their pics on a cd. We have our family reunion cruise on the Fantasy in August and something like this would be absolutely fantastic.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to become a part of Carnival’s future growth.
Enjoy your last bit of time at home before coming back to work and give Heidi and the Thingy our best.
Mike and Michelle
Hi John & Heidi,
Stop picking on Kate Winslett – she was just happy & excited. A lot better than that other actress who kept crying & apologizing every 2 seconds. Don’t even remember her name.
About the spas – not really my thing. No particular reason, just never got there. Yes, some of the procedures are more expensive than even New York. I would get my nails done if my manicure needed repairs. But, the only other time I considered the spa was for a couples massage. Will not go into details or the results !
JOHN, NOT TERRIBLY URGENT – BUT I’D LIKE A REPLY
My question is similar to Ray’s about the fuel surcharge. I was under the impression that the surcharges were no longer applicable. But when I got a new invoice recently from my PVP, the charge was still listed. I had already mentioned it to him. Is it totally gone, or still dependent on the price of oil for a specific length of time? Can you find out? My Booking # is 1Z50K4.
Thanks John & Stephanie,
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John,
This is my first time posting a comment. My fiance and I have chosen to take our honeymoon on the 9/21/09 inaugural cruise of the Carnival Dream. We’re very excited! Anything Spa related creeps my fiance out, but I love Spa treatments! Because of that, as a surprise to me, he booked us in one of the Spa cabins for our cruise.
At home, I regularly indulge in facials, manicures, and pedicures – which are definitely Spa staples. Every once in a while, I’ll splurge for a massage – and the best massages are hot stone massages. They are incredibly relaxing!
We previously cruised on the Liberty, and although I had originally planned to get a massage, I decided against it once I found out the cost. Massages can be pretty expensive here in Chicago, in general, but the prices on the Liberty were 50% – 100% more than what it would cost at home.
Since we have booked a Spa Cabin, and it is our honeymoon, I will probably use that as an excuse to go ahead and indulge in some Spa services while we’re on the Dream. After all, you’ll need some people to test them out on the brand new ship! I’d only be doing a public service.
However, I am a little worried about the “high pressure sales tactics” I keep hearing about. I understand that the Spa employees need to do that as a part of their job, but that kind of thing really makes me feel uncomfortable and tense, which is really the opposite of the feeling that I would be going to the Spa for.
Wishing you and Heidi the best!
Kate
I have visited many of the spa’s on my 20 Carnival Cruises mostly for massages. I am a massage therapist and want to enjoy an hour of being on the receiving end of a massage. Most recently on the Sensation in July and on the Freedom last March I had wonderful sessions. My last massage on the Destiny in October was not so great because of the therapist trying to sell me products. I told her I was a therapist also and was not interested in products but several times, before, during, and after my massage she tried to sell me products. I was not too pleased and thus decided to skip the spa last week on the Inspiration because of this young ladies insistant selling tactics. Prices when “Specials” are offered are reasonable but I want the one hour treatment not the salespitch.
Hi John:
Like you I find that the reflexology massage is pretty good. If the operator is skilled, you feel good for about three days afterwards. If not, well you had about a half hour of soothing foot and hand rub.
Usually have better things to do however, so not many trips to the spa for me.
The selling afterwards has never bothered me much. I just think of the times that I asked a good looking woman for a date or something (other than my wife and before I was married of course) and was turned down. My favorite was, “maybe later”. So, when queried, “would I like to purchase some genuine seaweed goo for $100 a pop?” I say, “maybe later”.
Best wishes for Heidi’s little prick and I know you and Heidi will get through it. How long will the results take?
Looking forward to the fun with the bloggers and some scuba diving at Cozumel. I see Sand Dollar is going to Palancar the day we are there. A big deal.
Regards
Please reply
Hi John,
A really silly question here, but one that has been bugging my friend and I since our recent cruise on the Glory.
My friend wouldn’t eat the mashed potatoes because she said they were so creamy they had to be instant potatoes. I had them – twice – and thought they were fabulous and *didn’t* think they were instant.
So what’s the scoop: does the Glory – or any of the other ships – use instant potatoes? If so, what brand are they because they were wonderful.
All the best,
Joan
Hi John! Praying that things go well for your family today. As far as the spas…..LOVE couples massage, especially toward the end of a cruise. Had one on the Freedom last year….even hubby was relaxed and that’s is quite an accomplishment.
Lori
John – tomorrow you won’t feel a thing, Heidi will feel a pinch, but the “thingy” has to dodge a needle being thrust into his/her world. I’m keep the “thingy” in my prayers!!!
Wishing you all the best of luck at the doctors and am sure all will be well.
Regarding the spa: Never use the services as I really don’t like a massage and if I did the prices are way too high. Even the high sell pressure when you’re just walking by the door turns me off. I hesitate to even look at the booklets.
Twas a fortnight plus ten before Bloggers Cruise 2 ,
It’s 100 below and there’s not much else to do…
John asked for opinions on all things within the ship
So I will respond with my usual wit
My suitcases are prepped to be packed with care,
I think we’re all itchin’ to soon be there.
But the focus this day centers on the spa… its treatments and massage beds,
Which conjures visions of FATIMA dancing in my head
At Big Ed’s prompting we see John in his thong,
Shielding my eyes for this all seems quite wrong.
When up on aft Verandah there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my cabin to see what was the matter.
John had gone down one of Carnival WaterWorks slides,
And gave himself a “treatment” to clean out his inside.
The Flying (laughing) Dutchman
Hi John,
At last a topic I can relate to… the spa. I’m not much of a girly-girl so I don’t ever go for the hair stuff or the manicures, and I always get a pedicure before I leave on a cruise.
But oh! Those massages! I’ve had to stop viewing massages as a luxury and look at them more as a necessity now since I carry all my stress in my neck, shoulders and back.
I try to book a massage on every cruise I do now. My favorite are the port day specials, in particular, the “Top to Toe” which is an 60 (or is it 45) minute full body massage followed by a facial. It’s just heaven. On my last cruise on the Legend I had the hot stone massage. I enjoyed it very much as well.
Big props to whoever hires the massage therapists because they’ve all been terrific. The one that jumps out at me was Hayley on the Freedom last January. A tiny little girl from the North of England. She was so small that I looked at her rather doubtfully, knowing the knots that existed in my shoulders and back. But she assured me that she worked on rugby players back home. And boy did she deliver!
Usually the prices on a ship don’t make me flinch because I’m used to NYC prices, but I do think some of the services are rather pricey, particularly for the mani/pedis. And I tend to go for the port day special massages because I think they are priced more realistically.
Add me to the voices that hate the hard sell of products. Especially when I’m all relaxed after my massage. Perhaps a choice on the form you fill out before you go in asking whether or not you are interested in hearing about products available might be in order.
Oooo! I just remembered, I have a massage scheduled for tonight! Thanks for reminding me!
Good luck with the amnio test today. I hope all goes well.
Best to you, Heidi and mini-Heald. A big howdy and thanks to Stephanie.
See you in about 3 weeks!
Cheerios,
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura, the sweet and innocent of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe)
Hi John,
Out of 22 cruises, I have never stepped foot in the spa because of what I consider to be too high of a price. I do have to agree with most of the folks, that if I were to get a massage or treatment, I would not want to be subjected to a barrage of sale pitches. The idea is to relax not get upset.
I realize that they make a commission on the product that they sell but if you cause the client to resent you, you are going to sell nothing and lose sales from lost future visits.
Our thoughts go out to Stitch and “her” family.
Dave
We’ve done a couples massage once. My husband did not like the sells pitch and won’t go to the spa anymore. I also have a hard time rationalizing the cost as it is so much more than what I can get at home.
I can’t believe anyone would think a bloggers excursion would be clothing optional! Since the majority are from the US, one of the most uptight countries regarding nudity.
First and foremost, best of luck to you and Heidi today. I am sure everything will be perfect.
I love going to the spa and I always get at least one or two treatments while on a cruise. Like some of the other comments, I hate the high pressure to purchase expensive products that you are never going to use once you are off the ship. I have also learned to not jump in and order treatments the first few days of a cruise as the prices invariably go down near the end of the cruise. We were on the Splendor in September for the Grand Med trip which was wonderful and would have loved to use the thermal pool but the additional costs for these facilities were very pricey. Why not offer the use of these facilities to someone receiving a massage or a wrap. I purchased 2 masages, 1 facial, 2 pedicures and 2 manicures while on board, maybe a reduced rate can be given after so many treatments during a cruise. This would encourage people to get their “bargain”
The price has kept me out of the ship’s spas on all six of our cruises.
While I expect to pay a premium for services on vacation – I just can’t justify to myself paying 3 times what I would at home for a 50 minute massage when the therapist I’ve used for years at home and knows all my health issues offers over an hour for way less money. Husband and I would both like to try the spa onboard if the prices were at least a little more in line with an average service on land.
The other thing that keeps me away is the product sales everyone keeps mentioning here and other cruisers have mentioned to me. I would be there to relax and don’t want a sales pitch. One of our dinner companions last week on the Glory actually cancelled a second spa service for later in the week she was so taken aback by the high pressure (and what she also perceived and pushy and rude) sales pitch. This can’t be good for the bottom line in the long run – make a short offer at the end and drop it. Something like,”if you would like to purchase any products I’ve used today let me know. ” and then stop.
Ditto to the sales pitch. I love having a massage and being pampered, but being nagged at the end of the relaxation is not my idea of pampered. If they would hold off on the sales pitch, hand me a booklet with the products they used and prices, then I may consider purchasing products. As for future visits to the spa, I will hold off until the sales pitch is “pitched”.
I love Carnival and the relaxed, “everyone is welcome here” attitude and will be a life-long customer. Thanks for the opportunity to voice opinions on this. It can only make my favorite Cruise line better!
Lisa
OOPS!
Forgot to add that Heidi, Thingy and you are in my thoughts this week. I, too, had many of the tests done and they were frightening, but worth it in the end.
Lisa
Dear John,
The TA we have used for the better part of 15 years has retired. I have went to a new TA and she seems reluctant to go with CCL, aand is recommending RCL. We have been on CCl the last 3 times we ahve cruised and have had a wonderful time on all. What do they make for pushing one cruiose line over another. We are still looking t Carnival and need to find a TA that is willing to work with them.
Thanks. Gary
Hi John,
Thanks for taking the time to answer yesterdays question.
All I can say about the spa is, you haven’t lived until you have had a massage with hot rocks!!! It’s heavenly!
We will be thinking of you, Heidi and especially the little Thingy tomorrow! Please let us know how things go!
Hugs!
Princess Barb
John (please reply if you have time),
Best of luck to you and Heidi! I know that amino thing can be difficult. My wife is due in April and things here are interesting to day the least. So from one little prick to another, try not to worry about it.
We are looking at perhaps another cruise on the Liberty in summer/fall 2010. We were on the Triumph in May 2007 and I was on the Pride June 2002. Both were wonderful ships with wonderful crew. (We actually turned the Martini Bar to a Shots Bar after a few nights on the Triumph. Wonderful Bartender named Boonthip!) Anyhoo, the spas (sauna/steam/shower) have played a rather large part for me in the choosing of the ship. My formal night ritual it to go to the spa area and relax in the steam/sauna rooms then followed by perhaps a soak in the hot tub and a wonderful shower. Of course this happens while my wife is trying to get herself ready in the cabin. I leave for an hour and come back about the same time she is “putting on her face.” This always is great, by the time I am done with my tie, we are both ready for the photos and dinner.
Looking forward to more updates about the dream. Given the opportunity to sail either the Dream or the Liberty (since the destinations are relativly the same & cost is not too bad since it is the off season) which would you pick? I am little concerned about feeling lost on a ship that is too big for my own good. We chose the Triumph last time beacuse it was smaller than the Conquest class. Hey, at least I am not a rock wall climber!
Again My best to you Heidi and the Thingy!
Thanks!
Adam Drake – Fayetteville, GA USA
John I have to write back, I agree with the many here. The sales tactics are very RUDE. Also the prices are very high. Just my opinion. I believe they don’t need to be as high as they are . The last one I went on was Spirit in September. I had one of those special pkg. well, she almost put that oil in my pocket, saying I saved so much for the special I had to get the oil. I SAID OH NO I DON’T THINK SO!!! So ya the sales pitches are very PUSHY.
Hi,
Spa. I love the spa. I’m not too crazy about the staff. They give great service, but the constant solicitation attempts are a bit much. I mean I walk in there obviously using bargin health and beauty products and they try and sell me something that costs a fortune. I’d actually be more inclined to get more treatments, if at the end of it all, my stress levels didn’t go back up by trying to convince them that no, I don’t want to buy their products.
That said, they do need to label their manicure/pedicure package a little more distinctly. I thought I had bought a massage package for my poor abused digits.
Hi John,
I loved Cloud 9 Spa on the Splendor but it would be even better if part of the Serenity area was reserved for Spa Pass holders. On our transatlantic sailing, those nice chairs were always taken by our Dutch neighbours
Daisy & Christian
Belgium
I booked a cruise on the Splendor because of the thermal suite and thasso pool and the new delux spa. I wasn’t disapointed but got fed up with the sales push to buy product. Some of the treatments were a bit on the expensive side & I thought that if a person booked a few treatments perhaps there should be some discounts. There was a discount if you booked the 12 day pass to the thaso pool which I purchased. All the Therapist were very friendly and well trained.
The main grip (of which I wrote a dear John letter while on board) relates to the bath robes in each cabin and the “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” They are just to small for some guests, me included, and it was unbelieveable that there are no XXXL robes on board. All delux spa’s keep a few under the desks so that the larger customers can wear them while using the spa facilities…………. This needs to be sorted for future cruises!
Regarding the Carn. Miracle propulsion problem:
Booked on feb 1 8 day–
Website and all says going to grand Cayman, not Roatan as per the press release in your blog.
Which is correct???
So glad Heidi found some humor in the amnio process. Cute little comeback!
Thank you for the condolences for the loss of my mum. I will still be on the Fantasy. Wouldn’t miss it and mum would kick my behind if I even thought of cancelling.
Best wishes to you, Heidi and Thingy.
I’ve visited the spas on 4 ships now, and the only time I didn’t have someone try to upsell me, either to a more expensive treatment or for “product” was the first – on the Carnival Holiday in 1994 or 1996 (ish).
The treatments are nice enough, but not worth the premium price, and I no longer trust the spa staff – they led my 13 year old daughter believe the products were all included in her treatment price and she ended up inadvertently signing for about $500 worth of stuff that has not been used to this day (she’s 19 now).
On my most recent cruise, the woman doing my in-port special facial was actually very insulting about the condition of my skin in an effort to make me buy her snake oil.
I will not go back to a shipboard spa.